#5SmartReads - January 13, 2022

Hitha on poop, MLMs on dating apps, and how our COVID response is failing those with disabilities

A gentle reminder that you can join the conversation of the day’s reads by clicking the title above and add your thoughts in the comments! My goal for #5SmartReads has always been to start conversations and share our thoughts and perspectives. I hope to see you there!

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COVID-19 experts say Omicron is peaking in the US, citing data from poop samples (INSIDER)

That’s right. Poop.

Why we didn’t invest in wastewater surveillance for COVID early in the pandemic is beyond me, but it is one of the most effective ways of tracking infectious diseases that eases the burden on the individual.

According to America’s poop, it looks like Omicron infections are starting to decline, and the peak looks similarly sharp to that of South Africa (it’s also important to note that South Africa did not have much Delta infections present during their peak, while Omicron hit while most of the country was still in a Delta wave).

It’s important to continue to take extra precautions in the next two weeks. And for our tax dollars to be invested in poop surveillance for future epidemics and pandemics.

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What Happened When The MLMs Found Tinder (Bustle)

…and did they ever.

That using dating apps to recruit team members for an MLM is a thing is both wild and makes total sense at the same time.

And that little is being done to monitor it - from the dating app and the MLM side - is both expected (more users!) and also deeply disappointing.

If you’re on any of these apps for dating or friendship, has someone tried to recruit you to an MLM?

If you’re comfortable, you can share your story in the comments or with me via Instagram DM - would love to share these (anonymously, of course!)

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Why so much Obama-era pop culture feels so cringe now (Vox)

As a Hamilton fan, a self-proclaimed Slytherin (my middle name is Nagini), and someone who has strong Leslie Knope vibes, this article had me cringing extra hard.

Because it’s deeply true.

Harry Potter feels tainted with JK Rowling’s transphobia. Hillary Clinton had Big Leslie Knope Energy and look how that turned out (Kamala Harris evokes more Ann Perkins energy). And I didn’t realize Hamilton was cringe until I watched the new Gossip Girl.

There may be a day in the future where these cultural touchstones are back en vogue or relaunched (like Saved By The Bell and Fuller House came back) with a modern spin.

Even Ted Lasso isn’t safe from Constance Grady’s critical analysis. Read with caution (but also an open mind).

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Deepica Mutyala, Founder, Live Tinted (Into The Gloss)

What does it take to build a beauty brand?

Grit, tenacity, drive, and doing whatever it takes. Add a viral video, and you have Deepica Mutyala’s origin story.

Come for the excellent skincare and beauty tips (along with a great explainer of Live Tinted’s newest product), stay for Deepica’s brutal honesty and inspiring advice.

And if you don’t have a Huestick in your beauty bag, get one - or a few. My favorites are Free, Grounded (for contour), and Origin (the most perfect red).

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Biden and CDC's Covid-19 variant guidelines have disabled people feeling left for dead (MSNBC)

I think a lot about this frame from Laurel Bristow’s Instagram Story yesterday:

Being exposed to the virus is not the same as contracting a virus. We should be giving everyone the tools (tests, masks, encouraging outdoor gatherings) for this wave to protect ourselves and our community.

Especially our friends, family members, and neighbors who are immunocompromised or have disabilities.

I wish our public health measures were centered on protecting these groups first. I wish these voices got the same coverage and air time as those denying that what happened on January 6th was an insurrection or claiming the President has the executive authority to do something that he actually cannot.

When I say take care of yourself and others, these are the people I’m thinking about.