The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Learning new skills online is often far more convenient and inexpensive than in-person enrollment.
• You get to take your time, pay a lower fee, and in some cases, you get to keep the information for life.
• Below are six of the best and most popular options for online learning.

There's a reason people are turning to online learning en masse. Students can learn on their own schedule, save money on commuting, boarding, and a host of other expenses, and can often download course lectures for convenient offline reading. What's more, some options let you can keep classes forever once you've paid for them. Some are free, and some sites let you take as many courses as you want for one manageable fee. You can pick up professional certifications online, skills that help you get hired in a quickly changing market, and even masters degrees.

Whether to advance your career or to pick up new hobbies that help you enjoy everyday life, online courses are one of the best perks of the 21st century, and one way the internet is democratizing information — even in the form of free Ivy League courses. All you need is internet access. 

Below find 6 of the most popular online learning communities:

Skillshare

Browse skillshare classes here >>

Skillshare has over 25,000 classes taught by creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world. For instance, I enrolled in a class run by one of my favorite authors.

Course topics span categories: design, illustration, business, technology, photo and film, entrepreneurship, and writing. 

Each class has short lessons and a hands-on project for you to work on, which can be shared in class for feedback and collaboration from the community. Skillshare will also recommend classes and "lists" — essentially a curated curriculum for a topic like graphic design or branding — based on your interests.

How to get started: Get a free account with just an email address. You'll have access to free classes on web and mobile. For full access to all classes and offline viewing, you'll need a premium membership. A premium Skillshare membership is $15 billed monthly, or $99 up front for the year ($8.25 per month). Enroll in one or multiple classes with no extra charge.

Popular classes to consider:

• Fundamentals of DSLR Photography
• Productivity Masterclass: Create a Custom System that Works 
• iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos On Your iPhone
• Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad Pro
• Investing 101: Understanding the Stock Market

Coursera

Browse Coursera classes here >>

Coursera has thousands of classes taught by top instructors from some of the world's best universities and educational institutions, including Stanford, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, and Yale. You can even earn degrees and certifications through the site.

Topics range from data science to personal development to linguistics to social sciences and more. 

Each course is like an interactive textbook with pre-recorded videos, quizzes, and projects. You can connect with thousands of other students to debate ideas, discuss course material, or get help in mastering the concepts. You can earn certificates for your work, and share your achievements with friends, colleagues, and employers.

How to get started: Sign up with an email address. On average, individual courses range from $29-$99 each though there are free courses you can audit. 

Popular classes to consider:

• Machine Learning by Stanford University
• Learning How to Learn by McMaster University
• Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by University of Michigan
• Python for Everybody Specialization by University of Michigan
• Chinese for Beginners by Peking University

Udemy

Browse Udemy classes here >>

Udemy has probably the largest selection of online courses, with over 100,000 video courses and new additions published every month. At sale prices of $11.99 per course, it's often one of the most affordable options as well. Currently, there are over 30 million students using the service, and courses available in over 50 languages. 

Topics range from business to IT & software to music and more.

How to get started: Sign up with an email address to browse courses. 

Popular classes to consider:

• The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2019
• An Entire MBA in 1 Course
• Character Art School: Complete Coloring and Painting Course
• Machine Learning A-Z: Hands-On Python & R In Data Science

• Food-poisoning expert Bill Marler has cut certain foods out of his diet after more than two decades as a foodborne-illness attorney. 
• With General Mills recalling flour due to salmonella concerns, it is worth noting that raw flour has long been on Marler's list of things to avoid. 
• Other items Marler won't eat include oysters, sprouts, and "raw" water. 

A deep knowledge of thousands of food-poisoning cases across the US has scared Bill Marler off of certain foods. 

With more than two decades working as a food-poisoning advocate and attorney, there are simply some things that Marler has cut out of his diet. Marler has won more than $600 million for clients in foodborne-illness cases — and has become convinced that some foods aren't worth the risk. 

In an article by Health Insider from BottomLine and in conversations with Business Insider, Marler identified certain foods that he avoids — and that others should be wary of as well. 

Here are the foods that this expert says scare him the most:

SEE ALSO: Some American food-safety inspections aren't happening due to the government shutdown, sparking food-poisoning concerns. Here's what this food-poisoning expert avoids ordering.

Uncooked flour

Uncooked flour is something that most people see as harmless, but that can actually spread bacteria, Marler says. 

From late 2015 to 2016, at least 63 people in 24 states developed an E. coli infection from eating raw or uncooked flour.

Most people think that raw eggs are the biggest food poisoning threat in cookie dough, Marler says. However, flour can also be a culprit — and you don't even have to eat it. Simply not washing your hands after getting uncooked flour on them can spread E. coli. 

Raw water

Marler told Business Insider that the idea he would have to warn people against drinking unfiltered, untreated water didn't cross his mind until recently. 

"Almost everything conceivable that can make you sick can be found in water," Marler says.

Unfiltered, untreated water — even from the cleanest streams — can contain animal feces, spreading Giardia, which has symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and results in roughly 4,600 hospitalizations a year. Hepatitis A, which resulted in 20 deaths in a California outbreak in 2017, can be spread through water if it isn't treated. E. coli and cholera can also be transmitted via untreated water. 

Raw oysters

Marler says that he has seen more foodborne illnesses linked to shellfish in the past five years than in the two preceding decades.

The culprit: warming waters. As global waters heat up, they produce microbial growth, which ends up in the raw oysters consumers are slurping down.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.

1. Save up to 50% on clothes, accessories, and home goods at Nordstrom

If you're looking to restock your closet after a Marie Kondo-like cleaning, you can save up to 50% on clothing and accessories at Nordstrom. The sale extends into home categories as well, with markdowns on bedding, bath, and home decor items like pillows, towels, and curtains. 

Shop Nordstrom's sale now.

2. Save up to 70% on rugs at Wayfair

Rugs are an overlooked home accessory that can really change the tone of a room, and right now, you can get one for up to 70% off at Wayfair. The sale covers rugs of every shape, size, and style, so you'll be able to find that muted area rug for your hallway, and the massive patterned one that covers your entire living room. 

Shop Wayfair's rug sale now.

3. Save up to 60% on men's outerwear at Huckberry

Harsh temperature dips are a part of winter that can catch you off guard, but Huckberry has guys covered. The store is throwing a huge sale on men's outerwear until January 27, which includes deals on jackets, parkas, and coats from Pendleton, Relwen, and Western Rise to keep you warm until spring.

Shop Huckberry's outerwear sale. 

4. Save $140 on a Deebot robot vacuum on Amazon

The Deebot N79S robot vacuum can clean your floors for you, and you can get it for $140 less on Amazon until January 27 if you use the promo code "GI8ESL7U" at checkout. The vacuum is currently listed at $199.99, and the code will get you $40 more off the original price of $299.99 for a total savings of $140. The Deebot N79S has modern features like sensors to avoid obstacles, two-hour battery life, and the ability to set it on a schedule. Plus, it works with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you can use your smart-home hub to start a cleaning session with your voice.

Deebot N79S, $159.99 after discount code is applied (originally $299.99)[You save $140]

5. Save up to $200 on a Bear mattress and get a free pillow

Bear's mattresses are made out of a graphite gel-memory foam designed to keep you cool and help you recover after a day at the gym. For a limited time, you can save $125 on all purchases above $500 with the offer code "NAP125" and $200 off all purchases above $1,200 with the offer code "NAP200." Using either code gets also gets you a free Bear pillow, which usually costs between $95 and $115.

Shop Bear's mattress sale.

6. Save $50 on the Sonos Beam at Amazon

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers clear, high-quality sound, and it's currently $50 cheaper on Amazon. It also has Amazon's Alexa built in, so you can use it to control your smart-home accessories or answer your questions. If you're looking for a way to upgrade your home theater system before the Super Bowl or expand your smart home into the living room, the Sonos Beam is your best bet.

Sonos Beam, $349.99 (originally $399.99) [You save $50]

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Saturn is officially losing its rings — and they're disappearing much faster than scientists had anticipated

• Michael Cohen has been subpoenaed to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee next month, a source close to Cohen told CNN.
• News of the subpoena comes after Cohen indefinitely postponed his previously scheduled testimony before the House Oversight Committee, which was set to take place next month.
• In a statement, Cohen's lawyer cited "ongoing threats" against Cohen's family from President Donald Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, as the reason for postponing his testimony.
• Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the now defunct Trump Tower Moscow project in 2017 and has been cooperating with federal prosecutors and the special counsel Robert Mueller since last summer.
• Cohen has implicated Trump in a number of crimes so far.

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's longtime former lawyer and fixer, has been subpoenaed to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee in mid-February, CNN reported, citing a source close to Cohen.

News of the subpoena comes after Cohen indefinitely postponed another testimony he was scheduled to give before the House Oversight Committee, citing "ongoing threats" against his family from Trump and his defense lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

"Due to ongoing threats against his family from President Trump and Mr. Giuliani, as recently as this weekend, as well as Mr. Cohen's continued cooperation with ongoing investigations, by advice of counsel, Mr. Cohen's appearance will be postponed to a later date," Cohen's attorney Lanny Davis said in a statement released Wednesday.

The statement added that Cohen looks forward to testifying "at the appropriate time."

"This is a time where Mr. Cohen had to put his family and their safety first," Davis said in the statement.

Read more:Michael Cohen postpones congressional testimony, citing 'ongoing threats' from Trump, Giuliani

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to one count of lying to Congress as part of the Russia investigation when he testified before the House Intelligence Committee in 2017. Last summer, he also pleaded guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign finance violations in a separate investigation conducted by the Manhattan US attorney's office.

Cohen has been cooperating with multiple investigations since last year. He has implicated Trump in a number of criminal acts, and he was expected to shed light on several of his allegations against the president in his testimony before the House Oversight Committee before he postponed it.

Reports of the subpoena to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee come on the heels of a bombshell story from BuzzFeed News last week that said Trump personally instructed Cohen to lie to Congress. The report said Mueller learned about Trump's alleged instruction to Cohen through "multiple witnesses," documents, internal emails, and text messages from members of the Trump Organization, and then from Cohen.

Read more: What Mueller's extraordinarily unprecedented move to dispute BuzzFeed's story on the record tells us

Cohen's team declined to comment for the story. But Mueller's office took the unprecedented step of releasing a public statement disputing the story's central claim: that the special counsel had evidence of Trump's purported instructions to Cohen.

Giuliani, who has made headlines over the last year criticizing Mueller's integrity and the merits of the Russia probe, applauded the special counsel for disputing BuzzFeed's story.

Shortly after, however, he went on a media blitz and implied, among other things, that Trump may have discussed Cohen's congressional testimony with him, that he had heard "tapes" proving Trump did not instruct Cohen to lie, and that discussions to build a Trump Tower Moscow were ongoing from the day Trump announced his candidacy to the day he won the election in November 2016.

Read more:What is Rudy Giuliani thinking?

In a sentencing memorandum Cohen's lawyers filed on his behalf in December, they said he was in "close and regular contact" with White House staff and Trump's lawyers as he was drafting his false congressional testimony in 2017. They added that he was "fully aware" of Trump's repeated disavowals of ties to Russia, as well as his and his allies' claims that any contacts with Russians by Trump, his campaign, or the Trump Organization ended before February 2016.

One former senior Justice Department official who worked closely with Mueller at the FBI told INSIDER they were flummoxed by Giuliani's media tour.

"There is no discernible legal strategy here," they said. "What was the purpose of this interview? How did Rudy think him going on national television and saying all these things would benefit the president? This is a goldmine for prosecutors."

The former official said on Thursday that Cohen will likely be asked about Giuliani's claims if he testifies before the Senate panel in February.

SEE ALSO: What is Rudy Giuliani thinking?

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

• The average commute for an American worker is 26 minutes each way, according to the US Census Bureau. 
• Researchers have found that time added to an existing commute demonstrably reduces a person's satisfaction with their job and enjoyment of leisure time off the clock
• Here are the five American cities where residents have the shortest average commutes— and the five with the longest — according to a US Census Bureau survey. 

In the past 35 years, the average commute time for the American worker has increased from 21.7 minutes in each direction to about 26 minutes, according to the US Census Bureau. That difference of 4.3 minutes may sound trivial, but it's anything but. 

Not only do those 4.3 minutes each way mean a day and a half extra spent in transit each year (or 34.5 hours, using a 50-week, five-day schedule as the base line), but according to a study conducted by researchers with the University of the West of England, time added to a commute translates to poorer performance, less satisfaction with work, and more stress at home.

And not only are commutes steadily growing longer for everyone, but more people are joining the ranks of the super commuters each year. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2017, 8.9% of American workers spent more than an hour traveling in each direction during their daily commute. That's more than 10 hours weekly spent commuting, two hours longer than the standard workday itself.

On the other hand, some of us are still enjoying blissfully short trips between work and home. If you want to minimize your commute, the key seems to be to settle in a city isolated from other major metropolitan areas. (Or to work from home.)

Life insurance agency Haven Life released a distillation of the US Census Bureau's 2017 American Community Survey that factored in average round-trip commute, the ratio of weekly working hours versus commuting hours, the percentage of Americans commuting two or more hours per day, and the most common transportation methods to determine which cities have the best and worst commutes in America. Here's what they found out.

SEE ALSO: The 25 most charitable counties in the US, according to income tax data

The five US cities with the shortest commutes

5. Eugene, Oregon

Average round trip: 36.4 minutes (or 18.2 minutes each way)

One in seven workers in Eugene walk or bike to work, according to the US Census Bureau. 

4. Amarillo, Texas

Average round trip: 35.4 minutes (or 17.7 minutes each way)

Amarillo has the highest percentage of automobile commuters in the nation at 94.9% car commuting, according to the US Census Bureau's survey. Those drivers are just lucky to have relatively painless drives.

• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross' comment that he doesn't understand why federal workers are going to food banks during the shutdown.
• "He doesn't understand why they have to do that. I don't know is this the 'let them eat cake' kind of attitude? Or call you father for money?" Pelosi said at a press conference.
• Some 800,000 federal workers are going without pay during the shutdown and on Friday many will miss their second paycheck since the shutdown started.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted on Thursday to comments made by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross after the Trump administration official expressed confusion over reports that unpaid federal workers are resorting to food banks during the government shutdown.

Ross was asked about reports of the financial strain for the 800,000 unpaid federal workers during an appearance Thursday on CNBC. The Commerce Secretary, who has a net worth of $860 million, according to Bloomberg, suggested that the workers should take out loans to bridge the gap.

"I know they are and I don't understand why because as I mentioned before, the obligations that they would undertake — say borrowing from a bank or a credit union — are in effect federally guaranteed," Ross said.

Read more: Wilbur Ross, Trump's millionaire commerce secretary, says he doesn't understand why federal workers are going to food banks during government shutdown»

Pelosi countered during a press conference, suggesting that the the comment shows that the commerce secretary is out of touch with the financial struggles of the federal workers.

"He doesn't understand why they have to do that. I don't know is this the 'let them eat cake' kind of attitude? Or call you father for money?" Pelosi said. "'This is character building for you. It's all going to end up very well for you as long as you don't get your paychecks.' I don't quite understand why."

Many federal workers, like most Americans, live paycheck to paycheck, and the financial strain is building. The unpaid employees will miss their second paycheck on Friday, and the workers going without pay owe more than $400 million in mortgage and rent payments this month.

But given the state of shutdown talks, these workers are most likely going to need to make it a little longer despite the fact that the closure is already in its record-breaking 34th day.

SEE ALSO: Trump's top economist said the government shutdown could cause a major mess for the US economy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• A high-quality bike pump has an easy-to-read and accurate built-in pressure gauge, attaches to your tube valve without fuss, and requires minimal effort to operate.
• I like the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump because the gauge has large white numbers on a black background, the base doesn't wobble while I'm pumping, and I'm able to inflate a variety of items with it.
• Though it features a mid-range price (currently $27.98 on Amazon), its quality rivals that of the upper-range models, and it's backed by a five-year warranty.

When you own a bike, there are a few essentials you must have: a helmet, a lock, a bike rack, bike lights, and a bike floor pump. We're here to talk about the latter.

Even when your bike is sitting idle in the garage, the tubes leak air. Often times, what appears to be a flat is just a tube that has leaked excessive amounts of air over time. This can be fixed easily with a bike pump. Plus, when you keep your tires inflated to the proper level, your bike will perform better and will be less likely to get actual flats.

As part of my regular bicycle maintenance, I check the tire pressure and add a couple of drops of lube to the chain (I recommend Finish Line Wet Bicycle Chain Lube) before my first ride of the week. Recently, Vibrelli sent me their Performance Bike Floor Pump to test. Here are my experiences with it.

How the Vibrelli Bike Pump performed

The Bike Floor Pump works on Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves. The T-valve serves Presta/Dunlop on one side and Schrader on the other. You simply flip the switch on the valve to securely attach it to your tube. I found that you needed to push somewhat hard to get the lock into place, but once it was there, the seal was tight. I didn't hear any air escaping.

I used the bike pump once per week for about three months to keep my Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Hybrid Bike rolling. The tires feature Schrader valves, and unfortunately, I didn't have easy access to any Presta valves so I was not able to test how the pump worked on those valves.

I also had another limitation in my review. During the testing period, I rode over 500 miles, and I didn't get any flats. Consequently, I wasn't able to test out the glue-less puncture repair kit that comes with the pump.

The Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump itself features a durable steel barrel that is unlikely to break. But, if it does, Vibrelli backs the quality of this pump with a five-year warranty. The base is 10.5 inches wide and made of composite nylon. My giant, size-15 feet fit comfortably on the base, and it never felt unstable.

The cord is nice and long at about three feet, and it wraps over and attaches to both sides of the handle for convenient storage. Where the cord connects to the pump, there is a rotating connector so you can maneuver the cord with minimal effort.

Being mildly nearsighted, I appreciated the large, easy-to-read gauge that displays pressure readings in PSI and bar. PSI is in large white numbers with a black background for maximum contrast. Additionally, the gauge sits approximately seven inches off the ground, which is helpful when every inch matters for viewability.

To test how quickly the pump inflates tires, I counted how many strokes it took to get from 20 PSI to 80 PSI. By my count, it takes 35 strokes. However, at no point was it hard to make any of the strokes. There was very little difference in effort between the first and 35th stroke. This is in contrast to many of the high-capacity pumps that start to push back as the PSI increases. I should note that while the pump is rated to inflate to 160 PSI, I didn't inflate anything beyond 80 PSI in my tests.

When we got my five-year-old son a new bike, the tires were quite flat. I grabbed the Performance Bike Floor Pump so I could bring them to an acceptable range. Of course, when my son saw me doing this, he wanted to take over. As a testament to the ease of use, my son was able to add air to his tires with the pump but preferred that I finish the job.

I also used the pump to bring the tire pressure to an acceptable level on a snow blower. It was relatively easy since the tires had Schrader valves, were relatively small, and had a max PSI of 20.

Lastly, the pump comes with a sports ball inflation needle and inflatable device attachment for pool toys and similar items. I liked that the needles attach to the cord on a clip so I don't have to worry about losing them. I had no problem quickly inflating a basketball.

The bottom line

In my decades of cycling, I've had a long line of inexpensive, disappointing bike pumps. The Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump is the best I've ever used. I've had it for about six months now, and it isn't showing any wear. It's easy to use, I don't have to strain to read the gauge, and the pump doesn't wobble while I'm using it. If you are in need of a bike pump, I strongly recommend picking this one up.

Buy the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump on Amazon for $27.98

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Founded in 2015, StockX is an online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers, streetwear, watches, and designer handbags.
• The website acts as a middleman between buyers and sellers, making otherwise potentially shady resale market transactions safe and secure. StockX authenticates all products before they're sent to you, so you never have to worry about scammers and fake items.
• StockX also provides both buyers and sellers with usable data like current market value, number of items sold, and loss or gain on items. The information can be used to ensure you never overpay or undersell.
• As a shoe collector, I've been using StockX for a few years now, and it's the most convenient and fail-safe way to buy and sell sneakers and more.

As a sneaker collector, I've been buying and selling sneakers online for a little over 10 years. Things have come a long way from sending postal money orders to people you met on forums with the hope they'll actually send you the shoes in return, or meeting up with strangers to do in-person transactions. But there are still many shady sellers, and fakes are getting even harder to point out.

Although I've never gotten the short end of the stick while navigating the murky waters of the online resale market, not everyone is so lucky. Now, with the help of a new startup called StockX, resale transactions are a lot safer — and in some instances, more affordable.

Found in 2015 by Josh Luber, StockX is a self-proclaimed "stock market of things." The website makes buying things like sneakers, streetwear, watches, and designer handbags safe and secure by acting as a middleman between you and the seller. I've been using StockX for a few years now and, in my opinion, it's the most seamless way to buy or sell sneakers in the online resale market.

Here's how it works as a buyer:

There are literally thousands of items to choose from on StockX. Once you find an item you're interested in, you can either buy it immediately for the current lowest asking price or submit a bid and wait for one of the many sellers with the same item to accept the offer. It's worth noting that StockX requires you to link to a payment method (PayPal or a credit/debit card) when placing bids. You'll only be charged if and when your bid is accepted. This is put in place to rid the marketplace of meaningless offers from flakers.

After your purchase is confirmed, the seller has two business days to ship your item out for professional authentication at StockX. I personally love that sellers are held accountable for timely shipping because nobody likes to wait a long time for items to arrive. Once your item arrives at StockX, it's marked with a green "verified authentic" tag and it's shipped out to you. You can track the status of your order (shipped by seller, authentication in progress, shipped to you, etc.) online.

As a buyer, you'll be able to keep track of current offers placed, pending purchases, and past purchases. Since it shows a collective amount of how much you've spent, you'll be less likely to spend your life savings on sneakers and streetwear.

Take a look at my history to see the breakdown of past purchases:

Here's how it works as a seller:

You have an item — let's say a luxury bag or a pair of sneakers — that you want to sell. Search the item on StockX and select the size you have. From there you, can sell it immediately for the highest current bid or submit an asking price and wait for someone to pay it. This feature is especially good if you have an item that you don't need to sell right away and believe it will appreciate in value over time.

Once someone purchases your item, StockX will email you a pre-paid shipping label and packing slip to include in the box. You'll have two business days to get the package sent out or StockX will charge you a small fee. Once StockX confirms that your item is authentic and in brand new condition for sneakers and streetwear or excellent pre-owned condition for watches and handbags, your funds will be released to you. StockX does take out a transaction fee starting at about 10%, but as your seller level increases, the percentage decreases. After that, StockX is responsible for delivering the package to the buyer.

In my opinion, the small transaction fee isn't a deal breaker. Realistically, StockX has to get paid, and it's still a smaller amount than what eBay or a sneaker consignment shop would take.

The same way you can keep track your purchases, you can also keep track of current, pending, and past sales. StockX provides you with details on your number of sales, how much revenue you've generated, and your authentication percentage.

Take a look as my seller history:

The middleman feature is great for security, but what makes the website like a stock market?

For every item listed, StockX has tons of usable information like release date, retail price, how many units have sold, previous sale prices, and more. The data can help you as a buyer to better assess the market so you'll never overpay. And if you're savvy, you'll learn to use data on previous releases to predict the value on future releases.

I personally have never paid more than retail for sneakers, so I like to use StockX to get certain shoes for below retail. If there's a shoe that I want to buy and it's been sitting on shelves at retailers but is still full price, StockX usually has a lower price. While retailers tend to wait a long time in order to mark down inventory by the bunch, StockX will have a price listed that's closer to real-time market value.

Alternatively, the data works great as a seller. Let's use the last pair of sneakers I sold, the Union Los Angeles x Air Jordan 1, as an example. I sold my pair for $803 12 days after the release, but the market value peaked at $1,520 five days before the shoe released to the public. Today, more than two months after the release, the lowest asking price is currently $609. You can use data trends like this to determine when is the best time to sell your item to maximize profit.

For consumers who are willing to pay resale prices, the data helps them get the best prices. At $609, that's still a lot more than the $190 retail price, but it beats eBay where there are pairs currently listed for up to $1,900.

Don't get me wrong, eBay is a treasure trove for sneakers and fashion (and really anything else you can think of), but it sometimes takes a lot more skill and patience to use. As a buyer, you have to weed out fakes, enter auctions, message sellers with questions, and much more. As a seller, you also have to spend time taking pictures, writing a description, and formatting listings, compared to making a sale with just a few clicks on StockX.

What I like best about StockX is its convenience and ability to remove human error from the buying and selling process. Since StockX holds sellers accountable for what's being sent to them and items are double checked before being sent to you, you'll never receive the wrong item, the wrong size, or a poorly packed product.

I also really appreciate how personal StockX is for users. In addition to the surface-level data on the buying and selling tabs, you can take a more granular look at all of your purchases in your portfolio and manually add other shoes you have in your collection, even if you didn't purchase them all on StockX.  This makes it easy to manage the inventory of your collection, its current market value, and whether you've lost or gained money on it.

While I've only used StockX for sneakers, the brand's decision to expand to streetwear, watches, and handbags was a step in the right direction as these categories also have huge resale markets.

You'll find apparel from brands like Supreme, Ba pe, and KITH, watches ranging from G-Shocks and Apple Watches to Rolexes and Omegas, and designer bags from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and more.

No matter what level of knowledge and enthusiasm you have for fashion, StockX is a fool-proof way to buy authentic styles in the resale market. Whether you're a seasoned sneakerhead, fashion expert, or a newcomer in need of direction, you can rest assured knowing that all transactions on StockX will be smooth.

Start buying and selling on StockX here

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• ThirdLove, a digitally native startup known for inventing half-cup sizes, has recently released its first-ever cotton collection.
• Five women on the Insider Picks team tested the 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra, $68 to see how it stacks up.
• All in all, we found it to be a great T-Shirt bra: soft, supportive, and comfortable enough to forget you have it on. 
• The 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra is available in four colors and sizes A-G (DDDD).

ThirdLove — a women-led startup known for introducing half-cup sizes into the mainstream — has been one of the Insider Picks teams' favorite lingerie companies to recommend since its inception five years ago. In an extensive testing process, we ranked it #1 in both our definitive buying guide to the best bras you can buy and the best strapless bra you can buy.

The reason why is simple: ThirdLove bras are a rare intersection of affordability, comfort, style, and an intuitive design that makes for a huge improvement on the standard options. Shopping here also includes the often invaluable perk of an energetic customer service team and a 100% fit guarantee. (If you take the company's Fit Finder and order the wrong size, ThirdLove will work to get you into the perfect fit at no further cost, donating the bras you didn't keep to a women's shelter if necessary).

Plus, the company recently expanded to carry 70 sizes, well beyond the industry average of 30 — a launch that racked up a waiting list of 1.3 million women. 

Now, at the repeated request of customers, ThirdLove has launched its first-ever Cotton Collection — made from super-soft, breathable Pima cotton that's perfect for all-day wear. Pima cotton, used to create underwear by other cult-favorite startups like Everlane, is a smoother, softer, and more durable variety of cotton thanks to 50% longer fibers. It retains its shape, doesn't pill, and feels light against the skin.

The Cotton Collection is narrow, including a cotton T-Shirt Bra ($68), Thong ($12, 3/$30), and Hipster ($12, 3/$30), but the real standout is the T-Shirt Bra. 

As an online company, ThirdLove relies upon millions of data points from customer feedback to engineer its new products — and for the last four years, one request has been constant: a cotton bra that women can live in. For the last two years, ThirdLove has been designing its response. 

The finished product has ultra-thin memory foam cups, two-way convertible straps (worn either straight or crisscrossed), gold alloy strap adjusters, and a keyhole detail. The band has a subtle sheen, and the foam-padded hook-and-eye closure is tagless for a comfortable, scratch-free wear all day.

To give you an idea of what the 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra is like in real life, five women on the Insider Picks team tested it out in real life. Below, you can find our thoughts on how it stacked up. If you'd rather skip to shopping, the short version is this: It's breathable, soft to the touch, and you might forget it's on. The design is basic, but that's fine with us for a T-Shirt Bra this comfortable. 

The Cotton Collection is available in four colors: Sea Salt, Ballet, Olive, and Black. Bras are available in sizes A-G (DDDD), and underwear is available in sizes XS - 1X (00 - 16).

Five women on the Insider Picks team tested ThirdLove's 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra. Here's what we thought:

Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor:

I've loved nearly every ThirdLove bra I've tried, and the 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra doesn't disappoint. It's so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing it, which is something I've only ever been able to say about ThirdLove's bras. The fit is absolutely perfect, so I don't need to constantly adjust falling straps or chafing underwire throughout the day. The new cotton fabric feels soft and natural against my skin and contrasts nicely with the more common lacey synthetic fabrics most bra makers use. True to its name, you can't see this bra under a T-shirt, thanks to its smooth, flat seams.

Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter: 

ThirdLove's 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra is soft to the touch, supportive, and comfortable for all-day wear. It's also true to size. The main standouts for me were that, at 32E, the 24/7 bra's support system was successful without feeling restrictive or creating unflattering rolls under a T-shirt — both of which are my standard complaints. I was also impressed by the design — typically, when the bridge between the two cups isn't separate, it refuses to lay flat against my skin despite the cup sizes being correct. However, single-piece constructions also make for a smoother, better shape under T-shirts, and ThirdLove's version manages to do both — a smooth silhouette and a perfect fit. 

It's also a bra you may forget you're wearing. The ultra-thin memory foam cups form nicely to the body, and the material is breathable enough to auto-regulate for the most part. In terms of looks, the keyhole detail in front also adds a fun point of interest to an otherwise basic and functional bra.

Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks intern:

I think the sign of a good bra is that it's comfortable enough that you barely realize it's there and you're not itching to take it off the moment you get home. The 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra from ThirdLove delivers on that, with a simple style and soft feel that you'll enjoy wearing every day. The thin cups are comfortable and also form-fitting, so you don't have to worry about any of those annoying outlines under your shirt. I sometimes opt for a larger band size, but I decided to stick to a 32, although I was a little skeptical. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the band was and how smoothly it fit. I actually like the really simple design and I think the keyhole detail is a cute addition if you're looking for a little something extra. This has definitely earned a spot in my everyday rotation.

Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter: 

The 24/7 name is no exaggeration: You really will want to wear this great everyday bra all the time because of how soft and comfortable it is. The memory foam cups fit closely to your chest and they're cut to an attractive shape that should work under most types of fabrics and clothing styles. Personally, I could do without the extra band because it tended to fold over onto itself whenever I wasn't standing or sitting completely straight; however, I do have a smaller chest and I assume it's there for support reasons. Either way, I still love this reliably comfortable bra.

Grace High, Insider Picks analyst: 

This is a super comfortable bra — and perfect for everyday wear. For the price, I wish it were a bit more attractive (for example, a decal or something in the center by the cutout). The cups run a bit large, so if you're in between cup sizes, I would recommend sizing down. However, the band size is perfect and there's a comfortable amount of stretch.

Shop ThirdLove's 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra, available in four colors and sizes A-G (DDDD), for $68

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Outdoor storage sheds come in nearly countless designs, making them suitable for storing everything from gardening tools to ride-on lawnmowers.
• The Sheds USA Installed Smart Siding Val-U Shed made the top of our list thanks to its economical cost, fully assembled delivery, and customization options.

If you own or rent a home with a yard, then chances are you have all sorts of gardening and landscaping equipment, too. Maybe you have bicycles, kids’ toys, and sporting goods in your yard as well. No matter what items are lying around, a quality outdoor storage shed can neaten up your yard and protect your supplies.

But buying an outdoor storage shed is a process. Many sheds are significant investments, and you’ll find a huge variety of designs, materials, and assembly procedures as you shop. Plus, you want a shed that has a nice visual appeal, especially because it’s going to be installed in your yard.

If you’re overwhelmed by the many shed choices you’re facing, Insider Picks is here to help. We’ve researched and evaluated outdoor storage sheds to find the best sheds you can buy.

We’ve included sheds that give you tons of storage, as well as sheds that don’t take up too much room. And don’t worry, we’ve included sheds that are easy to install, and one shed that doesn’t require any installation at all. Whether you need to store ride-on lawnmowers, garbage cans, or sporting equipment, there’s a shed in this guide that will suit your needs.

Here are the best sheds you can buy:

• Best shed overall: Sheds USA Installed Smart Siding Val-U Shed
• Best shed for temporary use: Abba Patio Storage Shelter
• Best durable shed: Suncast Tremont Storage Shed
• Best small shed: Suncast The Stow-Away Horizontal Storage Shed
• Best shed for maximum storage: Lifetime Dual Entry Plastic Storage Shed

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best shed overall

Why you'll love it: The Sheds USA Installed Smart Siding Val-U Shed isn’t just charming in its design, it arrives fully assembled and is installed right in your yard.

If the idea of assembling a shed has you dreading its arrival, the Sheds USA Installed Smart Siding Val-U Shed is the perfect solution. This shed arrives fully assembled, and it will be installed in your yard for you. The process is completely hands-off, allowing you to enjoy a ready-to-use shed without any of the assembly hassle.

Sheds USA also offers many customization options that aren’t available with prepackaged sheds. You can choose between three different shingle colors and several add-on options, such as a 4-foot ramp, workbench, and ultra-strong Tough Floor. The siding and pine trim come ready to paint, giving you full control of the shed’s final appearance.

While this shed is economical, it has also been built with an eye for quality. The shed features a 54-inch-wide door that has a keyed lock entry for security. Its 8-by-6-foot dimensions offer generous storage space, and the Smart Siding Val-U Shed is backed by a 15-year limited warranty.

The Smart Siding Val-U Shed has an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars at Home Depot, based on nine reviews. Many reviewers praised the installation process.

One reviewer wrote, "I had the shed installed and it was exactly as I suspected. The crew that brought the shed and built it for me were friendly, efficient, and great to work with." 

Pros: Delivered fully assembled, many customization options, keyed lock entry, 15-year limited warranty

Cons: Installation site must be level and prepared

Buy the Sheds USA Installed Smart Siding Val-U Shed at Home Depot for $999.00

The best shed for temporary use

Why you'll love it: The Abba Patio Storage Shelter is lightweight, affordable, and a convenient solution for temporary storage space.

If you're looking for temporary storage at an affordable price, you won't find a better option than the Abba Patio Storage Shelter. This shelter features a powder-coated steel frame and polyethylene top cover that can be easily set up, collapsed, transported, and stored as needed. The components themselves are lightweight, making moving and assembling this shed easy for one person.

I've used this shed myself at my home and the installation took me about an hour. I found that all of the parts fit together well. As an Amazon reviewer confirmed: "Very well designed and made, everything fit together perfectly — tubing joints, seams, grommets, Velcro, and door flap. Easy one person set up in 90 minutes, just follow the picture instructions." The zipper door is removable, and it can be secured open for easy access to the shed.

I found that this shed to be more durable than other temporary sheds made by other companies. Still, it's important to anchor it down well, since strong wind will easily carry it away. I found the anchors included with the shed to be a bit flimsy and opted to use heavy-duty tent stakes and cinderblocks for extra reinforcement.

The Abba Patio Storage Shelter is available in multiple sizes, so it can be used to store anything from lawnmowers to vehicles.

Pros: Simple installation, fully collapsible, affordable, available in a number of different sizes

Cons: Lightweight construction can be damaged by severe weather, wind can carry the shed away unless properly anchored

Buy the Abba Patio Storage Shelter on Amazon for $189.00

The best shed for durability

Why you'll love it: With a spacious interior and durable construction, the Suncast Tremont Storage Shed will keep tools, lawnmowers, and more safe.

The Suncast Tremont Storage Shed is a versatile option suitable for many homeowners. This shed’s 8-by-10 foot design can accommodate tools, smaller machines, and other items. Its generous 60-inch-wide door opening means that you can use it to store ride-on mowers, wheelbarrows, and more. Two corner shelves can be installed in eight different locations, allowing you to customize the shed’s design to your needs.

Many outdoor storage sheds are made of somewhat flimsy materials, but the Suncast Tremont Storage Shed’s major strength is in the durability of its construction. The steel-reinforced multi-wall panels are designed for both strength and stability, and the all-weather construction offers UV protection. This shed is designed to be low-maintenance, and it can even be padlocked for additional security.

This shed is packed full of features that make it both convenient and easy to use. Six skylights provide visibility during the day, so you don’t have to worry about bringing along a flashlight to locate your tools.

With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on 54 reviews, it’s clear that buyers are pleased with the shed’s design, performance, and durability.

One reviewer wrote, "It looks great, the doors fit perfectly and the sky lights are a nice addition. The heavy plastic floor is great, with raised tread for grip."

All in all, the Suncast Tremont Storage Shed offers significant value for its price.

Pros: Highly durable, generous storage space, skylights allow for natural light

Cons: Assembly can be time-consuming, shed must be installed on a prepared flat base

Buy the Suncast BMS8100 Tremont Storage Shed on Amazon for $1,199.00 (originally $1,447.99)

• The federal government shutdown is in its 33rd day.
• Many federal employees have now gone an entire month without a paycheck, despite many of them still being mandated to show up for work or risk termination.
• To help ease the sting of this record-breaking shutdown, a number of companies have stepped forward to donate food and other goods and services to the federal employees affected by it.

The US federal government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018 has far surpassed the previous record for the longest such lockout, a 21-day affair that spanned from December of 1995 into January of the following year. And with no sure end in sight, the current shutdown will likely keep tacking on days for some time yet.

Approximately 800,000 federal employees are going without paychecks during this shutdown — for reference, that's a number larger than the population of the states of North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming. Of those 800,000, most are still working. About 380,000 have been furloughed, meaning they are on forced unpaid leave, leaving some 420,000 on the job but without pay.

While the shutdown persists, the families who depend on those unpaid paychecks are the ones feeling the pain. Fortunately, a number of companies have stepped up to help out where the government has dropped the ball.

These companies are some of the many donating food and other goods and services to US federal workers left high and dry by the shutdown in DC:

SEE ALSO: These 25 US counties are paying most of the federal income taxes

Kraft Heinz

If you're a federal employee going without pay, you work in the greater DC Metro area, and you love cheese, then Kraft Heinz has you covered. The company established a pop-up store that, from January 16 to 20, gave out bags filled with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, American cheese singles, and various other products to anyone who could display a valid government ID.

World Central Kitchen

When disaster strikes, often Chef José Ramón Andrés and his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, aren't far behind. The chef and his team have served free meals to Puerto Ricans affected by 2017's Hurricane Maria, survivors of last year's Camp Fire in Paradise, California, and now to those suffering during the shutdown. Since January 16, a World Central Kitchen pop-up restaurant has been serving daily free meals and to-go items to DC area workers affected by the shutdown.

&pizza

World Central Kitchen has also paired with the pizza chain &pizza to offer workers free meals daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at D.C.'s Broccoli Bar and at a World Central Kitchen location at 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW in Washington DC. 

• President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani's recent spate of attacks against Michael Cohen ahead of his congressional testimony prompted Justice Department veterans to suggest they may face legal exposure for attempted witness tampering.
• Cohen announced that he had indefinitely postponed his congressional testimony in the wake of "ongoing threats" against his family from Trump and Giuliani.
• Both men suggested that if Cohen testifies before Congress, prosecutors should investigate his father-in-law.
• One criminal-law expert told INSIDER that their comments represent "a classic form of obstruction of justice and typically the FBI, and the Justice Department, takes that very seriously. If Trump were a private citizen, instead of in office, he would already be indicted for what he has said about Cohen."
• Another Justice Department veteran told INSIDER that their comments may not rise to the level of a criminal witness-tampering charge.
• Even so, "any prosecutor or agent working gang or organized crime cases for a few years has heard people trying to coerce and threaten witnesses to not testify. It is usually done behind closed doors with only a wiretap as the proof. Nobody has ever seen the threat blasted to 50 million Twitter followers," that DOJ veteran said.

Legal scholars and Justice Department veterans say that President Donald Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, may have opened themselves up to a witness-tampering charge after a recent spate of attacks the two men made against Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who was set to testify against Trump before Congress in February.

This week, Cohen indefinitely postponed his testimony, citing "ongoing threats against his family from President Trump" and Giuliani.

Early Thursday, Trump responded to the news in a tweet: "So interesting that bad lawyer Michael Cohen, who sadly will not be testifying before Congress, is using the lawyer of Crooked Hillary Clinton to represent him - Gee, how did that happen? Remember July 4th weekend when Crooked went before FBI & wasn’t sworn in, no tape, nothing?"

Cohen pleaded guilty to one count of lying to Congress as part of the Russia investigation last year. In a charging document, Cohen said he misled lawmakers on the House Intelligence Committee about the now defunct Trump Tower Moscow project when he testified before the panel in 2017.

Last summer, Cohen also pleaded guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud, and campaign-finance violations as part of a separate federal investigation into his and Trump's business dealings before the 2016 election.

Since he began cooperating, Cohen has implicated the president in several crimes. After Cohen's lawyer confirmed he would be appearing before the panel, Trump took to Twitter and the media to slam his former lawyer and suggest his family members should be prosecuted — an action many legal experts said rose to the level of criminal conduct on Trump's part.

Read more: Michael Cohen has reportedly been subpoenaed to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee

'You'll find out, and you'll look into it'

On Friday, Trump tweeted that Cohen is "lying to reduce his jail time" and made a vague reference to Cohen's father-in-law. "Watch father-in-law," Trump said. He echoed the claim in an interview with Fox News commentator Jeanine Pirro.

"In order to get his sentence reduced, he says, 'I have an idea. I'll tell — I'll give you some information on the president,'" Trump told Pirro. "Well, there is no information. But he should give information maybe on his father-in-law, because that's the one that people want to look at ... And I guess he didn't want to talk about his father-in-law."

Asked to identify who Cohen's father-in-law is, Trump replied, "I don't know, but you'll find out, and you'll look into it. Because nobody knows what's going on over there."

Giuliani made a similar claim last Sunday, telling CNN that Cohen's father-in-law "may have ties to something called organized crime."

When he was pressed on his comments about Cohen's father-in-law, Giuliani said they were justified.

"So, it's OK to go after the father-in-law?" CNN host Jake Tapper asked Giuliani.

"Now — now, of course it is, if the father-in-law is a criminal," Giuliani replied.

But Mimi Rocah, a former federal prosecutor from the Southern District of New York, struck down the former New York City mayor's claims.

"Nope," she wrote. "There's no 'if he’s a criminal' exception to the witness tampering statute."

Read more: What is Rudy Giuliani thinking?

'If Trump were a private citizen ... he would already be indicted'

Jens David Ohlin, a vice dean at Cornell Law School who is an expert on criminal law, said Trump and Giuliani's comments are "definitely witness tampering."

"Trump has suggested that if Cohen testifies, his family could be prosecuted," Ohlin told INSIDER. "That's a classic form of obstruction of justice and typically the FBI, and the Justice Department, takes that very seriously. If Trump were a private citizen, instead of in office, he would already be indicted for what he has said about Cohen."

Joyce Vance, a former federal prosecutor who spent 25 years at the Justice Department, echoed that view and told MSNBC that "using intimidation, or even attempting to use intimidation – not just to keep somebody from testifying, but even to delay them – could constitute the crime of witness tampering."

Reps. Elijah Cummings and Adam Schiff, the chairmen of the House Oversight and House Intelligence committees, respectively, released a joint statement condemning Trump and Giuliani's comments as being "mob tactics" that violate the law.

"The President should make no statement or take any action to obstruct Congress' independent oversight and investigative efforts, including by seeking to discourage any witness from testifying in response to a duly authorized request from Congress," they said.

Jeff Cramer, a former federal prosecutor in Chicago who spent 12 years at the Justice Department, told INSIDER that while Trump's comments were "clearly meant to dissuade Cohen from testifying," they don't rise to the level of a criminal charge.

But Cramer didn't mince words when discussing the gravity of Trump's comments.

"Any prosecutor or agent working gang or organized crime cases for a few years has heard people trying to coerce and threaten witnesses to not testify," he said. "It is usually done behind closed doors with only a wiretap as the proof. Nobody has ever seen the threat blasted to 50 million Twitter followers."

SEE ALSO: Michael Cohen has reportedly been subpoenaed to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, aka DTW, has been my Midwestern port of call since the early 2000s.
• I've flown into and out of it more than any other US airport. It's been around since 1930.
• It's one of the top-20 busiest airports in the US, but it's far enough down the list that it's usually a pleasure.
• DTW is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. 

I've been traveling to Detroit from the New York area and from Los Angeles since the early 2000s. I've flown out of several different airports, but always into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or DTW as it's known among frequent travelers and aviation-code geeks.

Read more: The Boeing 717 was once a failed plane airlines didn't want to buy. Here's why it's now my favorite jet.

I've flown into and out of DTW in fine summer weather and in the middle of brutal Midwestern winters. I've had a clear view of downtown Detroit on the banks of the Detroit River, and I've waited patiently while the expert de-icers at DTW do their thing. I've arrived before dawn and departed after midnight.

Read more: I just got back from the 2019 Detroit auto show — here's all the cool stuff I saw.

On all these occasions, I've really looked forward to spending time at the airport. Detroit Metro has luxury lounges, but I haven't patronized them. I've hung out in the concourse, shopped, dined, and had a drink or two. For the everyday traveler, DTW isn't the most opulent airport, but it's a nice place to spend some hours.

Here's what it was like on my most recent visit:

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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport — DTW — is located in Romulus, about a 30 minute drive from downtown Detroit.

It's quite easy to find your way around.

DTW airport has three concourses in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal: A, B, and. I typically use the very long A concourse. There's a North Terminal, home to the D concourse.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. It was chosen in 2007 as one of the seven New Wonders of the World.
• I recently fulfilled a childhood dream to visit the archeological site, as well as many of Egypt's other pyramids, during a trip to the Middle East.
• While seeing the pyramids up close is an awe-inspiring sight, actually going in one is nowhere near as cool as you might think. They are expensive to enter, cramped and claustrophobic, and reek of mold to the point where I was coughing within seconds of being inside. 

Once I passed through the horizontal passageway, I entered the largest chamber, a triangular room with a stepped-ceiling that rises to 40 feet.

At this point, the stench and the heat started to get to me. I visited during a cool winter day, but still, inside the pyramid, it was stuffy and hot. The smell of mold in the air was the worst part. I found it hard to breathe and started holding a scarf over my mouth so that I didn't have to breathe in the mold directly. I was still coughing.

With the sense of claustrophobia and the dominating smell of mold, it was hardly worth going inside the pyramid.

All I found inside were narrow passageways and empty rooms, some of which were sprayed with the graffiti of explorers and grave robbers past. 

Unlike the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, there are no colorful and detailed ancient paintings to marvel at in the chambers.

Grave robbers, explorers, and museum officials have long since taken anything of interest out of the tomb. There are no bodies, sarcophagi, or other funeral goods.

I took a quick glance at the rooms and reveled for a moment in the minor thrill of being in a king's giant tomb. Then I hightailed it out of the pyramid so I could get some fresh air. Despite the fact that fresh air is pumped into the tomb, I was still coughing as I went back up.

After visiting the Red Pyramid, I talked to other tourists who had already paid extra to go inside the Pyramids of Giza. They told me that going inside those pyramids yields the same collection of brick walls and narrow passageways, with only one difference: There are a lot more people.

I decided to skip it. 

SEE ALSO: The Great Pyramid of Giza is hiding a huge, unexplored space — and scientists used cosmic rays to find it

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The surprising reason Americans drop a ball on New Year's Eve

• Microsoft employees spent much of Thursday ensnared in a massive reply-all email thread, according to social-media posts from employees.
• It started with a message sent to some 11,543 Microsoft employees registered to the company's GitHub account. 
• The episode is especially delightful for longtime Microsoft employees: This is evocative of 1997's legendary Bedlam DL3 incident, in which a similar reply-all apocalypse actually took down Microsoft's internal email servers for days.

It happens to the best of us.

On Thursday, Microsoft found itself swept up in a reply-all email apocalypse, with thousands of hapless employees caught in the unwanted thread and receiving frequent updates, including ones that were irksome and others that were absurd. In a video trying to help his colleagues break free, one Microsoft employee said the email had ensnared as many as 11,543 Microsofties.

Microsoft declined to comment.

It all started when an employee sent a message to everyone who helps manage Microsoft's GitHub account, we hear. Ironically, we hear that this original message was trying to tell everyone in the organization how to change their GitHub settings to get fewer notifications.

GitHub is the mega-popular code-sharing site for programmers, of which Microsoft was a major power user even before it acquired it last year for $7.5 billion. Given that Microsoft is the top corporate contributor to open-source projects on GitHub, it's no surprise that this message reached over 11,000 people. 

According to Twitter posts, it didn't take long before it turned into a full-fledged fiasco: Some people committed the cardinal sin of this situation and replied to everyone in the e-mail thread asking to be removed. Others cracked jokes to their captive audience, begged their colleagues to stop replying, or tried to offer useful advice to those stuck in the thread.

What's more, a quirk in the system meant that even employees who managed to unsubscribe kept getting resubscribed, according to reports. 

It was, apparently, chaos. 

The Bedlam connection

The whole incident appears to have been extra-funny to longtime Microsofties, as it evokes a legendary episode in the company's history.

Way back in 1997, Microsoft was still working the kinks out of Exchange, its ubiquitous corporate email server. For the purposes of testing, Microsoft created a mailing list with about 25,000 employees on it, called Bedlam DL3, with the name chosen for reasons that are lost to time.

An employee noticed that they were in the Bedlam DL3 group and sent a message to the list asking to be removed. 

That message went to all 25,000 people in the mailing group. It sparked plenty of responses — again, some people tried to help, while others cracked jokes. But the most common reply was a simple "Me too!" from people who wanted off the Bedlam DL3 list and off the thread. 

Factoring in all of those messages, not to mention the read receipts that many employees had enabled, and it actually brought Microsoft's email server to a standstill for two days while the IT department figured out how to fix it.

To this day, Bedlam DL3 is still a running joke among Microsoft employees — indeed, during Microsoft's newest reply-all apocalypse, several employees are said to have added their own "Me too!" to the thread. In fact, some are already calling it "Bedlam V2," or even "Gitlam."

On a final note: The best advice for how to make sure a similar situation doesn't happen to you is to simply not reply to everybody when you're copied on a mass email or another kind of message. You'll do everyone a favor. 

Just ... seriously, don't.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's president says tech's bruising 2018 has left scars that will result in US federal regulation as early as this year

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We compared Apple's $159 AirPods to Xiaomi's $30 AirDots and the winner was clear

TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.

1. Save an extra 20% on clearance items at Nike

Whether you're an athlete in search of new sportswear or you're just looking to buy a clean pair of sneakers, Nike's winter clearance sale is the best place to look. Now through January 28, you can save an extra 20% on clearance items by using the promo code "SAVE20" at checkout. In addition to Nike products, you'll also find selections from Jordan, Converse, and Hurley (all owned by Nike) included.

Shop the Nike winter clearance sale now.

2. Save up to 33% on Brita water filters on Amazon

Skip the packs of plastic water bottles this time around. With Brita water filters you can have clean, great tasting water without all the plastic waste. Today, as an Amazon Deal of the Day, you can save up to 33% on select water filters on Amazon. The selection includes the five-cup pitchers, 10-cup pitchers, and a large 18-cup container.

Shop all Brita water filters on Amazon here.

3. Save up to 30% on 4K Smart TVs at Samsung

Super Bowl Sunday is less than two weeks away. If you're hosting this year's party, you're going to need a TV that won't disappoint your guests, and Samsung has a great selection. Right now, you can save up to 30% on QLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TVs and other premium 4K Smart TVs. Whether you're going for a simple 40-inch TV or a massive 82-inch display, you'll find good deals here.

Shop on-sale 4K Smart TVs at Samsung now.

4. Save 30% shelving and drawer systems at The Container Store

If you've got a messy or disorganized room in your home, The Container Store can help you get everything in order. For a limited time, you can save 30% on all Elfa brand shelving and drawer system. You can also save 30% on professional installation if you would rather not assemble it by yourself. The sale makes organizing all areas of your home easy — from bedrooms and kitchens to laundry rooms, closets, and garages.

Shop The Container Store sale now.

5. Save up to 25% on home items at Target

There's never a point in time where your home needs absolutely nothing. Whether your reorganizing, redecorating or doing basic upkeep around the house, Target has tons of basics and special styles worth shopping. Right now, you can save up to 25% on home items like furniture, lamps, bedding, towels, rugs, and curtains. Until February 2, you can also get $25 off a future qualifying purchase of $100 or more when you're approved for a Target REDcard.

Shop the Target sale now.

6. Save up to 60% on dress shoes and boots at Allen Edmonds

Whether you wear dress shoes on a daily basis in the office or only once in a while for special occasions, every man should have a premium pair of dress shoes. Find a good pair can be costly, but Allen Edmonds is having a sale that places well-made options at an affordable price for everyone. For a limited time, you can save an extra 20% on select styles by using the promo code "PLUS20" at checkout. With the promo code, you'll save up to 60%.

Shop the Allen Edmonds sale now.

7. Save 40% on socks at Happy Socks

Just because you have to wear a suit and tie every day doesn't mean your outfit has to be completely boring. Swapping out your basic socks for bolder options is the easiest way to bring color and personality to your looks. Happy Socks, a brand that specializes in fun socks and underwear, is having a huge sale with some cool options. Right now you can save up to 40% off and get free shipping on select socks and underwear.

Shop the Happy Socks winter sale now.

8. Save up to an extra 25% at Macy's

This weekend, Macy's has discounted thousands of items including apparel, home, kitchen, and beauty products. From now until January 24, you can save an extra 25% on select men's styles and an extra 20% on most other departments by using the promo code "WINTER" at checkout. 

Shop the Macy's sale now.

9. Save up to $200 on a Leesa mattress

Leesa is a mattress company that gives back to its customers and those in need. For every 10 mattresses sold, one is donated. If that's not reason enough to consider shopping there, the ongoing sale will definitely make you want to check out the options. Right now, you can save $200 on a Sapira Hybrid Mattress and $150 on the Leesa mattress. If you're not in the market for a new mattress, you can save up to 30% on sheets, pillows, and blankets.

Shop the Leesa Sleep sale now.

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• Some delivery workers say Amazon Flex jobs are drying up as Amazon relies more heavily on delivery service partners, or DSPs.
• "I think Flex is dead, to be honest," said Austin Jones, who has delivered packages for Amazon's Flex program for nearly two years, most recently in Oklahoma City.
• DSPs are contractors who hire and manage dozens of drivers on behalf of Amazon. Their drivers typically work 10-hour days, whereas Flex drivers work shorter, on-demand shifts that last two to four hours.
• "DSPs will get the volume first because they are cheaper from a cost-per-package perspective," said a source with knowledge of Amazon's delivery system. "Flex gets the scraps."
• Amazon declined to comment for this story.

Delivery workers across the US say they are fearful that Amazon Flex jobs are disappearing.

Some Flex drivers have been complaining that the holiday season, typically the busiest time of year for deliveries, was slower compared to previous years.

Now that the holidays are over, some Flex drivers are getting desperate for work, according to interviews with 14 Amazon-affiliated delivery workers across seven states including Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Illinois.

"I think Flex is dead, to be honest," said Austin Jones, who has delivered packages for Amazon's Flex program for nearly two years, most recently in Oklahoma City. "We have about 300 Flex drivers in our market and everybody is afraid that it is going to disappear, and there will be no warning."

Tara Buckman, who has been a Flex driver for the past year, shared similar concerns about the lack of work opportunities from an Amazon delivery station in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

"We're freaking out," she told Business Insider. "I belong to several of groups [of Flex drivers] that were formed on Facebook that are private and we’re all chatting and nervous."

Read more: The disturbing accounts of Amazon delivery drivers may reveal the true human cost of 'free' shipping

Flex workers like Jones and Buckman are contracted by Amazon to deliver Prime packages and in some areas, grocery orders from Whole Foods. They drive their own cars and pay for their own gas and insurance.

These drivers sign up for Flex shifts, or "blocks," that last about two to five hours through the Amazon Flex app. Many Flex drivers spend hours tapping their phones to refresh the app, so they can snatch up work offers as soon as they are dropped. Lately, an increasing number of drivers say their endless tapping has yielded little-to-no work offers.

The lack of offers has become a favorite topic on private local and national online message boards for Flex drivers. Drivers are increasingly talking about giving up on Flex and switching to other gig economy jobs, according to dozens of online posts reviewed by Business Insider.

"Everyone is talking about doing DoorDash or Walmart deliveries instead," Buckman said.

Amazon's sudden closure of its Flex program in Greensboro, North Carolina in November heightened fears among Flex drivers. With work seemingly drying up, some have wondered: Could their station be next?

Amazon declined to comment on this story.

It's possible that Amazon hired too many drivers for the holidays, and there wasn't as much work to go around as in previous years.

Some Flex drivers have another theory. They say they believe Amazon is shrinking its Flex program as it increasingly relies on another way to deliver packages that's likely cheaper: delivery service partners, or DSPs.

"DSPs will get the volume first because they are cheaper from a cost-per-package perspective," said a person with knowledge of Amazon's delivery system, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. "Flex gets the scraps."

Flex may shrink, but it probably won't disappear

DSPs are companies that hire and manage fleets of drivers. These drivers work shifts lasting upwards of 10 hours delivering hundreds of packages for Amazon from large cargo vans.

DSPs contracted by Amazon typically pay their drivers $13 to $15 per hour. By comparison, Flex drivers earn $18 to $25 per hour, according to Amazon.

Drivers for delivery service partners also have another advantage over Flexers: They can deliver far more packages in a single route. One DSP driver can do the work of five or six Flexers.

Amazon made a push in June to expand its network of delivery service partners by offering a package of incentives and advertising profits of up to $300,000 for anyone who would start a delivery company. To support the new program, Amazon ordered 20,000 Mercedes-Benz delivery vans.

Read more: Some of Amazon's brand-new Mercedes-Benz delivery vans are suffering mechanical failure

The program garnered a huge response, and Amazon has acted quickly to get it up and running. The company has already trained and deployed dozens of DSP owners in delivery stations across the US and plans to add more in 2019. In the delivery station where Buckman works in Hampton Roads, four new DSP companies moved in over the course of a couple months.

As DSP companies have proliferated, Flex blocks have dried up in some areas, according to Flex drivers interviewed by Business Insider. Each new DSP company has between 20 to 40 vans on the road every day, DSP owners said, taking the work of hundreds of Flex drivers.

"The contractor [DSP] drivers are getting all the work, while we have to fight for blocks," said Rose Wellman, a Flex driver based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A Richmond, Virginia-based driver who asked to remain anonymous said, "We weren't busy at all over Christmas... DSPs are taking over completely."

The Hampton Roads warehouse was once almost entirely serviced by Flex drivers, according to Joel Manzer, who started working for Flex in the area last May.

Over the last couple months, Flexers' share of package volumes has been slashed to 20%, and will soon be further reduced to 15%, according to a DSP owner, who asked to remain anonymous.

Former Flex driver Arthur Arrage said he felt blindsided by the changes at the Hampton Roads station, and recently started working for GrubHub instead.

"It just feels like a punch in the gut," Arrage said.

As Amazon grows its DSP network even further, some drivers are speculating that Flex will disappear.

It's unlikely that Amazon would kill the Flex program entirely, at least for now. Amazon remains dependent on Flex and its many other means of delivery — including FedEx, UPS, and USPS — to manage its growing package volumes, according to several sources with knowledge of Amazon's delivery system.

Flex drivers are also uniquely well suited for same-day deliveries and Whole Foods grocery orders, as well as unexpected surges in package volumes. Additionally, they can help with issues that might arise like a delivery truck arriving late to the station, after DSP drivers are already on the road.

Many drivers are just waking up to the reality that there are no guarantees in the gig economy.

"There is a need for Flex drivers still, but it's going to shift," Manzer said. "Flex was never intentionally designed as a full-time gig."

If you work with Amazon and have a story to share, email hpeterson@businessinsider.com.

• Read more:
• Some of Amazon's brand-new Mercedes-Benz delivery vans are suffering a mechanical failure
• Amazon is launching a new delivery program and hiring thousands of drivers, with a warning against 'peeing in bottles'
• Amazon plants fake packages in delivery trucks as part of an undercover ploy to 'trap' drivers who are stealing
• Leaked email reveals Amazon is changing how delivery drivers are paid following reports of missing wages

SEE ALSO: Amazon plants fake packages in delivery trucks as part of an undercover ploy to 'trap' drivers who are stealing

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: These expensive Asian fish cost as much as a new car — and people have gone to jail trying to sell them in the US

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Skin care, and treating acne in particular, is an ongoing process that takes time, consistency, and plenty of experimentation.

Though everyone's skin is different, sometimes what works for one person might just actually work for you, too. When there are hundreds to tens of thousands of verified reviews that tout similar success stories, it's a good sign you should try the product. 

The following cleansers, masks, spot treatments, and tools have earned their places at the top of best-selling lists because they're just plain effective. Some are admittedly pricey investments, while others only cost less than $10, so whatever your budget, you'll be able to find a top-rated, best-selling acne product for you. 

These 11 acne products have the support of tons of satisfied users across the Internet: 

A $9 clay mask that promises the 'world's most powerful facial'

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $10.95, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars out of 18,300+ reviews

More than 12,000 five-star Amazon reviews, plus the glowing approval of Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton, confirm that this affordable clay mask is no ordinary mask. Keep it on for five to 10 minutes and it draws out impurities to make your skin clearer and smoother. 

A plant-based vitamin C serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum, $19.99, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars out of 9,800+ reviews

Acne sufferers have noticed a marked reduction in the number of breakouts after consistent use of this gentle serum. The great part is that it's not only for acne — it also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun spots. 

A gentle cream that harnesses the power of tea tree oil

Keeva Tea Tree Oil, $24.95, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars out of 60+ reviews

If you have to deal with deep, painful cystic acne, you'll appreciate this tea tree oil treatment designed for sensitive skin. The tea tree oil dries out the gunk in your pimples without drying out your actual skin. 

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• There are plenty of great blenders out there, but most of them will run you a good amount of money.
• I've had the Magic Bullet Blender ($40) for over ten years, and I swear by it.
• While it's not the most powerful blender out there, this budget-buy is a great pick for anyone who is trying to save some space and money.

Growing up, I indulged in the simple pleasure of TV breakfasts, which meant eating sugary cereal on the couch and watching infomercials. To clarify, I didn't only watch infomercials, but as any '90s kid knows, the good stuff usually didn't come on until 8 AM. So, in the wee hours of the morning, before I could watch "30 Minute Meals" with Rachael Ray or "Even Stevens" (I had eclectic taste as a child) I learned about all of the latest and greatest gadgets like Moon Shoes and the Treadclimber by Bowflex.

There was one device that always piqued my interest: the Magic Bullet blender. In the infomercial, the two hosts operated the blender with ease — in minutes they had churned raw almonds into a creamy nut butter, transformed chunks of tomatoes and avocados into delicious guacamole, and precisely grated blocks of Parmesan into the perfect pasta topping. Was it, dare I say, magic?  

Whatever it was, I was hooked. I wanted this blender. No, I needed this blender. The problem was I didn't have any money of my own to buy it. So, I waited. And, when a $50 gift card to Walmart fell in my lap at age 12, well, you know what I bought. 

Fast forward to 2019 and here I am patting my young self on the back for being oh-so wise, because I still own and use my Magic Bullet blender. 

To be frank, this is by no means the best blender out there. But, that doesn't mean you should stop reading. I think there's a blender out there for everyone — one that fits your specific cooking needs, style and budget preferences. If you're looking for something that doesn't take up much counter space, is very affordable, and gets the job done — the Magic Bullet is a solid option. 

What you get:

I have the most basic Magic Bullet bundle, which includes 11 pieces (most of which happen to be dishwasher-safe). For $39.99, you get the power base, one cross blade, three different sized cups, two comfort lip rings, two resealable lids, one to-go lid, and an additional recipe book. You can also buy bundles that come with more pieces, or choose to purchase upgrade kits if you realize you need more cups or blades. 

Eleven pieces might seem like a lot for one blender, but I've found that the multiple pieces are one of the blender's biggest assets. Rather than one large cup and power base, the Magic Bullet gives you a few smaller ones. This makes prepping a breeze. If you want to make almond butter, for example, you can fill the small cup with all the ingredients you need, twist on the blade and blend. Then, once it's done, just screw on one of the resealable lids and store the cup in the fridge. The same goes for bringing smoothies on the go. Instead of having to transfer everything from the blender to a travel mug, you just twist on a to-go lid and your set. This makes the cleaning process a breeze, as there are significantly less dishes to deal with. It also saves lots of time since the cups function have multiple functions. 

One downside of this system is that the cups are small. I find them to be perfect for single-serving smoothies, which is usually what I use them for. But, if you're trying to make a batch of smoothies for a family, a larger blender may be better for you.

How it works:

As I mentioned above, the Magic Bullet is definitely not the most powerful blender out there. If you're used to using a high-tech workhorse like a VitaMix, you may be underwhelmed, because when it comes to technology, it's usually safe to say that you get what you pay for. It would be unfair to judge this $40 blender against a $400 one. If you're cognizant of that, and if you're just looking for a gadget that can do simple things like blend and puree, the Magic Bullet is more than enough.

To use the blender, all you have to do is pop it into the base and push it down with a little pressure to get it started. It really is that simple. After some trail and error of my own, I now make sure to add some liquid to smoothies to help the blades crush all of the frozen fruit. More expensive blenders have tamper tools to help you get all of the ingredients close to the blades, but the Magic Bullet doesn't. Instead, you can take the cup off the base and shake it up to redistribute ingredients and get a more even blend.

What's impressed me most about how this blender works though is how long it's lasted. I've had it for over ten years and it's still working just fine. Considering that's longer than I've had any laptop, phone, or other tech gadget, I'm shocked that this still works and think that speaks to the quality of the product.

Bottom line:

For $40, the Magic Bullet is a great buy. It's an average blender with some above-average specs. The cup system makes taking food on the go easier than ever. The dishwasher-safe attachments make cleaning a breeze, and the small size makes storing the base and attachments simple, taking up barely any space on your counter or in the cupboard. One day, I'd like to think that I'll invest in a nice blender like a VitaMix on my own, but until the time comes, I'll be sticking with my trusty Magic Bullet. 

Buy the Magic Bullet Blender for $39.99 on Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond.

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• The 2019 Cadillac XT4 fills out the brand's luxury crossover lineup, joining the XT5 compact SUV and the just-launched XT6 three-row midsize.
• At $52,000, my subcompact-ish test vehicle was pricey, but worth it.
• The XT4 is a critical vehicle for Cadillac, which is moving decisively away from a long history of big luxury sedans.

Cadillac is getting its crossover game together, and the excellent XT4 is the latest example.

The compact/subcompact crossover joining the XT5 and the newly revealed XT6 in Caddy's lineup, as the brand moves away from the plush sedans than have always defined it. If you sit inside a Cadillac Escalade on a clear day, you can see dealership parking lots full of SUVs.

The argument is that Caddy is now equipped to take on Audi, BMW, and Mercedes — all these brands have a portfolio of crossovers, and with the XT4 and the XT6, Caddy matches up pound-for-pound.

Of course, there's a catch. While the Germans favor performance, Cadillac has focused more easy-to-live-with luxury and technology. It's a good-drivin' SUV. But not a great one.

Who cares? I certainly didn't. Rear on to find out why.

Photos by Hollis Johnson.

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Our "Twilight Blue Metallic" 2019 XT4 landed on the mean streets of New York City and looked sharp in the process.

This compact/subcompact luxury crossover followed the compact XT5, which Caddy rolled out in 2015. Our tester's base price was around $42,000, but a substantial number of options brought that up to $52,000.

Cadillac has toned down its so-called "Art and Science" design language, which was originally angular and aggressive. But the XT4 still has plenty of edge.