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These savory protein bars are made from meat and help to get me through long days

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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.

epicprov

  • Meat bars are an unlikely, protein-rich snack that seem to be popping up everywhere.
  • Epic Provisions can be credited for the boom. The company was born out out of a quest to find a healthy, high-protein paleo snack, which led to the original Epic meat bar.
  • Epic focuses on sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients that are better for your health and the environment, and caters to multiple dietary lifestyles such as gluten-free, paleo, keto, and Whole 30. 
  • Low in calories, high in protein, and made in interesting flavors that you'll actually want to eat, Epic bars ($3 each) will convince you that a protein bar made out of meat isn't that strange at at all. They might even make you put down those granola bars for good.

If you're looking for a high-protein snack to fuel your next workout, keep your stomach silent during that midday meeting, or avoid getting hangry in class, you're one of many.

Consumer demand for products high in protein is growing with no sign of slowing down, according to recent reports. A heavy dose of protein alone is not enough, though. With conversations around health, wellness, and sustainability at the forefront, consumers have more than just high expectations for how their food tastes — they care about how their protein is sourced and produced, too. 

So, where do go when you need a nutrient-dense, high-protein snack made with whole foods and no GMOs ?

The answer, at least for non-vegetarians, is Epic. 

Born out of a need for convenient, high protein snacks that were also paleo-friendly, Epic Provisions was founded by husband and wife duo Katie Forrest and Taylor Collins. The co-founders had been experimenting with different diets to improve their health and well-being. When being vegetarian went awry, they went vegan; when that didn't work they tried following a fully raw, plant-based diet. It wasn't until they gave the paleo diet (which calls for eating the same whole foods as our ancestors, hence the common nickname "caveman diet") a chance that they saw their health improve. 

They went full force and committed to this new lifestyle and way of eating, which emphasizes incorporating lots of healthy animal fats and proteins. Yet, they were disappointed to find that there weren't many convenient, paleo-friendly snacks they could rely on when they were out of their own kitchen and on the go. Their solution was a protein bar, but not like the ones you're used to seeing in the snack aisle. They picked a healthy, popular protein source that many of us are only used to eating with a fork and knife: meat. 

Incorporating meat into snack bar form was an unusual idea at first (unless you're already a big fan of jerky), but it has since paid off. In 2016, Epic was acquired by industry giant General Mills. Beyond that, the brand has created a new snack category that's perfect for paleo, keto, Whole 30, and regular-but-hungry bellies alike. 

What's in an Epic bar

Though the company has since expanded beyond bars to snack strips, jerky, and bites, the original meat bar is what put Epic on the map, and is still one of their most popular products. The meat-based bars come in 11 different flavors ranging from a simple Smoked Maple Bacon Bar to a spicy Beef Habanero Cherry Walnut Bar. Whether you go for chicken, pork, or salmon, Epic prides themselves on sourcing the best proteins out there (for you and the environment). The brand is strongly focused on bettering their supply chain and improving standards and transparency in the meat industry. To keep their consumers informed, Epic has a section dedicated to explaining their supply chain processes

You don't have to read through the site though to know that these bars boast wholesome ingredients. On each bar, conveniently packaged as a single serving, you'll find the most prominent ingredients labeled in big, bold letters — not to be missed. Scanning a selection of the bars will lead you to find ingredients like 100% natural chicken and 100% grass-fed bison, among other whole foods like dried fruits.

If the healthy ingredients don't speak for themselves, take a peek at the nutrition labels and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Most bars hover just over 100 calories and are full of protein, usually between seven and 13 grams. Thanks to the lack of additives, you'll find low sugar and low sodium, too. 

Then of course, there's the taste — because a snack is only as good as it tastes. Luckily, for all you protein-seeking snackers, Epic meat bars taste great. The mix of natural, sustainable meat with nutrient-rich fruit and nuts gives each Epic bar layers of savory, rich flavor. The consistency is thicker and juicier than jerky, so it feels like a substantial snack, especially considering the low calories. My personal favorite is the Chicken Sriracha Bar, which has a nice chew and a spicy kick — these helped me make it through a semester of five consecutive hours of class in a row. 

epic

Epic's values

As a consumer, my favorite part about Epic Provisions is that it's making delicious snacks that work for me — I love the way they taste and not only keep me satiated, but actually satisfied. The other thing I appreciate is that Epic is doing some pretty cool stuff besides making meat bars. After the close of each year, you can find an Impact Journal outlining key initiatives the brand is working on, as well as features and interviews with ranchers, suppliers, and other people in the Epic pipeline. 

Epic's commitment to bettering the meat industry extends beyond choosing to use grass-fed, humanely raised animals. The brand supports organizations that promote animal welfare and land restoration projects, most notably the Savory Institute. As a player in an industry that is known for contributing negatively to the environment, Epic is changing the paradigm — supporting ranchers who are positively impacting the environment with better land management. As consumers, we can feel at least somewhat better knowing that our purchases are not only doing better by us, but the environment on a broader scale. 

Bottom line

The convenient packaging, nutrient density, and selection of unique, delicious flavors make Epic bars the MVP of the snack aisle, if you ask me. Whether you're taking one in your backpack to refuel after a long hike or throwing one in your purse in case of any hunger emergencies, Epic meat bars are perfect for all kinds of snackers. 

Find Epic Provisions meat bars at Amazon and Target.

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19 practical purchases I wish someone had told me to make for my first apartment

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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.

modsy, from $59

  • Moving into your first apartment can be stressful — and it's a godsend when someone can lay out a few no-nonsense purchases you might want to make.
  • With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, these are the purchases I wish that I had made, or was glad that I did. 
  • You can also find 21 helpful products we've bought for our apartments here.

Moving into your first apartment will likely be stressful. For many, it coincides with such life-changing events as graduating, moving out of their guardian's home, and starting their career. You might suddenly have the responsibility of updating your résumé, buying suitable work clothes, and putting up a security deposit and first month's rent. By the end of it, your brain and wallet can feel empty.  

But, hindsight is 20/20, and after a couple years of living in my own place, I've rounded up 19 purchases that I'm either very glad I made or wished I had before moving in. Most are practical, and some — like easy-to-assemble couches — may not be in the budget. But, if you can't get everything, the ones you can are sure to come in handy. 

Below are 19 things I wish someone had told me to buy for my first apartment:

Wine glasses that guests can't break

Stemless Wine Glasses, $48, available on Snowe

Snowe makes some of the best modern home goods —they're a bit more expensive than average but much more affordable than other luxury options. The wine glasses are a particularly good example: compact and streamlined but undeniably functional. They're elegant while still being dishwasher safe and hard to break, so you can offer guests nice wine glasses without the threat of them winding up crushed on the floor. Even though I have stemmed wine glasses too, visitors tend to favor these. 



A matching set of dishes

Valia 16-Piece Full Dinnerware Set, $39.99, available on Wayfair

If it's your first apartment, do yourself the favor of giving away the hodgepodge cups and plates you've accumulated over the years, and invest in a matching set you'll be happy to own, eat out of every day, and covers all the bases. This is actually the exact set that I have because it's such a good deal (it's currently 67% off). 



Kitchen basics

Kitchen Utensil Set, $15.39, available on Amazon

I spoke from experience when I said that your roommates may have gotten the utensils, and now you're stuck trying to furnish a home with the good luxuries like nice sheets as well as the less glamorous necessities like spoons and forks. Buying the basics in bulk is an easy (and thankfully cheap) way to kill a few birds with one stone.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This $10 dry-cleaning kit has saved me tons of money and trips to the dry cleaner

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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.

71ygBNkHf1L._SL1500_

  • Special-care clothing, particularly pieces with a "dry-clean only" label, can be a pain to take care of. Trips to the dry cleaner can be inconvenient and expensive.
  • To extend the life of my special care clothing, I use the Dryel at-home dry-cleaning kit ($9.99).
  • It's an affordable way to keep your special-care garments in great condition and it couldn't be easier to use. Plus, it has saved me tons of money and trips to the dry cleaner over the years.
  • While the kit works wonders on denim, wool, and cashmere, it's worth noting that it can be damaging to certain fabrics like leather, velvet, and silk. 

Is it just me or does anyone else's heart drop a bit when you find an amazing clothing item just to inspect it and find "dry-clean only" inscribed on the tag?

Let's face it: dry cleaning is kind of a pain. Living in New York City, where a laundromat sits on just about every corner, it's not so bad — but getting your clothes dry cleaned can be pricey, and if you have multiple pieces it can add up quickly. If you want to keep your clothes in good condition, though, there's really nothing you can do  — you just have to suck it up, put down those extra dollars, carve out some extra time to head to the laundromat, or incessantly google how long your clothes can last without a wash. At least, that's what I thought until my mother introduced me to this very simple solution (thanks, mom). 

The Dryel at-home dry-cleaner kit does just what it says — it works to clean your special care pieces from the comfort of your own home.

The starter kit comes with everything you need to complete the cleaning process; a garment bag, booster spray, and the patented "ultracleaning" cloth. It's a three-step process that truly couldn't be easier to use.

How to use the kit

Step 1:

Place your garments (up to five) and one ultracleaning cloth into the reusable bag. If any of the pieces are stained or particularly dirty, pre-treat them with the included booster spray before placing in bag.

Step 2:

Put the bag in the dryer and tumble on medium heat for 15 minutes for a quick refresh. If you're looking for a deeper clean, tumble on medium heat for 30 minutes instead. 

Step 3:

Hang your garments so they are wrinkle-free. The end!

How it actually works

You may be wondering if this is some sort of laundry machine magic, but there's actually a very simple explanation. Dryel's ultracleaning cloths are concentrated with a heat-activated cleaning solution that, when met with the heat of your dryer, is released as a steam that penetrates fabric to remove stains and odors. The garment bag protects your special care fabrics from the intense heat of the dryer, so nothing will shrink on you. In the end, you're left with clothes that feel softer and smell fresher. 

For ease of use, Dryel gets an A+, but it also does wonders for your wallet. A starter kit with enough supplies for four loads is only $9.99. When you do the math, that's just about $2.50 per load. If you consider the maximum capacity of five garments per load, you're down to just about fifty cents per garment. Just a few weeks ago I got five pieces dry-cleaned at my local laundromat for about $24. That one trip cost me more than double this entire kit — which has the capacity to clean four times the amount of garments. 

Of course, there are some important things to note. While the kit works wonders on denim, wool, and cashmere, it can be damaging to certain fabrics like leather, velvet, and silk. 

When you compare the prices, it's hard to believe this easy dry-cleaning solution isn't more widely used — or, maybe it is, and I'm just the last one hopping on the bandwagon. 

Get the Dryel at-home dry cleaner starter kit, $9.99, available at Amazon

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A $135 million mansion with 210 feet of private beach is one of the most expensive homes for sale in Florida, and it's right down the street from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club

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la follia

  • One of the most expensive homes currently for sale in Florida is a $135 million mansion in Palm Beach.
  • The Italian Renaissance-style estate is right down the street from Trump's Mar-a-Lago club and billionaire Ken Griffin's estate.
  • It includes 210 feet of private beach, a pool and cabana, a luxury fitness center, fruit orchards, canopies of Banyan trees, lush landscaped gardens, and a private boat dock.

 

At $135 million, a sprawling estate in Palm Beach is one of the most expensive homes for sale in Florida

The property, which currently belongs to Broadway producer Terry Allen Kramer, includes 210 feet of private beach, fruit orchards, canopies of Banyan trees, a luxury fitness center, pool and cabana, lush gardens, and a private boat dock.

The mansion is located at 1295 S. Ocean Blvd. in the Billionaires Row area of Palm Beach, Florida, on South Ocean Boulevard, only half a mile from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. It's also a neighbor of billionaire Ken Griffin, who spent $250 million assembling an estate on the same boulevard, as Business Insider's Lina Batarags previously reported.

The listing agents are Gary Pohrer, Ashley McIntosh, Cara Coniglio McClure, Lisa Wilkinson, and Adam McPherson of Douglas Elliman.

Here's a look at the expansive property.

SEE ALSO: NYC hedge-fund managers and Silicon Valley CEOs are flocking to Miami as 'tax refugees,' and it's sparking record, ultra-luxury real-estate sales in the area

DON'T MISS: A glass mansion in Miami has set 2 real-estate records in the past 7 years — here's a look inside the $50 million estate

At $135 million, a sprawling estate in the "Billionaires' Row" area of Palm Beach, Florida, is one of the most expensive homes for sale in the state.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The property is only a one-minute drive or a 10-minute walk to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.

Source: Google Maps



It's also a neighbor of billionaire Ken Griffin, who spent $250 million assembling an estate at 1265 S. Ocean Blvd.

Source: Business Insider, Google Maps



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Cruise-line workers reveal the grueling schedules they must keep while on the job

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cruise ship worker

  • Cruise-ship employees have demanding schedules.
  • Rather than working traditional five-day weeks, cruise-ship employees often work seven days a week for the duration of their contracts, which can range from about two months to 11 months.
  • The hours can also be intense, from eight to nearly 20 hours a day.
  • But the flip side of their grueling work schedules is long, uninterrupted blocks of vacation time between contracts, often about two months.

A job on a cruise ship might seem like an opportunity to work at a relaxed pace, but the unusual contracts employees sign can result in schedules that rival notoriously time-intensive industries like investment banking.

Rather than working traditional five-day weeks, cruise-ship employees often work seven days a week for the duration of their contracts, which can range from about two months to 11 months. Between four and eight months was the most common contract length cited by 31 current and former cruise-ship employees who spoke with Business Insider. Most requested anonymity for fear of reprisal from their current or former employers.

The hours can also be intense, from about eight to nearly 20 hours a day. The employees Business Insider spoke with reported an average of about 12 hours.

A former waiter for Carnival Cruise Line who said he worked about 12 hours a day described his schedule as "crazy" and said it led to fatigue and stress.

"We don't get enough sleep," he said.

Carnival did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read more:Richard Branson reveals how his new adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, will turn the cruise industry upside down

The flip side of a grueling work schedule is long, uninterrupted blocks of vacation time between contracts, often about two months. That means some employees — like a current Royal Caribbean Cruises first officer who alternates between 10 weeks of work and 10 weeks of vacation — end up working fewer days in a year than those who work five-day weeks.

But others end up working more days than they would on a traditional schedule, like a current Cunard Line bar server who works six-month contracts separated by two months of vacation.

Cruise-ship work schedules can be exhausting, but for some employees, the prospect of a 9-to-5 office job is more intimidating than the demands of working on a cruise ship.

Anyone who has worked on a cruise ship for a long time "is generally scared of being on land and being on a 9-to-5 job," said a Royal Caribbean employee who has worked on cruise ships for two decades. "Going into an office and sitting there forever and then leaving and going to your meager little home and having a meal and watching TV and then going to bed — that's just scary to most of us. It's scary to me."

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

SEE ALSO: I drove a $119,000 Audi A8 L to see if the ultraluxurious sedan is worth the price. Here's the verdict.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Take a look inside the 'Scarlet Lady,' Virgin's first adults-only cruise ship sailing to the Caribbean in 2020

14 cool startups you didn’t know were on Amazon

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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.

casper

  • For a long time, if you wanted to find your favorite startup anywhere outside of its own website, you were out of luck. 
  • Slowly, they're beginning to join online retailers like Target and Nordstrom to make it easier for you to find and shop their innovative products. 
  • Amazon is another popular choice. It's the most far-reaching and convenient platform for you to buy nearly anything you want. 
  • So if cool new mattresses, bedding and bath products, clothing, and accessories are on your list, go ahead and shop the following 14 startups on Amazon. 

In the world of online retail in the US, you can't get any bigger than Amazon

As startups begin to look beyond their own websites and diversify their selling options, some choose Target as their main traditional retailer, while others flock to Nordstrom, all in hopes of attracting a very specific type of customer.

But the pure reach, convenience, and customer service army of Amazon make it the obvious choice for many startups. Some companies, like Casper, are actually available on all three shopping sites, in addition to its own, an aggressive strategy that surely improves its brand exposure. 

Starting off on Amazon is a great stepping stone to more exposure and customers because the majority of online shoppers are already on Amazon. If they can shop interesting new products alongside the familiar brands and supplies they're buying anyway, they will.

It also helps that most of these startup products are available with Prime shipping, allowing them to bypass slower shipping speeds offered elsewhere. 

If you need to update your personal care routine, mattress, or closet, these 14 startups on Amazon have you covered. 

SEE ALSO: 13 startups that make daily rituals like brushing your teeth and taking vitamins more enjoyable

Ethique

Shop Ethique personal care products at Amazon here

There's not a bottle in sight in eco-friendly brand Ethique's line of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Instead, these daily personal care products are made in solid bar form (and with a host of powerful natural ingredients) as a solution to the 80 billion plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles thrown away globally each year. 



Casper

Shop Casper mattresses and sleep accessories at Amazon here

By now, ordering your new mattress from the internet is no longer an outrageously strange behavior and is likely even preferable. Casper is everywhere, but through Amazon, you can get your comfy foam mattress, bed frame, sheets, and nap pillow to your door with that convenient two-day shipping.  The risk-free, 100-night sleep trial still applies no matter where you buy your Casper mattress, so you don't have to commit just yet. 



Purple

Shop Purple mattresses and sleep accessories at Amazon here

Purple's patented Comfort Grid, made from a durable, non-toxic hyper-elastic polymer, is the secret behind unparalleled pressure relief as you sleep and move throughout the night. It also helps isolate motion so you don't disturb your sleeping partner. If you're already happy with your current mattress, try one of the startup's comfortable seat cushions, which you can take with you to work, on plane rides, and to stadium games. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 affordable skin-care companies we trust

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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.

mighty patch

  • Skin care is sometimes confusing and expensive, but it shouldn't be. Not every effective ingredient is costly to formulate.
  • There are plenty of affordable skin-care lines to buy from in 2019 that compete with luxury products.
  • Below are 12 brands you should know about, and what to buy from each.

Skin care, with its ever-evolving technology and the subterfuge of insidious marketing campaigns, can become a confusing and expensive category. Without insider knowledge or the time and funds to do the field-testing on your own, it's sometimes easier to spend an uncomfortable amount for the tacit understanding that, hey, if it's this expensive, it must be pretty good. 

But that's not necessarily the case. There are plenty of affordable skin-care brands that are dead ringers for luxury products, at a fraction of the cost. It's no great secret that certain clinical heavy-hitters work, or that products sold for $30 can be made by the same cosmetics teams that work on $300 tubs of cream. And while sometimes it's worth it to splurge on beauty products, it doesn't automatically mean you're buying a better product.

Thankfully, most of what the Insider Picks team does is test new products to see which ones are worth the money and which ones you should skip. 

If you're looking for a handful of affordable skin-care brands off the cuff, find 12 we trust below:

Below are 12 affordable skin-care brands you should know about in 2019:

The Ordinary

Price range: $10-$21

Where to buy it: Amazon

What to buy: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, $22.99

The Ordinary is a well-loved, affordable skin-care brand known for "clinical formulations with integrity." In other words, for using familiar, effective clinical technologies with transparent communication and pricing. The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is one of its most popular products for its gentle exfoliation for better skin brightness and clarity.

Read more:



Panacea

Price range: $24-$36

Where to buy it: Panacea

What to buy: Essentials Kit, $74

"Panacea" is another word for a cure-all, and that's what this minimalist Korean brand with its three unisex products aims to be. Contrary to the idea that the more products you use the better your skin will be, Panacea's ethos champions efficient simplicity. 

It focuses on the contents, rather than the quantity of the skin-care products, and uses cruelty-, paraben-, and sulfate-free ingredients to achieve natural, healthy results. The simple, gender-neutral products streamline your skin-care routine. 

Read more:



Maelove

Price range: $18-28

Where to buy it: Maelove

What to buy: Glow Maker, $27.95

Maelove is a relatively new skin-care line priced entirely under $30 that was founded by MIT graduates. Eschewing the marketing schemes that make luxury $300 lotions the norm and skin care confusing and expensive, Maelove makes simple, effective skin-care products for all skin types in the same high-end cosmetics labs that luxury brands use.

Their cult-favorite $28 vitamin c serum (which consumers have pointed out is very similar to SkinCeuticals' $166 version) put the company on the map, and is prone to frequent sellouts.

Right now, get 10% off any purchase of two products or more with the discount code "TEN" at checkout.

Read more:



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How to change the band on your Apple Watch

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apple watch band

  • Easily change Apple Watch bands by sliding out the old band and installing the new.
  • Push on the buttons on the back of your Apple Watch to release the band.
  • Apple offers a variety of watch bands in different materials, but there are many quality third-party options as well. 

Changing the band on my Apple Watch was one of the first things I did upon opening the watch. 

I have a Series 3 watch, and it came with Apple's Black Sport Band. The Medium/Large band was already attached, and I changed out the Medium/Large with the Small/Medium band that Apple also included with the watch.

Here's how you can swap out your Apple Watch band for another band: 

Change Apple Watch bands by sliding out the old, and sliding in the new

Apple Watch

  1. Turn over your Apple Watch.

    band release
  2. Find the band release buttons. There's one for the top band and one for the bottom. They are thin oval buttons at the very top and bottom of the back side of the watch.
  3. Press the band release button and, as you're pressing, slide the band across in either direction to remove it.
  4. Repeat with the other half of the band, if necessary.
  5. Slide the new band in. It should click into place.

How to correctly fasten your Apple Watch band

Apple Watch

  1. Make sure it fits closely (but not uncomfortably) against your wrist. The watch needs to be in contact with your skin to allow the sensors to do their job and optimize watch performance.
  2. Apple recommends tightening your Apple Watch during workouts (for more accurate reads and safety, presumably), and loosening the band post-workout.
  3. Wear your Apple Watch the way you'd traditionally wear a watch. Apple notes that the sensors only work when the watch is worn on top of your wrist.

Which bands work with Apple Watch, and where to find them

Whether you have a 1st generation Apple Watch, the latest Series 4, or anything in between, you can use an Apple Watch band designed for any of these models — as long as it corresponds to the case size (height) of your watch.

Apple notes that bands for 38mm and 40mm are compatible and work interchangeably, and the same goes for 42mm and 44mm cases.

While Apple offers a variety of in-house bands you can purchase from its site, you can also equip your Apple Watch with third-party bands, which can cost significantly less than Apple's bands. 

For prospective band purchases, check out our list of 10 Apple Watch bands that look great and cost under $25.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The history behind duct tape and what makes it a handy solution for just about anything


New York state prosecutors are reportedly putting together a criminal case against Manafort in the event Trump pardons him

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Paul Manafort

  • New York state prosecutors are reportedly preparing a criminal case against Paul Manafort in case President Donald Trump pardons him for federal crimes.
  • The revelation comes after a federal judge voided Manafort's plea deal with the special counsel Robert Mueller upon finding that he lied to prosecutors after agreeing to cooperate with them.
  • Manafort's decision to lie flummoxed legal scholars, who said he had a good chance at getting a reduced prison sentence if he cooperated fully. Many said the only reason they could see for Manafort to lie was that he was angling for a presidential pardon.
  • After Bloomberg News reported on New York state prosecutors' reported contingency plans on Friday, a former senior Justice Department official told INSIDER, "Manafort may be rethinking his decision to violate his plea deal right about now."

State prosecutors in New York are preparing a criminal case against Paul Manafort, the former chairman of President Donald Trump's campaign, in the event that Trump pardons him for federal crimes, Bloomberg News reported.

According to the report, Cyrus Vance Jr., the New York district attorney, is gearing up to file tax and accounting charges against Manafort if Trump exercises his pardon power.

The Constitution grants the president authority to pardon federal crimes but not state crimes. Manhattan prosecutors have been investigating Manafort since 2017, months before the special counsel Robert Mueller charged the former Trump campaign chairman with failure to register as a foreign agent, failure to report foreign bank accounts, and conspiracy.

Mueller later slapped Manafort and his associate, Rick Gates, with a second indictment charging them with tax and bank fraud, as well as money laundering.

Read more:Paul Manafort just made his riskiest gamble yet

After being convicted on eight counts in his first trial last year, Manafort struck a plea deal with Mueller and pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction. But earlier this month, a federal judge voided Manafort's plea deal when it was found that he lied to prosecutors after agreeing to cooperate with them. Manafort also angered Mueller's team when they learned that his lawyers were briefing Trump's legal team on everything prosecutors were asking Manafort.

His decision to lie to prosecutors and maintain a cozy relationship with the president flummoxed legal scholars, who said Manafort had a good chance at getting a reduced prison sentence given his elevated rank on the Trump campaign and admission of guilt. Most said there were only a handful of reasons Manafort would risk his freedom, chief among them being that Manafort was angling for a pardon.

Trump and his allies have embarked on a months-long public relations campaign aimed at discrediting the Russia probe and Mueller, whom they accuse of going on a politically motivated "witch hunt" against the president and his associates.

Read more:The 2 reasons why Paul Manafort would lie to prosecutors and risk life in prison

Though Trump initially backed his former campaign advisers and administration officials against prosecutors, the White House later distanced itself from them as the special counsel secured more indictments and guilty pleas.

Manafort and the former US national security adviser, Michael Flynn, are the only two people in Trump's inner circle embroiled in the Russia probe who have not been public targets of his anger. Last year, The New York Times reported that Trump's former defense lawyer, John Dowd, floated potential pardons to both men in the summer of 2017 in what appeared to be a quid pro quo offer in exchange for their silence.

Trump has also publicly defended Manafort in recent months, praising his refusal to "break."

But Justice Department veterans have long warned that a pardon may not be the end of Manafort's legal troubles.

If his gamble pays off and Trump grants him a pardon, "the stopwatch starts on various state prosecutors in New York, Virginia, Washington, DC, and anyone else who might have the jurisdiction," Jeffrey Cramer, a longtime former federal prosecutor, told INSIDER last week, after Manafort's plea deal was nullified.

Following Bloomberg's report that New York state prosecutors' reported contingency plans on Friday, a former senior Justice Department official who worked closely with Mueller put it bluntly, telling INSIDER, "Manafort may be rethinking his decision to violate his plea deal right about now."

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Michael D'Antonio reveals Donald Trump's 'strange' morning ritual that boosts his ego

We drove a $30,000 Hyundai Kona SUV to see if it's ready to take on Jeep, Honda, and Toyota. Here's the verdict.

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Hyundai Kona

  • The Hyundai Kona is one of the newest contenders in the subcompact crossover SUV market. 
  • Its rivals in the market include the Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Toyota CH-R, Nissan Kicks, and Mazda CX-3. 
  • Kona comes standard with a 147 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 175 hp turbocharged engine is available as an option.
  • We were impressed by the Kona's peppy turbocharged engine, sporty driving dynamics, and its solid array of standard tech features. 
  • We aren't quite in love with Kona's quirky styling and limited cargo capacity. 

From the armada of Cadillac Escalades invading mall parking lots across America to the millions of the car-based crossovers dotting the nation's driveways, SUVs are everywhere these days 

While the idea of the SUV within the collective conscious may be that of a rugged off-roader, the vast majority of SUVs sold in the US are actually car-based crossovers. In many cases, they are nothing more than economy hatchbacks with some extra ride height. 

This is especially the case for entry-level subcompact crossovers SUVs. 

But, these "cute utes" have become increasingly popular thanks to the recent tidal wave of demand for SUVs. 

According to data from Kelley Blue Book, the segment accounts for 3.6% of the American auto market. While it doesn't have the sheer sales volume of the compact SUVs and full-size pickup trucks, it is still a rapidly growing segment. 

Read more: We drove a $49,000 Toyota Highlander and a $49,000 Honda Pilot to see which is the better family SUV — here's the verdict.

In 2018, automakers sold nearly 620,000 sub-compact crossover SUVs in the US that's up more than 30% over the previous year. 

One of the newest additions to the segment is the Hyundai Kona. 

Recently, Business Insider had the chance to spend a few days behind the wheel of a 2018 Hyundai Kona complete with a Thunder Gray paint job. (The 2018 Kona carries over into 2019 with only minor updates.)

The base 2019 Hyundai Kona SE starts at $19,990 while the top spec Kona Ultimate starts at $27,500. The mid-grade SEL and Limited trims start at $21,800 and $25,550 respectively. All-wheel-drive is available as a $1,400 option. With options and fees, our 2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD carried an as-tested price of $29,850.

Here's a closer look at the 2018 Hyundai Kona.  

SEE ALSO: The 10 best cars of 2019

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

Here it is! The Hyundai Kona.



It's the entry-level crossover SUV in Hyundai's lineup and slots in just below the Tucson compact crossover.



In the market, the Kona's rivals include the Mazda CX-3, ...



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Save up to 25% on home goods at Target — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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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. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out our coupons page.

Target home

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

Target might not be the first place you think of when decorating your home, but the retailer has a surprisingly large selection of products — all at the affordable prices you'd expect. Right now, the prices are even lower with a sale of up to 25% off. With everything from furniture and decor to bedding, bath, and kitchen supplies, you'll find products for every room in your home. For more deals and coupons at Target, check out our coupons page here

Shop the Target sale now

Sperry

2. Save up to 50% on sale styles at Sperry

Although it's still technically winter, it's about time to start shifting your focus to spring wardrobe additions, if you haven't already. Sperry, a brand known for its boat shoes, casual sneakers, and waterproof boots, is an excellent choice for spring footwear. Right now, you can save up to 50% on final-sale and clearance styles. Since many of the brands' designs are timeless, it really won't matter that they're not new arrivals from this season. For more deals and savings at Sperry, check out our coupons page here

Shop the Sperry sale now

Bonobos

3. Save an extra 50% on final sale styles at Bonobos

Bonobos launched over 400 new styles this month, and you can expect there to be more new arrivals soon. To make room for the additions, the brand is having a huge sale. Right now, you can save an extra 50% on select styles by using the promo code "CHILL" at checkout. The sale includes chinos, dress pants, polos, sweaters, loungewear, and much more. 

Shop the Bonobos sale now.

macbook pro 2017

4. Save up to 30% on refurbished Apple MacBooks on Amazon

As popular as MacBook computers are, they're also very expensive. If a brand-new MacBook isn't in your budget, but you don't want to settle for a different brand, then a refurbished unit is your best option. Today, as an Amazon Deal of the Day, you can save up to 30% on refurbished MacBook and MacBook Pro computers from 2017. Each refurbished unit comes in like-new condition has been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers. That means it will look and operate exactly as a new one would. You'll also receive a supplier-backed warranty for a minimum of 90 days.

Shop all refurbished Apple MacBooks on Amazon now.

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5. Save up to 30% on Sharp HD and 4K Ultra HDTVs with Roku at Best Buy

A streaming device like Roku TV is a quick way to transform a normal TV into a media and entertainment hub. If you're currently in the market for a new TV, it makes more sense to buy one with Roku TV built in rather than buying the streamer separately. Right now, Best Buy has a small selection of Sharp-branded Roku TVs marked down up to 30%. With TV sizes ranging from 32 inches to 55 inches, you can choose one that best fits your entertainment set up. For more deals and potential savings at Best Buy, check out our coupons page here

Shop Sharp HD and 4K Ultra HDTVs at Best Buy now.

Backcountry

6. Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at Backcountry

Backcountry has been holding its huge semi-annual sale all month long and as February nears its end, late shoppers have only a few more days left to save. With outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories from top brands up to 50% off, it's a solid opportunity to gear up for a late winter ski trip, an early spring camping trip, or even next year's cold season. For more deals and coupons at Backcountry, check out our coupons page here

Shop the Backcountry semi-annual sale now

nike

7. Save $30 when you spend $150 or more at Nike

Nike periodically offers extra discounts on sale items, but very rarely do they offer discounts on new products. That's changing (at least for now) with a deal that can be applied sitewide. You can save $30 on your order when you spend $150 or more, whether it's on sale or not. The promotion ends tomorrow, February 23, so you don't have much more time to take advantage of it. For additional deals and coupons at Nike, check out our coupons page here

Shop the Nike sale now

Eight Sleep

8. Save $100 on the Eight Sleep Smart Bed

If you have a house full of smart speakers, thermostats, light bulbs, and electric plugs, you might think your smart home set up is complete; but until you get a smart mattress, it's not. One of the last (or first) pieces add to your smart home puzzle is your bed. The Eight Sleep Smart Bed uses smart technology to track your sleep and provide insights about how long you've slept and what your best hours of sleep were. It can also be integrated into your smart home setup to turn off lights once you've fallen asleep or turn on your coffee maker when you get up in the morning. Right now, you can automatically save $100 on the Eight Sleep Smart Bed in sizes Full through California King.

Shop the Eight Sleep sale now.

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Before and after photos show how dramatically world-famous CEOs have changed since they started the job

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  • The tech industry with all its innovation, glamour, and youth can still be incredibly stressful. As companies launch, go public, and tackle turmoil, executives go gray, lose weight, and forget to buy eye cream. 
  • Tech execs like Facebook'sMark Zuckerberg and Amazon'sJeff Bezos were once fresh faces on the scene. Now, they've crafted themselves into multibillionaires while growing their businesses into worldwide success stories. 
  • Take a look at how dramatically these tech execs have changed since they've started the job.

Any time Mark Zuckerberg mentions Facebook, he often brings up how he started it in his dorm room at Harvard when he was just 20 years old. Early photos of Zuckerberg show him in a plain t-shirt, sweats, and Adidas sandals lounging on the steps of his would-be alma mater.

And although Zuckerberg's wardrobe hasn't changed much (albeit the slides and sweats), the company he founded has.

Today, Facebook has more than 2.3 billion users and has fought to keep its reputability as privacy scandals continue to plague the social network and Zuckerberg himself. 

Take a look at how dramatically other world-famous CEOs changed over the course of their job:

SEE ALSO: The CEO of a top travel app who gets up at 5:15 a.m. says he tricked himself into becoming a morning person by changing his daily exercise routine

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon when he was 30 in 1994. Like other famed tech execs, he started the company in his garage in Seattle.

Before Amazon, Bezos was a senior vice president at D. E. Shaw, a hedge fund, until 1993 when he decided to begin selling books on the internet.  

In the first month of its launch, Amazon sold books to people in all 50 states and in 45 different countries. And it continued to grow. Amazon went public on May 15, 1997.

Source: Business Insider



Fast forward to 2019, and Bezos, 55, is the wealthiest person in modern history, with a net worth of $150 billion. In September, Amazon briefly became the second US company to achieve a valuation of more than $1 trillion.

Much of Bezos' wealth comes not from his salary but from the Amazon shares he owns. Bezos currently holds 78,893,033 shares in Amazon, accounting for a 16.3% ownership stake.

Source: Business Insider



Mark Zuckerberg founded "The Facebook" when he was 20 years old in 2004 while studying at Harvard University.

He then dropped out of school after his sophomore year to focus on the social network full-time. Facebook raised its $12.7 million Series A round of funding while he was barely of legal drinking age. Time magazine named him "Person of the Year" just six years later, while Facebook's initial public offering in 2012 was the biggest-ever technology IPO at the time.

Source: Business Insider



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This $14 wallet is my trick to staying organized while traveling — and it can double as a clutch for a night out

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Passport wallet 2_1

  • I will do almost anything to diminish the stress that comes with flying. 
  • The Zoppen travel wallet has been a life-saving travel accessory. The wallet is equipped with an RFID-blocking shield, ID holder, card slots, a section for money, and a compartment big enough to fit a passport or a phone. 
  • You can buy it on Amazon anywhere from $9.99 to $14.99. 

The word “travel” brings up a lot of emotions for me, with “stressful” being close to the top of the list. Don’t get me wrong, if someone were to offer me a plane ticket to an exotic location, I wouldn’t hesitate to accept the offer — all I’m trying to say is that flying across the globe isn’t chaos-free.

I’ve been a traveling all my life, but didn’t begin my international travel experience until my early 20s. My first major expedition was a three-week trip to China, and I was faced with the issue of trying to balance all my documents, cards, and money, all while holding a duffel the size of a large suitcase.

I made it to China and back to the States in one piece, but my trip came with way more stress than I anticipated. Driven by the pure will to avoid a similar experience on my next trip, I "invested" in a travel wallet to hold all my things in one place. By that I mean I paid about $10 for it.

This wallet was all I ever needed and more from an all-in-one accessory. Quite plainly, the Zoppen multi-purpose wallet kept me from looking and feeling like a traveling amateur by keeping everything I needed for my vacation in one place.

Read more:Our go-to travel uniforms for long flights and train rides

The wallet comes in 35 colors which is clearly a draw, but the best part is the utility. It includes a compartment for your ID, slots for additional cards, a section for money and loose change, and a large pocket big enough to fit a phone or a passport. It even has an RFID-blocking shield to diminish the chances of identity theft. With everything full, I was still able to fit a printed email concerning flight changes (it helps to have a backup in case your phone dies) — meaning that there was one less wrinkled piece of paper in the bottom of my backpack.

Zoppen wallet review Amazon

Using this super spacious wallet for travel is great, but the look of it was so nice that I used it long after I left the airport. I purchased two, in “wine red” and “seal brown” and with over thirty colors, you'll have no issue finding one to meet your aesthetic needs. My wine-colored wallet doubled as a clutch that I could take out to dinner or carry with me when I went out at night. It was too large to fit in my crossbody bag, but the size wasn’t an issue since it looked nice enough to carry alone.

One of the most surprising factors of the Zoppen wallet was that it withstood the beating of being thrown around throughout my trip. At a starting price of $9.99, I assumed that it would serve its purpose for a couple weeks but was ultimately destined to be disposable. I was happy to find out otherwise. Even after using it for an extended trip out of the country and during multiple trips across states, I have still not found any major signs of wear. 

If you’re looking for something durable, fashionable, and strikingly useful, this Zoppen wallet will do the trick. My trips are not entirely chaos-free, but I feel like I have a solution to my travel tribulations knowing that everything I need to board a plane is located in one place.

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Adidas has a new sneaker that proves hiker fashion is taking over

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Adidas

  • Adidas has rolled out a new hiking sneaker that is designed to incorporate "outdoor function and street style."
  • The sports retailer is likely cashing in on a new fashion trend that some experts are referring to as the "urban hiker."

On Friday, Adidas rolled out a new hiking sneaker that serves as a trendy take on the notoriously clunky shoe. 

The so-called Terrex Free Hiker is designed to incorporate "outdoor function and street style," Adidas wrote in an accompanying press release. "A sneaker boot that is easily at home on the streets of Soho to the trails of Jackson Hole," it continued. 

The shoe is made of a stretchy water-repellent fabric that's designed for outdoor wear. However, its more elegant shape makes it an ideal city shoe, too. 

It costs $200 and comes in two colors.

Experts say that the "urban hiker" trend is set to take off in 2019. Fleeces and high-performance jackets are already everywhere, and sneaker specialists say this trend is spreading into footwear.

Read more: Urbanites are dropping hundreds of dollars on hiking clothes — and it's fueling explosive success for Patagonia and The North Face

Dan Bisson, editor of accessories and footwear at WGSN, recently told Who What Wear that these styles are a development of 2018's "dad sneaker" trend. 

"I believe that the rise in outdoor hiking trends will introduce the trail sneaker as the next 'must-have' sneaker for 2019," he said. "This will replace some of the thick-soled designs, appealing to not only the city goers but those wanting to explore country landscapes."

"I think trail and hiking will be huge in 2019," sneaker influencer Victoria Chiang told Footwear News in December.

She continued: "We’ve already seen brands try to merge fashion with their trail/outdoor silhouettes such as Asics, New Balance, and even Balenciaga. I think we'll see a rise in this from other brands where they completely revamp or re-create styles in the trail/outdoor landscape."

SEE ALSO: Experts say this is what everyone will be wearing in 2019

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Wasabi is so expensive that the paste you eat with your sushi probably has less than 5% of the real thing

This startup's vegan leather bags could fool anyone into thinking they're real — and they're all under $200

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If you're a conscientious shopper – or someone who appreciates on-trend bags for under $200 – you probably know the name Matt & Nat.

The Canadian company produces everything from tiny dog accessories to surprisingly luxe-looking bags without using animal products.

Though the label is technically vegan, it's also increasingly a mainstay for shoppers who may not initially be able to tell the difference. Despite their looks, these bags are accessibly priced and easy to find (they're available at ZapposNordstromUrban OutfittersAmazon and on their home site).

The collection runs the gamut from clutches to backpacks to weekenders, but most cost between $100 - $175.  The ruling design theme finds a sweet spot of rich minimalist color palettes and clean, structured silhouettes that appear distinctly "en vogue" from a distance.

As an added incentive for the conscientious customer, the company uses recycled water bottles for their bag's linings, recycling approximately 21 bottles per bag since implementing the practice in 2007. Recently, the label also started using recycled bicycle tires as new material. 

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However, it's worth mentioning that shopping for vegan bags can be a complicated matter if its ethics are your motivators. Some companies (Matt & Nat included) source comparatively eco-friendly materials like nylon, cork, and rubber, but popular synthetic vegan leathers aren’t good for the environment, and some, like PVC, have a pretty significant impact. If you feel drawn to both eco-friendly causes and animal rights (and don’t conveniently fall in love with something made out of cork), it comes down to which values you feel most strongly about prioritizing — or which you feel most confident you can sufficiently supplement in other areas of your life.

In an effort to buck this caveat of vegan bags, Matt & Nat says they have been experimenting with different recycled materials (such as the aforementioned recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, and cork) to produce a more sustainable collection, as well as a cruelty-free one. 

Independent from its veganism, though, the company's on-trend, inventive, and intuitively minimalist designs are perhaps incentive enough — especially with a product line that somehow doesn't top $200.

Since buying vegan bags online can be hit or miss, we took a look at a few Matt & Nat bags in person. If you want to know a bit more before deciding if it's worth getting one for yourself, check out our individual experiences below.

We tested the Matt & Nat bags in person. Here's what we thought:

Sheenan

Sheenan, $155

Matt & Nat offers a huge variety of bags, and they all look so stylish and versatile that the availability of choices is honestly a bit of curse. In the end, I decided on the Sheenan, a mid-sized doctor bag that’s structured, polished, and great for work. I liked how stiff the body and handles were, and it was a nice change from my handbags that I’ve now realized can be too malleable to look put-together. The flat bottom of the main compartment helped keep my belongings organized, and there were just enough pockets (but not too many) for essentials like my MetroCard, keys, and office ID. It can be worn crossbody, which was my preferred method, but the straps can also be adjusted for length or removed depending on your preferred look and feel. – Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter



Laverne

Laverne, $160

The Laverne is basically the vegan magazine tote. It's deep enough for papers and notebooks, has a padded laptop pocket, and is sturdy enough to survive less-than-gentle handling. In terms of looks, the stiff body gives it a polished feel, the logo is small and inoffensive, and the color is the same beautiful dark merlot in person. 

The Laverne has been a great companion the last couple of weeks. It's substantial enough to have some structure even when empty, the color is beautiful for fall, and it's a perfect mix to have a deep internal pocket that can fit a laptop and a small, unobtrusive side pocket for easy access to a cell phone or subway pass. 

I prefer vertical work bags since most of my commute is spent crammed alongside other people using public transportation, and this bag has the added functional benefit of being made from a material that can remain stiff and compact and won't wither in inclement weather. – Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter



Mitsuko LG, Chili Brown

Mitsuko LG, $185

This weekender is the vegan version of the leather one I've always wanted. It's well-structured enough that I no longer feel the need to spend $400 on a leather alternative, which is really saying something considering that this duffel has been on my wishlist for years.

I love that the Mitsuko has a cavernous interior (which will hold at least two full days and nights worth of clothing), and that it comes with a shoulder strap I can pop on when I need and off when I want. The one gripe I have is with the zipper, which isn't as smooth as I'd like it to be, but overall I'm really impressed with this one by Matt & Nat. – Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor



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We went shopping at Payless 3 days after it filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 2 years — and it's clear why the store is dying

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  • Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
  • This is the second time in two years that the company has filed for bankruptcy.
  • The store has struggled in recent years due to big competition from fast-fashion brands like Forever 21 and larger retailers alike. Its less-than-optimal online-shopping experience has also failed to give the company an edge.
  • We went shopping at a Payless location days after the company's announcement and found outdated styles and dull shoe displays.
  • Here's what it was like inside.

SEE ALSO: We went shopping at GameStop and saw why it's struggling in a new era for video games

We visited the Payless ShoeSource location at 934 Market Street in San Francisco, California.



This is one of roughly 2,500 stores in North America that will be closing following the company's bankruptcy filing.

Source: Business Insider



There were posters advertising the store's closing displayed on the windows.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Patriots owner Bob Kraft was just charged with soliciting prostitution. Here's how he made his $4.3 billion fortune, from working at his father-in-law's packaging company to buying the NFL team for $172 million.

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Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution on Friday.

Kraft, who also owns two-and-a-half paper companies, a shopping mall, an office park, and a soccer team, is worth at least $4.36 billion — although another estimate puts his net worth at $6.6 billion.

Here's a look at the wealth, career, and life of the Patriots owner.

SEE ALSO: Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged with 2 counts of soliciting prostitution

DON'T MISS: Trump called New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft every week for a year to console him after his wife's death

Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the NFL's New England Patriots, is worth an estimated $4.36 billion, according to Bloomberg. Forbes, however, estimates a higher net worth of $6.6 billion.

Source: BloombergForbes



The Patriots owner was charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution on February 22, 2019.

Source: Business Insider



Kraft made his fortune in paper manufacturing.

Source: Forbes via Business Insider



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The best rowing machines you can buy

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Best Rowing Machines

  • With a rowing machine, you reap the benefits of a high-cardio, low-impact, muscle-strengthening, calorie-burning sport from the comfort of your home.
  • Best of all, you don't have to go find an actual body of water, climb into a real boat, and get wet to get a good row workout in.
  • The Concept2 Model D with PM5 Performance Monitor Indoor Rowing Machine is our top pick for its smooth operation, ergonomic design, solid construction, and admirable durability.

Almost 20 years ago, my husband bought a Concept2 rowing machine that I use every once in a while but should use more often.

Rowing machines offer a full-body workout that can burn anywhere from 210 to 377 calories — depending on your weight — in just 30 minutes. If 30 minutes seems too long at first, you can build up to it, gliding along while listening to a podcast or watching a video.

This low-impact, high-cardio exercise is suitable for people from high school and college competitors to retirees in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.

With many different kinds of rowing machines out there, it’s important to examine each model to choose one that best serves your needs and keeps you motivated and injury-free. You’ll want to consider features like:

  • Resistance: Different types of resistance include magnetic (electromagnets slow the erg’s metal flywheel), air (wind from the spinning flywheel creates drag), hydraulic (resistance is created by hydraulic fluid in a piston or two connected to the erg’s handles), and water (the flywheel pushes against water in a tank).
  • Size: The machine needs to be not only large enough for you to straighten your legs and maintain proper rowing form, but also small enough to fit into your workout space.
  • Maximum user weight capacity: Models vary in how much they can support, but many can accommodate 220 to 265 pounds or more.
  • Foldability: Some machines (usually magnetic and hydraulic resistance) fold up for easy storage but some others (often air and water resistance) don’t.
  • Monitor: A monitor or computer tracks information like distance, duration, speed, and/or calories burned, etc. while rowing.
  • Seat:It should be contoured and large enough to keep your backside comfortable to maintain proper form and not make you want to hop off early.

We read much feedback about rowing technique and machines from fitness experts, rowing athletes, and people who've bought rowing machines to select these five excellent and very different models.

Here are the best rowing machines you can buy:

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

The best rowing machine overall

Why you’ll love it: The Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine brings the gym to your home with its sturdy build, smooth gliding action, comfortable design, and superb quality.

Concept2 is one of the best manufacturers in rowing machines, and the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine lives up to its name. This machine earned top ratings from multiple fitness sites, including FitnessStep1, Fitness Equipment Reviews, and TopFitness Magazine.

Around 93% of almost 2,000 Amazon shoppers rated this model five out of five stars. A wide variety of rowers — as short as 5-foot-0, as tall as 6-foot-8, novice, expert, suffering from arthritic knees, as old as 75-years-old — love this machine's solid aluminum front legs, steel rear legs, a flywheel with air resistance, and maximum user weight capacity of 500 pounds.

Essential for executing powerful and uninterrupted strokes, the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine’s flywheel has a damper for adjusting air resistance. Nonetheless, you ultimately control resistance yourself. The harder and faster you row, the more wind the flywheel generates, and the more drag you’ll feel.

With an air resistance rowing machine, you’d expect a bit of noise but not so with the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine. Although it's not silent, it’s quiet enough for rowers to listen to music or watch television at a normal volume during workouts.

The easy-to-read performance monitor (PM5) tracks stroke rate, calories expended, distance, pace, and watts. It has several built-in programmable workouts and games to motivate you during our workout. Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble, this large erg can be taken apart and rolled for storage.

Finally, although the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine isn’t inexpensive, satisfied shoppers say it’s a worthwhile investment in your health and comes with limited five- and two-year warranties.

Pros: Smooth gliding operation, ease of assembly, large size to accommodate tall people

Cons: Pricey and requires a bit of space (9 feet by 4 feet) but worth it

Buy the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine on Amazon for $945



The best budget rowing machine

Why you’ll love it: At a very reasonable price, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine offers a versatile workout with its independently moving arms and smooth hydraulic resistance for continuous rowing action.  

The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is small but mighty — and an excellent value at $120. Although it's compact and quiet, this hydraulic resistance rowing machine provides a big workout with a smoothly gliding padded seat and “free” or separate arms for a full-body workout.

What makes the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine so special is its versatility in arm movements. Unlike many models where you pull a single handle attached to a chain or cord, this erg has two arms that allow for a full range of motion and mimic real boat-rowing movements.

You can row forward or backward, move your arms in circular directions, pull the handles close together for a conventional stroke, and hold the grips apart to exercise different arm, shoulder, and upper back muscles. Because the arms operate independently of each other, you can keep not use one arm in order to concentrate on the other arm.

Sturdy with a steel frame and aluminum center beam, the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine supports up to 250 pounds. It assembles easily and folds up for storage. The single hydraulic piston/cylinder is located under the unit for convenient adjustment with a manual control dial.

The Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine maintains several different, consistent levels of resistance for almost 30 minutes of hard rowing. As with most hydraulic rowers, nonetheless, fluid in the hydraulic piston heats up, which decreases resistance. When this happens, you’ll need to pause and increase the resistance setting. Be careful: Turn the control dial itself, not the heated piston/cylinder. Another downside to hydraulic resistance models is the chance of the piston leaking oil.

Another nice feature of the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is its simple and easy-to-use monitor, which features more functions than you'd expect on a machine this affordable. It was named “Best Budget Rowing Machine” by Home Rower, listed among the top two rowing machines on Fitness Equipment Reviews, and rated an average of 4/5 stars by almost 2,400 Amazon reviewers.

Pros: Low price,independent arms for a full range of movement, and ease of assembly and folding

Cons: Resistance declines as piston heats up during long rowing sessions; short warranty (90 days for parts/one year for frame)

Buy the Stamina BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine on Amazon for $123.53



The best water resistance rowing machine

Why you’ll love it: The elegant WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine uses water resistance to make you feel like you’re truly sculling on the open water.

For an indoor rowing machine, the WaterRower Natural Rowing Machine comes closest to recreating the sensation of actual outdoor rowing as its flywheel pushes through water in a heavy-duty tank. Many reviewers love the soft and soothing swooshing sounds of water while rowing.

In addition to controlling resistance through your strokes — the harder and faster you row, the greater drag the flywheel encounters — you can increase resistance by adding water to the tank. Simple physics: The more water there is, the heavier the drag against the flywheel is, and the harder your workout is.

Maintenance is easy: Fill the tank using the included siphon pump and drop a chlorine tablet into the tank every six months — no need to empty it, even before storing. In fact, although this machine doesn’t fold up, it’s easy to store upright and the weight of the water stabilizes the erg in an upright position.

It's very attractive, too, so you may want to put the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine’s gorgeous appearance of a solidly constructed ash-wood frame with honey-oak stain on display. Several Amazon reviewers commented that it looks less like exercise equipment and more like artwork or furniture. This machine even appeared on the hit TV series “House of Cards."

You can assemble the frame without any tools, and the instructions come on a DVD. Because wood expands and contracts due to environmental conditions, you may need to tighten the bolts every once in a while.

With a comfortable, stable seat that rolls smoothly along dual rails, you’ll experience an excellent workout where you can keep track of distance, time, and calories burned as displayed on the S4 monitor. For such a pricey the rowing machine, though, reviewers expected more functions. What they do like are the three-year parts/five-year frame warranties as well as the erg’s durability.

Lots of people love the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine— around 77% of more 253 Amazon reviewers gave it five out of five stars. Garage Gym Builder named it one of the top five water-resistance models, and Fitness Equipment Reviews listed it within the top 10 best rowing machines.

Pros: Gorgeous appearance, meditative whooshing sounds, and simulation of open-water rowing sensations 

Cons: Expensive, monitor is fine but limited

Buy the Water Rower Natural Rowing Machine on Amazon for $1,160



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26 beauty and skin-care products that are trending on Amazon right now

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Amazon's Movers and Shakers list is full of eye-catching items from the site's top trending products. You'll find over 30 categories of Amazon's best sellers and dozens of interesting finds in each. 

Some products are consistent performers, while others are unique finds that sparked interest among Amazon shoppers. No matter the product, this section of the site provides interesting insight into what people are buying. 

Being an avid beauty follower, I decided to take a closer look into the top-trending beauty and personal care items on the list. I found acclaimed face serums that seem to get increasingly popular by the day, but I also found more unique products like blackhead vacuums and Aztec healing clay that rose above thousands of other products on the site.

Check out some of the top Movers and Shakers beauty finds below.

SEE ALSO: Insider Picks Guides

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum, $19.99

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Eating enough citrus to get our daily recommended value of vitamin C is a tough task, but giving your skin a heavy dose is much easier. This vitamin C serum created by TruSkin is said to increase collagen production (without the need to down a glass of orange juice). Benefits include skin-brightening and a reduction in signs of wrinkles and dark spots.



Heeta Hair Scalp Massager

Heeta Hair Scalp Massager, $7.58

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The Heeta scalp massager is a waterproof tool that can be used on various types and lengths of hair. The brush is used in the shower to massage your scalp and promote blood circulation — meaning you can get that salon-like head massage in your own home. 



Sunatoria Black Mask Blackhead Remover

Sunatoria Black Mask Blackhead Remover, $15.94

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

This product has received five stars, and reviewers seem extremely pleased with the application process and results. The Sunatoria blackhead-removing acne treatment comes in the form of a charcoal peel-off mask that purifies and exfoliates skin while helping to reduce fine lines and pore size. 



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13 home organization purchases that we swear by for our own apartments

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An ongoing plague of domestic bliss is simply not being organized. 

The more things we acquire, the more storage space we need so we have somewhere to put them. That storage also backs up the reasonable expectation (and hope) that, when the time comes, we will be able to find the random electrical cord we now realize we do need.

Organization helps us get the most value out of the things we buy to make our lives easier and more enjoyable, as well as making the most efficient and clutter-free use of the space we inhabit. 

And if you don't believe that, you've never spent more than ten minutes rifling through the designated "Tupperware drawer" in search of the imaginary lid that'll fit the container you've already dumped your meal into.

To aggregate some wisdom from the experts (aka professional product reviewers with lots of clutter and little NYC space), I asked the Insider Picks team about their favorite personal organizational purchases to share with you.

Below are the best home organizational tools we've bought for ourselves:

SEE ALSO: I slept on Casper's new high-end 'Wave' mattress to see if it's worth buying — and it's truly a marvel of engineering

Baskets for specific categories of items

Trademark Innovations Foldable Hyacinth Storage Basket with Iron Wire Frame, Set of 5, $69.89, available at Amazon

"I swear by baskets as my home's most useful organizational tool. I use these baskets (which fit perfectly into our various IKEA shelving units) to hold specific categories of items — one for bath towels, one for Tupperware, one for our miscellaneous tech chargers, etc. They have helped me keep every room extremely organized with very little visual clutter. I also use much larger baskets to hold things like extra sheets and blankets. They basically just create an aesthetically appealing means for storing items you otherwise wouldn't have room for." - Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor 



A Rolodex to organize credit cards all in one easy place

Rolodex Business Card Book 96-Card, $19, available at Amazon

"While it may be overkill (okay, fine, it’s definitely overkill), this is one of my favorite organizational tools. I’ve signed up for a bunch of credit cards to earn the signup bonuses and take advantage of benefits, and I keep track of all of them by using the Rolodex business card book. I also keep things like loyalty program cards, insurance cards, unused gift cards, and other things in here. It helps me know where everything is and keep them organized, and, since it holds 96 cards, I have plenty of room to spare." - David Slotnick, senior Insider Picks reporter



A 4-drawer rolling cart with a built-in divider for everything from art supplies to toiletries

IRIS 4-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart with Organizer Top, $25.90, available at Amazon

"With its two deep drawers and two shallow drawers, this plastic cart is perfect for storing and organizing the random knick-knacks of my room, including art supplies, toiletries, and small tools. Meanwhile, I use the built-in divider tray to hold candles and tiny perfume samples. You can also add wheels to make it easier to move around." - Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter



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