Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• 85% of Athleta's redesigned swimwear collection is made from sustainable materials like recycled nylon, putting the company one step closer towards its 2020 goal of making 80% of its materials with sustainable fibers. 
• Performance and style aren't compromised in the process. The supportive, comfortable suits are perfect for active lifestyles, while the UV-protective fabric keeps up with long, summer days under the sun. All the styles are cute, ranging from classic to trendy. 
• We tried some of the bikini tops ($49-$79), bottoms ($49-$69), and one-pieces ($98-$128) and found that Athleta's three-year process of making the swim collection paid off. 

If you're an active woman, you might already know that Athleta is a great place to find all the apparel to help you perform on land, from the leggings you run in and the work-appropriate pieces that are okay to sweat in, down to the underwear you'll be surprised to find really does make a difference. 

This summer, it's also one of our recommended places to get a swimsuit. 

As part of Athleta's 2020 goal of making 80% of its materials with sustainable fibers, it recently released a new swimwear collection with 85% of the fabrics made from recycled materials. 

These two new fabrics are called AquaRib Econyl, made from 100% regenerated nylon fiber from fishing nets, and H2Eco, made from recycled nylon. In making the H2Eco fabric, Athleta has already diverted more than 39,000 pounds of waste from landfills. 

Read more: The best women's swimsuits you can buy

Athleta CMO Sheila Shekar Pollak says, "As a B Corp, we take our role in protecting our planet for the next generation seriously and have incorporated this mission into everything we do. At our size, we know we can make a big impact on perception, on demand, and ultimately on the industry." 

More and more companies are making products from unexpected but sustainable materials such as recycled plastic water bottles. We've discovered time and again that there's often little to no compromise in quality, efficacy, and price of the final product, and Athleta's swimwear is no exception to this positive revelation. 

The supportive and stretchy suits let you move around comfortably in and by the water, and since they have a UPF rating (how well the fabric protects against UV rays) of 50+, you won't have to cut your summer swim time short. The material also dries quickly so you're not wallowing and soaking in a clingy, too-wet suit. 

Read more: The best active swimsuits for women

You have tons of styles to choose from, including classic cuts and solid colors, as well as more flashy or fashion-forward pieces. Right now, the collection has more than 400 items. Bikini tops cost $49-$79, bottoms $49-$69, and one-pieces $98-$128. 

4 women at Insider Picks tried these stylish and sustainable swimsuits from Athleta— here's what we thought:

Adriata Bikini Top, $59, available in 2 colors and Freestyle Camo Bottom, $59, available in 1 color

Athleta swim surprised me in the best possible way. It’s flattering, comfortable, and built for summer days spent laying on a chair beachside or spiking the ball on a sandy volleyball court.

Sometimes swimwear sizing can be tough to gauge online — I’ll order the recommended option for my cup size as I did here (typically medium), and wind up guessing on bottoms (I fluctuate between 26-27 and wear a size four in jeans). I went true-to-size here and got small bottoms and the fit is unusually perfect — not so loose you’re afraid you’ll lose them in an unfortunate wave, and not so tight that it looks like you no longer fit in them. As Francesca notes (below), the best thing about Athleta’s suits may be that they simply sit on top of you, rather than adding segments or panty lines.

All in all, I didn’t expect to love Athleta swim as much as more expensive designer pairs I’ve wound up buying in the past, but these are a great foolproof pair to feel comfortable and confident in — which is ideally the point. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Loop Back One Piece, $108, available in 3 colors:

When it comes to bathing suits, I usually keep it pretty simple. I never purchase a red bathing suit because I feel like red is a bold statement, and also the color lifeguards wear. This time, I decided to just go for it. I chose the Loop Back one piece suit in, you guessed it, red! It didn't look too risqué or like a lifeguard’s uniform.

When I tried it on, I liked the adjustable straps and the ability to create a perfect fit without compromising the intricate, and cute, back. It also felt comfortable around the thighs and butt. Some bathing suits can feel so tight and squeeze you in all the wrong places, but the Loop Back suit sat nicely on my entire body. The one thing I would note is that the cups felt pretty stiff. I’m assuming, with wear, they’ll soften up.

It’s still too cold to really get use out of this suit, but I splashed some water on the fabric and cups, and they both dried fairly quickly. I’m excited to put it on and take a dip this summer! —Francesca Rea, Insider Picks content producer 

Wrap Halter Bikini Top, $69, available in 7 colors and Twist Bottom, $49, available in 7 colors: 

The classic halter style is given an update with a wrap-around add-on here. The wrap, which is an additional layer attached to the cups, isn't only a stylish look — it also provides more support around your bust so you feel extra secure, and the back ties give you a more personalized fit. 

This top has an underwire, which I personally prefer in my swimsuits for both the aesthetic and functional support, while the cups dry quickly and are removable. I agree with Francesca's point above — they are slightly stiff, though not uncomfortable. 

I loved the Twist Bottom because the cut and fit are the Goldilocks "just right," medium seat-medium rise standard, but they look more interesting than a regular triangle bottom. The twist waistband is flattering and even more importantly if you plan on spending all day at the beach, always comfortable. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

South Swell Bikini Top, $49, available in 9 colors: 

I’ve shopped at Athleta for years and I have been happy with every one of my purchases from the store, so I was eager to see how the sustainable swim line matched up to the quality of the rest of their products.

Every once in a while I'll go with a bold print, but I typically play it safe and go with a solid style that provides a clean look. I chose this simple top and was happy to find that the color was eye-catching, but not to the point of being obnoxious.

I loved the overall style of the suit and liked the sporty look of the top. I wasn’t too fond of the material because it felt a little more rigid and less elastic than what I'm used to, but it still had enough stretch to be comfortable while moving around.

The suit looked and fit wonderfully, but due to my preference for a little more stretchiness, it probably won’t be my go-to for the summer months. With that being said, I would still recommend it to anyone looking to be more eco-friendly with their wardrobe. —Megan Foster, Insider Picks intern

The bottom line

All in all, we were pleased to find that Athleta's swimsuits could be comfortable, performance-optimized, and stylish at the same time.

As you look for ways to reduce your environmental impact, the collection is a reminder that even the small things — like a bikini top — can make a difference. 

Shop all swimsuits at Athleta here

Join the conversation about this story »

On Wednesday, "Captain Marvel" joined several other Marvel movies to reach $1 billion in less than a month.

It took "Captain Marvel" 26 days, but others, like "Avengers: Infinity War," far less.

"Infinity War" was one of five movies released in 2018 to cross the $1 billion mark last year year. "Captain Marvel" is the first to do so in 2019.

We ranked these movies by the days it took each film to gross $1 billion worldwide, and we used each film's gross on the day it passed $1 billion to break any ties. 

Here are the 16 movies that made $1 billion at the global box office in less than a month:

SEE ALSO: 'Captain Marvel' has made $1 billion at the global box office — here were the 5 movies from 2018 to hit that milestone

16. "Beauty and the Beast" — 29 days

Release date: March 17, 2017

Date it crossed $1 billion:April 12, 2017

Box office total: $1,263,521,126

15. "Captain Marvel" — 26 days

Release date: March 8, 2019

Date it crossed $1 billion: April 3, 2019

Box office total (so far): $1 billion

14. "Captain America: Civil War" — 24 days

Release date: April 27, 2016

Date it crossed $1 billion: May 20, 2016

Box office total: $1,153,304,495
 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Every time I go to my local grocery store, a general home goods store, or Target, I'm surprised at the sheer amount of kitchen gadgets and cooking tools that exist. It seems like there's a slicer, dicer, peeler, and chopper for just about every fruit and vegetable. There are different spatulas and pans for cooking all sorts of things. You can even get machines that are made to only make waffles. 

When shopping for your kitchen, many of these little gadgets and tools may seem frivolous. You may be left to wonder, "Will I actually use that avocado slicer? Or would a regular knife suffice?" 

To help you answer that pressing question, and others like it, we rounded up our favorite handy kitchen gadgets and cooking tools we've come to rely on.

Keep reading for 21 clever cooking tools you didn't know you needed:

A foldable cutting board

Joseph Joseph Foldable Cutting Board, available at Amazon, $15.94

If you do a lot of batch cooking or you tend to prepare meals that require lots of chopping, you need this cutting board. The handle makes it easy to hold and maneuver around the kitchen, and the foldable sides ensure that nothing falls off the board while you do so. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks Reporter

A handheld citrus juicer

Cucisina Lemon Juicer, available at Amazon, $5.88

If you frequently cook with lemons or limes, or you just make a lot of guacamole, you need this $7 tool in your drawer. It stops seeds falling into your food and ensures you get every last drop of juice. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks Senior Editor

A hand mixer

Breville Hand Mixer, available at Amazon, $129.94

I don’t have the space for a KitchenAid stand mixer in my small New York City apartment, so I opted for a Breville hand mixer instead — and woah, I did not realize how effortless it could be to prepare cookie doughs and cake batters. I especially like this mixer’s easy-to-adjust speed control and built-in light. It comes with three different types of attachments and a see-through container to store both the attachments and the device itself. — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks Senior Editor

• You can delete channels from Roku in a few quick steps. This can either be done in two ways on the device itself, or through the Roku mobile app.
• Be sure to check a paid channel's subscription status before removing it. Channel subscriptions are typically prepaid and will auto renew unless cancelled. Merely removing the channel won't cancel that subscription.
• Removing a channel on one Roku device will remove it from all your devices that are connected to the same Roku account, since channels are associated with that account.
• You cannot remove Roku channels cannot through Roku.com.

When you're looking to delete a channel from your Roku device, there are a few things you should consider.

Before removing a paid channel, check its subscription status at my.roku.com to determine if it is billed through your Roku account.

Channel subscriptions are typically prepaid and will auto renew unless cancelled. You must cancel the subscription associated with a paid channel before you can remove it from your account.

The process of removing channels from Roku is quick and easy. You can remove a channel through your Roku device or the Roku mobile app. Here's how:

How to remove a channel from your channel lineup on the Roku device

1. From the Home screen, find the channel you want to remove and press the star button (*) on your remote to open the channel details.

2. Select "Remove channel" from the list of options and press OK on the remote.

3. Confirm your choice to remove the channel by selecting "Remove" and pressing OK.

How to remove an installed channel from the Roku Channel Store on the Roku device

1. From the menu on the left, scroll to find Streaming Channels. Press OK to open the Channel Store.

2. Scroll to find the channel you wish to remove. Press OK to open the channel details.

3. Select "Remove channel" from the list of options. Confirm your choice when prompted by the onscreen dialog box.

Installed channels are indicated by a small checkmark in the lower right corner of a channel tile.

How to remove a channel using the Roku mobile app

The Roku app is available for free on iOS and Android mobile devices. Install the app if needed before beginning.

1. Launch the Roku mobile app.

2. Tap the Channels menu at the bottom of the of the app.

3. Tap My Channels at the top, to open your list of installed channels.

4. Find the channel you wish to remove and long-press its icon to open the channel details screen. Just tapping the channel icon will start the channel and open the Roku remote on the app.

5. From the channel details screen, tap Remove. You will be prompted to confirm your choice. Once confirmed, the channel will be deleted.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to restart your Roku device when it's freezing or running slowly

• How to turn off any Roku device

• How to add channels to your Roku device in three ways

• How to factory reset a Roku device

SEE ALSO: The best streaming sticks and boxes you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• A growing number of couples are waiting until later in life to get married, and many live together before they do so.
• Since they may not need — or want — traditional wedding gifts, REI just revamped its wedding registry to make it easier to gift adventure. 
• Below are 34 of the top selling REI wedding registry gifts to give you an idea of what you may want to add.
• Right now, REI members get 20% off one full-price item, plus an extra 20% off one REI outlet item. This covers many of the gifts below. Use the code "MEMPERK2019" at checkout now through April 8 for the discount. 

As more couples choose to get married later in life — and to live together beforehand — the fewer domestic trappings they will need from wedding guests.

That reality, combined with a burgeoning prioritization of experiences rather than strictly material goods, makes seemingly alternative wedding registry options all the more appealing.

Take REI's wedding registry for instance, which the Co-op recently revamped to keep up with the desire to gift modern, outdoorsy couples both practical gifts and those handpicked for a shared adventure or many. 

Here are a few of the perks to the new REI registry:

1. No membership needed: Couples don't need to be REI members to make a registry, but we'd highly recommend it so you can stack the perks together.
2. Shop anytime, anywhere: Purchase registry gifts online, over the phone, or in person at any REI store. You'll also get expert advice in-store and online if you're unfamiliar with something and want a second opinion or guiding light.
3. In-store mobile scanning: Scan in-store items using your cell phone to add them directly to your registry. You can also do it online.
4. Easy shipping: Most orders over $50 ship free — seeing as this is often the benchmark for wedding gifts, most guests won't have to pay at all for shipping.
5. Return policy: In case you wind up with duplicates — or just have a change of heart — REI purchases can be returned within a year.
6. Alerts on inventory level: You can receive alerts when inventory is low on an item, and when something is back in stock. Guests can also see inventory levels, so they can prioritize what to give.
7. Extra savings on any un-purchased gifts: After your event, save 10% on any unfulfilled items from your registry.
8. Feel-good gifts: A gift purchase from REI should benefit the long-term health of the outdoors, so you can keep enjoying them for longer. As a member-owned co-op, REI annually gives 70% of its profits back to the outdoor community through dividends to REI members, employee retirement, and investments in nonprofits dedicated to the outdoors.

To give you an idea of where you could begin with an REI wedding registry, I've compiled the 37 gifts most commonly purchased for a jumping off point. Whether you're shopping for your own registry ideas or for a supplement to a gift you already bought, you can't go wrong with the below. And, if all goes wrong, just get them a YETI cooler — according to the list below, your odds of them liking it are pretty good. 

Shopping tip:

• Right now, REI members get 20% off one full-price item, plus an extra 20% off one REI outlet item. This covers many of the gifts below. Use the code "MEMPERK2019" at checkout now through April 8 for the discount. Sign up for a lifetime REI membership for $20 here. 

We also have a comparison of some of the most popular wedding registries here, if you're still looking.

Below are 34 of REI's wedding registry top sellers for inspiration:

$25 REI gift card

REI Co-Op $25 Gift Card

Considering this is the site's top seller, you may be best off just letting them decide what they need, when they need it. 

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler, $350

This 57.6-liter capacity cooler was built to take a beating (if REI's photos of a bear attacking it aren't enough insurance of this). It'll hold 39 cans and plenty of ice, and has been constructed with extra-thick walls and Rotomolded polyethylene, the same process used to make whitewater kayaks, for excellent impact resistance and long-lasting durability.

The other three most-requested hard-shelled Yeti coolers are the Roadie 20 Cooler ($200) and the Tundra 35 Cooler ($250) and Tundra 45 Cooler ($300). Here, the main difference is size. The Roadie is a relatively small travel-companion at 18.9-liters, the Tundra 35 is 28.2-liters, and the Tundra 45 is 32.9-liters.

The North Face Dolomite 20 Double Sleeping Bag

The North Face Dolomite 20 Double Sleeping Bag, $169.95

With ample room to comfortably fit both of the lovebirds, The North Face Dolomite Double sleeping bag features synthetic insulation and upgraded fabric for warmth in temperatures down to 20°F.

• A 17,000-bottle wine collection sold for nearly $30 million over the weekend at a Sotheby's auction, Bloomberg reported.
• The collection exceeded its estimated sale price by almost $4 million.
• The sale crushed the previous record for a private wine collection — a highly-anticipated 2016 sale totaling $22 million — by a whopping $8 million.

A recent Sotheby's auction exceeded all expectations: A 17,000-bottle collection spanning nearly five decades sold for almost $4 million more than its estimated sale price.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the collection sold for $29.8 million this past weekend at the Tran-scend-ent Wines auction. Estimates leading up to the auction put the collection's anticipated price around $26 million. The auction took place in Hong Kong; China is quickly becoming one of the world's largest wine markets.

The sale set a new record for the highest value private wine collection ever sold at auction, surpassing a record previously held by billionaire Bill Koch's collection. Koch's 20,000-bottle collection sold for almost $22 million at a New York auction in 2016.

This latest Sotheby's wine auction joins the ranks of other high-stakes wine auctions, where single cases have sold for as high as $363,000.

This rare collection included "grand cru" — or first-class — Burgundies and Bordeaux from an anonymous owner. According to Bloomberg, Sotheby's has yet to disclose the seller, though he was described as a "fifth-generation property developer."

The past year has seen several record-shattering liquor sales, including a single bottle of 60-year-old Macallan that sold for $1.1 million at auction. The sale set the record for the most expensive bottle of whiskey ever sold, only to be surpassed a month later by another bottle of Macallan, which sold for $1.5 million.

SEE ALSO: There are 3 staples every wine cellar should have, according to an expert at Christie's

Join the conversation about this story »

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• If you know your iPad's password, you can change it easily in the Settings menu.
• If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll have to reset the iPad by either logging in at iCloud.com, or by connecting it to a computer with iTunes.
• If you have access to the iPad via Touch ID or Face ID (which expire), make sure to backup your device and reset it.   

Whether you've forgotten your iPad password for the umpteenth time, or need to change it ASAP now that your annoying older brother knows the code, it's easy to update your iPad password once you know how.

Here are the steps you need to follow to reset your passcode:

How to reset your passcode if you know what the passcode is

If you know your current passcode but for one reason or another want to reset it, then you should do the following:

1. Log in to your iPad using your current passcode or, depending on your iPad model, use Touch ID or Face ID.

2. Go to the Settings app, which looks like a gray gear.

3. Scroll down to "Passcode," which on newer devices may be called "Touch ID & Passcode"

4. Enter your current passcode and scroll down to "Change Passcode." You will have to enter your current passcode again.

5. You can now enter your 6-Digit Numeric passcode, or click on "Passcode Options" to set a Custom Alphanumeric Code, Custom Numeric Code, or the classic 4-Digit Numeric Code.

6. Enter your passcode twice and voila, you're done!

How to reset your iPad's passcode if you forget it

If you have an iPad that supports Touch or Face ID, you might not think that this is a big issue. But to access certain security settings, you'll need your passcode.

Additionally, if your iPad ever turns off you'll need to use your passcode once it turns back on before you can use Touch ID or Face ID again.

The only way to fix this issue is to fully reset your iPad to its factory defaults. If you have a newer model and are still able to access your device using Touch ID or Face ID, login and backup the iPad to the iCloud or a computer before resetting.

If you cannot access your iPad, you'll unfortunately have to say goodbye to your data.

You have two options for resetting your iPad: connecting it to a computer you've previously synced it with, or by logging into your iCloud account online. Once your device has been wiped and is reset, you'll have the opportunity to restore a previous backup or set it up as a new iPad.

How to use a synced computer with iTunes to reset your iPad

If you have previously synced your iPad with iTunes on your computer and given your computer access to your device, you'll be able to use this method.

1. Plug your device into your computer and open iTunes. If possible, make sure your computer is connected to the internet.

2. You will now be able to access your iPad. If you are unable to access your iPad or it asks you to unlock your device, then you haven't previously used this computer and you will not be able to continue with this method.

3. Open the device in iTunes and click "Restore iPad."

4. It will ask if you're sure and warn you that doing this will wipe all your data from the iPad. Click "Restore."

5. Your iPad will be erased and restart as if it were a brand-new device. You can now set it up as a new iPad or restore it from a backup on your computer or the iCloud.

How to reset your iPad using your iCloud account

If you haven't previously synced your device with a computer, then you'll have to login to your iCloud account to reset your iPad. This method is usually used if your device is lost or stolen but can also be used if you've forgotten your passcode.

1. Go to iCloud.com and log in to your iCloud account.

2. Click on "Find My iPhone." At the top of the screen, click "All Devices," and select your iPad.

3. Click "Erase iPad."

4. It will warn you that all your data will be lost, and you won't be able to track the device anymore. Click "Erase."

5. Your device will be remotely accessed and reset to factory settings. You can now set it up as a new iPad, or restore it from a backup that you've saved to iCloud.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to factory reset your iPad

• How to sync your iPhone and iPad with your email, photos, text messages, and more

• How to restart and force-restart any iPad model

• How to backup your iPad to iCloud or a computer

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• I've used Crest Whitestrips a few times, and each time was impressed at just how well they whitened my teeth. But, after friends cautioned me not to use them, I got nervous that they may not be the safest whitening option out there.
• I reached out to oral care expert Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen to better understand the claims around the popular at-home whitening tool, and she explained why they're actually one of the most effective, affordable whitening products.
• For more at-home whitening options, check out the Insider Picks Guide to the best teeth whitening kits you can buy.

No matter how much we brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash, sometimes our teeth just don't look as bright as we'd like. Everyday habits — whether it's your daily cup of coffee, glass of red wine, or even a helping of soy sauce on the side of your favorite sushi — gradually take their toll on our chompers.

You could quit eating or drinking those things, but for most of us, that's the most unrealistic option. You could also go to your dentist for a professional whitening treatment, but those are particularly costly, and can be very painful especially if you have sensitive teeth. 

Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options nowadays that give you professional whitening results from the comfort of your own home. Crest Whitestrips are some of the more prolific at-home whitening kits, lining drugstore shelves just about everywhere. 

I've used Crest Whitestrips on and off for a while now, doing a set of strips every once a year or so. I usually just pick whatever options are available at my local drugstore, as every different pack I've tried has worked very well. All of the strips are thin, almost invisible, and have a no-slip grip that actually stays put. I love the convenience of these — it's easy to use them while watching television or while sitting at your desk at work.

While I love them, though, some of my peers have cautioned against using them, calling them unsafe or unhealthy for my teeth. Even though they didn't back these claims with any significant evidence, it was enough to make me question if I should search for a new whitening solution. 

In an effort to make an informed decision about how I chose to white my teeth, I reached out to a renowned New York City Orthodontist, Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen, DMD. Stoess-Allen practices at Park Avenue Orthodontics and is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, and New York County Dental Society, among others. 

How do Crest Whitestrips work?

While my own experiences have proved to me that these products do work well, I could not tell you the how or why. So, Dr. Stoess-Allen helped me better understand just that. After looking at the ingredients list for a few different Whitestrips products, it was clear the consistent ingredient in every product was hydrogen peroxide. Dr. Stoess-Allen says that hydrogen peroxide works to remove surface and deep stains on the teeth, as well as whiten them simultaneously. 

While you can also try bleach gels, pens, or whitening toothpastes (most of which also contain this ingredient), Whitestrips are particularly effective because they contact your teeth most directly. When comparing Crest White Luxe Glamorous Whitestrips to bleach gels and pens, Dr. Stoess-Allen found the strips to be the most effective bleaching agent. 

Are they safe?

Dr. Stoess-Allen confirmed that "None of the listed ingredients in Crest Whitestrips have [been] shown to be unhealthy or dangerous to the enamel of teeth" — she even recommends the products to her own patients. The concern may come from the use of hydrogen peroxide, which can be harsh when used in high percentages, or can make gums a little sore or teeth a little sensitive. But Dr. Stoess-Allen shared that "If the percentage of hydrogen peroxide is 10% or less, it is a very safe home-use product." Potential gum or tooth discomfort aside, the Crest White Luxe Glamorous Whitestrips' hydrogen peroxide concentration is 9.5%, which is, according to our expert, a perfectly safe level.

Bottom Line

"From the data that I have collected from recent studies," Dr. Stoess-Allen shared with us, "it appears that the Crest Luxe White Glamorous Whitestrips is the most effective DIY tooth bleaching product." She personally recommends these strips to her patients who are being treated with Invisalign clear aligners, explaining that "They can simply remove the aligners and still bleach their teeth even while undergoing tooth movement." 

Ultimately, this is an affordable product that gives serious results and is approved by the experts. If you're looking to spruce up your smile and make it really shine, you know what to do.

Shop all Crest Whitestrips products at Amazon

Get the Crest White Luxe Glamorous Whitestrips for $31.20 at Amazon

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• I've had the AeroGarden Harvest (currently $126.99 on Amazon) for four months now and I have grown dill that reaches 35 inches above the unit and basil that's literally the size of my palm. 
• AeroGarden's hydroponic and self-watering countertop gardens make it easy to grow your own herbs, flowers, greens, and vegetables with just water and patience.
• Even though most of the "planting" was already done by AeroGarden, watching your seeds germinate and grow is rewarding — and it's fun to use the herbs, veggies, and greens in your dishes.
• We also recommend a similar AeroGarden planter in our buying guide to the best herb gardens you can buy.

I'm not much of a cook, but damn, my seasoning game is on point. 

Okay, so it's largely due to the fact that my AeroGarden Harvest (currently $126.99 on Amazon) produces a jungle of fresh herbs that make me feel like Salt Bae, but still. 

My future sister-in-law bought the Harvest for my fiancé as a holiday gift (but we all know it's really mine), and four months later, it's truly the gift that keeps on giving. I mean, look at these basil leaves. 

The herbs take time to grow, but in the four months since we've had our Harvest, we're still weirdly filled with joy at the sight of our flourishing herb garden.   

Design

The Harvest is made up of a large base with a notch for the water reservoir and an extendable grow light hood. The whole thing measures 7.5 by 10.75 by 17 inches (at the tallest height). Low kitchen cabinets might not be able to accommodate the Harvest when the light hood is fully extended, but it shouldn't be a huge deal. We put ours on the corner of our kitchen table in our apartment.

The reservoir lid has six holes for the seed pods and a small opening for water, which I found to be too small every time because our table would suddenly turn into a kiddie pool. 

Our unit is gray plastic but there are more expensive options made with stainless steel i- you want to get fancy.

There's also a basic programmable LCD screen that shows you the time and reminds you to add water and nutrient solution — this has come in super handy since the herbs drink up a ton of water.

Read more: The best indoor herb gardens you can buy

Set-up process

Included in the box is the base unit, extendable grow light hood, water reservoir, six pre-planted pods and lids, and a bottle of nutritious plant food that smells funky but is highly effective. 

The six pods are pre-seeded to grow mint, dill, thyme, curly parsley, and two types of basil (Genovese and Thai). Each of the pods are labeled with the name of the herb, germination time, and the best area to place them within the base unit's grow area (front, middle, or back) depending on how tall they can get. 

You almost don't need to read the instructions because it's intuitive, but doing the steps out of order didn't really make a difference in my haste to start growing our herb garden. The correct way to do it, though, is to set the reservoir onto the base, plug the unit into an outlet, fill the reservoir with water, plop on the pods and lids accordingly, and then add the nutrient solution. After that's all done, set the time so the system can start self-watering every five minutes, and count how many days your pods have been planted and how many days until the next nutrient feeding.

The first few days after I set up our Harvest, I found myself staring at it as if the herbs would magically grow before my eyes (they didn't) and picking up the pods to see if roots had started appearing (they also didn't). Patience is a virtue that I obviously do not possess. 

What makes it stand out 

I never thought I'd say this but being able to grow your own food (even if it's just herbs) is kind of cool. I like that the unit is pretty self-contained and doesn't require any soil, so it's great for small spaces and people who don't want to deal with bugs and mess. 

And for us personally, I don't know what was in that nutrient water but it was like steroids for the herbs, especially the basil and dill. I purposely took the photo of the Harvest below next to a bottle of wine to show how ridiculously big my dill was, but for additional context, the dill measures 35 inches from the top of the water reservoir to the top of the plant, which also has started to flower at the very top. 

Read more: How to grow your own vegetables year-round without a garden 

Cons to consider

The biggest issue I had with the Harvest was the pod kit that came free with the unit. You only get to choose between a variety pack of herbs, flowers, salad greens, or vegetables. There's no option to choose only the herbs or flowers you want unless you buy a pod kit separately. 

The starter pod pack that came with our unit had six different types of herbs, but we really only liked the two types of basil so despite how freakishly cool it looked, the dill was a waste of space.

One of the pods also didn't germinate and instead grew weird white mold, which we later found out was actually normal, but we had already thrown out. 

Bottom line 

The AeroGarden Harvest is a fun herb garden that anyone can appreciate — it's easy to use and being able to say you grew the herbs that you're eating is cool. The unit isn't cheap, but the price can be justified because you're growing things that you would've bought otherwise so it saves you money in the long run. It'd also make you feel proud that, unlike your succulents, your herbs didn't die.

I like that it's compact and self-contained so it won't overwhelm even the tiniest of kitchenettes. I might've experienced a little bit of beginner's luck, but I'm actually super excited to see if I can ride this wave and grow a bodega's worth of flowers in my Harvest after this.

Pros: Easy to set up, fun to use, able to grow enough save on buying groceries and flowers 

Cons: Basic unit can feel flimsy, expensive for a novelty item, free starter pod kit can't be customized 

Buy the AeroGarden Harvest on Amazon for $128

Join the conversation about this story »

• Apple AirPods are not waterproof or water-resistant, so their use around water, on rainy days, or even during workouts puts them at risk of damage.
• Apple will not replace AirPods damaged by water; you will have to order a new pair if they are impaired or destroyed by exposure to liquid.
• Multiple other companies offer earbuds that work well with iPhones and iPads and that are reliably water-resistant.

Wireless, compact, and easy to use, Apple AirPods are one of the most convenient pieces of audio hardware out there these days.

While compatible with any Bluetooth device, they integrate seamlessly with any iPhone running iOS 10 or a later system. And ever since Apple removed the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7, this ease of connectivity is more important than ever.

AirPods offer up to five continuous hours of audio, they can be charged simply by putting them in their case, you can control many functions with a gentle tap, they allow you to take and make calls, and they work with Siri. Until they get wet, that is — then they probably won't work at all.

AirPods are not waterproof or water-resistant

Apple makes no claims that its AirPods resist water damage. In fact, they state quite clearly on a Support webpage that "Your AirPods and charging case aren't waterproof or water-resistant, so be careful not to get moisture in any openings."

And Apple won't cover damage caused by water — you'll have to replace your AirPods out of your own pocket.

So keep your AirPods dry by not wearing them in the rain, keeping them away from water, taking them out when you're going to be sweating, and by only cleaning them with a dry cloth or a soft bristled brush.

There are other water-resistant earbud options

AirPods are great thanks to their perfect pairing with other Apple devices, but if you want a set of earbuds you can wear while you exercise, while it rains, or when you're around water, then you need to look elsewhere.

If you don't mind a slender wire wrapping around the back of your neck, AUKEY offers their $59 water-resistant B80 earbuds for a hundred dollars less than a new set of Apple AirPods, and they will connect just fine with your iPhone.

A company called Zover even offers fully wire-free earbuds rated at IPX7 waterproofing that were designed for use during jogs or workouts, and at a reasonable price of $59.99.

On the higher-end side of things, the Bragi Dash Pro wireless headphonesare another pair that feature water resistance, though they clock in at $239 or more on Amazon. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to tell which kind of Apple headphones come included with an iPhone

• How to tell if your Apple Watch is waterproof or water-resistant, and to what extent

• How to tell if your iPhone is waterproof or water-resistant, and to what extent

• How to use AirPods and pair them with almost any phone or device

SEE ALSO: How to add link shortcuts to Business Insider and INSIDER on your iPhone or iPad

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A mathematician gave us the easiest explanation of pi and why it's so important

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Most of your "Dry Clean Only" clothes can actually be washed at home. You just need the right products. 
• The Laundress is the 15-year-old company recently acquired by Unilever that's making these safe, highly effective detergents and fabric care products. 
• Each highly concentrated bottle is filled with toxin-free and plant-based ingredients that deliver more value per wash than traditional detergents.
• You can wash your everyday fabrics, delicates, and even wool and cashmere without a worry. We're also big fans of its stain-removing bar soap. 

No matter what material your clothes are made of or how carefully you wash them, maintaining them to look and feel brand new seems like a challenge no one is ever able to surmount.

We've come to accept that the stains of life — sweat, everyday dirt and grime, wine, baby burps, and more — are inevitable, but removing the evidence is a task less easy to swallow as we get our daily arm workouts scrubbing vigorously in the sink, encounter washing machine mishaps, and schlepping armfuls of clothing to the dry cleaners. 

A few years ago, we discovered the power of a $6, 2-ounce magic-in-a-bar stain remover from a company called The Laundress and it gave us hope that the nice clothing we've spent hundreds of dollars on will really last a lifetime.

Founded in 2004, The Laundress makes highly effective, eco-friendly detergent and fabric care products for the clothing you thought you could only let the dry cleaners handle. It was recently acquired by Unilever, which will only help accelerate its mission of "taking the chore out of doing laundry."

We're not surprised The Laundress caught the eye of the consumer goods giant because its products work beautifully at cleaning while doing better things for both your body and the environment. From food to beauty, shoppers are more concerned than ever about how their purchases will impact them and the world around them, but they still want the products to work well. 

The founders of The Laundress, Lindsey Boyd and Gwen Whiting, first met at Cornell University’s Fiber Science, Textile and Apparel Management and Design program. Both went on to careers in luxury fashion, Boyd as a US sales manager at Chanel Ready-to-Wear, and Whiting as a senior designer at Ralph Lauren.

Their specialized knowledge of all things fabric and garments, plus their frustration with toxic cleaning products and ineffective natural ones, put them in the perfect position to bring change to the laundry market. 

Knowing that 90% of "Dry Clean Only" items are actually washable, they developed powerful cleaning formulas that can take care of fabrics like cashmere and wool, as well as everyday cotton, linen, and blends without ruining them. The formulas don't resort to harsh and harmful ingredients to be effective. They're free of ammonia, chlorine bleach, dyes and colorants, perchloroethylene (a chemical solvent often used by professional dry cleaners), parabens, phthalates, and VOCs. 

Instead, you'll find ingredients like oxygenated bleach, which is gentler, safer, and just as effective as chlorine bleach; enzymes like cellulase, lipase, and mannanase, which quickly break down soil and stains; plant-based grease-cutting agents; biodegradable surfectants made from coconut and sugar to help dissolve dirt and stains; and natural essential oils to lend a light, fresh scent to your clothing.

Some Laundress products we recommend are the Delicate Wash, Signature Detergent, and Sport Detergent. These 16-ounce bottles are highly concentrated and should last 32 washes, giving you more value and less waste per wash. Fabrics that you thought you couldn't confidently wash yourself, like silk or performance fabrics, will stay preserved with each wash. 

My experience using the detergents:

Long hesitant to buy more wool and cashmere clothing simply due to their tricky care process, I was most excited to try the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo on my favorite soft sweaters and coats. I lightly hand-washed the wool and cashmere items with the shampoo, let them soak, and dried them on a rack. They kept their shape and came out softer than I ever remembered, plus they had a light cedar scent (which also happens to keep moths away). 

The convenient thing is that you can use the products for hand-washing or any laundry machine at any water temperature, so you don't have to juggle a handful of different care instructions for every load of laundry. Putting aside time to do laundry is enough of a nuisance, but The Laundress makes the chore seamless, and our clothes look like they got the professional dry cleaner treatment without the high cost or harmful chemicals. 

The aforementioned Wash & Stain Bar that multiple Insider Picks members swear by is another secret to vanquishing the realities of coffee spills and makeup stains. This vegetable soap is excellent for spot treating and pre-wash prep. Since it's small, you can carry it wherever you go in case a stain disaster ever strikes. 

The bottom line:

The Laundress has also succeeded in making laundry and cleaning glamorous and sophisticated — something the category has never been described as. With its minimalist designs and Le Labo partnership that have landed it in the shelves of luxury department stores, it's making shoppers excited to do their laundry. 

Shop The Laundress cleaning products at Amazon, Target, Jet, Nordstrom, or Shopbop.

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• On Wednesday, Brunei instituted Sharia Law, making sodomy a capital offense.
• INSIDER created a series of maps to visualize how gay rights vary around the world.
• Despite same-sex marriage being legal in the US, homosexuality is still illegal in 35% of countries in the United Nations.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Brunei brought Sharia Law to the small, oil-rich country on the north side of the island Borneo.

Those convicted of sodomy now stand the chance of being stoned to death. The law also applies to those caught cheating on their spouses.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 72, first announced the new law, which is based off of interpretations of the Quran and Islamic teachings, in 2013, but has been slowing rolling it out. The new laws governing punishments for gay sex officially went into effect this week.

Brunei becomes the first southeast Asian country to institute Sharia Law. It is now among 12 countries in the world where gay sex can be punished with execution.

It's also an example of just how much of an up-hill battle LGBTQ rights continue to be around the world. For example, gay sex is still illegal in 35% of countries in the United Nations, according to statistics released this year by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

To understand how LGBTQ rights vary around the world, INSIDER created a set of maps that visualize the issue.

The results show that while homosexuality is no longer outlawed in the majority of the world, there's still a long way to go in terms of acceptance and equality for LGBTQ people.

SEE ALSO: Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and George Clooney are asking people to boycott these 9 luxury hotels after Brunei passed a law that will see it stone gay people to death

Brunei is the first nation to institute Sharia Law in southeast Asia.

Sharia Law varies from country to country. Technically 11 other countries practice Shariah Law, but they vary in how they punish those convicted of sodomy. In Mauritania, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, sodomy carries the possibility of the death penalty, but offenders are more likely to see jail time. The death penalty is carried out more frequently in such cases in Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

Religion is an un-ignorable factor in the maps. While the majority of the world has legalized homosexuality, the countries where it is still outlawed are concentrated in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa — areas with majority-Muslim nations.

According to the Associated Press, "Islamic scholars overwhelmingly teach that same-gender sex is a sin."

The Quran teaches that homosexuality should be punished but doesn't detail how. The Prophet Muhammad was reportedly more explicit that homosexuals should be killed in some of his teachings. That's why some countries that implement Sharia law make homosexuality a capital crime.

Following Trump's transgender military ban, just 19 countries in the world allow people with gender dysphoria to serve in the military.

The Netherlands was the first country to allow transgender people to enter the military in 1974, according to CNN. Thailand is one of the more recent countries to accept transgender soldiers, but they're only allowed to serve in a administrative capacity.

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Since it's release in 2015, the Adidas Ultra Boost design has been, for the most part, the same. For 2019, though, Adidas redesigned its most popular runner and dubbed it the Ultra Boost 19.
• Compared to the original design, which features 17 pieces, the new Ultra Boost 19 is made up of four key pieces — a one-piece Primeknit 360 upper, a Torsion spring plate, a 3D-printed heel frame for stability, and a midsole with 20% more Boost.
• I've never had a single complaint about the original Ultra Boost design (I own three pairs), but the new Ultra Boost 19 manages to be better in every way — they're lighter, more comfortable, and true to size.
• Priced at $180, the Ultra Boost 19 costs the same as the original Ultra Boost, so you won't have to pay more for the upgraded model.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Adidas makes the most comfortable sneakers ever— and it's all because of Boost technology. 

After I was introduced to the cushioning technology in 2015, I went on a bit of a Boost craze, racking up nine sneaker purchases over the next three years. I bought one pair of Yeezy Boost 350s, three pairs of Yeezy Boost 350 V2, two pairs of NMD R1 Primeknits, and three pairs of Ultra Boosts. While the Ultra Boosts were the easiest to acquire and the least valuable, they were easily my favorite. 

They had, in my opinion, everything that makes up a perfect shoe. A lightweight and breathable Primeknit upper, a full-length Boost midsole, plenty of support and rigidity from the Torsion plate and rear heel cups, and an overall look that's both sporty and casual. I would wear them to the gym and on normal days when comfort was a priority and I never thought twice about wanting an improved design from Adidas — that was, until the Ultra Boost 19 released.

Read more: The new Adidas Ultra Boost 19 originally sold out in 10 minutes, but they're back in these colors

Compared to the original Ultra Boost, which consists of 17 individual pieces, the newly designed Ultra Boost 19 features four key performance pieces — a one-piece Primeknit 360 upper, an updated torsion spring, a 3D-printed heel frame, and last but not least, a Boost midsole with 20% more Boost.

I personally saw great improvements between the original and V2 versions of the Yeezy Boost 350, which is a lifestyle sneaker, so I was very eager to see how Adidas could improve on a true performance shoe like the Ultra Boost. The brand sent me a pair of the Ultra Boost 19s to test out, and I was thoroughly impressed with all the updates that went into the redesign.

Do the updates make a noticeable difference?

The short answer is yes. In my experience with sneakers, any time a brand can minimize a shoe's design, it usually makes for a more comfortable shoe — and such is the case with the Ultra Boost 19. Not once have I ever complained about my original Ultra Boosts being uncomfortable, but after wearing the Ultra Boost 19, it shows there was room for improvement after all. 

My first impression when putting the Ultra Boost 19 on was that it fits bigger (more true to size) than the original Ultra Boost. I always went a half size up for Ultra Boosts and they still fit on the small side. I went a half size up for the Ultra Boost 19, assuming that they'd fit the same, but I probably could have gone with my normal size. 

Based on size 9 shoes, the Ultra Boost weighs in at 11 ounces, while the Ultra Boost 19 weighs in at 10.3 ounces. On paper, that might come across as a trivial difference in weight, but I was definitely able to feel the difference while holding them in my hands and wearing them on my feet. 

Although the general rule of thumb for running sneakers is the lighter, the better, I was initially concerned that making an already light shoe even lighter would take away from its structural integrity. But after wearing the Ultra Boost 19 for a while, I found out that they're still extremely stable.

This is the first Adidas sneaker I've worn with Primeknit 360 material and it's more form-fitting and stretchier than the normal Primeknit. These characteristics make the material lighter without sacrificing stability. I also really like how the heel frame is a rigid 3D printed outline rather than a solid piece of plastic. It's great to see Adidas stay ahead of the innovation curve by employing modern production methods like 3D (and even 4D) printing.

The lace cage is also lighter, although I believe it's always been used as a clever way to incorporate Adidas' Three Stripes branding rather than a means for structural integrity —which is why the brand has released equally sturdy Uncaged versions in the past.

How more Boost improves the shoe

While the upper of the shoe is largely redesigned, I believe the most notable update is the new midsole with 20% more Boost. When you take into consideration that Adidas added more of anything and still managed to shave off nearly an ounce of weight, it's impressive to say the least. It would have been interesting to see an even bigger increase in Boost that brought the shoe back up to 11 ounces (since that's still not a heavy shoe), but I'm sure the designers at Adidas put a lot of research and development into the final design — and it really shows in the on-foot performance.

Compared to the original Ultra Boosts, the Ultra Boost 19s are a lot more cushioned and comfortable. If you've worn Ultra Boosts in the past, you'll notice the difference immediately while walking or running. When it comes to working out, I'm not the most avid runner, but with the Ultra Boost 19s on, I actually want to run. The shoes make the constant impact from running a lot more forgiving, which allowed me to run on a treadmill longer than I usually do. For people who are already used to long distance runs, I'm sure you'll appreciate the extended comfort if it does nothing for your time spent running.

The bottom line

This is the part of the review where I'd usually point out cons or things that might need justification, but I really haven't been able to find any. The Ultra Boost 19 is lighter, more comfortable — and it beats out the original Ultra Boost in every way performance-wise. It's also the same price. At $180, the same price as the original Ultra Boost, you won't have to think about paying more for the upgraded version. 

If you already own a pair of the original Ultra Boosts, don't get rid of them for the Ultra Boost 19s. You should definitely keep wearing them, as they're still great sneakers. But if you are in the market for new sneakers — whether you're replacing a worn out pair or you just want to add another pair to your rotation — I strongly recommend choosing the Ultra Boost 19.

Shop the Ultra Boost 19 for $180 at these retailers: Adidas | Foot Locker | Dick's Sporting Goods | Zappos 

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• StockX is an online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers — along with streetwear, watches, and designer handbags.
• While the sneaker resale market is notorious for having high prices that are well above retail, it is possible to find great shoes for less than retail on StockX.
• We rounded up our 15 favorite sneakers you can buy for less than retail on StockX right now.

One of the most basic rules of economics is that something is only worth what people are willing to pay for it — and when it comes to sneakers, plenty of people are willing to pay a lot. The sneaker resale marke has an abundance of shoes that sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars more than original retail prices, but being a consumer in the space isn't reserved only for big spenders and those irresponsible enough to spend their last on a new pair.

StockX is an online marketplace for buying and selling that uses a stock market-like approaching to pricing. By leaving buyers to place bids and sellers to place asking prices, the prices reflect true market value — and in some cases, the prices are below retail.

Scattered among the ultra-rare and super-collectible shoes that fetch big bucks, there are many great shoes that the average consumer can afford. So to help you find a new pair of sneakers without spending too much money, we rounded up 15 of our favorite pairs for less than retail. With sneakers from Nike, Air Jordan, Adidas, and New Balance, there's something for everyone.

While we've taken the time to pick shoes that have consistently sold for less than retail and have current asking prices for under retail, keep in mind that StockX is a live marketplace and prices are subject to change.

Shop all sneakers on StockX now

Shop the entire under-retail sneakers section on StockX now

Read more: Meet StockX, the sneaker resale startup making sure you never get scammed when buying collectible shoes online

Nike Air Force 1 Low "Hong Kong"

Nike Air Force 1 Low "Hong Kong," lowest asking price: $58 (retail: $130) [You save up to $72]

Originally released in 2001 as part of Nike's AF1 "B" series, the "Hong Kong" Air Force 1 made its return to retailers in 2018. With a nearly identical shape and use of materials as the much rarer (and more expensive) original, this latest release is a real under-retail steal. 

Adidas Sobakov

Adidas Sobakov, lowest asking price: $47 (retail: $140) [You save up to $93]

Since its release in June 2018, the price for Adidas Sobakovs has dropped substantially. While the silhouette is all-new, it's black upper, white stripes, and gum outsole are distinctly Adidas and reminiscent of soccer classics like the Samba.

Air Jordan 10 "Orlando"

Air Jordan 10 "Orlando," lowest asking price: $131 (retail: $190) [You save up to $59]

Originally released in 1995 as part of the City Pack, the "Orlando" 10 saw its first re-release in late 2018. You can almost guarantee that any pairs still floating around from '95 are now unwearable, so this is your best shot at getting a pair to wear.

• Some members of the special counsel Robert Mueller's team reportedly view their findings as more damaging to President Donald Trump than Attorney General William Barr has indicated.
• According to The New York Times, Mueller's team had put together several summaries of their final report, and they believe Barr should have included more information from their summaries in the four-page letter he sent to Congress laying out his "principal conclusions" of Mueller's findings.
• Some investigators are also concerned that Barr's review of the report has already shaped the public's perception of the probe before the full report's release.
• Barr is in the process of redacting certain types of sensitive information in the nearly 400-page document and said he plans to release it by mid-April.
• But House Democrats are moving to subpoena the Justice Department for a full, unredacted copy of the report, saying that they need all the information to appropriately conduct oversight of the executive branch.

Some of the investigators who worked with the special counsel Robert Mueller on the FBI's Russia investigation believe their findings are more damaging to President Donald Trump than Attorney General William Barr has indicated, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

According to The Times, some members of Mueller's team have told associates that they are concerned Barr's initial review of the report, which included his "principal conclusions" of Mueller's findings, has already shaped the public's perception of the probe before the final report is released.

Mueller was tasked with investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 US election, whether members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with Moscow, and whether Trump obstructed justice in the investigation after then FBI Director James Comey publicly confirmed its existence in March 2017.

In his review of Mueller's findings, Barr wrote that the special counsel did not find sufficient evidence to bring a conspiracy charge against Trump or anyone associated with his campaign. The attorney general added that investigators declined to make a "traditional prosecutorial judgment" on whether Trump obstructed justice and did not conclude — one way or another — whether the president committed an obstruction crime.

Read more:House Democrats authorize subpoena for the Mueller report, teeing up an unprecedented legal battle with the DOJ

Investigators noted that their final report did not "exonerate" the president. But Barr, in consultation with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, concluded that there was not enough evidence to accuse Trump of obstruction.

Barr has told lawmakers that he will work quickly to release as much information as possible from the special counsel's final report. According to The Times, however, Mueller's investigators had already written multiple summaries of the report, and some of them believe Barr should have included more of their material in the initial four-page letter he sent to Congress laying out his principal conclusions.

But the Justice Department reportedly determined that the summaries Mueller's office put together contained sensitive information, including classified material, secret grand-jury testimony, and information related to current ongoing federal investigations.

The Times' report is the first public indication of tension between the attorney general and the special counsel's office over the conclusions about the Russia investigation.

Read more:Barr says he will not send Mueller's report to the White House before the public and that he plans to release it by mid-April

Barr recently told Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler that he is in the process of redacting certain types of information from the nearly 400-page report and intends to release the document by mid-April, if not sooner.

But House Democrats are moving to subpoena a full, unredacted copy of the report from the Justice Department.

"We have reason to suspect [the Trump administration's] motives," Nadler said in a statement Wednesday, before the House Judiciary Committee voted to authorize subpoenas for the report. "The Mueller report probably isn't the 'total exoneration' the President claims it to be. And, in any event, this Committee has a job to do. The Constitution charges Congress with holding the President accountable for alleged official misconduct."

"That job requires us to evaluate the evidence for ourselves — not the Attorney General's summary, not a substantially redacted synopsis, but the full report and the underlying evidence," the statement said.

Trump, meanwhile, initially said he would support releasing Mueller's full report without redactions. But the president shifted gears in recent days, slamming Democrats and suggesting an unredacted version should not be released to Congress or the public.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Paul Manafort faces over 7 years in prison for conspiracy and obstruction. Here's what you need to know about Trump's former campaign chairman.

• One of the most popular places to visit in Kenya is Giraffe Manor, a 12-room boutique hotel where guests can feed giraffes over breakfast.
• But the Manor is exclusive and expensive, costing $620 per person per night, and that's if you can even get a room.
• Instead, I went next door and visited the Giraffe Center, the giraffe sanctuary where the Manor's giraffes come from. For $10, I was able to feed giraffes and learn about the center's conservation and breeding efforts. It was a blast.

When I told friends that I was going to Kenya this past winter, most of them knew about one place and one place only: Giraffe Manor.

Made famous by thousands of influencers on Instagram, Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in a suburb southwest of Nairobi. There, guests can stay in one of twelve rooms at the iconic hunting lodge-style building whose ivy-covered brick conjures images of a by-gone (read: colonial) era of Kenya when Europeans first started visiting.

The real draw of Giraffe Manor is, of course, the giraffes. Opened in the 1970s by Betty and Jock Leslie Melville, the Manor serves as a sanctuary for protecting, raising, and breeding Rothschild's giraffes, one of the most endangered species of giraffes. In the mornings, guests are encouraged to feed the Manor's giraffes as they stick their heads through the windows. 

As is to be expected, it is both expensive and exclusive. A room at the Manor — the only way you can feed giraffes at breakfast — typically costs $620 per person per night. During the busiest times of the year, the manor's 12 rooms are booked up months in advance.

Fortunately, I found an alternative to Giraffe Manor for a fraction of the price.

Enter the Giraffe Center: 

The Giraffe Center is next door to Giraffe Manor. All the Rothschild's giraffes that guests feed at Giraffe Manor are actually from the center, a sanctuary opened by the Melvilles around the same time.

The center is run by the Kenyan non-profit African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. When the Melvilles started the AFEW in 1979, the population of Rothschild's giraffes was down to 20. Thanks to their efforts, it has now surged past 300, with many of the animals released into national parks and reserves around the country.

Tickets to the Center cost $5-10 and include a presentation by one of the caretakers on the center's breeding and conservation work. You also can feed the giraffes as much as you want, no $620 hotel room necessary.

As one of the caretakers explained, giraffes spend sixteen to twenty hours per day eating — and they consume as much as 75 pounds of food. You don't have to be worried about how many pellets you are feeding them: They have a nearly insatiable appetite. 

Word of advice for future visitors: While you can pet a giraffe's neck, don't try getting too close to the side of its head. It might gently — or not so gently — knock you away with a headbutt.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A sleep expert explains what happens to your body and brain if you don't get enough sleep

• Heart disease is the number one killer in the US.
• But many heart attacks are preventable, and they're becoming less deadly and less common than they used to be in the US.
• Some of the most straightforward things that raise your risk of an attack include being overweight, not  getting enough sleep, and smoking.

Heart diseases — chiefly heart attacks — are the number one killer in the US. In 2016, they killed 635,260 people.

The heart is the body's most critical life pump, and a heart attack (or myochardial infarction, by its more scientific name) is what happens when a person's heart can't get enough blood. 

When this happens, people often start to feel dizzy, get chest pains that might shoot through the left arm, and become short of breath. 

Inside the body, a heart attack is usually the work of a blood clot, which blocks our hardest-working muscle's normal supply of blood. A heart attack can do serious damage to people's heart muscles. 

The good news is that by and large, heart attack rates are improving: They're both less deadly and less common than they used to be in the US. According to a study released in March, heart attack hospitalizations have gone down 38% since the mid-90s in the US, and the mortality rate for heart attacks is at an all-time low, though not in every community.

But even as doctors learn more about what causes heart attacks and how to prevent them, attacks are becoming more common in young people. The proportion of heart attack patients under 40 has been climbing at about 2% a year for the past 10 years, according to recent research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Scientific Session.

"It used to be incredibly rare to see anyone under age 40 come in with a heart attack, and some of these people are now in their 20s and early 30s," study author Ron Blankstein, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said in a release. "Based on what we are seeing, it seems that we are moving in the wrong direction."

Here are a few of the most influential things that can your risk of having a heart attack.

SEE ALSO: 9 things you can do right now to reduce your risk of high blood pressure

Scientists have known for a while that smoking is dangerous for your heart.

Smoking cigarettes has long been linked to more heart attacks, largely because the chemicals that are in tobacco hurt our blood cells and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. This dangerous buildup of plaque in the arteries can make a heart attack more likely.

Secondhand smoke contains a lot of the same dangerous chemicals, which is why it can also hurt our hearts.

"No matter how much or how long you've smoked, quitting will benefit you," according to the National Institutes of Health.

Increasing evidence suggests that it may not just be tobacco that's bad — marijuana smoking might contribute to heart attack risk as well.

Because pot has been an illicit and illegal substance for so long, scientific studies on its long-term effects are still scant. But researchers studying heart attacks in people under 40 are worried about a possible link between two data sets: As heart attack rates have gone up in young people, so has their likelihood to report smoking marijuana. This doesn't prove anything, but it's a hint that more research is warranted. 

Extra flab, especially around a person's mid-section, can also make a heart attack more likely.

Being overweight increases a person's risk of having a heart attack. But even losing a little weight can help: the heavier you are, the more likely a heart attack becomes, especially if you're adding pounds around your mid-section.

A 2018 study of nearly 500,000 middle aged folks in the UK found that those who had bigger bellies were more likely to suffer heart attacks. This was especially true for women with large mid-sections, who had a 10%-20% higher risk of heart attack than others. The find suggests it's more important to take a look at your waistline than hop on the scale, when you're measuring heart health. 

It may seem obvious, but spending too much time on the couch without moving your body can create problems for your heart as well.

You don't have to be an Olympian: Just a 30-minute walk each day can help maintain heart health. 

Even cleaning up the house can count. A 2007 Harvard study of female hotel maids famously found that when researchers told certain maids that their work was good exercise and satisfied federal recommendations for an active lifestyle, the women lost more weight than their peers. They also lowered their blood pressure and reduced their waist size, reducing their risk of having a heart attack.

"Even activities of low energy expenditure, such as socializing with friends or housekeeping activities, may have a substantial benefit to your health compared to time spent sitting and watching TV," Sotirios Tsalamandris, a cardiologist at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece said recently in a release.

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• People who suffer from sleep apnea are familiar with ventilators that provide continuous positive airway pressure, known as CPAP machines. 
• CPAP machines require use of a mask, but cleaning it daily can be difficult and tedious. High-quality CPAP mask cleaners should be easy to set up and require minimal maintenance.
• My 59-year-old dad uses the SoClean 2 + Respironics DreamStation and System One Adapter (currently $335 on Amazon), and no longer has an excuse to skip cleanings because it can be programmed to clean on a daily basis without detaching the mask.
• Though it's more expensive than other options, you can pay for it using your HSA or FSA, and the cleaner is backed by a two-year warranty.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, about 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. An estimated 80% of cases go undiagnosed and untreated, which can lead to major health problems including stroke and chronic heart failure. One of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied by a ventilator, called a CPAP machine.

About half of the people with prescribed CPAP machines don't use them as prescribed or stop using them altogether because the mask is uncomfortable and needs to be cleaned on a daily basis, even if you don't use the machine regularly.

New Hampshire-based company SoClean contacted me recently to test theSoClean 2 + Respironics DreamStation and System One Adapter, one of its second-gen sanitizer and adapter bundles. Both my parents use CPAP machines to treat their sleep apnea so I worked with my 59-year-old dad to review this particular unit.  

Design

SoClean has created several bundles that include a white cleaning chamber and a different adapter that works with a variety of popular mask models. My dad tried the SoClean 2 + Respironics DreamStation and System One Adapter (currently $335 on Amazon) because it came with an adapter that works for both the Respironics and Philips System One, which he personally uses, but there are also bundles for ResMed AirSense 10 ($339), Fisher & Paykel ICON ($339), and others.

The white sanitizing chamber is 7.5 inches by 6.5 inches by 8.5 inches and uses activated oxygen to disinfect your mask and CPAP machine, removing 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and other pathogens without chemicals or water. There's a slot between the lid and chamber for the hose to go through so you don't need to disconnect the mask to clean.

Set-up process

The bundle comes with everything you need to start cleaning your CPAP machine; you just supply the electrical outlet. I let my dad take the reins on setting things up since he was much more familiar with things than I am. It took about 30-45 minutes, but ironically, he was slowed by the quick start guide because it didn't provide clear information about the parts and steps for completing the set up; the longer user manual was much clearer.

Another hiccup was changing out the adapters. Our bundle had adapters that connected to the Respironics DreamStation and Philips System One; the former came pre-installed with the machine but my dad uses the latter so he had to swap them accordingly. Rremoving the DreamStation tube proved difficult, but attaching the one he needed was easy. 

What makes the CPAP cleaner stand out

Once the cleaning chamber is set up, it's incredibly easy to use. There are two main ways that you can clean your CPAP machine. For manual cleaning, you put your mask in the chamber, press the start button, and allow the cleaner to run its course. With the daily programmed cleaning, you can use the LCD screen on the base to set the device to clean your machine each day at a specified time.

My dad also appreciated that the cleaner only works if the mask is inside the cleaning chamber. This keeps you from accidentally starting the machine on manual mode, and if you forget to put the mask in the chamber when you wake up in the morning, the cycle won't run at the programmed time.

The SoClean CPAP device is also low maintenance; my dad has used his unit for more than three months and hasn't had to do any maintenance yet. After six months of use though, the manufacturer recommends replacing the cartridge filter and the check valve assembly. Thankfully, the LCD display tells you when these components need to be replaced. Both are available on Amazon (currently $30 total) and you can use the Subscribe & Save feature to automatically order replacements every six months.

The most impressive part about the SoClean device is that it actually got my dad to clean his CPAP machine. Prior to using this product, he wouldn't manually clean his machine as frequently as he was supposed to. This led to the mask becoming uncomfortable, but with how easy it is to operate, he has it programmed to clean on a daily basis.

Read more: Snoring was ruining my relationship — here's how a sleep doctor fixed my sleep apnea

Cons to consider

When I saw that there was a SoClean cleaner that came with adapters for the Respironics DreamStation and System One, I thought it would be perfect for my parents since those are the two models they use. However, in practice, it's hard to use one SoClean unit to clean two CPAP machines even if they are the same brand because, as mentioned earlier, switching the adapters for the different units is a pain. You'd also have to choose the manual cleaning option and remember to switch between CPAP machines after the cycle is finished. It can be done, but it's so inconvenient that it isn't really worth the effort. 

Other than that, we didn't have any problems with or concerns about the unit.

The bottom line

Overall, we were completely satisfied with our SoClean 2 + Respironics DreamStation and System One Adapter. Despite the minor hiccups with setting it up, my dad could essentially set it and forget it. Each morning, he puts his mask in the cleaning chamber, the unit cleans the CPAP machine at the programmed time, and everything is ready to go each night. If you have a CPAP machine and find regular cleaning to be a hassle, we strongly recommend buying a SoClean bundle, especially if you have extra FSA money that won't roll over at the end of the year.

Pros: Works with popular CPAP machines, small footprint, low maintenance, automated cleaning, two-year warranty, can fall under HSA and FSA plans

Cons: Expensive, inconvenient to use with multiple CPAP machines at once

Buy the SoClean 2 + Respironics DreamStation and System One Adapter on Amazon for $335

Buy the SoClean 2 + ResMed AirSense 10 Adapter on Amazon for $339

Buy the SoClean 2 + ResMed S9 Adapter on Amazon for $339

Buy the SoClean 2 + Fisher & Paykel ICON Adapter on Amazon for $319

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Yale University is offering a free course online — The Science of Well-Being— that teaches you how to be happier.
• Professor Laurie Santos taught "Psychology and the Good Life" first in spring 2018 in response to concerning levels of student depression, anxiety, and stress. It became the most popular class in Yale's history and garnered national and international media attention.
• To share the class' contents with a wider audience, Santos created a Coursera course. You can audit it entirely for free, or opt for a $49 certificate of completion. 
• I'm currently taking the class, and I've been surprised by how truly helpful it has been — it's interesting, but it also feels concretely useful. 

In the spring of 2018, Yale Psychology Professor Laurie Santos unveiled a new course: "Psychology and the Good Life." The subject? Happiness.

Santos' course was a blend of abstract and concrete. It combined  both positive psychology with the real-life application of behavioral science. It debunked the false notions of what makes people happy (like the luxury Mercedes-Benz status symbol) and helped students understand the habits they should build to lead truly happier, more fulfilled lives. 

The course was launched in the US — home to supposedly the most unhappy population in the world— at one of the nation's most elite and high-pressure colleges. 

The reaction was unprecedented.

"Psychology and the Good Life" became the most popular class ever taught in Yale University's 317-year history, and garnered both national and international media attention. The university reportedly had trouble staffing it — pulling fellows from the School of Public Health and law school to meet the demands. Santos told the New York Times that a stunning one in four Yale students were taking the course. For reference, while most large lectures at Yale never exceed 600 students, "Psychology and the Good Life" enrolled 1,182. 

After waves of people began asking for access to the course, Santos designed an iteration for the online learning platform Coursera, The Science of Well-Being, available for free to non-Yale students. To see what it's like, I enrolled. 

The course covers the following topics in weekly installments:

• Misconceptions about happiness
• Why our expectations are so bad
• How we can overcome our biases
• Stuff that really makes us happy
• Putting strategies into practice

Weekly installments include video lectures, optional readings, and "rewirement" activities to do each day to build happier habits. Research suggests that if you do these rewirements as prescribed, you should get a boost in your mood and overall well-being. 

What to expect from the class

To make the class warm and inviting, it's shot in Santos' own home, with a handful of Yale students in the audience so you can see how the material lands with other people. It feels intimate, and Santos' tone is friendly and conversational. To me, it felt a lot like relief — watching a group of unguarded people gather en masse to commune over the shared topic of personal happiness, and how to use intellect and research to untangle it (some of the up-to-the-moment research was conceptualized and coined by Santos herself).

Thankfully, for the busy amongst us (who may feel especially drawn to this course), there's absolutely no required reading. All the information you need to know is summarized within the lecture. If you do want deeper context, Santos provides links to complementary readings. And there's also no grade penalty for a missed assignment deadline, so you can work at your own pace if you can't or don't want to meet the suggested deadlines. In other words, this class is about well-being — and necessarily operates against the grain of traditional academia in its quest.

Sign up here for free, or keep reading to learn about my experience.

Weeks are broken up into videos, readings, and any other material assigned.

The course is broken up into weeks, and each week includes videos, readings, and "other" material. 

Videos have a transcript beneath them that highlights the sentences Stanton is speaking in real-time, making it easy for you to catch up on the week's homework even if you have difficulty hearing or can't play the audio out loud. 

You can create notes and annotations using the transcript Coursera provides.

An added benefit to having access to the transcript of the video you're watching is that you can create notes pinned to certain chunks of text, allowing you to annotate the class without taking handwritten notes yourself. 

If you hit "discuss" on the same bar as "notes" you'll be taken to the course's discussion board. If you hit "download" you'll be able to download to your computer both the transcript of the video and the slides shown in the lecture (but not the video itself). 

Videos may include short quizzes that you can complete or skip.

Course videos may include helpful mini quizzes to help you summarize the main ideas of the video portion you just watched. You can complete them or opt to skip. 

• Mark Cuban has an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion.
• He's earned his fortune through a lifetime of business deals, including the $5.7 billion sale of Broadcast.com, his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, and investments made on ABC's "Shark Tank."
• Cuban has spent millions on private airplanes, a yacht, and a luxurious Dallas home, not to mention $2 million in fines from the NBA.
• Cuban said his rise to wealth didn't come easy while speaking during the Dallas Startup Week conference. The mogul said he lived in a "dumpy" apartment with numerous roommates, stole towels from the Holiday Inn, and didn't take a vacation in seven years.

Mark Cuban is one of the wealthiest people in America, with an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion, according to Forbes— but getting there wasn't easy.

Cuban's journey to becoming a billionaire included living in a "dumpy" apartment, where he stayed up late eating chicken wings and teaching himself to code. The mogul told attendees at the Dallas Startup Week conference of the unglamorous life of an aspiring entrepreneur — one that includes no vacation time for seven years and stealing towels from the Holiday Inn, according to a report from Dallas News.

The late nights ended up paying off: the businessman and investor earned his fortune with a series of shrewd business deals starting in the 1990s, most notably the sale of his streaming site Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in stocks.

He bought the NBA's Dallas Mavericks in 2000 and helped transform them into a championship team.

And he's added to his empire with investments like the ones he makes each week on ABC's "Shark Tank," where he's been a regular for eight years.

But $10 million isn't the fortune it sounds like to the billionaire. Over the years, he's spent his money on private planes, a 24,000-square-foot house, an $110,000 bar tab, and millions of dollars of fines from the NBA. 

Read on to see how Cuban has earned — and spent — his fortune.

SEE ALSO: A look inside the daily routine of billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who starts working the minute he wakes up and falls asleep to 'Law & Order'

Mark Cuban is worth an estimated $4.1 billion, according to Forbes. That ranks him among the 500 richest people in America.

Source: Forbes

Cuban made his fortune over a lifetime of shrewd business deals. He's the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks …

Source: Forbes

… he's the co-founder of 2929 Entertainment, which owns the production companies behind films like "Akeelah and the Bee" and "Good Night and Good Luck" …

Source: Biography