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Notre-Dame burned so quickly because of the massive amounts of wood in the structure — but people are already offering up more than 1,300 trees for its reconstruction

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notre dame after fire

The flames are out at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where a raging fire carved huge holes in the roof on Monday. The cathedral has stood in the center of Paris since medieval times. 

Many of the church's most priceless artifacts, which include a crown of thorns that legend has it Jesus wore, have been saved. The famous bell towers out front and inventive flying buttresses that support the back of the church — the very first of their kind in the world — have also been spared. 

But underneath new gaping holes in the ceiling of Notre-Dame, huge pieces of timber now litter the floor of the ancient gothic church. These beams are the trees of the so-called "forest" of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the church's frame, which was a network of some 1,300 oak trees that was put in during the 13th century. They caught fire in a hurry on Monday evening, after flames broke out while a planned $6.8 million renovation was underway at the church. 

"That the fire blew up like this is an indication that it probably started with a small fire, which went on for quite a long time, and then it blew up," Mechtild Rössler, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, told Business Insider on Tuesday.

She says fires are common occurrences at these kinds of renovation sites: "It happens quite often because there's a lot of chemicals and other materials involved."

notre dame wood frame burns

As of Tuesday afternoon in Paris, less than 24 hours after the Notre-Dame fire first broke out, more than $780 million in donation pledges had poured in for the church's repairs, according to Le Monde newspaper.

Rössler says it's important, not just for French people, but for the whole world, that the inevitable re-construction of Notre-Dame be done so that it looks as similar to the old church as possible. This could involve a new "forest" of 100-year-old oak trees supporting the church's weight. 

Read More: Why Notre-Dame Cathedral, a medieval stone church, has burned so quickly

notre dame wood frame

"We'll use modern methods, but it should be done by the books," Rössler said. "Which includes a lot of craftsmanship."

The French timber industry is offering to lend a hand with that.  

The Fondation Fransylva, which is a French federation representing private timber growers in France, has already asked all its members to offer up an oak tree for Notre-Dame. 

"Loggers want Notre-Dame's 'forêt-charpente' re-constructed with French oak trees, in keeping with the same traditions and good quality of the first builders," Fransylva's press release reads in French. 

Groupama insurance company is also offering to pay for 1,300 trees to re-build the church frame, which the company says would be 100-year-old oaks from the forests of Normandy, in keeping with the original construction.

Others aren't so sure that's a good idea, given how quickly the structure burned on Monday evening. 

"I doubt they'll use wood," Carolyn Malone, a professor of art history and gothic architecture at the University of Southern California told Business Insider in an email. 

No matter how the church roof comes into place, no one's ready to give guesses yet on how long the reconstruction may take.

notre dame without a roof

"We have seen long-term work that includes, for example, our work we have been doing in Angkor since 1992," Rössler said, referring to the rebuilding of Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia, which some consider the eighth wonder of the world.

"We still have restoration workers there so it can go either way, but I hope it [Notre-Dame] is done more quickly."

SEE ALSO: Why Notre-Dame Cathedral, a medieval stone church, has burned so quickly

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This massive cathedral is being built entirely by a 90-year-old man


Gen Z started building wealth earlier than millennials, and an expert says 9/11 is the main event that divided the 2 generations and their views on money

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millennials gen z

There are several differences between millennials and Gen Z, but they all begin with the key event dividing them: 9/11.

That's according to research conducted by the Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK), which posits that 9/11 is a generation-defining moment for millennials.

"This is our 'Where were you when?' moment, similar to baby boomers and the JFK assassination," Jason Dorsey, a consultant, researcher of millennials, and president of CGK, told Business Insider. For a generation-defining moment to stick, he said, it must create a deep emotional connection, often associated with fear and uncertainty about the future.

"We were able to see that in order for 9/11 to be a generation-defining moment you had to remember it, feel the emotion of it, and the uncertainty of what was going to happen next," Dorsey said, adding that Gen Z is too young to remember 9/11 — most of the generation wasn't even born yet.

"Those born from 1996 on do not remember 9/11, and certainly not in the way those even two or three years older do," he said. "Other than the defining moment, everything else tends to be more trendlike, and you can see more of a path of continued change from millennials to Gen Z, including technology, mobile adoption, etc."

millennials gen z phones

Ongoing research, he said, will help the organization discover if, when, or how these continued changes affect a generation that has grown up with these things since birth, rather than being introduced to them.

But not knowing a world without technology isn't the only difference setting Gen Z apart from millennials — Gen Z is also more social-justice-oriented, less brand conscious, and more connected to global interests and culture than millennials, Business Insider's Rachel Premack, who interviewed 100 Gen Zers, reported.

"However, it is 9/11 that is the defining and dividing event," Dorsey said. "Either you remember it and all the emotion that goes with it or you don't, and if you don't, then you're in Gen Z."

Read more: Millennials love their brands, Gen Zs are terrified of college debt, and 6 other ways Gen Zs and millennials are totally different

9/11 and the Great Recession shaped Gen Z's practical money habits

In dividing two generations, the aftermath of 9/11 created two groups with varying financial habits. 

Its aftermath showed the uncertainty and fragility of the world, Dorsey said. "This, in combination with Gen X as parents and the Great Recession, [is] what we believe to be shaping Gen Z's very practical view of money," he said. "Our research into this generation shows they are much more conservative with their spending, and many are trying to graduate college with as little debt as possible."

Many Gen Zers expressed to Premack that they're worried about college debt, which is affecting where they're choosing to go to college. "Why sink yourself into exorbitant amounts of debt when you can learn everything online or learn a specific subject matter at a fraction of the price?" Tiffany Zhong, a Gen Zer who dropped out of University of California, Berkeley, to become a venture capitalist, told Premack.

gen z studying

Almost 10% of teens said the key issue their generation will have to face relates to the economy and debt, according to a Business Insider survey on Gen Z.

That might be because the Great Recession marked Gen Z's childhood — the oldest of them were about 11 years old when the recession hit, Premack reported. By watching it unfold and observing its long-term effects on millennials, Gen Z became mindful of financial issues.

As teenagers, they're already saving money for "emergency funds" via mobile apps, choosing thrift stores over malls, and, in one CGK study, 12% said they were already saving for retirement, according to Dorsey.

Read more: The Great Recession split the millennial generation down the middle, creating 2 groups with very different financial habits

Millennials are taking longer to build wealth than Gen Z

While the Great Recession has also defined the financial habits of millennials, it did so in a slightly different way because millennials were directly affected by it.

Unlike Gen Z, older millennials grew up during a healthy economy, only to enter the job market as the recession hit. They had to delay traditional markers of adulthood, such as marriage and children, and building wealth — they weren't able to save or accumulate the amount of wealth they anticipated, especially if they didn't move to markets where job prospects were better or wages were enough to allow for savings, Dorsey previously told Business Insider.

texting woman phone millennial

Younger millennials experienced the recovery period and were able to learn from the older millennials who bore the brunt of the recession, according to Dorsey. This has made them risk-averse and practical with money, from saving for emergencies to contributing to a retirement account, he said.

While Gen Z and millennials share this practical approach to money, Gen Z is simply beating millennials to the same landmarks: They're building wealth and financially preparing for the future earlier.

Ultimately, while many millennials are playing catch-up with their finances, Gen Z is increasingly trying to get ahead of the game.

SEE ALSO: 17 ways life is different for millennials than for baby boomers, from crushing student loans to a disappearing middle class

DON'T MISS: Millennials have been called the 'brokest' and the 'richest' generation, and experts say both of those are true

Join the conversation about this story »

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50 baby products that new parents actually want, according to Amazon

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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.

baby

  • If you're looking for a gift for a baby shower but don't have a baby registry to go off of, you may be wondering what products new parents actually want. 
  • Ultimately, you want to get new parents something that will help keep their little one safe, healthy, and happy, and hopefully make this time of their lives easier. But there are so many products out there, it can be hard to know which ones actually live up to their claims, and which most parents could live without.
  • Luckily, for those of us who are stumped, Amazon has a list of the top 50 gifts new parents are adding to their wish-lists and registries on the site. Check them out, below.

Gift-giving is hard. No matter how thoughtful, there's always a hesitation that it might not be the right gift — maybe the recipient doesn't like it, maybe they don't need it, or maybe they just don't want it for some other reason. 

When it comes to finding nice gifts for new parents, gift-giving can get even harder — there's a new little human to add to the equation. You want to get them something that, first and foremost, is safe for their newborn, and it helps if it makes the parents' lives a little easier too. 

If you're looking for some inspiration for gifts to bring to a baby shower, or you need a thoughtful holiday or birthday gift a new parent will appreciate, check out Amazon's list of the top 50 most wished for baby products. This list is updated daily with the products that new parents are adding to their wishlists and registries. 

Keep reading to find the top 50 most wished for baby products on Amazon right now, below:

A soft, foam changing pad that keeps baby secure

Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad, $19.88



A one-month supply of diapers

Pampers Swaddlers, 198 count, $44.95



A carrier that lets them hold their baby four different ways, depending on their little one's size

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier, $29.69



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Fender is celebrating the final season of 'Game of Thrones' with 3 custom-made electric guitars, and there's one for each of the main houses

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Fender GOT

If you wanted to come up with an epic book series and TV show that would appeal to fans of heavy metal and progressive rock, you'd probably create "Game of Thrones."

With HBO's series drawing to a close this season, the sprawling tale — based on George R.R. Martin's novels — is provoking all manner of praise. But one tribute has come from an unexpected source.

Fender guitars are known less for heavy metal than for pop, hard rock, blues, and country. But the California-based instrument maker has a side that craves engagement with the Iron Throne. Fender CEO Andy Mooney is a guitar player whose tastes tend toward punk rock and heavier tunes, and he has forged a friendship with "Thrones" co-creator D.B. Weiss, Fender said in a statement.

Read more: Some 'Game of Thrones' fans were outraged after HBO and Hulu outages prevented them from watching the season premiere

The result is the Game of Thrones Sigil Collection, a product of Fender's legendary Custom Shop.

"Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn ... drew inspiration from each house's family sigil, costume designs, armor and weaponry, as well as each of their locations in Westeros, sparing no details," Fender said, adding that the new guitars "boast ornate and unique features such as dragon scale carvings, custom engraved inlays, hand carved headstocks and gold-plated pickguards."

These axes don't come cheap: Prices range from $25,000 to $35,000, Fender said. The three guitars each took over 100 hours to craft.

Designs based on Fender classics

Game of Thrones

The design is based on a trio of Fender's most popular instruments: the iconic Telecaster, the world's first commercially successful solidbody electric guitar; the beloved Stratocaster, made famous by Jimi Hendrix; and the Jaguar, a guitar that was rediscovered by indie rockers in the 1990s.

Fender GOT

The Tele is for House Stark, the Strat for House Targaryen, and the Jag for House Lannister.

Fender GOT

"Ron Thorn at Fender has built three beautiful, GoT-inspired works of art, and you can out-shred your enemies with all of them," Weiss said. "The craftsmanship and attention to detail reminds me a lot of what we saw in our costume and armory shops, and on our sets. I hope these make a few other people 1/1000th as happy as they make me."

Fender GOT

Check out the individual guitars below — and yes, these axes can play the "Game of Thrones" theme, as Tom Morello, Scott Ian, Nuno Bettencourt, Ramin Djawadi, and D.B. Weiss demonstrate.

 

SEE ALSO: Fender is filling the biggest gap in its product lineup with a new range of effects pedals

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Jeff Bezos is reportedly looking to buy an NYC apartment. Here's a look at the 6 massive properties his family already owns across the US, from a sprawling Seattle estate to a set of historic NYC condos

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Jeff Bezos MacKenzie Bezos

Days after Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Bezos announced they'd finalized the terms of their divorce, the Amazon CEO is reportedly apartment hunting in New York City, The New York Post reported.

The Amazon CEO remains the richest person in the world with a net worth of $115 billion, while MacKenzie Bezos is now worth $37 billion, making her the fourth-richest woman in the world.

Now, Jeff Bezos is looking to spend $60 million on a new home in the city, according to the Post, which would grow his already massive collection of real estate.

It's still unknown how the Bezos family will split up their real-estate holdings, which include six massive properties across the country. A 2017 Land Report named Bezos the country's 28th-largest landowner. As Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback previously reported, everything acquired throughout the marriage from real estate to income is considered joint property in the Bezos' home state of Washington.

From two neighboring Beverly Hills mansions to a sprawling estate in an exclusive Seattle suburb, here are the six estates the Bezos own in the US.

SEE ALSO: The rise of Jeff Bezos, who built Amazon into a $1 trillion company and became the richest person in modern history

DON'T MISS: Here's why investors shouldn't be too worried about MacKenzie Bezos becoming one of Amazon's largest individual shareholders

Jeff Bezos lives in a nearly 29,000-square-foot estate in Medina, Washington.

Bezos owns two homes in Medina spanning 5.3 acres.

According to the Wall Street Journal, he paid $10 million for the property in 1998.

One home is a 20,600-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, and the other is an 8,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom home rumored to have cost $53 million. 



Medina, located on a peninsula just across Lake Washington from Seattle, is an exclusive suburb that's also home to Bill Gates, as well as other Microsoft bigwigs, tech entrepreneurs, and telecom magnates.

Many of the neighborhood's mansions are hidden away behind gates and protected by elaborate security systems.



Bezos' estate underwent a $28 million renovation in 2010.

The home, which sits right on the shores of Lake Washington, includes 310 feet of private shoreline and a boathouse.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Rich millennials are buying vacation homes before starter homes. There are 3 things you should consider before buying one, says a financial expert.

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vacation home

  • Some rich millennials are buying vacation homes instead of primary homes because it's too expensive to buy in the cities where they live.
  • There are three main reasons why people consider buying a vacation home, according to financial expert Jean Chatzky: They frequent a certain area, they're planning to retire, or they want rental income.
  • But second homes are different than primary homes and come with a lot of caveats — here's what you should know before you buy.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Some rich, urban-dwelling millennials are swapping out starter homes for vacation homes: They're renting in cities and buying country houses because they can't afford to buy in their city's expensive real estate market, according to Farran Powell of The Street.

That's certainly not the only reason why people are buying vacation homes, and millennials aren't the only ones to favor them. But buying a second home isn't a decision to be taken lightly.

"It's important to understand that second homes are different," Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC's "Today" Show, wrote in "Women with Money," her latest of 11 books. "And not just because you can no longer deduct mortgage interest."

There are three reasons why one might be considering a vacation home, according to Chatzky. Here's what you should consider before making the leap.

Read more: Millennials are making 3 key decisions that are wiping out the starter home — and it's changing what homeownership in America looks like

1. You want your own space in a place you visit often — but how often do you really visit?

Chatzky and her husband bought a second home in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, which they use every weekend from May through early September.

But even if you'll only use a vacation home part-time like Chatzky does, a house is still a house. Bills — including mortgage, HOA dues, utilities, cable, etc. — are still year-round responsibilities, Chatzky said. If you live far from your second home, you'll also need to pay someone to check in on the house, she added.

Some vacation homeowners also feel guilty if they want to vacation elsewhere — it can be hard to justify paying for a trip when you already have a place to visit, Chatzky said.

She advises giving the idea of a second home a trial run. She and her husband rented in Long Beach Island for four consecutive Augusts to determine if buying a home there was worthwhile.

How much would another home cost you? Find out with these offers from our partners:


2. You're thinking about retiring in your vacation home — but will it fit your retirement lifestyle? 

Dipping into the real estate market before actually retiring may be a wise move.

"Buying a retirement place before you retire has financial benefits," Chatzky wrote. It's easier to qualify for a mortgage while employed, and you'll get a head start on paying it off; you'll have time to settle into your place and make any necessary renovations; and you'll be able to determine the cost of living in the area, she said.

"Road testing a second house you plan to use for these purposes is even more important than road testing a house you plan to vacation in," she wrote, adding that the road test should be longer than a few weeks or days. "If it still feels like a vacation, you haven't stayed long enough."

During this road test, you should consider medical care access, services, culture and entertainment, transportation, and size of the home before purchasing, Chatzky said.

Read more: The 10 best places in the US to buy a winter home right now, ranked

3. You want to make extra money — but have you considered tax laws?

The advantages of having an extra cash flow through rental income is often what appeals to millennials buying a second home instead of a primary residence. They're using these homes to build wealth and rent them out when they're not living in them, Powell reported.

"With the rise of sites like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO, making some extra cash by renting out your vacation place has never been easier," Chatzky wrote. "But that doesn't mean it's easy."

For one, there are tax laws. If you rent your house for 14 days or less, you don't have to report the rental income on your tax return; if you rent it for longer than two weeks, the IRS deems it "a business for tax purposes," — but how the IRS treats it as a business varies, depending on how, you, the owner, uses it, Chatzky said.

There are also other things to look into, like peak rental times, HOA rules, sales tax laws, and possible business permits, she added.

"Keeping the place rented means scouring the market to stay on top of competitive pricing, making sure it's clean and in order before the next renters move in, being responsive to email queries, and dealing with problems as they arise," Chatzky wrote. "In effect, you either devote a big chunk of your time to managing this property or hire someone to do it for you."

Can you afford your dream home? Find out with this calculator from our partners:

SEE ALSO: Millennials are pouring money into gym memberships and boutique fitness classes. A financial expert says spending on fitness is a good money decision for 2 key reasons.

DON'T MISS: Millennials would rather spend money on experiences than on things. There are 4 reasons why that's a smart money move, according to a financial expert

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Elon Musk sent a $100K Tesla Roadster to space a year ago. It has now traveled farther than any other car in history.

Here are all the people and companies who have collectively pledged nearly $730 million so far to help rebuild Notre-Dame after the disastrous fire

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notre dame cathedral paris

France's superrich have stepped in and pledged to donate millions to help rebuild Notre-Dame, one of the most recognized sights in Paris, after the centuries-old cathedral was devastated by a fire.

The fire toppled the cathedral's iconic spire and led to the collapse of the roof, but the two bell towers and much of the shell of the structure were saved.

Read more: Heartbreaking photos show the 800-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris burning to the ground

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the cathedral, and it seems that he'll have the help of millions of dollars from some of France's wealthiest citizens.

At least $728 million has so far been pledged to help rebuild the beloved cathedral.

notre dame paris

Bernard Arnault, LVMH's chairman and CEO and France's richest person; François-Henri Pinault, Kering's founder; and the Bettencourt Meyers family, which controls L'Oréal, are among the major donors so far. Together, the billionaires behind the three French luxury groups pledged $565 million.

Here are all the people who've pledged donations so far:

The cause of the fire that ravaged the 850-year-old cathedral is still unknown.

SEE ALSO: Before-and-after photos show how the devastating Notre-Dame Cathedral fire has changed the Paris skyline

DON'T MISS: All the priceless artifacts inside Notre-Dame that firefighters battled to save from the devastating fire

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Physicists have discovered that rotating black holes might serve as portals for hyperspace travel

The best picnic baskets you can buy

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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.

the best picnic baskets

  • Sure you could bring all your picnic foods in a boring shopping bag, but why would you when you can use a cute picnic basket instead?
  • Our top pick is the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Picnic Basket because it comes with everything you need for an enjoyable picnic — minus the food, of course.

The weather is fine, the afternoon is open, and you've got the best recipe for chicken salad — Conditions are perfect for a picnic. Whether you're setting out with your family, planning a romantic outing for two plus a bottle of champagne, or even enjoying a meal on your own, dining in the great outdoors is a terrific and time-tested way to enjoy the pleasant weather of spring or summer.

But you need some way to carry your food, drink, and utensils to your destination, and that's where picnic baskets come into play. Sure, you could just toss your lunch into a bag or tote, or use a plastic cooler, but where's the fun in that? Whether you want traditional wicker or something a bit more modern, a good picnic basket signals that something special is on the agenda — It's not just eating outside, it's a celebration.

Here at Insider Picks, we're always up for a picnic, so we decided to assemble a list of the best picnic baskets for every need.

Here are the best picnic baskets you can buy in 2019:

Updated on 04/16/2019 by Les Shu: Updating pricing and formatting. Added related buying guides.

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

SEE ALSO: The best coolers you can buy

The best picnic basket overall

Why you'll love it: If you're looking for a durable, easily cleaned picnic basket that's perfect for anywhere from the beach to Shakespeare in the Park, you can't go wrong with the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Picnic Basket.

It's not made of traditional picnic-basket wicker, but it's easy to overlook that when you consider all that the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Picnic Basket has to offer. This fully insulated, leak-proof, and zipped-shut basket has an aluminum frame, padded handles, and heavy-duty polyester canvas fabric on the outside.

It carries up to 65 pounds of food and drink, which should be more than enough for your average picnic. The picnic basket also includes four sets of stainless steel cutlery, plates, napkins, and acrylic wine glasses.

When the fun is over, it's super easy to clean — Just give the basket a quick wipe-down and then fold it flat for storage.

This is the number-one pick of The Wirecutter. The reviewer praised the basket's included glass, plates, flatware, and napkins. He also liked that the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Picnic Basket folds flat when you're done using it and it's nice and roomy, so you can fit everything you want inside.

Pros: Folds flat for storage, durable design, comfortable to carry

Cons: A bit small if you want bring a lot of food for four people, although it's plenty roomy for two or three.

Buy the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Picnic Basket on Amazon for $64.95



The best traditional picnic basket

 

Why you'll love it: If memories of childhood picnics fill you with nostalgia, you'll love the traditional style of the Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket.

The Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket is as traditional as can be. It's just the sort of "pic-a-nic basket" Yogi Bear loved to steal and Dorothy used to carry her little dog Toto. It doesn't include place settings, but it has lots of room for your own plates and utensils, as well as your food and drinks.

The basket is made of sturdy, hand-woven willow, and is fully lined with a cotton/poly red-and-white-gingham fabric that removes for cleaning. The poplar wood lid is split so you can lift each side individually, and when closed, makes a handy table for your drinks. The handle is wicker and very durable, but not padded, so it might weigh a bit heavy on your hands if the basket is fully loaded.

You're probably not going to choose this basket if you have a long walk to your picnic site, but it's a lovely basket for a picnic at the park, an outdoor amphitheater, or even for dining in your own backyard.

Pros: Traditional style, roomy interior, reasonable price

Cons: Does not include place settings

Buy the Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket on Amazon for $35.95 (originally $48.95)

 



The best backpack picnic basket

Why you'll love it: Combine a picnic basket with a backpack, and you get the ingenious VonShef Picnic Backpack

You could file the VonShef Picnic Backpack under "Things picnickers in the old days wish they had," and appreciate today's ability to carry everything you need for a picnic while leaving your hands free to carry other things or hold onto your sweetie's — or your child's — hand.

It may not be the traditional design, but we dare say the VonShef Picnic Backpack is even better. A roomy, fully insulated food storage compartment keeps your sandwiches cool, and the padded, adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to carry a lot of food. The bag also has a carrying handle on top and heavy-duty polyester canvas fabric that easily wipes clean.

You also get place settings for four people, including plastic plates, stainless steel utensils, cotton napkins, and plastic wine glasses. To sweeten the deal, it also comes with salt and pepper shakers, a small cutting board for cheese or bread, a butter knife, and a bottle opener, plus a fleece blanket with waterproof backing and a detachable insulated wine cooler.   

Pros: Backpack design makes the basket easy to carry, includes plenty of accessories

Cons: None to speak of, unless you prefer a traditionally styled picnic basket

Buy the VonShef Picnic Backpack on Amazon for $39.99



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to delete all of the contacts on your iPhone with a few taps

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iPhones Lydia 5

  • Deleting contacts off your iPhone one at a time can be a painstaking process, especially if you want to clear out many contacts at once. 
  • You could download various apps to help you delete contacts faster, but even that takes time.
  • The following method for deleting all the contacts on your iPhone— via the iCloud tab in the Settings app — takes only a few seconds, but if you haven't previously saved the contact information you wish to keep, it might be irretrievably lost.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

There are a number of good reasons you should know how to delete all contacts on an iPhone. The number one reason is that you plan to sell or donate your iPhone, and you don't want the next owner to have access to all your contacts. You also may have just bought a phone and want to wipe it clean yourself. Returning a phone used for work is yet another reason to delete all contacts.

And finally, you may have simply become fed up with all the unused contacts cluttering your contact list and taking up space on your device; deleting all the contacts off an iPhone and then adding back those few you actually need might just be the cleanest, simplest way to clean up your phone.

But deleting contacts off an iPhone may well mean losing them forever, so wipe the phone clean only after careful consideration. And before you do so, consider downloading an app like Contact Cleanup, which allows you to scroll through your contacts, tap on those you want to remove, and delete in a big batch.

How to delete all the contacts on your iPhone

First, make sure your contact list is synced to iCloud, or you may lose your contacts permanently. Also consider physically writing down the most important ones. For iPhones using iOS 11 and newer...

1. Launch the Settings app, then tap the tab at the top with your name and the words "Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes & App Store."

IMG_3810

2. Tap the iCloud tab on the next screen.

IMG_3811

3. Beside the word "Contacts," tap the white circle set into the green tab to switch contacts to off.

IMG_3812

4. A window will pop up with the option to "Delete from My iPhone." Tap it.

IMG_3813.PNG

Your contacts will now be wiped from your phone.

A simpler, but more complete way to remove all contacts from an iPhone is to reset your phone to factory default settings. But note that this will also erase all photos, music, and apps you have on your phone. If you want to reset your phone, follow the steps in our article "How to reset your iPhone to its factory settings."

IMG_3814

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

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Delta is limiting the amount passengers can recline their seats on its Airbus A320 fleet as controversy swells in the seat decline debate (DAL)

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Delta Airbus A320

  • Delta Air Lines is cutting in half the amount by which passengers can recline their seats on its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, a Delta representative told Business Insider.
  • Coach seats will be able to recline by two inches, down from four inches, and first-class seats will be able to recline by 3.5 inches, down from 5.4 inches, the Delta representative said,
  • Delta will not reduce legroom or add seats to its A320s in response to the seat-incline adjustment.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Delta Air Lines is cutting in half the amount by which passengers can recline their seats on its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

"As part of Delta's continued efforts to make the in-flight experience more enjoyable, Delta is testing a small change to its A320 aircraft — adjusting the recline throughout to make multitasking easier," the Delta representative said.

The Points Guy first reported the move in an interview with Delta director of onboard product and customer experience Ekrem Dimbiloglu published on April 12.

Coach seats will be able to recline by two inches, down from four inches, and first-class seats will be able to recline by 3.5 inches, down from 5.4 inches, the Delta representative said. Dimbiloglu told The Points Guy that Delta would begin adjusting the seats on Airbus A320 aircraft on April 13. The adjustment process is expected to take around two months, Dimbiloglu said.

Read more:Boeing can't deliver the 737 Max to customers, and now the planes are clogging up its storage lots

By reducing a seat's ability to recline, Delta is engaging with a fundamental question at the heart of passenger comfort in the airline industry: Do passengers prefer the ability to recline, or freedom from the possibility that the passenger in front of them will recline to an extent that will take up too much of their space?

The move is designed to make it easier for passengers to use their laptops or watch content on the screens embedded in the backs of seats, Dimbiloglu said. Delta will not reduce legroom or add seats to its A320s in response to the seat-incline adjustment.

"Delta has no plans to add seats or reduce space between rows with this test – it's all about protecting customers' personal space and minimizing disruptions to multitasking in-flight," the Delta representative said.

Around 7% of Delta's total fleet consists of Airbus A320s, according to Airfleets.net. The airline has 62 A320s and 897 total planes.

Delta's A320s are most often used for short and medium-haul flights of around one-to-two hours that are popular among business travelers, the Delta representative said.

SEE ALSO: The president of JetBlue's venture capital firm is a renaissance woman who just might transform air travel

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NOW WATCH: How the Koenigsegg Jesko is designed to break 300 mph

How a long-standing rivalry between 2 French billionaires helped raise $340 million to rebuild Notre-Dame in 24 hours

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Billionaires Notre Dame donation

On Monday evening, a massive fire swept through the 800-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral. Standing in the heart of the French capital, the iconic structure was undergoing major reconstruction when the fire started.

Ranked as the richest and second-richest men in France, Bernard Arnault and François Pinault head major luxury-goods empires. Pinault's net worth is $35 billion according to Forbes real-time data, while Arnault is worth $92 billion. Arnault leads LVMH — the parent company of Louis Vuitton and Sephora — and Pinault serves as honorary chairman for his company, Kering, which owns the flourishing Gucci brand.

As Thomas Adamson wrote for the AP, "The famed rivalry of Arnault and Pinault, whose names rhyme, goes back decades."

The pair's undeclared war came to a head over Gucci in the late 1990s and 2000s, when both competed for control of the iconic Italian fashion house. The 2.5-year battle ended with Arnault selling his 8 million shares to Pinault for $94 apiece and giving up his stake in the company.

Since then, the two have competed in the art world as well, according to The New York Times.

Read more: All the people and companies that have collectively pledged $730 million to help rebuild Notre-Dame

Most recently, the rivalry could be seen playing out in the aftermath of the Notre-Dame fire, when Pinault's announcement of a pledged donation to the cathedral's repairs was far exceeded, hours later, by Arnault's.

Pinault's son, François-Henri, Kering's CEO, announced to Agence France-Presse that the family would donate €100 million, or $113 million, from their holding group at 9:46 p.m. CEST.

Nine hours later, LVMH announced that Arnault and his family would be donating. And their pledged donation — at €200 million, or $226 million — roundly doubled Pinault's.

According to Business Insider's Katie Warren, they are among a variety of businesspeople and companies that have collectively pledged $730 million to rebuilding Notre-Dame.

Other wealthy donors include the Bettencourt-Meyer family, heirs to the L'Oreal fortune, alongside French oil giant Total and major French bank Crédit Agricole. Business Insider's David Smith also reported Apple's CEO Tim Cook pledged to donate money to the cause.

Business Insider asked LVMH and Kering for comment on the timing of their donations but have not heard back.

SEE ALSO: Meet Bernard Arnault, the French billionaire who just pledged $226 million to help rebuild the Notre-Dame, controls luxury-goods empire LVMH, and is the third-richest person in the world

NOW READ: Meet François Pinault, the French billionaire who just pledged $113 million to help rebuild the Notre-Dame, owns Christie's, and founded Kering, the luxury giant behind Gucci and Balenciaga

Join the conversation about this story »

How to easily scan documents and QR codes on your iPhone

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iPhone XS Max

We've come a long way since fax machines and scanners were the primary means of sending off your documents.

Today, you don't even need additional office equipment to scan and send your documents, you can do it directly from your iPhone. With iOS 11, Apple finally integrated a scanner into the Notes app.

Want to try it out for yourself? Follow the steps below to scan a document on your iPhone:

How to scan a document on an iPhone's Notes app

1. Locate and open your Notes app — it looks like a notepad! If you can't find it, simply swipe right on your home screen and search "Notes."

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2. Now open an existing note or start a new one by pressing the pencil and pad icon in the bottom right corner.

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3. At the bottom of your screen, or above your keypad if you're typing, you will see a "+" symbol inside a circle. Click this icon.

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4. Click "Scan Documents" to activate your camera and start the scanning process.

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5. At this point the two icons at the top of the screen allow you to set your flash setting (on, off, or auto), and your color setting (color, grayscale, black & white, or photo). Your iPhone will automatically detect the document, place a yellow box around it and immediately scan it.

  • Note: If this isn't working for you, you can click "Auto" in the top right corner and change to "Manual" mode. Now position the camera over the document and press the capture button at the bottom when you're ready, it's the same button you use to take a photo.

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6. Your image will now pop up ready for you to reposition the box around the document you want to scan. Press "Keep Scan" to continue or "Retake" to delete the file and start again.

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7. The camera will activate again, allowing you to scan another document. Once you've finished scanning all of the pages you need, press "Save" in the bottom right corner to finish.

8. Your scanned document will now appear in your Note.

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How to edit and share a scanned document on an iPhone

If you click on the scanned document, you'll be able you to crop the image, change color setting and rotate the image. You can also press the + in the bottom left corner to add another image to the scanned document or click the trash can in the bottom right to delete the document from your iPhone.

This is also where you'll go to share the document (after all the real reason you scanned the file in the first place is to send it to someone or save it for later!). Click on the share button in the top right corner (it's a symbol of a box with an upwards pointing arrow). This will give you the choice to share your file via email, a messaging app, or AirDrop. You can also save it to the Cloud, an iPhone-based storage drive, or convert it to PDF.

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How to scan a QR code on an iPhone

But documents aren't the only item you can scan with your iPhone. Another of the iOS 11 updates was the addition of a QR Code scanner, which Apple integrated seamlessly into the camera app.

QR Codes are square matrix barcodes made up of smaller white and black squares. They were first used in Japan's automotive industry in the mid 1990s but are now used worldwide by companies who want to save you the hassle of having to type out a specific web address.

It's now super quick and easy to access the web address linked to the QR Code via your iPhone. Here's what you need to do:

1. Open your camera and position it so that the entire QR code image is visible. The iPhone will detect the barcode and put a yellow box around it.

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2. Once it's been scanned, a notification bubble will appear at the top of the screen. Click this bubble to be taken to the website associated with the QR Code.

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: 5 ways to conserve battery life on your iPhone, and get the most out of a single charge

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

26 funny and inexpensive Mother's Day gifts that are guaranteed to make her laugh

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mom pin

  • If you've decided to go the funny route for Mother's Day this year, you'll find 26 gift options ready to make her laugh below. 
  • They contain just the right amount of levity to keep this holiday light-hearted, while showing Mom you care for and appreciate her. 
  • For more gifts that aren't as funny but are still thoughtful, check out all our Mother's Day gift guides here

Mother's Day is an important holiday, but that doesn't mean you can't keep it lighthearted. If you or your mom aren't interested in the sappy, cheesy aspects of Mother's Day, she might appreciate these funny gifts a little more. They show lots of personality, acknowledge the challenges and triumphs of being a mother, and keep things fun. 

Year after year of flower bouquets, chocolates, and other stereotypical gifts later, you can try mixing it up and injecting some humor into Mother's Day instead. 

Want to expand your search for Mother's Day gifts? We have you covered:

Shop the funniest Mother's Day gifts below. 

SEE ALSO: 18 last-minute Mother's Day gifts that are still thoughtful and unique

Slang flashcards

Gift the Slang Flashcards, $10

Get your mom up to speed with all the lingo that the "youths" of today are using. This game has 50 cards to help her understand what you're really trying to say. 

 



An accurate desk sign

Gift the Big Personality Desk Sign, $28

Whether your mother is the CEO of her company, the house, or both, this sign accurately signals that she deserves attention and respect. 

 



Wine socks

Gift the Wine Socks, $11.99-$13.99

The message is pretty clear: if your mom is sitting back and relaxing, make sure she stays that way. 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This $295 travel bag from Lo & Sons is pricey, but it's the best gift I've ever received — its clever design makes traveling so much easier

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OG

  • Lo & Sons is known for its high-quality, travel-friendly bags. 
  • I was gifted the O.G. Overnight Bag ($295) for my college graduation last spring, and it's one of my most practical and most-used bags.
  • The O.G. has a travel sleeve to fit over a suitcase handle, plenty of pockets, a laptop compartment, a key leash, and many other functional features that make it perfect for traveling and beyond.
  • I've been using the bag during my commutes in and out of New York City, and now I understand why it has such rave reviews.

I always love the idea of getting out of New York City for the weekend, until I'm standing at the subway trying to maneuver myself and my carry-on through the turnstile simultaneously. Airports are made for suitcases — they have auto-walks and an abundance of escalators to lessen the burden of lifting heavy luggage. As for train stations, I can't say they are so suitcase-friendly. 

After a few weekend trips out of New York to visit my parents in the suburbs and tired arms from lugging my carry-on up and down the many staircases on subway and train platforms, I searched my room for some alternate, easier-on-the-commute travel bags. 

I found something wrong with just about every bag I could find — that one's too big, that one's too small, that one has no zipper, and the list went on. Then, I came across the Lo & Sons O.G., which I had only used once before, and in true Goldilocks fashion I realized it was just right. Since, I've been using this bag for pretty much every trip I take, either as my sole carrier for weekend trips, or as an added carry-on paired with my suitcase for longer vacations.

Specs

The Lo & Sons O.G. bag is sturdy, filled with tons of convenient pockets to hold all of your essentials, and has a surprising amount of space inside. 

From the outside, the O.G. looks more like a structured tote than an overnight bag, likely due to it's sturdy build, as compared to the classic slouchy duffel style most overnight bags have. It's made of durable nylon — which is water-resistant — and adorned with some hardware (in either silver or gold, depending on the model) that adds a little sophistication.

It's definitely a nice-looking bag, but it's the functionality and multi-purpose utility that make this bag well worth the money. It has a travel sleeve that slides over your suitcase handle and a messenger strap for easy carrying, and then of course you can just wear it as a regular shoulder bag, so you have a few different options of how you can tote it around. 

lo&sons

The outside of the bag has two zipper compartments; one filled with smaller open pockets sized to fit pens, journals, and other small essentials; the other with space to fit shoes, toiletry bags, a wet umbrella, or anything you'd like to keep easily accessible and separate from the rest of your belongings. This is a feature I've never really seen before, but one I really appreciate as I usually have to pack my shoes in canvas bags to keep them separate from my clean clothes.  

Then, there's the inside of the bag. There's a padded laptop sleeve that has a closure to keep your device secure, plus plenty of internal pockets and a long leash that ensures you'll never have to dig around to find your loose keys again. If you want to see all the specs in action, check out this video from Lo & Sons.

While pricey, I think it's worth the $295 investment.

Bottom Line

With all of all the smart features, I've found I'm able to fit just about everything I need for a weekend away in this one bag, unless it's winter (because sweaters and coats are just too bulky). Even though the bag is so structured, it's really lightweight, making it really easy to carry, even when loaded with clothing and toiletries. 

This bag is a major upgrade from the overnight bag you probably randomly acquired through some promotional event back in high school. The aesthetic appeal is definitely a draw, but beyond style, this bag is extremely practical. If you're the kind of person who's constantly jetting around to and from — whether your destinations include the office, the gym, the airport, or anywhere else — this singular bag is likely all you need to seamlessly transition from place to place throughout your day, looking sophisticated all the while.

Get the O.G. Overnight Bag, $295, available at Lo & Sons

Join the conversation about this story »

How to connect your Roku device to a TV and set it up for streaming

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roku express

  • No matter what Roku model you own, the setup process to connect it to your TV is essentially the same.
  • You need to attach the Roku to an input on your TV, usually via an HDMI cable (though some Rokus can use composite video cables for older TVs) and plug it into its AC adapter.
  • After it's attached to the TV, use the included Roku remote control to follow the setup instructions on the TV screen.
  • You'll need to activate the Roku and set up your Roku account in a web browser, so have a computer or phone nearby.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Roku sells a family of multimedia devices designed to deliver a vast number of streaming services to any TV or monitor. By connecting a Roku streaming box to your TV, you can either "cut the cord" — cancel your cable TV service — or augment your cable with channels like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO, YouTube, and more.

In addition to these popular services, Roku's streaming library includes literally thousands of other choices, like Crackle, Adult Swim, Vevo, and many niche offerings that appeal to very specific tastes, hobbies, and interests.

It's worth pointing out that while some channels are free, others, like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now, to name some popular examples, require a monthly subscription, so streaming is not necessarily free (or, if you subscribe to too many channels, even cheaper than cable). Others, like streaming versions of certain TV channels, may require you to enter proof that you are a cable subscriber to get permission to watch that channel.

Roku offers many streaming devices, from the entry-level Roku Express to the USB flash drive-shaped all-in-one Streaming Stick, to the deluxe Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra — but the setup and connection process is virtually identical no matter which one you buy.

How to connect your Roku device to a TV

1. Connect the Roku to an HDMI cable and then plug that cable into an unused HDMI input on your TV or monitor. If you have a Roku Streaming Stick, there's no need for the HDMI cable — insert the Streaming Stick directly into your TV's HDMI port. If you have an older TV that lacks an HDMI cable, you will need to use a Roku model that works with old-style composite video cables.

connect 1

2. Connect your Roku to the included AC adapter. Older models may use a round plug, while most newer models plug into a micro-USB connector.

3. Set the TV to the correct input for the Roku device. You should now see Roku's welcome screen.

4. Insert batteries into the Roku remote.

5. You might need to pair the remote; if the on-screen instructions tell you to, press the reset button on the remote for several seconds.

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6. Using the remote, choose a language and then, on the next screen, set up your internet connection. Most Roku devices require a WiFi network, but if you have the option, you can plug your Roku device directly into an Ethernet cable and plug that into your router instead. If the router is near your TV, that's a good option because it's probably faster and more reliable than WiFi.

7. If you are using WiFi, choose "Set up a new wireless connection."

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8. On the next page, choose your WiFi network from the list and then enter the password.

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9. After connected to the internet, Roku may need to install some updates. Let it update and restart if needed.

10. Roku may ask to detect your TV's display. Use the remote to start this brief test.

11. Follow the directions to open a web browser on your phone or computer and enter the code you're provided at the Roku site.

12. If you already have a Roku account, log in. If not, create an account now.

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13. Give the Roku a nickname and indicate which room it's in. This can be helpful if you have more than one Roku.

14. Roku may ask you to choose channels and log in to enable them. After you click "Continue," the Roku device will automatically complete its setup and add channels. This might take some time.

When it's done, your Roku is ready for use.

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

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How to change your Apple ID on an iPad

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ipad

  • If you want to change the Apple ID account that your iPad is connected to, you can log out of that Apple ID and sign in with (or create) another, but the iPad will erase apps and data to ensure the privacy and security of the old Apple ID.
  • Your iPad uses your Apple ID to synchronize your apps and data with a backup in iCloud as well as keeping it in sync with your iPhone and other iOS devices.
  • Your Apple ID can be whatever email address you like, and that address is easy to change on the Apple ID management website.

Your Apple ID is the connective tissue that binds together everything in your Apple universe — it keeps your iPhone and iPad in sync, helps you manage your iCloud content, iTunes account, find a lost device, and more.

Your Apple ID can be any email address — including your @icloud.com, @me.com, @mac.com, or any third-party email address. Most people tend to pick whatever email address they most commonly use.

But what if you want to change your Apple ID? Not a problem. But "changing your Apple ID" can mean two different things, so read on to pick the one you want to do.

How to change the email address you use with your Apple ID

You can change the email address associated with your Apple ID. This keeps your Apple ID account the same, but changes the email address you use to sign into it with.

1. In a web browser, go to your Apple ID page and log in.

2. To the right of Account, click "Edit."

edit

3. Under Apple ID, click "Change Apple ID…"

4. Enter the email address that you want to use and click "Continue."

Something important to keep in mind: If your Apple ID is already an Apple email address such as @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com, you can only change it to another Apple email address, but if your email is a third-party address, you can change it to anything. That means if you choose to change it to an Apple address, you can never switch it back to a Gmail address, for example.

How to change the Apple ID on your iPad entirely

Perhaps you don't want to change the email address associated with your Apple ID — you want to sign out of whatever account is there and log in with a different one.

Note that if you do this, all of your apps and data associated with the previous Apple ID will be erased from the iPad, and you will start fresh with a new, blank iPad. This is to ensure the privacy and security of the old Apple ID.

1. Sign out of the Apple ID on your iPad. Open the Settings app and then tap the name at the top of the screen. Scroll down to the bottom and tap "Sign Out." You'll need to enter the Apple ID password to confirm.

appleid 2

2. On the dialog box that asks if you want to keep a copy of your data on this iPad, choose which items you want to keep on the iPad (if any) and tap "Sign Out" — but it will remove all the personal data on the iPad.

appleid 3

3. The Apple ID at the top of the Settings screen now says "Sign in to use your iPad." Tap that, and enter a different Apple ID or follow the instructions to create a new one.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech

SEE ALSO: The best tablets you can buy

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NOW WATCH: Watch Apple debut its own no-fee credit card

The 100,000-point bonus for Marriott's new luxury card is a no-brainer if you book at least a couple stays a year — but you only have until April 24 to get it

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

  • This is the last chance to earn a 100,000-point welcome bonus on the new Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
  • The offer ends on Wednesday, April 24: If you apply before then, you'll earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
  • The card has a high annual fee, but the value of its benefits and rewards negate the fee — and then some.
  • Marriott's small business credit card — the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card— is offering the same bonus, but it also ends on April 24.

In January, Marriott wrapped up a major rebranding of its loyalty program, combining it with the Starwood Preferred Guest program to create a single entity: Marriott Bonvoy.

Despite some bumps, there's excellent value to be had from the program, and from its rewards credit cards.

As part of the rebrand, Marriott revamped its co-brand rewards credit cards, and launched introductory welcome bonuses on the new products — but only for a limited time.

There are two personal cards, but one of them — the Bonvoy Brilliant AmEx, which is the premium card — will lower its bonus after Wednesday, April 24.

Until April 24, new cardholders who open the  Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, formerly called the SPG Luxury Card, can earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when they spend $5,000 on the card in the first three months.

Read more: 8 of the best credit card offers this month — including 2 huge hotel bonuses that end soon

While the card has a high $450 annual fee, it's easy to get much more value from it than you pay for that fee, especially if you stay at Marriott hotels semi-frequently.

Right off the bat, the card offers up to $300 each year in statement credits for purchases at participating Marriott hotels, which can apply to room charges. That effectively brings the fee down to just $150.

It also offers a free night award each year on your card-member anniversary, which can be redeemed at any hotel that costs 50,000 points per night or less. Depending on how you redeem the free night, when you consider it with the annual statement credits, that should completely negate the fee — and potentially turn a profit.

Plus, last month, Marriott and AmEx added an additional benefit to the card: an up-to-$100, on-property credit during any eligible stay at a Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotel or resort. Any time you stay for two or more nights at an eligible property, you'll get up to a $100 credit on your bill for things like food, drinks, or spa services. Just make sure to select the "Luxury Credit Card Rate" when you search for hotels. It's generally the same as the regular Marriott Bonvoy member-discount rates, but opts you in to receive the credit.

The card also offers complimentary Gold elite status, and comes with a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.

The card earns 6x points at participating Marriott hotels, 3x points at US restaurants and on flights booked directly with the airline, and 2x points on everything else.

The non-premium Marriott credit card — the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, which is issued by Chase — is also offering a limited-time 100,000 point bonus after you spend $5,000 in the first three months, but that one doesn't end until May 2.

Additionally, Marriott's small business credit card — the Marriott Bonvoy Business AmEx— is offering 100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, but like the Bonvoy Brilliant, it ends on April 24.

Click here to learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card from Insider Picks' partner, The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

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Washington is bracing for the redacted Mueller report. Here's everything we know about the 400-page document.

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Robert Mueller

  • This week, we found out the Justice Department will release a redacted version of the special counsel Robert Mueller's final report in the Russia probe on Thursday.
  • For the last two years, Mueller spearheaded a tight ship as he and his team of prosecutors conducted one of the most politically sensitive investigations in modern US history.
  • We've put together a running list of everything you need to know about the highly anticipated report ahead of its release, and how Washington's political factions are bracing for its impact.

The Justice Department announced this week that a redacted version of the special counsel Robert Mueller's final report in the Russia investigation will be released Thursday.

The report's release will cap nearly two years of frenzied speculation about the most politically sensitive investigation in modern US history.

Here's everything we know about the highly anticipated report so far:

SEE ALSO: The Justice Department says the redacted Mueller report will be released Thursday

What was Mueller investigating?

Mueller was appointed special counsel in May 2017, after President Donald Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey. According to a memo by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein outlining the scope of Mueller's appointment, he was tasked with investigating the following:

  • "Any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump."
  • "Any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation."
  • "Any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. § 600.4(a)." This federal statute authorizes the special counsel to investigate federal crimes "committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere" with the investigation, such as perjury and obstruction of justice.

Throughout the course of the investigation, the public learned through media reports and legal disclosures by the special counsel's office that Mueller was investigating several threads, including: Trump's business ties to Russia; his campaign associates' links to Russia; the contacts and meetings between his advisers and those linked to the Russian government; Trump aides' involvement in foreign lobbying activities; Trump's decision to fire Comey and any other attempts to hamper the investigation; the Trump Organization's push to build a Trump Tower in Moscow; why several Trump associates lied to Congress, the FBI, or the public about their involvement in episodes being investigated; and more.



When will the Mueller report be delivered to Congress?

The Justice Department confirmed in an email to INSIDER that the report will be delivered to lawmakers on Thursday afternoon. The report will then be publish online and made available to the general public.



What format will the report be in?

It's unclear whether the document will be in an easily readable format — like a PDF document that allows you to search for keywords — or if it will be a paper copy scanned and uploaded online.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

54 perfect Mother's Day gifts that are all under $50

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hydro flask $29.95

  • Mother's Day is a great opportunity to show thanks for your mom or guardian through thoughtful gifts.
  • However, not everyone has an unlimited budget — and, truthfully, you don't need one if you're willing to dig for the best under $50.
  • Below, I've done the legwork for you and compiled 50+ of the best gifts under $50 to give this Mother's Day. If you can spend a bit more, we also have a gift guide for Mother's Day gifts under $100

Even if it's only to thank her for making the best grilled cheese you've ever had or spending countless hours pretending not to be bored at your soccer games, your mom is probably the most deserving person of a really great gift.

But while most of have outgrown the years where the perfect gift was a misspelled card constructed out of macaroni noodles, not all of us have the budget to buy her an island in the Maldives. 

Thankfully, most of the moms I know genuinely love quality time and thoughtfulness even more than knowing their gift set you back a lot of money, and there are plenty of wonderful options that won't cost you more than $50 — 54 of which are listed for you below. If you're looking to spend a little more, we also have a guide filled with Mother's Day gifts under $100

As a professional product reviewer who has given her mom many of the gifts included on this list, I can safely say your mom is going to love anything you pick.

If you're looking for more Mother's Day gift ideas, we have you covered: 

A "book of the month" membership she can look forward to every month

Gift a Book of the Month Membership, from three months for $44.99

If she loves to read and isn't ready to go 100% digital, we can't recommend a Book of the Month membership highly enough. Each month's book selections are chosen by recurring and celebrity guest judges who are passionate about books, like Anthony Bourdain, Arianna Huffington, and Allison Williams from "Girls." The judges curate and select the best new hardcover titles for members from a broad range of genres and offer a mix of both fiction and nonfiction titles, sure to impress even the pickiest bibliophiles. 



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One of the world's top rugby players is fighting to keep his job after saying that 'hell awaits' gay people

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  • Star Australian rugby player Israel Folau posted a graphic on Instagram last week saying that "hell awaits" homosexuals, drunks, and liars.
  • Rugby Australia said it plans to sack him over the post because it breaches its code of conduct.
  • On Wednesday, NSW Waratahs announced that Folau had responded to a breach notice issued by Rugby Australia and has requested a hearing.
  • Politicians such as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern slammed Folau for his comments.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Israel Folau, one of the top rugby players in Australia and the world, may lose his job over controversial statements he made against the LGBT community on social media.

Folau, a member of the Assemblies of God and outspoken religious advocate, posted a graphic to Instagram last week which said that "hell awaits" those "living in sin," including homosexuals, drunks, and liars.

"Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent," he wrote in the caption next to the graphic. "Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him."

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Shortly after the post was published, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union announced plans to terminate Folau's contract with them.

The two sporting authorities wrote in a joint statement on Thursday: "As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action."

"In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract."

Folau met with rugby heads on Friday afternoon, but Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union announced that their position remained "unchanged."

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On Wednesday, the NSW Waratahs announced that Folau had responded to a breach notice issued by Rugby Australia in relation to his social media posts and has requested a hearing.

"Israel has responded formally today to request a Code of Conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome. We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible," Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle, said on Wednesday.

"After the date for the hearing is confirmed Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the Code of Conduct process has concluded."

Rugby Australia says it will now make arrangements with the Rugby Player's Association (RUPA), which provides support to professional Rugby players in Australia, to organize the hearing. 

Previous comments have landed Folau in hot water 

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The star player for the Sydney Wallabies has made similar comments in the past that prompted backlash.

Last year, when asked by an Instagram user what God's plan for homosexuals was, Folau replied: "HELL... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God."

He subsequently penned a column in which he defended his religious views, and claimed his statements were not homophobic.

Rugby Australia has reprimanded Folau in the past for his public statements against the LGBTQ community,  according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and stated that his views were against the values of the sporting governing body.

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Politicians weigh in Folau's case

Folau's case has prompted politicians, including the Australian prime minister, to speak out.

On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told ABC News that Folau's latest comments were "terribly insensitive."

"It is important that people act with love, care and compassion to their fellow citizens and to speak sensitively to their fellow Australians."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters on Thursday that she "totally disagree[s]" with Folau's comments, adding that they could be harmful to members of the LGBTQ community that may look up to him.

"Obviously at a personal level I clearly don't agree with what he said, and very mindful of the fact he is for many a role model," she said. "He's a person in a position of influence, and with that comes responsibility."

"I totally disagree with what he says and how he's using his platform."

The leader of Australia's Labor party, Bill Shorten, also told reporters on Friday that rugby authorities were right to take action against Folau.

"There is no freedom to perpetuate hateful speech," he told reporters.

Qantas, which sponsors Australia's national rugby team, also released a statement on Thursday explaining that Folau's comments "clearly don't reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support."

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Freedom of speech versus hate speech

While some critics slammed Rugby Australia's decision to sack Folau, saying that players should be free to express their religious views, many others defended the authority and its right to protect its brand and values.

Rugby Australia specifically outlines in its Code of Conduct that all members need to "use social media appropriately" and specifies that players should not make comments that "would likely be detrimental to the best interests, image and welfare of the Game, a team, a club, a competition or Union."

Rugby Australia's chief executive, Raelene Castle, and NSW Rugby Union CEO Andrew Hore in their joint statement on Thursday doubled down on this point, saying that Folau's views were inconsistent with rugby values.

"Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport," the statement said. "We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts."

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