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With nearly 700 measles cases this year, the CDC is bracing for the disease to grab a 'foothold' on the US again — for the first time in decades

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measles outbreak brooklyn spreads fast

  • The measles, a highly contagious viral infection that was deemed eradicated in the US in 2000, is back and spreading fast.
  • So far this year, 695 measles cases have been reported in 22 states, according to the CDC. That is already more cases than the country has seen in any year since 2000.
  • A major outbreak in New York City is ongoing, and it has sickened 334 people in pockets of Brooklyn and Queens, where many Orthodox Jewish children are unvaccinated. 
  • The measles virus is very contagious; it can live on surfaces for two hours outside the human body.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The measles, a highly-contagious, deadly viral infection that was deemed eliminated in the US in 2000, is spreading once again.

So far this year, 695 measles cases have been reported in 22 states. That is the highest measles case count the country has seen in at least 19 years.  

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning that "the longer these outbreaks continue, the greater the chance measles will again get a sustained foothold in the United States."

Though most Americans are protected against measles with routine measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccinations, the measles is infecting scores of children clustered in pockets of the country where not everyone is getting their shots.

"Measles is not a harmless childhood illness, but a highly contagious, potentially life-threatening disease," US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement on Wednesday. 

The measles virus is very contagious: it can live on surfaces for two hours outside the human body, quietly infecting other people long after a sick person is gone. The illness prompts high fevers above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a hacking cough, runny nose, sore throat, eye infections, and eventually red, itchy raised bumps develop on the skin. There is not much parents can do to treat measles other than let the virus run its course. In rare cases, the illness can lead to brain swelling, blindness, deafness, and even death.

Dr. Amesh Adalja at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said there's a simple reason that measles outbreaks are on the rise again in the US. 

"In earlier eras, it was kind of the norm to be vaccinated. It wasn't something that people questioned," Adalja told Business Insider. "But in the wake of the false links to autism that occurred in the mid 1990s, that whole celebrity culture picking up these false stories, we ended up in this type of a mess."

Read more:Even if you got the measles vaccine, you may not be protected against the disease — here's how to tell

One large outbreak that started in the Pacific Northwest earlier this year sickened at least 73 people there and seems to have run its course. But another large outbreak in New York City is ongoing, and with 94 new infections so far this month, an average of near four new measles cases are being reported every day. (Vox reported that the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn has been the target of anti-vaccination literature, and many cases have been children within this community.)

Earlier this month, the New York City health commissioner ordered that every unvaccinated person living in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn (who is not medically exempt) must get a measles vaccine, or show proof of immunity. If they don't, Williamsburg residents can face the possibility of a $1,000 fine. Another large measles outbreak outside the city in New York state has sickened an additional 232 people. 

No deaths have been reported yet in the US, but considering that roughly two out of every 1,000 kids who get the measles will die, many public health experts say it may only be a matter of time. 

"It's going to be unfortunate because as we get to closer to a thousand cases, we are likely to start seeing more severe cases, and maybe even a death," Adalja said. "Unfortunately, that may be what it takes to get people to realize that this is not something that they should take lightly."

In other places around the globe, children are rapidly dying from the measles already. On the island of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa, more than 1,200 people have died of measles since October, in that country's largest outbreak in history. Some mothers there have gladly lined up to get their kids shots. 

measles kills in madagascar

In the US, the measles vaccine, which is 97% effective, has been a childhood staple since it was first developed in 1963. Before then, measles was a common childhood ailment that nearly every kid suffered through. It would kill 400 to 500 people every year in the US. Today's smaller measles outbreaks in the US often start when someone brings a case of the illness back with them after traveling abroad. 

"We've got measles outbreaks in places like Israel, and France, and Italy, and people travel back and forth there all the time," Adalja said. "That's what's sparking these outbreaks."

In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said measles was effectively eliminated in the US because the virus was not being transmitted year-round and there were fewer than 100 cases per year.

SEE ALSO: Measles is spreading rapidly in New York City — 94 more people have gotten sick this month. Elsewhere, the infection has killed more than 1,200 since October.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Measles is a public health emergency in the US — these 15 charts explain the vaccine problem


Everlane just dropped its first sneaker for $98 — it's carbon neutral, unisex, and incredibly comfortable. Here's what they're like to wear

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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.

Screen Shot 2019 04 24 at 5.46.07 PM

  • Everlane just launched a new sneaker brand called Tread by Everlane, and its inaugural product is a unisex leather sneaker called The Trainer ($98).
  • The Trainer comes in seven colors and in men's sizes 7-13 or women's sizes 5-12. 
  • The launch reflects Everlane's attempt, two years in the making, to make the world's lowest-impact sneakers. The Trainer's anatomy breaks down to a 94.2% virgin-plastic-free sole, leather from the world's cleanest tannery, and renewed laces and lining.
  • Four reporters tested The Trainer in their everyday lives ahead of the launch. Find our thoughts on comfort, fit, and style below.

After a brief teasing period, Everlane just launched a new sneaker brand called Tread by Everlane, along with its inaugural product: a unisex leather sneaker called The Trainer ($98).

As of now, you can pick up The Trainer ($98) in seven colors and in men's sizes 7-13 or women's sizes 5-12. Colors range from off-white to black to pale pink. 

According to an April 2019 press release, The Trainer is Everlane's response to the question "When are you going to launch a sneaker?" so often posed by its customers, and an answer to the enormous waste of the sneaker industry. Ruled by hype, flash, and $900+ ugly unicorns, they've become the ultimate trend piece. Add to that a lifespan that's closer to six months than a few years, and you've got one of the industry's worst footprints.

The Trainer is supposed to be different. Engineered with sustainable, durable materials and manifested in a versatile design, it's supposed to be the world's lowest impact sneaker. 

everlane tread sneakers butter

The sole is 94.2% free of virgin plastic. Instead, Everlane uses recycled and natural rubber — preventing an estimated 18,000 pounds of rubber from making its way into landfills and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 54%. Everlane has pledged to nix virgin plastic entirely from its supply chain by 2021. 

The full-grain leather is produced at Saigon TanTec, "The world's cleanest tannery." The Gold-certified tannery uses natural lighting and solar energy, and, according to Everlane,  42% less electricity and 56% less fresh water than those already considered the best in the industry. Altogether, the tannery emits 20% less greenhouse gas than conventional leather finishing. 

Even The Trainer's laces and lining emit 18% less carbon than average. Altogether, the recycled plastic in each pair renews 9.5 discarded bottles. 

Screen Shot 2019 04 24 at 5.35.24 PM

To further reduce their impact, Tread by Everlane said it is offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions from its sneaker production. First, the brand had a third-party firm calculate the full carbon footprint of the trainer, which tallied up to 51.5 kg CO2e (which includes the impact of raising cattle) for the shoe's life cycle. Then, Tread partnered with NativeEnergy — a leading carbon offset provider — to support projects that reduce greenhouse gases. Right now, that means working with ranchers to improve cattle-grazing practices on American grasslands, begetting better soil health, cleaner waterways, and more carbon sequestration since healthy grasslands pull an enormous amount of carbon from the air. Beyond that, the company says it plans to keep getting better. As alternate materials and more efficient processes become available, the brand will respond in kind.

Before the launch of Tread, four Insider Picks reporters tested Everlane's Trainer to give you an idea of what they're like in person. Find our thoughts and takeaways below. 

Four reporters tried the new Tread Trainer ($98) ahead of the April 25 launch. Find their personal experiences below:

The Trainer, $98 [available in seven colors]

I'm all for brands using more environmentally-friendly materials and production methods to make sneakers, but it usually shows in the product itself. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, it's sometimes nice to have a more timeless sneaker that doesn't boast obvious branding or scream "recycled" — and that's exactly why I like the Everlane Trainer.

It has all the style elements that make up a good trainer: a low-top silhouette, a sharp sloping shape, and lots of overlapping stitched panels with contrast in materials and patterns. The overall design isn't groundbreaking, but what makes them feel special is Everlane's ability to strip away wasteful materials while maintaining such a classic look. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter 



The Trainer, $98 [available in seven colors]

As someone who lives a 20-minute power walk away from the nearest subway entrance, I prioritize comfort in my shoes. They need to look good, but I won't make excuses for a cute pair that covers me in blisters.

My first impression of The Trainer was its comfort. I pulled them on and walked 40 blocks comfortably on cushiony soles with zero break-in time. The chunky shape comes off compact (my size 9 feet looked unexpectedly small) and contained rather than costumey. In terms of style and performance, I'd wear them everywhere from errands to airports and dressed up with blazers at our casual office (thank you, leather) or with sundresses on the weekend.

I got my typical size 9 and found them to be true-to-size. As the leather breaks in, hopefully, fit and comfort will only improve. If you think you'd wear them enough to justify spending $98, you should be happy with looks, style, and comfort. Plus, supporting sustainable innovation certainly doesn't hurt. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter



The Trainer, $98 [available in seven colors]

Normcore is in right now. Or that's what I hear (and see). These sneakers...well, they're definitely normcore.

With style writers in an endless existential debate over the meaning of Allbirds for the world of fashion, the hype surrounding Everlane's Tread must surely sound like a death knell. But even as someone who hasn't quite fully embraced the dad-chic aesthetic (though full disclosure, I'm an unabashed fan of Allbirds), I found that the Tread sneakers were an easy fit in my footwear rotation.

They're simple and chunky, but they actually looked great — if I do say so myself — with a pair of slim tapered jeans. I had the black pair with white soles, for what it's worth, and liked the contrast offered by the soles. Anyone who's seen the rebirth of those plain white chunky Reeboks and Adidas sneakers will find that these fit right in, with a slightly more contemporary profile.

They were also quite comfortable, and seem to run true-to-size, if not a tad snug, so if you're usually between sizes I might suggest going up. I have medium-to-high arches, and found that I could stand for at least an hour without any discomfort. The soles are thick enough that peddling a bike was easy, and, although I've only had them for a few days, they seem like they'll hold up as well as any comparable, less sustainably produced shoe.

At $98, they're a bit pricey for a plain shoe, but considering their comfort and minimal environmental impact, I'd recommend these. — David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Apple's newest iPad Pro tablet is its most powerful yet, but it will never replace my laptop until Apple makes these four changes (AAPL)

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iPad Pro

When Steve Jobs unveiled the first-generation iPad in 2010, he positioned the device as being a middle ground between the smartphone and the laptop.

Now, nearly a decade later, Apple's tablet is edging closer toward the laptop end of the spectrum than ever before. The iPad Pro tablets Apple unveiled in October come with larger screens, an A12X Bionic processor that the company says makes them more powerful than most PC laptops, and a USB-C port, which has become the standard for connectivity on most computers and mobile devices.  

But even with these upgrades, Apple's iPads lack a few key features before I ditch my laptop.

Here are four big changes Apple needs to make to the iPad if it wants it to be considered a real computer replacement.  

SEE ALSO: The 10 people transforming how the world interacts with technology

Mouse support

The biggest capability Apple's iPads lack is support for mice and trackpads. Yes, apps developed for the iPad are well-optimized for touch input and have been for most of the iPad's nine-year history.

But there are many instances in which I'd rather use a mouse for better precision, such as when I'm managing spreadsheets or editing video. If I'm working on my iPad for long periods of time, it's also much more comfortable to navigate the screen without having to constantly reach out to tap and swipe it. For my primary work device, mouse input is a deal-breaker.

Such an addition might not be too far off. Apple may add mouse support as an accessibility feature in iOS 13, according to MacStories editor-in-chief Federico Viticci, as MacRumors and other Apple news blogs reported. 



Real multitasking

Apple has certainly made the iPad better at multitasking in recent years, especially with the introduction of iOS 11 in 2017. That software update brought new features like Slide Over, which makes it possible to view an app in a sidebar over the current app you're using, and Split View, which as its name implies allows you to divide the screen between two apps.

But for the iPad to function as my main computer, there needs to be more flexibility when it comes to juggling multiple apps. While you can drag the divider to adjust how much space each app occupies on screen in Split View, there's no way to launch apps in separate re-sizeable windows like you can when using desktop software such as macOS or Windows. 



A better file management system

The Files app that Apple introduced in iOS 11 gave its mobile software a much-needed hub for managing documents, photos, and other content across your device and cloud services. With Apple's app, you can access files saved to your iCloud Drive account as well as content stored in services like Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and OneDrive among others all in one place.

But in most situations, I often find myself navigating directly to the cloud service I'm using, like Google Drive for instance, rather than going through Apple's Files app. And when it comes to saving files locally on my iPad, I found that the Files app required me to choose an existing folder, like Pages or Keynote, rather than creating a new one.

It's possible to create new folders within those folders, but based on my experience and Apple's support page it looks like you must choose one of those folders first before making a fresh one. This isn't quite as seamless as just right clicking to create a new folder on the desktop like you can do in macOS. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Walmart just opened a 50,000-square-foot store of the future — see inside

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Walmart irl interactive info screen

  • Walmart has opened a new retail store to test some of the concepts its been working on.
  • Called the Intelligent Retail Lab — or IRL, it's designed to test the use of artificial intelligence in retail stores.
  • In the rear, it even has a data center customers can see through plate glass equipped with 100 servers.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For Walmart, the future will be IRL.

The retailer has opened a new retail store to test some of the concepts its been working on in Levittown, New York. Walmart has modified a 50,000-square-foot neighborhood market — its in-house term for a grocery-focused store — to become the new playground.

Called the Intelligent Retail Lab — or IRL — the store is focused on inventory and availability.

"Customers can be confident about products being there, about the freshness of produce and meat. Those are the types of things that AI can really help with," Mike Hanrahan, CEO of IRL, said in prepared remarks. 

The idea is that will lead to less friction in the shopping experience, and customers will find the item they need on the shelf more often than not, and it will be more efficient to keep that experience consistent.

Read more: Sam's Club CEO reveals what the company has learned from its cashierless 'beta lab' store

Walmart is also focusing on other "real, practical solutions," according to the company's blog post, like keeping shopping carts stocked and the right amount of registers open, and not getting too ahead of itself.

"You can't be overly enamored with the shiny object element of AI," Hanrahan cautioned. "There are a lot of shiny objects out there that are doing things we think are unrealistic to scale and probably, long-term, not beneficial for the consumer."

The new tech-enabled initiatives will also benefit employees.

"We think it's something our associates will be excited about," Hanrahan said. "The technology has been built to improve associates' jobs, to make their jobs more interesting, to help them alleviate some of the mundane tasks. AI can enhance their skill set in a very rapidly changing world."

SEE ALSO: I ordered the same items from Amazon and Walmart to see which one does e-commerce better — and they both had major flaws

Welcome to Walmart IRL — or Intelligent Retail Lab.



Walmart transitioned a 50,000 square foot Neighborhood Market in Levittown, New York for the project.



The new concept is designed to test the use of artificial intelligence in retail stores.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The admissions director of an exclusive, $56,000-per-year private school in NYC explains exactly what it takes for students from pre-K to high school to get accepted

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avenues nyc

Avenues: The World School is a private school in New York City for nursery through 12th grade that costs $56,400 per year.

Parents of Avenues children range from hedge-fund managers and entrepreneurs to tech millionaires and celebrities. Suri Cruise, the daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, reportedly attended the school. Students are given MacBooks and iPads, take yoga and dance classes, and graduate fluent in either Mandarin or Spanish.

Read more: Inside an exclusive, $56,000-a-year NYC private school, where hedge-fund managers and tech millionaires send their kids and every student gets a MacBook and an iPad

Unsurprisingly, the school is highly selective. David Buckwald, the school's admissions director, said that while Avenues doesn't publicize its admissions rate, the school receives many more applications than it can accept.

So what exactly does it take to get accepted at this ultra-exclusive school?

Buckwald told Business Insider that although Avenues looks at various qualities in a candidate, there's one key quality that can help a student stand out.

David Buckwald Avenues

"I think a student's curiosity is the key differentiator in our application review," Buckwald said.

Each prospective student must submit an online application with a $100 fee, and the rest of the admissions process at Avenues varies by grade level.

For younger children, Avenues conducts supervised playgroups to assess early literacy and math skills and social behavior.

In the Early Learning Center (nursery, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten) and first grade, children are evaluated through supervised playgroups.

"With kindergarten and grade one, you are starting to assess a little bit of early literacy, early math skills," Buckwald said, adding that they try to create an environment that's as relaxed as possible for both the student and the parents. 

"And then within the playgroups, we're seeing how students, for one, play with the different activities set up in the room," he said. "How do they play supervised, unsupervised? How do they play with other students?"

avenues nyc

The admissions team also pays attention to how a child follows directions from a teacher and how well they make transitions.

In grades two through four, students must demonstrate grade-level proficiency in either Spanish or Mandarin.

Because children in these grades take half their classes in a foreign language, foreign language skills are crucial.

Children at this level will be assessed one-on-one in English and also in either Spanish or Chinese.

Starting in second grade, all applicants will take a standardized test: the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). For grades two through four, the test version is the ISEE Primary.

In the middle grades, students perform "design challenges."

For grades five through eight, Avenues does things a little differently. The school used to conduct student conversations with applicants at this age but has now moved towards what Buckwald calls "design challenges."

Students are paired with another applicant at the same level and given a challenge to build an object — usually an object for their partner — in about 60 minutes.

"So first, they're going to interview their partner on what kind of thing they want," Buckwald said. "So let's say it's a backpack or a purse or a wallet, or they're building a skyscraper. What would you want yours to look like? They're sort of taking in the cues of their partner."

avenues nyc

This helps assessors evaluate signs of empathy — "Are they listening to the needs of their partner?" — which Buckwald says is Avenues' number one learning outcome for students when they graduate.

They're also looking for creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, and a willingness to ask questions if the applicant gets stuck.

"So the outcome sometimes is this wonderful new object that they've created for their partner, and sometimes it's not," Buckwald said. "But it's that they went through the process, right? The iterative design process. We learn a lot about the student and if they may be a good fit here."

Grades five through 12 take either the ISEE or the SSAT. Avenues notes that there's no minimum test score to be accepted and that students are evaluated based on a range of criteria.

For high school students, the process includes a 20-3o minute student conversation to get a sense of a student's passions, strengths, and challenges.

For high school candidates, part of the evaluation process at Avenues is a student conversation that lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.

The interviewer will speak first to the student alone, and then to the student's parents without the student in the room.

"If the parents were in the room, as you can imagine, it might be a different conversation with the student," Buckwald said. "We also then want the parent to have space as well to share."

avenues nyc

In these conversations, the interviewer tries to get a sense of the student's academic interests as well as any clubs, sports, or organizations they have a passion for.

Other questions might include how a student worked through a disagreement in a group project. The interviewer will also talk with the student about diversity and try to get the student to discern why diverse perspectives and a range of opinions around them is a good thing, Buckwald said.

Parents are asked to submit a 'parent statement' as part of the application.

For all levels, parents can submit their own written statement as part of the application.

"At Avenues, we consider parents as partners in the education of our students," Avenues' website reads. "Share anything that you feel will help us better understand your family and your child."

SEE ALSO: Inside an exclusive, $56,000-a-year NYC private school, where hedge-fund managers and tech millionaires send their kids and every student gets a MacBook and an iPad

DON'T MISS: The admissions director at a $56,000-a-year private school in NYC says there's a key quality they look for in students, and it has nothing to do with intelligence

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Take a look inside a $3 million doomsday condo that can sustain 75 people for 5 years

Save $19 on Apple AirPods and 10% on a Casper mattress — plus 6 other great deals happening now

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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.

We've rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening today to save you time. You can save on Cole Haan shoes, Apple AirPods, Casper mattresses, and more. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

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Airpods

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AirPods are easily one of the most popular products Apple has released to date. While the brand recently introduced a newer and more expensive version with wireless charging, the original AirPods are still an amazing pair of Bluetooth headphones — and they're on sale today. Originally priced at $159, you can get them for $139.99 on Amazon. If you've been on the fence about getting AirPods, and the updated design didn't blow you away, this is the perfect time to buy. 

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Woodies Clothing

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Keurig K200 Single-Serve coffee maker, $69 (Originally $139.99) [You save $70]

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Most people like PopSockets phone grips, but I think they’re overrated — here's why I prefer the Speck GrabTab instead

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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.

speck grabtab

  • While many of my colleagues and friends love their PopSockets grips, I think they're overrated. 
  • In my experience, the Speck GrabTab ($9.95) is a better phone grip and stand.
  • It might not come in as many colors or patterns, but it's more secure, more comfortable to hold, and less obtrusive. 

There are over 40 million PopSockets grips attached to phones around the world. Some of those grips belong to our very own editors, who regularly rave about the affordable phone accessory as one of the most useful things they own

Their usefulness is clear, plus they come in hundreds of different designs (including swappable ones) to suit your personality, but... I still don't love them. 

The accessory I prefer over PopSockets grips is Speck's GrabTab ($9.95). 

speck grabtab 3

Read more:20 innovative and cool accessories for the new iPhone you got for the holidays

The GrabTab also sticks to the back of your phone and works as a grip and a stand. Instead of a button that pops out, it's a sliding loop that can be adjusted to your finger size or locked tightly in place. 

Ever since I started using the GrabTab a few months ago, I can't imagine holding my phone without it. Because the loop is attached to the card-sized, 3 mm-thick backing, there's no way my phone will fall from my hands, unless my finger comes out of the loop. With PopSockets grips, I sometimes felt like I could drop my phone because there's nothing to catch the fall if my finger slips. With GrabTab grips, whether the train jolts unexpectedly or I fall asleep with my phone in hand, my phone is safe since I'm almost "wearing" it. 

The sliding design is also conducive to a range of finger sizes and holding positions. You can loop any of your fingers through, or loop more than one finger as well. Personally, I've found the most comfortable position (shown in the top image) is putting my middle finger through the loop while my other fingers rest lightly on the back and my phone sits in my palm. 

speck grabtab 2

Read more: I used to think PopSockets Grips were unnecessary — now they're my favorite iPhone accessory under $10

Despite the fluid flexibility of the grip "mode," the GrabTab is sturdy and secure as a stand. When you slide the loop all the way to the end, it clicks into place and lets you prop up your phone. I've never realized how convenient a stand is when watching videos, but I've discovered (likely light years behind the general populace) just how nice it is to keep my hands free as I follow along cooking and workout videos or watch a TV show while eating lunch. 

The GrabTab's slim construction is supposed to allow for wireless charging, but according to other reviewers, this capability can unfortunately be hit or miss. If you're looking for a wireless charging-compatible accessory, the GrabTab may not be reliable. However, as a general grip and stand, I've found it to be very reliable. It sticks firmly to my phone case and stays there, no matter how hard I try to pry it off, and always feels comfortable and secure in my hand. 

The one area I will say that PopSockets is miles ahead in is the range of color and design options. Though there are a handful of solid colored, striped, and patterned GrabTab styles, they can't compare to the full rainbow of PopSockets available.

With these flaws in mind, the GrabTab still prevails for me and is where I would spend my $10. 

Shop the GrabTab for $9.95 at Amazon here

Shop the GrabTab for $9.99 at Best Buy here

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People aren't buying the most expensive homes in the Hamptons. Here's what it's like living in the ritzy seaside community's priciest ZIP code, where the median home price is $5.5 million

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sagaponack new york

The Hamptons, a series of beach towns dotting eastern Long Island, New York, are known for being a summer retreat for the wealthy and famous of New York.

But people aren't buying expensive homes in the ritzy seaside community like they used to be. Home sales in the Hamptons have slumped to their lowest level in 7 years, as Business Insider's Gina Heeb reported.

"Demand for the most expensive properties plummeted in the first quarter, with the lowest number of sales at or above $10 million in six years," Heeb wrote.

Within the Hamptons' affluent towns, a tiny village of 491 people stands out as the priciest ZIP code in the Hamptons and one of the most expensive in the country, according to a November 2018 report by Property Shark.

Sagaponack, a village in the town of Southampton in the 11962, has been called home by CEOs, musicians, famous authors, and celebrities. The median sale price for a home is $5.5 million, and to live comfortably in the Hamptons village, you'll need to make at least $853,738 a year, according to a GoBankingRates study.

Here's a look inside the exclusive Hamptons community.

SEE ALSO: How much you need to earn to live in the most expensive ZIP code in every state

DON'T MISS: 10 cities where you can make 6 figures and still feel broke

Sagaponack sits in the Hamptons, a stretch of affluent seaside communities on New York's Long Island.

Source: Google Maps



By car, it's about 2.5 hours from New York City.

Source: Google Maps



Property Shark rated the ZIP code as being the most expensive in the US back in 2016.

Source: Property Shark



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

'What is the Amazon Echo Dot?': Everything you need to know about Amazon's compact smart speaker

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amazon echo dot

The Amazon Echo Dot is a smaller version of the original Amazon Echo smart speaker. Looking more like a hockey puck than the Echo's original cylindrical shape, the Dot measures a little over 3 inches in diameter and is nearly 1.5 inches high.

It has a few buttons on the top which control volume, mute the speaker, and wake the device to listen for a question or command (though you don't need to touch the Dot to use it; it is designed to primarily respond to voice commands).

dot 1

Like the original Amazon Echo, the Echo Dot is a voice-controlled smart speaker that uses an artificially intelligent personal assistant named Alexa to perform a broad range of activities. Alexa can play music, set alarms, control other "smart" devices in the home, play games, and answer questions by searching for information on the internet, just to name a few of its many skills.

How the Echo Dot is different from other Echo devices (and the same)

The Echo Dot is different from the Echo primarily in that it's missing the large speaker which takes up most of the original Echo's cylinder. It has a much smaller, somewhat lower quality speaker. But it can be easily connected to an external speaker, either via a standard audio cable or by Bluetooth. The original Echo cannot be connected to an external speaker.

Echo Dot Audio Jack

Otherwise, the Dot is identical to the Echo — it can perform all the functions of any other member of the Amazon Echo family. The Alexa personal assistant works the same, and can draw on the same library of skills and activities.

If you already have one kind of Echo product and want additional speakers for other rooms in your home, you can mix and match. An Amazon Echo Dot can work in a household with other Amazon Echo and Echo Dot speakers.

While Amazon Echo products can't "hand off" information from one device to another and aren't aware of each other in the same home, they do have microphone technology that ensures the Echo that's closest will receive and act on voice commands — convenient if you have several Echo products in a small home or apartment.

Other speakers in the Echo family

Amazon has been expanding the size of the Amazon Echo product family in the last couple of years. In addition to the Amazon Echo, Amazon now also offers the Echo Plus, which is similarly shaped like a cylinder, but has an integrated Zigbee hub to control Zigbee-compatible smart home devices.

The Echo Spot is what you would get if you added a display to an Echo Dot. Amazon intends the Spot to be primarily used on a nightstand as a high-tech alarm clock that can respond to voice commands and display information on the small screen.

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Finally, the Echo Show is an Echo packaged into a tablet shape, designed to sit on a desk or table with a 7-inch screen. Amazon has positioned this Echo as ideal for making video calls and watching videos.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Alexa speaker you can buy

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NOW WATCH: 14 problems that can make touch screen laptops infuriating

These silk hair ties protect my fine hair from kinks and breakage — they're pricey at $20 for a 3-pack, but I'm glad I bought them

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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.

slip

  • There are lots of products we rely on to get healthy, shiny hair, but usually hair ties are not high up on that list. 
  • However, hair ties can be a major source of damage to fine or dry hair.
  • To avoid the kinks, frizz, and breakage my fine hair is prone to, I use these silk scrunchies ($20 for three) made by Slip, the company behind everyone's favorite silk pillowcases.
  • They're a little pricey, but they really make a difference.

My hair defies gravity. And, no, I don't mean that in a "belting Wicked in the shower" kind of way. Once I pull my strands up into a ponytail, bun, or braids, it's game over — my hair just won't fall back down. 

Because of that, I'm always exploring products to help me tame my tresses. They're very fine, but wavy and prone to a lot of frizz, not to mention kinks and breakage. I've added hair masks, nourishing oils, and even dabbled with different hairbrushes to see what will revive my day-old hair. In the end, I usually just go to a trusty hair tie and throw my hair up so I don't have to deal with constantly patting it down to make it look less unruly.

The problem is, these hair ties are only a temporary fix — they actually make the original problem worse. My thin hair is left in an array of misshapen kinks and curls after being tightly wound around a little elastic, which usually ends up covered in fuzz from breakage. But I'd never really given much thought as to how they were affecting my hair. 

That was, until I saw the Slip Skinnies Hair Ties. Admiring the silky shine on a friend's wrist, she raved about how they were the best hair ties on the market. Immediately intrigued, I probed until I found out they were over $6 a hair tie — an absurd amount when you consider you could get a pack of 68 elastics on Amazon or at CVS for about $5. So, the silk scrunchies were out of sight, out of mind — until I passed them on my way to check out at Sephora. As with all good impulse buys, I hesitated until a loud "next in line" made my decision for me. 

Admittedly, these are pretty expensive. A pack of three goes for $20 and a pack of six goes for $39. While I wouldn't usually see the need to spend this much on something as seemingly trivial as hair ties, for me they're worth the little investment toward better hair days. 

Benefits of silk

You've probably heard that silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair. Silk's smooth surface is more delicate and creates less friction than cotton, which means less breakage and frizz. It also apparently absorbs less product from your skin as you sleep.

I'd heard the praises of Slip's luxe pillowcases and eye masks all over the place (the brand is endorsed by dermatologists, hairstylists, and a hoard of five-star reviews), so I hoped the other products' acclaim meant that these scrunchies were more than just an overpriced, albeit very cute, gimmick. Spoiler alert: they're worth it, but more on that below.

Slip's founders spent ten years developing a proprietary silk called "Slipsilk" until it was the perfect combination of thickness, softness, durability, and comfort. Every Slip product, including the scrunchies, is made from the highest grade (6A) long fiber mulberry silk with a 22 momme thickness. In silk circles, thickness correlates to softness, and 22 is apparently an ideal number. 

slipskin

Real life results

With traditional elastic hair ties, once I put my hair up there's no turning back. The tight elastic leaves defined kinks in my hair which makes it look more frizzy than usual. Then, there's the breakage aspect — tight elastics tug at delicate hair and can actually cause damage. Slip Skinnies are a more hair-friendly alternative.

They have a regular elastic inside, covered in the super-soft, shiny Slipsilk. The skinny scrunchies are just a little bigger than traditional hair elastics, though you can choose from a selection of larger options if you want a more authentic, 90's scrunchie look.

You can use Slip Skinnies for whatever hairstyle you'd like. The scrunchies hold buns and high ponytails just as well as a regular elastic, but leave my hair crease-free.

I love that I can put my hair up with one of these, but know that when I take it down it'll look as good as new. Plus, it makes my hair feel healthier. The silk is super gentle, so I have yet to deal with any breakage. And, while not the most important aspect, it helps that the scrunchies look super cute on your wrist. 

Bottom Line

While expensive, I think the Slip Skinnies are worth the money. If you compare them to traditional hair ties, the price seems excessive. But, you really only need one pack of these.

And, in the spirit of the fewer, better movement, these hair ties make sense. Treating these like nice accessories other rather than cheap, disposable hair ties has made me take better care of them. If you're looking for a cute, easy way to get healthier, better hair days, these are worth the investment.

Get the Slip Skinnie Scrunchies, 3 for $20, available at Sephora

Get the Slip Skinnie Scrunchies, 6 for $39, available at Sephora, Nordstrom, and Shopbop

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We can't stop watching this chimpanzee, who uses Instagram even better than a teen

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In this undated photo provided by Liran Samuni, chimpanzees in the Taï National Park in the Ivory Coast vocalize with another group nearby. A study released on Thursday, March 6, 2019 highlights the diversity of chimp behaviors within groups _ traditions that are at least in part learned socially, and transmitted from generation to generation. (Liran Samuni/Taï Chimpanzee Project via AP)

For many users, Instagram has become a wormhole — it's easy to get sucked in, thanks to infinite scrolling and endless amounts of content at your disposal.

That kind of behavior is emulated in a recent video posted on Instagram featuring a chimpanzee, humankind's closest relative. The video shows a chimpanzee scrolling through Instagram, with his eyes glued to the iPhone screen as he likes posts and watches videos. He even figures out how to swipe back to the feed to look at more photos. 

The video was posted by user @therealtarzann, an exotic animal specialist named Mike Holston. Holston has more than 5 million followers on Instagram and almost half a million YouTube subscribers who watch Holston interact and pose with various animals including crocodiles, wombats, lizards, and snakes.

Holston's post has garnered more than 1.4 million views since it was posted four days ago. But this isn't the first time Holston has posted a video showing a chimp scrolling through an Instagram feed. A similar post of his from March obtained over 2 million views.

Either way, it's pretty clear that Instagram has created an interface that's so easy to use, even a chimp can do it. 

SEE ALSO: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Trump met behind closed doors to discuss social media ahead of the 2020 election

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NOW WATCH: Facial recognition is almost perfectly accurate — here's why that could be a problem

How to appear offline on Facebook everywhere you have an 'active status'

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facebook app

  • If you don't want to be disturbed with chat requests while you're on Facebook, you can set your active status to unavailable and appear offline.
  • You can set your Facebook Chat and Facebook Messenger statuses separately.
  • You need to set your status separately for Facebook in a web browser and the Facebook mobile app.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook may be responsible for putting the word "social" in social media, but there are times when you don't want — or don't have time — to engage with friends. If you want to log into Facebook and not worry that friends will see you and try to chat, you can easily change your "active status" so you appear offline.

There are no fewer than four places you can control your active status. There's both Messenger and Chat on the Facebook web page if you're browsing, as well as in the Facebook and Facebook Messenger mobile apps.

How to appear offline when using Facebook in a web browser

Unfortunately, Facebook continues to treat Facebook Messenger and Facebook Chat as different things in the web browser, even though all of your conversations end up in the same window. It's possible that you didn't even realize that Facebook has two different instant messaging features on the web.

Here's the difference: When you click the Messenger shortcut on the left side of the Facebook page, you open Facebook Messenger. But if you text someone from the pop-up window that appears over your Facebook news feed, that's Facebook Chat. You'll want to set your active status for both of these.

1. Open Facebook in a browser.

2. In the Chat tab in the lower right corner of your screen, click the Gear icon and then click "Turn Off Active Status."

3. In the Active Status window that appears, click "Turn off active status for all contacts" and then click "Okay."

offline 1

It's worth pointing out that you can make it appear that you're offline only for certain users. If there's one or more people whom you would rather not chat with, you can choose to "Turn off active status for only some contacts…" and enter those names. You can also do the opposite — choose "Turn off active status for all contacts except…" This way you can appear offline for almost everyone, but let a select few people be able to see your real active status.

How to appear offline on Facebook Messenger when using a web browser

1. Click "Messenger" on the left side of the screen.

2. Click the Gear icon at the top left of the Messenger pane and then click "Settings."

3. Turn off "Show when you're active" by moving the slider to the left.

offline 2

How to appear offline in the Facebook mobile app

1. Open the Facebook app on your phone.

2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner (called the "hamburger menu").

3. Tap "Settings & Privacy," and then tap "Settings."

4. Tap "Active Status" under the Privacy section.

5. Turn off "Show when you're active" by moving the slider to the left and then confirm by tapping "Turn Off."

offline 3

How to appear offline in the Facebook Messenger mobile app

1. Open the Facebook Messenger app on your phone.

2. Tap your profile's avatar at the top left of the screen.

3. Tap "Active Status."

4. Turn off "Show when you're active" by moving the slider to the left and then confirm by tapping "Turn Off."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech

SEE ALSO: How to delete photos from Facebook on a desktop or mobile device

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How to uninstall apps on a Mac computer in three different ways

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4K iMac

  • Apps you don't use can be taking up unnecessary space on your Mac computer, and causing it to run slowly.
  • Deleting apps on a Mac can be as simple as clicking and dragging them into the trash, but removing the stored data they leave behind sometimes requires a little more work.
  • Here's an easy how-to guide for uninstalling apps on your Mac (and where to go to remove their stored files, too).
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

'Tis the season for throwing out the old to make room for the new and, as it turns out, your computer is likely due for a spring cleaning, too.

Between the regular backups and constant updates, technology takes almost as much maintenance as a house these days. If every time you power up your Mac, you get the dreaded "Startup disk is almost full" popup or an overwhelming number of update notifications on apps you don't even use, then it's probably time for a purge.

There are a number of files that could be taking up space on your Mac, ultimately causing it to run slowly, but before you go dragging your beloved photos, music, and movies into the trash, you should consider uninstalling those apps you know you'll never use again.

Whether it's the Adobe trial you decided not to buy, or the software you downloaded for that one work-from-home day last year, these programs could be running in the background or automatically updating without you even realizing it.

Even if they're not causing you any trouble, those regular update notifications are flat-out annoying. Uninstalling these apps is as satisfying as wiping the dust from your bookshelf, and often as easy, too.

Deleting an app (which is, in fact, synonymous with uninstalling it) will free up most of the space it's occupying on your computer. However, keep in mind that some apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe programs could actually be storing large amounts of files on your Mac even after you delete them.

Dragging an app into Trash only removes the .app file, not necessarily the data it has already saved on your Mac (including preferences, logins, and licensed files), according to MacPaw. Going the extra mile to remove this stored data will free up even more space on your computer.

Some apps, such as Adobe, offer dedicated uninstallers — whether built into the app or downloaded separately from the manufacturer's website — that will remove additional, associated files. For those that don't, though, you can either manually delete files from your Library or purchase a third-party program like CleanMyMac to completely clear them away for you.

Here are three simple ways to uninstall App Store programs and other apps you've downloaded from the internet.  

How to manually uninstall apps on a Mac computer in three different ways

1. Click "Launchpad" in your Dock and find the app you wish to delete.Click and hold your cursor on the app until an "X" appears on the corner of the icon.Click the "X" to delete the app. An "X" will remain on each app that can be deleted, so scroll through and delete any others you wish to remove.When finished, click anywhere on the screen that's not occupied by an app icon to exit deletion mode.

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2. Find the apps you wish to delete in "Launchpad," then can click and drag them individually into the trash can icon in your Dock. When finished, open Trash and click "Empty" in the top right corner.

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3. Under the "Go" menu in Finder, locate and open the "Applications" folder. Select all the apps you wish to delete, then right click and select "Move to Trash" from the drop-down menu. Again, remember to empty your Trash when finished.

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: How to copy and paste on a Mac computer, and from a Mac to other Apple devices

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This bag comes with me from work to the gym to dinner — it's no wonder why NYC women love them

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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.

mz

  • Finding a versatile bag that's actually practical and doesn't sacrifice style can be a tough feat.
  • MZ Wallace started making bags in 2000 to meet the needs of modern women who value both fashion and function. 
  • The Large Sutton bag ($245) embodies these ideals and, for its timeless style and practical features, has been my go-to-bag since moving to New York City.

A good bag is not only an integral part of your outfit but integral to the flow of your day. I need a bag that can hold my gym clothes for the morning, my lunch to bring to work, keep my metro card easily accessible so I don't create a line at the subway turnstile — and of course, look nice enough that I can feel good about bringing it out to dinner at a nice restaurant. If you think that's a lot to ask from a bag, you haven't met MZ Wallace.

Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice, the company's founders and namesakes, set out to meet needs like mine— and more — in 2000. Their goal was to create thoughtful, unique accessories for the modern woman.

As two native New Yorkers with experience in the fashion industry, they have a strong sense of what today's woman wants and what looks great. If there's a secret sauce to finding the fine line where fashion meets function, you can be sure MZ Wallace has it. In Manhattan, I spot their signature quilted-nylon just about everywhere I go — while I'm riding on the subway, waiting in the line at Trader Joe's, packing up in the locker room at the gym, or walking down the street. As an owner of an MZ Wallace myself, I understand why the bags are popping up on shoulders everywhere — the brand just gets it.

MZ Wallace offers a wide variety of styles, from trendy little belt bags to large weekender bags, and plenty of shapes and sizes in between. After hearing friends and family rave about the bags for a while, I decided it would be a perfect work bag. I settled on getting theLarge Sutton, and it's since proved to be an amazing choice — I use it just about every day. 

At $245, the Large Sutton bag is not cheap, but I think the price is fair for what you get. For starters, you're paying for high-quality materials. The bag is made with a soft, lightweight nylon that's both water and stain-resistant — a feature that proves particularly important when braving the elements of city streets and crowded subways. I chose the color magnet, which is a nice, deep gray that's a great neutral for every day. There's a nice sheen on the quilted fabric, which, along with the nude leather accents and gold hardware, make the bag undeniably stylish. The look of the bag is timeless, something that you can wear with any outfit today, or in a few years. This all makes sense given both of the founders' fashion backgrounds, but what really sets the Large Sutton apart is its functionality.

sutton

It's like the founders of MZ Wallace predicted all of the qualms you could have with the bag and found the solutions before you even had the chance to experience any frustration. For example, since the bag is so large, it can get pretty heavy, depending on what you fill it with. If you find the handles — which are padded for extra comfort, by the way— to be too much to hold, clip on the adjustable nylon strap, convert the bag from a tote to a crossbody, and give your shoulder a break. You can also clip down the sides of the bag to make it smaller if you'd like it to be more compact. 

I've already made my case for the outside of the bag, but the interior of the Large Sutton is just as impressive. To give you a sense of how much you can hold, it's large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop, and the inside has plenty of pockets and pouches to keep you organized. There are three detachable pockets a small, medium, and large size — which I've found to be super practical. Keep the pouches clipped in the bag for easy access or un-clip them and move them around. I like to keep the pouches filled with some everyday necessities, like travel-sized toiletries and pens, in case I ever need. And, since the pouches are already full, I can easily move them to another bag.

You'll also find six interior pockets, some zippered and some open, to keep items easily accessible. The phone pocket keeps your device close for those inevitable times when you need it at a moment's notice. My personal favorite feature is the key ring strap, which saves me from fumbling for my keys at my front door, especially on those freezing New York nights. 

Ultimately, my purchase of an MZ Wallace bag proved to be a great move and if you're looking for a bag that's equally smart and stylish, I think you might like this one.

Shop the Large Sutton bag at MZ Wallace here

Shop all bags at MZ Wallace here

You can also find MZ Wallace bags at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Saks Fifth Avenue

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How to tell if someone has blocked you on Facebook

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facebook phone logo

Facebook doesn't give you any sort of notification when someone blocks you, so it can be mysterious, because it might not be immediately apparent that this is what has happened.

But while there's no obvious status message on Facebook that confirms you've been blocked by someone, there are some signs you can check for to figure it out on your own.

How to tell if someone has blocked you on Facebook

When someone blocks you, some of the signs are similar to being unfriended. Here are some things you will notice:

  • They're not in your Friends list. If you are friends with the person and they've disappeared from your friends list, it either means they have unfriended you or blocked you. To check, go to your own profile page (on the web, click on your name at the top of the screen, or on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines to open the menu and tap your name. Then check your Friends).
  • You can't tag that person in posts. If you are friends with this person, you should be able to tag them in a post – if you can't, it either means they have unfriended you or blocked you. Create a post and either click or tap "Tag People." Enter their name; if the name doesn't appear and let you select it, that's a strong signal.

block 1

  • You can't invite that person to events or groups. Likewise, if you create an event (on the web, click "Events" and then "Create Event;" on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines, tap "Events," and then tap "Create") and find that you can't invite the person, they've unfriended or blocked you.
  • You can no longer see their posts in your Facebook feed. Finally, if you had been friends and their posts no longer populate your Facebook feed, that's an indication of unfriending or blocking.

There are three other fairly clear indications that you've been blocked.

  • You can't find the person in search. Ordinarily, you should be able to find any Facebook user by typing their name in the search box at the top of Facebook's web page. If you enter their name in the search box and they no longer appear, though, that's a sign that person is blocking you.
  • You can't send the person messages in Facebook Messenger. If you were previously friends and try to send a message, you will see an error message that says the user is unavailable.

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  • You can't see the person's profile page. If you try to navigate directly to his or her profile page (such as by clicking their name in a Facebook Messenger window), Facebook will display an error that says the user is unavailable.

block 3

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: How to delete photos from Facebook on a desktop or mobile device

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Warren Buffett, who is 88 and has no plans of leaving Berkshire Hathaway, says he eats McDonald's 3 times a week and pounds Cokes because he's not 'bothered' by death

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warren buffett cherry coke

  • At 88 years old, Warren Buffett still comes to work every day and eats chicken nuggets three times a week — and he has no plans of stopping either of those.
  • "I'm not bothered by the thought of my death," Buffett said in a new interview with the Financial Times. The Oracle of Omaha revealed he has no plans of retiring as Berkshire Hathaway CEO anytime soon.
  • Buffett's diet also includes daily sodas, ample salt, and very few veggies.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

At 88 years old, Warren Buffett is still living life to the fullest.

To Buffett, that means going to work — which he calls a "vacation every day" — and eating McDonald's for lunch at least three times a week. 

The CEO of holding company Berkshire Hathaway and the world's third-richest man revealed his peculiar lifestyle habits in a three-hour long interview with the Financial Times. Buffett told FT he has no plans to retire; while his old age means he must wear a hearing aid and avoid driving at night, he still "jumps out of bed" to go to work.

Along with Buffett's thrice-weekly McDonald's chicken nuggets habit, a quarter of Buffett's caloric intake comes from drinking Coke. "I'm not bothered by the thought of my death," the CEO told the FT.

The Oracle of Omaha doesn't shy away from talking about his unusual diet. Buffett eats mostly junk food and soda, with very little vegetables. Along with McDonald's, Buffett gulps down five cans of Coca-Cola products a day, eats Dairy Queen ice cream, and munches on See's Candies

The CEO also uses so much salt, former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf said "it's a snowstorm" every time Buffett uses a salt shaker. 

While he has no plans to retire, Buffett spoke frankly about trusting a successor to one day run the company after he passes. Without "capitalism's favorite grandpa" running the show, as FT put it, Buffett said he expects Berkshire Hathaway will continue to thrive due to the community he created among shareholders and employees, as well as Buffett's insistence of not over-promising on returns.

Until that day, Buffett has no plans of quitting work (or chicken nuggets): "I have more fun here than I think any 88-year-old is having, virtually, in the world," he said.

Read Buffett's full interview with the Financial Times»

SEE ALSO: Warren Buffett, the third-richest person in the world, is also one of the most frugal billionaires. Here's how he makes and spends his fortune.

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NOW WATCH: Warren Buffett, the third-richest person in the world, is also one of the most frugal billionaires. Here's how he makes and spends his fortune.

6 powerhouse credit cards I used to earn enough points to get a $20,000 flight for (almost) free

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ANA First Class Boeing 777-300ER

My wife and I recently flew round-trip to Japan in first class, and we only paid about $250 each in taxes and fees, plus 120,000 credit card points. There were a few steps involved, but overall it was relatively easy — you can read exactly how I used points to book the flights booked the flights here.

We earned the points for this flight — and for other ones — by opening new credit cards to earn their sign-up or welcome bonuses, and then optimizing the rewards we earn on our normal everyday spending.

The points we needed for this particular trip were actually easy to earn, as it was possible to use a mix of American Express, Chase, and Citi points.

I've either had, or currently have, each of the below cards, and their new-membership bonuses and rewards helped make it possible for us to sip $300 Champagne, eat fresh sashimi, and stretch out on a luxurious private bed at 35,000 feet.

Click on the cards below to visit Business Insider's partner The Points Guy to learn more about them:

Platinum Card® from American Express

The AmEx Platinum is one of my favorite cards, because even though it has a steep $550 annual fee, it offers a few benefits — like statement credits for airline fees, Uber, and shopping— that pretty much cover the fee.

Then there are the other benefits, like airline lounge access, elite status and perks at hotels, 5x points on flights purchased from the airline, and more. The card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $5,000 in your first three months.

American Express® Gold Card

The AmEx Gold Card is a relaunch of the old Premier Rewards Gold card, but the new version is a serious upgrade. It offers 4x points per dollar spent at US restaurants and on the first $25,000 spent each year at supermarkets (1x point after that), 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline, and 1x point on everything else.

It has a $250 annual fee, but up to $220 each year in dining and airline fee credits should offset that. It offers a generous 35,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (currently offering its highest-ever sign-up bonus!)

The Sapphire Preferred is one of the all-time greats of the credit card rewards game, and it remains a powerhouse. It offers 2x points per dollar spent on all dining and travel — even if you're abroad — and comes with benefits like primary rental car insurance and trip delay coverage.

Best of all, Chase just increased the card's sign-up bonus for the first time since 2015: You'll get 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That's a killer value for a card with a $95 annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

A new entrant in 2016, the Chase Sapphire Reserve was a groundbreaking credit card, at the time offering the best available rewards on dining and travel: 3x points per dollar spent. While the card has a $450 annual fee, it gives $300 in credits to cover travel expenses each year, bringing the effective fee down to $150.

It offers airline lounge access — though more limited than the Platinum Card's— robust travel protections, and more. The one downside is a slightly lower bonus than the Preferred's: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is marketed as a cash back card, but actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be pooled with points earned from other cards. It earns 1.5% cash — or 1.5x points per dollar spent — on all purchases across the board.

Instead of a traditional sign-up bonus, it currently offers an extra 1.5x points — so a total of 3x points per dollar — on up to $20,000 for your first year with the card (and 1.5x after that). Best of all, the card has no annual fee.

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier is often overlooked, but is a fairly solid rewards card. Citi ThankYou Rewards points can be trickier to get top value from than Chase or AmEx points, but with a bit of effort it's absolutely possible, especially if you have the Premier.

It earns 2x points per dollar on all travel — including gas stations, which the Chase cards don't count as travel — 2x points at restaurants and on entertainment, and 1x point on everything else. It offers 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months, and waives its $95 annual fee for the first year.

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

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Here's the income it takes for a family to be part of the 1% in every state

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top 1 percent income wealth

The feeling of being wealthy is largely relative. One man's "rich" may be another man's "broke." 

Economically, however, the delineation is clear. A family in the United States needs a minimum annual income of $421,926 to be in the top 1% of earners, according to data adapted from an Economic Policy Institute report originally published in July 2018.

The average income for families in the top 1%? $1,316,985.

"In 2015, a family in the top 1 percent nationally received, on average, 26.3 times as much income as a family in the bottom 99 percent," the researchers, Estelle Sommelier and Mark Price, wrote.

In this data, the term family is used to represent one tax unit — either a single adult or married couple who files taxes and may or may not have dependents — and all figures are from 2015. The minimum income needed to be in the top 1% in every state ranges from $255,000 in Arkansas to more than $700,000 in Connecticut.

Below, find out how much annual income it takes to be part of the 1% in every state, plus the average annual income of families in the 1%. The states and Washington, DC, are ranked in ascending order by annual income.

51. Arkansas

Minimum income to be in the top 1%: $255,050

Average income in the top 1%: $864,772



50. Mississippi

Minimum income to be in the top 1%: $254,362

Average income in the top 1%: $580,461



49. New Mexico

Minimum income to be in the top 1%: $255,429

Average income in the top 1%: $615,082



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9 unexpected Mother's Day gifts that are exceptionally useful

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seedsheet mother's day

  • Due to the lack of free time, sleep, and requirements of baby proofing, moms with young kids often can't enjoy gifts traditionally associated with Mother's Day like candles and flowers. 
  • As a husband to a mom, I've learned that gifts that can help a mom navigate busy days with ease and comfort can bring more pleasure than gifts that call for a break in the routine. 
  • And since young kids tend to be ever present, items that are safe to have around the house make great gifts too because they don't add to what a parent already worries about.  

It's ironic that for the first few years of motherhood, moms can't really enjoy many of the gifts so commonly associated with Mother's Day.

The lack of me-time, constant fatigue that comes with 24/7 parenting, and destructive and demanding nature of little kids render many potential gifts poor choices. The open flame of a candle isn't a wise idea around a preschooler, that vase of thorny roses is almost sure to be upset by a toddler, and no mom wants to wake up with even the mildest hangover when there's a baby to care for, so that bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne might be more of a tease than a nightcap this year.

So what to give a mom caring for young kids this Mother's Day? In short, anything that will make her life easier. Anything that provides added comfort, efficiency, or removes a challenge presented by childcare will be a welcome gift. And if you can gift an evening of babysitting and an appointment for a massage, she'll definitely appreciate that too.

This list was actually inspired by gifts I've given my wife in the past six years (we have a five- and one- year-old) that were actual hits. While I've used these ideas for a couple of Mother's Days as well as birthdays, holidays, and so on, every one of them was a hit precisely because it made her life as a parent that much easier and more enjoyable — and because all of them are kid-safe, too.

Also, it goes without saying that chocolate is a requisite for all occasions — or no occasion at all.

Read on to find the best Mother's Day gifts for moms with young kids: 

Comfortable shoes

Get a pair of Columbia Caldorado III Trail Running Shoes from Columbia.com for $120

Get a pair of Hush Puppies Cyra Catelyn Chukka Boots from Nordstrom.com for $69.96

Get a pair of PUMA Muse Metallic Sneakers from PUMA.com for $80

Some of the best gifts I've given my wife in the past few years have been comfortable, versatile shoes. She's on the move for most of her waking hours — especially now that our second kid is up on her own two feet and walking faster every day.

For the active mom who jogs or goes for long walks pushing a stroller or with a kid in a carrier, go with trail runners. Columbia's Caldorado III Trail Running Shoe ($120) is comfortable on concrete sidewalks, and gives plenty of grip and support on grass, gravel, or of course, on actual trails.

The Hush Puppies Cyra Catelyn Chukka Boot ($69.96) is a great option if she wants a more stylish shoe. They're comfortable from the very first wear with no break-in period and the suede has a coating that helps shed water and resist dirt, so she won't have to worry about getting them dirty too fast.

And for the mom who wants a casual sneaker that's a blend of both sporty and stylish, PUMA's Muse Metallic Sneakers ($80) works with jeans, yoga pants, or shorts alike. They're just funky enough to catch the eye and comfortable enough for hours of wear.



A super compact stroller

Get an Ergo Metro Compact City Stroller from Amazon for $299.99

Chances are the mom for whom you're shopping for already has a stroller (or three), but she probably doesn't have one that's this small. The Ergo Metro Compact City Stroller ($299.99) weighs just 14 pounds and folds down into a package measuring 20.5 inches by 17.3 inches by 9.1 inches. That's smaller than most carry-on suitcases (so, yes, it fits in most airline overhead bins) and lightweight enough for easy one-handed carrying.

The stroller runs smoothly and is easy to maneuver over sidewalks and around the mall, and it has a decent sized storage bin under the seat, which is surprising given how overall small the stroller is. The seat reclines and has generous padding, and the large canopy provides a lot of sun protection.

 



An easy-to-wear dress

Get a Richer Poorer Tee Dress from Richer-Poorer.com for $56

Get a Richer Poorer Tank Dress from Richer-Poorer.com for $52

When a mom has a crying baby in one arm, a preschooler's breakfast in the other, and about 10 minutes left to get herself dressed and out the door with the kids in tow, having a go-to dress is a beautiful thing.

Richer Poorer makes what could be called elevated basic apparel — the garments are simple but stylish and well-made, and best of all, but reasonably-priced.

Two dresses in particular — the Tee Dress (a T-shirt dress) and the Tank Dress (yes, you figured it out) — cost $56 and $52 respectively, come in multiple colors, and will never be out of style. Add a light jacket in spring or fall, or go with sandals in the summer, and the guesswork is all done.



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We drove a $150,000 Porsche Panamera Turbo and an $86,000 Cadillac CTS-V in a battle of high-performance sedans — and the winner was clear (GM)

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Cadillac CTS-V


The Porsche Panamera is an incredible machine — so incredible that we named it Business Insider's 2017 Car of the Year.

The Panamera in Turbo trim is monumental: There's a stonking twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 under the hood, cranking out 550 horsepower. But behind that motor is a cabin of unparalleled luxury.

For those who want it all, the Panamera Turbo doesn't disappoint. But it will cost you more than $150,000. Face it: one doesn't get to be a Porsche owner without doing some damage to the bank account.

That's a rich sticker, but for about half the price you can get your hands on even more power. It won't be German power — it will be Detroit oomph. And it will have a Cadillac badge.

The CTS-V is probably my favorite high-performance four-door on Earth. If you like the Corvette Z06 and its 6.2-liter, 650-horsepower V8 widowmaker, the CTS-V has the same powerplant, just tuned down by 10 horses, to 640. You would be hard-pressed to notice the dropoff in power. In both the Caddy and Vette, you're getting some extreme performance at a cost that's sort of difficult to overlook.

So let's call this comparison a showdown between perhaps the greatest sedan in existence and the extreme value proposition. Read on to see who wins.

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The CTS-V in "Red Obsession." I enjoyed the vehicle immensely. Our test car cost over $90,000 and was very well-optioned. Base, the CTS-V is about $86,000.

Read the review »

The "V" cars are Caddy's answer to high-performance versions of European sports sedans: BMW's M Sports, Mercedes-AMGs, and the Audi RS. And, of course, dedicated high-end rides such as the Panamera.

It's tough to climb higher in the General Motors lineup than the CTS-V, however. With the Z06 and ZR1 'Vettes, you get mountains of power but no back seats, and the flagship CT6 Caddy doesn't yet come in V trim.

I will at this point acknowledge that one might not be cross-shopping a CTS-V and a Panamera Turbo. But then again, a lot of folks don't think they should cross-shop a Z06 and, say, a Ferrari 488. That doesn't mean they shouldn't.



I also more recently checked out the car in a fetching "Crystal White" paint job. It got some serious stares, but I still liked the CTS-V better in red.



The heart of the Caddy is the savage, 640-horsepower, supercharged V8 LT4 motor, which the CTS-V shares with the Corvette Z06.

This engine is sublime. For my money, it's better than the Porsche's 550-horsepower V8, but I tend to think that big V8s get along better with superchargers than turbochargers. (Both increase the compression of airflow headed in an engine's cylinders for combustion, but superchargers are powered by the motor, whereas turbos are spun by engine exhaust.)

The best part of driving a CTS-V, in many ways, is starting it up and hearing the gutsy roar and rumble. Because we're dealing with a luxury sedan, out on the road, the CTS-V isolated the driver and passengers from the exhaust note, but you can sure as heck feel those 640 horses doing their thing.

The eight-speed automatic has a manual mode, so you can use the paddles behind the steering wheel to shift your gears. The CTS-V also has various drive modes, including a ferocious "track" option. I found that skipping the paddles and going with "comfort" and "sport" modes were the best route.

"Driving the car is glorious," I wrote in 2016. "The Z06 requires constant attention ... The CTS-V, by contrast, is an insane beast when you want it to be, possessed of earth-splitting violence delivered via a 0-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds."



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