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How to transfer all of your apps onto a new iPhone, using iCloud or the App Store

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iPhone XR

  • Using an iCloud backup, you can transfer all of your apps to a new iPhone at once, without paying anything extra.
  • You can also use the App Store to pick and choose which apps you'd like to download on your new iPhone.
  • Before you get rid of your old iPhone, make sure that you've made an iCloud backup to restore on your new phone.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Moving your data to a new iPhone has become a fairly seamless process, thanks in large part to Apple's iCloud backup and restore process. 

iCloud lets you perfectly duplicate your existing iPhone— apps and data included — on a new phone when you upgrade. 

And if for any reason you don't want to use iCloud to restore your new iPhone via iCloud, you can transfer apps one at a time using the App Store.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699 at Apple)

How to transfer apps to a new iPhone using iCloud 

To transfer your apps and data using iCloud, you need to have a recent backup of your old iPhone. You probably already have your phone configured to perform automatic, daily backups to iCloud.

To make sure you have a current backup, see how to back up your iPhone with iCloud in our article "How to backup an iPhone to iCloud, to a computer through iTunes, or to an external hard drive."

Once you know that you have a backup of the old phone, you can restore it during your new iPhone's initial setup. 

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup instructions. 

2. On the Apps & Data screen, tap "Restore from iCloud Backup." 

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3. When your iPhone asks you to sign into iCloud, use the same Apple ID that you used on your previous iPhone. 

4. Tap "Next," and choose the most recent backup to install. 

After a few moments, your phone will be restored with all the apps from your previous iPhone.

If you've already set up your iPhone without restoring your old apps, you can still restore the apps from a backup, but it will erase any apps and data you have since installed on the new phone. 

To do that, follow the instructions for how to factory reset and restore your iPhone in the article "How to restore your iPhone from a backup after taking the 'nuclear option' of a factory reset."

How to transfer apps to a new iPhone using the App Store

If you want to selectively restore apps to a new phone without transferring every app you had on the old phone, you can do that using the App Store. 

That's because Apple keeps a record of every app you've ever purchased or downloaded for free, and you can re-install those apps at any time on the same phone or any iPhone you later upgrade to. 

1. Start the App Store app on the new iPhone.

2. Search or browse to find the app you want to install. 

3. Instead of "Get" or a price, you should see a cloud icon to indicate you already have installed that app in the past. Tap the cloud to install the app. You won't need to authorize the download with Touch ID, Face ID, or a password, since you already own it. 

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4. Repeat that process for any other apps you want to install. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

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NOW WATCH: 7 lesser-known benefits of Amazon Prime


How to download your own YouTube videos in 3 different ways

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youtube business personal recording account

Your YouTube channel can be whatever you want it to be, but ultimately, it acts as a living record of your work. 

And for many, it's representative of hours and hours of work, both on camera and off. 

So it's always good to have a backup of your videos by downloading them onto your computer or another storage device to ensure that nothing is lost in the event of a technical glitch.

For the record, you can only download your own YouTube videos with these methods. And there is a limit to the number of times you can download each video through YouTube, per day. 

With that in mind, here are the methods you can use to download your YouTube video. 

How to download your own YouTube videos

There are actually three primary ways to get this done. 

You can use Google Takeout to grab all of your data, including YouTube videos. 

Or you can do it using YouTube itself — on either YouTube Studio (Beta) or Classic.

How to download your own YouTube videos in Studio Beta

Here's how to use the Beta-version method:

1. Go to youtube.com and sign into your account, if necessary.

2. Click your profile photo in the top-right corner of the screen and select "YouTube Studio (beta)."

1 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

3. Click the "Videos" tab in the left sidebar.

2 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

4. Hover your cursor over the video you want to download, then click the three dots that appear to the right of the video's name.

3 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

5. Click "Download."

How to download your own YouTube videos in Studio Classic

You can also download your videos through the YouTube Studio Classic. Here's how:

1. Go to youtube.com and sign into your account, if necessary.

2. Click on your profile picture and then select "YouTube Studio (Beta)."

3. In the bottom-left corner of the screen click "Creator Studio Classic."

4 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

4. Either click into the "Videos" section toward the middle of the screen, or select "Video Manager" in the left sidebar.

5 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

5. Next to the video you want to download, click the down carrot.

6 HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS

6. Select "Download MP4."

Keep in mind that you won't be able to download your video if it's been removed from YouTube, has a copyright or community guidelines strike against it, uses a pre-approved audio track, or if you've already downloaded it five times within the last 24 hours.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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Lark Adventurewear makes some of my daughter’s favorite clothes — they’re soft, comfortable, and have built-in sun protection

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Lark Adventurewear

  • Lark Adventurewear was created by a mom who struggled to find activewear that would keep her baby cool and comfortable. 
  • The clothes are made with eco-friendly cotton and bamboo, so they're really soft and safe for my daughter. The warm-weather clothes like dresses and shorts even have UV protection. 
  • Not only does my daughter look cute in every single Lark Adventurewear piece we have, but I feel confident that her skin is protected even if I forget to apply sunscreen when we go outside.

My toddler doesn't stop moving. Like ever. Even in her sleep, she rolls all over her crib; she has so much energy to move and explore. 

Of course, I want her to look cute while she's doing it and I love going to Target for baby and kids' clothes as much as the next mom, but I don't love showing up to story time or toddler play dates with my daughter wearing the same clothes as another kid. I also don't love the feel of a lot of the traditional kids' clothes. The fabric is often stiff or scratchy, and just doesn't seem very comfortable. 

Both of these problems were solved when Lark Adventurewear sent me some of its unique activewear for my daughter Ellie to try over the summer.

The company was created by Pallavi Golla, a mom who was frustrated with standard kids' clothing; she thought there had to be something better out there for her active child who always got hot playing outside. When she realized there wasn't, she created Lark Adventurewear. It has onesies, dresses, shorts, T-shirts, and more for babies and toddlers with sizes from 3 months to 4T, and so many cute prints and unique colors that you won't necessarily find at Target or other big retailers.

Read more: The best places to shop for kids' clothes by age range

Lark Adventurewear2

The clothes are made of a soft cotton and bamboo blend that wicks moisture and is free from chemicals; each piece we tried was incredibly soft and adorable. The warm-weather clothes also have built-in sun protection (UV 50). Ellie loves wearing her favorite teal Pocket Shorties ($18) paired with a poppy Long Sleeve Slim Tee. Or rather, our favorite. 

My husband doesn't pay too much attention to where Ellie's clothes come from, but every time I put her in something from Lark Adventurewear, he'll say without fail, "She looks so cute in that! Where did you get that outfit?" 

Yes, the clothes are undeniably cute, but the best part is that they're just so soft and comfortable. Cute clothes are great, but if they're not comfortable on Ellie or restrict her play, they won't stay on long. Because the clothes are made with soft and breathable bamboo and cotton, they would also be great for babies and kids with eczema or sensitive skin because they won't be irritating.

Lark Adventurewear

An added bonus of Lark Adventurewear's clothing is the UPF 50 sun protection. I'll apply and reapply sunscreen on Ellie when we're outside, but I'm all for anything that makes it easier to help me protect her skin from the sun. Obviously, you still need to put sunscreen on your kids, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is one of the best ways to protect skin from sun damage. 

Read more: This mineral sunscreen for babies is easy to rub in and has a color-changing bottle that reminds me to reapply it to my daughter's skin when we're outside

The only piece I tried that I don't love is the Short Romper ($34). While it looks really cute on Ellie, I don't love the design. This style comes in sizes 3-18 months so most babies and toddlers are still in diapers, but it doesn't have snaps on the bottom for easy diaper changes. I have to take off an entire outfit every time I need to change Ellie's diaper, so it wasn't the most diaper-friendly thing. If you're looking for something without snaps though, the romper would be perfect. 

My toddler is much more active than I am, so she should definitely have cute clothes that comfortable to move around in. Lark Adventurewear checks both those boxes, while also protecting her skin when she's running around outside so I don't have to chase after her with sunscreen.

Shop Lark Adventurewear Perfect Play Dress, $20

Shop Lark Adventurewear Pocket Shorties, $18

Shop Lark Adventurewear Long Sleeve Slim Tee, $24.95

Shop Lark Adventurewear Pocket T-Shirt, $25

Shop all Lark Adventurewear clothes here 

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NOW WATCH: Jeff Bezos is worth over $160 billion — here's how the world's richest man makes and spends his money

Amazon almost bought Netflix in 1998— and it inspired Netflix to drop the only profitable part of its business model

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Marc Randolph

  • Netflix cofounder and original CEO Marc Randolph is the author of "That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea."
  • In it, he describes a little-known meeting between him, current Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Bezos was interested in Netflix, and Amazon even offered to buy Netflix for $15 million.
  • Hastings thought that number was too low, and Netflix ultimately declined. But Randolph did seriously consider selling, especially because they weren't making money. Instead, him and Hastings decided to focus on the rentals side of their business, eventually leading to their subscription model.
  • Briefly, Amazon and Netflix had a partnership where the sites linked to each other, but it was ultimately quietly ended.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In 1998, two months after Netflix was launched, cofounders Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings were called to a meeting with Jeff Bezos.

In Randolph's new book, "That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea," he describes the meeting that could have altered the fate of both companies.

 

SEE ALSO: Netflix's first CEO says its recommendations have always been based partly on your taste and partly on what Netflix needs you to watch

Bezos was most excited to hear about Netflix's launch day

Both companies used a bell on their launch days that rang every time a customer made an order. 

Bezos and Randolph also compared notes on their beta names. Netflix used to be called Kibble, and Amazon was Cadabra.



Amazon offered around $15 million for Netflix, which Hastings thought was too low

When Amazon said they were thinking of an offer in the "low eight figures," Hastings hesitated, according to the book. Randolph writes that Hastings thought that Netflix had "real potential," higher than that offer.

Randolph was fine with the money; selling would let them sidestep the issue that they weren't making money.

But, ultimately, while the two knew Amazon would eventually become a competitor, they decided it wasn't the "right moment to give up."



Meeting with Amazon inspired Randolph to propose getting rid of DVD sales altogether, which was the only profitable part of Netflix

When Hastings and Randolph met with Amazon, rentals only made up 3% of Netflix's revenue. But Randolph writes that meeting with Bezos reminded him that they could "never compete in the DVD retail sales market."

However, pivoting fully to rentals eventually led to the subscription model that became the foundation for modern Netflix.

 



Amazon and Netflix actually had a short-lived partnership

Even though the Netflix team didn't ultimately sell to Amazon, they did have a brief partnership. Netflix would include Amazon links for users to buy DVDs from, which, according to Randolph, sent Amazon "tens of thousands of customers." But while Amazon did link to Netflix for rentals, the links were "lackluster and hard to find," only sending Netflix hundreds of customers. 

Hastings decided to quietly end the partnership, which led to another push for Netflix to focus on rentals. This one led to the end of the late fee.



The best online styling services for women — from Stitch Fix to Trunk Club

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  • If you hate shopping or have trouble finding clothing that fits your body, personal style, and budget, you might want to try an online styling service. 
  • It combines algorithms with real human stylists to help you find clothing you'll love. In the end, it's more convenient and could be more cost-effective than shopping in person or online by yourself. 
  • Stitch Fix is the best online personal styling service for most people because of its large inventory of brands and sizes, and its user-friendly experience. Its clothing options cater to a variety of styles, fit well, and are reasonably priced. 

If I told you 10 years ago that I had a personal stylist, you might think, "Who has the time and money to do that?" 

Today, you'd know that my personal stylist is a woman I've likely only ever met online. She sends me clothing pieces that fit my style and budget, and I try all of them on in my own home. 

Online personal styling services bring a previously inaccessible experience to the mainstream through the use of algorithms, human stylists, and a streamlined shipping process. They're popular because they save time and are pretty accurate when it comes to understanding your clothing style and fit. 

The services generally have the following design:

When you sign up, you fill out a Style Profile that serves as a summary of all your clothing sizes and style preferences (you can change your answers at any time).

Then, you receive a box of anywhere from five to 12 pieces and have a set amount of time to try them on and figure out whether you'd like to keep them.

While all the services below charge "styling fees" of $20-$40, these fees are waived if you ultimately buy something from your box.

It's just as easy to return the pieces you don't want. Your box should contain a bag and free return shipping label, so you can simply drop off your return at your post office or local shipping center. 

In the end, using an online personal styling service is a more convenient way to shop for all types of clothing, from activewear to workwear. Since you're working with a dedicated stylist who understands what you're looking for, you'll also have a better chance of finding something that you'll actually like and wear often. If you hate shopping for clothing for yourself, an online personal styling service is something worth trying. 

Here are the best online personal styling services to try: 

The best online styling service overall

Stitch Fix is a well-rounded, well-oiled machine, with the built-in flexibility and clothing variety to cater to your personal style (or where you want your style to be). 

With an active client base of 3 million people, Stitch Fix is the most popular and well-known personal styling service, and for good reason. 

Its large inventory of brands, styles, and sizes (0-24W and XS-3X, including maternity) at every price point caters to a wide audience. Anyone from a budget-conscious recent grad looking for stylish workwear to a mom who wants to invest in comfortable everyday looks can use Stitch Fix to find a quality clothing piece. 

In addition to the Style Profile that runs standard across all the online styling services in this guide, you can make it even easier on Stitch Fix's algorithm and stylists by filling out short quizzes about specific style preferences or challenges you have, or requesting specific items through a "Fix Note" before you schedule a shipment. 

Every box contains five pieces of clothing, shoes, and/or accessories like handbags or jewelry. They'll come from a mix of up-and-coming, established, and in-house brands. Don't overlook these in-house brands — they're reasonably priced and made well, and in fact many of my most-worn closet pieces are these Stitch Fix exclusives.

You can also add extras (basics like underwear, bras, and socks) to your Fix in sizes XS-3X (44DDD is the largest bra size), for $10 to $60 per item.

In my experience, Stitch Fix generally got my style right, though it tended toward the safer side, and they nailed fit the majority of the time. Reviewers at The Wirecutter agree about the accuracy of the clothing fits, which ranked the highest of the online styling services they tested. 

While you can schedule automatic shipments at designated dates, Stitch Fix is not a formal subscription. It's easy to reschedule or cancel a shipment online. 

Other details you should know:

  • Styling fee: $20, applied as credit to any items you purchase 
  • Number of days to try on and return clothes: 3 
  • Shipping and returns: free 
  • Referral bonus: $25 
  • iOS app available 


The best premium styling service

Premium and luxury brands are the name of the game at Dailylook. If you're willing to pay the higher cost, you won't be disappointed.

While other personal styling services are careful to point out that they work for all types of budgets, Dailylook places itself squarely in the "premium" camp.

It has the most expensive styling fee and its clothing pieces all start at $60 each. Example brands include Furla and Badgley Mischka. Even the blue, ribbon-wrapped box your clothing arrives in makes the experience feel extra special

However, this higher price point works, perhaps because it's combined with the use of full-time stylists (rather than part-time or ad-hoc stylists) who understand the brands and business inside and out, and a feature that lets you "favorite" pre-curated looks to further clarify your own style beyond the Style Profile. This system works so well that Dailylook told Business Insider its customers receive something they like and purchase it 80% of the time. 

At least you can save a little money as a member: buy three or more items from your box and you'll get 50% off the lowest priced item. In case you don't decide to buy anything, the $40 styling fee credit doesn't just disappear. You can use it to buy clothing on the Dailylook website. 

Compared to those of the other styling services, Dailylook's online user experience feels like it's lacking a little. I found it more difficult to navigate and get the hang of, even though (or perhaps because) the layout is simple.

Still, the actual pieces I received were impressive. Dailylook is best for finding premium pieces that you'll wear in all aspects of your life. I personally kept three (of the 12 total) pieces I tried: a light cami for casual summer days, a comfortable and stretchy jumpsuit that could be dressed up or down, and a bright pink dress that would look excellent at weddings and cocktail hours.

Other details you should know:

  • Styling fee: $40, applied as credit to any items you purchase
  • Number of days to try on and return clothes: 5
  • Shipping and returns: free
  • Referral bonus: $40 
  • iOS app available 


The best styling service for customer service and rewards

Friendly service, free perks, and fashion-forward inventory make Nordstrom-owned Trunk Club the most enjoyable personal styling experience you can try — if you have the time to invest in it. 

Nordstrom is known for its great customer service, so it should come as no surprise that getting styled through Trunk Club, which is owned by Nordstrom, comes with top-notch service, extras, and rewards. 

Trunk Club sources all of its styles from Nordstrom's inventory, which tend toward the pricier side (ready-to-wear pieces range from $40-$300, while outerwear and boots start at $90). Familiar brands you'll see include Theory, DL1961, J.Crew, and Vince. 

Unique to the styling process at Trunk Club is the ability to live chat with your stylist. You can also talk to them on the phone and via email, or meet them in real life at a Clubhouse. If you want more personal interactions with the person who will be picking your clothes, it will take more time on your end, but the payoff could be worth it.

When I tested Trunk Club myself, I loved chatting with and meeting my very friendly stylist. Though Style Profiles do a good job of summarizing your style and preferences, talking to a real person helps fill in any gaps. 

Trunk Club lets you preview and approve your pieces before they're shipped so you only try on everything that you want to try. It sends more pieces than other services — 12 total, compared to the average of five. 

There are many extra perks of using Trunk Club:

  • When Nordy Club members purchase Trunk Club pieces, they earn points that add up to Notes, which are redeemable online and in store at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and HauteLook. 
  • The styling fee is waived for Nordy Club members. 
  • Alterations on select items are free of charge (others require a fee) and offered at Clubhouses and Nordstrom stores. 
  • In-person styling sessions at a Clubhouse are free of charge. 

Other details you should know:

  • Styling fee: $25, applied as credit to any items you purchase; free for Nordy Club members 
  • Number of days to try on and return clothes: 5 
  • Shipping and returns: free 
  • Referral bonus: $50 
  • iOS and Android apps available 


The best styling service for quality basics

Frank and Oak makes some of the best-fitting, most comfortable basics we've tried, plus they're sustainably made. Its Style Plan helps whittle down the best pieces for you. 

Frank and Oak is a Canadian online clothing brand that focuses on making the high-quality essentials like sweaters, T-shirts, and denim that are often, surprisingly, the most difficult to shop for. The company does this using eco-conscious processes and high performance materials, which is why its clothing is more expensive than average competitors. 

When it comes to sustainable fashion that's appealing inside and out, Frank and Oak is ahead of the pack. To make its jeans, for example, it turns post-consumer waste into denim fabric, uses organic cotton, and employs manufacturing techniques that use up to 79% less energy and 95% less water than traditional methods. 

Frank and Oak's Style Plan shows you three to five seasonal pieces from this repository of sustainable fashion and each box generally costs about $150-$250 total. Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton tried the service and surprised herself when she loved and kept all three pieces she received. 

The thing about Frank and Oak's style is that it's simple — think slim-fit polo shirts, wool cardigans, wide-legged cropped pants. Amidst the chaos of the fast-moving (and often wasteful) fashion world, however, that simplicity is a welcome change. 

Environmentally conscious shoppers with a minimalist aesthetic will also love the Style Plan because it grants them exclusive member pricing of 20% off the rest of the site. The subscription box ships every month, but they can skip any month and directly pick out something they like from the site, too. 

Other details you should know:

  • Styling fee: $25, applied as credit to any items you purchase
  • Number of days to try on and return clothes: 7 
  • Shipping and returns: free 


The best plus-size styling service

The stylists at Dia & Co. understand body types and plus-size brands inside and out. For women sizes 14-32, this expertise and the access to inclusive fashion aren't always easy to come by. 

Founder Nadia Boujarwah says she has been everything from a size 12 to a size 22. No matter what size she was, she wasn't happy with the clothing options presented to her, so she cofounded Dia & Co. to help women facing the same problem. 

Dia & Co. carries sizes 14-32 (0x-5x) and brands ranging from direct-to-consumer favorites like Warp + Weft to fashion designers like Nanette Lepore. Since sizing across brands can differ drastically, and particularly among plus sizes, using Dia & Co. saves you the time and frustration trying on multiple sizes of the same piece. Its expert stylists understand these sizing inconsistencies, as well as what types of fabrics and cuts work on various body shapes. 

At its core, Dia & Co. doesn't differ too much from other online styling services — you fill out a profile detailing your style and preferences, receive clothing you will probably like or that pushes the boundaries of your style, give feedback, and continue using the service at a flexible frequency that works for you.

However, based on a number of online reviews, where Dia & Co. really excels is flouting the idea that plus-size style should be relegated to ill-fitting, flowy, and boring clothing. More than a styling service, it provides a community for plus-sized women who want to improve their style, receive stylish clothing in a convenient way, and embrace fashion that makes them feel more confident. 

Dia & Co. is part of a new and exciting wave of size-inclusive companies like Gwynnie Bee and Universal Standard that are built by plus-sized women, for plus-sized women. While other styling services have expanded size offerings, Dia & Co.'s design as a plus-size-first company makes it the best choice for women sizes 14 and up. 

Other details you should know:

  • Styling fee: $20, applied as credit to any items you purchase
  • Number of days to try on and return clothes: 5
  • Shipping and returns: free 
  • Referral bonus: $20 


How to change your Google Play account on any device

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google play

Google Play allows you to purchase movies, books, and TV shows — and at some point, you may want to add another Google Play account and switch back and forth between them. 

You can add another Google Play account and change between your accounts on any device, although what you can access will be limited depending on your device. 

While iOS users can access Google Play Movies & TV, Books, and Music on an iPhone or iPad, they will not have access to Google Play Games — which can only be downloaded on Android devices or Chromebooks.

Regardless of your device, you can still add a Google Play account and change between accounts on many Google Play apps. Here's how to get it done.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

iPad (From $329.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Chromebook (From $189 at Best Buy)

How to add another Google Play account to your device

Before you can switch between your Google accounts, you'll have to first add those additional accounts to your device:

1. Go into your device's settings.

2. Tap "Accounts," or "Users and Accounts," depending on your device, and then tap "Add Account."

1 HOW TO CHANGE GOOGLE PLAY ACCOUNT

3. Select "Google" — you may be asked to re-enter your device's pin or password at this point.

2 HOW TO CHANGE GOOGLE PLAY ACCOUNT

4. Sign into your other Google account and follow the steps to add your account.

5. Repeat as necessary, if you have more accounts to add.

How to change your Google Play account

Once you've added your other Google accounts to your device, switching between them on Google Play is a simple process. 

Here's what you'll need to do:

1. Open the Google Play app and tap the three lines in the top-left corner of the screen.

2. You'll see your name and email address at the top of the menu, and tap the down arrow.

3. Select the account you want to use.

After you've added multiple accounts, you'll also be able to do this via the Google Play website on your computer. Just click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen and select your desired account.

And, if for some reason you don't want to use the Google apps, you can use a web browser instead. 

In that case, go to play.google.com as you would on a computer, then tap the three lines in the top-left corner of the screen. Next, tap "Edit," located next to your profile picture and name, and select the account you want to use.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable Google Pixel 3 accessories that'll help you make the most of your new phone

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I cleaned my entire apartment with 4 of Amazon's highest-rated cleaning robots, but I could've done a much better job myself

The most surprising formal protocol presidents and first ladies have to follow during official state visits

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Trump Macron planting a tree

  • State visits are a key diplomatic tradition and the highest-ranking form of diplomatic exchange, as only heads of state qualify for the lavish public ceremony.
  • Every detail of the visit is carefully coordinated to honor American history as well as the visiting country, from the decorations, food, and color schemes. 
  • Ahead of President Donald and first lady Melania Trump's hosting of the Australian prime minister at the White House for an official visit and state dinner, take a look at some of the carefully planned pomp and circumstance.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

At the most powerful address in the country, receiving special visitors is not just part of the job, but a long-held diplomatic tradition.

State visits are the highest-ranking form of diplomatic exchange — only heads of state qualify for the lavish public ceremony.

Every president since Calvin Coolidge has held at least one state dinner a year, except President Donald Trump, who waited until his second year to invite French President Emmanuel Macron.

Though each state visit varies to best accommodate the president and first lady's wishes, much of the walking, standing, and shaking hands is required as distinct ceremonial steps are planned months in advance.

The Office of the Chief of Protocol assists White House staff in making sure the event goes off without diplomatic faux pas or embarrassment.

Ahead of President Donald and first lady Melania Trump's hosting of the Australian prime minister at the White House for an official visit and state dinner, take a look at some of the carefully coordinated pomp and circumstance, step by step:

DON'T MISS: Inside the presidential guest house — the 'world's most exclusive hotel' that's bigger than the White House

The first visit foreign head of state to visit the White House was King David Kalakua of the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), who former President Ulysses S. Grant hosted in 1874.

The leaders and their 36 guests enjoyed 29 courses, an impressive precursor to the event that would become a widely publicized expected duty of a president.



A state visit includes: a full-honors arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House with a 21-gun salute, a state luncheon at the US State Department, and a White House state dinner.

Only chiefs of state are invited to state visits, meaning the reigning monarch, ruler, or president of a country.



To kick off a state visit, the president and first lady receive the guest of honor at the South Lawn to demonstrate their role as hosts to their visitor.

Visiting leaders usually greet the president in their native language as they join the American leader outside the White House.

They are accompanied by military footmen before reaching a welcoming committee, then the leaders take the stage together.



The president, first lady, and guests take their places for the national anthems — but no one is supposed to clap after they play.

As a courtesy, the visitor's anthem is played first. Heads of state on state visits qualify for a 21-gun salute, whereas heads of government only get a 19-gun salute.



The president and the guest of honor walk the South Lawn to inspect the troops in a ceremony intended to invoke a combination of diplomacy and pageantry.

Though the state visit is meant to be a friendly one, American protocol dictates the military exercises are a show of the Commander in Chief's control of American forces.



The president delivers remarks, to which the guest replies with a speech of their own, typically reflecting on the relationship between the two countries.

Here, Queen Elizabeth II stands by as President Bush speaks during the 2007 arrival ceremony in her honor.



The president and his guest are expected to pick and exchange the perfect gift as a symbol of goodwill in their diplomatic relationship, prioritizing meaning over cost.

US presidents are limited by law on what they can accept from foreign leaders and have had to pass up dogs, jewelry, and a jewel-encrusted sword.

The current limit on acceptable gift value is $390, and all gifts are handed over to the National Archives, unless the official decides to purchase it at the end of their term.



Onto the state dinner — the evening begins with cocktails for the president, first lady, and select guests upstairs in the family residence of the White House.

Just off the presidential bedroom, the Yellow Oval Room is a private space for the head table to mingle.

It's usually a private study for presidents and is where former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt heard the news about the attack on Pearl Harbor.



Once the rest of the guests arrive downstairs, the heads of state descend the grand staircase to the song "Hail to the chief" and the visiting country's national anthem.

US protocol only allows four reasons for rejecting the president's invitation to a state dinner: death in the family, serious illness, "unavoidable" absence far away from D.C., or a family wedding.



The president and guest receive the rest of the state dinner attendees. Every single one.

Guests are individually announced by a military aide upon entering the Blue Room and greeted by the president and visitor before being seated at dinner.

Dress is formal, white- or black-tie attire. Women are expected to wear formal gowns or cocktail dresses, and men should be in tuxes.



The president and the head of state exchange toasts, the highlight of the dinner.

The president and his guest's remarks may come as part of the celebration part of the evening, but are considered important diplomatic statements and kept on record by the White House.

 

 



Ornately decorated tables fill the East Room, State Dining Room, or the Rose Garden, depending on the first lady's plans.

Every single detail of the dinner's decorations is chosen thoughtfully to equally honor American history and the visiting country.

For the Australian state visit, the chosen colors were green and gold, the Australian national colors. The dinner was slated to be held in the Rose Garden, which pool reports said was filled with American yellow and white roses and gold woven baskets filled with yellow garden roses and the Australian national flower to "signify the combined friendship and long-lasting relationship between the United States and Australia."

The tables were also covered in yellow and green, and dinner was set to be served on a china collection featuring alternating patterns from the administrations of Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush.



Guests then eat a four- or five-course meal, which the first lady meticulously selects with White House staff.

First lady Melania Trump apparently only served three courses for the Australian visit. White House press pool reports said the menu included:

First Course
Sunchoke Ravioli
Reggiano Cream
Shaved Summer Vegetables

Main Course
Dover Sole with Parsley Crisps
Zucchini Squash Blossoms
Fennel Mousseline
Baby Garlic Rouille

Dessert
Lady Apple Tart
Calvados Ice Cream



After dinner, it's up to the president and first lady to continue the party with entertainment.

After the dessert course, the president and visitor lead guests down the Cross Hall to the East Room of the White House, where performers like Gwen Stefani, Frank Sinatra, and Kenny Chesney have entertained past guests.

For the Australian prime minister's visit, a combined band of musicians from the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force provided after-dinner entertainment. 



Former President John F. Kennedy banned champagne and non-American wines from being served at the White House, even after dinner.

Only American bubbly, like California sparkling wine, can fill the glasses.

Melania Trump chose a Crémant from California for the sparkling wine at the Trump's first state dinner, a popular choice at official White House events.



Dancing is a casual diplomatic tradition meant for guests and heads of state alike to mingle.

Live music fills the East Room, where guests enjoy sparkling wine and dancing.

 



How to make a GIF from a YouTube video and post it online

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If you've been on social media anytime in the last few years, you've seen GIFs: short video clips that run on repeat, often with a funny or snarky message. GIFs are increasingly popular, turning up in emails and on websites.

It's easy to create your own GIFs with free online tools. GIPHY lets you turn a snippet of a YouTube video into your own meme-worthy GIF.

How to make your own GIF from a YouTube video

You don't need any special knowledge or tools to make your own GIF. First, find a video to excerpt on YouTube. Then go to GIPHY and get to work. 

1. On GIPHY's homepage, click the "Create" button at the top of the window.

1 Giphy home page

2. Copy the link for your YouTube video into the "Add Any URL" box on GIPHY. You can also use Vimeo videos and other GIPHY links.

3. Choose the moment in your video where you want to start your GIF. Slide the Start Time bar until you get to the spot in the video right before the snippet you want to turn into a GIF.

4. Pick the length of your GIF by moving the Duration bar to the left or right, or hitting the up or down arrow next to "Seconds." Watch your GIF a couple of times to make sure you've captured the slice of video you wanted.

3 pick your GIF start and end times

5. Once you've found the perfect starting point and length for your GIF, it's time to decorate it. Click "Continue to Decorate."

6. On this page, you can add text and pictures to your GIF. Click on "Caption" to add text. [Image 5]Click and drag the text to move it where you want it on the screen. [image 6]You can also choose what you want the text to look like, and how you want it to move.

7. You can add stickers when you choose "Stickers." Click and drag stickers to position them on the GIF. 

8. Click "Filters" to turn change the look of the GIF. 

9. You can also draw on your GIF in the Draw menu. 

4 add caption

10. When you're finished decorating, click "Continue to Upload."

11. Your GIF is almost ready. Add one or more tags so others can find and share it. Then click "Upload to GIPHY."

12. GIPHY will create your GIF. This takes a few seconds.

13. Watch your GIF and appreciate your handiwork! Use the menu to the right of your GIF to copy the link, share it on social media, or get its embed code. 

12 copy link

14. You don't have to log in to GIPHY to create and share a GIF, but logging in will allow you to get credit for your creations, and easily find them again.

 

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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4 women wore and washed Everlane's new 'washable silk' shirts — here's how the tops held up

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  • Everlane recently released "washable silk" tops in three styles: The Wrap Top ($98), The Relaxed Shirt ($110) and The Tie-Cuff Shirt ($110).
  • The washable silk these tops are made of is heavier and less sheer than traditional silk, and more low-maintenance — so you can machine-wash it. 
  • To see how Everlane's washable silk stacks up in real life, four of us wore and machine-washed the tops. Overall, we liked the tops and we recommend them to anyone looking to forgo trips to their dry cleaner. But there's ultimately no beating the real deal, so we recommend Everlane's dry-clean-only Clean Silk Shirt ($98) to the everyone else. 

If you asked me to create a wardrobe out of only one material — and I could be as impractical as I wanted — the answer would probably be silk.

Why? It's soft; it's smooth; it looks like a dry martini served in a dimly-lit piano bar. 

Unsurprisingly, though, you don't get the glamour of silk without high-maintenance maintenance. The queen of textiles isn't cheap, and the care isn't easy: You'll probably need to hand-wash or dry clean it. 

Startups have made it easier to find affordable and relatively hassle-free silk. You've probably seen ads for Lunya's washable silk pajamas or bought a silk pillowcase from Slip ($85), Brooklinen ($69), or Parachute ($189). The latest washable-silk option is from Everlane, the startup that's responsible for a disproportionate number of our team's all-time favorite basics.

Everlane's Washable Silk collection comprises three styles (The Wrap Top, The Relaxed Shirt, and The Tie-Cuff Shirt). These styles currently come in up to five colors and range in price from $98 to $110 (though Everlane estimates the shirts would cost closer to $215 at traditional retailers). Everlane's washable silk is less sheer and slightly heavier than traditional silk, and you can — as the name implies — just throw it in the wash alongside your other clothes. There's no need to hang-dry, either. But, to keep the silky feel, you may want to tumble-dry it on low. 

To see how Everlane's washable silk stacks up in real life, I asked my coworkers to wear — and wash — the silk at home. Keep reading to find our reviews, but the gist is this: These are pretty, versatile tops that deliver on the drapery and luxe look of silk without the need for dry-cleaning. But, if you want a traditional experience and sheen, you should opt for Everlane's $98 Clean Silk version and foot the occasional dry-cleaning bill.

Four women review Everlane's Washable Silk tops. Here's what we thought:

Washable Silk Tie-Cuff Shirt

$110, available at Everlane

I always feel like I look like I'm ready to take your drinks and appetizer order when I wear a regular button-down shirt, so I gravitate toward button-downs with embellishments. The tie cuffs on this shirt are exactly what I look for — they make it feel special without going over the top.

What's even more special is the construction of the shirt, which feels soft and drapes well. It was a heavier silk fabric than I expected, but still breathable. After washing it, it still felt as soft as the first time I wore it, and it didn't shrink. However, I was a little disappointed to see that it was wrinkly. Even if you follow Everlane's care instructions, I think experiences can really differ based on what types of laundry products you use, so I would just consider that before you buy the shirt. — Connie Chen, reporter

I've been on the hunt for a good silk button-down for a while now. You would think I would have found one by now, it's not that hard right? My problem is silk shirts skew pretty expensive and I always get less wear out of them than I'd like, simply because I'm too lazy to constantly make those trips to the dry cleaner. That said, I was really excited to try Everlane's washable silk.

I really like the style of this shirt. It fits well and the tie cuffs add some femininity to an otherwise simple silhouette. But the shirt didn't have the silky feel I was expecting. I have, and love, Everlane's Clean Silk Shirt ($98), which has that luxuriously light feel that I've come to expect from the fabric. This washable silk shirt is still obviously silk, but doesn't have as much of a lightweight, smooth feel.

After putting it through the wash, it didn't lose any shape, but it didn't feel as soft as the first wear. Ultimately, this is a really cute shirt and I'll definitely wear it again, but I wasn't really impressed by the washable silk aspect. If you're looking for a classic silky shirt, I'd go for one of Everlane's regular silk options — they're high quality and relatively affordable. You'll have to go the extra step of getting them dry-cleaned, but I think it's worth it if a great silk shirt is what you want. — Remi Rosmarin, reporter



Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt

$110, available at Everlane

When Everlane describes these blouses as heavier than traditional silk and less sheer, they're not kidding. This makes it more versatile than traditional silk — no worrying about wearing the exactly right flesh-colored bra — but it also feels a bit like a hybrid of a suede and silk. You'll still get the beautiful draping, but there isn't the same lustrous sheen if that's what you're after. Better to stick to their other silk options.

After throwing this style in the wash and tumble-drying on low, I noticed a relatively minimal difference in the make and feel of the shirt, though it did take a little extra care to get the wrinkles out. It's still far less hassle than a traditional silk shirt, but not a dead-ringer alternative.

If you like the sound of something that's a little heavier and less sheer that you can throw in the wash — but that still offers beautiful draping — then you're most likely to enjoy Everlane's washable silk. — Mara Leighton, reporter



Washable Silk Wrap Top

$98, available at Everlane

I was intrigued when Everlane released its washable silk tops because I only had one silk article of clothing that I put through the wash even though the tag explicitly says "dry clean only". 

I tried Everlane's Washable Silk Wrap top in rose in a size 0. Normally I wear a size 0 and rarely I'll wear a 00, which is the size I should have chosen since the 0 was a bit too big for me. I love tops that are cropped, which this wrap top definitely is, so if you're taller than 5-foot-3 or just don't like cropped pieces, this might not be the ideal top. There are hidden buttons to help keep everything in place, but I constantly fought with the ties that kept threatening to come undone. 

I ran the top through the wash in warm water along with way too much fabric softener and put it in the dryer along with the rest of my laundry on medium heat. When I took it out of the dryer, it looked no smaller than it was before but it also wasn't as soft as it was prior to being washed and dried, especially considering the fact that I used too much fabric softener.

Regardless, I still love the color and how the top is cut. As someone who rarely sends clothes to the dry cleaner, I was satisfied, but not amazed by how this washable silk top stood up to the washing machine. — Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow



I switch between iPhone and Android whenever I want without losing anything — here's the very simple way I do it (AAPL, GOOGL)

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Don't believe what you hear — switching between iPhone and Android is actually quite easy.

I should know: I've been writing about technology for the past seven years, and I've switched between a dozen different smartphones in that time. Whether I'm using an iPhone or an Android phone, everything comes with me.

I never lose a contact, and my calendar switches seamlessly. Even my notes come with me!

Here's how I do it:

SEE ALSO: After spending two full days with Apple's new iPhones, I'm convinced the iPhone 11 is the best choice for most people — here's why

The answer to your problems is Google — not Android, but Google.

If you're a devout user of Apple services — Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Maps, etc. — it can feel difficult to transfer to Android.

But even if you're not looking to move to Android, there's a good reason to stop using Apple's services: they lock you into Apple devices.

You can, of course, continue using Apple's services, but adding a few Google tie-ins can free your life from being viewable on only Apple's hardware.

Take, for instance, Google Contacts — if you have a Gmail account, you already have a Google Contacts account. You have a Gmail account, right? Come on.

By simply backing up your iPhone's contacts to Google, those valuable numbers are now available on any device you wish to use. You can even edit the list on the web.

As an additional bonus, it offers a second backup method for your contacts list just in case something happens to your phone's backup file.



By using Google as my primary ecosystem, my digital life goes with me wherever I do.

I use Google Chrome on my computer (a MacBook Air) and my phone (a Google Pixel 3a). By logging in with my Google account, I have full access, on any device, to all my bookmarks and saved passwords and every other convenience that comes with modern, customizable web browsers.

I use Google Keep as my primary notes app. I add notes to it on my phone, and they show up instantly on the web version of Google Keep. My notes come with me to any device I'm using, just like my contacts (Google Contacts) and my photos (Google Photos) and my email (Gmail).

I could be using an iPhone 11, an iPad Mini, a Samsung Galaxy S10, or whatever else — it doesn't matter. I no longer consider the difficulty of switching devices, because it no longer exists. I move my SIM card to the new device, log in to Google services, and I'm good to go.

If I were using iCloud, Maps, Contacts, and Apple's other "ecosystem" hooks, switching devices would be far less easy — it would make much more sense for me to just get another iPhone, even though I have no interest in spending as much as $1,000 on a phone. It's that lack of flexibility in Apple's approach that pushes me away.



I use Android phones primarily nowadays, but I used iPhones for years. I use whatever phone is best, regardless of operating system or manufacturer.

Apple makes incredibly nice phones. I've owned and loved the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 4, the iPhone 5, the iPhone 6, and I briefly used an iPhone 7 as my main phone. (I didn't love it.)

Google also makes incredibly nice phones. I've used and loved several Google Nexus phones, and the Google Pixel 3a I'm using is as close to perfect as it gets for me.

I typed this on a MacBook Air, which I consider the best laptop in existence. I like Apple hardware a lot! But I also like my TCL television, and my Sonos speakers, and my Xbox One — I kinda don't care even a little bit who makes the product, as long as it's great.

In the case of using Google's services over Apple's, Google simply makes a stronger argument by offering a better product. It's great whether you're an Apple devotee or an Android superfan or, more likely, just a person looking to easily manage their digital life.



The most crucial things that Google does: contacts and calendar.

If you're using Apple's Calendar instead of the one tied to your Gmail account, you're making life harder than it needs to be.

Let's say you and some friends are planning a trip. Some of your friends have iPhones, and some don't. But everyone has a Gmail account! And if they don't have a Gmail account, it's free. Why tie something as important as your digital calendar solely to Apple devices?

It's the kind of little choice that has a major impact. That same logic applies to Google Contacts, which enables the easy transfer and backup of your entire contacts list.

And in both cases, if you prefer using Apple Calendar and Apple Contacts for your organization and backup needs, you can do that and still use Google services to easily transfer your stuff, should the time ever come to move.

But I'd urge you to take the plunge now — it'll make your life easier in the long term.



OK, yes, there are two issues: the App Store problem, and text message history.

I own a bunch of apps tied to my Apple ID that work only on iOS devices. I paid for the weather app Dark Sky (like an idiot) and a whole mess of games over the years. My copy of "Super Mario Run" is tied to iOS. It stinks.

Similarly, I own a bunch of apps tied to my Google login. They work only on Android devices. It stinks.

There is no solution to this problem, as iOS and Android are just different platforms. The most heartening thing I can say here is that most of the apps I use regularly — the same ones I'm betting you do too — don't cost any money. The various social media apps, and stuff like Uber or Lyft and "Fortnite," are all available on both platforms for free.

If you own a large library of paid apps on either platform — apps crucial to your life — you should stick with that platform. For me, I'm not missing anything from platform to platform.

The same applies to text messages: If you're big into keeping your text message/iMessage history in perpetuity, you can't easily bring that from one to the other. That's a deal-breaker for some folks, but I assure you: It's OK to let them go. There's a solid chance you're never going to review text message logs from last month, let alone years ago.



The billionaire who promised to pay off student loans for an entire graduating class just pledged to pay off their parents' educational loans, too

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In May, private equity billionaire Robert F. Smith announced he'd be setting up a grant to wipe out the entire Morehouse College Class of 2019's student loan debt.

Now, that offer has been expanded to also cover those students' parents' education debt, according to a September 20 press release.

The gift cost Smith $34 million, the historically black college said in the press release. According to the press release, Smith will make the donation to Morehouse's new Student Success Program, which will in turn completely pay off all federal student loans borrowed by the 400 Morehouse students who graduated in May, nearly all of whom are black men, as well loans owed by their parents and legal guardians.

"This liberation gift from Robert Smith — the first of its kind to be announced at a graduation in higher education —will be life-changing for our new Morehouse Men and their families," Morehouse College President David A. Thomas said in a statement. "It is our hope that our graduates will use their newfound financial freedom to pursue their career goals, to lead and serve the community, and to remember the spirit of the gift given to them by paying it forward to support the education of future classes of Morehouse Men." 

Read more: A billionaire agreed to pay off my student loans in full. Here's what it was like — and how I plan to pay it forward.

Smith first announced the gift while speaking at the Class of 2019's commencement in May. "My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans," Smith told the graduates at the ceremony, Business Insider previously reported. "You great Morehouse men are bound only by the limits of your own conviction and creativity."

Smith is the chairman and CEO of Austin-based private equity firm Vista Equity Partners. He has has a net worth of $6.08 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

SEE ALSO: A look at the life of Robert F. Smith, the billionaire investor paying off student loans who owns homes in Malibu and NYC, and married a former Playboy model in a lavish Italian ceremony

READ MORE: The richest man in Hong Kong just pledged to cover 5 years of tuition for an entire college class, and it's going to cost him $14.4 million a year to do it

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack and Flickr, says 2 beliefs have brought him the greatest success in life

The 20 US cities where everyone's moving to — and they're nearly all in Florida

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  • Big cities in the South have seen a lot of growth from people moving in since the start of the decade.
  • Using Census data, we found the metro areas with the highest net migration between 2010 and 2018.
  • Over half of the top 20 metros are in Florida.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Since the start of the decade, a huge number of Americans have been moving to big cities in the South.

Using data from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates program, we found the US metropolitan areas with the highest net migration between 2010 and 2018, adjusted by the size of the 2010 metro area population. Net migration measures the number of people who moved into the metro area from some other part of the US or another country, minus the number of people who left the metro area over that period.

Reinforcing a theme we've seen in other measures, Americans are flocking to the South. An overwhelming majority of the top 20 metro areas for migration are in the south, with over half in Florida alone.

Here are the 20 metro areas with the highest net migration between 2010 and 2018 as a share of 2010 population:

SEE ALSO: The 30 highest-paying jobs in Florida, land of gators and 20,000 CEOs

20. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, had net migration of 19,111 between 2010 and 2018 — 13.8% of the metro's 2010 population of 138,494.



19. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Florida, had net migration of 32,718 between 2010 and 2018 — 13.9% of the metro's 2010 population of 235,865.



18. Raleigh, North Carolina, had net migration of 159,756 between 2010 and 2018 — 14.1% of the metro's 2010 population of 1,130,490.



17. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Florida, had net migration of 87,461 between 2010 and 2018 — 14.8% of the metro's 2010 population of 590,289.



16. Port St. Lucie, Florida, had net migration of 62,896 between 2010 and 2018 — 14.8% of the metro's 2010 population of 424,107.



15. Midland, Texas, had net migration of 22,239 between 2010 and 2018 — 15.7% of the metro's 2010 population of 141,671.



14. Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida, had net migration of 96,548 between 2010 and 2018 — 16.0% of the metro's 2010 population of 602,095.



13. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida, had net migration of 344,022 between 2010 and 2018 — 16.1% of the metro's 2010 population of 2,134,411.



12. Greeley, Colorado, had net migration of 41,180 between 2010 and 2018 — 16.3% of the metro's 2010 population of 252,825.



11. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida, had net migration of 56,188 between 2010 and 2018 —17.5% of the metro's 2010 population of 321,520.



10. Sebastian-Vero Beach, Florida, had net migration of 24,647 between 2010 and 2018 — 17.9% of the metro's 2010 population of 138,028.



9. St. George, Utah, had net migration of 24,835 between 2010 and 2018 — 18.0% of the metro's 2010 population of 138,115.



8. Austin-Round Rock, Texas, had net migration of 310,931 between 2010 and 2018 — 18.1% of the metro's 2010 population of 1,716,289.



7. Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, Alabama, had net migration of 33,655 between 2010 and 2018 — 18.5% of the metro's 2010 population of 182,265.



6. Bend-Redmond, Oregon, had net migration of 30,773 between 2010 and 2018 — 19.5% of the metro's 2010 population of 157,733.



5. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, had net migration of 140,889 between 2010 and 2018 — 20.1% of the metro's 2010 population of 702,281.



4. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida, had net migration of 135,696 between 2010 and 2018 — 21.9% of the metro's 2010 population of 618,754.



3. Punta Gorda, Florida, had net migration of 36,551 between 2010 and 2018 — 22.8% of the metro's 2010 population of 159,978.



2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-North Carolina, had net migration of 105,460 between 2010 and 2018 — 28.0% of the metro's 2010 population of 376,722.



1. The Villages, Florida, had net migration of 43,639 between 2010 and 2018 — 46.7% of the metro's 2010 population of 93,420.



The most creative signs from New York's Global Climate Strike have one message in common: Time's running out

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  • Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Foley Square in Manhattan's Financial District on Friday as part of the Global Climate Strike, a worldwide series of protests against climate change.
  • 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, the catalyst for the movement, attended the New York march.
  • The most creative signs repurposed memes, made puns, and melted the Earth, but they all shared the same sense of urgency for the planet.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millions of people are marching against climate change, and New York is no exception. In fact, it's the main event.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Foley Square in Manhattan's Financial District on Friday as part of the Global Climate Strike, a mass movement protesting inaction against climate change. It's just one of hundreds of similar strikes in 156 countries around the world. And like those strikes, marchers have made their own signs to get their message out. That includes handmade signs: cardboard, magic markers, spray paint, and in one case, a plastic water carton.

The catalyst for the strike is 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist who gained worldwide fame after skipping school to protest in front of the Swedish parliament building in Stockholm. Thunberg attended the New York where she was slated to be a key speaker.

Read more: How 16-year-old Greta Thunberg became the face of climate-change activism

While demonstrators of all ages marched down Broadway, the overwhelming majority were students. Most of them weren't skipping class, either — New York City's Education Department gave students permission to attend the strike. Teachers in New York, however, are barred from participating to avoid involving politics in the classroom.

Here are some of the demonstrators' most creative signs.

SEE ALSO: The future of the environment rests on today's leaders, and we need to be doing much more — starting now

DON'T MISS: Photos show huge climate change protests around the world, which have spread across continents as hundreds of thousands strike to demand action on climate change

Greta Thunberg made her way to the march shortly after it began at 12:45 pm on Broadway.



Then she brought out her hand-painted sign, which says "School strike for climate" in Swedish.



Before the march began, protesters gathered in Foley Square, many of them carrying replicas of Thunberg's sign.



Most signs expressed a sense of urgency. Some demonstrators climbed onto lampposts to get their message out.



Others gathered together in the grass, like the employees of Patagonia Sports in Manhattan.



Many of the demonstrators were young — some of them missed school to join the ranks.



Some signs focused on the environmental impacts of climate change.



Others blamed politicians, like this sign featuring President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.



Some protesters made signs to give away.



Others got creative with props.



Around 12:30 pm, the marchers moved from Foley Square down Broadway, toward Battery Park.



This sign features the eponymous characters from the TV show "Rick and Morty."



Some signs were simple and stark.



Others adapted meme culture for their message.



Signs weren't the only ways marchers supported the cause — some wore T-shirts.



This sign pointed out the effects of climate change on birds while having a sense of humor.



Some signs took humor to a new level.



But the overarching messages many demonstrators had was the importance of science — especially signs from student protesters.



Meet Robert F. Smith, the billionaire who's paying off student loans, owns a home in Malibu, and married a former Playboy model in a lavish Italian ceremony

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Robert F. Smith, CEO and founder of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, just announced he will not only pay off the student debt of the entire graduating class of 2019 of Morehouse College, but their parents' loans, too.

Smith's gift totaled $34 million, Morehouse said in a press release September 20.

Smith made the announcement during his May 19 commencement address at Morehouse College in Georgia, where he also pledged an additional $1.5 million gift to the school and received an honorary degree.

"My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans," Smith said to the graduating seniors of Morehouse, which is an all-male, historically black college. "You great Morehouse men are bound only by the limits of your own conviction and creativity."

Read more:A billionaire's vow to pay Morehouse graduates' loans isn't a surprise move, it's just the newest trend in the student-debt crisis

Smith is worth an estimated $6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He founded Vista Equity Partners, which invests in software companies, in 2000.

As a high schooler, Smith convinced Bell Labs to give him an internship even though they were reserved for college students. He went on to study at Cornell and Columbia universities, and he worked at Goldman Sachs before starting his own investment firm. 

Here's a look at Smith's life and career.

Jonathan Marino contributed to an earlier version of this story.

DON'T MISS: A billionaire agreed to pay off my student loans in full. Here’s what it was like — and how I plan to pay it forward.

SEE ALSO: Senator Elizabeth Warren called for massive student debt relief. Here’s the average student loan debt in every state.

Robert F. Smith, the billionaire CEO of Vista Equity Partners, was interested in working in Silicon Valley from the time he was in high school.

Smith gave a commencement speech at American University's 2015 graduation, where he spoke about his earliest attempts to get work in Silicon Valley while he was still in high school. 

"I dug up the phone number for Bell Labs to ask about summer internships," Smith said. "They said I could apply if I were a junior or senior in college. I said that was fantastic, because, while I was only a junior in high school, I was getting A's in computer science and my advanced math courses, so it was like I was in college. Much to my dismay, they disagreed."

But Smith said he kept calling back "every day for two weeks straight," and after an intern from MIT didn't show up, he was accepted as an intern.



Smith spent years working as an intern at Bell Labs and went on to study chemical engineering at Cornell University.

Smith attended Cornell for undergrad but never lost touch with Bell Labs. He continued to work there as an intern during his summer and winter breaks before graduating Cornell with a chemical engineering degree. 

In 2016, Smith donated $50 million to his alma mater.



After Cornell, Smith got his MBA from Columbia University in New York City and then went on to work on Wall Street, taking a job at Goldman Sachs.

"When I finished business school and decided to join the tumultuous world of investment banking, my family and friends spoke up with concerns about my sanity," Smith said in his American University commencement speech. 

Smith would rise to cohead of enterprise systems and storage-investment banking at Goldman Sachs, advising on $50 billion of deals from 1994 to 2000. 



Smith launched Vista Equity Partners after leaving Goldman Sachs.

Smith left Goldman Sachs, where he worked on tech M&A, in 2000 and launched his own private equity firm.

Smith's former colleagues at Goldman Sachs were initially skeptical of his new venture.

"When I left my post at Goldman Sachs just after we had gone public to set up a private equity firm called Vista Equity Partners … my mentors and colleagues at Goldman thought I had lost it," he said in his speech at American University.



Vista has grown into one of the most successful private equity firms, with more than $46 billion in assets, according to Forbes.

In the years since its founding, the firm has generated bumper returns for investors and gradually increased assets under management.

Vista has posting annualized returns of 22% since its beginning, according to Forbes.



Smith's investing strategy is to back Silicon Valley's least-known companies.

Silicon Valley may be best known for billion-dollar valuations and soaring real-estate prices, but Smith's strategy is practically contrarian: He's investing in software and technology companies that aren't in the least bit flashy.



Smith's company is known for its unconventional hiring methods.

The New York Times called Vista's hiring strategy "decidedly unusual" for how it uses tests to whittle down candidate lists. 

Vista uses a personality test developed by IBM that measures social and technical skills, as well as applicants' interest in arts and humanities.



The Vista CEO has the respect of many of his Wall Street peers.

Smith's strategy — as well as his work ethic — have won him praise on Wall Street. He's the "antithesis of [Blackstone CEO Steve] Schwarzman," a tech-industry banker told Business Insider. The banker went on to praise Vista, as well, saying "there is no shortage of PE shops that have succumbed to style creep and/or chasing fleeting trends, but Vista has remained focused on enterprise software and technology."

Another banker told Business Insider that Smith was "one of the smartest men I've ever met."



Smith is married to Hope Dworaczyk, a fashion editor and former Playboy Playmate.

The couple married in 2015 in a lavish ceremony on Italy's Amalfi Coast, where they rented out the Hotel Villa Cimbrone and put on a star-studded display that included entertainment from Seal, John Legend, and Bryan McKnight.

The couple has two children together, and Smith has three other children from a previous marriage.



Smith is a major donor to the Democratic party.

Many private equity executives are regular donors to campaigns on both sides of the aisle, and Smith is no exception.

Smith has donated at least $1.6 million to the Democratic National Committee, according to Open Secrets, a non-profit, nonpartisan research group that tracks the effects of money and lobbying on elections and public policy. He's donated thousands more to specific Democratic candidates including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Chuck Schumer. 

Smith also donated $5,000 to Republican Mitt Romney, according to the research group.

 



He's also a member of the Giving Pledge, which was founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to encourage the world's wealthiest to donate a majority of their fortunes to charity.

Smith signed the pledge in 2017.

In his Giving Pledge bio, Smith promised to invest half of his net worth during his lifetime "to causes that support equality of opportunity for African Americans, as well as causes that cultivate ecological protection to ensure a livable planet for future generations."

In 2016, Smith donated $20 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.



Smith lives in Austin, Texas.

In Austin, Smith has started programs supporting music education and minority entrepreneurship, according to The New York Times.

Smith's firm, Vista Equity partners, has offices in Austin, Chicago, New York City, Oakland, and San Francisco.



The billionaire also owns home in New York City and Malibu, California.

In 2016, Smith and his wife bought a $20 million Malibu mansion from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Yolanda Hadid.

And in 2018, Smith dropped $59 million on a three-story New York City penthouse in the Getty, a new luxury building in Chelsea.



In his free time, Smith enjoys fly fishing.

In a 2015 interview with Columbia Business School, Smith said fly fishing helps him be "more mindful, more thoughtful," adding: "It makes you slow down and actually focus. You have to focus on everything that you're doing, seconds at a time."

Smith also serves as the chairman for the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.He's also on the Board of Overseers of Columbia Business School, a Member of the Cornell Engineering College Council, and a Trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco, according to his bio.



Smith is the third-richest black billionaire in the world, ahead of Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan.

Smith ranks third in Forbes' Black Billionaires list, following Nigerian cement and commodities tycoon Aliko Dangote, worth $10.9 billion, and Nigerian-born Mike Adenuga, who made his fortune in the oil and mobile telecoms industries and is worth $9.1 billion.



While delivering their commencement address in May, Smith pledged to pay off all of the Morehouse class of 2019's student loans.

"My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans," Smith told the graduates at the ceremony, Business Insider previously reported. "You great Morehouse men are bound only by the limits of your own conviction and creativity."

Smith later extended the gift to cover educational debt amassed by the 400 graduates' parents, Morehouse said in a September 20 press release. The move cost Smith $34 million.

Read more: The billionaire who promised to pay off student loans for an entire graduating class just pledged to pay off their parents' educational loans, too



Breville's Barista Express is the best all-in-one, semi-automatic espresso machine you'll find for under $500 — here's everything you need to know

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Breville Espresso Machine 1

  • Like it or not, $500 is an entry-level price for an espresso machine. For an all-in-one package (that is, a burr grinder, the espresso machine itself, and a frother), it's hard to beat the Breville Barista Express.
  • Breville has newer, more expensive machines, but this one is still our favorite, and at $500 (originally $600), it's now a solid deal. From now through September 30, save $100 on the Barista Express through Breville and Amazon.
  • Sturdy, sleek, and powerful as can be, the Barista Express holds your hand like a novice while helping you produce like pro. It's also our top pick in our guide to the best espresso machines.

"Home espresso machines are a problem in a box," one inveterate reporter once told me. She wasn't wrong, mostly. I've spent many a day over the last few months troubleshooting several of them.

Owning and maintaining a true espresso machine (I'm not talking pod machines like Nespresso here) is a meticulous endeavor for the borderline-obsessive coffee fiend. If you don't crave and cherish an espresso-based drink on a regular basis, stick with a simple drip coffee machine, French Press, or Moka pot if you don't want a hog of a machine dominating your kitchen counter.

But, unlike many other semi-automatic espresso machines, this one is fairly foolproof and holds your hand through the process. It also comes integrated with Breville's burr grinder, which we love, and which would run you about $200 if bought separately.

Just as with bartenders, there's a very good set of reasons why baristas exist. Sure, between pulling shots they can often become our boho-chic shrinks, but perhaps more importantly, they handle our espresso and the machines that produce it with a degree of TLC that many if not most of us either can't or don't care to match. (I, for one, have destroyed or in some way disabled more than my fair share.)

What's the difference between espresso and coffee?

First off, depending on how much you're drinking, espresso can be a more pedestrian dose of caffeine. "Consumer Reports" writes: "An ounce — or one shot — of espresso contains 63 mg of caffeine, according to nutritional information from the Department of Agriculture. By comparison, regular coffee averages 12 to 16 mg of caffeine per ounce."

At eight ounces per standard cup, that's upwards of 96 mg of caffeine per cup of regular coffee. But caffeine concentrations also vary from brand to brand: According to "Consumer Reports," a shot of espresso at Starbucks has about 75 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of Pike Place roast coffee has 155 mg. But then, as with many cafes, the smallest size Starbucks offers is a 12-ounce "Tall," meaning you're walking out with about 232.5 mg of caffeine in your hand at minimum. That, if my arithmetic serves me, adds up to more than three shots of their espresso. I shudder at the idea of consuming three shots of espresso at once.

Secondly, the way coffee is brewed, it absorbs much more water than espresso, which is made by a quick pulse of pressure (hence "espresso," or in full: caffè espresso, which basically translates to "pressed-out coffee") forcing nearly boiling water through very finely ground coffee beans.

There are no true guidelines as to which beans go with which method of brewing or roasting, but you can expect certain flavors from certain roasts. A dark bean will be more bitter (perhaps overpoweringly so), while "a light roast will provide a sweeter and more complex flavor profile," the folks at Seattle Coffee Gear explain. Traditionally, dark-roast beans were preferred for espresso "to mask potential flavor defects and inconsistencies," but "because of the high standards that specialty roasters now hold for the coffees they use," that's no longer an issue.

But what about the label on your bag of beans? That's just a suggestion by the roaster, who's not necessarily wrong or right. These are subjective and muddy waters at best these days. You'll be able to find out what you like pretty quickly.

Why spend all that money on an espresso machine?

The main reason espresso machines are so expensive is the boiler. It has to be powerful enough to produce about nine bars of even pressure, but also maintain a consistent temperature just above boiling. Pod machines fool us into thinking they cover these bases, but what you get out of them is something much closer to coffee than espresso.

If you're trading in your takeout coffee for an espresso machine, it'll pay for itself in no time (somewhere between one and two years). It'll also save you time. From start to finish, the Breville will provide you with a top-notch shot of espresso in under 60 seconds, once you've gotten the swing of it.

Buy the Barista Express BES870XL for $499.95 on Breville

Buy the Breville Barista Express BES870XL for $499.95 at Amazon

Keep reading for a review and breakdown of the Breville Barista Express:

Specs

The Breville Barista Express comes with a one-year limited warranty, a brushed stainless steel exterior, a half-pound bean hopper capacity, a 67-ounce water tank capacity, and portafilter baskets for both single and double shots (one of each for either pre-ground or freshly ground beans).

You'll also get a shot-measuring razor, which lets you trim excess grounds off the top of your filter basket, as well as a cleaning disc and tablets, a coffee scoop, a stainless steel milk jug, and a stowable tamper.

The Barista Express is, all things considered, fairly compact. The measurements — 15.8 inches tall (due to the hopper standing proud from the rest of the machine), 12.6 inches wide, and 13.2 inches wide — bode well for it fitting on your countertop but under any cabinets, though be sure to take the measurements yourself.



Setting the grind size

Adjusting the grind size is easy. For a thick, rich, almost sludgy shot, go for a "FINE" grind setting. That said, this is an important step and it could take a while for you to get it to your liking.

My only, if heavily subjective, advice is that I wouldn't go much coarser than "4" or "5". You're getting into drip coffee territory there, and you'll start to get a more watery shot which isn't why you bought an espresso machine. To each our own, though.



Adjusting the grind amount

Too much and your portafilter basket overflows. Too little, and, well, we all know that's never a good thing. This isn't numerical, so you'll have to dial it in on your own and keep it there, or remember which little notch in the scale fills the basket. The good news is that there's a button to switch between a single and a double (but you'll still have to account for single-walled and double-walled baskets). More on this later.



Tamping your shot

Tamping, first of all, requires a good tamper. The Barista Express comes with a handy and sufficiently weighty one, but it's kept on the light side so that it can slide into its storage space, thanks to a magnet. We gather that if this tamper were any heavier, the magnet wouldn't hold it. All in all, the heavier the tamper, the easier the task becomes (not that it's all that much of a job).



Tidying your tamped shot

Using this little finesse brush is surprisingly more important than you might expect. It seems like a chore you could probably skip over, but start gunking up your brewing head and you'll soon find that it becomes difficult (if not impossible) to lock your portafilter in place. Then you have to clean it. That's another duty you want to perform as infrequently as possible.

Otherwise, Breville manages to equip you with just about everything you'd need for the Barista. Changeable portafilter baskets (two singles and two doubles, depending on whether or not you're using pre-ground or freshly ground coffee), a finesse brush, a tamper, and the "razor," a trimming tool (not pictured) to measure out perfect shots and discard excess.



Monitoring the pressure gauge

A gauge, apart from offering a classic, nostalgia-inducing aesthetic, is generally a good idea with more powerful machines like this. You'll probably never have to worry, but if something does get jammed and the pressure gets out of control, you'll know to abort, hopefully before it's too late.



Pulling the perfect shot

Once you're locked and loaded, select single or double (one espresso cup or two on the machine), and let it (d)rip. There are few prettier sights in this life than watching espresso seep from a portafilter into a demitasse, are there not?



The product, straight up

And what a wicked elixir this thing breweth.



Operating the milk frother

Frothing is easy. Just make sure the machine is primed and the "Hot water/Steam" light is on in front, and then turn the dial on the right side of the machine to steam. Note: Either place the steam wand over the grate or catch any liquid remnants with a cup. You can switch it back to standby once it's spewing out pure steam, then place it in your pitcher (which should have some form of milk in it) and let it rip. Hold it down deep and wait until it approaches the desired thickness (depending on whether you're making a latte or a cappuccino).



Special features

One thing that really sets the Breville Barista Express apart from similar machines is the integrated charcoal filter in the water tank. There are a couple of brands that offer purification tablets, and other things of that sort, but this is the only machine I've come across with a full-on Brita-style filter, and it's popular belief, as with pizza, that good coffee starts with good water.

And, in simple but gracious touch, there's a little numbered wheel atop the filter (like you'd find in or on a Brita) that you can set to the month so you know when it's time to change.



Problems

I have but one bone to pick with the Barista Express. Adjusting the grind amount is probably the trickiest thing on the Barista Express. Breville's burr grinders come with an LCD screen that lets you control exactly how many grams of grounds you produce. This dial isn't numerical, and you sort of have to guess (and memorize) what evens out to a single and a double.



How does it measure up?

It would be extremely hard to pull a better shot of espresso with any less effort. The Breville Barista Express is among the more user-friendly espresso machines on the market — semi-automatic or otherwise. Full stop. And around the $600 mark, it surely stands alone, for now.

I'm also a big fan of the Gaggia Classic Pro, which is a little more hands-on for those more curious about perfecting their skills, but that also makes it a more temperamental machine (you can break it, but then you can also fix it). The biggest issue with the Gaggia, though, is that it's about the same price as the Barista Express but without the built-in burr grinder, which is going to cost you at least $100 for a decent one.

If you really prefer a hands-on experience, check out the La Pavoni Europiccola, but it's a bit pricier and far more finicky (leave this thing on, and you'll be sorry).

Likewise, if you want to get meticulous with your java routine while saving a couple of Benjamins, the Flair Espresso (I recommend the bundle) is a manual device that pulls the best damn shot of espresso I've ever made, but only when I'm on point. It takes some practice, and if you're making espresso for any more than, say, two people, it can really compound into a headache. The pros, however, are not worth ignoring: It's portable, and it requires no electricity (supposing you can acquire hot water otherwise).

And, if you want real espresso but are on a budget, a stovetop is a timeless classic. Bialetti is sort of the household name, but they're using cheap plastic handles these days that work fine until you forget your pot on the stove for a couple of minutes too long, and then you've got to order a fresh one. Grosche makes our favorite, but here's our guide to the best stovetop espresso makers you can buy.



The bottom line

If what you want is a quick but true espresso from a machine that doesn't eat up too much counter space but does it all, the Breville Barista Express is all you'll ever need. The price might be daunting, but if you have a Starbucks or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf habit that you're committed to kicking, it'll pay for itself within about a year. You'll also find that by the end of that year, you'll be dialing far better drinks than either purveyor.

Pros: All-in-one machine with all high-quality components, almost foolproof

Cons: Harder to fix (replacing the machine is often cheaper), optimizing grounds delivery can be tricky

Buy the Breville Barista Express BES870XL for $499.95 at Amazon



Check out all of our espresso and coffee-related guides

The best espresso machines you can buy:

Coffee lovers start out innocently enough with drip filters, French presses, milk frothers, and stovetop espresso makers; but then next thing you know, they're browsing Amazon for full-on espresso machines with all the bells and whistles. If you've reached that stage of coffee addiction, don't worry, we're here for you.


The best coffee makers you can buy, whether you want drip coffee or espresso:

A great coffee maker can make or break your brew — and your morning. These are the best coffee makers you can buy, whether you want a drip coffee, French Press, espresso, pour-over, or cold brew coffee maker.


The best French Presses you can buy:

You can brew coffee in a number of ways, but many caffeine addicts swear by the French Press method. Of all the French Presses we researched, these are the best we've found:


The best stovetop espresso makers you can buy:

After hours and hours of research, testing, and countless ensuing caffeine overloads, these are the best stovetop espresso makers we've found to make strong, delicious coffee right at home:


The best coffee grinders you can buy:

Freshly ground coffee is addictive and delicious. If you want to make the perfect brew each morning, you need a coffee grinder. After much research and some testing, we found that these to be the best coffee grinders you can buy:


The best milk frothers you can buy:

If you love cappuccinos, you need a great milk frother. After much research and testing, here are the best we've found:


The best tampers you can buy for your espresso machine:

If you love to make espresso at home, you need a high-quality tamper to ensure that your grounds are ready to make the best shot of espresso possible.

Here are the best espresso tampers you can buy:


The best coffee and espresso pod machines you can buy:

Pod machines bring speed, convenience, and consistency to the coffee-making process.
You're not going to get the best shot of espresso or cup of coffee ever made, but you will get a nicely made drink that tastes good with minimal effort.

We've spent countless shaky, teeth-gritting hours testing all the coffee and espresso pod machines we could get our hands on to find the best.




51 epic photos from Oktoberfest prove it's more than just one big drunken party

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  • The 186th Oktoberfest celebration runs from September 21 through to October 6.
  • The tradition started as an annual way to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The pair were married in 1810.
  • Thousands of people gather at Theresienwiese every year to drink beer and honor traditional Bavarian culture.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you think of Oktoberfest, you're probably thinking about three things: Germany, lederhosen, and beer.

Whether you've actually been in Munich for the festivities or taken part elsewhere around the world, you know it's essentially one giant party.

It's also been commercialized over the years with lederhosen and dirndl Halloween costumes and Oktoberfest-inspired craft beers.

But there's a whole lot more to the festive celebration than you might think. These epic photos will show you just what we're talking about.

SEE ALSO: Surreal photos from Burning Man take you deep inside the madness

DON'T MISS: 48 photos of emotional Korean family reunions will melt your heart

In 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig — he would later go on to become King Ludwig I of Bavaria — married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Source: Business Insider



The Bavarian royalty threw an epic wedding celebration on the fields in front of the city gates and invited the citizens of Munich to join them.

Source: History



Those who weren't in Munich were celebrating the wedding all across Bavaria.

Source: History



The public fields were named Theresienwiese, or "Therese's fields," to honor the crown princess.

Source: History



And the wedding festivities ended with horse races.

Source: History



The royal family decided to repeat the celebration one year later, which sparked the annual tradition now dubbed Oktoberfest. This year will be the 186th celebration.

Source: History



There have only been a few times — during war, cholera epidemics, or hyperinflation — when the country skipped the celebrations.

Source: Time



From the beer to the costumes to the food, there are tons of traditions spread out across all aspects of the festival.

Source: Business Insider



At the start of the festivities, more than 7,000 people join musicians and farm animals — predominantly horses and oxen — in the streets.

Source: Business Insider



If you've never been to Munich for the festival, you probably didn't know there's an opening ceremony.

Source: Business Insider



It's complete with a parade of horse-drawn floats.

Source: Business Insider



You'll also witness Bavarian bands playing traditional music.

Source: Business Insider



The festival doesn't officially start, though, until the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer and yells "O'zapft is!" ("It's tapped!") He serves the first glass of Oktoberfest to Bavaria's minister president.

Source: USA Today



Before the mayor taps the keg, there's also a traditional 12-gun salute.

Source: Business Insider



And at the closing ceremony, there's another salute on the steps of the Bavarian monument.

Source: Business Insider



What says "family-friendly" more than a Costume and Rifleman's parade?

Source: Business Insider



If you're doing Oktoberfest right, you won't just be drinking any old beer. And you can forget about ordering a Guinness.

Source: Food & Wine



In 1810, Dunkel — a dark lager — was the reigning beer of Munich.

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



But by the late 1800s, Oktoberfest revelers were introduced to a lighter beer, called Märzen or Märzenbier. These beers are more reddish in color and slightly sweet to taste, and they're similar to the Oktoberfest beers we tend to brew stateside.

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



Throughout the years, the festival beer has grown lighter in color. Now, typical Oktoberfest beer has more of a golden hue.

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



Today's Oktoberfest beers also have a higher alcohol content than they used to as a result of the brewing process.

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



The beer is served in a giant mug dubbed a "mass," which is German for "measure." Each mass holds up to 1 liter of beer.

Source: Business Insider



If you're in Munich for the on-site celebration, you'll find beers from only six local breweries:

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



Augustiner-Bräu ...

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



... Hacker-Pschorr ...

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



... Hofbräu München ...

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



... Löwenbräu ...

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



... Paulaner ...

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



... and Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu.

Source: Mike Siegel via Food & Wine



Each of these breweries sponsors a tented beer hall, for which you should probably make a reservation if you plan on attending. They set the model for all the local beer gardens you love to visit on Saturdays with your friends year-round.

Source: USA Today



These giant sponsored tents we know today replaced smaller stands in 1896, which were there so festival-goers could quench their thirst.

Source: USA Today, The History of Oktoberfest



While the beer tents are where you'd go to grab your drinks, they also play traditional Bavarian music.

Source: Time



You'd be hard-pressed to find someone dressed in anything other than lederhosen and dirndl at Oktoberfest. But these are more than just festival costumes.

Source: Time



Originally, and during the time of the wedding, dirndls were plain, worn exclusively by servant girls, and typically paired with a set of lederhosen.

Source: InStyle



It's estimated that about 7 million people take part in Munich's Oktoberfest each year.

Source: Business Insider



That's a massive crowd, making it the largest beer festival in the world.

Source: Business Insider



And a lot of people means a lot of beer consumption. On average, the crowd consumes about 7 million liters of it.

Source: Business Insider



But, contrary to popular belief, the festival isn't just for drunk adults. Local families go with their kids and enjoy candy apples and schnitzel sandwiches. They ride roller coasters and take part in all the traditional festivities.

Source: Business Insider



This year, there's a new attraction called "Dr. Archibald - Master of Time," which has a ride involving virtual reality technology.

Source: Oktoberfest



It's common for families to swing by the fair and enjoy a classic Bavarian lunch of obatzda and brezn — cheese dip and a pretzel. You may be more likely to find us hanging out there than by the beer tents, if we're being honest.

Source: Business Insider



The crossbow competition you'll find over at the Armbrustschützen tent has been going on since 1895.

Source: Business Insider



Music is an integral part of the festivities, too. Some tents even host yodeling groups.

Source: Business Insider



While others switch it up and showcase some rock and roll.

Source: Business Insider



Yes, you'll even get to see the Alphorn blowers — they're the musicians who play those instruments you've seen in any Ricola commercial.

Source: Business Insider



If you’re feeling traditional, you can stop at one of many tents hosting the classic brass bands.

Source: Business Insider



Back in 2010, Oktoberfest celebrated its 200th anniversary. Organizers paid homage to the original festival with a festival called the "Historical Wiesn" that featured classic rides, horse races, and older-style beer.

Source: Business Insider



Remember the horse race we mentioned? Well, you won't be able to see one of those at the festival today. But, if you plan it right, you'll be able to catch the Agricultural Show.

Source: The History of Oktoberfest



The Agricultural Show was introduced to the festival in 1811 as a way to boost the Bavarian agriculture industry, and it now takes place every three years.

Source: The History of Oktoberfest



In being seen as just a giant day-drinking event, Oktoberfest has become somewhat of a destination and meeting place for students studying abroad throughout Europe.



And when you’ve been tossing back liters of beer all day, it’s hard to take in the culture or learn about the history.



So next time you think about pulling on those lederhosen and sloshing a mass of brew with your friends — and a couple of thousand strangers — be sure to make a toast to the happy couple and the royal family that started it all. Prost!



12 Gen Zers who skipped school to march across New York for the Global Climate Strike share why this is the most urgent issue of their generation

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global climate strike new york

Young people around the world are on strike.

An estimated 250,000 demonstrators gathered at Foley Square in Manhattan on Friday as part of the Global Climate Strike. New York is just one of hundreds of cities in 156 countries and regions (including Antarctica) with thousands of protesters filling the streets. For the most part, they've all been students.

New York's Education Department let students skip class to join the ranks in the march, which began at 12:30 pm, making its way down Broadway toward Battery Park. Despite students getting the city's permission to attend the strike, teachers were barred from it to avoid political influence in the classroom.

One of the main reasons Gen Zers are passionate about climate change is Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist who gained worldwide attention after skipping school to protest in front of Stockholm's parliament building last year. Since then, she has met with former President Barack Obama, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to lower her carbon footprint, and been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here's what Gen Zers had to say about the strike, Thunberg, and the dangers of ignoring climate change.

SEE ALSO: The most creative signs from New York's Global Climate Strike have one message in common: Time's running out

Sophie, a 19-year-old, said that Greta Thunberg is an inspiration for her.

"I'm really passionate about helping the environment, and it's something that needs to happen," Sophie told Business Insider. "We've gone so long with just people not doing anything about it, and it's time."

Sophie also talked about what Thunberg means to her. "I'm so excited. She's so inspiring. She is a symbol of everything — she's inspiring to young women. She's what we need right now."



Estella and Bella, who go to the Chapin School in the Upper East Side, were also fans of Thunberg.

"She's really just such an inspiration, and I just really want to help save the Earth," Estella said. "I think that she has such a platform to help spread that."

"She doesn't care what [people] think. She's ready to tell them what they need to hear," said Bella.



Two seventh graders, Barrett and Isabella, liked the way Thunberg stressed the importance of listening to scientists about climate change.

"Everyone on this planet, if they want to keep it, has to make a difference," Barrett (pictured left) said. "We can't vote yet, we can't really do much because we're young, so this is our way to do something."

"Everyone has made a big mistake wasting plastic, cutting down so many trees, and ruining the Earth at this point," Isabella (pictured right) said. "We're trying to make our change."

Isabella and Barrett spoke about why they support Thunberg's activism.

"I think she means courage and strength," Isabella said. "She's just such an inspirational girl."

"She's so brave," Barrett said. "It shows that age doesn't matter with what you can do."



These students from Sarah Lawrence College said some of their professors encouraged them to march.

"It's just a small thing that we can do to show how much we want to support the environment," Hannah Simone (pictured center) said. "Because if we didn't show up, what's gonna happen is we're just gonna sit at home doing nothing versus getting out into the world and actually speaking up."

"I didn't have class today, but my teachers told me no matter what you should go," Monique (pictured right) said. "They're very supportive."



Abby, 23, brought her younger sister to the strike.

"There's really no excuse to not take care of the environment," Abby said. "A gathering like this shows the people who might not be thinking about it, but they should be."



Mike, a sophomore at Hunter College High School in the Upper East Side, said his school was "very accepting" of students skipping class to march.

"This is our future," Mike said. "The planet's in danger because humans have been destroying it. We need to do something about it and band together."



Fourth graders Maisie and Nina came to the march with their parents.

"We're here to protest against climate change!" Nina said.

"And change the world!" Maisie added.



The best water-resistant sneakers for men

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  • Rainy weather doesn't have to keep you from wearing sneakers on a daily basis if you add a water-resistant pair to your rotation.
  • Since the weather can be unpredictable, we rounded up six styles that look great on a daily basis and can handle rain and puddles.
  • Our top picks include shoes from Vessi, Nike, Converse, Cole Haan, and Vans.

Sneakers are hands down the best footwear choice when it comes to casual comfort, style, and performance.

Many people successfully wear sneakers year-round, but intermittent changes in the weather can make that difficult. While the knit and mesh materials used on most sneakers today are great for lightweight performance, they can be horrible for keeping your feet warm, dry, and protected from the elements. Personally, I love sneakers so much that I prefer to wear them over other shoes, regardless of the weather. 

Whether you like to go jogging in the rain, or simply hate wearing traditional boots in the fall, there are plenty of sneaker options available. Over the years, I've come to find plenty of sneakers that can handle the elements in style, so I rounded up my top picks, below.

Here are the best sneakers to wear in the rain:

The best water-resistant travel sneakers

A true waterproof sneaker didn't exist for years, but Vessi finally made it happen with the Cityscape, a shoe that can be fully submerged.

As the top choice in our buying guide for waterproof men's shoes, the Vessi Cityscape naturally makes its way onto our list of rain-ready sneakers.

Vessi sneakers are 100% waterproof and can be fully submerged without any seepage thanks to its proprietary Dyma-tex material. The special material has millions of tiny holes in the membrane layer that allow heat and sweat to escape while keeping water completely out. When we tested them, we found this material construction to be exceptionally effective.

Although Vessi is a newcomer in the sneaker industry, its performance and versatility make it a very good option for people in need of sneakers, especially those who live a busy life on the go. The sneaker's light weight and comfort are great for those who are adventurous, but if you're venturing into more treacherous terrain, you'll probably want a shoe with a rugged outsole. Most of the Cityscape's outsole is made of EVA (which isn't as grippy as rubber) with two rubber strips in the midfoot and a rubber section on the heel for traction. I also found them to be a bit hard to put on because there's no heel pull tab — a small but useful feature found on most sock-like sneakers. 

All in all, the Vessi is a superior option with its 100% waterproof material. Whether you're running on a beach, traversing a shallow stream, or simply protecting your feet on a rainy day, the Vessi Cityscape— and all of their other styles — will keep your feet dry under just about every circumstance.

Pros: Completely waterproof, lightweight, breathable, easy to pack

Cons: More durable sneakers available, minimal traction, hard to put on

 

 

 



The best water-resistant running sneakers

Named after a fish that can breathe underwater and on land, the Nike Air Max 270 Bowfin is designed to traverse wet and dry terrain, making it a solid sneaker choice for running or trail adventures.

The Air Max 270 Bowfin debuted in February 2018 as the latest installment in the Nike Air Max saga. Inspired by Air Max 180, the Air Max 270 got its name from the massive 270° Max Air unit at the heel. It provided runners with the cushioning needed for running on hard-hitting pavement, but the technology has since been adopted for a variety of uses.

By combining the ruggedness of a trail shoe, the water-resistance of a water moccasin, and the tooling of the 270, the Bowfin model thrives on land and in water — just like the fish it's named after. With a bungee-cord lacing system, you can easily tighten the shoes without taking time to tie them.

Although the design is distinctly technical, Nike's ability to create streetwear-ready styles is exemplified here. You won't have any issues rocking them on a day with no rain our rugged terrain in sight.

With a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Nike, most reviewers found the Air Max 270 Bowfin to be exceptionally supportive and sturdy. However, the general consensus is that they run small. Most reviewers suggest going up a half size for a comfortable fit.

Pros: Built for rugged terrain, easy-to-use lace system, great cushion and support

Cons: Somewhat bulky, runs small



The best water-resistant high-top sneakers

Reimagined for the rain, this Chuck 70 High Top features a fully waterproof Gore-Tex upper and thicker moisture-wicking laces.

The Converse Chuck 70 is one of the most popular lifestyle shoes ever, but the traditional canvas uppers won't hold up in the rain. To remedy that, Converse teamed up with Gore-Tex to create a rain-ready style using the waterproof material. Enter the Chuck 70 Gore-Tex High Top.

Gore-Tex is a unique material that's designed to be 100% waterproof, while still being breathable. Its effectiveness has led to the material being used for everything that people would conceivably want to be waterproof, including hats, jackets, gloves, sneakers, and shoes. 

This pair of Chuck 70s, in particular, uses the material on the entire upper along with thicker moisture-wicking laces. The top half of the sneakers incorporate Gore-Tex branding so people can see that they're waterproof.

Just like all other Chuck 70s (and Chuck Taylor All-Stars), I recommend going a full size down, as Converse run very large.

Pros: Classic design, tried-and-true Gore-Tex material, plush padded insoles

Cons: Not much support



The best water-resistant low-top sneakers

By taking the style of the Nike Air Force 2 and adapting it to the brand's All Conditions Gear line, the Air Wildwood is built to handle rain, mud, and rough terrain in style.

In 1989, the Swoosh introduced Nike ACG as its line of apparel and sportswear for all climates. While the footwear mostly consisted of no-nonsense hiking boots and trail shoes, the Air Wildwood was one of the closest designs to an everyday sneaker, making it one of the most desirable shoes in the ACG line. 

Loosely inspired by the Air Force 2, which released three years prior, the Air Wildwood has a low-top design and a mostly flat sole. Its adaptation to the ACG line comes in the form of durable leather uppers to keep water out, chunky midsoles for softening the ride, and sawtooth waffle outsoles for grip on any terrain.

Thanks to its stylish low-top aesthetic, the Nike Wildwood is perfectly suited for normal city living — but when the rain picks up or you decide to hit the wild woods, you can count on them to keep your feet dry.

Pros: Durable leather upper, stylish look, iconic ACG branding

Cons: Limited ankle support as a low-cut



The best water-resistant dress sneakers

The Cole Haan 2.ZERØGRAND is a modern menswear staple in its own right. With rubber foxing added to the perimeter of the shoe, this water-resistant version will keep your feet dry.

As the second iteration in Cole Haan's ZERØGRAND Wingtip lineage, the 2.ZERØGRAND walks the line between a sneaker and a dress shoe. It features lightweight and breathable knit upper and outsoles with the brand's Grand.Os technology, which mimics the motion of feet.

Naturally, knit sneakers don't always fare well in the rain, so Cole Haan created a water-resistant version with rubber foxing around the perimeter of the shoes to prevent water from leaking in. The small but notable addition won't exactly protect you from torrential downpours, and it definitely doesn't mean you can submerge your feet in water. But if you like to keep a comfortable business casual look during the workweek, this is a solid shoe for handling the occasional rainy day and all the puddles you might pass on your commute.

As for sizing, the water-resistant pair fits the same as the standard pairs. I would recommend going a half size down to get a good fit length-wise. I find that the 2.ZERØGRAND runs narrow, so they may not be a good fit for you altogether if you have an exceptionally wide foot.

Pros: Comfortable, lightweight, breathable

Cons: Less water-resistant than other shoes on this list, expensive



The best water-resistant suede sneakers

In addition to its weather-resistant suede upper, the Sk8-Hi MTE features a warm inside lining and a beefed-up lug outsole for traction in rain and snow.

You might not want to skate in these, but the Vans Sk8-Hi MTE is a sure way to remain stylish without sacrificing warm and dry feet. The sneaker takes the classic skate silhouette and transforms it into a great alternative to boots.

They feature Scotchgard-treated leather uppers for water resistance, fleece-lined interiors, reinforced lace eyelets, and rugged outsoles. For those who are mostly concerned with style, you'll be happy to find that the Sk8-Hi MTE comes in a variety of colors, although the black pair is an undeniable classic.

Pros: Warm linings, extra traction for rain and snow, classic Vans design, lot of colors available

Cons: Not optimized for skating



YouTube CEO says that it will no longer take verified checkmarks away from top YouTubers (GOOG, GOOGL)

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Susan Wojcicki

The CEO of YouTube has apologized for the "frustration and hurt" caused to creators, a day after the company notified many of them that their channels would lose their verification checkmarks in October.

YouTube announced this week that it was overhauling the qualifications for creators to get verified on its video platform. Almost immediately, some YouTubers with hundreds of thousands — and millions — of subscribers took to social media to post screenshots of emails from YouTube, which notified them that they no longer met the criteria for verification, and they were set to lose their checkmarks the following month.

The news was met with outrage from creators frustrated about YouTube's actions. On Friday, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki wrote on Twitter that the platform had "missed the mark" with its new verification process. Wojcicki said that YouTube is "working to address your concerns."

Later on Friday, Wojcicki issued an update on Twitter that all verified users would be able to keep their checkmarks, "without appeal." She also shared revised authentication criteria  — essentially, that a verified channel must have over 100,000 subscribers, and that the channel is "authentic" and "complete." In other words, a verified YouTube channel must be claimed by a real person, brand, or entity, and be active in sharing public videos. 

 

Read more: Popular YouTubers with millions of fans are losing their verified status and coveted grey checkmark thanks to a policy change

YouTube has said that the goal of tightening its verification criteria is to "reduce confusion about what being verified means." Under its new policies rolling out in late October, YouTube will prioritize "prominent channels that have a clear need for proof of authenticity" above all else, specifically those belonging to "highly searched" figures and those that have a "strong presence online" outside of YouTube.

The tightening of verification criteria is just the latest in a series of YouTube policies and stances that have been unpopular among the platform's content creators. YouTube has struggled to deal with incidents of "creator-on-creator" harassment on the platform, and its inaction has been criticized heavily. YouTube has defended its decisions, and said it strives to maintain a platform that is open, even if it means offending some.

In August, a group of LGBTQ creators sued YouTube, alleging the video platform discriminated against them by unfairly applying its policies in a way that restricts queer content from making money and being seen by a wide audience.

SEE ALSO: Most kids today dream of influencer fame, but YouTubers are warning their young fans about anxiety, exploitation, and burnout

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Inside the lavish state dinner with Australia, the Trumps' second such formal evening at the White House

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white house rose garden state dinner australia

  • President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted their second state dinner on Friday night, in honor of the prime minister of Australia.
  • A bevy of DC heavyweights turned out for the event, including Cabinet members, diplomats, one Supreme Court justice, Fox News hosts, CEOs, lawmakers, and a couple minor celebrities.
  • The menu for the evening featured ravioli, summer vegetables, fish, and apple tart. Musical groups from the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force provided the entrainment.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The White House Rose Garden was transformed for a formal gas lamp-lit dinner for about 200 people on Friday night.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted their second state dinner, in honor of Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny. Their first was for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte in April 2018.

State dinners are time-honored traditions dictated by specific protocol. They always start with a formal greeting on the White House lawn, then a joint press conference, diplomatic meetings, and end with a lavish dinner for hundreds.

Here's what the decor looked like, what was on the menu, and who attended the Trumps' second state dinner.

SEE ALSO: The first lady's office shared a sneak peek of the menu and decor for the Trumps' second official state dinner

The Trumps greeted the guests of honor, the Morrisons, at the North Portico of the White House. State dinners are meant to highlight diplomatic relations between the two countries, and each detail is selected to show that.



The dress code is formal black tie. The first lady was wearing a $6,000 aqua silk chiffon J. Mendel gown with "bias-cut wave ruffles."

Sources: Kate Bennett, White House Fashion



Members of the armed forces were on hand with flags and instruments to participate in the formal welcoming ceremonies, seen here in the Grand Foyer of the White House.



The guests started arriving for the evening. Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence wore matching black.



Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway attended the evening solo without her husband George Conway, who is a frequent critic of Trump. She was wearing a $798 black feather-embellished Mac Duggal gown.

Source: White House Fashion



Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was there with his wife Virginia Thomas. He was the only SCOTUS justice to attend.



Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and his wife Hilary Geary Ross arrived arm-in-arm.



Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and his wife Nancy were there, too.



Education Secretary Betsy DeVos arrived with her husband Richard. She wore a $5,500 Pamela Roland pearl-embroidered gown.

Source: White House Fashion



Senior White House adviser Stephen Miller arrived arm-in-arm with Katie Waldman, VP Pence's press secretary. The two are rumored to be dating.

Source: Nick Miroff



Golfer Greg Norman and his wife Kirsten Kutner were in attendance. When a reporter asked about people criticizing how often Trump golfs, Norman said, "Nobody can golf too much."



US Attorney General William Barr and his wife Christine smiled for the cameras.



Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, attended the state dinner with date Maria Ryan. He is currently in the middle of a messy divorce with his third wife.

Source: The New York Times



Other notable attendees included Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Australian chef Curtis Stone, Fox News hosts Lou Dobbs and Maria Bartiromo, CEO of Fox Corporation Lachlan Murdoch, and Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy.



Once everyone was gathered in the Rose Garden, Trump and Morrison both gave toasts highlighting the US and Australia's 101-year relationship, and the guests tucked into dinner.



The menu for the evening featured ravioli, summer vegetables, fish, and apple tart.

Full Menu
First Course
Sunchoke Ravioli
Reggiano Cream
Shaved Summer Vegetables

Main Course
Dover Sole with Parsley Crisps
Zucchini Squash Blossoms
Fennel Mousseline
Baby Garlic Rouille

Dessert
Lady Apple Tart
Calvados Ice Cream

Wines

Spring Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Argyle Pinot Noir "Reserve" 2016

J Demi-Sec NV



This is only the second state dinner held in the Rose Garden. Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hosted one for Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and her husband in 2011.



Musical groups from the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force provided the entrainment, which the first lady's office said was the largest gathering of military musicians in White House history.



With the temperature around 69 degrees Fahrenheit, it looked like a lovely evening for a state dinner in the White House Rose Garden.



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