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The Home Depot will offer major deals on appliances and tools for Black Friday — its 40% off Appliance Special Buys are already live

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Deals Home Depot  4x3

Appliances, furniture, and home improvement items don't usually come cheap, but this Black Friday, you can save on all these home essentials at The Home Depot

Thanks to its great Black Friday deals, The Home Depot is one major retailer you should keep an eye on. Here's everything you need to know about the holiday shopping season at The Home Depot.

The best Home Depot Black Friday 2019 deals 

  1. Whirlpool Front Control Stainless Steel Dishwasher, $328 (originally $579) [You save $251] 
  2. GE 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave, $218 (originally $399) [You save $181]
  3. Maytag 5.3 cu. ft. High-Efficiency White Top Load Washing Machine, $648 (originally $999) [You save $351] 
  4. Samsung Stainless Steel Package, $3,122 (originally $5,006) [You save $1,884]
  5. Dyson Ball Total Clean Vacuum, $329 (originally $624) [You save $295] 

How we selected the best deals at The Home Depot:

  • We only chose products that meet our high standard of coverage, and that we've either used ourselves or researched carefully.
  • We compared the prices against other retailers like Best Buy and Lowe's and only included the deals that are the same or better (not including promotional discounts that come from using certain credit cards).
  • All deals are at least 20% off, with the occasional exception for products that are rarely discounted or provide an outsized value.

Why we selected these particular deals: 

home depot black friday deals 13

1. Whirlpool Front Control Stainless Steel Dishwasher, $328 (originally $579)[You save $251] Fellow Home Depot shoppers love this dishwasher, which is currently more than 40% off. A notable feature that nearly everyone mentions is how quiet it is (55 dBA), so you can run the dishwasher at any time of the night without disturbing anyone. It also features an efficient one-hour wash cycle and a smart soil sensor that can adjust the cycle based on how dirty your dishes are. 

2. GE 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave, $218 (originally $399)[You save $181] The sleek and compact microwave comes in six finishes, though you might want to get one of the lighter colors if you want to read the control panel easily. The special melt feature lets you melt things like butter and chocolate without making a mess, and you have the option to activate or deactivate the turntable. Other settings you can adjust include light brightness, fan speed, and beeper volume. 

3. Maytag 5.3 cu. ft. High-Efficiency White Top Load Washing Machine, $648 (originally $999) [You save $351] Depending on how long you've had your old washer, using this washing machine can involve a bit of a learning curve. However, the payoff is worth it. The wash basket is very large and handles 11 different wash cycles, including a PowerWash cycle that tackles especially tough stains. 

4. Samsung Stainless Steel Package, $3,122 (originally $5,006)[You save $1,884] Replace your kitchen appliances in one go with this package. The four appliances are a fridge, dishwasher, range with convection oven, and a microwave, all made with durable stainless steel. The high-tech fridge is WiFi and Bixby-enabled so you can monitor its temperature from anywhere. 

5. Dyson Ball Total Clean Vacuum, $329 (originally $624)[You save $295] Dyson's cordless stick vacuum designs (and prices) aren't for everyone. The ball part of this vacuum increases stability and control, though the tradeoff is that the vacuum is slightly heavier than other models. In typical Dyson fashion, it's powerful, thorough, and clean — the HEPA filtration traps allergens and bacteria inside the vacuum. 

Shop Home Depot deals by category: 

The Home Depot Black Friday 2019 FAQs: 

Is The Home Depot open on Thanksgiving? 

 The Home Depot will be closed on Thanksgiving.  

When does The Home Depot's Black Friday sale start? 

Black Friday store hours vary based on location, so check your local listings. Online sales begin at 6 a.m. ET on Black Friday. 

One Black Friday event that's already live is Appliance Special Buys, which runs now through December 5, in participating stores and online. 

The Home Depot Black Friday 2019 deal predictions 

The Home Depot is known for its Appliance Special Buys, which include washing machines and dryers, refrigerators, and cooking ranges. These discounted products come from top brands like GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag.

This year, The Home Depot is featuring a deal of 40% off for its Appliance Special Buys. You'll get free delivery on purchases of $396 or more. If you're interested in upgrading any of these appliances in your home anytime soon, you don't need to wait until Black Friday. 

Other than large appliances, products like furniture pieces, power tools, and hardware are smart deals to shop at The Home Depot. 

The Home Depot return policies

In case your Black Friday purchase doesn't turn out as expected, you can return it to The Home Depot for free. You can bring it back to the store or you can schedule a UPS pickup from your home. 

More Black Friday deals and shopping tips: 

See more Black Friday sales and deals




How to turn off subtitles on Hulu on the desktop website or mobile app

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iphone Hulu app

  • You can turn off subtitles on Hulu without closing the movie or TV show you're watching.
  • Subtitles on Hulu can be especially helpful when watching foreign language films, or if you simply want to read along with the dialogue of your favorite show. 
  • You can turn off subtitles on Hulu on a desktop computer or the mobile app. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories

The subtitle feature on Hulu can be used for various reasons: when watching foreign films, or following along by reading the dialogue, if you're deaf or hard of hearing, or if you just don't want to miss out on those "quiet-but-crucial moments."

However, if you find yourself not needing the subtitles on Hulu anymore, you can turn them off without leaving the show or movie you're watching, on both the mobile app (available on both iPhone and Android) or desktop. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Hulu Basic Plan (From $5.99 per month at Hulu)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn off subtitles on Hulu using desktop

1. Launch https://www.hulu.com in your preferred browser. 

2. Find the TV show or movie you want to watch and play it. 

3. Hover your cursor in the middle of the screen — various viewing options will appear. 

4. Select the gear symbol at the bottom-left of the screen, next to the volume icon. 

HuluSubtitle1

5. In the menu, select "Subtitles Audio." 

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6. Under subtitles, select Off by clicking the circle. Your video will now play without subtitles. 

HuluSubtitle3

How to turn off subtitles on Hulu using the mobile app

1. Launch the Hulu app from your phone's home screen. 

2. Find and select a TV show or movie to play. 

3. Tap the center of the screen to view the video options. 

HuluSubtitle4

4. At the top-right, select the gear icon — this will open the video player's settings. 

5. Under the Subtitle menu, use the slider button to turn the subtitles off. You'll know subtitles are off when the button is no longer green. Now your video will play without subtitles. You can use the same steps to turn them back on at any time. 

HuluSubtitle5

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best affordable TVs

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why it's so hard for planes to land on water

How to subscribe to a calendar on your iPhone, to stay up-to-date on your favorite events

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icloud iphone calendar

Many folks consider the winter season to be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. That's particularly true if you're a college basketball fan, like myself.

As such, one of my annual winter rituals is subscribing to my team's schedule, using the iPhone calendar app. 

If you're keen on adding a team calendar of your own, or any calendar, like release dates for the Xbox, international holidays, astronomy events — the list of options is truly endless— here's how.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (from $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to subscribe to a calendar on your iPhone

1. Open Safari and search for the calendar you want to add. The above link to iCalShare.com is a good resource, or you can go directly to the source if you know where to find the calendar you're looking for. Here, we'll use the official North Carolina Tar Heels calendar.

2. The wording will differ depending on where you find the calendar, but you should see an option worded along the lines of "Add to Calendar," or "Subscribe to Calendar." Tap it. 

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3. You will be given options to choose the platform where you want the calendar subscription. Select the one that applies to your iPhone.

subscribe to calendar iphone 2

4. The Calendar app will automatically open and the events will be listed — title, dates and times, if included. Tap "Add All" in the top-right corner to confirm subscription to the calendar.

subscribe to calendar iphone 3

5. Create a name for the calendar if you'd like, then tap "Done" in the top right corner.

6. Close Safari and open the Calendar app. Tap "Calendars" at the bottom of the screen.

7. You can ensure that you'll see your newly subscribed to calendar here. A blue checkmark will be visible to the left of the calendar. If no checkmark is there, tap the empty circle.

subscribe to calendar iphone 7

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just released iOS 13.2 with 60 new emoji and emoji variations. Here's how everyday people submit their own emoji.

How to reset the Safari browser on your iPhone in 2 different ways

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safari app

It's nice to get a clean start on Safari, but simply removing your Frequently Visited sites isn't going to address privacy concerns if you have cookies stored, for instance.

Fortunately, it's easy to reset all your browsing and history and settings.

Here's two ways, one directly through Safari, and the other through your iPhone's Settings.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to reset Safari on your iPhone through the browser

1. At the bottom of the Safari page, tap the icon that looks like an open book.

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2. At the top of the menu that opens, tap the icon that looks like a clock.

3. Tap "Clear" at the bottom of the page. You'll see options to clear your history, cookies, and other data for various time periods. Select "All time," at the bottom.

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How to reset Safari on your iPhone through the Settings app

1. Open the Settings app for iPhone.

2. Search for or scroll down to "Safari" and open it.

3. Tap "Clear History and Website Data" in blue near the bottom of the page.

4. A notification will pop up. Tap "Clear History and Data," and wait a few moments while the iPhone processes your request. Once it does, all your data will have been cleared.

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The button to clear your data will be gray while data is being cleared, then go back to blue when complete.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone accessories from cases to lightning cables

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

Google’s ambitious new video game service is starting to look like a giant mess — and it isn't even live yet (GOOGL)

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Google Stadia

  • Google is just days away from entering the video game business with its new platform, Google Stadia, which launches on November 19.
  • But even before launch, there are already some signs that the service is facing an uphill battle — much of which is Google's own making.
  • Between a paltry line-up of launch games, major limitations on where the service works, and huge limitations on the service's functionality, the launch of Google's first major gaming initiative is starting to look like a mess.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google is just days away from launching a video game platform intended to compete with the likes of Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

It's a hugely ambitious new platform named Google Stadia, and it aims to be the Netflix of gaming. It's such a big deal, in fact, that Google CEO Sundar Pichai himself introduced Stadia back in March at the 2019 Game Developers Conference. 

Why is Stadia so ambitious? Rather than downloading games or playing them off a Blu-ray disc, Stadia streams games to you wherever you are, like Netflix streams movies and TVs to you wherever you are.

But with just days to go until the service goes live on November 19, several major red flags have begun waving.

SEE ALSO: These are the 12 games you can play when Google's video game streaming platform launches next week

1. There are just 12 games launching with the service, and only one of those games is new.

Of the 12 games coming to Stadia on November 19, a single game — "Gylt" — is new. There are three "Tomb Raider" games, making up 25% of the entire launch library.

If you're playing Stadia at launch, it means you likely shelled out $130 for the "Founder's Edition" which includes a subscription to Google's "Stadia Pro" service. And Stadia Pro comes with a free game: "Destiny 2." 

This version of "Destiny 2" comes with a bunch of add-on content, but the fact remains that "Destiny 2" is a game that originally came out in 2017.

Worse, "Destiny 2" is an online-only game that is primarily played with other people — but "Destiny 2" on Stadia is siloed off from other platforms, meaning you'll only be able to play with other "Destiny 2" players on Stadia

Google has said that another 14 games will arrive on Stadia's game store by the end of 2019, bringing the total library to 26. The cadence of those releases remains unknown. "They will be launching frequently and as soon as through proper testing/certification," a Google representative told us.



2. There are major limitations with the launch units.

There are two ways to play Stadia when it launches in November 19: You can pay $10/month for Stadia Pro, or you can pay $130 for the "Founder's Edition" (now known as the "Premiere Edition"). The latter package comes with Google's Stadia controller and a Chromecast Ultra — the necessary hardware for playing Google Stadia on a television.

By next year, Google also plans to offer a free version as well with a slightly lower resolution than the 4K/HDR visuals offered in the "Pro" tier.

But for now, when the service launches on November 19, some of the people who dropped $130 on the Founder's Edition won't actually get what they ordered.

Two of Google Stadia's product leads, Andrey Doronichev and Beri Lee, addressed the issue during a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) on Wednesday.

"You can check your estimated delivery date by logging into [the Google Store] and checking your Order History," Lee said. "You'll get your activation email soon after your order ships. Stadia goes live at 9am PST on Nov 19, and your activation code will work immediately once you receive it. For reference, I ordered my Stadia Founder's Edition in June and my delivery date says November 20-21."

Despite Google's long history of operating a digital storefront that ships physical hardware to customers, the tech giant is unable to fulfill pre-orders for Stadia's "Founder's Edition" on launch day.

You could, of course, just download the Google Stadia app on your phone, activate your Pro account, and start playing before the Founder's Edition ever arrives. But, as Doronichev points out, "The best experience at launch is on TV (4K, HDR and all)." 



3. Even if you already own a Chromecast Ultra, there is no way to play Stadia on a TV at launch without getting a new Chromecast Ultra from Google.

Even if you already own a $70 Chromecast Ultra, you still can't play Stadia games on a TV without getting a new Chomecast Ultra from Google.

"On Day 1 you should use the Chromecast Ultra that came in your bundle," Doronichev said during the AMA. "It has the latest firmware. We will be updating the existing CC Ultras over the air soon after launch."

All of which is to say: If you already own an Chromecast Ultra, it will eventually work with Stadia. But on launch day, you need to get the Chromecast Ultra that comes in the Founder's Edition.



4. Much of the standard game console functionality isn't there with Google Stadia.

If you're used to the functionality of modern game consoles, you'll find Stadia lacking at launch.

It doesn't have achievement tracking, nor much in the way of system settings/customization options, and some functionality — like partying up with friends — is limited to PC and TV, with mobile support coming later.



5. Stadia goes everywhere you are ... if you have one of Android's Pixel phones, a laptop running the Chrome browser, or you're using a TV with a Chromecast Ultra.

The biggest promise of Google Stadia is accessibility: Your games everywhere, no matter where you are.

Except, at launch, that isn't the reality.

The only smartphones Google Stadia will run on at launch are Google's Pixel line of smartphones (starting with the Pixel 2). The only TVs Google Stadia will run on at launch are ones with a Chromecast Ultra connected. 

That means no iPhone users, no iPad users, no Android smartphone users who don't have a Pixel 2 or better, and no smart TV users who don't have Google's highest-end, most expensive streaming stick.

When are those platforms going to be supported?

"Oh man, I wish I knew," Doronichev said. "Truth of the matter is that we want Stadia to run on every screen eventually. Android and iOS and whatnot. We're starting with Pixel this year. Hope to learn a bunch, make it great and start expanding to more devices next year."



6. Much of the promised functionality that's specific to Stadia isn't ready at launch.

When Google Stadia was first revealed back in March, a handful of Stadia-specific features were touted. 

One, called "State Share," was demonstrated as sharing a specific spot in a game — a "save state," if you will — with a friend, solely by sending over a link. Since Stadia is web-based, simply clicking the link will redirect whoever clicks it to Stadia, to the specific spot in the game.

That function, among others, won't be available at launch.

"Our approach to releasing features on Stadia is similar to how we run Google Search, YouTube and other Google services: gradual rollout and continuous improvement, based on your feedback," Doronichev said. "We always start with nailing the key user-journey and then proceed with releasing extra features. YouTube started with 'watch video.' For Stadia it's 'Play the Game on your biggest screen.' New features will start popping as soon as one week after launch."

The other features, like Crowd Play and Stream Connect, are said to arrive in 2020. "And of course there are many more cool new platform features on the roadmap," Doronichev said. "We're aiming to release new stuff weekly after 11/19."



7. Even Google Assistant on Stadia isn't ready for launch.

Given that Stadia is a Google product, you might expect it to come with Google's ubiquitous voice command functionality, Google Assistant. 

Moreover, there's a Google Assistant button quite literally built into the front of the Google Stadia gamepad. But when you get Stadia hooked up and push the button, it won't actually do anything at launch.

"We have many Assistant features that we're planning to roll out gradually across different parts of Stadia in the upcoming weeks," Doronichev said. "On Day 1, you can ask your Google Home or your Assistant-enabled device to start a game on Stadia. It will turn on your TV and get you into the game! Soon after (I think it's a few days, but I need to check), you'll be able to use the Assistant button on your controller to interact with the Assistant while on your Stadia Homescreen on Chromecast. Then more devices (PC, Pixel phones). Then support for the Assistant during gameplay, etc."

Doronichev explained the lack of Assistant support at launch as a measure of trying to add meaningful voice commands to a gaming platform. "It's easy to just slap on some voice features," he said, "but making Assistant truly helpful is a different thing. We want to get it right. So we're taking the time here."



L.L.Bean is running a holiday sale and everything is 25% off — here are 20 standout deals

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L.L.Bean

  • To mark the start of the holiday season, many stores are offering sales. As such, L.L.Bean is offering 25% off clothing, outerwear, and footwear now through Tuesday, November 19.
  • Use the promo code "SAVE25" at checkout to get the 20% off. You can also get free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
  • We rounded up 20 of the best deals for men, women, and kids, including flannels, hoodies, jackets, and the ever-popular Bean Boots.
  • Shop the L.L.Bean holiday sale now, or jump directly to the categories listed here: men's deals, women's deals, kids' deals, and footwear deals.
  • Still looking for holiday gift inspiration? Check out our 2019 holiday gift guides.

SEE ALSO: The best winter boots for women

Original 8-Inch Bean Boots

Men's: $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]

Women's: $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]

 



Men's Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

$66.75 (Originally $89) [You save $22.25]



Men's Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt

$37.46 (Originally $49.95) [You save $12.49]



Men's Comfort Camp Hoodie

$48.71 (Originally $64.95) [You save $16.24]



Men's Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket

$186.75 (Originally $249) [You save $62.25]



Double L Jeans, Classic Fit Flannel-Lined

$52.46 (Originally $69.95) [You save $17.49]



Men's Hi-Pile Fleece Pullover

$66.75 (Originally $89) [You save $22.25]



Men's Mountain Classic Down Jacket

$119.25 (Originally $159) [You save $39.75]



Women's Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, Sherpa-Lined Zip Hoodie

$66.75 (Originally $89) [You save $22.25]



Women's Hi-Pile Fleece Jacket

$74.25 (Originally $99) [You save $24.75]



Women's Signature Cotton Fisherman Tunic Sweater

$81.75 (Originally $109) [You save $27.25]



Women's Maine Mountain Parka

$299.25 (Originally $399) [You save $99.75]



Women's Organic Flannel Tunic

$48.71 (Originally $64.95) [You save $16.24]



Women's Sherpa-Lined Wool Fair Isle Cardigan

$104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]



Women's Stonington Chelseas, Leather

$74.25 (Originally $99) [You save $24.75]



Women's Wicked Good Moccasins

$59.25 (Originally $79) [You save $19.75]



Kids' L.L.Bean Flannel Pajamas

$29.95 (Originally $39.95) [You save $9.98]



Kids' Down Jacket

$74.25 (Originally $99) [You save $24.75]



Toddlers' Hi-Pile Fleece Jacket

$44.25 (Originally $59) [You save $14.75]



Kids' Small Batch 6-Inch Bean Boots

$104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]



How to set a custom ringtone on your Samsung Galaxy S10, and choose your own music or assign it to a specific caller

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Samsung S10e

  • It's easy to set a custom ringtone on your Samsung Galaxy S10 using the sound and vibration section of the Settings app.
  • You can set any song on your Galaxy S10 as a ringtone and start playing it from the beginning, or have the song play from a different point. 
  • You can also set specific ringtones for your favorite callers, so you know who is calling as soon as the phone begins to ring. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Unlike the iPhone, which makes setting up a custom ringtone a fairly arduous task, the ability to customize ringtones on Android phones like the Galaxy S10 is built into the operating system. 

You can even turn your favorite songs into ringtones, or set a custom ringtone for specific callers.

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to set a custom ringtone on your Samsung Galaxy S10

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "Sound and vibration."

3. Tap "Ringtone."

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4. To change the ringtone to one of the built-in sounds, tap any entry in the list and then tap the back button. 

5. To select a song stored on your phone, tap the plus sign at the top right of the screen. 

6. On the "Sound picker" screen, tap a song you want to use as a ringtone. The song will start playing so you can preview it. You can browse songs by track, album, artist, or folder using the tabs at the bottom of the screen, or search for a song using the Search button at the top of the screen.

ringtone 2

7. If you want the song to start at the beginning when a call starts, turn "Highlights only" off by swiping the button to the left. If on, Highlights Only starts playing the song somewhere in the middle when a call comes in. 

8. When you're satisfied with your ringtone selection, tap "Done."

How to set a custom ringtone for specific callers

If you want to associate a specific ringtone with certain callers, you can do that as well. 

1. Start the Contacts app and select a contact you want to set a ringtone for. 

2. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Edit."

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap "View more."

4. Tap "Ringtone" and select a sound or song. 

ringtone 4

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: I tested the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus for 2 months, and it made me question everything about my 'iPhone or nothing' mentality

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

This parka from Everlane is my go-to for freezing cold weather — and it's made with 100% recycled material

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renew long puffer

  • Winter means it's time for you to take your parka out of hibernation. And if you don't have one or just want something new, it's time to act on that. 
  • Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer ($175) is an impressive parka at an affordable price. It's warm, looks nice on, has thoughtful features, and is made from recycled bottles. 
  • I took the ReNew Long Puffer for a spin around New York City and was impressed at how well it fared, especially considering the price. 

A parka is a winter essential in colder climates. Piling on layers of wool and fleece is a futile attempt at staying warm without the thick, all-encompassing warmth of a good coat. Luckily, there are plenty of great winter coats out there. 

But if you're anything like me, the endless options can actually make the decision process all the more difficult. There are so many things to consider: How much are you willing to spend? Is the more expensive option always warmer? Are there cruelty-free options? Will it even look good on? If you want to cut through the noise, Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer is an easy choice. It's warm, sustainable, and affordable, a rare find in the winter coat world. 

Everything you need to know about the ReNew Long Puffer

Last year, Everlane announced a lofty environmental goal — by 2021 the brand will have no new plastic in their supply chain. But there are already 8 billion tons of plastic on the planet, and they're not going away. The ReNew collection was built as the brand's innovative first step toward a plastic-free future. Instead of creating new synthetic fabrics, the ReNew collection features a range of outerwear made from recycled plastic bottles.

Each ReNew Long Puffer is made from 60 renewed plastic bottles. Both the fabric and insulation are 100% recycled. The only parts of the coat that aren't recycled are the zippers and trim, though Everlane is working to source those from recycled materials as well. 

The coat itself has the look of a classic parka. It's long, puffy, and relatively thick, with three color options: black, navy, and a rich cobalt blue. There's a drawstring waist, which allows you to get a more flattering fit from the otherwise oversized silhouette. A hood adds some easy warmth, and there's a drawstring so you can keep your head protected on those chilly, windy days.

There are two oversized pockets with a fleecy lining inside — a nice spot to warm up cold hands. The jacket is not too long, but it hits about mid-thigh to knee (depending on the person) so you get a good amount of leg coverage. The whole jacket is water-resistant, an important feature for something that'll likely be seeing snow. Everlane says the coat is recommended for temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees. 

renew puffer

Wearing the Everlane ReNew Long Puffer

Slipping on the ReNew Long Puffer, I immediately felt ready to brave the cold. The jacket has a heft to it that makes me feel protected. It doesn't feel as lightweight as the down parkas I've worn in the past, but it isn't uncomfortably heavy to wear. I loved the length. The jacket grazed just above my knee, but the zipper didn't go down all the way. I appreciated this thoughtful design, which made it easier to walk as there were no constraints around the legs.

The deep pockets are another great feature. When you're wearing a jacket this puffy, having to rifle through a bag to find your belongings can feel particularly laborious, so I appreciate the big pockets which help you keep your everyday essentials handy. My only qualm with the pockets is the lack of a zipper, as the flap top lets in cold air easily. 

I wore the coat on a low-30s day and was more than warm enough. The insulation, hood, and long silhouette keep me cozy. I haven't yet seen how this coat fares in even lower temperatures, but if customer reviews are any indication, it should do just as well.

Puffy parkas aren't the most flattering coats you can find, but all things considered, this one is pretty cute. I have the cobalt, a vibrant blue color that stands out in a sea of neutral outwear. The simplicity of the coat — there's no serious hardware or colorful signage — gives it a minimalist feel, which (in terms of parkas) is simple and stylish. 

What I really can't get over, though, is the price. At $175, this coat feels like a steal. It's high-quality, fits well and looks nice on, keeps me really warm, and seems pretty durable. So far, it's on par with jackets that are two or three times the price. Sustainability is the icing on the cake with this impressive piece. If there's an option at a great price that's also better for the planet, why wouldn't you choose it?

The bottom line

Parkas are notoriously expensive pieces. And while some may be worth the investment, spending hundreds of dollars on a coat isn't always feasible. Everlane's ReNew Long Puffer also proves it isn't always necessary. The coat does some pretty heavy lifting for just $175. It's warm enough to withstand freezing temperatures, made more sustainably than most other options out there, and actually looks cool too.

For the price, you'll surely get more than your money's worth of wear after just one season, though I'm sure you'll keep it in your wardrobe for far longer. 

Get the women's ReNew Long Puffer for $175 at Everlane

Get the men's ReNew Long Puffer for $198 at Everlane

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L.L.Bean's iconic Bean Boots are 25% off right now

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Bean Boots Sale

  • Now through November 19, you can save 25% sitewide at L.L.Bean by using the promo code "SAVE25" at checkout.
  • If your order totals more than $50 after promotions and discounts are applied, you'll also receive free shipping.
  • While clothing and gear are included in the promotion, the best items on sale right now are L.L.Bean's iconic Bean Boots.

L.L. Bean is making the transition to winter easier by offering 25% off your entire order, including new arrivals, using promo code "SAVE25" at checkout. If your order total is $50 or more after promotions and discounts are applied, you'll also get free shipping.

Better yet, the iconic L.L.Bean Boots, a wintertime staple, are included in the sale.

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These boots have built a solid reputation over the years and continue to be one of the brand's bestsellers. Since 1912, L.L.Bean Boots have been made by hand with the help of expert craftspeople, and the company continues to use the same design and process that they have practiced since day one.

The detailed technique ensures quality, but the boots often sell out because the demand from eager buyers far exceeds what the Maine-based factory can produce by hand.

Popularity wise, the rubber moccasin and the original eight-inch boot are at the top of the list, but there are a total of 29 styles available for men, and 29 styles available for women— so there's a pretty high chance you'll find the perfect boot.

Check out the best L.L.Bean Boots for men, women, and kids below:

Men's L.L.Bean Original 8-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Original 8-Inch Boot, $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]

 



Men's L.L.Bean Shearling-Lined 10-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Shearling-Lined 10-Inch Boot, $172.50 (Originally $230) [You save $57.50]



Men's L.L.Bean Limited-Edition Luxe Padded Collar 8-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Original Gumshoe Boot, $89.25 (Originally $119) [You save $29.75]



Men's L.L.Bean Small Batch Chamois-Lined 8-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Small Batch Chamois-Lined 8-Inch Boot, $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $55.75]



Men's L.L.Bean Signature Waxed-Canvas 10-Inch Maine Hunting Boot

L.L.Bean Signature Waxed-Canvas 10-Inch Maine Hunting Boot, $74.25-$111.75 (Originally $99-$149) [You save $24.75-$37.25]



Men's Limited-Edition Luxe L.L.Bean Boots, 9" Shearling Lounger

L.L.Bean Limited-Edition Luxe L.L.Bean Boots, 9" Shearling Lounger, $157.50 (Originally $210) [You save $52.50]



Women's L.L.Bean Limited-Edition Luxe Padded Collar 6-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Signature Waxed Canvas Rubber Moc, $59.99 (Originally $79.99) [You save $20]



Women's L.L.Bean 8-Inch Bison Boot

L.L.Bean 8-Inch Bison Boot, $111.75 (Originally $149) [You save $37.25]



Women's Limited-Edition Luxe L.L.Bean Boots, 7" Shearling Lounger

L.L.Bean Limited-Edition Luxe L.L.Bean Boots, 9" Shearling Lounger, $157.50 (Originally $210) [You save $52.50]



Women's L.L.Bean Herringbone Shearling-Lined 10-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Herringbone Shearling-Lined 10-Inch Boot, $156.75 (Originally $209) [You save $52.25]



Women's L.L.Bean Small Batch Chamois-Lined 8-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Small Batch Chamois-Lined 8-Inch Boot, $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]



Women's L.L.Bean Rubber Moc Boot

L.L.Bean Rubber Moc Boot, $74.25 (Originally $99)[You save $24.75]



Kids' L.L.Bean Boot Original

L.L.Bean Boot Original, $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]



Kids' L.L.Bean Small Batch 6-Inch Boot

L.L.Bean Small Batch 6-Inch Boot, $67.49 (Originally $89.99) [You save $22.50]

 



Kids' L.L.Bean Waxed-Canvas Boot



Kids' L.L.Bean Boots, 6" Camo

L.L.Bean 6-Inch Camo Boot, $104.25 (Originally $139) [You save $34.75]



Billionaires' success boils down to a set of 3 personality traits that aren't directly tied to intelligence, a new report says

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bill gates warren buffett laughing

  • Billionaires have a trifecta of traits to thank for their success, a new report by UBS and PwC found.
  • Their smart risk-taking, focus, and determination is what makes them successful.
  • Companies run by billionaires perform almost twice as well as the rest of the market, Business Insider previously reported.
  • One of UBS' billionaire clients plans in decades instead of quarters, according to John Matthews, the investment bank's Group Managing Director of UBS' Head of Ultra High Net Worth Americas.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Intelligence isn't what makes billionaires successful, a new report by investment bank UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers found.

It's billionaires' "appetite for smart risk-taking, business focus, and determination" that helps them build and sustain their wealth, according to UBS and PwC's 2019 Billionaires Report. These personality traits create what UBS and PwC call the "billionaire effect": Companies run by billionaires perform twice as well as the rest of the market.

According to UBS and PwC, companies run by billionaires enjoyed returns of 17.8% between 2003 and the end of 2018. That's compared to the MSCI AC World Index's 9.1% return during the same time period. Billionaires' companies were also consistently more profitable and performed better in the six years following an IPO than non-billionaire controlled companies, according to the study.

Billionaires have a trifecta of traits that add up to their success, the report outlines: They know how to take smart risks; they are obsessively focused on their businesses, which allows them to see opportunities others missed; and think longer-term than less wealthy CEOs.

"[I had a] conversation with a client talking about their success and how he has become successful with his company and his comment to me was, 'John, I don't think in quarters, I think in 10 years,'" John Matthews, the Group Managing Director of UBS' Head of Ultra High Net Worth Americas, said at a press event hosted by UBS on October 6. "It's a different mindset."

A multitude of studies and books have similarly concluded that billionaires think differently than the majority of the population

The UBS and PwC report underscores findings that align with what other studies and books have also found: Billionaires think and operate differently than the majority of the population.

A review of the personality tests of 43 people with net worths above $11 million by German researcher Rainer Zitelmann found that ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs tend to have high tolerances for frustration and be more detail-oriented than the general population, Business Insider previously reported.

"To sum this up, you can say that rich people are less neurotic and less agreeable, but have a higher degree of conscientiousness, are more open to new experience, and more extroverted than the population as a whole," Zitelmann said.

Entrepreneur Rafael Badziag, meanwhile, spent five years conducting face-to-face interviews with 21 self-made billionaires and found that the same characteristics that make them successful can also lead to their downfalls.

"Billionaires are nonconformists who demonstrate individualism at an early age when they break more than a few rules," Badziag wrote in his book, "The Billion Dollar Secret: 20 Principles of Billionaire Wealth and Success."

"Knowing when to make the leap versus when to run in the opposite direction often means the difference between bankruptcy and billions," Badziag added.

SEE ALSO: The billionaire who cofounded Gap and her 3 sons have lost $1 billion in 2019 so far amid sales slump

DON'T MISS: Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have both proposed taxes on the ultra-wealthy. Here's how much poorer America's 10 wealthiest billionaires would be under a moderate wealth tax.

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How REI has managed to lead with its values and still turn a profit

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  • In many ways, REI is a unique retailer.
  • The outdoor co-op closes on Black Friday, pays dividends to its 18 million member-owners, gives more than 70% of its profits back to the outdoor community, is focusing more on selling used rather than brand-new products, and isn't afraid to get political. 
  • At a time when other large retailers are losing customers and closing doors, REI is posting record sales without sacrificing its values for profits or vice versa. 
  • Clearly, its mission resonates with customers. It continues to successfully connect people to the outdoors and do what's right for the environment, all while growing profits, membership, and store openings.

On Black Friday in 2015, while lines wrapped in and out of retailers like Best Buy and Target, REI stores across the country remained curiously dark and quiet. Instead of scooping up deals, REI employees and members were encouraged to "#OptOutside" and spend their day outdoors.

Forgoing one of the biggest shopping days of the year and the opportunity to significantly boost sales was a revolutionary act, but it's less shocking than the news reports would suggest. The member-owned outdoor supply co-op has never shied away from flouting the status quo.

Paradoxically, REI's aggressive commitment to its mission of sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors — sometimes at the risk of losing profits and alienating shoppers — has actually helped it succeed in a tumultuous retail world. In 2018, it posted record sales of $2.78 billion and added more than 1 million new members, bringing its total membership to more than 18 million people. It now has more than 150 stores in the US, with new openings in the pipeline. 

rei profile 4

In order to keep up this success, REI is balancing a delicate juggling act. Beyond selling outdoor gear, it's leaning into the long-untapped potential of rental and used gear; leading outdoor itineraries around the world through its travel company REI Adventures; figuring out how to operate its business more sustainably; and advocating for the preservation of our planet through multiple stewardship projects. The diverse combination of strategies is clearly working and shows retailers they can truly do it all. 

But none of these ventures would be possible today if ice axes weren't so difficult to buy in 1935. 

Austrian ice axes, 21 of your closest friends, and a $1 membership fee — or, how to start an outdoors co-op

Lloyd and Mary Anderson loved adventuring outside, but in 1935, the means of obtaining quality gear was less than optimal. The best ice axes came from Austria, but they often had to rely on ski shops that overcharged for Austrian goods or sold sub-par, imitation products.

With the help of Mary's German skills, they decided to skip the middleman and they began ordering ice axes directly from Austria. Once friends starting hearing that the Andersons were getting Austrian ice axes delivered to Seattle for just $3.50, compared to the previous $20, they, of course, wanted in on the savings. 

rei profile

In 1938, the Andersons and 21 other Seattle-based outdoorspeople officially formed the co-op to increase group buying power and lower the overhead of distributing products. The idea was that affordable, better quality gear meant better quality adventures and memories with their friends. Lifetime membership cost $1. 

REI stores now, with their rows of offerings and mock camp set-ups, feel a universe away from the REI of early days, when members shopped a singular shelf of products tucked into a local grocery store and the Anderson's attic served as the storage space. The simple spirit of convenient access to a life lived outdoors, however, has manifested itself in many different ways throughout REI's 81-year-old history. 

How REI's membership model works today, and why it resonates so strongly

Sadly, you won't be able to get an REI membership for only $1 anymore, but it's still pretty affordable at $20 for a lifetime of various benefits. If you spend at least $10 a year at REI, you'll get a share of it back (usually 10%) every March. Members also enjoy special pricing on classes, events, rentals, and REI Adventures trips, as well as access to exclusive events. 

As a member, you have a direct stake in the future of the company. Each active member has one vote during REI Board elections and can submit an item of business for consideration at the board's annual meeting. 

With all these perks, it's no wonder that REI's membership is growing rapidly. More than the financial and stakeholder benefits is the unquantifiable feeling of belonging to a community of like-minded people and a company that is mission-driven rather than profit-driven.

In 2008, REI had 3.7 million members. Ten years later, the number has quintupled and continues to balloon as environmental pressures threaten the very ecosystem that first brought members together.

rei profile 6

REI's steadfast commitment to environmental advocacy proves it's more than your average outdoor gear store

In a recent letter to members, President and CEO Eric Artz said, "My job is to steward the co-op, and the outdoors, on your behalf — and on behalf of the generations who follow us...As a single company, our impact is limited, but as a community, we can drive change that powers meaningful action beyond our walls."

REI accomplishes this task of stewardship while encouraging members to play their part by: 

Investing in non-profits that work to create and protect access to the outdoors. In 2018, it contributed $8.4 million (3% of its total sales) in donations and grants to organizations large and small, such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, National Forest Foundation, and Willamette Riverkeeper. Examples of projects that these organizations complete include improving underused urban parks and building new trails. As part of its 2019 #OptOutside campaign, it's asking members to join a nationwide cleanup on Black Friday with partners Leave No Trace and United By Blue

rei profile 3

Participating in political action. REI also works with partners at the national, state, and local legislative levels to advocate for environmental protection and increased access to the outdoors. Along with other outdoor leaders like Patagonia, it's taking political stances and making its voice heard in ways that could drive away customers — and attract new ones. In 2018, President Donald Trump reduced the size of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah by 85%. After pressuring Utah governor Gary Herbert to change the decision, REI, along with Patagonia and North Face, said it would boycott the annual Outdoor Retailer trade show, a major source of revenue for Salt Lake City.

The company even has a direct connection to the White House. Sally Jewell, CEO of REI from 2005 to 2013, served as the US Secretary of the Interior under former President Barack Obama. Her time in each role shared themes of increasing conservation efforts, access to parks, and renewable energy practices. 

Closing the accessibility gap in the outdoors. While outdoor gear brands often wax poetic about an outdoor world that everyone can enjoy, the reality is that women and minorities are still underserved and underrepresented in the outdoors space. Both the audience and employee makeup of outdoor gear companies tend to be homogeneous, but companies like REI are trying to get better and contribute to a slowly diversifying industry

Women make up 45% of total employees at the company and it has a 90 rating on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ employees. On the consumer-facing side, REI announced its All In initiative in 2019, which includes supporting national outdoors organizations created for people of color, elevating stories about women in the outdoors and adaptive outdoor life, and investing in research that helps veterans experience the power of the outdoors. 

Improving its own operations to manage total energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce waste. In 2013, REI committed to using 100% renewable energy in its operations. Approaches include using solar technology, running a number of stores with green-power contracts, and installing electric vehicle charging stations in its parking lots. Seven of its facilities are LEED-certified

REI implemented a goal of achieving zero-waste operations (which it defines as diverting at least 90% of waste from landfills) by 2020, but said it will be unable to meet that goal in every single store. Still, it's working towards reaching this point by the end of 2020, and it also wants to certify its headquarters, all its distribution centers, and at least 10 stores as TRUE Zero Waste facilities by the end of 2021.

rei used gear 5

Expanding its rentals and used gear businesses. Rather than focus on the sales of new products, REI is doubling down on rentals and used gear as part of its participation in the circular economy, which reduces waste and excess by recirculating products and materials. While the company prides itself on using sustainable materials and practices to make its own REI Co-op branded gear and setting product sustainability standards for all brand partners that it sells, it also wants to maximize the life of already used gear. Its newly launched Used Gear website is the online iteration of its highly popular Garage Sales, and it offers both in-house and outsourced repairs and maintenance for your gear and apparel. 

There are even more parts to REI that you might not know about. 

It currently funds research at the University of Washington studying links between human health and time spent outdoors. It offers free resources like trail mapping, a campsite directory, and expert advice on all outdoor recreation. It has an online forum where members can discuss everything from "What makes a hike spectacular?" to favorite pieces of backpacking gear. And it produces short films that tell the diverse stories of outdoors lovers. 

All told, REI is a retailer to watch right now

Any seasoned hiker will tell you to stick to the trail when you're exploring the unknown, but for REI, it's stepping off the well-worn path that has helped differentiate it from the pack and made it a prime case study for the possibilities of a values-driven business. If you care about the outdoors in any capacity, REI is the place to shop — not just for its quality product selection but also for its impassioned engagement with outdoor life outside its stores. 

Shop outdoor gear at REI

Become a lifetime REI member for $20

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I got my teeth straightened in 5 months using SmileDirectClub's invisible aligners — here's what the process was like from start to finish

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SmileDirectClub 4x3

  • I got my teeth straightened in five months using SmileDirectClub's invisible aligners
  • The cost of treatment is $1,895 plus $99 for retainers, regardless of how extensive your corrections are.
  • Below, I'll walk you through how to get started and what to expect from the process, plus how the aligners feel and what they look like when they're on. 

 

If you're anything like me, you lost your retainers some odd years ago after a painstaking and expensive course of orthodontics that you didn't pay for yourself. Your teeth have shifted slightly out of place, and now you want a quick way to fix them. Turns out those braces your parents paid for were shockingly expensive, and so is Invisalign, so you've turned to SmileDirectClub as a possible solution to your dental woes.

This is exactly what happened to me, and unfortunately, the area that was impacted most was my prime smile real estate. I became self-conscious about smiling big in pictures because I didn't want the light to catch my one tooth that had started slipping behind the others. So, when I was given the opportunity to try SmileDirectClub, I jumped on it. I'm also getting married next year, so the timing was perfect.

Below I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about using SmileDirectClub — from how much they cost to how I dealt with removing my retainers all the time at work (spoiler alert: not gracefully). 

Step 1: Getting started with SmileDirect Club

The first thing you'll do is fill out a very short survey on the SmileDirectClub website. It asks whether or not you've had braces in the past, what issues you want to deal with (crowding, overbite, spacing, etc.), and how severe those issues are. You'll get an immediate response stating whether or not you're a potential candidate for the program, and then it gives you the option to sign up for an in-person consultation if you live near an outpost, or an at-home impression kit you'll administer yourself. 

The consultations and kits cost $45 each, but if it turns out that you're not a candidate based on anything they find, you'll get a full refund. The full treatment plan costs $1,895 (plus $99 for retainers) regardless of how extensive your corrections are.

Before we go any further, it's worth noting that SmileDirectClub does not use X-rays of your teeth to determine whether or not you're a candidate. While each treatment plan is looked over by a dental professional, you still may want to talk with your dentist first to consider any potential drawbacks of a treatment, like possible spacing or bite-alignment issues.

Step 2: The consultation process

SmileDirectClub consultation

The consultation process will differ depending on if you choose to go into a SmileDirectClub office or do the impression kit at home. I went to an in-person appointment, so that's all I can speak to personally, but the impression kit involves filling two trays with putty, biting down into them to leave an impression of your top and bottom teeth, and taking photos of your mouth with a very funny tool that tucks into your cheeks and holds your mouth open. I also had to do that in the office so they could fit the imaging wand all the way around my mouth. 

SmileDirectClub

The appointment was quick and easy. The dental professional ran a wand around the inside of my mouth to take pictures of my teeth, which then got converted into a model of my smile using advanced imaging technology. 

Step 3: The plan

SmileDirectClub 3D Images

SmileDirectClub will show you the plan for how your teeth will adjust over time using a digital 3-D rendering. You'll be able to confirm that you're happy with the plan and schedule the delivery of your aligners. My course was for five months, but yours may be longer — it varies from person to person. 

One thing that's really great about SmileDirectClub is that even if you have a permanent retainer that has yet to be removed, they'll design your aligners to fit without said retainer based on the 3-D imaging or impression kit. I have a permanent retainer on my bottom set of teeth, and though I decided against getting it removed for now, if I ever choose to do so, I can go through the course of bottom aligners later on. This time, I just chose to treat my top set of teeth. 

Treating just the upper or just the lower set of teeth can create alignment issues in the long-run, but wasn't personally an issue for me because my changes were minor. It's definitely worth consulting your dentist about it beforehand. 

Step 4: Receiving the aligners

SmileDirectClub box

The aligners will arrive all at once in a box that also houses tools to help you fit them, plus an LED whitening kit to keep your teeth nice and bright. 

SmileDirectClub

I do wish the little baggies the aligners came in were organized a little better. They come in a long, connected string of bags marked in order that can each be torn off and thrown away once you put your aligners in. But since I only chose to treat the top set of teeth due to my permanent retainer, it was tough to keep the bottom halves in their bags and not accidentally misplace any of them. Candid's aligner box setup seems slightly more intuitive. 

Step 5: Wearing the aligners

SmileDirectClub review

You'll wear three different aligners over the course of one month: the first set for a week, the second set for a week, and the third set for two weeks. This gives your teeth the chance to settle into place, and by the last week of the month you won't really feel pressure from the aligners. You also can't see them in whatsoever — no one ever knew I was wearing them!

SmileDirectClub tells you to brush your teeth every time you eat, and try not to exceed two hours a day with the retainers off. Honestly, I didn't follow either of these rules. At work, I'd often take them out in the bathroom in order to eat my breakfast and forget to put them back in until after lunch, and my teeth turned out just fine. But I recommend doing as SmileDirectClub said, not as I did. Frankly, it's just a clunky process to remove them since your saliva gets into the retainers, so I highly recommend finding a private place in which to pull them out when you're at work or out for dinner. 

Everyone who found out I was using SmileDirectClub aligners asked me the same question: Does it hurt? The answer is that no, it doesn't hurt, but it can be uncomfortable at times. There were a couple instances where I had to use the metal file on my Swiss Army knife to sand down little sharp bits that dug into my gums, but that was about the worst of it. Of course the aligners are going to be slightly tight for the first couple days of each week or two-week course, but that's to be expected. These feel nothing like the excruciating tightening process of braces that you probably experienced as a kid.

Step 6: Finishing your course and getting your retainers 

After you finish your course of aligners, you'll want to get a set of retainers to keep your new smile in place. They're thicker than the aligners but only need to be worn at night, save for the first two weeks when you're supposed to wear them all day to get used to them.  

The retainers cost $99, and should be replaced every six months or so. I'll update this review in six months to let you know how mine have worn down, and when I plan on reordering another. I'm hoping I can take care of them well enough to keep it to once a year. 

Pricing

No matter how long your course is, everyone pays $1,895 for a set of SmileDirectClub aligners. This is the case even if you only want to straighten the tops or the bottoms; every order will include aligners for both sets regardless. For comparison, that price is only $5 less than Candid (which we've also reviewed), but about $1,600 less than the cheapest average treatment from Invisalign, which can cost up to $8,000. The difference is that Invisalign is done through your dentist's office and, in some cases, qualifies for dental insurance coverage. 

SmileDirectClub doesn't take dental insurance directly, but your insurance provider may partially reimburse you for your treatment depending on your plan. They do accept HSA, FSA, and CareCredit as forms of payment, and they also offer a monthly payment plan that involves a $250 down payment and $85 monthly payments for 24 months. Just note that this will ultimately cost you about $400 more over time. 

The bottom line

Overall, I had a really great experience using SmileDirectClub. I'm happy with how my teeth turned out, and I'm actually excited to see myself smiling in pictures now. Granted, my changes were very minor so I can only speak from the perspective of someone who didn't undergo a major transformation, but I'm pleased with how quick and simple the process has been. 

I recommend looking into SmileDirectClub, but not before you check with your dentist to make sure you have the all-clear. 

 

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White Claw billionaire Anthony von Mandl got his start selling wine out of his car. Here's how he built a $3.4 billion fortune off the hard seltzers and lemonades that have redefined booze for bros.

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Billionaire Anthony von Mandl may now be known as one of Canada's best vintners, but he owes the majority of his still-growing fortune to two beverages generally considered more low-brow — Mike's Hard Lemonade and White Claw. 

Von Mandl's wineries have gotten him visits from Prince William and Kate Middleton and awards from Queen Elizabeth (among others), but it was the success of Mike's Hard Lemonade (launched in Canada in 1996 and brought to the American market in 1999) that first made him wealthy.

Now, his latest venture, hard seltzer brand White Claw, has become so popular that stores are struggling to keep it adequately stocked on their shelves.

Representatives of von Mandl's company, the Mark Anthony Group, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on von Mandl's career, net worth, or personal life from Business Insider.

Keep reading to learn more about von Mandl's life, career, and wealth.

SEE ALSO: Meet Zhang Yiming, the secretive, 35-year-old Chinese billionaire behind TikTok who made over $12 billion in 2018

DON'T MISS: 15 people who became billionaires in 2019 — and 14 who lost their status in the three-comma club

Von Mandl was born in Vancouver, Canada, but spent his childhood in Europe.

Von Mandl's parents were European immigrants, according to a biography on the website for one of his wineries, Mission Hill.

The family moved back to Europe when von Mandl was 9 years old, according to the biography. He later returned to Canada to attend the University of British Columbia, where he studied economics.

The winery's site does not specify which European country von Mandl's family is originally from or where in Europe he spent his adolescence.



Von Mandl first entered the alcohol business by selling imported wines from his car in Vancouver after graduating from college in the early 1970s, according to wine writer John Schreiner.

He also worked out of "a little office about the size of a cupboard in the back of a building," according to Schreiner.

Von Mandl then did an apprenticeship in wine-selling after college, which inspired him to open an importing business in Vancouver, according to his biography on his winery's website.



Through his importing business, von Mandl saved up enough money to buy his first vineyard, Mission Hill, at 31.

Von Mandl said in 2003 that, at the time, he wondered "if I had made the biggest mistake of my life" in buying the winery, Bloomberg reported.

Von Mandl also starting selling hard cider that he described as "awful" to help cover the cost of operating the winery, according to Business in Vancouver. Unlike other Canadian breweries, von Mandl did not reuse the glass bottles the cider was sold in and relied on other businesses' buyback programs to help his company meet national waste regulations. When breweries that previously used the same bottles as von Mandl stopped buying back the cider bottles, the Canadian government fined the business "several million dollars," Business in Vancouver reported.

The financial strain of the bottle fiasco led von Mandl to start brewing a beer called Clark's Great Canadian Beer, according to Business in Vancouver. Von Mandl also opened another business on Annacis Island in British Columbia focused on sustainability called Turning Point Brewery.



Von Mandl's first major success in the industry was with Mike's Hard Lemonade.

"25% of guys didn't particularly want to drink beer, but couldn't be seen holding anything else in their hand," von Mandl said in a 2006 interview, according to Bloomberg

Mark Anthony Group calls Mike's, which was launched in Canada in 1996 and the US in 1999, "the world's first spirit cooler," according to Business in Vancouver. The company has since sold $1.6 billion of hard lemonade in the US, Bloomberg reported on November 8.

Mark Anthony Group sold the rights to its ready-to-drink brands in Canada (including Mike's Hard Lemonade) to Labatt Breweries for $350 million, or about $466 million Canadian, in 2015, but retained the rights to sell the beverages in the US market, which as of that time was "five times bigger" than sales in Canada.



Von Mandl's company is arguably now best known for the hard seltzer beloved by American "bros": White Claw.

White Claw, the dominant brand in the rapidly expanding hard seltzer category, has become the subject of a rising number of viral YouTube videos and memes poking fun at the popularity of the drink in places like fraternity houses, Business Insider's Bethany Biron previously reported.

The drink's success grew Mark Anthony Group into "America's fourth-largest beer company," the company said in a statement emailed to Bloomberg. The company also said its U.S. business has grown 85% in 2019 thus far.

White Claw is so popular that the company actually struggles to keep it in stock, Business Insider's Hayley Peterson previously reported. "We are working around the clock to increase supply given the rapid growth in consumer demand," Sanjiv Gajiwala, the senior vice president of marketing at White Claw, told Business Insider. "Despite reported shortages, we are excited to report that market share has continued to rise from 55% to 61% in just the past eight weeks."

A group of Business Insider reporters sampled White Claw and its strongest competitor, Truly, in September and "couldn't deny that Claw is the law."



The company owes its success to von Mandl's marketing prowess, his former business partner told Business In Vancouver.

Von Mandl is a "master" at creating compelling stories to bolster brands, Nick Clark told Business in Vancouver in 2014. Clark, von Mandel, and David Simms purchased their winery, Mission Hills Family Estate, together in 1981, and Clark remained an investor until 1988, Business in Vancouver reported.

Von Mandl named the company "Mark Anthony" because the name sounds "vaguely familiar" to most people, and not after a specific person, according to Business in Vancouver

"My kids, who knew the difference between fact and story, affectionately labeled him as Tony Baloney," Clark told Business in Vancouver.



His former business partner also claims that Von Mandl isn't known for his people skills.

The billionaire businessman is "unrelentingly impatient with people not equal to his station in life or stature," Clark told Business in Vancouver

Mission Hills had a "constantly revolving door of staff" during the years Clark worked there with von Mandl, Business in Vancouver reported.



Von Mandl is very confident that the White Claw craze isn't just a passing fad.

"The consumers flocking to White Claw today are not going to magically return to the mega-beer brands of yesterday," von Mandl said at a beer wholesalers convention in September, Bloomberg reported.

Von Mandl also estimated that White Claw will make Mark Anthony Group "close to $4 billion" in revenue in 2020, according to Bloomberg.



Von Mandl used the fortune he initially made from Mike's Hard Lemonade to further his growing empire of fine wineries in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.

In addition to Mission Hill, von Mandl now also owns Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Martin's Lane Winery, and Cedar Creek Estate Winery.

Von Mandl's wineries are credited with having "transformed the wine industry in Canada," according to the website of Canada's Governor General.



Von Mandl showed Prince William and Kate Middleton around one of his wineries in 2016.

The visit was a part of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2016 Commonwealth tour, according to Bloomberg.

Mission Hill is a popular tourist destination in British Columbia, according to Business in Vancouver. Its restaurant was named one of the top five winery restaurants in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2009.

The magazine called Mission Hill "one of the most impressive wineries anywhere," citing the estate's amphitheater, 12-story bell tower, cooking classes, and the Chagall tapestry in the private dining room.

The property is worth $35 million, and von Mandl has invested over $26 million in it, according to Travel + Leisure.



William and Kate's visit wasn't the first time that von Mandl has received attention from royalty.

Von Mandl was awarded medals during Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, according to Canada's Governor General.

He also received the Order of Canada, the country's second-highest honor, for his contributions to Canada's wine industry in 2016, according to Canada's Governor General.



Von Mandl's wife, Debra Gibson von Mandl, is a licensed acupuncturist.

Debra, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, has practiced acupuncture in Vancouver since 1996, according to her website. She uses Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique to treat patients with severe allergies with a 90% success rate, she told The Globe and Mail in 2002.

The couple has a son named Anthony Sebastian, according to von Mandl's biography on his former primary school's website.



The family lives in Vancouver's exclusive Point Grey neighborhood, which several other billionaires call home.

In 2017, The Globe and Mail's Brent Jang described the area as "a scenic street where many of the most expensive properties in British Columbia are located."

The von Mandl's neighbors include billionaire philanthropists Hassan and Nezhat Khosrowshahi, the aunt and uncle of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, according to The Globe and Mail. The Khosrowshahis' property is worth $45.7 million, The Globe and Mail reported in 2017.

A 21,977-square-foot home on the von Mandl's street — 4743 Belmont Avenue — is currently on the market for over $43 million, according to Sotheby's Realty. That home features a private elevator, indoor pool, wine cellar, library, and 1.23 acres of land, the listing shows.

Billionaire Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson lives in the most expensive house in British Columbia on a nearby street, according to The Globe and Mail.



The rise of David Dobrik, a 23-year-old YouTuber worth over $7 million who got his start making 6-second videos

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A 23-year-old YouTuber by the name of David Dobrik was recently named Generation Z's favorite social media personality in a survey from financial analyst firm Piper Jaffray.

If you're not a teen, it's possible you've never heard of the star. He's a celebrity that's risen to fame thanks to social media: He got launched into the spotlight on the video-sharing app Vine, and has since turned to YouTube, where he has more than 14 million subscribers.

Now, Dobrik has turned his empire into a net worth estimated at $7 million. His elaborate stunts and vlogs have earned him movie roles, a gig hosting the Teen Choice Awards, and a loyal fanbase.

Here's everything you need to know about David Dobrik, a Vine star-turned-YouTuber:

SEE ALSO: People are mourning the loss of Instagram's Following tab, which let users snoop on partners and keep tabs on celebrities

David Dobrik was born in Kosice, Slovakia, on July 23, 1996. He has three siblings named Ester, Sarah, and Toby.

Source: Famous Birthdays



Dobrik and his family immigrated to a suburb of Chicago when Dobrik was 6 years old. He attended Vernon Hills High School, where he played tennis.

Source: Famous Birthdays, Chicago Tribune



Because he moved to the US when he was 6, Dobrik is protected from deportation under the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, that allows undocumented minors to live and work in the country. However, under President Donald Trump, those protections could be revoked.

Source: Tubefilter



After Dobrik graduated high school, his parents gave him a choice: go to college or move out. Dobrik chose to move to Los Angeles in 2013 with a few of his friends, and the group struggled to survive on cheap groceries like peanut butter and bread.

Source: Forbes



Around this time, Dobrik discovered an app called Vine, where users could create short six-second looping videos to share with others. He started out running a few different sports accounts from which he would upload sports highlights and clips. At that point, Dobrik estimates he was making $1,500 to $2,000 a month.

Source: Forbes



But Dobrik soon transitioned over to creating comedic Vine videos. He started teaming up with other funny people on Vine — a group that's come to be dubbed as the Vlog Squad. This includes other big-name former Vine stars and YouTubers like Scotty Sire, Toddy Smith, Gabbie Hanna, Josh Peck, and Zane Hijazi.

Source: We the Unicorns



As he continued to produce videos on Vine, Dobrik followed some of the platform's creators over to YouTube in 2015. But he couldn't afford to create elaborate productions and rent out massive sets like other lucrative influencers were doing in order to produce content.

Source: Forbes



That's when Dobrik met fellow Vine star Liza Koshy, who introduced him to vlogging — essentially, online video journals. "I really liked that it was a small camera and you could just record your whole day," Dobrik told Forbes. "I filmed my first vlog and I think it worked because I wasn’t trying to make it work. I was just doing it for my own enjoyment."

Source: Forbes



By November 2015, Dobrik and Koshy were dating. "Never have I ever gotten so comfortable being around a person as quickly as I did with her," Dobrik said on the couple's one-year anniversary. "I probably sound so repetitive talking about how lucky I am."

Source: Instagram



When Vine shut down in late 2016, Dobrik switched over full-time to YouTube, where he has two channels: David Dobrik, home to vlogs, and David Dobrik Too, where he puts his content featuring members of his Vlog Squad. Between the two channels, Dobrik has over 20 million subscribers.



Dobrik launched a podcast in mid-2017 with fellow Vlog Squad member Jason Nash. Called "Views," the podcast takes people behind the scenes of their vlogs and just features the crazy antics between the two.

Source: Tubefilter



Dobrik and Koshy announced in June 2018 they had split. They filmed an emotional video on YouTube about the mutual breakup, and told fans they couldn't be together because of personal issues. Despite no longer dating, the two remain best friends and still film videos together.

Source: Insider



Dobrik has turned his success on YouTube into big-screen gigs. He starred in the animated film "Angry Birds Movie 2," and hosted the Teen Choice Awards in August 2019 alongside "Pretty Little Liars" star Lucy Hale.



Dobrik and his Vlog Squad are known for the wild pranks they play on each other, and general mayhem wherever they go. Just this year, Dobrik married the mother of Vlog Squad member Jason Nash to successfully pull off a long-standing joke of becoming Nash's stepdad. The marriage lasted a full month.

Source: E! Online



Dobrik is worth an estimated $7 million. He owns a $2.5 million home in Los Angeles, which features an in-house recording studio and a multitude of cars, including a Tesla and Ferrari.

Source: Celebrity Net Worth, Architectural Digest



Dobrik has a full-time live-in assistant, his longtime best friend Natalie Noel. Rumors have swirled that the two are dating, but the two haven't confirmed that.

Source: Cosmopolitan



Dobrik is now a judge, along with Ciara and Debbie Gibson, on "America's Most Musical Family," a Nickelodeon singing competition.

Source: AOL



Here's how working in the sex industry prepared me to be a wife and mother

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  • Melissa Petro is a freelance writer, teacher, wife, and mother living in New York City.
  • In college, she worked as a sex worker. Later in life, when she became an elementary school teacher, she was forced to resign after administrators were alerted to her writing about sex work.
  • She says that working as a stripper and call girl prepared her for knowing what she wanted in a marriage — a partner who would invest equally in a relationship. 
  • Being misunderstood as a sex worker also prepared her for the hostility and misunderstanding leveled against mothers. And it helped her when it came to hustling to get all of the jobs of motherhood done, and being honest about what she was experiencing.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.  

People want strippers, prostitutes, and porn stars to leave the industry. But when we do, they shun us. 

The loss of my career as a elementary school teacher in 2010— when the media alerted school administrators to the fact that I was writing and sharing stories about working as a stripper and call girl prior to becoming a teacher — makes my point all too salient. Even though my competence as a school teacher was never called into question, I was humiliated in the media — all while parents who'd never met me clutched their pearls and clucked their tongues. 

Certainly, in the eyes of many people, sex workers are not "marriage material." They're unfit to be around young people. Yet, rather than disqualifying me, sex work prepared me for my life as a wife and mom. 

Four years after the loss of my teaching job, I met and married my husband. A year later, we had our first child. I am currently pregnant with my second baby. Though my life looks very different today, my past will always be a part of me. 

Working as a stripper and call girl more than paid for my education — it was an education in and of itself. As a result of my unique journey, I've learned a lot, including one big lesson: Mothering and sex work are two of the hardest jobs that a woman can do — and the ways both mothers and sex workers are compelled to stay silent about our realities makes these difficult jobs that much harder.

SEE ALSO: My husband and I have a 'family meeting' every week, and it saved our marriage after I became a mom

I knew what I wanted from a marriage

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted the kind of "normal" family I'd never had growing up. Then, in college, I needed cash fast while living as a student abroad: I became a sex worker, starting as a stripper while living abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

With that one impulsive decision, my dream of normalcy felt forever compromised. Yet, the actual job duties were surprisingly familiar.  

As a stripper, you get paid to do the emotional labor women are expected to perform for free. Men paid me to sit silently and listen while they complained about their jobs or talked trash about an ex. Working as a call girl was similar: Much of the job was emotional, rather than physical labor. The sex itself was not very different than encounters I'd had as a civilian. Sometimes pleasurable, it was much more often unmemorable.

By the time I met my husband, I was tired of putting men's needs first. I wanted a partner prepared to invest as much in our relationship as I would. I wanted a healthy sexual relationship. There's a stereotype that women don't enjoy sex as much as men do, and the men I met professionally often complained about their "frigid" wives. As a wife, I would have no problem pleasing my husband — but I expected to enjoy our sex life, too. 

I found all that when I met Arran. Unlike men I'd dated before him, Arran was relatively understanding when it came to my sexual past. With our marriage, I felt a certain level of social acceptance — until motherhood ushered in a whole new host of misconceptions.



I got used to being misunderstood

Sex work defines the people who do it more than any occupation. No matter the realities of our experiences, we are thought of as victims and as inherently damaged — either before or as a result of our profession. Current and former sex workers are considered a danger to society and unfit for serious public service. Stereotypes like these cost me my career. These days, stigma leveraged at sex workers threatens my relationship to my children

Without a doubt, the sex industry — and women who participate in it — are uniquely misunderstood; but modern motherhood, too, is cloaked in misconception. 

As author Sady Doyle observed for Elle, mothers are caricatured as either magical or miserable. We're either — as Doyle puts it— "the glowing, selfless Madonna who spends every minute in rapt contemplation of her child's perfection," or else we are "the harried, frazzled, three-days-without-a-shower woman who tromps through life in sweatpants covered in baby urine and milky spit-up." 

While mothers who work outside the home are misunderstood, stay-at-home moms fight their own host of stereotypes. As a stay-at-home mom, I'm painted as a lazy, self-indulgent woman who spends her idle days lunching with fellow unemployed mommies, or frittering away her hardworking husband's salary on shopping. The stay-at-home mom — much like the "high-class hooker" — is a lightning rod for class resentments, never mind the fact that I was as economically coerced into surrendering my career as I was situationally compelled into selling sex. 

Initially, I was bewildered by the animus aimed at mothers, but I've learned to handle the hostility in stride — just as I've learned to cope with the hatred aimed at sex workers.



I learned how to hustle

Prior to full-time parenting, I assumed it would be easy. Instead, fantasies of relaxed days spent introducing my infant to educational toys while baking homemade bread and beautifying my home, then working on my own career while he napped, failed to reflect my experience. Full-time mothering — like stripping and prostitution — is hard work. 

Thanks to having worked in the sex industry, I know how to hustle. When Oscar was still an infant, I could do the dishes, feed the baby, change him twice, make the bed, and fold a good portion of the laundry all before his first nap. My first year and a half of parenting flew by, a blur of momming and chores. It was nonstop eight to six, at which point my husband came home and we'd split the "second shift." 

Sex work taught me how to do it all while wearing the reassuring smile my toddler relies on. What's more, my former career helped me long ago get over any prudishness related to my body. Parenting boards are shockingly priggish, whereas I had no problem asking an online mommy group about hormone-related vaginal dryness. As an infant, when Oscar would act up in public, I'd have no qualms about whipping out a boob. 

I'm a good mom not in spite, but because, of my sex work past. I'm not perfect. No mom is — and we shouldn't have to pretend to be.



I learned the importance of honesty

When it comes to parenting, everyone's got an opinion on everything, from breast versus bottle to how much screen time a child gets (if any), and whether or not it's traumatic to let a baby "cry it out." Much like the issue of women's participation in the sex industry, the mommy wars have pit woman against woman, and mommy shaming is rampant. 

You'd think — having been unfairly judged my entire adult life — I'd have learned how to tune out unfair criticism. Instead, as a former sex worker turned momma, I initially struggled with fear that I wasn't doing it right, and guilt anytime I felt anything less than ecstatic. I had everything I always wanted, and so I often thought, I ought to be happy. 

While current and former sex workers are uniquely scrutinized, I suspect most women with children are far too influenced by the myth of the perfect mother, an idealization increasingly out of reach. We moms struggle. Yet anytime we express anything less than absolute contentment, we are told to "Be grateful" and "Enjoy every second" because "The days are long but the years are short and they grow up so fast." 

Moms don't want sentimentality, bunches of flowers, and brunch one day a year. Like sex workers, we want legislative victories that protect our rights and afford us more freedoms. We want freedom from pregnancy discrimination and more family-friendly workplaces. Give us affordable childcare options and tax credits to support full-time parenting, so that moms like me truly have a choice whether we return to work or stay home with our kids. In the meantime, we want commiserations from other women in the trenches and practical strategies for surviving the years. 

Most of all, give us space to make sense of our experiences. 

Over a decade ago, I found the courage to face society's misconceptions and talk openly about my experiences in the sex industry. These days, in spite of the risk I'll be cast as a bad mother, I am honest about my experiences as a mother. But for my provocative history, I am in every way your typical wife and mom: relatively satisfied, grateful, #blessed ... but also overworked and exhausted, burnt out, under constant surveillance, and yet utterly invisible, just as I felt when I sold sex.




The NFL should follow Ellie Goulding's lead in calling for the Salvation Army to take action on LGBTQ rights

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Ellie Goulding

  • Allison Hope is a writer and native New Yorker who favors humor over sadness, travel over television, and coffee over sleep. You can follow her on Twitter.
  • This week, the Salvation Army announced a partnership with singer Ellie Goulding, where she is scheduled to perform at the Thanksgiving halftime show at the Buffalo Bills-Dallas Cowboys game.
  • After Goulding was rebuked by fans for working with the Salvation Army, which has historically come under fire for its treatment and views of the LGBTQ community, she issued them a homework assignment to actionably help LGBTQ people.
  • Hope says that this is a smart business decision, and one that the NFL should follow. "Money talks," she says, and businesses should make their values clear. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Top singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding took a stance this week when she received complaints from her fans for partnering with the Salvation Army, long known for its anti-LGBTQ stance.

Goulding is scheduled to perform during the halftime show at the Buffalo Bills-Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. The Salvation Army published a press release last week announcing the partnership with Goulding, saying the Thanksgiving event serves as the "sounding the call for Americans to donate to the iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which helps provide shelter and meals for the homeless and hungry, Christmas toys for children and social service programs to millions of people in need year-round."

An Instagram post on Goulding's page announcing the partnership with the Salvation Army received piles of complaints from fans who called out the organization for its anti-LGBTQ reputation. Rather than stepping down as a partner though, Goulding has publicly given the Salvation Army a homework assignment to improve their position and take action to help LGBTQ people in order to keep her (and do the right thing). She thanked her fans for "drawing my attention to this."

The Salvation Army has owned the halftime show on Thanksgiving for 22 years. Dubbed the "Red Kettle Kickoff," a roster of top performers have participated, including Reba McEntire, Selena Gomez, Jessica Simpson, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, the Jonas Brothers, and more.

When prominent brands pull their business because of anti-LGBTQ actions, it often works to both shine a light on a previously unknown issue and to pressure the entity to do better.

The Salvation Army, despite its prominent budget, countless red buckets on street corners, and collection bins in corporate offices, has a long and well-documented history of being anti-LGBTQ. In 2001, they asked that religious charities receiving federal funding be exempt from local laws that barred LGBTQ discrimination. At the time, they specified they wanted a regulation that ensured they wouldn't have to ordain "sexually active gay ministers" or provide employees' same-sex partners with benefits. They have demanded celibacy from gay employees.

For a long time, the Salvation Army didn't try to counter claims that it was homophobic. But more recently, perhaps due to increased public pressure, heightened awareness, and a tipping point that has driven majority and mainstream support for LGBTQ people, they have come out to defend themselves. The organization has published several pages on its central and regional websites that discuss their position. They have, though, been caught speaking out of both sides of their mouth. A leaked internal document a couple of years ago showed them publicly saying they were LGBTQ-inclusive, but privately admitting the sanctioned exclusion of LGBTQ people.

Conversely, on the very same page where they are seemingly trying to boost their reputation by saying they are pro-LGBTQ, they write: "At times, The Salvation Army has joined other religious organizations in solidarity on issues like religious liberty and the traditional definition of marriage."

They also re-entrench their position on hiring other Christians at the possible exclusion of others of different religious backgrounds as well as LGBTQ people, stating, "this had everything to do with maintaining our unique character as a church."

What's more, the Salvation Army has slapped statistics about the disadvantages LGBTQ people face on their website with a "donate" button right under each stat, creating a false linkage between their veneer of caring for the community they have historically and continue to hurt, and dollars that will continue to fuel that hatred using the bible as an excuse. To their small credit, it appears they have extended their anti-discrimination mission statement to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and explicitly state that they now provide benefits to same-sex couples.

Let's not be fooled by this. And let's not fall into the jargon trap that some of her fans have. A host of so-called fans who don't agree with Goulding's stance have generously spewed epithets on her Instagram page, calling her a "liberal bully," among other things.

Ellie Goulding is not a snowflake. She is not acting on a whim. Her actions and her call for the Salvation Army to right their wrongs is completely in line with a host of perfectly rational, intelligent, and inclusive business leaders who understand that business decisions impact real people's lives.

Goulding is acting in the recent tradition of the people of the UK, who recently pushed out Europe's first Chick-fil-A because of the restaurant chain's anti-LGBTQ stance. She is in the good graces of PayPal and Ringo Starr, both of whom pulled their business out of North Carolina when the state passed a staunchly anti-LGBTQ bill particularly focused on transgender people's right to use the restroom. In fact, North Carolina's peddling of anti-LGBTQ laws that helped no one and hurt many ended up costing the state more than $3.76 billion in revenue. Walmart helped kill an anti-LGBTQ bill in Arkansas back in 2015, and Salesforce and other companies threatened to pull business from Indiana when then-Governor Mike Pence was ready to sign a bill that would open the door for discrimination against LGBTQ people living in and traveling to the state.

Many of these tactics worked. In our capitalist society, money talks.

Ellie Goulding is a business person. She is making a smart business decision. The NFL should take a page from Goulding's book and back her up. So too should all of the businesses that partner with the Salvation Army as a matter of habit and history, despite their pro-LGBTQ values.

No one wants the Salvation Army to stop helping people in need. We just want them to truly help everyone, regardless of who they are.

SEE ALSO: 95% of LGBTQ travelers report having hidden their sexual orientation while on a business trip, with the most common reason being safety

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to delete a profile on your Hulu account on desktop or mobile

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Having multiple profiles on your Hulu account ensures that each of your friends and family have a personalized account tailored to their interests. 

Hulu allows you to create up to six profiles on one account. 

But if you want to delete a profile on Hulu, you can do so by accessing the streaming service's settings and following the steps below. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Hulu Basic Plan (From $5.99 per month Hulu)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to delete a profile on Hulu using desktop 

1. Launch your preferred browser and go to https://www.hulu.com/

2. At the top right, select the name of your account. 

delete_hulu_profile_1

3. In the drop-down menu, select Manage Profiles. 

delete_hulu_profile2 (1)

4. To delete a profile, scroll to find the name of the profile and then select the edit icon (resembling a pencil) to the right. 

delete_hulu_profile3

5. In the pop-up window, select Delete Profile, outlined in red. 

delete_hulu_profile4

6. A new screen will appear asking if you're sure you want to delete. If so, select Delete Profile.

How to delete a profile on Hulu using the mobile app

1. Launch the Hulu app from your iPhone or Android phone's home screen. 

2. At the bottom of the screen, select Account. 

delete_hulu_profile5

3. Tap the name of your account at the top to access the profile menu.

delete_hulu_profile6

4. Select Edit in the upper right-hand corner. 

5. Select the name of the profile you wish to delete. 

delete_hulu_profile7

6. At the bottom, select Delete Profile. 

delete_hulu_profile8

7. A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you wish to delete the profile. If so, tap Delete. This will delete all watching history and profile settings.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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Join the conversation about this story »

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How to share your Apple Watch Activity and send messages to friends during your workout

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Fitness is more fun with friends, and while getting those notifications and sparkling animations when you've closed a Move, Exercise, or Stand ring is already satisfying, sharing those achievements with friends and watching them meet their daily goals feels even better. 

For competitive types who thrive on a little healthy competition, you can also invite friends to weeklong challenges in which you earn points based on ring progress.

Here's how it's done:

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Watch Series 5 (From $399 at Best Buy)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to share your Apple Watch Activity with a friend

1. Open the Activity app on your iPhone. Make sure your Apple Watch is nearby.

2. Tap the "Sharing" tab in the bottom-right corner, then tap "Get Started."

How to share activity Apple Watch

3. If required tap the "Sign In" button and sign into your iCloud account. Tap the plus "+" sign in the top right corner to invite friends to share their Activity.

4. Enter your friend's name or choose a friend from the "Suggestions" list. Tap "Send" to send the invitation.

5. Once someone has accepted your invitation, you'll receive a notification on your iPhone. Their activity stats will appear in the "Sharing" tab in the Activity app on both iPhone and Apple Watch. You'll be able to view their Activity, and they can see yours as well.

How to share activity Apple Watch

6. To remove a friend, open the Activity iPhone app, tap your friend's name in the "Sharing" tab, then tap "Remove Friend."

How to send a message to a friend in the Apple Watch Activity app

You can also help keep fellow watch wearers motivated by sending encouraging messages via the Activity Apple Watch app.

1. Open the Activity app on your Apple Watch.

2. Swipe left to access the "Sharing" tab.

3. Scroll down and tap "Send message to all." To send a message to a specific friend, tap their name, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Send Message."

How to adjust your friend settings in the Apple Watch Activity app

1. Open the Activity app for iPhone.

2. Go to the "Sharing" tab. Tap on a friend's name.

3. From here, you can mute notifications from this friend, hide your activity from them, and remove them.

4. You can also start a competition, in which you earn points by closing your Activity rings (a point for every percentage you close your rings) for a period of 7 days.

How to share activity Apple Watch

Read more coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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How to turn off read receipts on your iPhone so that senders don't know when you've read their iMessage

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mac imessage iphone ipad

In addition to AirDrop, iMessage is one of Apple's most useful tools. 

The instant messaging feature allows you to conveniently send messages, photos, and files using data or Wi-Fi to other iOS devices. The feature also provides updates on when your texts have been successfully delivered and read by the receiver.

Read receipts can be particularly useful when you need to let the sender know that you've seen a time-sensitive message. But it can also be a nuisance if you don't want someone to know that you've seen their message.

If you don't want people to know that you've read their messages, you can turn off read receipts on your iPhone.

Here's how to do it in just three quick steps.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn off the read receipt feature on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap "Messages" near the bottom of the list.

3. Toggle the slider to the right of "Send Read Receipts" to off. If the slider is grey, then read receipts have been turned off.

How to turn off read on iPhone

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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The world's 20 best airlines for 2019

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Qatar Airways has been crowned the best airline in the world for 2019, according to the consumer-aviation website Skytrax. The airline moved up one spot from the 2018 list, when it ranked second behind Singapore Airlines, which placed second on this year's list.

The website ranked airlines based on over 21 million survey responses from airline passengers. No US-based airlines made the list of the world's 20 best airlines.

Read on to see how the world's best airlines fared:

SEE ALSO: These are the 20 best budget airlines for 2019

1. Qatar Airways

2018 ranking: 2

Qatar Airways also won the awards for the world's best business class and business-class seat this year.



2. Singapore Airlines

2018 ranking: 1

Singapore Airlines won the awards for the world's best cabin crew, the best airline in Asia, the world's best first class, and the world's best first-class seat this year.



3. ANA All Nippon Airways

2018 ranking: 3

ANA All Nippon Airways won the awards for the world's best airport services, the world's best business-class onboard catering, the best business class in Asia, and the best airline staff in Japan this year.



4. Cathay Pacific Airways

2018 ranking: 6

Cathay Pacific has received high ratings for technology and safety in the past year.



5. Emirates

2018 ranking: 4

Emirates won the award for the world's best inflight entertainment this year.



6. EVA Air

2018 ranking: 5

EVA Air won the awards for the world's best airline-cabin cleanliness and the world's best economy-class catering this year.



7. Hainan Airlines

2018 ranking: 8

Hainan Airlines won the awards for best airline in China, best airline staff in China, and the world's best business-class amenities this year.



8. Qantas Airways

2018 ranking: 11

Qantas won the awards for best airline, best first-class, and best business-class in the Australia/Pacific region this year.



9. Lufthansa

2018 ranking: 7

Lufthansa won the awards for best airline in Europe and best first-class in Europe this year.



10. Thai Airways

2018 ranking: 10

Thai Airways won the awards for best airline staff in Asia and the world's best airline spa facility this year.



11. Japan Airlines

2018 rank: 13

Japan Airlines won the award for the world's best economy class and the world's best economy-class seat this year.



12. Garuda Indonesia

2018 rank: 9

Garuda Indonesia won the award for best airline staff in Indonesia this year.



13. Swiss International Air Lines

2018 rank: 12

Swiss International Airlines won the award for the world's best first-class lounge this year.



14. China Southern Airlines

2018 rank: 14

China Southern is Asia's largest airline.



15. Austrian Airlines

2018 rank: 16

Austrian Airlines won the award for best premium economy-class catering, best business-class catering in Europe, and best cabin crew in Europe this year.



16. Air New Zealand

2018 rank: 17

Air New Zealand won the award for best premium economy in the Australia/Pacific region this year.



17. Bangkok Airways

2018 rank: 21

Bangkok Airways won the award for the world's best regional airline this year.



18. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

2018 rank: 19

KLM was founded in 1919. It's considered to be the world's oldest airline.



19. British Airways

2018 rank: 31

British Airways won the award for best airline staff in Europe this year.



20. AirAsia

2018 rank: 28

AirAsia won the award for best low-cost airline this year.



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