• Consumer aviation website Skytrax recently released their ranking of the best airlines in the world.
  
• Asian and European airlines dominate the top of the rankings.
• Airlines for North America once again struggled in the Skytrax rankings.
• No airline from North America cracked the top 25 while no US airline managed to crack the top 35.
• For the second year in a row, Air Canada was named the best airline in North America by Skytrax. 
• Delta finished as the highest ranked US airline.

Consumer aviation website Skytrax has released updated rankings of the best airlines in the world. For 2018, airlines from Asia and Europe such as Singapore, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Lufthansa once again dominate the upper echelons of the list.

Airlines from those two continents have taken the top spot every year since 2001.

Unfortunately, North American airlines once against struggled to keep up with the pack. In fact, no airline from the US, Canada, and Mexico managed to crack the top 25. 

The highest ranked North American airline doesn't appear on the list until Air Canada in 30th place. 

"We are very pleased that Air Canada has again been recognized as the Best Airline in North America by the highly respected Skytrax World Airline Awards," Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu said in a statement. "This is the seventh time in nine years Air Canada has been honored with this award, demonstrating our successful transformation into a leading global carrier."

No US airline cracked the top 35. Delta got the closest with a 37th place finish.

In fact, major players like United Airlines and Aeromexico both missed out on a top 10 finish in the Skytrax rankings for the best airlines in North America. 

The Skytrax rankings are based on the impressions of 20.36 million travelers from more than 100 different countries. The unpaid survey, which covered more than 335 airlines, measured 49 parameters ranging from boarding procedures to seat comfort to the quality of service.

Here are the 10 best airlines in North America, according to the results of the Skytrax survey:

SEE ALSO: 10 airports in America that passengers love flying into the most

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10. Hawaiian Airlines

Overall rank: 77

Why it's awesome: Hawaiian Airlines is a bit of a niche player as far as its position in the market goes. Even though it's among the most prominent airline brands in the US, it's dedicated to connecting the Hawaiian islands with the rest of the world. 

Hawaiian Airlines currently operates a fleet of new Airbus A321neo and Airbus A330 airliners. It's also phasing out its fleet of Boeing 767 airlines with new 787 Dreamliners on the way. 

See additional airline information at Skytrax.

9. American Airlines

Overall rank: 71

Why it's awesome: American Airlines is the world's largest airline. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier was formed following the 2015 merger of US Airways and American Airlines. 

American Airlines operates a fleet of around 950 mainline jets. 

See additional airline information at Skytrax.

8. Air Transat

Overall rank: 68

Why it's awesome:  Air Transat is a Montreal-based leisure airline. Founded in 1987, Air Transat's business is built around package vacation deals to 60 destinations across, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. 

For 2018, Air Transat was named World's Best Leisure Airline. 

See additional airline information at Skytrax.

• President Donald Trump ran through a brief history of American tariff policy during the early 20th century at a press conference announcing the updated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• Trump appeared to give a positive review to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930s.
• Most economists agree that the Smoot-Hawley tariffs worsened the Great Depression and were a massive mistake.

During a press conference meant to announce a new US-Canada-Mexico trade deal, President Donald Trump zipped through his perception of the history of US tariffs in the early 20th century. As part of the rundown, the president appeared to endorse a policy that most economists credit for worsening the Great Depression.

During an aside on his administration's steel and aluminum tariffs, Trump ran through the changes in tariff policy in the early 1900s.

"Tariffs ended in 1913. They then went to a different system in 1918, totally unrelated," Trump said. "In 1928, you had the Great Depression. For a lot of differently reasons. Not necessarily our country's fault, but a little bit our country's fault. Then in the 1930s, they said we better start charging tariffs. We need money to come into our country again."

Trump's assertion that tariffs "ended in 1913" is not correct:

• The US did ratify the 16th Amendment that year, which created the federal income tax and began to shift the government away from tariff revenue as the main source of revenue.
• The government also passed the Underwood Tariff Act that year, which significantly cut tariff rates.

But the larger issue with Trump's historical musing came from the president's commentary around the Depression and the tariffs that brought money into the country.

Following the historic stock market crash and subsequent economic collapse of 1929, Congress passed the Smoot-Hawley tariffs in 1930. The law represented a major increase in the tariff rate for many goods and was designed to help pull the US out of the Great Depression by encouraging US manufacturing.

But contrary to Trump's insinuation that the tariffs helped alleviate the economic pain from the Depression, most economists now see the Smoot-Hawley tariffs as a disaster that triggered a worldwide increase of protectionism and likely worsened the Depression.

Trump has defended the recent tariffs on steel, aluminum — and, more broadly, tariffs on Chinese goods — as necessary to protect US industries and bring money back into the US. Most economists estimate that the tariffs will end up costing the US jobs and hurting American businesses.

SEE ALSO: Trump lashes out at 'babies' complaining about tariffs, which he says led to the massive new trade deal with Canada and Mexico

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

We went behind the scenes of Monster Jam, the monster truck spectacular that performs in stadiums and arenas around the world. On a recent show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., we spoke with rising Monster Jam star Brianna Mahon. One of the few female drivers on the Monster Jam circuit, Mahon began her motorsports career as a motocross racer, but a hand injury sidelined her dreams of glory in that sport. 

While in cosmetology school, Mahon got a call from Monster Jam driver and instructor Tom Meents, who offered her a chance to try out for the company. Soon, Mahon found herself under the bright lights of stadiums full of cheering fans. 

We talked to Mahon to tell her story and she revealed what it takes to be a monster truck driver. Following is a transcript of the video. 

Narrator: This is Monster Jam, the monster truck spectacular that electrifies audiences in stadiums and arenas around the world. These drivers put their lives on the line every time they suit up, but thanks to extreme safety precautions, they often walk away unscathed after even the most intense accidents. One of the sport's rising stars is probably not who you'd imagine would behind the wheel of a monster truck.

Brianna Mahon: My name is Brianna Mahon, I'm the driver of the brand new Whiplash Monster Jam truck.

Narrator: Brianna Mahon may not look like your typical Monster Jam driver, but she definitely drives like one. 

Mahon: I'm out here in a male world, you know, dominating for the females, and to have a truck that stands out so brightly against everybody else's, it's such an honor.

Narrator: Brianna Mahon's need for speed evolved on the motocross track.

Mahon: I was born into the fast lane and I never left. We were in a male-dominated sport and the men didn't really want us there. They felt that we were a threat because we were faster than them. And, I mean I remember sitting on a line and the guy next to me, his dad would hit him in the back of the shoulder and say, "You better take that girl out. Don't let her beat you."

Narrator: An injury to one of her hands brought Mahon's motocross career to an end.

Mahon: In 2014, I was sitting in cosmetology school and kinda got a phone call from Tom Meents himself and he had heard about my background and thought I'd be a great candidate to try out. So I spent all of 2014 training and driving a truck and learning about Monster Jam. And in 2015, I won Rookie of the Year.

Narrator: But Mahon wasn't done with her career in the beauty industry. Today, she owns a hair salon in Illinois.

Mahon:  When I get new clients, I tell them and they're just floored. Like, "You don't look like a Monster Jam driver."

Narrator: Of the 83 active Monster Jam drivers, only 14 are female.

Tom Meents: Seeing men in the sport is, it's cool, but when you have a lady that rocks the house, that's epic.

Mahon: Honestly, it's an adrenaline rush that I just don't even think you can explain until you're in it. It's an awesome, awesome experience.

Meents: The women in our sport, they've proven they're just as good as the men. You could tell there was something special about her. Competitive, tough, and never wants to give up on training.

Narrator: The drivers get to hone their skills at Monster Jam University, a facility in Paxton, Illinois that's operated by Tom Meents.

Meents: They have a place like Monster Jam University where they can perfect their craft, get better when they're out there, and then they can bring their epic performances to the track.

Narrator: According to Monster Jam, each truck costs around $250,000 to build.

Mahon: Our trucks are 12-foot tall, they're about 12-foot wide and they weigh anywhere from 10 to 12 thousand pounds, 1,500 horsepower. Our tires are 66 inches tall. They're massive! They're like the biggest tires on any vehicle around. And, you know, it's just so cool to drive such a big beast of a truck.

Meents: They maneuver around the stadium at amazing speed and can fly over 40 feet in the air. They're 100% like engineered fighter jet airplanes.

Narrator: On a rainy night at MetLife Stadium these trucks were put to the test. Due to a lack of traction on the track, the drivers couldn't perform a lot of their signature maneuvers like full backflips and riding on two wheels. What the show lacked in fancy tricks, it made up for with mud.

Mahon: We have the best safety technology. We're fireproof head to toe, head restraint, neck restraint, we have 7-point harnesses that hold us into the seat, fire shoes and gloves, and we take every precaution necessary. And that's why you don't see the injuries in Monster Jam like you do in any other sport. Because we're head to toe, fully protected.

Narrator: The drivers first compete in races, followed by a freestyle round. There's no cash prize for the winner, the drivers are all salaried employees. Monster Jam wouldn't share specifics about the drivers' salaries.

Mahon: We're all hired contract workers, basically and we come in and do our job and get to go home at the end of the day. Awww, thank you. I get messages all the time of girls that say, you know, "You're my role model, I look up to you."

You can't put a price tag on that. We get to compete on the same tracks, in the same trucks on the same level as the men and that's really what makes it special and a really cool sport because there's nobody here pushing us down, everybody's building us up.

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• The Trump administration is being accused of limiting the scale and scope of an FBI investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. 
• Three women have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, but it's been reported FBI investigators are only pursuing information behind two of the allegations. 
• Trump on Monday said he wants a "comprehensive" but quick investigation, adding that he's OK with the FBI interviewing all three accusers. 
• Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents the third accuser, told Business Insider that the investigation is a "farce" and is being run by Trump. 

President Donald Trump on Monday sought to quell criticism over the White House's involvement in the FBI investigation into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, as critics questioned whether it set limitations on the probe.

Senate Republicans and the White House on Friday agreed to an investigation lasting no longer than a week into sexual misconduct allegations, delaying a Senate floor vote. It came after dramatic, emotional testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday from Kavanaugh and one of his accusers, Christine Blasey Ford.

But confusion has erupted about the specifics of the FBI investigation, especially in terms of which allegations are being investigated and who's being questioned. ­Judiciary Committee Chairman Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley on Friday said the investigation will focus on "current credible allegations."

What we know about who's been contacted by the FBI

Kavanaugh is accused of sexual misconduct by three women: Ford, college classmate Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick, a client of the high-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti.

• Ford alleges Kavanaugh attempted to force himself on her at a party when they were teenagers, at times covering her mouth with his hand to prevent her from screaming. She claims a friend of Kavanaugh's, Mark Judge, was in the room and aided in the alleged assault.
• Ford had not been contacted for an interview by the FBI as of Sunday, according to The Washington Post. Her attorney, Debra Katz, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider on Monday. 
• Meanwhile, Ramirez, who alleges Kavanaugh shoved his penis in her face at a party when they were both college students at Yale University, reportedly spoke with the FBI on Sunday.
• In a sworn declaration, Swetnick alleges Kavanaugh and Judge present at high-school parties at which gang rapes occurred. There are few signs the FBI is looking into Swetnick's allegations. 

Judge's lawyer, Barbara Van Gelder, recently told Business Insider he does not recall the incident Ford described, but has also said he will cooperate with the FBI. Van Gelder on Monday reiterated Judge's willingness to cooperate but would not say whether he's been contacted by the FBI as of yet. 

"Mr. Judge has said he will cooperate with the FBI and that is all we are going to say," Van Gelder told Business Insider via email. "As a former federal prosecutor, I respect the confidentiality of the FBI investigative process."

On Monday afternoon, however, NBC News reported a senior US official said Judge had been interviewed by the FBI. Van Gelder subsequently confirmed to Business Insider that Judge had been interviewed by investigators, but said his interview "has not been completed."

An ex-girlfriend of Judge's, Elizabeth Rasor, who has challenged his recollections, has offered to cooperate with the FBI but reportedly hasn't been contacted. 

And Charles Ludington, a Yale classmate of Kavanaugh's who's challenged the Supreme Court nominee's statements on his drinking habits, told The Washington Post on Sunday he planned to deliver a statement to the FBI detailing Kavanaugh's "violent drunken behavior" in college. 

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee wrote a letter to White House counsel Don McGahn and FBI Director Christopher Wray demanding that the FBI interview 24 people in connection with the allegations.

What Trump has said about the investigation

Over the weekend, reports began to surface that FBI investigators were looking into the allegations from Ford and Ramirez, but not Swetnick. The reports also suggested that the White House was limiting the list of witnesses.

"We ask that you confirm that the FBI background investigation will include the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick and that the FBI will perform all logical steps related to these allegations, including interviewing other individuals who might have relevant information and gathering evidence related to the truthfulness of statements made in relation to these allegations," the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats said in their letter.

Trump has rejected in recent days the notion he's "limiting" the investigation. 

"Actually, I want them to interview whoever they deem appropriate, at their discretion," Trump tweeted on Saturday. 

When questioned about the status of the investigation by reporters on Monday, Trump suggested he's open to having the FBI interview anyone with relevant information, including Swetnick.

"The FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," the president said.

"I want it to be comprehensive," Trump said, while also adding he wants it to be done "quickly."  

The president said it "wouldn't bother" him "at all" if the FBI interviewed all three of Kavanaugh's accusers, while also adding he'd heard Swetnick has "very little credibility."

Though the FBI takes its orders from Trump, he said he's being "guided" by senators on the investigation's scope.

The president also suggested Kavanaugh should potentially be interviewed. 

"They should interview anyone they want within reason. You have to say within reason," Trump said.

Avenatti says the investigation is 'a farce and is being run by Donald Trump'

Avenatti, who represents Swetnick, on Monday told Business Insider the Trump administration is "afraid" of what his client might say and rejected the notion her allegations aren't credible. 

"The investigation is a farce and is being run by Donald Trump. They obviously are afraid of what my client might say, which is why they are avoiding her," Avenatti said.

He added: "There are many witnesses that can support her allegations and we are prepared to provide those names to the FBI as we have been saying for a week."

Avenatti, who's perhaps best known for his representation of adult-film star Stormy Daniels and is considering a 2020 presidential run, said both Senate Republicans and the president are standing in the way of a truly comprehensive investigation.

Reacting to Trump's claim that senators need to provide him guidance on who should be interviewed as part of the investigation, Avenatti said that "Trump is talking out of both sides of his mouth."

"It's part of the con he is running," he said.

SEE ALSO: Trump mocks reporter during press conference as she asks a question on Kavanaugh: 'I know you're not thinking. You never do.'

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

No matter where in the world you live, it's easy to assume that Michelin-starred dining should be reserved for splurge-worthy special occasions only — and that even then, it may drain your savings.

However, this is no longer the case, and there are actually some affordable options if you know where and when to go.

Booking platform Traveloka conducted research into the 50 cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world— and it found that there are reasonable options all over the planet, starting from just $2.20.

In order to produce the list, the site used the official Michelin website for each country covered by the guide in order to find the cheapest one and two-star restaurants. It then ranked them by the price of an individual meal, whether it was an the cheapest main à la carte dish available or a set menu.

According to Traveloka, a meal at the world's most expensive restaurant — Ibiza's Sublimation — would cost the same as a meal in all 50 of the restaurants on this list combined.

Scroll down to see the 50 most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants on the planet, ranked by price of the cheapest à la carte dish or set menu, from most expensive to cheapest.

Note: All meal options and local prices are accurate as of June 2018, while all exchange rates are accurate as of August 2018.

SEE ALSO: The 50 best restaurants in the world in 2018

50. Dill, Reykjavík, Iceland — $109.50

The most expensive meal on the list comes from Iceland's Dill — and it's a set menu for 11,900 Icelandic króna ($109.50).

49. Galt, Oslo, Norway — $103.90

This set menu is rather high-end, but in the city of Oslo, 865 Norwegian krone ($103.90) is as good as it's going to get for Michelin-starred dining.

48. Mathias Dahlgren-Matbaren, Stockholm, Sweden — $87.50

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A modern Nordic à la carte dish from this Stockholm restaurant will cost you 795 Swedish krona, or $87.50.

• Attorney Michael Avenatti on Monday said the FBI investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh is a "farce and is being run by" President Donald Trump. 
• Avenatti is representing Kavanaugh's third accuser, Julie Swetnick, and said the Trump administration is "afraid" of what his client might say to the FBI. 
• Trump has been accused of limiting an FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh and excluding Swetnick from the process. 
• The president on Monday said he has no problem with the FBI interviewing all three accusers.

Attorney Michael Avenatti on Monday said the FBI investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is a "farce and is being run by" President Donald Trump. 

Trump and Senate Republicans on Friday announced they'd agreed to a limited, weeklong investigation in allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh. 

But reports last weekend suggested the Trump administration is limiting the investigation and excluding Kavanaugh's third accuser, Julie Swetnick, who is being represented by Avenatti. Swetnick alleges Kavanaugh and a friend, Mark Judge, engaged in "abusive and physically aggressive behavior toward girls" at parties in high school and were present at a party where she was "gang raped." 

Avenatti on Monday told Business Insider the Trump administration is "afraid" of what his client might say if she's interviewed by the FBI. 

"The investigation is a farce and is being run by Donald Trump," Avenatti said. "They obviously are afraid of what my client might say, which is why they are avoiding her. There are many witnesses that can support her allegations and we are prepared to provide those names to the FBI as we have been saying for a week."

'The FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer'

Trump on Monday said it "wouldn't bother" him at all if the FBI questioned all three women who've accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, but he also described Swetnick as having "very little credibility."

"The FBI should do what they have to do to get to the answer," Trump said. "I want it to be comprehensive."

Trump also said he's being "guided" by senators on who should be looked at by investigators. 

Avenatti dismissed Trump's comments and claimed both Senate Republicans and the president are preventing the investigation from being truly comprehensive. 

"Trump is talking out of both sides of his mouth - it’s part of the con he is running," Avenatti said. 

Avenatti, who has repeatedly butted heads with Trump over his representation of adult-film star Stormy Daniels, also said that people have been paying too much attention to one aspect of Swetnick's sworn declaration on the allegations and aren't getting the full picture. 

"People need to read the entirety of her declaration and not just focus on paragraph 13," Avenatti said. 

Avenatti was referencing the section of the sworn declaration that details the night Swetnick claims she was raped. The declaration does not explicitly allege Kavanaugh or Judge were involved in the alleged assault.

SEE ALSO: Michael Avenatti reveals client who is 3rd woman to accuse Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

• Mark Judge is Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's high school friend and was named in allegations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh.
• Christine Blasey Ford says Judge was in the room when the alleged assault took place.
• Judge claims the alleged assault never happened and said it wouldn't fit Kavanaugh's character.
• But Judge has come under scrutiny over past writings on rape, masculinity, and alcoholism. 
• Judge issued a statement claiming he doesn't remember the alleged incident and rejected calls from Democrats for him to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 
• Judge is cooperating with an FBI investigation into the allegations, his lawyer says, and has reportedly already been interviewed.
• The allegations against Kavanaugh could derail his Supreme Court nomination. 

The allegations that have upended the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have also opened scrutiny on another man: Mark Judge, who Christine Blasey Ford claims was also in the room when she says Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her as a teenager.

Ford claims that Judge laughed as Kavanaugh assaulted her and assisted him, claiming both were "highly inebriated" at the time. 

"Kavanaugh physically pushed me into a bedroom as I was headed for a bathroom up a short stair well from the living room," Ford said in a letter to Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

"They locked the door and played loud music precluding any successful attempt to yell for help," Ford added. "They both laughed as Kavanaugh tried to disrobe me in their highly inebriated state. With Kavanaugh's hand over my mouth I feared he may inadvertently kill me."

Ford said she was only able to escape the situation when Judge jumped onto the bed and the "pile toppled." 

Julie Swetnick, who's represented by Attorney Michael Avenatti, last Wednesday brought forward additional allegations against Kavanaugh and Judge. 

Swetnick in a sworn declaration alleged that Kavanaugh and Judge were involved the gang rape of girls at parties when they were in high school. She also claims they were present at a party where she was gang raped.

Judge denies Ford's claims

Judge, like Kavanaugh, denies the alleged assault occurred and has claimed such an act would be contrary to Kavanaugh's character.

"It is not who he is," Judge told The New York Times, adding that school they both attended instilled within them values that would've urged against such behavior. 

Kavanaugh and Judge both went to Georgetown Prep, an elite, all-boys high school in the Washington, DC, area. 

Judge, an author, filmmaker, and journalist, has floated some controversial ideas and opinions in his writings.

In 1983, for example, one of Judge's high school yearbook quotes read: "Certain women should be struck regularly, like gongs."

Judge has also come under fire for racially charged comments, and reports have suggested he used to routinely post images of young women on social media.

His social media accounts have apparently been deleted in recent days, however, but many of his writings are still available for access. 

Judge issued a statement after Ford's allegations were made public claiming he had no memory of the alleged assault and rejected calls from  Democrats for him to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

"I have no more information to offer the Committee and I do not wish to speak publicly regarding the incidents described in Dr. Ford's letter," Judge said in the statement.

Kavanaugh and Ford offered dramatic, emotional testimony on her allegations before the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday. Judge was not present for the hearing and was reportedly holed up in a beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware, at the time. 

Judge wrote a memoir on his alcoholism in high school, referencing a friend named 'Bart O'Kavanaugh'

Years after high school, Judge wrote a memoir, "Wasted: Tales of a Gen X Drunk." It chronicled his struggles with alcoholism while a teenager, painting his days at Georgetown Prep as filled with parties and black-out drunk nights. 

Judge changed names in the book to protect people's privacy, but he at one point referenced a friend named "Bart O'Kavanaugh." The character was described as someone who got so drunk he "puked in someone's car the other night."

Ford's lawyer, Debra Katz, earlier this month referenced Judge's writings on his alcoholism when discussing the alleged sexual assault.

"My client had a beer. ... The men were stumbling drunk, one only needs to look at the writings of Mark Judge — who was the other person present — to know that he wrote ... that they were all drinking so heavily that they would black out repeatedly," she said during an appearance on CBS "This Morning."

Judge once wrote an op-ed criticizing women who 'dress like prostitutes'

Judge, who has written opinion pieces for an array of publications, including The Daily Caller, in November 2013 wrote an article about rape for the online magazine Acculturated that has come under scrutiny in light of Ford's allegations. 

"Feminists argue that no means no, and that men need to understand that," Judge wrote at the time. "There’s never any excuse to rape, a crime that I think is almost akin to murder because the rapist kills a part of the human soul. And yet what women wear and their body language also send signals about their sexuality."

Judge went on to say that women who "dress like prostitutes" send out certain signals and use their bodies for "cheap theatrics." 

In a separate article written by Judge for SpliceToday in September 2015, he argued it's good for young men to understand that "no means no" but also said there's an "ambiguous middle ground" in which a woman seems interested and a man must "prove himself to her."

"If that man is any kind of man, he’ll allow himself to feel the awesome power, the wonderful beauty, of uncontrollable male passion," Judge added. 

Judge once said Barack Obama is 'the first female president'

In an August 2013 op-ed for the Daily Caller, Judge also offered some of his views on masculinity and suggested former first lady Michelle Obama was the real "man" in her relationship with then-President Barack Obama. In this context, Judge expressed a longing for the days former President George W. Bush was in the White House. 

"Barack Obama is the first female president," Judge wrote.

"With her love of violent movies, her fixation on fitness, and death glare that appears when she doesn’t like what she’s hearing, Michelle is actually more man than her husband," Judge added. "Oh for the days when President George W. Bush gave his wife Laura a loving but firm pat on the backside in public. The man knew who was boss."

Judge is cooperating with an FBI investigation after refusing to testify

Judge didn't respond to repeated requests from Business Insider for an interview.

But his attorney, Barbara Van Gelder, recently told Business Insider that Judge does not recall the events described by Ford in her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday.

On Monday, Van Gelder said that Judge plans to cooperate with an FBI investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, which was authorized by the White House last Friday and will last no longer than a week. 

"Mr. Judge has said he will cooperate with the FBI and that is all we are going to say," Van Gelder told Business Insider via email. "As a former federal prosecutor, I respect the confidentiality of the FBI investigative process."

Later on Monday, reports began to leak Judge had already spoken with the FBI. Van Gelder confirmed to Business Insider Judge had been interviewed by investigators but said his interview "has not been completed."

SEE ALSO: 'Dems and their usual nonsense': Donald Trump Jr. mocks Kavanaugh accuser in Instagram post

DON'T MISS: Michael Avenatti says the Kavanaugh FBI investigation is a 'farce and is being run by Donald Trump'

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

• The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2019 was revealed at a live event in London on Monday.
• Six restaurants were given stars for the first time, while five lost their place on the list entirely.
• Scroll down to see the newcomers — and the full list of London's Michelin-starred restaurants.

The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland has been revealed for 2019 — and six new London restaurants have made the list for the first time.

The awards, which took place at London's Odeon BFI Imax on Monday, also saw five eateries lose their star and be struck off the list completely.

Here are London's six new Michelin-starred restaurants for 2019:

Brat, Shoreditch

This Redchurch Street restaurant from Tomos Parry opened just six months ago, and is named after a colloquial term for "turbot."

Brat draws on Parry's Welsh heritage —and also has influence from the Basque region of Northern Spain, where they speak Welsh — with "a menu favouring seasonal British produce, cooked on an open firewood grill," according to the restaurant.

Ikoyi, St James's

Ikoyi, which opened in July 2017, is headed up by co-founders Jeremy Chan (head chef) and Iré Hassan-Odukale (restaurant director).

It's a "platform on which to showcase their strong, bold menus that celebrate seasonality with a sense of drama," according to the restaurant. Think rich spices and "a contrast of elegance and balance, married with the fearless enjoyment of the taste and flavours of the season."

Sabor, Mayfair

Founded by Nieves Barragan and José Etura, according to its website, Sabor (meaning flavour in Spanish), "takes you on a journey from the tapas bars of Andalucía through to the asadors of Castile and the seafood restaurants of Galicia."

It's made up of three areas — The Counter and bar on the ground floor, and the El Asador on the first floor.

Hide, Mayfair

Less than six months after opening, Mayfair's Hide, from executive chef and co-owner Ollie Dabbous, has been awarded a Michelin star — though it's not a first for Dabbous, who won one for his restaurant of the same name (Dabbous) in 2012.

A joint venture between Dabbous and Hedonism wines, Hide boasts "seasonal dishes created with restraint and finesse, whether for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner" as well as "the UK's most comprehensive wine list," according to the restaurant.

Set over three floors, it also offers some pretty amazing views over Green Park.

Leroy, Shoreditch

The team behind Ellory, which received a Michelin star in the 2017 guide before closing down in March 2018, have now received a star for this new wine bar and restaurant.

According to the website, the name is "one of our pet names from Ellory since many people were unable to pronounce the name of our restaurant."

"We aim for simplicity and flavour. Food that is thoughtful but not showy," it goes on. "Leroy is a place to stop in for a glass or to share several plates of food, charcuterie, cheese and crudo with a bottle or two of wine. Anything from the classics to the crazy."

Roganic, Marylebone

First opened as a two-year pop-up in 2011, Roganic brings "elements" of Simon Rogan's two-Michelin-starred Lake District restaurant L'Enclume to London.

Its website calls the menu "forward-thinking and imaginative, using only the freshest and most exceptional array of produce from the best suppliers around the country, including Simon's 'Our Farm' in The Lake District."

The full list of London's Michelin-starred restaurants for 2019:

TWO STARS

Core by Clare Smyth* (previously one-Michelin-starred)

Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs* (previously one starred)

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Le Gavroche

The Greenhouse

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

The Ledbury

Sketch (The Lecture Room and Library)

Umu

ONE STAR

Alyn Williams at The Westbury

Amaya

Angler

Aquavit

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

A. Wong

Barrafina (Soho)

Benares

Bonhams

Brat* (new to list)

Celeste

Chez Bruce

City Social

Clove Club

Club Gascon

Le Dame de Pic

Elystan Street

Fera at Claridge’s

Five Fields

Galvin La Chapelle

Galvin at Windows

The Glasshouse

The Goring (Dining Room)

Gymkhana

Hakkasan Hanway Place

Hakkasan Mayfair

Harwood Arms

Hedone

Hide* (new to list)

Ikoyi* (new to list)

Kai

Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs

Kitchen W8

Leroy* (new to list)

Locanda Locatelli

Lyle’s

Marcus* (previously two-Michelin-starred)

Murano

The Ninth

Petrus

Pied a Terre

Pollen Street Social

Portland

Quilon

Roganic* (new to list)

Ritz Restaurant

River Cafe

Sabor* (new to list)

St. John

Seven Park Place

Social Eating house

The Square

Story

Texture

Trinity

Trishna

La Trompette

Veeraswamy

Yauatcha Soho

Restaurants knocked off the list:

Ametsa with Arzak Instruction

Jamavar

Lima Fitzrovia

Outlaw’s at The Capital

Tamarind

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 50 cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world

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NOW WATCH: One bite from this tick could ruin red meat for the rest of your life

• The low-cost Danish carrier Primera Air declared bankruptcy and shut down all operations on Monday.
• Multiple passengers and crew members are stuck in foreign countries.
• Some say Primera Air didn't tell them about the collapse and did nothing to arrange their accommodation or flights home.
• People say they spent Monday night sleeping in an airport because they had nowhere else to go.

Passengers and crew members are stuck in foreign countries after the low-cost Danish carrier Primera Air ceased operations on Monday, and some are being forced to sleep in airports.

The company declared bankruptcy and shut down all its operations in a statement posted online on Monday night. All flight bookings with the airline are now essentially worthless.

Two flights scheduled to take off from London Stansted Airport to Washington, DC, and New York City were grounded, and at least one aircraft has been impounded, The Times of London reported. London Stansted has advised passengers scheduled to travel with Primera Air not to show up at the airport.

Passengers and crew members who had already traveled with the airline outside their home country are now stranded and must find a new way home.

Horror stories

Pavithra Selvakumar, a graduate student in Norwich, was due to fly home on Primera Air's Washington-to-London route on Monday night, she told Business Insider.

She said she had no idea her flight was canceled until she arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport to check in.

"I received no notification about that," Selvakumar told Business Insider.

All she recalls seeing were two signs on the check-in counter: one saying the airline had ceased operations and canceled all flights and the other containing a letter from the airline's board lamenting "a sad day for all the employees and passengers of Primera Air."

"There's no customer support here," Selvakumar said. "Literally no one. I tried calling them — there's no one answering the phone calls."

She said that she tried to book her flight home with other airlines but that all the ones she approached asked her to pay for a flight in full, which cost thousands of dollars.

"People who have money booked flights and left on the next flights," she said. "But people like me who are students — it's extremely hard for me."

"This is a special situation," she added. "Airlines should be compassionate to passengers."

She said she spent Monday night sleeping at Primera Air's arrival counter.

Eric Jetner, a passenger scheduled to fly from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to New York, posted a video of dozens of passengers waiting in the airport as authorities announced the Primera Air cancellation.

A woman who appears to be a cabin crew member with Primera Air also tweeted that the airline left workers "stranded" and "sleeping rough" in locations including Toronto and New York.

The woman, tweeting from the account @cocoflvr, said: "I don't think any help packages have been arranged for passengers or crew. The crewing office nor any company phone numbers are answering so we’re basically stuck here."

She also said she wasn't paid for September and suggested that passengers were unlikely to receive refunds.

A representative for the airline told Business Insider on Monday that the person could not immediately confirm plans for passengers left stranded by the airline because "all the employees of Primera Air are let go."

The airline, which had 15 planes in its fleet, started offering round-trip flights from London to cities in North America — including New York, Washington, Boston, and Toronto— earlier this year. Tickets cost as little as £99 in the UK or $99 in the US.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said passengers who had traveled with Primera Air would have to make their own arrangements to get home.

It added that it was not providing refunds for unused tickets but said passengers could file a claim with their card providers or travel insurers.

Primera Air's press office was no longer available for comment on Tuesday. A public-relations officer who previously worked with the airline was also unable to answer Business Insider's request for comment.

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NOW WATCH: This van transforms into the ultimate adventure vehicle

• The US, Canada, and Mexico reached a preliminary agreement over the weekend on an update of NAFTA.
• The overhaul, which will rename the trade deal as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, also includes a small provision that could make it more difficult for members to make free-trade deals with China.
• The deal could also free up President Donald Trump to escalate the trade war with Beijing.

While Sunday night's agreement between the US and Canada marked an important step forward for North American trade relations, the newly minted US-Mexico-Canada Agreement also contains a potential shot at China.

President Donald Trump's obsession with the US-China trade relationship has launched a trade war, with roughly $360 billion worth of goods sent between the two countries now subject to tariffs.

Chapter 32 of the new deal, which overhauls NAFTA, addresses the ability of members to enter into a free-trade agreement with a country that has a "non-market economy." While many countries are considered to have nonmarket economies, the most notable member of the list is China.

The USMCA text stipulates that three months before the US, Canada, or Mexico begins trade negotiations with a nonmarket economy, the other two countries must be notified. Additionally, any formal text of a deal with a nonmarket economy must be provided to the other members at least 30 days before signed.

The USMCA also contains a poison pill that could stop Canada or Mexico from entering into a deal with China.

"Entry by any Party into a free trade agreement with a non-market country, shall allow the other Parties to terminate this Agreement on six-month notice and replace this Agreement with an agreement as between them (bilateral agreement)," the text says.

In practice, this could mean the US could tear up the USMCA if Canada or Mexico makes a deal with China that it does not like. Given the tight links between the three North American economies, maintaining the USMCA would most likely take priority over a deal with China.

The Trump administration reaffirmed in late 2017 that the US considered China a nonmarket economy.

Late last year, Canada and China publicly flirted with the possibility of launching formal talks to create a bilateral trade deal.

The USMCA could also embolden Trump to take a harder line against the Chinese. Reports indicated that the Trump trade team was spread thin renegotiating NAFTA, working on a potential agreement with the European Union, and taking on China. By closing a major front in the trade battles, said Ed Mills, a public-policy analyst at Raymond James, Trump can hammer China harder.

"President Trump is racking up trade victories, which will embolden him to double down in his trade fight with China," Mills wrote in a note to clients on Monday. "He could use these victories to start building a coalition to join allies in the China trade dispute. We continue to believe the trade fight with China has more risks than the market is anticipating."

SEE ALSO: Trump lashes out at 'babies' complaining about tariffs, which he says led to the massive new trade deal with Canada and Mexico

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

• Low-cost carrier Primera Air shut down on Monday and canceled all its flights without giving passengers any notice.
• One woman in Washington, DC said she only realized she couldn't fly home when she arrived at an abandoned check-in desk with two signs saying her flight was canceled and the company was bankrupt.
• Another passenger in Paris filmed dozens of people being told at the airport that they couldn't fly.

Passengers are left stranded in foreign countries after Primera Air ceased operations on Monday and canceled all its flights without giving any notice.

The Danish low-cost carrier declared bankruptcy and shut down operations in a statement posted on its website on Monday night.

Many people who were due to take return flights home on the airlines said they weren't told about the cancellations until they got to the airport.

Pavithra Selvakumar, a masters student in England, told Business Insider she only realized she couldn't fly home from Washington, DC, when she arrived at the airport with her luggage — and saw an abandoned check-in counter and two signs about Primera Air's shutdown and bankruptcy.

The sign on the left announced that Primera Air had ceased all operations and canceled all flights, while the one on the right contained a letter from the airline's board lamenting "a sad day for all the employees and passengers of Primera Air."

Take a look at them below:

Selvakumar told BI: "I received no notification about that," referring to Primera Air's administration and flight cancellations.

She added: "I just came here and saw two notices that all flights had been canceled because the company had been bankrupted in the check-in counter.

"There is no customer support here. Literally no one. I tried calling them, but there's no one answering the calls."

The airline, which had 15 planes in its fleet, started offering round-trip flights from London to cities in North America — including New York, Washington, DC, Boston, and Toronto — earlier this year. Tickets cost as little as £99 in the UK or $99 in the US.

Eric Jetner, another passenger due to fly from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to New York, posted a video of dozens of passengers being told that they couldn't fly because Primera Air had shut down.

A representative for the airline told Business Insider on Monday that they could not immediately confirm plans for passengers left stranded by the airline because "all the employees of Primera Air are let go."

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said passengers who have traveled with Primera Air would have to make their own arrangements to get home.

It added that it was not providing refunds for unused tickets, but passengers can file a claim with their card providers or travel insurers.

Business Insider was unable to reach Primera Air for comment.

SEE ALSO: Primera Air passengers and crew say they're sleeping in airports after the carrier collapsed and left them stranded

READ MORE: Primera Air has collapsed — another blow for the struggling sector

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NOW WATCH: This van transforms into the ultimate adventure vehicle

• The automotive search engine iSeeCars.com recently commissioned a study to look at the used car industry. 
• They studied a pool of four million used cars that were 1-to-3-years old and had been sold between January and July 2018. 
• iSeeCars.com found that the fastest-selling used car on the market is the Toyota Prius C, with the Tesla Model S coming in second place. 
• The top five fastest-selling used cars are alternative fuel vehicles, with three hybrids and two electric cars making up that half of the list. 
• "The performance of hybrid and electric cars, especially the Prius, has helped consumers abandon their initial concerns about battery life, and this perception change has contributed to the rising popularity of these vehicles," said iSeeCars CEP Phong Ly in a statement.

The automotive search engine iSeeCars.com recently commissioned a study to look at the used car industry, where they found the best used-car deals out there. But the study also took a more specific measurement of which are the slowest- and fastest- selling used cars on the market today.

The study sampled a pool of four million used cars that were 1-to-3-years old and had been sold between January and July 2018. 

iSeeCars.com found that the fastest-selling used car on the market is the Toyota Prius C, a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact hatchback that debuted in 2011. Interestingly enough, the top five fastest-selling used cars are alternative fuel vehicles, with three hybrids and two electric cars making up half of the list. 

"The performance of hybrid and electric cars, especially the Prius, has helped consumers abandon their initial concerns about battery life, and this perception change has contributed to the rising popularity of these vehicles," said iSeeCars CEO Phong Ly in a statement.

The average days on the market for all used cars is 46.4 days, but the Toyota Prius C only lasts an average of 29.6 days on the market. That's over a two week difference. 

Take a look below at the full top-10 list of fastest-selling used cars compiled by data from iSeeCars.com 

SEE ALSO: Here are the 12 best used car deals for under $20,000

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10. Hyundai Veloster Turbo: 36.0 days on the market (average)

9. Honda Accord: 35.5 days on the market

8. Toyota Corolla: 34.9 days on the market

• Detailing is the process of deep-cleaning a vehicle.
• It's more expensive than a regular car wash, at around $100, but it's typically done by pros
• Once a year should do the trick.

Detailing.

It sounds so, you know, involved. Can't you just wash your car in the driveway as have countless generations before, or simply run it through a car wash once a month?

Sure, that would all be fine. You should wash your car about every month and wax it a few times per year, to keep the exterior finish in good shape.

But the daily grind still takes its toll — more so if you have pets, children, or use your vehicle for gardening/home-improvement duty or lead an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. You don't even want to know what three kids did to my Honda Odyssey minivan on a regular basis.

My argument is that it's worth it, once a year, to spend $100 to have your car detailed, and maybe more if you want a heavy-duty detail.

That just means in addition to a thorough exterior wash-and-wax, a professional detailer or full-service car wash will get down and dirty with the interior, extracting as much filth as possible. You'll be shocked at how new your old car looks. And in some cases, a mobile detailer will come to you, so you don't have to leave home!

I've chosen the $100 figure because that's a decent ballpark for proper detailing. You can spend extra for ever-more surgical obsessiveness, involving compressed air, Q-Tips, X-Acto knives, whatever it takes. The price just goes up.

But you also don't have to spend that much for less thorough quasi-detailing. This option will consume far less time. I recently paid about $30 to have my Toyota Prius washed, waxed, and more heavily cleaned inside than usual. The entire process ate up about half an hour on a weekend. I ended up with a quite tidy hybrid.

Ultimately, there are three main reasons to undertake this yearly or bi-annual ritual (if you opt for the cheaper treatment, which could also be a quarterly thing).

1. Your vehicle isn't gross and is, therefore, a more pleasant place to spend time.

You don't have to be a neat-freak to be depressed if your car slips over the edge into a Superfund site. Months of spilled coffee, scattered Doritos, and the simple churn of stuff will do it.

2. It maintains the resale value.

A sharp interior helps you get top-dollar for a trade-in or private sale, no doubt about it. And in an era when everybody shops based on internet photos, the cleaner the better.

3. You support your friendly neighborhood car wash.

I can get a basic wash in my neighborhood for less than $10. And I do. But every so often, it's a good idea to accept the upsells so that your local business can make more money and, you know, stay in business.

SEE ALSO: I drove a $77,000 GMC Yukon Denali to see if the massive SUV lives up to its premium reputation — here's the verdict

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NOW WATCH: An electric car from a startup company could outperform the Tesla Roadster

• The White House corrected the official transcript from a Monday press conference prior to accurately reflect President Donald Trump's comments toward ABC reporter Cecilia Vega. 
• The president on Monday suggested Vega wasn't "thinking" and "never" does during the press conference. 
• The White House transcript initially suggested Trump said "thanking," not "thinking."

The White House on Tuesday corrected the official transcript from a press conference the day prior to accurately reflect President Donald Trump's comments toward ABC reporter Cecilia Vega. 

Trump and Vega on Monday had an awkward exchange during the press conference as she attempted to ask him a question about sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. 

When the president called upon Vega, he suggested she was "shocked" to have been picked for a question. Vega responded, "I'm not. Thank you, Mr. President."

Trump replied: "That's OK. I know you're not thinking. You never do." 

But the White House transcript initially suggested Trump said "I know you're not thanking" instead of "thinking." It was corrected Tuesday morning.

Trump initially refused to answer Vega's question on Kavanaugh, though he later called on her again to address the topic. 

After the press conference, Vega tweeted, "A news conference means you get to ask whatever question you want to ask. #FirstAmendment."

Trump has frequently butted heads with the press and has often referred to the media as "Fake News" and the "enemy" of the American people.

SEE ALSO: Trump mocks reporter during press conference as she asks a question on Kavanaugh: 'I know you're not thinking. You never do.'

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

• Kevin Hassett, the chair of President Donald trump's Council of Economic Advisers, attacked the Goldman Sachs research team during an interview on CNN.
• Hassett was asked about a recent note from Goldman that estimated Trump's threatened 25% tariff on all Chinese goods could wipe out any earnings gain from the stock market next year.
• "I haven't read that report, but the Goldman Sachs economic team almost at times look like they are the Democratic opposition," Hassett said.
• Hassett pointed to Goldman's analysis of the GOP tax bill in 2017 as an example of the research department's alleged bias against Trump.

Kevin Hassett, the chair of President Donald Trump's Council of Economic Advisers, on Tuesday took heavy aim at the Goldman Sachs research team, which he claimed was overtly political and negative toward Trump's policies.

Asked during an interview on CNN about a recent analysis by the Goldman equity strategy team, which showed Trump's potential tariffs could wipe away from the stock market all the stimulative benefits of other policies, Hassett compared the analysts to the Democratic Party.

"I haven't read that report, but the Goldman Sachs economic team almost at times look like they are the Democratic opposition," Hassett said.

In a note from the Goldman Sachs team released Monday, the analysts determined the possible impact on S&P 500 earnings if Trump goes through with a 25% tariff on all Chinese imports to the US. According to David Kostin, chief US equity strategist, such a move would wipe out any positive gains for the stock market.

"Tariffs threaten corporate earnings through higher costs and lower margins," Kostin wrote. "Conservatively assuming no substitution or pass-through of expenses, we estimate a 25% tariff on all imports from China could lower our 2019 S&P 500 EPS estimate by roughly 7% (from $170 to $159), resulting in no EPS growth next year."

Hassett dismissed those concerns and pointed to Goldman Sachs' previous analysis that the GOP tax cut bill would do little to boost economic growth as evidence the bank's latest analysis was flawed.

"Their analysis of the tax cuts was really, really wrong," Hassett said. "And timed in a partisan way. Maybe they are trying to make a partisan point before the elections."

Prior to the passage of the GOP tax law, Goldman Sachs economists estimated that the tax law would boost US GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2018 and 2019. (The economists who wrote the analysis of the tax law were not the same who wrote the most recent note on potential tariff effects.)

While GDP growth in 2018 has been strong, economists say it's hard to determine just how much of a boost the tax law is giving economic growth and some argue that the effects of the tax law probably wouldn't have hit economic growth yet since most Americans have not filed taxes under the new system.

Hassett's comments also come as the Trump team has taken an aggressive stance at defending the decision to start a trade war with China. For example, the president hit back at critics of the tariffs during a press conference announcing the new US-Mexico-Canada trade deal on Monday.

"By the way, without tariffs, we wouldn't be talking about a deal," Trump said. "Just for those babies out there that talk about tariffs."

A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

SEE ALSO: An under-the-radar provision in the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal looks like a direct shot at China

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

• Business Insider spoke to the founders of luxury eyewear brand Taylor Morris about all things sunglasses.
• The founders, Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris, told us that it was key to wear polarized lenses when doing any snow or watersports.
• Light becomes polarized when it bounces off of flat surfaces like water or snow, according to All About Vision.
• This intense, reflected light is particularly harmful to your eyes, Taylor and Morris said.
• Polarized lenses contain a special filter that protects you while you're exposed to this light.
• Taylor blamed polarized light for a nasty skiing injury.

If you thought wearing the same shades all year round was acceptable, think again.

It turns out not all sunglasses are born equal, and some might just save you from injury when you're out and about, according to the founders of British eyewear brand Taylor Morris.

Founded by ex-reality TV star Hugo Taylor and his close friend Charlie Morris in 2013, Taylor Morris is now stocked in Harvey Nichols and gets worn by the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Harry Styles.

Business Insider recently caught up with Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris during London Fashion Week to get their tips on all things sunglasses.

Among their advice, the duo said that if you're out on the water or frolicking in the snow, it's imperative to wear polarized lenses.

"Say you're fishing and you're continually looking at water and light is bouncing up at you," Taylor says.

"That bouncing light, the way that hits your eyes, can be very damaging."

According to All About Vision, when light bounces off of certain surfaces it becomes polarized, meaning it travels in a more uniform direction rather than being scattered all over the place. This intense light, as Taylor mentioned, can be very damaging for your eyes.

"There's an extra filter within the [polarized] lens that blocks out scattered, glary light off reflected surfaces," optometrist Simon Allen told The Huffington Post Australia in 2016.

"It filters that light out and makes it a more comfortable light to view."

Morris adds that polarized lenses will take the glare off a surface so you can spot icy patches when skiing or ripples in the waves.

Pointing to a large scar on his shoulder, Taylor says: "This is because I was not wearing polarized lenses.

"I was wearing unpolarized lenses skiing and I didn't see, when I was going over a jump, the undulation of the white snow."

Morris jokingly interjects: "How many shots had you had before that, though?"

However, all jokes aside, wearing polarized lenses might just make the difference between safety and injury when you're in the great outdoors.

SEE ALSO: Inside the luxury men's sunglasses brand run by former reality TV star Hugo Taylor

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• Michael Avenatti, the lawyer known for representing the porn actress Stormy Daniels in her case against President Donald Trump, is now representing one of the three women accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.
• Republicans say Avenatti's involvement is proof Swetnick is politically motivated and are dismissing her claims that Kavanaugh was present while she was gang-raped at a party in the early 1980s.
• Some Democrats view Avenatti's involvement as an unnecessary "distraction."

WASHINGTON — Some Democrats are becoming increasingly anxious with Michael Avenatti, the anti-Trump lawyer circling a potential 2020 presidential bid, calling him an unhelpful "distraction" in the Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation saga.

Best known for representing the porn actress Stormy Daniels in her case against President Donald Trump, Avenatti is also working with Julie Swetnick, one of several women who have accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.

Kavanaugh denied the allegations during his intense hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday.

"That is emphatically what I'm saying — emphatically," he said. "The Swetnick thing is a joke. That is a farce."

Unlike with the other accusers, whose claims are now the subject of an FBI investigation as the Senate considers Kavanaugh's nomination, Republicans have dismissed Swetnick's allegations, in large part because of Avenatti's involvement. Swetnick claims, among other things, that Kavanaugh was present when she was gang-raped at a party in the early 1980s.

Multiple Democratic congressional aides told Business Insider they worried that while they wanted to fully investigate Swetnick's claims, they viewed the connection to Avenatti as an unnecessary distraction that only gave more ammunition to Republicans looking to discredit his client.

"Personally, I think he's kind of a distraction," Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told Business Insider on Wednesday. "I don't know him, but I think he's a distraction."

Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, who announced last week that he would vote against Kavanaugh, told Business Insider that Avenatti "wouldn't have been my first pick" to represent someone making such serious allegations.

"Do I think he's in it for the showbiz part? I hope not," he said. "It's too serious of a situation."

But Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Business Insider that Avenatti's involvement was essentially irrelevant because the allegations were Swetnick's. As to whether she finds Avenatti trustworthy, Feinstein said, "I don't know."

Avenatti has been very vocal in representing Swetnick, telling Business Insider on Monday that he did not trust the investigation underway by the FBI.

"The investigation is a farce and is being run by Donald Trump," he said. "They obviously are afraid of what my client might say, which is why they are avoiding her. There are many witnesses that can support her allegations and we are prepared to provide those names to the FBI as we have been saying for a week."

'I hope people will be highly suspicious'

Avenatti has continued in recent days to promote Swetnick's allegations and call for her to be part of the FBI investigation. Swetnick did her first television interview on Monday, sitting down with an NBC News reporter who said later that parts of Swetnick's interview differed from her sworn declaration.

Trump has dismissed Avenatti as a "lowlife" and a "con artist," while others have likened him to an ambulance chaser constantly seeking fame.

"From my view, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it just did," Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said. "The lawyer to porn stars has just taken this debacle to an even lower level. I hope people will be highly suspicious of this allegation presented by Michael Avenatti."

"I haven't even gone to Google to learn more about him," Sen. Chuck Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Wednesday. "It seems to me he wants to protect people that are involved in pornography and he's running for president. And I don't know what his motivations are. I don't know what his reputation as a lawyer is."

SEE ALSO: Here's an evolving count of which senators are voting for Brett Kavanaugh

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NOW WATCH: Inside the Trump 'MAGA' hat factory

There are a lot of movies to choose from on Netflix these days — but honestly, they aren't all great. So we have highlighted the ones worth your time.

In October, there are some classic titles you really need to watch, including “Blazing Saddles,” “Once Upon a Time in America,” and two Monty Python movies.

Netflix is great again!

• “Billy Madison” (Available October 1). Is it Adam Sandler’s best movie? [Checks notes] It is.

• “Blazing Saddles” (October 1). Dr. Samuel Johnson is right about Olsen Johnson being right about Mel Brooks’ classic comedy being essential viewing.

• “The Devil’s Advocate” (October 1). Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron give great performances — okay, Keanu’s accent is a little much — but it has Al Pacino going bananas playing the devil.

• “Once Upon a Time in America” (October 1). Sergio Leone’s epic look at the birth of organized crime in America is as masterful as the Westerns he’s known best for. And the movie features a young Robert De Niro, young James Woods, young Treat Williams, and a really young Jennifer Connelly in a flashback scene.

• “Rumble in the Bronx” (October 1). It’s not Jackie Chan’s best movie, let’s get that out of the way right now, but he still does some pretty amazing things in it.

• “The Shining” (1980) (October 1). Stanley Kubrick tosses Stephen King’s book aside and makes a horror movie where he comments on the genocide of Native Americans and reveals in the movie's subtext that he filmed the Apollo 11 moon landing. Hold on — I’m told none of those conspiracy theories are true.

• “Monty Python: The Meaning of Life” (October 2). The legendary comedy troupe use their unique style of to look at life in all its stages.

• “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (October 2). Get even more Python as the group spoofs the messiah by exploring Brian (played by Graham Chapman), who was born in the stable next to Jesus on Christmas day and is mistaken for him ever since.

SEE ALSO: MoviePass emailed former subscribers to tell them they'll be enrolled in a new plan unless they opt out, and experts are calling it "unfair and abusive"

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NOW WATCH: How actors fake fight in movies

• Mail delivered to the Pentagon has reportedly tested positive for ricin, a potentially deadly poison.
• The mail never actually entered the Pentagon but was delivered to a separate building.
• The packages were reportedly addressed to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson.
• The FBI is spearheading an investigation into where the mail came from.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines ricin as a "poison found naturally in castor beans."

Mail delivered to the Pentagon tested positive for ricin, a potentially deadly poison, according to a CNN report. 

The mail never actually entered the Pentagon but was delivered to a separate building — a mail processing system on its grounds, a Department of Defense spokesman told Business Insider on Tuesday.

The FBI is taking the lead on testing the mail and on conducting the overall investigation into where it came from.

"On Monday, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency detected a suspicious substance during mail screening at the Pentagon's remote screening facility," Pentagon spokesman Col. Rob Manning told Business Insider. "The envelopes were taken by the FBI this morning for further analysis."

"All USPS mail received at the Pentagon mail screening facility yesterday is currently under quarantine and poses no threat to Pentagon personnel," Manning added. 

At least two packages delivered to the Pentagon are suspected to contain ricin, and they were addressed to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, CNN reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines ricin as "a poison found naturally in castor beans."

"If made into a partially purified material or refined into a terrorist or warfare agent, ricin could be used to expose people through the air, food, or water," the CDC says on its website. "Death from ricin poisoning could take place within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received."

Ricin has been used in terror plots.

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You would never think of throwing your hard earned cash away in the trash, but that’s essentially what many of us end up doing every day without even realizing it.

It’s easier to spend more money than you think — like signing up for a “no-fee” credit card that charges fees after the first year, or a gym membership with astronomical cancellation fees. But, the good news is there are simple solutions to avoid paying more than you bargained for when it comes to your home, finances, travel, devices, and more. One of the easiest changes you can make is switching your wireless carrier to SIMPLE MOBILE. With SIMPLE MOBILE, there are no mystery fees, or long-term contracts, ever.

As with everything in life, knowledge is power. So, arm yourself with intel on the following mystery fee culprits so you can learn how to kick them out of your life for good.

1. Internet modem rental

Roughly two-thirds of American adults have broadband internet service at home. But what you may not realize is that if you use an internet modem supplied by your internet provider, you could be adding an extra $6 to $10 to your monthly bill for a modem rental fee. Buying your own modem is a way to circumvent this cost. While the investment up front is larger, usually between $40 to $200 depending on the model you purchase, the savings in the end could pay for themselves, especially considering the fees on a 12-month contract will roughly equal the cost of owning a modem outright.

2. Paper bank statements

In an increasingly paperless world, it’s no surprise that many businesses are prioritizing online portals and e-documents for customer service operations. Banks are no exception to this trend. Some charge $1 to $2 per paper statement to keep up with the increasing price of postage. To avoid this cost, switch to paperless statements. Going paperless is also a great way to streamline the payment of your other bills too, which is why SIMPLE MOBILE has online portals for enrolling with your desired service plan.

3. Car lease overage miles

The number of leased vehicles on the road has doubled over the past five years. The perks of leasing a car can be enticing — and zero interest, no money down, extended warranty — but there are other factors to consider. Many leases dictate a limit on the number of miles you can drive, and if you exceed it you could be looking at 25 cents-per-mile overage costs — which adds up fast. Read your lease agreement thoroughly, try to negotiate for a higher limit if you know you’ll be traveling long distances, and monitor your mileage to ensure you’re not hit with a big cost down the road.

4. Hotel mini bar sensor

When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to have to worry about anything. This carefree bubble can burst quickly when you check out of your hotel. While occupancy, state, and local taxes already add sticker shock to a hotel bill, you may also find a line item on your receipt for a mini bar restocking fee. Hotels use sensors in their mini bars to track activity —&but these sensors can’t distinguish between when you’re just browsing or when you’ve actually consumed something. Some hotels even charge a restocking fee for simply storing personal items in the mini bar. Make sure to review your bill carefully and dispute any charges that don’t add up.

5. International roaming costs

Vacation mode also extends to your cellphone habits, and when you're traveling the last thing you want to have to do is keep track of how many minutes or data you're using. Unfortunately, many providers charge per minute or per megabyte for overseas data usage, rendering the 'mobile' part of a mobile device rather oxymoronic. And the reality is these fees can add up fast, which is not what you want to deal with after returning from a relaxing vacation. SIMPLE MOBILE wants to change this, which is why all of the company's 30-day service plans have international roaming available for when you're traveling in 16 Latin American countries. 

6. Concert and event processing fees

There’s nothing worse than seeing a ticket advertised for one price and inputting your credit card information, only to get to the online checkout to see a processing fee added to the total. It’s a tactic many of the major online ticket retailers use to try and sneak in a fee right before you hit the ‘submit’ button. States like New York have introduced legislation forcing ticket retailers to include these fees upfront in the initially advertised price — but seeing as this level of transparency is not standard. Be sure to double check the total price at every step of the checkout process so you know exactly what it will cost to see your favorite band or team play.

7. 401k expense ratios

401(k) plans help you to plan for your retirement — but if you’re not careful, you could be losing out on thousands of dollars at your payout. That’s because of a controversial, but legal, practice of revenue sharing, in which you pay an asset-based fee to maintain your account. Essentially, this means that the more money you invest into your plan, the more revenue sharing will chip away at your savings. To take control of this practice, look into your company’s plan investment options and consider investing in index funds, which typically do not partake in revenue sharing.

Find out more about SIMPLE MOBILE’s no-contract and no mystery fee service plans.

Please refer always to the latest terms and conditions of service available at SimpleMobile.com

This post is sponsored by SIMPLE MOBILE.

^{Disclaimer: Please note, if you switch to SIMPLE MOBILE, you may be subject to fees from your current provider. International roaming is available only in the following select countries: Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and  Peru. These plans allow calls and texts within the select roaming countries to the US and other international destinations while roaming. Data used while roaming in select  countries will be deducted from your high speed data allotment in the US. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur in the U.S.  Device must register on our U.S. network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming or misuse. International calling while roaming is subject to the Simple Mobile International Long Distance Service restrictions. Other limitations, terms and conditions apply. Please refer always to the latest terms and conditions of service available at Simplemobile.com. For Auto ReUp enrollment, you need a credit or debit card and a SIMPLE MOBILE account.}

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