• The government shutdown is now in its 21st day, tying the record for the longest of the modern era.
• This is the 21st time the federal government has had a funding lapse since the modern budgeting process began.
• Most of those times, the shutdown has been short and not involved employees being sent home, but that has changed in recent years.

President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders have yet to come to an agreement to reopen the government despite talks continuous talks and as the shutdown moves through day 21, tying the record for the longest shutdown in modern history.

The trouble started just before Christmas when Trump's sudden reversal on a bipartisan funding extension forced a sizeable portion — but not all — of the government into a partial shutdown.

Read more:Here's what the government shutdown means for federal agencies and employees»

This is 21st time since the modern budget process began with the Budget Act of 1974 that the federal government has entered a shutdown or had a funding lapse.

On average, the 20 previous shutdowns lasted eight days, though they have been longer in recent decades. The six shutdowns since 1990 have lasted nine days on average. And removing the short, nine-hour funding lapse caused by Sen. Rand Paul in February, recent shutdowns have averaged 11 days. The longest shutdown in history, lasting 21 days, came in 1995-1996.

Most of these shutdowns weren't severe, with 11 of the 20 lasting five days or fewer, and seven lasting three days or fewer. By making it to the cusp of a fourth week, the current 21-day shutdown has now tied the shutdown that spanned from 1995 to early 1996 for the longest of the modern era.

Read more:The effects of the shutdown are only going to get exponentially worse as the fight drags on»

The current shutdown also bears some major differences from the past because federal employees aren't working. Around 380,000 federal employees are now on furlough, meaning they do not report to work or get paid. In 11 of the previous shutdowns, employees were not placed on furlough.

Sending employees home has become more frequent in recent shutdowns, with furloughs occurring during five of the last six funding lapses (the only exception being the short Rand Paul lapse).

Another newer wrinkle is the fact that this is just the second shutdown during which employees were placed on furlough while one party controlled both chambers of Congress and the White House, which was the case for the beginning of the shutdown. The other instance was the three-day shutdown in January 2018.

Additionally, with the changeover to the 116th Congress, which has a Democrat-controlled House, this is the first shutdown in which control of a chamber of Congress changed parties during the funding lapse.

The current shutdown also means the president has set some historic firsts as well.

Trump is the only president to furlough employees while his party controlled both chambers of Congress, the only one to achieve that dubious feat multiple times, and is second in total shutdowns for a president whose party controls chambers of Congress. Jimmy Carter presided over five shutdowns while Democrats controlled both the House and Senate, none of which resulted in furloughs.

The latest shutdown also moved Trump into third place with three total funding lapses during his presidency, behind Carter's five and Ronald Reagan's eight. Trump also ranks fourth in totals shutdown days for modern presidents behind Carter's 67 days and the 28 day mark shared by Clinton and Reagan. 

2018 also became just the second year of the modern era to have three funding lapses, tying 1977's record.

Here's a breakdown of all the previous shutdowns:

SEE ALSO: From airport lines to food inspections, here are all the ways the government shutdown is impacting the lives of average Americans

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

• The partial shutdown of the federal government is now in day 21 and has complicated things for several government agencies and services.
• Though all essential government services remain open, Americans may feel the shutdown's wide-ranging effects.
• From airport lines and food inspections to paychecks and parks, check out the ways the shutdown is affecting average Americans.

The government shutdown is dragging into its record-tying 21st day, with both President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders showing no signs of backing down.

With the two sides unable to reach an agreement on funding for Trump's long-promised wall along the US-Mexico border, the shutdown is now the second-longest of the modern budgeting era, which began in 1974. While shorter funding lapses have typically resulted in minor disruptions, the near-record length of the current shutdown is starting to cause major problems for many Americans.

Read more:The government shutdown is in its 21st day and the fight between Trump and Democrats is only getting uglier. Here's everything you missed.

While the shutdown does not close the entire federal government — Congress passed bills to fund some departments like Defense and Helath and Human Services — the closure does still impact a slew of agencies, including the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, State, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.

This means that the shutdown directly affects the families of around 800,000 federal employees who are either working without pay or are forced to stay home on furlough. But beyond the struggles that those federal employees are going through, average Americans who do not work for the government are also likely to see some strains.

Longer lines at airports, fewer food safety inspections, and a build up of trash in national parks are only a few ways that the government shutdown is taking its toll on typical Americans. We've compiled a list of a ways that you may feel the effects of the shutdown.

Tens of thousands of employees working without pay are in law enforcement departments including the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and the Secret Service.

• Read more:
• Over 1,500 federal workers affected by the government shutdown are asking for donations on GoFundMe to help pay their bills
• SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: Trump threatens to close the government for 'months or even years' to get border-wall funding
• The government shutdown is in its 21st day and there's no end in sight. Here's how Trump and Congress got into this mess.

Around 800,000 Americans who are employed by the government are currently furloughed or working without pay until the shutdown ends.

420,000 of those employees are deemed "essential" and are forced to work during the shutdown, while 380,000 are on furlough — meaning they are forced to stay home.

The essential workers will automatically be paid back pay when the shutdown ends, but furloughed workers will need Congress to pass a bill to pay them for the lost days.

Source: Business Insider

• Read more:

Senior Trump administration officials get raises during government shutdown as hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain without paychecks

Government agency says letter advising furloughed employees to perform chores for landlords in lieu of paying rent was posted by accident

Some government contractors could go unpaid even after the shutdown ends

Employees with the Transportation Security Administration were deemed essential and are currently being forced to work without pay, but the quality of security may be slipping.

A CNN report said "hundreds" of TSA officers were calling out of the unpaid work, potentially compromising airport security and increasing wait times to get through security at airports.

Business Insider reporter Benjamin Zhang reported that some TSA agents are even quitting.

Sources: CNN, Business Insider

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• The best dewormer for cats will be determined by the type of intestinal parasite your cat has, but it should be made with powerful active ingredients in an easy-to-administer formulation.
• Recommended by veterinarians for being both safe and reliable, Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer is the best cat dewormer on the market — if you can afford it.

You may not be able to tell just by looking at your cat whether he has worms, but Cornell University veterinarians claim that as many as 45% of cats have intestinal parasites at any given time.

In most cases, parasite infestations cause nothing more than mild to moderate digestive symptoms, but a heavy infestation can lead to weight loss, difficulty breathing, and even malnutrition — especially in kittens.

Fortunately, treating your cat for worms is easy and shouldn’t require much more than an over-the-counter dewormer. Dewormers for cats come in a variety of different formulas for cats of different ages and to treat different types of parasites.

To determine what kind of product you need, you’ll have to take your cat to the vet for a physical exam and fecal exam. From there, however, you’ll be able to treat your cat quickly and easily at home.

Lucky for you, we’ve done the research to find the best dewormer for cats. You shouldn’t skip a visit to your veterinarian, but once you’ve determined what kind of worms your cat has, you can use one of the following treatments to get rid of them once and for all. Best of luck!

Here are the best cat dewormers you can buy:

• Best cat dewormer overall: Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer
• Best dewormer for kittens: HomeoPet Feline Wrm Clear Drops
• Best tapeworm dewormer: Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats
• Best roundworm dewormer: ProSense Liquid Dewormer for Roundworms
• Best all-natural dewormer: NaturPet D Wormer for Cats and Dogs

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

The best cat dewormer overall

Why you'll love it: Bayer's Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer is well worth the cost for its safe and reliable eradication of a wide variety of intestinal parasites.

If you’re not sure what type of intestinal parasites your cat has, or if you suspect that he has more than one type of worm, a broad spectrum dewormer may be the way to go. These products are made with powerful active ingredients to provide quick and lasting results. Our top pick for the best cat dewormer overall is Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer.

Bayer's Dewormer is one of the top dewormers recommended by veterinarians, and it features two powerful active ingredients: pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel. This dewormer comes in easy-to-administer tablet form and is safe for kittens and cats ranging from 2 to 16 pounds.

Though it is expensive to purchase, it may actually save you money if your cat gets frequent intestinal parasite infections or if you find yourself treating multiple cats for worms.

Kitty Catter likes how safe and reliable it is. As a broad-spectrum treatment often used by veterinarians, this product has a low risk for side effects. The Idle Cat also notes that each bottle comes with 50 pills, which makes it well worth the cost.

Though this Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer only has a few shopper reviews, it carries a 4.7-star rating as well as an Amazon’s Choice award. Cat owners love how well it works, though there are several comments about the unpleasant taste and the price.

Pros: Veterinarian recommended, two active ingredients (pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel), broad-spectrum kills several types of worm, safe and reliable, low risk for side effects

Cons: Very expensive to purchase, not for kittens under 1 month or 1.5 pounds, some cats dislike the taste

Buy Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer on Amazon for $219.99

The best dewormer for kittens

Why you'll love them: HomeoPet Feline Wrm Clear Drops are safe for kittens because of the homeopathic formula that targets many kinds of worms.

Intestinal parasites in kittens are very common. They can get worms by nursing from an infected mother cat and could even be born with worms. Because kittens are more likely to be sensitive to chemical ingredients, you may want to consider a more natural option. Our top pick for the best dewormer for kittens is HomeoPet Feline Wrm Clear Drops.

HomeoPet's Drops use a homeopathic liquid formula to treat and prevent infestations of hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. This dewormer works by boosting your kitten’s immune system and digestive system to naturally expel the worms from his body.

The drops may also help your kitten recover more quickly from the effects of the infestation in a completely natural way.

Pet Life Today likes the easy-to-administer liquid form that is also non-toxic and virtually free from side effects. The reviewer also notes that it is safe for young kittens and pregnant cats. My Pet Needs That also likes that it is effective against a wide variety of worms.

With more than 500 reviews on Amazon, HomeoPet Feline Wrm Clear Drops are a popular choice among cat owners. Cat owners love the gentle and natural formula, though there are some negative comments about the long treatment period.

Pros: Treats and prevents four types of worms, natural homeopathic formulation, easy-to-administer liquid, safe for very young kittens, helps body recover from effects of infestation

Cons: Doesn’t kill worms but expels them, requires three daily doses for 14 days

Buy HomeoPet Feline Wrm Clear Drops on Amazon for $5.84

The best tapeworm dewormer for cats

Why you'll love them: Bayer's Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats are proven to kill tapeworms in a single, easy-to-administer dose.

If you notice small white pellets in your cat’s feces or you notice him licking or biting the area under his tail, he could have a tapeworm infestation.

Tapeworms are often passed to cats when they ingest adult fleas that have been infected, though they can also be transmitted through wild animals. As the tapeworm grows, segments break off and pass through the intestines in your cat’s stool. The best treatment available to remove tapeworms is Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats.

Bayer's Tablets are the top choice for both cat owners and veterinarians to tackle tapeworm infestations quickly and safely. These tablets come in a three-pack with each tablet containing 23mg of the powerful active ingredient praziquantel. This ingredient is effective against the most common species of tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis, eliminating them in a single dose.

Entirely Pets comments on how well the active ingredient praziquantel works to paralyze and eliminate tapeworms. Kitty Catter also notes that it is a very safe and effective formula that can be fed whole or crushed and mixed with food.

In addition to having more than 1,200 reviews on Amazon, the Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats also carry an Amazon’s Choice award and a 4.5-star rating. Cat owners love how quick and effective this dewormer is, though there are some comments about some cats experiencing diarrhea after taking the product.

Pros: Kills tapeworms within 24 hours, easy-to-administer tablet, powerful active ingredient, no prescription required, comes with 3 tablets, long-trusted brand name

Cons: Some cats experienced diarrhea after taking, not for cats under 6 weeks of age

Buy Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats on Amazon for $14.99

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link purifies, heats, and cools air for you. It automatically removes 99.97% of pollutants and allergens and can heat or cool a much larger room than its size suggests.
• It's not at all cheap (and there are cheaper options out there), but it definitely works better than many we've tried and is bound to last longer. 
• Even though its price is cringe-worthy at $449 on Amazon (it was originally priced even higher at $600), it saved me hundreds in electricity costs last winter.

This winter, my tiny two-bedroom apartment racked up a $500+ energy bill in one month. Our heaters were fighting the cold drafts (and, likely, improper insulation) and were coming up short. As a result, my roommates and I tried to find a not-entirely-miserable compromise between using them and just layering on sweatshirts and getting into bed right when we got home.

After we got slapped with the electric bill that could power a post-apocalyptic city for three years, we decided we needed to make a more permanent change. So, we started using the mini but all-powerful Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link. It shorted out our apartment the first few times because it was drawing too much power, but a cheap $20 investment in this surge protector solved the issue.

I'll get into the details below, but after we started using the Dyson Pure Hot +Cool Link our energy bill went from $500 to a small fraction of that. I wish that it was feasible to buy one for every room. 

It's a cringe-worthy investment at $449 on Amazon (originally $600), but, considering that was what we would be spending on one month alone to heat our apartment, it was more of a no-brainer for us than the average person. If you have more acceptable energy bill costs, it'll do the same thing (save you money) but the savings might be slightly more modest upfront and just as useful over the long-term. 

The Dyson Pure Hot +Cool Link takes up minimal room and provides maximum impact. It heats a big room evenly, takes up almost no space, looks much nicer than cheaper models, and has added features that are actually helpful rather than gimmicky, like voice-control, a 7-day schedule you can set, and a night-time mode.

If the features and long-term savings are worth $450 to you, then the Link will follow through on its promises. You will get what you pay for, and thanks to the excellence Dyson is known for, you can assume that it will continue to fulfill these promises for years to come (if you actually change the filter every now and then). If something goes wrong, Dyson offers a 2-year parts and labor warranty, and if you don't love it, you can return it easily for your money back up to 30 days after your purchase. 

My stereotypically tiny New York apartment has limited floor space, so believe me when I say that this little thing is impossibly efficient. I barely notice it in the room, but it doesn't look strictly functional like this cheaper option we considered. Our common space expands into our kitchen, main hallway, and our entryway, and the high ceilings and long, narrow space has always been notoriously hard to heat evenly. Anything small enough to fit would over-bake the living room and not touch the kitchen or dead zone hallway. The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, with its oscillation and long-range projection, doesn't have that issue. The awkward maze of rooms all feel evenly heated. For us, this made the Link worth the extra money.

The Link also has a night mode, wi-fi connectivity, app controls, and a handy remote, too. The app is easy to use and has helpful features I'm actually interested in (like air quality), and the night-time mode uses quiet airflow settings. You can set a 7-day schedule on the app and forget about it, letting the Dyson Link handle temperature on autopilot. You can wake up to a warm house and know that it will shut off when you leave, so you aren't wasting energy or money but you're never missing out on convenience. You can set a timer and literally walk into a cozy, warm living space.

It also works with Amazon Alexa, and you can use voice control for everything from increasing the airflow speed to turning on the night-time mode.  

While I mostly cared about the heating and cooling features, it's also wonderful that the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link also works as an air purifier. It claims to automatically remove 99.97% of pollutants and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. And whether you're aware of it or not, your household air can be full of exactly that, especially if you have pets. Thanks to the inclusion of new activated carbon granules, your Link can now protect against even more harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and napthalene, which can be commonly found in building materials and household basics. 

Right now, the Pure Hot +Cool Link bought new is cheapest on Amazon ($449), down from $600 originally. 

Buy the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link at Amazon for $449

This article was originally published on 3/21/2018.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Weddings aren't only expensive for the couple: usually, their friends and family also end up spending a surprising amount of money on the event, from engagement, shower, and wedding gifts to clothing and transportation. 
• With these thoughtful engagement gifts under $50, you can express your excitement for the couple and stay within your budget. 

A 2018 survey from Bankrate revealed that wedding guests spend an average of $628 on wedding-related expenses, including gifts, attire, and travel. If you're a friend of someone who got engaged recently, this number probably isn't something you want to be reminded of.

However, accompanying this expensive revelation is our own reminder that the utility and thoughtfulness of your wedding-related gifts matter more than how much you spend on them. The engagement gift in particular doesn't have to be splashy (save your money for the big wedding gift) and is more of a way to extend your initial congratulations. 

For a memorable engagement gift, consider something that will help them prepare for the wedding, an accessory to match the larger wedding gift they'll probably receive later, and treats or relaxation tools to calm them down before the big day. 

You won't need to spend more than $50 on these 32 engagement gifts:

A competitive card game designed for couples

Marital Bliss Game, $14.95, available at UncommonGoods

Perfect for competitive couples, this fun card game helps them get used to married life and encourages each partner to perform thoughtful tasks for the other in order to earn rewards.

Champagne-infused sweets

Sugarfina Cheers 3-Piece Candy Bento Box, $28, available at Nordstrom and Sugarfina

Pop the champagne...bears! They're probably going to be drinking a lot of champagne in the upcoming months as they celebrate their engagement, so gift them these gummies for a sweet, edible change. 

An assortment of low-maintenance plants

Succulent Assortment, $30, available at The Sill

Succulents last a lot longer than flowers, and are easier to take care of, too. The Sill offers these small plants as well as a variety of other indoor house plants to fill their home with greenery. 

First we scoured coast to coast to find the most famous book set in every state. Now we're hitting the books to discover the most famous author from every state.

Not all the choices were cut and dry. To qualify for this list, the esteemed wordsmiths had to be born in their respective states, but not necessarily live out their years there.

We considered the authors' fame in terms of ubiquity, literal acclaim, and financial success — and awarded bonus points if the author showed state pride by setting their works there.

Keep scrolling to read more about the most famous author from your state.

ALABAMA: Harper Lee

Known for: "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Harper Lee was born and raised in Monroeville, the inspiration for her classic novel's fictional town of Maycomb. The Monroe County Courthouse, where Lee watched her father practice law as a child, currently operates as a museum.

The University of Alabama alumna continues to live there, just a short drive from the Mockingbird Grill and Radley's Fountain Grille.

Click to buy her book »

ALASKA: Velma Wallis

Known for: "Two Old Women" 

Velma Wallis is a native Alaskan. Born in a remote village near Fort Yukon, she dropped out of school at age 13 to help raise her siblings after the death of their father. Wallis later earned her GED, and moved to a cabin where she practiced her hunting and trapping skills for over a decade.

She wrote and published her first book, "Two Old Women," in 1993, and it became a word-of-mouth bestseller. Based on an Athabaskan legend passed down from Wallis' mother, the book sold over 1.5 million copies.

Since then, Wallis has written other books, like "Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun" and "Raising Ourselves," for which she won an American Book Award in 2003. 

Click to buy her book »

ARIZONA: Jeannette Walls

Known for: "The Glass Castle"

Jeannette Walls' memoir examines her struggle as a child and young adult to overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. Her dysfunctional family were nomads of the Southwest, but the first place she remembers living is a small trailer park in Arizona.

A veteran of "writing what she knows," Walls more recently published a biography of her grandmother, an iron-willed Arizona cattle rancher, titled "Half Broke Horses."

Click to buy her book »

• Nobody wants to be thought of as a manipulative partner.
• In fact, if you think your partner is constantly tricking you, it's a major red flag.
• But according to a divorce lawyer, a little manipulation here and there can be beneficial to your relationship.

If your partner is manipulative, by always blaming you for things that aren't your fault and making you feel inferior, it's probably a red flag.

But according to divorce lawyer James J. Sexton, nudging your partner in the right direction every now and then isn't an issue. In fact, he said in a blog post on Psychology Today that some manipulation can actually make your relationship better.

Sexton says that in general, it's easier to change other people than it is to change yourself. This means that although we are conditioned to believe it's immoral to try and change someone else, and to love someone for "who they are," we should ignore these rules if we want to help each other become better versions of ourselves.

The traditional method used to be to praise the positive and punish the negative, Sexton said. But after watching his clients for two decades, he said he wasn't convinced. Instead, he said the most effective thing to do is both praise the behaviour in your partner that you like, and also say how much you like the opposite of whatever it is they're doing that you don't like.

For example, if you want your partner to be more spontaneous and adventurous, try hinting at it when they suggest going to the same restaurant you always go to.

Instead of saying "but we always go there," and "it's boring going to the same place all the time," exaggerate how much you like trying new things.

"Wait until your partner does something, literally anything, that shows some hint of the trait you would need to enhance in him," Sexton said.

"In this case, to get the restaurant result you're ultimately looking for, it would be something that has an element of spontaneity. Then praise your partner like you're praising your niece's performance after one of those atrocious kindergarten 'Holiday Concerts.'"

It's not dishonesty, according to Sexton, but misdirection — which is a "key ingredient to magic."

"But honestly, it's just a nice way to get what you need," he said. "It leaves you or your partner feeling a little bit better and a little bit more loved and appreciated."

In fact, if you try the opposite approach, such as telling your partner that you don't like it when they grow their beard, they will probably end up resenting the act of shaving to please you.

"You're not manipulating to serve merely your needs," Sexton said. "You do it to serve the greater union of the two of you. If you do it right, you make yourself happier, your partner happier (or at least no less happy)... and the marriage incontestably better."

SEE ALSO: Relationship experts say these are the 8 red flags to look out for when you start dating someone — and some are surprisingly common

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Barbara Corcoran on Donald Trump: 'He is the best salesman I've ever met in my life'

• Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reportedly told President Donald Trump that declaring a national emergency was the most realistic way to build the wall along the southern border.
• He told Trump the Pentagon would be able to help, according to The Wall Street Journal.
• A national emergency declaration has become an increasingly likely option for Trump, as a government shutdown stretches into its 21st day.
• Congressional Democrats have refused to supply Trump's requested $5.7 billion in wall funding, and Trump has refused to back down on his demands for a physical barrier.

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reportedly told President Donald Trump just months before his resignation in December that declaring a national emergency would be the most realistic way to build the border wall.

Mattis even told Trump the Pentagon would be able to help build the wall, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the conversation.

As a government shutdown over Trump's border wall stretches into its 21st day and shows few signs of stopping, a national emergency declaration has become an increasingly likely option.

Congressional Democrats have refused to approve the $5.7 billion Trump has requested for the wall, and Trump has refused to back down on his demand that the wall be funded before the government reopens.

During his visit to the US-Mexico border on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he would almost certainly invoke a national emergency if he can't reach a deal with Democrats.

Read more: Trump said he knows a border wall will work because wheels work, and the Secret Service uses 'really expensive' cars with wheels

"If this doesn't work out, I probably will do it, I would almost say definitely," Trump said. "If we don't make a deal, I would say 100%, but I don't want to say 100%."

The Pentagon has even been reviewing options for building border barriers, a Pentagon spokesman told USA Today on Friday.

"The Department of Defense is reviewing available authorities and funding mechanisms to identify options to enable border barrier construction," Navy Capt. Bill Speaks said.

Trump was also briefed on a proposal that would use a national emergency declaration to take funding from the Army Corps of Engineers to build 315 miles of barriers along the border, NBC News reported Friday, citing three US officials familiar with the matter.

The proposal has already attracted some criticism, since those funds were originally dedicated to disaster areas and civil works projects, such as helping Puerto Rico recover from the hurricane that struck the island in 2017.

It's unclear how effective a national emergency declaration would be, since it could trigger court challenges or prompt Congress to pass legislation to stymie the president's executive power.

Republican lawmakers have shown a mixture of support and unease with the prospect of declaring a national emergency, with some fearing that a future Democratic president could make a similar move.

"I don't want the next national emergency to be that some Democrat president says we have to build transgender bathrooms in every elementary school in America," Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz told The Journal.

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said he worried a Democratic president could similarly declare a national emergency over climate change.

• Read more:
• THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BORDER CRISIS: Experts say there is no security crisis, but there is a simple way to fix immigration — and it's not a wall
• As the government shutdown over Trump's border wall rages, a journey along the entire 1,933-mile US-Mexico border shows the monumental task of securing it
• One of Trump's border wall prototypes made out of steel slats can apparently be cut through with a saw
• 'The Daily Show' trolled Trump with an old video of him saying: 'If there's a concrete wall in front of you, go through it. Go over it.'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

• A marriage can still be considered successful even if it ends in divorce.
• Couples therapists say marriage is designed to help people grow — and sometimes they grow out of the relationship.
• It's important to embrace change in your relationship, instead of fearing it.

"Your marriage has one goal," Hal Runkel said. "Marriage has evolved into a people-growing machine."

Runkel is a marriage and family therapist based in Atlanta, and he was explaining to me why he's never attached to any one particular outcome in couples therapy. If the couple chooses to divorce after working with him, so be it. To him, that's not a failure on his part or on that of his clients.

Marriage, he told me, "is perfectly designed to help you grow up. It challenges your blind spots. Marriage will expose your selfishness. It'll expose your immaturity. And that's a good thing. It will continually ask you to grow in ways you couldn't have anticipated."

What sometimes happens is that one or both partners change so drastically that they come to the realization that their marriage isn't helping them live the life they want. "Making a mature decision in that direction may be the best outcome of all," Runkel said.

Read more: I asked a marriage therapist to tell me 3 surprising things about modern relationships

This is a hard pill to swallow, if for no other reason than that it's completely impractical: It can seem like there's no point in getting married if you anticipate growing so much that you may one day grow out of your spousal identity.

Yet based on the many conversations I had with couples therapists for this story, I got the sense that it's the resistance to the possibility of growth that makes a marriage, and life in general, even more difficult.

As Laura Markham, a psychologist in New York and the founder of Aha! Parenting, put it when I interviewed her (for another story, about parents with different child-rearing styles) every clash is an opportunity to "grow yourself." Markham added, "We don't get married so we can grow, but honestly, it's one of the best laboratories to do that."

Put another way, if you're so afraid of your marriage changing and then ending, you may wind up creating what you fear.

Rachel Zamore, a marriage and family therapist and the founder of InnerWell Integrative Counseling and Couples Therapy, in Vermont, told me that people who accept the inevitability of change tend to do the best in relationships.

"Being able to embrace circumstances and experiences of our lives as an opportunity for growth and development as opposed to something that's either making us unhappy or making us happy," she said, is a key to relationship satisfaction. "We can have more agency than maybe we realize."

A marriage that ends in divorce can still teach you about yourself and how you act in relationships

The internet has lots of treatises on how getting divorced doesn't indicate that you failed at love or at life.

On CafeMom, Mary Hawkins likened leaving an unfulfilling marriage to leaving a dead-end job: "It means you had the presence of mind to know that you were not in the right position, so you took the initiative to find something else and make a change." She added: "You know what is a failure? Staying in a marriage that is sucking the life out of you."

And on Scary Mommy, Ella Davis wrote: "The failure in my marriage did not occur on the day I filed those papers. It was in the effort I put in to avoid that at all costs."

The therapists I spoke with seemed to suggest a twist on the idea that divorce doesn't constitute failure because you're making the choice to end suffering. Divorce isn't a failure also because being in any kind of relationship teaches you something — even if that's how to be in another relationship.

Some people don't have the mental energy to address all the troublesome issues in their marriage

Couples' fear of confronting troublesome issues in their marriage sometimes manifests in waiting too long to seek help.

According to couples therapist John Gottman, cofounder of the Gottman Institute, couples wait an average of six years from the onset of problems before trying couples therapy.

"There can be a point of no return," Michael McNulty said, referring to when couples are displaying too much contempt toward each other or if they feel too hurt. McNulty is a master trainer at the Gottman Institute and the founder of the Chicago Relationship Center.

Read more: A couples therapist says 'marriages often die more by ice than by fire' — here's how to know if it's happening to you

When couples come to see him, McNulty said, he asks them fill out questionnaires that assess the strength of the relationship — and if he sees that a match is "difficult" he'll be honest about that with the couple.

"We really need to rebuild the relationship from the ground up to make this work, and it will take a lot of work to do that," he'll tell them, he said. "Then they choose whether or not to work on it."

The theme of "work" — and whether partners have the wherewithal to do it — is something I heard more than once from couples therapists.

Zamore also practices a new type of therapy called discernment counseling, in which couples on the brink of divorce have between one and five sessions to decide whether to stay married as they are, seek six months of couples therapy, or start the divorce process. She told me that often after several sessions of discernment counseling, a client will begin to understand how their marriage got to this point and, in particular, how they contributed to their marital problems.

Read more: A new type of counseling gives struggling couples 8 hours to decide whether to stay married

And sometimes they'll say to Zamore, "But I just don't have it in me to work on this marriage." She doesn't judge their choice.

Rarely do therapists explicitly advise couples to separate or divorce — that's a decision the couple has to make on their own. Rachel Sussman, a relationship therapist based in New York City, told me she'll sometimes tell the couple she doesn't think therapy is working and ask, "Would you consider making some sort of a change?"

Some couples, Sussman said, are "floored," protesting that they don't believe in divorce or that it wouldn't be good for the kids.

But some react as though she's just spoken the words they couldn't. "People are kind of relieved," she said.

SEE ALSO: A new type of counseling gives struggling couples 8 hours to decide whether to stay married

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: One type of marriage that's most likely to end in divorce — according to a relationship scientist

• Condé Nast Traveller recently released its 2019 Gold List ranking of the best hotels in the world.
• Of the 78 best hotels selected by the editors, 27 hotels are located in Europe.
• Italy swept the rankings with eight hotels, followed by France with four hotels.
• London was the most represented city with three hotels between the Kensington and Covent Garden areas alone.

This year, Condé Nast Traveller featured 78 hotels on their 2019 Gold List, including 27 European hotels.

The best hotels in Europe range from a farmhouse in the English countryside to an oceanfront resort with private pools on the Greek islands.

Italy accounts for the biggest chunk of top-ranking hotels, tallying eight hotels across the country. The majority of these hotels are on the water, whether lakeside in the Monte Baldo mountains, canal-side in Venice, or seaside along the Amalfi Coast.

Read more: Luxury hotels around the world have private rooms that are so elite they're not even listed online — and some are available only via email booking

The hotels are scattered across Europe and represent a large range of prices, from $250 per night for a hotel in Mallorca up to $2,600 per night at an exclusive spot in Iceland. Many of these luxury hotels have been Gold List and Readers’ Choice winners in the past, such as Sweden's Ett Hem and Italy's Le Sirenuse.

Keep reading to learn more about the best hotels in Europe. We noted prices for rooms booked one month in advance or the first available date.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best hotels in America that every traveler needs to visit in 2019

The Kensington, London, UK

Rates starting at: $270/night

Claridge's, London, UK

Rates starting at: $1,340/night

Covent Garden Hotel, London, UK

Rates starting at: $440/night

• Miami International Airport is shutting down one of its terminals for parts of this weekend because of a shortage of available screeners at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
• Concourse G is scheduled to shut down after 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The terminal and its 15 gates will reopen each morning.
• Concourse G, which serves several airlines including United, will have its flights relocated to either Concourse F or Concourse H.
• TSA screeners have been working unpaid during the government shutdown, leading many to call out or even quit.

Miami International Airport is shutting down one of its terminals for parts of this weekend because of a shortage of available screeners at security checkpoints.

"As a precautionary measure due to uncertainties created by the lapse in federal government funding, some passengers at Miami International Airport may experience changes to their security checkpoint and departure gate this weekend," the airport announced on its website.

This includes the planned shutdown of Concourse G after 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The terminal and its 15 gates will reopen each morning.

Concourse G, which serves several airlines including United, will have its flights relocated to either Concourse F or Concourse H.

"We do not expect any operational impact as we have arranged to fully utilize alternate gates for flights originally scheduled out of Terminal G," a United Airlines representative said in a statement to Business Insider.

Miami International Airport was not immediately available for comment.

An airport spokesman, Greg Chin, told the Miami Herald on Thursday, however, that federal screeners were calling in sick at double the normal rate and that managers of the Transportation Security Administration, which runs the checkpoint security, weren't sure whether they'd be able to operate all of the airport's checkpoints at normal hours.

Read more: TSA employees working unpaid because of the government shutdown are quitting — and this could create a 'massive security risk' for travelers.

"In an effort to optimize resources without degrading screening and security effectiveness, where it is feasible, TSA is working with key stakeholders and industry partners, and may explore efforts to consolidate officers and operations," a TSA representative told Business Insider in a statement.

The person added that the TSA experienced a 5.1% unscheduled call-out rate on Thursday, up from 3.3% on the same day in 2018.

The TSA workers' union president, Hydrick Thomas, has said workers are calling out at higher rates because of financial hardship.

"TSA employees aren't calling out intentionally," Thomas told Business Insider last week. "They are calling out because they don't have the funds to make it work."

TSA screeners are among the federal employees who have been working unpaid since the US government shutdown began on December 22. Even though the workers are eligible to receive back pay once the shutdown is over, many live paycheck to paycheck and are suffering financially.

Read more: Air-traffic controllers working unpaid during the government shutdown are posting their $0 pay stubs on Twitter

"Every day I'm getting calls from my members about their extreme financial hardships and need for a paycheck," Thomas said in a post on the union's website. "Some of them have already quit and many are considering quitting the federal workforce because of this shutdown.

"The loss of officers, while we're already shorthanded, will create a massive security risk for American travelers since we don't have enough trainees in the pipeline or the ability to process new hires."

Unions, aviation trade groups, and politicians from both sides of the aisle held a rally in Washington, DC, on Thursday urging political leaders to bring the shutdown to an end.

• Read more:
• United, Alaska, and Spirit flight attendants are warning Trump, Pelosi, and McConnell that the government shutdown is doing real damage to the airline industry
• TSA airport screeners have been working without pay during the shutdown and now many don't have money to get to work
• Delta, United, and JetBlue pilots are warning that flying will become more dangerous as the government shutdown continues
• The government shutdown could spur more flight delays making travel a nightmare, air traffic controllers claim

SEE ALSO: The 21 safest airlines in the world

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

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NOW WATCH: Airports are dealing with massive lines during the government shutdown as TSA employees are working without pay

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• Resistance bands are simple pieces of elastic that create constant tension to stimulate muscle growth and increase the value of your workout.
• Of all the resistance bands out there, TheraBand makes the best ones because they're effective, easy to use, and affordable.

If you find it hard to find the motivation to hit the gym, you may want to invest in a home gym solution. Because let's be honest — being forced to actually leave your house to work out can sometimes be a tall order.

Luckily, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars outfitting your home with all the latest exercise equipment and weight loss watchamacallits. Really, all you need is your body and a couple resistance bands to make a real difference in your body.

I was first introduced to resistance bands in 2014, when I became the most recent convert to the burgeoning barre trend. Although I've since traded the ballet-based workout for other workouts, I've remained a fan of resistance bands, because these simple pieces of elastic create constant tension, they effectively stimulate muscle growth. And to make things even better, they don't add strain onto your joints in the same way, say, a set of dumbbells might. Better yet, resistance bands are super lightweight and portable, so you can take your workout anywhere you go.

When picking a great set of resistance bands, you'll want to ask yourself a few questions. First and foremost, what type of workout are you most interested in pursuing? A pilates-based workout will require something different from a HIIT workout, though both can be equally effective in upping your fitness levels.

Next, think about what parts of your body you're most interested in working. While some resistance bands are best suited for your lower body, others are great for pullup training, while others still can be used for full-body workouts.

Then, consider the level of resistance you're looking for. If you're already quite advanced in your fitness journey, you may be fine with a some seriously tight bands. But if you're just getting started on your resolution, you may be better off with some more elastic bands.

Finally, like any purchase, you'll want to keep the price point of your resistance bands in mind. Granted, few of these sets will set you back more than $40 or so, but if you're also looking to slim down your spending habits in the new year, this could be an important point to consider.

No matter which of our favorite resistance bands you choose, we're confident you'll get a great workout in.

Here are the best resistance bands you can buy:

• Best resistance bands overall: TheraBand
• Best resistance bands for a total-body workout: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set
• Best resistance bands to travel with: Perform Better Mini Resistance Band set
• Best versatile resistance bands: Serious Steel Resistance Band set
• Best resistance band for squats: RIMSport Elite Hip Sling Resistance Band

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

The best resistance bands overall

Why you'll love them: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, TheraBand resistance bands can provide you with a killer workout and are thin and lightweight enough to take anywhere.

My first experience with resistance bands was with TheraBands, and I've never looked back. Incredibly thin and lightweight, while somehow maintaining their strength and durability, these non-latex bands do an excellent job helping you develop muscle strength.

I've used them around my thighs during squats, and between my arms while working my triceps, but the possibilities (and potential muscle groups) are virtually endless.

Compared to other bands, the TheraBands offer slightly lighter resistance, starting at 2.4 pounds and ranging up to 21.3 pounds. As such, I like these bands for a wide range of exercises. Whether you're making your barre workout just a bit harder or using them for some quick HIIT moves, the TheraBands will do the trick. That said, if you're looking for serious resistance, you may need something a bit heftier.

I've also been impressed by just how durable these bands really are. While they look as though they might snap at any given moment, I've had mine for years without issue. My old gym also kept these around, and despite their constant usage by hundreds of clients, the TheraBands withstood the test of time. If they do break, their lack of any metal or plastic parts will help keep you safe.

Thanks to the latex-free construction of these bands, folks with allergies or sensitivities won't have to worry. While other bands may have handles or thick, cord-like composition, these supremely portable bands are easily compacted, making them a breeze to throw in your gym bag or your suitcase.

Pros: Latex-free, lightweight, extremely versatile in function, inexpensive

Cons: If you're looking for more resistance, this may not be quite enough for you

Buy the TheraBand resistance set on Amazon for $13.16

The best resistance bands for a total-body workout

Why you'll love them: If you're looking for a comprehensive workout with your new favorite accessories, the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands may be the way to go.

For a full workout in a bag, turn to the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set. I love this set because it not only comes with five bands of varying resistance — from three to 19 pounds — but also includes two handles, two ankle straps, one door anchor, a carrying bag, and an instructional book.

Key to the popularity of this set is its patented anti-snap safety design, which involves a Snap Guard inner safety cord to prevent any unfortunate mishaps. While some similar offerings have a nasty habit of snapping, sending metal or plastic pieces into your wall or, worse yet, your face, this set is designed to avoid these situations.

While each individual band doesn't have huge amounts of resistance, the stackable design of this set allows you to add or subtract resistance as needed for various muscle groups, all the way up to 96 pounds.

The set also comes with an exercise book that contains exercises designed to target biceps, triceps, chest, upper/lower back, abs/core, and legs. If you're a beginner in the world of fitness, using this guidebook can be an excellent starting point. Alternatively, if you're well-versed in your workouts, you can modify these suggestions to create a customized workout that is as safe as it is tough.

Pros: Wide range of resistance, comes with exercise book and accessories, effectively a "mini gym" in a bag, extremely safe

Cons: Pricier than others

Buy the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set on Amazon for $17.94 to $30

The best resistance bands to travel with

Why you'll love them: The Professional Mini Exercise Bands are small yet mighty, making them ideal for taking on the road.

This resistance band set from Perform Better is intended to help with physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, but can also be put to work on a wide range of other uses. I love that these mini bands are, as the name suggests, small and portable, which makes them super convenient to take to hotel gyms or other temporary workout locations.

Happy customers have noted that the four bands included in this set really do offer varying levels of intensity for your workout. One Amazon reviewer wrote, "Many brands claim to be "extra-heavy" or "extra-strength" resistance but are not actually enough resistance for some of us who work out often and have built up a lot of muscle." The Perform Better set, however, seems to deliver.

Moreover, thanks to these bands' relatively small size, they're especially effective for more petite users. All four of the bands are 9 inches by 2 inches and can be used around the ankles, the legs, thighs, and wrists.

Pros: Offers a great workout due to small size, lightweight, portable

Cons: Because these bands are smaller, your workout starts immediately, which may be a bit intense for some

Buy the Perform Better Mini Resistance Band set on Amazon for  $17.95

• President Donald Trump's lead defense lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, doubled down on his earlier claim that the White House should get to review and edit the special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian election interference before it's released to Congress or the public.
• Giuliani first made the claim in a September interview with INSIDER, arguing that the information in the report is all protected by executive privilege and thus needs a sign-off from the White House before the public can see it.
• On Friday, Giuliani told The Hill, "As a matter of fairness, they should show it to you — so we can correct it if they’re wrong. They’re not God, after all. They could be wrong."

Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's lead defense lawyer, is doubling down on his contention that the White House should get to review and edit the special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian election interference before it's released to Congress or the public.

Giuliani first made the argument in an interview with INSIDER in September. As prosecutors put together the report, Trump's current and former lawyers said the information contained in it is protected by executive privilege.

For that reason, they said the White House needs to sign off on the report's final version in the event that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein — who is overseeing Mueller — chooses to release it to Congress or the public.

Giuliani told INSIDER that Trump's team would waive executive privilege if "we had an adequate opportunity to review the report before it was released to the public; if we felt that — even if we disagreed with its findings — it was fair; and if we had the chance to release a rebuttal report simultaneously that addresses all of Mueller's allegations."

But as of now, he said, the White House "reserves its privilege." He added that Trump's legal team had a commitment to that effect from Mueller. When he was asked whether Mueller agreed to allow Trump's team to review a draft of the report before it is released, Giuliani said he wasn't sure if the two sides had reached a consensus on that.

Read more: Giuliani lays out 3 conditions Mueller has to meet for the White House to waive executive privilege in the Russia probe

Giuliani doubled down on his argument in an interview with The Hill on Friday.

"As a matter of fairness, they should show it to you — so we can correct it if they’re wrong," Giuliani told the outlet. "They’re not God, after all. They could be wrong."

Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor in Chicago, told INSIDER earlier that while the White House could theoretically claim that certain information in a report from Mueller is protected by executive privilege, a court would most likely strike that argument down.

"What the White House would essentially be saying then is that a prosecutor can obtain information from the president or the White House, but they can't do anything with it," Mariotti said. "That's a very weak argument."

Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor who spent 12 years at the Justice Department, said there were three main reasons why broadly asserting executive privilege would be "a hard argument to make legally, and a foolish one to make politically."

In the political realm, he said that if the White House tries to "start redacting the report before it even gets to Congress, which could weigh impeachment proceedings, that's not going to fly."

Legally, he said that based on his interpretation, the independent counsel is not part of the executive branch even though he is supervised by the Department of Justice.

"He's a separate entity," Cramer said of Mueller. "The point of an independent counsel is to have an independent voice determine what happened. So, asserting privilege over material he's gathered seems to defeat the point of having an independent reviewer in the first place."

Trump may have also limited himself when it comes information related to some of the most pivotal events in the obstruction inquiry — for instance, the firing of then FBI director James Comey.

Cramer said Trump "eviscerated" any privilege assertion when he tweeted about Comey after ousting him.

"It's like attorney-client privilege," Cramer said. "You don't have attorney-client privilege once you bring a third person into the room. And Trump didn't bring a third person in, he brought the entire American public into the room when he tweeted about why he fired Comey and talked about it to Lester Holt."

The bottom line, he said, is that for the White House to assert executive privilege over information in Mueller's report, "it would have to be something that Trump didn't tweet or talk about. And I don't think there's much left in that universe."

SEE ALSO: Here are all the key developments you might have missed in Russia news this week

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.

1. Save up to 60% on clearance styles at Allen Edmonds

Everyone needs to own a decent pair of dress shoes, whether your office dress code requires it, or you just occasionally attend weddings and other upscale events. The problem is that they can be pricey — but less so with this sale. Right now, you can save an extra 20% on already discounted clearance items by using the promo code "PLUS20" at checkout. With the promo code, you'll save up to 60% on shoes, clothing, belts, and other accessories.

Shop the Allen Edmonds sale now.

2. Get huge savings on laptops, HDTVs, headphones, and more at Best Buy

Best Buy is having a two-day sale on many of the latest and greatest tech items. Included in the sale are 4K HDTVs, tablets, laptops, headphones, video games, and more. One deal that's particularly appealing is $130 off a 43-inch Insignia 4K Fire TV. With Amazon Fire TV built in, you can stream Netflix, Hulu, HBOGo, and much more directly from the device.

Shop the Best Buy Two-Day sale now.

3. Save an extra 40% on sale styles at Ralph Lauren

To make room for new upcoming styles and collections, Ralph Lauren is marking down many items up to 50%. On top of that, you can save an extra 40% with the promo code "EXTRA40" at checkout. The sale ends on January 14, but you'll want to shop now as items are selling out.

Shop the Ralph Lauren sale now.

4. Save 30% sitewide at Converse

Nike is having a huge sale on all Converse sneakers, apparel, and accessories. Now through January 13, you can save 30% on everything by using the promo code "THIRTY" at checkout. Whether you're looking for a classic pair of canvas Chucks, a limited-edition variation, or matching clothes, you'll find what you want here.

Shop the Converse sale now.

5. Save up to 60% on sale styles at Dockers

Dockers is ringing in the new year with a great sale that can help improve your business casual wardrobe. Now through January 16, you can save up to 60% on clearance styles including khakis, dress shirts, fleeces, long sleeve polos, and more. Prices are as marked, so there's no need for a promo code.

Shop the Dockers sale now.

6. Save up to 50% on sale styles at L.L.Bean

If you're shopping for outdoor gear for an adventure or cold weather gear to get through the winter, we recommend heading over to L.L.Bean. Right now, the brand is having a huge winter clearance sale with up to 50% off winter styles. On top of the already reduced prices, you can save an extra 25% by using the promo code "SAVE25" at checkout.

Shop the L.L.Bean sale now.

7.Save up to 17% on Casper Sleep Essential Mattresses

Casper is leading the online mattress industry by creating beds with superb comfort, support, and breathability, all at an affordable price. Today, the prices are even more affordable at up to 17% off. With the deal, you can save on sizes Twin XL through California King.

Shop all Casper Sleep Essential Mattresses on Amazon now.

8. Enroll in thousands of online courses for $9.99

Taking online courses can be an effective way to help reach your learning goals in 2019, and Udemy just extended its sitewide sale by one day. Today only, you can enroll in thousands of online courses for just $9.99 each. From languages to money management and even interviewing courses, you'll find many classes for your New Year's resolutions.

Kick start your New Year's resolution with online courses at Udemy now.

9. Save up to $235 on a Leesa mattress

For a very limited time, Leesa Sleep is having a sale on its mattresses. You can save $160 on the Leesa Mattress or $235 on the Sapira Hybrid Mattress. If you've never bought a mattress online, and you're concerned about doing it, there's nothing to worry about. Leesa offers a 100-nights risk-free trial. If it's not the best sleep you've ever had or you simply don't like, you can return it for a full refund, without paying for shipping.

Shop the Leesa Sleep sale now.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Maelove is a "radically affordable" skin care product line priced entirely under $30.
• The company was founded by a team of MIT grads (skincare obsessives, brain and cancer researchers, and chemical engineers) and used research to create formula blueprints.
• Using artificial intelligence, they cross-referenced those formulas with millions of self-reported reviews to determine the best ingredients and worst ingredients for users.
• The resultant $28 Glow Maker is a cult-favorite and prone to frequent sellouts.
• Consumers have been quick to note the Glow Maker has a similar ingredient list to the multi-award-winning C E Ferulic Serum ($166), despite being more than $130 cheaper.

Generally speaking, most skincare is expensive. There are good options at low prices, but there are also one too many $300 night creams and pots of rare ingredients infused with gold flecks to call the genre accessible all-around. 

Practically speaking, good skin care should be much easier to get your hands on. Certain ingredients just work, and it shouldn't be too difficult to cut through the noise and formulate something that combines those proven ingredients in a basic bottle that can retail for an affordable price. 

That's what Maelove CEO Jackie Kim thought when she set out to create a "radically affordable" skin-care startup — and, in so many words, that's what the company has seemingly achieved with the cult-favorite $28 "Glow Maker" Vitamin C serum. After four sellouts, it's now available for preorder as the company re-ups for the fifth time. 

The Glow Maker focuses on hyperpigmentation, smoothing, and hydration. It’s packed with canonical ingredients like vitamins C (15% L-ascorbic acid), E and ferulic acid for antioxidation protection, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and a proprietary mix of botanicals (grape seed extract, aloe, aurantium dulcis, and magnolia) for nourishment and easier makeup application. The addition of extracts also makes the serum better for sensitive skin than most vitamin C serums.

Consumers have also been quick to note The Glow Maker ($28) has striking similarities to SkinCeuticals' multi-award winning C E Ferulic Serum ($166), despite it being more than $130 cheaper.

For reference:

• The ingredient list of C E Ferulic according to SkinCeuticals ($166): Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate.
• The ingredient list of Glow Maker according to Maelove ($28): Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol.

Kim and co-founders Brad and Rishi, MIT graduates, leveraged artificial-intelligence techniques to scan millions of self-reported product reviews to determine which ingredients correlated with success, and which to avoid. From there, Kim applied a similar approach to securing a partnership with one of the world's best cosmetics labs by cold-calling hundreds of people who worked at luxury brands she admired, following up with the tiny percentage that responded, and eventually getting enough insight from a handful of respondents to make real inroads. 

The resultant three-years-in-the-making serum continues to generate enthusiastically positive reviews.

In person, Maelove's Glow Maker is noteworthy apart from its origin story. It does what it's supposed to do (brightens the complexion, lightens dark spots) but its real standout features are that it absorbs completely and almost instantaneously into the skin and provides a glow that is noticeable but definitely not enough that people with oily skin should steer clear. There's no tangible residue, and the skin doesn't feel sticky or tacky post-use.

And while my skin is sensitive and can be dried out by all-over vitamin C application, I have not had that issue with Maelove's iteration — something I'd credit to their botanical blend and hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. 

The Maelove team is an unusual one— comprised of cancer and brain researchers, chemical engineers, lawyers, doctors, and an obsessive skincare enthusiast — but that outsider perspective is its greatest advantage. The startup's founding goal was affordability and accessibility, and thanks to obsessive research and a streamlined, no-fuss approach to the industry, that goal is met with a product line unanimously priced under $30. 

And if you've been paying $166 for SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic Serum, you owe it to yourself to check out the Glow Maker, since you could technically buy 6 bottles of Maelove Glow Maker for one bottle of C E Ferulic if you like it enough to swap — and I wouldn't be surprised. If you don't, they offer a 100-day return window for a full refund.

Maelove Glow Maker Vitamin C Serum, $27.95

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The devices we use for prolonged periods during the day (like computers and cell phones) emit blue light, which is one reason why your eyes feel tired after staring at a bright screen.
• Blue light can damage your retinas, and computer glasses are one way of screening out that blue light and saving your eyes the strain.
• Some computer glasses go for nearly $100, but this functional under-$10 pair has served me well for almost a year now.

There are days in which I find myself squinting at my computer screen. Not because the type magically got smaller or my eyesight poorer, but because the bright light can suddenly feel glaring. For the first time ever as a non-glasses wearer, my eyes feel tired and strained.

And it’s no wonder. Between work, email, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and whatever other computerized activities we take part in during the day, a lot of us spend a significant portion of the day with our faces inches away from a glowing screen. And those screens are emitting something called blue light, which is harmful to our retinas when exposed over long periods of time. Blue light is right next to UV on the light spectrum, and it works in a similar way. It can also lead to poor sleep by messing with the circadian rhythm of your sleep cycle.

When I was working in an office during the day and going to night classes immediately after, I was spending almost the entire day lodged in front of a laptop. This — understandably — started to give me headaches.

I knew we had covered Felix Gray— the top-dog of computer glasses — here at Insider Picks, but I didn’t want to spend $95 on a college budget if I could help it.

After doing a little digging, I found this$10 pair from Eyekepper on Amazon. They had 4 stars, over 2,000 reviews, and — perhaps most appealing — they were $10. The price made me skeptical about if they’d really work, but it wasn’t a huge investment in the meanwhile.

The Eyekepper glasses have five layers of protection, are anti-reflective, anti-glare, and even have UV protection. Their classic shape is pretty universally flattering, and the tortoiseshell design I got is true to the image online. I don’t have to wear prescription eyeglasses so I’m not used to having something always on my face, but the plastic makes them light enough to go unnoticed most of the time.

I can now say after almost a year of using them that they’re a good contestant for the best workplace purchase I’ve ever made. Whenever I notice myself squinting at my computer I throw them on and the relief is pretty instantaneous. I can't think of many things I've spent so little on that have had such a disproportionately great effect on the day-to-day.

I haven't gotten a chance to try the Felix Gray version myself, and you might be interested in their upscale iteration of the computer glasses if you have some extra money to spend, but all in all, the Eyekeppers do what they promise to do for a fraction of the price you find at competitors. They don't have many bells and whistles, but they'll save you money and perform the same basic function you're buying them to fulfill.

If you're looking for a way to cut down on the eye strain that comes from a long day in front of glowing screens or just want to lessen the chances you'll have long-term reparations for it later, I highly recommend picking up a pair.  

Eyekepper Vintage Computer Glasses, available on Amazon, $10

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• The ongoing federal government shutdown could start affecting the US housing market soon.
• Federal workers not receiving pay owe $249 million in mortgage payments and $189 million in rent payments this month, according to Zillow.
• Some federal housing programs such as Federal Housing Administration loans, Veterans Affairs loans, and USDA loans are experiencing delays.
• Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development cannot pay rental assistance to landlords who provide roughly 100,000 low-income Americans with affordable housing.

The ongoing government shutdown looks like it may cause a mess for the US housing market.

As the shutdown enters a record-tying 21st day, a number of worries are piling up, ranging from looming mortgage payments for federal workers to missing rent assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The problems have left workers worried about making ends meet, potential buyers frozen out of loans, and affordable housing experts concerned about evictions.

Missing paychecks mean missed payments

The most direct effect of the government shutdown on the housing market is the increasing possibility that the 800,000 federal workers who are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown are going to face a mortgage or rent bill without any income to pay it.

According to online real estate database firm Zillow, federal workers who are not receiving paychecks have $249 million in mortgage payments and $189 million in rent payments due this month.

Read more: From airport lines to food inspections, here are all the ways the government shutdown is impacting the lives of average Americans

While the Office of Personnel Management released guidance for federal employees who may experience problems, many employees worried that the suggestions — which include writing letters to landlords asking for a delay — are woefully inadequate.

"No payments means no gas for our cars, no money for our prescriptions, our groceries, our rents and our mortgages," Steve Ching, an electrician who contracts for NASA, told the Washington Post. "We're all wondering how long our families will be able to hold out."

Services for homebuyers are experiencing some problems

In addition to the looming payments for federal workers, the federal government has also stopped activities such as loan programs and income checks that people need to buy homes.

While Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are going out during the shutdown, new applicants may experience delays as FHA/VA employees who work on the underwriting process are on furlough, which means they aren't working.

Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture, which provides loans for people buying homes in rural areas, is not processing those requests.

The IRS is also working through a backlog of income verifications that are needed for some borrowers because the process was paused when the shutdown went into effect, so some buyers may experience delays.

Read more: The government shutdown is in a record-tying 21st day and the fight between Trump and Democrats is only getting uglier. Here's everything you missed.

These pauses are causing problems for some people trying to buy a new home, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors released on Tuesday.

Three-quarters of realtors surveyed reported no clients having issues due to the shutdown. But 22% said a current client or potential client was having trouble, with reasons for disruptions including:

• 25% said "the buyer decided not to buy due to general economic uncertainty, though they were not a federal government employee"
• 17% had a client who was unable to get a USDA rural home loan processed due to the shutdown
• 13% had a delay due to IRS income verification problems
• 9% had a delay due to the FHA pausing loans
• 9% said they had a client who decided not buy because they were a federal employee
• 6% had a seller who could not sell because their move was impacted by the shutdown
• 3% had a client who was rejected for a loan because they were on furlough
• 3% had a buyer who decided not to buy because they were on furlough

Affordable housing problems

Thr housing problems are also threatening to hit some of the most vulnerable Americans, with HUD experiencing a funding shortfall.

Contracts with 1,150 landlords who offer subsidized units for low income Americans have expired during the government shutdown and another 500 contracts will expire in January, according to the Washington Post. This means those landlords will not receive the federal assistance to offset the lower rent costs, and as many as 100,000 low-income tenants could face eviction.

HUD has sent letters to those landlords who are no longer under contract asking for extensions and a HUD spokesperson told the Post that no one has ever been evicted due to a shutdown.

But the current funding lapse is poised to set the record for longest shutdown in the modern budgeting era on Saturday — and the unprecedented length could mean unprecedented effects.

SEE ALSO: Here's what happens to food stamps and other federal food programs during the government shutdown

SEE ALSO: The housing market is cooling off — and uncertainty isn't helping

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NOW WATCH: MSNBC host Chris Hayes thinks President Trump's stance on China is 'not at all crazy'

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Startups have taken the world of bedding by storm with high-quality, affordable linens and sleep accessories that are sold directly to shoppers online.
• We've tried sheets, mattresses, pillows, blankets, towels, and more from the most popular bedding startups to find the best places you can shop.
• We love Leesa's mattresses and other bedding, Brooklinen's amazing sheets and towels, Crane & Canopy's fun use of colors and patterns, Boll & Branch's focus on organic materials, Parachute's cozy bedding and robes, and Brooklyn Bedding's affordably priced selection of mattresses and linens.

If there's a testament to the sheer amount of time that we spend in bed, it is surely the boom of bedding startups. Every single element of your sweet, sweet repose can now be purchased online. Whether you need a bed frame, a mattress, or a set of sheets, you need only turn to one of the many bedding startups that left dreamworld and entered reality in the past few years.

Of course, not all bedding startups are created equal. Whereas some specialize exclusively in linens, others are more interested in outfitting your entire bedroom. Whereas some cater to the bargain hunters of the world, others help you believe that royalty isn't so unachievable after all — not if you have satiny tencel sheets to call your own.

All of our favorite bedding startups have a few things in common. First and foremost, we've found that their products are extremely comfortable, which makes for a delightful night's rest. Whether it's a mattress, a pillow, or a flat sheet, the products from the most popular online bedding startups are cozy enough that you may never want to go to a brick and mortar store again.

We've also been impressed by the durability of many of these products. While you should still replace your mattress every 10 years or so, some of these mattresses are so comfortable that you'll most likely just replace them with the upgraded version.

Finally, we're in love with many of these startups thanks to their affordable price points. You don't have to visit luxury linen stores anymore in order to get some of the best sheets on the market — just stay on your couch, or in bed, as it were, and peruse the wide range of products available on some of our favorite bedding sites.

No matter which of the following bedding startups you decide to choose for your next shopping spree, we're sure you won't be disappointed.

Here are the best bedding startups to shop at online: 

• Best bedding startup for mattresses: Leesa
• Best bedding startup for linens: Brooklinen
• Best bedding startup for fun sheets: Crane & Canopy
• Best organic bedding startup: Boll & Branch 
• Best bedding startup with the coziest offerings: Parachute
• Best budget-friendly bedding startup: Brooklyn Bedding

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

The best bedding startup for mattresses

Why you'll love it: Leesa is one of the most comprehensive bedding startups on the market, and its mattresses and blankets are perhaps the most comfortable we've tried.

Serving as a veritable one-stop shop for all your bedding needs is Leesa, otherwise known as the supplier of all my z's and dreams. The brand started off with its beds-in-boxes, but has quickly expanded its lineup to include a wide range of offerings, including pillow, sheets, blankets, and yes, even adjustable bed frames.

The Leesa mattress is easily my favorite mattress of all time. Not only is it remarkably attractive, what with its grey and white upholstered pattern, but it's almost too comfortable — really, it's difficult to convince yourself to get out of bed in the morning.

Leesa recently re-engineered its trademark mattress, and somehow made it even better with the addition of its new LSA200 foam layer, which adds additional pressure relief and is incredibly responsive to your body's needs. 

I'm also a huge fan of Leesa's blanket, which is made from the same material as its mattress' upholstered cover. The polyester blend fabric is made of 70% polyester, 17% viscose, and 13% nylon. It's finished with an elegant whipstitch edging, comprised of 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton.

Cozy enough for the winter as an extra blanket and breathable enough for the summer as the only thing on your bed, this blanket has been my go-to piece of bedding since it first made its way into my life.

If you're looking for a bed base, Leesa can help with its whisper-quiet adjustable bed frame. Though it doesn't have as many technical bells and whistles as other more expensive models, it's one of the most affordable bases around, which makes it all the more attractive. The pillows are also amazing.

Pros: All-encompassing product selection, affordable pieces, great quality, great comfort

Cons: None to really speak of

Shop all Leesa bedding

Read our reviews of the mattress, the hybrid pillow, the blanket, and the bed base

The best bedding startup for all your linens

Why you'll love it: Brooklinen has become synonymous with the best linens around, and that’s exactly why you need this brand in your life.

It’s difficult to realize just how significant a difference a great set of sheets can make in your life until you’ve met a great set of sheets. And here to make all the requisite introductions is Brooklinen.

Undoubtedly my favorite place to buy sheets, Brooklinen was launched on Kickstarter in April 2014 by husband-and-wife team Vicki and Rich Fulop, and since then, has made a name for itself based on its high-quality sheets and other bedding products, and most importantly. Unlike other luxury bedding companies that will make you lose sleep over the high prices, Brooklinen is surprisingly affordable.

The brand offers sheets in two options: There’s the Classic sheets, made of Brooklinen’s signature long-staple cotton percale, and then the Luxe sheets, which are quite the indulgence. These silky, 480-thread-count cotton sateen sheets boast a rich finish and are some of the most comfortable sheets I’ve slept in.

Brooklinen also boasts an awesome lineup of comforters in both natural down and down alternative. I’m a big fan of the lightweight versions, which are perfect for warmer climates.

Blankets and pillows also abound at this bedding startup, but it’s worth mentioning that beyond the bedroom, Brooklinen can also take care of your bathroom. Its towels come in super-plus, mid-plush, and hammam varieties, and all are worth checking out.

Pros: High-quality sheets in a wide range of styles, great prints, reasonable price point

Cons: If Brooklinen offered even more by way of bedding, we’d buy it all

Shop all Brooklinen bedding

Read our review of the sheets and towels

The best bedding startup for fun colors and patterns

Why you'll love it: If you’re looking to dress up your bedroom, check out Crane & Canopy and its impressive array of beautiful duvet covers, sheets, and other bedding.

Variety, thy name is Crane & Canopy. This online bedding startup has one of the most extensive collections of comforter sets, sheets, and duvet covers I’ve seen, and each seems to be more attractive than the last. Whether you maintain a traditional decor in your home or a more modern take on accessories, Crane & Canopy has something for you.

We’re huge fans of the Nova duvet cover, which will set you back somewhere between $139 and $179. The cover makes it seem as though you’ve spent hours making your bed even though you spent five minutes. Thanks to its strategically placed color blocking and piping, this duvet cover practically screams luxury, even though it requires very little effort on your end.

This particular duvet cover is available in no fewer than 40 prints and colors, so there’s certainly something for anyone and everyone.

Also available from Crane & Canopy are some seriously comfortable sheet sets. The 400-count sheets are woven from premium extra-long staple cotton, which makes for a sateen-like finish. While the sheets are available in classic, solid colors, Crane & Canopy also has a number of more creative offerings for the pattern-loving among us.

Quilts, pillows, comforters, and mattress pads are also available from this bedding startup, so if you want your entire bedding ensemble to match, you’ve come to the right place.

Pros: Great patterns and prints, wide selection of offerings, sleek aesthetic, affordable price point

Cons: You may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of optionality Crane & Canopy offers

Shop all Crane & Canopy bedding

Read our review of the duvet cover

• Patrick Whitesell is a co-CEO of WME, a talent agency that represents some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
• His wife, ex-TV anchor and pilot Lauren Sanchez, is reportedly dating Jeff Bezos, who announced his divorce from his wife, MacKenzie, on Wednesday. 
• Whitesell is worth an estimated $440 million and represents actors, musicians, and comedians. His clients include Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Krasinski, Whoopi Goldberg, Conan O'Brien, Adele, and Childish Gambino.

As co-CEO of talent agency William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME), Patrick Whitesell is one of Hollywood's top power players. 

Along with his co-CEO, Ari Emanuel, Whitesell represents actors, musicians, and comedians. His clients include Michelle Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jude Law, John Krasinski, Whoopi Goldberg, Conan O'Brien, and Amy Schumer.

Whitesell has been married to ex-TV anchor and pilot Lauren Sanchez since 2005, but they reportedly separated in the fall of 2018. Sanchez is now reportedly dating Jeff Bezos, Amazon's CEO and the world's richest person, who announced his divorce from his wife, MacKenzie, on Wednesday. 

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

SEE ALSO: 6 things you need to know about Lauren Sanchez, the former TV anchor and pilot reportedly dating Jeff Bezos

DON'T MISS: After her divorce from billionaire Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Bezos could become the world's richest woman

Patrick Whitesell is the co-CEO of prominent Hollywood talent agency William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, known as WME.

Source: Business Insider

Whitesell's partner and WME's other CEO is Ari Emanuel, who was reportedly the inspiration for the character Ari Gold on "Entourage."

Source: ABC News

Whitesell has been married to Lauren Sanchez, a former TV anchor, since 2005, and they have two children.

Source: Business Insider, Us Weekly

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Baby shower gifts can be daunting, especially if you're not also a parent.
• Below are 38 gifts under $100 you can feel good about gifting — from new cult-favorite products they may not have heard of to classics new parents will thank you for. 
• You can also check out our list of baby shower gifts under $50 for inspiration.

Baby showers can be daunting for outsiders. Even for longtime parents, it's tough to keep tabs on all the new gear in the childcare space. Here's your opportunity to shower your loved ones with joy and tools to make their next few years easier, and you're stuck wondering what to get.

If they didn't make a registry to guide you, most of the gifts are taken, or you're looking to gift something they don't know exists yet, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a variety of gifts under $100 that you can feel confident gifting. We've also got a compilation of great baby shower gifts under $50, and a list of hyper-useful baby products recommended by actual parents. 

Below you can find 38 great, affordable baby shower gifts parents will appreciate:

An adorable polar bear play mat

Polar Bear Baby Play Mat, available at Crate and Barrel, $99

A giant bear provides the support for baby to lounge, both on their back and during tummy time. It also doesn't hurt that it's a pretty cute combination. 

A nightlight and sound machine parents can control

Hatch Baby Rest Night Light, Sound Machine and Time-to-Rise, available on Amazon, $59.99

Rest is a nightlight, sound machine, and wake-up alert that grows with children — from soft light and white noise for midnight newborn feeding sessions to a preschooler's nightlight. Parents can customize everything: color, brightness, sound, and volume level. Or, they can choose from presets recommended by sleep experts. They can set programs to match their family's sleep schedule and can be adjusted remotely via phone.

A good meal without grocery shopping

Family Box, 2 meals for 4 people, available on HelloFresh, $69.92

Busy new parents don't have time to cook well for themselves. HelloFresh will deliver pre-portioned ingredients right to their door with recipes for easy-to-cook meals they can make without leaving the house. This way, they can eat well without the stress.