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 Farmer's Dog offers real food for dogs, delivered fresh to your door.
• Each package is customized to your dog’s individual profile and pre-portioned in easy pour bags.
• It’s significantly more expensive that regular kibble, but the health benefits are worth the cost.

When it comes time to feed your dog, you probably head to the pantry and open up a bag of dry kibble or a can of wet food. While there are plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods on the market, this type of food has its limitations. The process through which traditional dog food is made often strips away the original nutritional integrity, and most brands design their foods to provide for only the most basic nutritional needs of dogs in certain life stages and different breed sizes.

Your dog is unique, and so are his nutritional needs. So, doesn’t he deserve a dog food that is designed specifically for him and catered to his unique nutritional profile?

That’s what fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog has to offer, and we’ve tested the food ourselves to bring you this review. Keep reading to see what we thought of it.

Our experience with The Farmer’s Dog

In mid-November of last year, I opened my home to a new companion – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy I named Archie. I grew up around Golden Retrievers and have done a great deal of research and writing in the pet food niche, so I already had an idea what I was going to feed him. I selected a popular brand that offered a small-breed puppy formula and called it a day.

Archie is the kind of dog that will eat anything that falls on the floor or anything I offer him by hand. When it comes to eating from his own bowl, however, he can be a little picky. Most days he doesn’t show any interest in his food until one of my cats tries to eat it. So, when I was given the opportunity to try The Farmer’s Dog fresh food, I was interested to see how he would like it.

In this review, I’ll go into detail about my experience with the ordering process, testing the product, and the pros and cons. If you’d rather skip to the bottom line, I can tell you right now that neither Archie nor I were disappointed with The Farmer’s Dog — and he would gladly continue to eat it.

Before I get into the details, however, I want to point out that The Farmer’s Dog is not the only fresh food service available to dog owners. I’ve also tried products from PetPlate and Ollie, so I’ll be mentioning my experience with them as a point of comparison.

The first step in testing The Farmer’s Dog food was to create an online profile for myself and Archie using the company website. The whole process took less than five minutes.

I plugged in basic information such as my name, email address, and zip code along with some facts about Archie including his sex, age, weight, and breed. From there, I was asked to evaluate his body composition, activity level, and eating preferences. After plugging in the necessary information, I learned that Archie needs roughly 460 calories per day.

After completing Archie’s profile, I was given three formulas to choose from: turkey, beef, or pork.

With my background in pet nutrition, I decided to steer clear of the beef option due to its risk for triggering food allergies and selected the turkey formula. In addition to turkey as the main ingredient, this recipe also included other nutritious ingredients like parsnips, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and fish oil. Each of the three recipes also includes something called “Farmer’s Dog Nutrient Blend” to ensure balanced nutrition.

After placing my order, the product arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Packed with dry ice to keep the product frozen, the food was pre-portioned in bags that contained enough food for one day. All I had to do was thaw the first bag and put the rest in the freezer. The bags themselves were frozen flat so they took up minimal space in my already jam-packed freezer.

Once the product thawed, I began incorporating it into Archie’s diet.

I followed the included instructions to mix some of the fresh food with his dry food, working up to feeding him half a bag twice a day.While I found the food bags easy to freeze, once they were open it was a little bit tricky to store them.

My shipment came with what looked like a takeout container with a plastic lid, so I was able to fold up the open food bag and place it in the container in the fridge until dinner time. I found it a little disappointing that the bags themselves were not resealable — I needed to cut them open with scissors.

When I offered Archie his first bowl of The Farmer’s Dog food, he was a little cautious. He spent a couple of seconds sniffing it with interest and then sampled a bite. He didn’t act overly excited about the food, but he did seem to find it more appealing than his regular dry food alone. Over the next few days, as I phased out the kibble and began feeding him the fresh food only, he continued to enjoy it.

During the first few days of feeding Archie his new fresh food, he experienced some mild diarrhea. It isn’t unusual for his stools to change a little in consistency from one day to the next (he likes to sneak mouthfuls of cat food whenever he can), so I wasn’t worried.

After a few days of solely feeding Archie The Farmer’s Dog food, his bowel movements became more solid and regular. He also became a little more interested in eating at meal time rather than ignoring the food for a couple of hours before eating it.

Overall, I was very pleased with The Farmer’s Dog fresh food and Archie seemed to like it as well.

I liked that there were three protein options to choose from (PetPlate only offers two) and found the flat food bags easier to freeze and store than the larger containers Ollie food came in. The fact that each bag contained enough food for one day was also very convenient because it enabled me to keep the food as fresh as possible.

On the downside, I had to throw away several portions when Archie didn’t eat them right away because my house doesn’t have air conditioning and I was worried about the food going bad. Also, while at first I didn’t like the fact that the food bags were not resealable, I got used to using the storage container and it didn’t end up being a significant inconvenience.

Pros for The Farmer’s Dog

• Fresh food customized to your dog’s sex, age, and breed and pre-portioned by day according to his unique nutritional/calorie needs.
• Ingredients are human-grade and unprocessed — all food is cooked within days of shipping.
• Recipes are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, comply with AAFCO standards, and are cooked in human-grade kitchens.
• Fast shipping with products packaged in dry ice for freshness and food bags frozen flat for easy storage in the freezer.
• Each food bag contains a day’s worth of food that can be divided as you like with leftovers stored in the fridge.

Cons for The Farmer’s Dog

• Limited protein options (turkey, beef, and pork), especially for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities — beef is one of the most common food allergens for dogs.
• Individual food bags must be cut open with scissors and are not resealable — they must be stored in a takeout container in the fridge.
• Some dogs may experience digestive upset during the transition from dry food to fresh food — symptoms usually resolve after a few days.
• Fresh food may go bad if not eaten immediately — I’d recommend putting it back in the fridge if your dog doesn’t eat it within 30 minutes.
• Very expensive compared to dry food — roughly $40 per week (or more for larger breeds).

The bottom line

The fact of the matter is that fresh food will always be the best option for your dog when it comes to quality nutrition. You need to be careful when selecting a fresh food product, however, to ensure that your dog isn’t allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients and to make sure that the formula is backed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

If you can’t afford the high price tag of fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog, you have the option of using the product as a food topper instead of your dog’s sole source of nutrition. By mixing a little of the fresh food with his kibble you can boost his daily nutrition without draining your bank account.

If you want to improve your dog’s nutrition (and his health by extension) and you’re considering fresh food, we wholeheartedly recommend The Farmer’s Dog.

Click here to try The Farmer's Dog's for yourself — sign up now to receive 50% off your first order!

SEE ALSO: The best dog food you can buy

DON'T MISS: The best grain-free dog treats you can buy

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• American athlete Colin O'Brady spent 54 days in November and December crossing Antarctica on a pair of skis while towing a 375-lb. sled.
• He said when he woke up every morning he repeated four simple words to himself: "You're strong, you're capable."
• When things got really rough and the winds were whipping at 50 mph, sometimes he'd also remind himself: "This too shall pass." 
• O'Brady says the two phrases were instrumental to his success. He's now the first person to ever cross Antarctica alone and unaided. 

It was windy and the temperature was well below zero at 6 a.m., when Colin O'Brady rose out of his sleeping bag at the bottom of the world.

The sun was already shining bright as the athlete's alarm beckoned the beginning of a new day in the Antarctic summer, where average December temperatures hover around -16 degrees Fahrenheit. O'Brady knew it was time to quickly turn on his camping cookstove and start melting ice to make oatmeal so he could fuel up and continue skiing across Antarctica toward the Ross Ice Shelf.

He was on a journey that would eventually become a world-first unaided solo  voyage across the harsh white southern continent.

For 54 death-defying days, the athlete relied on two simple mantras to gather mental strength, O'Brady told Business Insider after he returned,

Before he crawled out of his bed to make breakfast and even as "winds were whipping outside the tent," O'Brady said there's one thing he always told himself to begin the day: 

"You're strong, you're capable."

O'Brady often battled frostbite and was no stranger to 50 mph tent-blasting Antarctic winds as he traversed the coldest, driest, windiest continent on Earth. Those trying times were when O'Brady might bust out his other favorite Antarctic catch-phrase:

"This too shall change. This too shall pass."

On December 26, he became the first person to ever cross Antarctica alone and unaided by anything other than skis, on a 932-mile trek that no one had survived before. 

O'Brady underwent some grueling training, both for his body and his mind

Both mantras are the result of years of mental and physical training O'Brady completed for the Antarctic trek.

In 2016, the 33 year-old from Oregon raced to the top of the tallest peaks on all seven continents (including Antarctica) in just 132 days, faster than any person before him. More recently, he trained for the cross-Antarctica mission on heavily inclined treadmills, and used weight training to put on an extra 20 pounds of muscle so he could pull his 375-lb. sled of gear across the South Pole. He even completed a test mission in Greenland, towing his gear for a 30-day, 400-mile practice run.

But that was only part of the equation.

O'Brady also underwent rigorous mental training for the extreme isolation he'd endure on a solo trek. The athlete has participated in several vipassana meditation retreats.

"Completely free, highly recommend," he said of the donation-based retreats he attended. 

In the bucolic, cushioned spaces made for quiet focus, he'd sit in silence for 10 days at a time, meditating 10 hours each day and training his mind to weather waves of emotion with both awareness and balance.

Traditionally, meditation mantras tend to be simple sounds, like "om," which are repeated to foster concentration. But a mantra can also be any phrase used to focus and calm the mind.

The mental benefits of mantras aren't just for explorers

Researchers have recently studied how both mantras and meditation can help people manage high-stress scenarios. A small 2018 study of emergency room workers in Ireland who participated in just four four-hour-long mantra meditation sessions found that those doctors and nurses improved their focus at work and felt calmer with their colleagues. Some even slept better after their trainings.

An earlier 2006 study of military veterans in San Diego found that silent mantras could help the vets better deal with stress, insomnia, and unwanted thoughts, while a larger 2013 study noted some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reported improvements in depression and well-being when they used mantra techniques in tandem with other treatments, including medication.

Other studies on the positive effects of mantras suggest they may even help people tamp down physical sensations of pain, and improve mood and sleep quality for patients with knee injuries and osteoarthritis.

O'Brady talked himself across Antarctica at a stupefying pace

The 54-day trek across Antarctica was the longest amount of time O'Brady ever spent alone. He had to rely on his mind for reassurance in blasting whiteout conditions, repeating things like, "It will be sunny again at some point. The wind will calm down," and remembering "As long as I keep putting that one foot in front of the other, keep trying to make progress," that he would move forward.

Another helpful mantra: "Hopefully, I can make it to the other end." 

O'Brady did just that, managing to shave 16 days off his expected day of arrival. He even capped off his quest on Christmas with a final "ultramarathon," covering the last 77 miles of his cross-continent trip in a 32 hour endorphin-fueled push to the finish line, where he burst into tears.

"Proving to myself that I can finish that is something that I will carry with me throughout my entire life," he said. 

• Read more about O'Brady's expedition:
• We tried the 1,250-calorie survival bar that powered Colin O'Brady's record-shattering 932-mile solo journey across Antarctica
• A 33-year-old American just became the first person to cross Antarctica alone and unaided. He survived on oatmeal, freeze-dried meals, and energy bars.
• An American explorer just became the first person to cross Antarctica alone and unaided, finishing with an 'ultramarathon': Photos show his spectacular 932-mile journey
• An American adventurer has become the first person to cross Antarctica alone and unaided. His training included Buddhist retreats and a 400-mile trek in Greenland.

SEE ALSO: A British adventurer just became the second person in history to cross Antarctica alone and unaided, reaching the finish line two days after an American did it first

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 animated maps that will change the way you see the world

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 line between barre clothes and bar clothes is becoming all the more blurry, and that's good news for ladies who want to be both comfortable and chic.
• The best athleisure brands for women make clothes that you'll actually want to wear all the livelong day.
• Our favorite is Sweaty Betty, though we're also fans of Girlfriend Collective, Vuori, ADAY, and Reebok.

It's not just you — the contents of your gym bag and your work bag are indeed becoming increasingly similar. You're not being lazy or resigning yourself to living in your workout tights. Rather, you've evolved to find a way to combine your morning exercise routine with your afternoon meeting schedule — at least, when it comes to your clothes. And it's all because of everyone's favorite portmanteau: athleisure.

No longer just a euphemism for "lazy dressing," athleisure may just be the best thing that's ever happened to women's fashion. Not only does it make it infinitely easier to get dressed in the morning when you're able to pull on an office-appropriate pair of tights and a sweatshirt-material-yet-impossibly-chic sweater, but it also makes it easier to go straight to the gym after work or vice versa. Really, athleisure is here to help us live our best lives, and we ought to be saying a major thank you.

When it comes to picking the best athleisure brands for your particular lifestyle, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, determine where your priorities lie. While most athleisure works in both a barre class and at the bar, you'll want to figure out where you're more likely to be spending more of your time. If it's the former, get athleisure that tends toward the "athlete" side of the spectrum. If it's the latter, rev up the leisure.

You'll also want to consider the range of styles available at various athleisure brands. While some folks specialize in tights, others offer a wider variety of both tops and bottoms. Depending on your needs, you may want to shop at different places.

You may also want to keep in mind the formality of your office. While some bosses will look upon your trendy cropped hoodie with great admiration, others may not be so understanding — and if you can't wear athleisure to the office, what's the point?

Finally, you'll want to consider the make and material of each piece you buy. After all, the differentiating factor between athleisure and everything else you own is its degree of comfort, so be sure that those slimming tights aren't so slimming that they're also constricting.

No matter which of our favorite athleisure brands you decide to shop at, we're confident that you'll be pleased.

Here are the best athleisure brands for women:

• Best athleisure brand overall: Sweaty Betty
• Best eco-friendly athleisure brand: Girlfriend Collective
• Best beachy athleisure brand: Vuori
• Best athleisure startup: ADAY
• Best traditional athleisure brand: Reebok

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

The best athleisure brand overall

Why you'll love it: Sweaty Betty offers beautiful, comfortable, and durable clothes that look good in just about any environment.

While Sweaty Betty is first and foremost a yoga and running gear purveyor, it’s also managed to become the gold standard in combining form with function. Not only are Sweaty Betty’s clothes great for a morning in the studio, but they’re also great for running errands all day, and yes, can even be office-appropriate.

One of my favorite things about Sweaty Betty is that the brand exclusively makes clothes for women. That means that 100% of its focus is on making us ladies look and feel as great as we possibly can. And boy does Sweaty Betty ever.

Sweaty Betty's clothes have the unique ability to keep you feeling fresh and supported from minute 0 to minute 60 of your workout. I love the Zero Gravity leggings, which are made of ultra-lightweight Italian fabric that is both sweat-wicking and quick drying for even your most intense sessions.

Plus, the leggings are muscle-compressing to help you get even more out of your workout. They're great for just about any type of exercise, whether you prefer to spend your time spinning or doing a HIIT class.

When paired with the High-Intensity Run Bra, you'll feel prepared to spend your whole day actively. The high support sports bra features sweat-wicking fabric, and more importantly, extremely comfortable soft padded straps that won't bite into sensitive skin. While some "sports" bras seem suitable only for rather anaerobic activities, the High Intensity Run Bra was designed for running and HIIT workouts.

And when you’re ready to leave the gym and get on with your day, SB has you covered — the brand's fabulous collection of knitted tops are not only incredibly cozy but beautifully made as well.

I’m a huge fan of the Woodland Knitted Sweater, a chunky turtleneck that is oversized without swallowing you up. And frankly, if you were to pull a blazer over the Seamless Double Time Tank, I don’t know that anyone would realize that you were just wearing athletic gear to the office.

Pros: Quick drying material, great for any type of workout, ability to transition easily from the gym to the workday

Cons: Sweaty Betty items can be expensive

Shop the Sweaty Betty collection here

The best environmentally friendly athleisure brand

Why you'll love it: Girlfriend Collective first made a name for itself with its recycled water bottle tights, but the brand's staying power comes from its versatility and durability.

Working out makes you feel good, and working out in these leggings can be good for the planet, too. Girlfriend Collective's tights are made from 25% recycled water bottles, and while that doesn't sound all that comfortable, you'll be shocked by just how dreamy these bottoms really are.

The company uses a compression-esque fabric that is well-suited for workouts, and the leggings are actually surprisingly warm. So much so that I wouldn't necessarily recommend that for a session of hot yoga or a long cycling class — these are probably best for a shorter, intense workout, or an outdoor run.

The material is also very soft, which means that they're not only comfortable for your workout but also comfortable enough to be worn all day. Really, Girlfriend Collective is all about wearing leggings both in and out of the gym, and you'll certainly have no problem in either setting. Plus, because this material doesn't pill, no matter how often you wear and wash your pair, you'll find that they resist age.

While you may expect such a pair of leggings to set you back an arm and a leg, Girlfriend Collective is actually quite reasonable when it comes to pricing. Remember, this is the company that once gave its leggings away for free (you just had to pay for shipping). Today, they'll cost you just a bit more, but not a ton — you can get a pair of full-length tights for $68.

Girlfriend Collective is now in the business of making more than just tights. The Cupro line of tops is breathable, hypoallergenic, and versatile. Made from the eponymous material "Cupro," this fabric is made from cotton linter — a super soft fiber that sticks to cotton seeds and is usually either down-cycled or dumped into landfills.

Cupro is soft and silky, commonly drawing comparisons to rayon and silk. It's lightweight but drapes more than cotton, which makes it a beautiful choice for the various wraps and halter top tanks that Girlfriend Collective now offers.

The tops as a whole cling to your body in just the right way, without feeling sticky or inappropriate. And while most athleisure tops come in either pedestrian colors or crazy prints, Girlfriend Collective manages to strike a balance with interesting hues that are still appropriate for any setting.

Pros: Ethically and sustainably made, affordable, long-lasting, versatile

Cons: Because of the relatively thick material, some may find the tights a bit too warm for workouts

Shop Girlfriend Collective's collection here

The best beachy athleisure brand

Why you'll love it: If your workouts and your work take you outside, there’s no better brand to dress you than Vuori.  

Headquartered in Encinitas, just a quick jog away from the beach, it's no surprise that Vuori derives its inspiration from the Californian lifestyle of sun and surf. And with clothing that is truly made for the outdoors, you'll have no problem going from your morning yoga session on the beach to an afternoon surf appointment, and everything in between.

Whereas some brands will offer certain pieces that fall more on the athletic side and others that are meant to be more leisurely, Vuori has found a way to combine these two worlds in seemingly every design.

Take, for example, the Altitude Sports Bra, which looks more like a chic top than something you'd wear on a run. Luckily, you can do both with this comfortable piece, which comes in a flattering eggplant or heather grey shade.

Or, check out the Performance Jogger, made of a light-weight moss jersey fabric that is breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying, and four-way stretching for the ultimate in flexibility. While I’ve certainly worn these to a kickboxing workout, I’ve also tucked in a top and thrown on a pair of heels and made my way to my office (and gotten compliments to boot). Really, there’s no place that Vuori clothes can’t go.

Indeed, it’s the easy styling of Vuori that ultimately sets the brand apart. While its clothes are meant to sweat in, they're also meant to easily transition into the rest of your life as well. 

Pros: Soft, moisture-wicking material, easy transition from the gym to everyday life, simple and minimal design

Cons: If you’re not a fan of that California lifestyle (or general style), Vuori may not be for you

Shop Vuori’s collection here

• The federal government shutdown is hurting the US economy, most economists agree.
• The White House thinks that the pain is even worse than originally thought.
• A White House official told INSIDER that after a change to the internal model, the Trump administration now estimates the shutdown is taking 0.13 percentage points off of quarterly GDP every week.
• The model change incorporated the negative effects for federal contractors.
• The new White House estimate is much higher than the general Wall Street consensus that the shutdown is shaving 0.05 points off of quarterly GDP every week.

The US economy is taking a hit from the partial shutdown of the federal government and even the White House thinks it may be even worse than originally estimated.

After a tweak to the internal White House model, the administration now expects that the shutdown will deduct 0.13 percentage points from quarterly GDP for every week the closure persists, a White House official told INSIDER.

Most Wall Street economists believe the shutdown will shave off 0.05 percentage points from quarterly GDP growth per week, though some have bumped up their estimates recently. This means that the White House number is more than twice as pessimistic as the consensus.

Originally the model only included the lost productivity from 380,000 federal workers placed on furlough.

But now the model also incorporates the downsides caused by the loss of revenue to federal contractors (third-party companies that are paid by the shut down agencies for services), according to the official.

The new model found that 0.08 percentage points of GDP is shaved off every week due to the furlough, while 0.05 points is lost due to lost work from federal contractors. This means that the 25-day shutdown has knocked off roughly 0.25 points from first quarter GDP so far.

Given the current state of negotiations, the economic hit from the shutdown could continue for a long time.

Most economists also estimate that the economic pain from the shutdown will increase as key federal programs experience disruptions. For instance, the economic fallout would be devastating if SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, run dry at the end of February.

According to Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, if the shutdown continues through March then GDP could go negative for the first quarter. Additionally, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that the shutdown could have major negative consequences for the US.

Neil Bradley, the chief policy office at the US Chamber of Commerce, also cautioned the president and congressional lawmakers that the shutdown was causing chaos for consumers and companies.

"The shutdown is harming the American people, the business community, and the economy," Bradley wrote in a letter on January 8. "The Chamber strongly urges Congress and the administration to resolve this impasse and reopen the government."

Based on the White House revision, the pain that Bradley warned about could be even worse than expected.

• For more on the government shutdown's effects:
• From airport lines to food inspections, here are all the ways the government shutdown is impacting the lives of average Americans
• Here's what happens to Social Security and disability benefits during a government shutdown
• Some American food safety inspections aren't happening due to the government shutdown, and it could mean more food-poisoning outbreaks
• Federal workers affected by the government shutdown have more than $400 million in mortgage and rent payments due this month, and it could cause chaos for the US housing market

Join the conversation about this story »

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• A picture of an egg is now the most-liked photo on Instagram, with more than 42 million likes. 
• "We always knew eggs were incredible… now the world has confirmed it," the president of the American Egg Board said in a statement on Tuesday. 
• The American Egg Board is donating millions of eggs to celebrate the Instagram-famous egg's success, and has reached out to the person who posted the egg to collaborate. 

The American Egg Association is celebrating the triumph of an egg-turned-Instagram celebrity. 

On Sunday, a photo of a humble egg posted by world_record_egg for the sole purpose of becoming the most-liked photo on Instagram did exactly that. The photo has been liked more than 42 million times as of Tuesday, surpassing the record previously held by reality show star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner. 

Read more: A picture of a humble egg just became the most-liked Instagram post ever

On Tuesday, the American Egg Board announced plans to donate millions of eggs to celebrate the egg's success. "The Incredible Egg," the industry group's marketing slogan, and American egg farmers pledged to donate more than 1 million eggs per month by Easter. 

"On behalf of America’s egg farmers, The Incredible Egg is thrilled to see the egg get the recognition it deserves," American Egg Board CEO Anne Alonzo said in a statement. "We always knew eggs were incredible… now the world has confirmed it." 

The Incredible Egg commented on an Instagram video of Kylie Jenner smashing eggs. 

"Instead of throwing all those eggs people are sending you on the ground, put them to better use with some recipes at www.incrediblegg.org," the Incredible Egg account commented. "Who knows, maybe you'll create the world_record_omelet. The real question is: how do YOU like your eggs?" 

The American Egg board also said that it has offered the person running the World_Record_Egg account an "Incredible Eggambassadorship." 

SEE ALSO: The CEO of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse's parent company reveals what the company looks for in an acquisition — and it's not a trendy fast-casual chain or a 'technologically advanced experience'

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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.

• Napping on long bus and plane rides is difficult if your neck and head aren't adequately supported. Even a traditional travel pillow might not be enough to create an optimal sleeping experience. 
• By attaching a soft hood to the pillow, the Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow ($29.95) blocks out another big culprit of disrupted sleep: light. 
• This comfortable combination allowed me to sleep better, which, in turn, made traveling more enjoyable. 

For all its delights, traveling is not always a relaxing endeavor. Behind every photo of you, smile plastered on your face, body posed in front of a gorgeous landscape, is really a sleep-deprived plane or bus passenger yearning for a neck massage.

I'm one of the many people still struggling to master the art of sleeping on long-distance trips. When I learned I would be taking a two-week bus tour through Europe with my family, I was obviously excited, but also nervous. 14 consecutive days of waking up early and settling into multiple-hour bus rides did not sound easy, and I didn't want to let grogginess, grumpiness, or pain affect my enjoyment of each destination. 

Before I got on my plane to Europe, I picked up a travel pillow, the Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow ($29.95), which had just been lying around our office. I'm so grateful I did because — just let me be a little dramatic here — I wouldn't have survived the trip without it. 

Read more: The best travel pillows you can buy

The biggest concern most people have while traveling upright is keeping their head supported as they sleep. A standard travel pillow (or a not-so-standard one) should prevent their head from lolling back and forth and the dreaded sore neck feeling. 

However, light and sound can be just as disruptive as lack of head, neck, and chin support. While I don't require pitch-black darkness or complete silence to fall asleep, I am still somewhat sensitive to light and sound. The darker and more quiet my surroundings are, the better I'll fare. 

That's why the Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow is such a genius design. It's a travel pillow with an attached hood that can go over your eyes — and this simple addition has made all the difference.  

The soft, micro-fleece covered pillow is made from memory foam and offers mid-level support: neither stiff nor fluffy, with some give and bounce. My head settled comfortably onto the sides and back of the pillow, and with that, phase one of Operation Restful Sleep was complete.

Read more: I tried the cult-favorite Trtl travel pillow to see if it's worth the hype — and I don't know how I ever flew without it

Phase two kicked into gear whenever sunlight streamed in from the bus window to hit me directly in the eyes, or when I couldn't stop noticing that the overhead compartment lights in the airplane were pretty bright. All I had to do was pull the pillow's hood (also made from soft micro-fleece) over my head and eyes to block out these annoyances. 

I prefer this oversized hood to a sleep mask because masks are often too tight and press down uncomfortably over my eyes. Sleep masks solve the light problem, but often sacrifice comfort. The pillow's hood, on the other hand, rested lightly over the top half of my face while successfully blocking out light. You can leave it loosely draped over your face, or tighten the drawstring cords to further shut out the world. The hood by itself won't drown out noise, but it's a great additional layer over a pair of earbuds. 

An underrated but enjoyable benefit I also discovered from sleeping with this hooded travel pillow is how secure it made me feel. It's kind of like snuggling under your blankets in bed, and this comforting feeling no doubt contributed to better sleep, too. 

With my head properly supported and eyes undisturbed by light, I slept deeper and stayed asleep for longer every time I settled back into my bus seat. That meant more energy to enjoy each city and photos where I really was as lively and happy as I looked. 

Shop the Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Pillow for $29.95 at Amazon (3 colors available) 

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• Italian footwear startup and direct-to-consumer brand M.Gemi makes some of the highest quality footwear you can find at a fraction of typical retail prices.
• You may know of it because of their Instagram-famous loafers, but the $348 Corsa ankle boots are one of their standout styles.
• I tried the buttery-smooth leather version, and I’m never going back to my Sam Edelmans. 

There’s a chill in the air that smells distinctly crisp and fresh. The trees are officially turning and the leaves are beginning to dance to the ground. Soon, they’ll be dry and crunchy beneath your feet, just begging to be stepped on.

All this to say that it’s finally time to break out the cozy knit sweaters, hot apple cider (superior to the PSL in every way), and fashion’s most gracious offering to our feet: ankle boots.

Ankle boots, in my opinion, are the white sneakers of cold weather. A good pair with a walkable heel height can be worn for pretty much any activity and with almost any outfit. But if you asked me to dream up my perfect pair, I wouldn’t even bother — because Italian footwear startup M.Gemi has already made them.

Crafted in artisan Italian workshops with buttery soft leather or suede, The Corsa ankle boot is the most comfortable I’ve ever worn — and the most versatile, too. You may recognize the brand for its classic suede loafers, but if you ask me, its ankle boots are the real standout design.

The silhouette has a very subtle hint of '70s style with an elongated, fitted shaft and sleek sole. They are, in short, the perfect ankle boots for everyday wear, offering a hard-to-nail combination of form and function.

The leather pairs come in deep black and saturated cognac. I got my black leather pair in my regular size, a 7.5, which was definitely the right call. When I first tried them on, I was surprised that they were as soft and pliable as they are — from the look of the photos on their website, I thought the shaft would be a lot stiffer and more likely to cause blisters at the top (which is where most boots tend to get me). Instead, they’re malleable enough to move with you as you walk, but thick enough to look and feel substantial. I’ve never gotten a blister from them, and their wearability straight from the box is just one thing that makes them so worthy of their $348 price tag.

Read more: Why M.Gemi's Stellato Sacchetto flats are sure to sell out again this fall

The heel height is also totally manageable at just over two inches, which means I can run around the city and walk around the office without wanting to scream. I have no patience for discomfort on my commute in particular (why torture my feet when taking the subway is hellacious enough?), and these adhere to my strict rule of footwear in which I could run to catch a train if needed.

The boots come in both leather and suede, the former of which has two heel options: wrapped in leather, or stacked and exposed. I have the leather-wrapped pair (which I find to be a little more versatile for dressing up and down), but the stacked heel is a great option for anyone who’s concerned about scratches or wants something a little more casual.

The richly colored suede pairs do have suede-wrapped heels, which look stunning, but are much more prone to show signs of wear. If you’re one of those rare, magical women who knows how to keep suede boots clean, I don’t think you could possibly regret getting a suede pair. 

Overall, I can’t recommend these boots enough to anyone who feels they’re within a reasonable price range. Though they’re not cheap, the quality is the same as any pair you’d get from Prada or another luxury brand — just at a drastically lower price. And if you decide you don’t love them or you need another size, you can take advantage of their complementary return or exchange program.

M.Gemi Corsa Leather Boots, $348

M.Gemi Corsa Suede Boots, $348

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• Attorney general nominee William Barr said Tuesday that if President Donald Trump asked him to terminate the special counsel Robert Mueller without cause, he would not carry out that order.
• Barr also committed to providing Mueller with the resources, funding, and time needed to complete the FBI's Russia investigation.
• When asked whether he would recuse himself in light of a controversial memo he wrote criticizing Mueller last year, Barr said he would seek the counsel of Justice Department ethics officials but did not commit to following their advice.

William Barr, President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, said Tuesday that if Trump asked him to fire the special counsel Robert Mueller without cause, or to tear up the special counsel regulations, he would not do so.

Barr's comments came as Delaware Sen. Chris Coons grilled him about how he would respond if the president pressured him to shut down the ongoing Russia investigation.

Throughout his line of questioning, Coons drew several parallels between Trump's efforts to exert control over the Justice Department and former President Richard Nixon's actions during the Watergate investigation.

"Most famously, when directed by President Nixon to fire the special counsel — the prosecutor investigating Watergate — [Attorney General Elliott Richardson] refused and resigned instead, as we all well know," Coons said. "If the president directed you to change [the special counsel regulations] and then fire Mueller, or simply directly fire Mueller, would you follow Richardson's example and resign instead?"

Barr said that assuming there was no good cause to fire Mueller, "I would not carry out that order."

Barr's highly anticipated confirmation hearing kicked off on Tuesday. The former attorney general under President George H. W. Bush, Barr attracted sharp scrutiny from Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee over a memo he wrote last year where he argued that Mueller's obstruction-of-justice investigation into Trump is "legally unsupportable" and should not be sanctioned by the Justice Department.

On Tuesday, Barr said he wrote the memo — which he sent to the White House, the Justice Department, and lawyers representing other defendants in the Russia probe — because he was concerned Mueller's obstruction investigation was based on an overly broad interpretation of the law and could have far-reaching ramifications down the road.

When he was pressed on how he would oversee Mueller's investigation, Barr said he would ensure that the special counsel regulations were maintained and that he would also make sure Mueller had the resources, funding, and time needed to complete the Russia investigation.

Read more: William Barr says it would be a crime for Trump to pardon someone in exchange for their silence

"Will you commit to ensuring special counsel Mueller is not terminated without good cause consistent with the department regulations?" asked California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

"Absolutely," Barr replied.

He added that if he denied Mueller any resources or other requests, he would notify Congress of the matter. Asked whether he would commit to making any report Mueller produces available to Congress and the public, Barr said, "I am going to make as much information available as I can consistent with the rules and regulations that are part of the special counsel regulations."

When lawmakers asked Barr whether he would recuse himself from overseeing the Russia probe in light of the memo he sent last year, Barr said he would seek the advice of Justice Department ethics officials but did not commit to following their advice.

SEE ALSO: Trump's lawyers want to review and edit Mueller's report before it's out. William Barr said there's no way he'll allow that.

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

• Singapore reigns as the world's most expensive city for the fifth year in a row, based on a report by The Economist Intelligence Unit.
• Seoul also kept its No. 6 ranking for the second consecutive year.
• Asia remains the continent with the most expensive cities, closely followed by Europe. 
• Since last year, European capitals Paris and Copenhagen have both moved up in ranking.

Asian and European cities led the list of most expensive cities around the globe in 2018.

That's according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Worldwide Cost of Living report, which highlights the top 10 most expensive cities around the globe. The report uses more than 400 prices across 160 different products and services — including food, drink, clothing, and home rents — to calculate rankings.

Singapore has consistently held its No. 1 ranking since 2014, when it surpassed Tokyo, which had previously occupied the top spot nearly every year since 1992.

Read more: The same city has been ranked the most expensive city in the world for 5 years running, and it's partially because of the cost of buying a car

Several cities, including Tel Aviv and Seoul, have made massive leaps in the list over the last five years.

The report notes that while Asia accounts for many of the world's most expensive cities, it is also home to many of the cheapest cities as well, including Bangalore and New Delhi. Cities such as these tend to remain cheaper when experiencing political or economic disruption.

In past reports, American cities have appeared in the top 10, but New York City and Los Angeles currently top out at No. 13 and No. 14 respectively. According to the report, this is due, in part, to a weakening dollar when compared to other currencies.

Below, you'll find the 10 most expensive cities ranked from least to most expensive, along with their comparison ranking from last year.

SEE ALSO: Here's how much a bottle of wine costs in each of the world's 10 most expensive cities

Sydney, Australia

2018 city ranking by cost of living: 10

2017 city ranking by cost of living: 14

Tel Aviv, Israel

2018 city ranking by cost of living: 9

2017 city ranking by cost of living: 11

Copenhagen, Denmark

2018 city ranking by cost of living: 8

2017 city ranking by cost of living: 9

• Richard Dean Desain, a 32-year-old from Los Angeles, was arrested on July 9, 2018, after he allegedly tried to pick up a package of crystal methamphetamine that had arrived at Apple’s Grand Central Terminal store in New York City.
• According to NYC special narcotics prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan, Desain was connected to “multiple large-scale shipments of methamphetamine to New York City and the surrounding area.”
• After a nine-month investigation, a new indictment handed down Monday from the Manhattan Supreme Court said Desain “allegedly conspired to supply methamphetamine to New York City-based drug distribution networks from August of 2017 to July 9, 2018.”
• Desain has been charged with conspiracy in the second and fourth charges, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second and third degrees.

Every day, thousands of people go to Apple's retail stores to pick up hot tech gadgets and other flashy products. 

But Apple's store in New York's Grand Central Station received a visitor seeking to pick up a different kind of merchandise this summer: More than a pound of meth, according to law enforcement officials. 

According to a press release issued by New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor on Monday, Richard Dean Desain, a 32-year-old from Los Angeles, was arrested at the Apple story in July when he allegedly arrived to pick up the shipment. According to the prosecutor, Desain had arranged for multiple shipments of meth “worth tens of thousands of dollars” to be distributed around the New York City area, though it's not entirely clear if one of the packages arrived at the Apple store by design or by accident.

At his arraignment on Monday, Desain pleaded not guilty; he is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

On July 7, 2018, an Apple employee at the Grand Central Terminal retail store opened a package addressed to “R De Sain” that, according to special narcotics prosecutor “ultimately proved to contain 559 grams (more than a pound) of methamphetamine.” According to Brennan’s office, someone had tried to reroute this package to a nearby Duane Reade pharmacy, but was unsuccessful.

The Apple store employee who discovered the package immediately reported it to the NYPD, and two days later, on July 8, Desain was arrested when he walked into the Grand Central Apple store while attempting to retrieve it. Brennan’s office says police recovered “an additional quantity of methamphetamine weighing more than 100 grams from his person" during the arrest.

A new indictment was handed down Monday from the Manhattan Supreme Court — the culmination of a nine-month investigation — alleged that Desain had been arranging the shipments of crystal meth around New York City and the surrounding area, including New Jersey, using package delivery services. The shipping labels said the packages were from “Dean Desain” of “Dean’s List.”

Authorities say they had wiretapped at least one of Desain's phones, and intercepted text messages where Desain had sent information about pricing and “standard sizes.”

The indictment filed Monday charges Desain with conspiracy in the second and fourth charges, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second and third degrees. 

SEE ALSO: The best new technology we saw at CES 2019

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NOW WATCH: I'm a diehard iPhone user who switched to Android for a week — here's what I loved and hated about the Google Pixel 3 XL

• The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is a government-sponsored system where people are entitled to healthcare without cost at the point of use. 
• Here, author Jennifer Still, an American living in the UK, lays out five reasons why she believes the NHS is "superior" to the healthcare system in the US. 

When I lived in the US, I rarely went to the doctor. I didn't have work-provided health insurance and I couldn't afford any of the plans with exceptionally high premiums offered to individuals on the marketplace.

This meant that my "insurance" plan, like many other Americans, was "don't get sick."

It's a frightening and somewhat depressing reality to live with, but that reality has shifted greatly since I moved to the UK a few years ago as the partner of a British citizen.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is alive and, while not completely well, a vital part of the lives of the millions who live here.

Here are five ways I've found that the NHS is superior to the US healthcare system:

SEE ALSO: I opted out of health insurance and then had a medical emergency. Here's how Medicaid is rescuing me from $50,000 in medical bills.

Its government-sponsored healthcare is dependent on need, not your ability to pay.

Whether you're unemployed or in a high income bracket, everyone is entitled to healthcare at the point of use without cost.

While many could argue that we do "pay" for healthcare in the form of National Insurance contributions, these are generally taken from our paychecks directly before we even realize they're gone and in many cases are even waived for those under a certain income threshold.

This means that regardless of your situation, you can go to the doctor when you need to and hopefully get the advice, care, or medication you need without worrying about whether or not you can actually afford to pay for it.

A visit to the emergency room or a lengthy hospital stay won't bankrupt you.

I found this out when I broke my ankle unexpectedly and, as it was a trimalleolar fracture, it required surgery and a multiple-day hospital stay.

I stressed for much of the visit, used to the American way of receiving bills for multiple thousands of dollars that there'd be no way I could ever repay.

When I was discharged from the hospital three days after my surgery with several weeks worth of medication and a set of crutches to help me on my way, I wasn't handed a bill, nor was I sent one later. The NHS covered it all.

Prescriptions are either free or capped at £8.60.

It's an unfortunate fact that at some point in our lives, we'll all need medication, whether temporary or more long-term.

In America, if you don't have great health insurance which includes prescription coverage, purchasing drugs prescribed to you by your doctor could be crippling or even impossible.

That's not an issue in the UK, where many residents are eligible for free prescriptions and everyone else, no matter how much money they make or don't make, pays no more than £8.60 (roughly $10.85 USD).

If you're going to be on medication long-term, you can even apply for a PPC, or prescription prepayment certificate, which could save you hundreds per year.

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 Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker is Amazon's #1 bestselling cold brew coffee maker and our pick for the best under-$20 cold brew coffee maker you can buy.
• It comes in two sizes: 1 quart (4 servings, $20) and 2 quarts (8 servings, $35), and has over 1,600 5-star reviews.
• In person, it's easy to use and makes reliable, affordable cold brew. 

Like many people who prefer cold brew or iced coffee, I quickly found myself at a personal (and financial) crossroads. 

The Starbucks app made it easy to re-order from the shop on my way to work, but I was spending an irresponsible amount on something I could make relatively easily at home. And, beyond money, it didn't seem justifiable using that many plastic cups and straws on a personal luxury. You can bring in a reusable travel mug, but it's not uncommon to see a plastic cup used for easy measuring and then thrown out after the finished drink is transferred to its now decidedly less  "green" substitute.

A better option for saving money and plastic is getting a reusable at-home cold brew maker. For the savings, though, you’re going to have to put up with some forethought and patience not otherwise required for a $7 cup from the local shop. What makes cold brew so delicious is the long (~12 hour+) process of letting the coarse-ground coffee steep in water. Rather than using heat to extract the coffee’s oils and sugars and caffeine, cold brew relies on time. In reward, cold brew is less acidic and bitter than cold coffee over ice. It would be more convenient if it took only the push of a Keurig button, but then it wouldn't be cold brew. 

In other words, you can't cut corners. But if you're willing to prep even a night in advance (or make enough to last you through the week), then you should pick up a home brewer. And if you want good quality cold brew and plenty of it for less than $40, I recommend checking out the Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, which is a small sensation in its own corner of the universe. 

The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is Amazon's #1 bestseller in the category, and it has almost 1,5000 5-star reviews. As an owner of one, I'm not surprised: it does what it's supposed to, and it does it for less than $40. 

The Takeya goes for $22 - $35 (price dependent upon size), and is durable, dishwasher-safe, and makes up to 8 servings of coffee concentrate at once. It also fits comfortably in most refrigerator doors. Some purists prefer glass, but the Takeya's BPA-free material won't bother the average user. Glass brewers are more eco-friendly and skirt some concerns about being able to repurpose the container for drinks like tea without a lingering coffee taste, but plastic appeals to those looking for a cheap cold brew maker that they can handle without much care. 

For me, it was a pretty simple decision in terms of cost, easy steps, positive reviews, and quantity of coffee. I try to spend as little of my free time on routine as possible, so a one-time, 30-second chore for days worth of cold brew was very appealing. Recently, the company released an even bigger two-quart size thanks to requests from customers. 

The process is extremely simple. You dump 14-16 tablespoons of your favorite coarsely ground coffee into the infuser, attach it to the lid, and fill the pitcher with 32 ounces of cold water. Then, you lower the infuser into the water by twisting the Takeya cap on. Shake it well, and store it in the refrigerator overnight or up to 36 hours for extra-strong coffee concentrate which can be diluted if you choose. The Takeya top has an airtight seal, so I've never had an issue with leaking, even when the pitcher was laid on its side. Once the brewing process is finished, just remove the infuser and replace the lid. 

If your schedule is hectic and you miss a couple mornings, the brewed coffee will stay fresh in your Takeya for up to two weeks. 

The only thing to note is that the Takeya uses half the grounds to produce the same amount of cold brew as some of the other cult-favorite coffee makers out there, meaning you're more likely to get a weaker brew. If you don't plan to dilute your cold brew concentrate with milk or water, though, this may not ultimately matter to you. If you're sensitive to caffeine, it could also be an advantage. 

Insider Picks voted the Takeya the best Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker under $20 in our guide to the best cold brew makers you can buy, and it's still a great option at $20. On my most caffeine-dependent weeks, I save $20+ just by using this. Over the course of a year, that's hundreds of dollars. I definitely still occasionally forget to make cold brew ahead of time and wind up at the local Starbucks, but the trips have ceased to bother me now that they've become so minimal. 

The Takeya may not be the perfect option for everyone, but it's a great one for anyone looking for delicious, affordable cold brew at home for as few steps, storage space, and hassle as possible. It also doesn't hurt that it's under $40. 

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 1-Quart, $19.97

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, 2-Quart, $34.76

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• Kudadoo Maldives Private Island has been named the best new luxuryhotel of 2019 by the team at Luxury Travel Intelligence.
• The adults-only resort has 15 private residences and is situated in a lagoon.
• Guests have access to a 24-hour butler, a spa, and a swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
• The resort is part of the growing movement of eco-friendly tourism: It's entirely solar-powered.

A tiny resort in the Maldives has been dubbed the best new luxury resort of 2019.

Kudadoo Maldives is home to 15 one- or two-bedroom overwater residences and, in case the unobstructed ocean views aren't sufficient, also has an infinity pool that looks out over the water. It opened on December 26, but is already attracting high-profile guests.

The hotel is part of the growing trend of eco-friendly tourism: The resort's sloped roof generates enough energy to serve 50 guests and 100 staff at any given moment.

Readmore: The top 14 boutique hotels in the world that should be on every luxury traveler's list

Kudadoo now numbers as one of many luxury hotel offerings in the Maldives, including the world's first underwater hotel villa, where a single night's stay costs $50,000, and a resort that's home to an underwater sculpture museum.

It also joins the ranks of a seven-bedroom Swiss chalet that's been named the world's best ski lodge and a resort in Bali with "the world's best views" as must-see stops for wealthy travelers who are seeking the lap of luxury around the world.

Keep reading for a look at the island retreat.

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

SEE ALSO: For $25,000 a night, you can rent a luxury chalet that sits on top of a glacier in a remote part of Alaska

Kudadoo Maldives is on a private island in Lhaviyani Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Guests fly into Malé International Airport ...

Source: Kudadoo

... and are then flown to the resort, which is about 40 minutes away, by private seaplane.

Source: Kudadoo

The resort consists of 15 bungalows that arch out over the water in a circular shape.

Source: Kudadoo

• Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the US, experiences darkness from November to January every year.
• The phenomenon is called a polar night.
• The sun won't rise in Utqiaġvik again until January 23.

The town of Utqiaġvik, Alaska — the northernmost town in the US — experiences a polar night every year, beginning in mid-November and ending in mid-January. That means that once the sun sets in November, residents won't see daylight for two months.

Utqiaġvik, known as Barrow until 2016, is a remote town at the tip of Alaska, surrounded by wilderness tundra and not accessible by road. The average high temperature remains below zero from December through March.

Utqiaġvik has a population of about 4,000 and is home to the Iñupiat people, as well as many scientists who have come to the area for work.

Keep reading to find out more about what life is like in Utqiaġvik during the dark winter months.

SEE ALSO: What life is like in the snowiest city in the world, where snow tunnels can reach 26 feet high and tourists come to see lanterns and ‘monsters’ made out of snow

Utqiaġvik is located at the top of Alaska, about 500 miles from Fairbanks.

Source: "One Square Mile"

People often call the town "the top of the world," given its location at the northern tip of Alaska.

Source: YouTube

It's location 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, near the North Pole, causes it to experience a phenomenon called polar night.

Source: Arctic Today

• The government shutdown is now in its 25th day, setting 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, pushing the government into a historic 25th day.

No shutdown ever lasted past the 21st day, with the 1995-1996 as the previous standard bearer. But the current, drawn out shutdown fight has eclipsed the record and shows no signs of ending.

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.

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 into Tuesday, Trump also surpassed Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton for second-most days with a funding lapse during one presidency. Trump gets 25 for the current shutdown, three for the January 2018 shutdown, and — despite the short nature — one for the February 2018 lapse, bringing the total to 29 days during which the government did not have funding. Reagan and Clinton were tied for second with 28.

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.

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 ongoing government shutdown has had a "devastating impact" on the immigration system, resulting in more than 42,000 court hearings being cancelled over the last four weeks.
• Federal judges say these canceled hearings will take years to reschedule. America's asylum system is already backlogged by more than 800,000 cases.
• If the shutdown continues through the end of January, more than 100,000 cases will have to be rescheduled, according to Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

The government shutdown — sparked by a dispute over border-wall funding — reached its 25th day on Tuesday, leaving a massive and rapidly growing backlog in the court system that determines whether immigrants can stay in the United States or face deportation.

An estimated 380,000 federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are barred from going to work and are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown. The furloughed employees include the roughly 400 immigration judges across the country who are permitted to hear cases only for immigrants held in detention centers, which the government deems most urgent.

As of January 11, 42,726 immigration hearings had been canceled because of the shutdown, according to Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC).

TRAC's data show that the shutdown has effectively added tens of thousands of cases back onto a court backlog of more than 800,000 cases that are already open. Since those hearings are scheduled years in advance, many of the immigrants who were due for appearances within the last four weeks won't see a judge for years to come.

That's a major problem for an already overburdened asylum system that grows more strained each day, Judge Dana Leigh Marks told PBS NewsHour last week.

Read more: The shutdown over Trump's border wall has also shut down a major program employers use to check immigrants are in the US legally

Judges such as Marks already have dockets filled with up to 4,000 pending cases. If the shutdown continues through the end of January, more than 100,000 cases will have to be rescheduled, according to TRAC.

"It's been a devastating impact to have our immigration courts shut down," Marks said. "Many of the cases that are being canceled for the shutdown have been on my docket already for two or three or four years, and now I have no time in the foreseeable future to reset them. It could be another three or four years before those people can expect hearings on their cases."

The likelihood of a drawn-out shutdown appears high as President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders have not gotten anywhere close to a deal to reopen the government. The president has threatened to keep the government closed for "months or even years."

Immigration judges have said that despite Trump's desire to resolve what he sees as a border "crisis," the government shutdown has thrown the asylum system into chaos, likely dooming some immigrants' hopes of receiving asylum and delaying others' deportations.

"It's quite ironic to shut down the immigration courts because of the differences on immigration," Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges, told NPR.

The shutdown kicked off in December after Trump suddenly reversed course and refused to sign any government-funding legislation that did not include $5 billion for a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Since then, Trump has repeatedly been unwilling to back down from his demand for wall funding, while Democrats repeatedly refused to acquiesce. The president even went so far as to threaten to declare a national emergency to gain access to the funds, bypassing Congress, but backed down from those threats recently.

Immigration courts are just one of the many services being disrupted by the shutdown. Airport security, food inspections, and US economic growth have all been affected by the lapse in federal funding.

• 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
• The government shutdown is in day 25 and has set the record for the longest shutdown in history
• From airport lines to food inspections, here are all the ways the government shutdown is impacting the lives of average Americans
• The government shutdown could cause a disaster for the US economy if Trump follows through on his threat to continue the fight for 'months'

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 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.

• Shopping for Valentine's Day gifts can be stressful, but at the end of the day, Valentine's Day is about showing your loved ones you care and appreciate them.
• That's why we rounded up 50 great Valentine's Day gifts, all for under $25, that make thoughtful gifts no matter your budget or relationship status. 

Today, it seems Valentine's Day is synonymous with fancy dinners, giant teddy bears, Hallmark cards, and chocolate — lots of chocolate. That's all well and good, but at the core of it, Valentine's Day is about showing the people you love that you care about about them — and you don't have to spend a lot of money to do that.

To save you the shopping stress, we scoured the web to find 50 great Valentine's Day gifts. Whether you're shopping for your girlfriend, husband, new fling, or your best friend, this list has something for everyone. The best part is they're all under $25 — and your recipient will love them.

Keep reading for 50 sweet Valentine's Day gifts you can get for $25 or less:

A game that gives you plenty of creative date night ideas

Date Night Bucket List, available at Uncommon Goods, $18

A candle with a scent and message that are equally heartwarming

Love Is Love Candle, available at West Elm, $24

Truffle-infused hot sauce to elevate their favorite meals

TRUFF Hot Sauce, available at Amazon, $17.98

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.

Valentine's Day gifts can pose a unique challenge. 

Depending on the recipient (or how long you've been seeing them), the traditional gifts of diamonds, surprise trips to Paris on private jets, and nightmarishly huge teddy bears may be a bit too enthusiastic. For those looking for no-pressure Valentine's Day gifts, humor is the guiding light. And for anyone looking for a unique keepsake, you can't go wrong with something funny either.

Below are a few of the most clever — but still useful — gifts you'll find on the internet. Your recipient will feel cared for, and you won't have to poll friends last-minute to find a companion for an all-expenses-paid couples vacation to the Bahamas either. 

Below are 32 funny Valentine's Day gifts to give this year:

SEE ALSO: 27 sweet Valentine's Day gifts you can get on Amazon

A funny parody cookbook for 'Fifty Shades of Chicken'

Fifty Shades of Chicken: A Parody in a Cookbook, available on Amazon, $12.29

Edgy, boundary-pushing, and avant-garde: It's the Fifty Shades parody cookbook. Grab it and a bottle of wine and stay in to make Valentine's Day dinner. 

A shower wine glass holder

Sipski Shower Wine Glass Holder, available on Urban Outfitters, $18

A shower holder for a glass of wine is one of the most unique — and oddly thoughtful — gifts you can give, especially for anyone whose ideal night includes a bath bomb. 

A complete survival kit for your next binge-watching marathon

Binge Watching Survival Kit, available on Barnes and Noble, $19.95

The nitty-gritty survival kit for your next Netflix and Chill binge-watching marathon. Pick your favorite movie, make popcorn, and spend an ideal Valentine's Day in. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop the GrabTab for $9.95 at Amazon here

Shop the GrabTab for $9.99 at Best Buy here

Join the conversation about this story »

• Though falconry has existed in cultures throughout history, it has a central role in the United Arab Emirates and Middle Eastern culture, where nomads have long used falcons to hunt for food.
• In the UAE, falconers train their falcons, which can cost up to $60,000 a bird, to race at hundreds of miles an hour in the President's Cup, a national competition where the fastest falcons can win up to $7 million in prizes. For some, the pricey birds have become a status symbol akin to fancy European sports cars.
• I spent a day with the top trainers at the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, one of the UAE's premier falconry organizations, to see what the pastime is like now. It is enthralling, fascinating, and grisly to watch.

Every winter morning, Hamad Al-Falasi and his team rise before dawn and drive dusty 4x4s into the harsh Arabian desert. Before the sun ever crests the tawny dunes, the men have sipped their coffee and carried a small army of muscular birds to perches in the sand.

There are dozens of different falcons — nut-brown and speckled white Peregrines, silver Gyrfalcons dappled with black, bluish-gray Sakers, and any number of hybrid species bred for temperament or speed.

The trainers, dressed in long white kanduras, carry the birds one at a time to Al-Falasi. He removes a leather hood from each and, one by one, the raptors accelerate faster than a Formula One race car and follow a diving flight path to a trainer standing a few hundred yards off, holding a bundle of feathers fixed to rope.

Al Falasi is the head trainer of the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, a government-owned club started in 2013 to promote falconry in the United Arab Emirates. Though falconry has existed in numerous cultures throughout history, it has always been central to Middle Eastern culture.

The Bedouin Arabs, the nomads who historically lived in the region, have captured migrating falcons for thousands of years and trained them to hunt desert game for food, typically large birds called houbara bustards, rabbits, doves, and even gazelles. Falconry was a crucial tool for Bedouins to survive in the desolate desert.

Emiratis abandoned nomadic life over the last century in favor of modernity in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and falconry fell out of practice for all but the wealthiest. But as the country and its people have grown wealthier in recent decades, falconry has returned as a popular hobby, though with one major change. Racing has taken the place of hunting in the UAE, after the Crown Prince of Dubai introduced the sport in the early 2000s and hunting was banned to protect endangered species.

Al-Falasi and his team train the club’s falcons for a shot at The President’s Cup, a competition overseen by the UAE’s rulers and featuring $7.35 million and 73 cars in prizes for the top falconers.

I spent a day with the trainers to see what goes into the fast-growing sport. Warning: It’s not for those with weak stomachs.

SEE ALSO: A walk through Dubai's supercity of futuristic skyscrapers made me uneasy for any city that mimics its rapid development

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Hamad Al-Falasi has been training falcons for as long as he can remember. Falconry is a pastime that is typically passed down from father to son, Al-Falasi told me as we drove to a training site deep in the desert outside Abu Dhabi. Emiratis often teach their children how to care for the birds as a means of instilling discipline and knowledge of the desert.

"I started training falcons when I was 12 years old. I started because my father did it," Saeed Al-Hamli, the administrative manager of the ADFC, told me as he stroked a recently purchased white gyr-peregrine hybrid in his office.

Falconers will typically go out once at dawn and once in the evening during hunting and racing season to train their birds.