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Bonobos is having a secret sale with 20% off everything — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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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.

Bonobos

1. Save 20% on everything at Bonobos

Now that Bonobos' end of season sale is over, the brand is bringing in a ton of new arrivals. While new inventory usually means paying full price, Bonobos is running a secret sale that will allow you to save 20% on everything — whether it's new or already on sale. Simply use the promo code "ECLIPSE20" to take advantage of the offer. You won't see the sale advertised anywhere on the site, but the code still works. Use this opportunity to stock up on new chinos, dress, shirts, and more.

Shop the Bonobos sale now

The Met Store

2. Save 20% sitewide at The Met Store

Now through February 4, you can save 20% on art-inspired gifts by using the promo code "LOVE19" at checkout. The sale includes great giftable items like jewelry, apparel, art supplies, stationery, books, chocolate, and more — just in time for Valentine's Day. 

Shop The Met Store's sitewide sale now.

Backcountry

3. Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at Backcountry

Whether you're shopping for a warm jacket to withstand brutal winter weather or you need gear for an upcoming ski trip, Backcountry has everything you need. Until the end of February, you can save up to 50% on outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories from many of the industry's top outdoor brands. Although the sale is running all month long, you'll want to shop now for the best selection of items.

Shop the Backcountry semi-annual sale now

Dell

4. Get huge savings on computers and accessories at Dell

Right now, Dell is having a sale with huge savings on many of its best products. Some of the deals include up to $280 off laptops, up to $300 off desktops, and up to $660 off power gaming computers. No matter what you're looking for in a computer, Dell likely has a great deal on it.

Shop the Dell sale now.

Nordstrom Rack

5. Save up to 80% on cashmere sweaters and accessories at Nordstrom Rack

Everyone should have a few pieces of cashmere to wear during the winter, but stocking up can be quite expensive. For a limited time, Nordstrom Rack is making the premium material more affordable with a big sale. You can save up to 80% on cashmere sweaters, hats, scarves, and more. 

Shop the cashmere sale at Nordstrom Rack now

Echo Dot Kids Edition

6. Buy one Echo Dot Kids Edition, get another for free

This holiday season, Amazon sold more Echo Dots than any other product. While adults have been keeping Alexa busy, kids can now use her too with the Echo Dot Kids Edition. The kid-friendly smart hub turns Alexa into a DJ, storyteller, comedian, and more. For a limited time, you can buy one Echo Dot Kids Edition and get one for free. You'll also receive a two-year worry-free guarantee and a year of FreeTime Unlimited, which gives your kids access to hundreds of hours of fun and educational content, audio books, ad-free radio stations, and more.

Echo Dot Kids Edition 2 Pack, $69.99 (Originally $139.98)[You save $69.99]

Macy's

7. Save up to an extra 25% on thousands of items at Macy's

As the world's largest department store, Macy's has an amazing selection of products — many of which are offered at discounted prices. Now until this Sunday, February 3, you can save up to an extra 25% by using the promo code "YAY" at checkout. You'll find great deals on apparel for the entire family, shoes, jewelry, home goods, beauty products, and more.

Shop the Macy's Super Weekend sale now.

H&R Block

8. Save 42% on H&R Block tax software on Amazon

Millions of people trust specialists at H&R Block with their taxes, but if you prefer the convenience of filing your return on your own, the brand also sells the necessary software to guide you through the process. Suitable for filing both your federal and state taxes, the software usually costs $44.99, but you can save $19 on it today. You'll also receive a 5% refund bonus in the form of an Amazon gift card.

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2018, $25.99 (Originally $44.99) [You save $19]

Brooklyn Bedding

9. Save 20% on Brooklyn Bedding Mattresses

If you've been putting off buying a new mattress because of the inconvenience of shopping in a store, online mattress startup Brooklyn Bedding has the sale for you. Now through February 5, you can save an extra 20% on mattresses by using the promo code "WINTER20" at checkout. And you shouldn't worry about buying a mattress online. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night trial period, free shipping and returns, and extended warranties on every product sold.

Shop the Brooklyn Bedding sale now.

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Trump is returning to Mar-a-Lago for the first time since Thanksgiving. Take a look inside the exclusive club that the public doesn't get to see.

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Trump melania mar a lago

  • Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's private club in Palm Beach, Florida, is often called "the Winter White House."
  • After skipping his planned Christmas trip because of the government shutdown, Trump is returning to the seaside resort for Super Bowl weekend.
  • The heiress to Post Cereal built the 20-acre estate in 1927, and Trump bought it for $8 million in 1985.
  • Its 128 rooms are decked out with lavish interiors and golden decor, Trump's signature.

President Donald Trump is returning to his exclusive Mar-a-Lago club for the first time since Thanksgiving.

The New York Times reported Thursday that Trump is heading to the seaside resort often referred to as "the winter White House" for Super Bowl weekend.

Trump spent 12 days there for the holidays last year, according to The Palm Beach Post, throwing a lavish party to ring in the new year. He skipped his trip south this year to stay at the White House during the partial government shutdown.

The Florida resort, which was built in the early 20th century, serves as the first family's weekend getaway, and the president has used it on multiple occasions to host important dignitaries.

But first and foremost, Mar-a-Lago is a place of lavish luxury. With its ornately decorated rooms and halls, it was built to impress.

Here's a look inside the sprawling complex, and what it takes to become a member there.

SEE ALSO: See inside the swanky party at Mar-a-Lago where Trump watched the Super Bowl

DON'T MISS: Trump's Mar-a-Lago is being slammed as a 'disgrace' after serving caviar with plastic spoons

The Mar-a-Lago Club is a 20-acre estate with 128 rooms. The heiress to Post Cereal built it in 1927.

Source: Town and Country Magazine



It spans the entire width of the island Palm Beach is located on, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intercoastal Waterway.



Trump bought the estate and all of its antique furniture in 1985 for a combined total of $8 million.

Source: Town and Country Magazine



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13 products we swear by for getting us through our commutes every day

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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.

Commute products 4_3

  • As product reviewers who often carry a lot of stuff to and from work every day, the members of the Insider Picks team have become experts at commuting. 
  • Most of us can agree that our commute is one of the less enjoyable parts of our day, but we've gotten pretty good at making it less miserable. 
  • Here are the 13 products we rely on every day to make our commutes a little more bearable. 

Here on the Insider Picks team, we're no amateurs when it comes to commuting. We've spent mornings pushing through crowds on the subway platform, sweating through long rides without any air conditioning in the summer, and have dealt with more delays, service changes, and unexpected stops than we can count. Most of these days, we have heavy bags full of products we're testing for articles.  

No matter where you live, how you get to work, or how long it takes you — most of us can agree that commuting can be a pretty dismal experience. 

Unfortunately, we're not the MTA or magicians, so we can't just make your commute disappear. But what we can do is help you out with some product recommendations we swear by that have the power to make your commute a little less miserable, and maybe even a little more enjoyable. 

Here are 13 products we rely on to make our commutes better: 

Kindle Paperwhite

Connie Chen, Insider Picks Reporter: "I could probably sit (and yes, even stand) on the train all day as long as I have my Kindle and a few books loaded up. I used to carry physical books on my commute, but they just got too heavy and cumbersome to hold. I have the older Paperwhite version, but many of these statements still stand: it’s light and comfortable to hold, glare-free, and has a good battery life. What’s great about the newest one is that it’s now waterproof and has double the storage."

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks Editor: "I absolutely hate commuting, but a Kindle makes it about 50% better. It's easy to read from while sitting or standing on the subway, particularly because it doesn't require two hands to turn pages. Even if I'm squished between 100 people and grasping for balance from a nearby pole, I can keep my place in the book and not worry about accidentally closing it without a bookmark."

Get the Kindle Paperwhite for $129.99 at Amazon



RHA Wireless Earbuds

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks Editor: "I truly love these headphones. They sound amazing, and they create a seal that blocks out the noise of my commute, which includes dreadfully loud screeching trains and honking trucks. The back of each earbud is magnetic, so when I'm done listening, I just pop them out of my ears and the magnets meet to create a necklace of sorts so they never fall off. Plus, they pair easily and seamlessly. You can read my full review of them here, but suffice it to say, I'd rather be hit by a train than commute without them."

Get the RHA Wireless Earbuds for $99.95 at Amazon



Jaybird Tarah Pro Earbuds

Connie Chen, Insider Picks Reporter: "No matter how much you’re jamming out, no one likes to hear what you’re listening to on your commute. These wireless sports earbuds have great sound quality and immerse you fully in your music, without subjecting your fellow passengers to it. What’s cool about these earphones is that you can customize the bass and treble through the Jaybird app, and they have a really impressive 14-hour battery life."

Get the Jaybird Tarah Pro Earbuds for $159.99 at Best Buy



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What it's like to vacation in Bodrum, Turkey, an under-the-radar luxury travel hotspot that's been compared to Saint Tropez and Mykonos

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bodrum turkey

  • Bodrum, Turkey, is a an increasingly popular luxury travel destination.
  • It's been compared to European hotspots St. Tropez on the French Riviera and Mykonos in Greece.
  • Both Condé Nast Traveler and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019.
  • It's seen a recent influx of trendy five-star hotels, including Six Senses Kaplankaya and Ian Schrager's Bodrum Edition. 

 

Forget Bali, Mykonos, and St. Tropez.

The hot new under-the-radar luxury travel destination is the seaside city of Bodrum, Turkey.

The port city has been dubbed the "St. Tropez of Turkey" for its luxury hotels, beach clubs, food scene, and the abundance of superyachts drifting in its turquoise waters. While Europeans have been vacationing there for years, it's been long overlooked by American travelers.

Both Condé Nast Traveler and Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019, with Bloomberg suggesting travelers skip "overdeveloped Bali in favor of Bodrum, where a five-star-resort renaissance is under way." The publication pointed out the recent high-profile openings in Bodrum of trendy luxury resorts such as Six Senses and Edition Hotels. 

"With slick infinity edge pools facing the Aegean, celebrity-approved beach clubs, spas with steamy hammams, and sunbathing nooks shrouded by olive groves, the see-and-be-seen destination is a revitalized alternative to St. Tropez and Mykonos," Bloomberg wrote of Bodrum.

Here's what it's like to vacation in Bodrum. 

SEE ALSO: An ultra-luxe retreat in the Maldives has been named the world's most romantic resort 6 times — here's a look inside the secluded island

DON'T MISS: The top 14 boutique hotels in the world that should be on every luxury traveler's list

Bodrum, Turkey, is an increasingly popular luxury travel destination, earning comparisons to European hotspots St. Tropez on the French Riviera and Mykonos in Greece.



The city is located on the Bodrum Peninsula on Turkey's southwest coast, on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Source: Google Maps



Bloomberg named Bodrum one of the best places to travel in 2019. "With slick infinity edge pools facing the Aegean, celebrity-approved beach clubs, spas with steamy hammams, and sunbathing nooks shrouded by olive groves, the see-and-be-seen destination is a revitalized alternative to St-Tropez and Mykonos," the publication wrote of Bodrum.

Source: Bloomberg



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There's an old, unused subway station underneath New York's City Hall. Here's what it's like to visit.

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City Hall subway station exit

  • New York has the oldest and most expansive subway system in North America.
  • But the first ever underground station to open has long been shuttered since World War II. 
  • Today, the only way to get to the abandoned masterpiece is by special tour. 

When New York City's subway first opened in 1904, it was a true modern marvel. Its very first station, almost directly beneath City Hall, was a sight to see. Sun flooded the platform from skylights in the ground above, and gilded chandeliers filled the shadows with electric light.

On the first day of service, some 15,000 New Yorkers would pay the nickel fare to ride the first subway to open outside of Europe. 

But things wouldn't remain so glorious for this station. Once train cars became longer, the gaps between doors and platforms were deemed too wide to be safe. What's more, many passengers opted to walk from the larger Brooklyn Bridge station nearby, which had express service that the City Hall loop did not.

Today, there's no service provided to the station — trains made their final stop on December 31, 1945 — but you can catch a glimpse by riding a downtown 6 local train past its terminal stop, which today is known as Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. Keep your eyes peeled as you go through the loop and a few minutes later you'll end up on the uptown platform of the same station.

If a mere glance isn't enough, the New York Transit Museum offers tours to members, and they sell out in just minutes. That's how Business Insider got the chance to visit. Here's what it's like:

SEE ALSO: New York's governor called Tesla to see if the company could help fix NYC's subway system

As its name suggests, the subway station sits directly beneath City Hall, the oldest municipal headquarters in the United States. It's more than 200 years old.



The subway station was also beneath the City Hall Post Office and Courthouse Building, a massive French-style building that many derided as an eyesore. It was later demolished in 1939 to make way for what's today called City Hall Park.

The street cars on Park Row that crossed the Brooklyn Bridge (just out of view on the right) are long gone. 



Here's how the tracks lie in relation to the City Hall building and the adjacent park. In this diagram it's easier to see how the 6 train makes its 180-degree turnaround while allowing express trains to continue south through downtown and into Brooklyn.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What the British royal family looked like the year you were born

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kate middleton royal family queen

  • Queen Elizabeth II has reigned since 1952.
  • Photos of her and her growing family through the years mark the passing of time for the world.
  • These 70 images, dating back to 1950, show how the British royal family has changed over the decades.

In a changing world, few things have remained as constant as the British royal family.

People all over the world follow Queen Elizabeth II and her large family of kids and grandkids for their dose of inspiration, fashion, and even scandals throughout the years.

Acting as a bellwether, the royal family is also a way of tracking the changing times.

Here is what everybody's favorite royals were doing on the year you were born.

Veronika Bondarenko contributed to a previous version of this story.

SEE ALSO: Almost all the royal families of Europe are related to each other. This family tree shows how they share a single ancestor

DON'T MISS: Queen Elizabeth has been in power so long, 4 out of 5 UK residents weren't alive when she ascended the throne

1950: Queen Elizabeth II was a young princess in line to take over the throne after her father, King George VI.

Source: Britroyals.com



1951: Queen Elizabeth II had married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark and given birth to two children, Charles and Anne.

Source: Britroyals.com



1952: After several years of ill health, King George VI died in February 1952. Princess Elizabeth was on a royal tour of Kenya when she found out.

Source: Britroyals.com



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These $11 pocket notebooks use a simple but highly effective organizational system to help you manage tasks and goals

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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.

word. notebook bullet journal 2

  • Finding the right system to help you manage your to-do lists and goals takes some experimentation. For me, traditional bullet journals were too intensive and time-consuming, but I still wanted to use some kind of written notebook. 
  • I discovered Word. notebooks ($10.99 for 3), which employ a simple, effective, and streamlined system to help me be productive in my personal and professional life. 
  • Thanks to this unique organizational system, the durable, pocket-sized companions are versatile enough to be used for everything from weekly grocery lists to long-term personal goals. 

If you've ever resolved to be more productive and get more organized with your goals, you've probably considered bullet journaling as a potential solution. You could scroll for days on YouTube browsing bullet journal how-tos and Erin Condren's "Plan With Me" videos, then spend an equal amount of time inspecting the more than 3.2 million carefully arranged flat-lays on Instagram sporting the #bulletjournal hashtag.  

While I love feeling productive simply by association of learning the ins and outs of bullet journaling, experience has taught me that attempting to execute my bullet journal vision is intimidating and inefficient. I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make my journal "perfect" (getting all the lines straight kills the dream every single time) rather than focusing on its actual purpose. 

Good on the people who are avid bullet journalers, but full bullet journaling just isn't for me. In search of a to-do and goal-tracking system that's a little more simple and easy to maintain, I stumbled across Word. notebooks ($10.99 for 3) while browsing notebooks on Amazon. 

Word. was created by a group of daily notebook users who wanted to develop a small, stylish, and functional notebook for all the lists of everyday life — packing, grocery, restaurants to try, errands, workouts, holiday shopping, and more. The standardized organization system (below) is straightforward and easy to immediately grasp. 

word. notebook bullet journal

Every page looks the same, with a blank circle located on each line. Dot the center to make your note or task a bullet point, outline the circle to mark it as important, put one slash to show you've started on it, and slash through one more time to mark it as complete. 

It's just systematic enough to provide direction, organization, and clarity as you glance through your notebook, but not so full of unnecessary intricacies that it takes away from the efficiency of creating and completing your to-dos. 

word. notebook bullet journal 1

Read more: The best planners for students and professionals

I'm realizing more and more that I can't rely on my brain alone to remember big and small tasks alike. I use my Word. notebook to remind myself to make health appointments, keep track of products I'm testing, and even call my parents or friends. Its versatility lends itself to any purpose, personal or professional, and you won't need to switch notebooks or shift organizational styles as you sift through your various priorities. 

There was virtually no learning curve to embracing the Word. system, but it has already made a marked difference in how I organize my life. It even works for larger, long-term goals because it encourages you to break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. 

The other advantage of the Word. notebooks is that they're small (3.5" x 5.5") and contain 48 pages, the perfect size for monthly or quarterly time periods. The covers, available in a variety of styles from a simple black to quirky Rad/'80s, are durable and made from recycled paper. 

Everyone has a different organizational style, but I've found Word. notebooks perfectly align with mine. Since they're so affordable, I would highly recommend giving them a try. 

Shop all Word. Notebooks (3-Pack), from $10.99, at Amazon here

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How to open a jar with a little elbow grease — and some great tools

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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.

how to open a jar

  • Trace amounts of residue left in a jar top's threading and the factory's tight vacuum seal make jars difficult to open.
  • By breaking the jar lid's seal using one of several handy tricks, you can make it much easier to unscrew the cap.
  • You can also use a number of tools to make opening jars easier, including a jar key, cheap jar grippers, simple jar openers, and automatic jar openers.
  • Here's how to open a jar with or without jar-opening tools.

If you have trouble opening jars, you're far from alone. While jars can be a notorious challenge for the elderly or for people with limited strength due to injury or illness, plenty of young, fit, and perfectly capable people still struggle to open jars.

I'm in my mid 30s, I'm in good health, I exercise regularly, and yet I still, at times, find jars that are almost impossible to open. Impossible, that is, without the aid of a jar opening trick or two — we'll get to those soon.

Why are jars so hard to open? The main reason is one you can hardly begrudge: It's the vacuum seal that is keeping your food fresh. When a jar is sealed at a factory, the contents tend to be warm. As the interior temperature cools, the air contracts, creating a seal that draws the lid on tightly and keeps out bacteria. The second reason is often trace amounts of the food itself, which when left in the threading of the jar's top, creates a glue-like effect when it dries and sets.

So how do you easily open a jar? There are two approaches that, in the most extreme cases, can be used in tandem.

By breaking the internal vacuum seal holding that pesky lid so firmly atop the jar, you can more easily twist the lid off, revealing the delectable pickles, pasta sauce, or jelly within.

You can also use a dedicated jar-opening tool to do most of the hard work for you. And by combing a jar-opening hack with a jar-opening tool, you're guaranteed to achieve mastery of your pantry.

Here are the best tools to help you open a jar:

Read on in the slides below to learn how to open a jar with or without tools.

How to loosen the lid of a jar and get it open

Approach 1: A few solid smacks on the bottom

There are several ways to break a jar's vacuum seal, the easiest of which is simply to give it a few smacks on the bottom.

  1. Firmly grip the jar in one hand with the bottom your opposing palm, the lid more of less horizontal to the ground or slightly angled downward.
  2. While holding the jar still, hit the bottom firmly with an open palm three or four times.
  3. Try again to open the lid (Pro tip: Make sure the jar is no longer tilted downward).

The contents of the jar should have hammered against the lid, lifting it ever so slightly and breaking the vacuum hold. If that didn't work and the jar is still tightly sealed, turn to our next trick.

Approach 2: A few whacks on the lid

For this approach, you'll need a butter knife, spoon, fork, or other metal utensil with a decent heft to it.

  1. Hold the jar firmly in one hand (I recommend your non-dominant hand) and the metal utensil in the other.
  2. Using a blunt surface of the utensil (the backside of the knife), tap the jar lid at three or four different spots (think 12, 3, 6, and 9 on a clock face) right on its 90º corner.
  3. Try to remove the lid — the seal should now be broken and it should release easily.

Approach 3: Turn up the heat

So the lid is still stuck? Time to get things hot.

  1. Hold the lid sideways under hot running water for 10 or 15 seconds, rotating it slowly to achieve an even warming (alternately, you can use a hair dryer to warm the lid).
  2. Try to open the jar.

The heat should have the double effect of breaking the vacuum seal and of loosening any foodstuffs holding the lid fast, so by now, your jar should open right up. But if it didn't, or if you want to forgo the vacuum-breaking attempts, you can turn right to a jar-opening tool, which come in all sorts of different shapes and forms.

Approach 4: Use a jar key

A jar key is a tool that hooks under the lid and physically separates it from the jar, the small separation created being enough to break the seal. They are easy to use and reliable, but issue is that the jar may not re-close as well. We recommend the Brix JarKey Opener for the job.

  1. Insert the jar key between the jar and lid and lift upward gently, breaking the seal.

Buy two Brix JarKey Openers on Amazon for $11.99



How to open a jar with the best tools

Often, the difficulty of opening a jar isn't about your actual hand or arm strength, it's just about getting a proper grip on the lid, especially a jar lid that's smooth and wide.

To get a better grip, you need to increase friction. And to do that, a simple rubber jar gripper pad will do the trick nicely.

A four-pack of Regent Round Multi-Purpose Jar Grippers costs only $5.99, so go ahead and make the investment.

Jar grippers let you increase your leverage by squeezing onto the lid while your hand grips the tool several inches away from the jar itself. The added force should be enough to turn even stubborn lids. You can also try the GXONE Jar Opener for added grip. It has multiple jar sizes so you can open any jar easily.

To get a better grip and more torque, you can try a $11.95 Kichwit Jar Opener, which uses a single rotating motion to secure steel grips around the lid and then help you twist it off.

If you open lots of jars, consider a $15.99 EZ Off Jar Opener that affixes permanently underneath a cabinet and that holds the lid firmly in place with a series of little teeth, allowing you to twist the jar with maximum muscle applied, even using two hands if needed.

Finally, you can take all the effort out and go completely hands-free, turning to an automated jar opener like the $36.79 Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener.

And if you still can't get that stubborn jar open, throw it in the trash and order a pizza.

Buy a 4-pack of Regent Round Multi-Purpose Jar Grippers on Amazon for $5.99

Buy the GXONE Jar Opener on Amazon for $10.98

Buy the Kichwit Jar Opener on Amazon for $11.95

Buy the EZ Off Jar Opener on Amazon for $15.99

Buy the Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener on Amazon for $36.79



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook is the first thing he checks when he wakes up. Here's how 9 billionaires start their mornings.

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Following is a transcript of the video.

Oprah's morning is very involved. The first thing she does when she rises at seven o'clock is brush her teeth before taking her five dogs for a walk. While she waits for her espresso to brew, she reads a card from her '365 Gathered Truths' box. Then, she turns to an app on her phone to read her daily Bowl of Saki. Next, she meditates followed by an hour long workout in the hills of her backyard.

Elon Musk's morning is not as calm as Oprah's. He also wakes up at seven, but he gets right to business. Elon spends half an hour reading and responding to critical emails while drinking coffee. He says he's too busy for breakfast. After sending his five sons to school he showers, then drives to work. Sounds about right for someone who works up to 120 hours a week.

Twitter founder Jack Dorsey says he gets out of bed 5 a.m. He meditates for 30 minutes and then completes a seven-minute workout three times. After that, he has his morning coffee and then checks in.

Warren Buffett likes to sleep. He says he usually sleeps a full eight hours a night. He reportedly wakes up at 6:45 a.m. and starts his day reading newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

Jeff Bezos also values his sleep. He says he makes it a priority. However, Bezos reportedly wakes up naturally, without an alarm. He likes to hold high-IQ meetings in the morning before lunch, ideally at 10 a.m.

Bill Gates starts his day with cardio. The New York Times reported that Gates would spend an hour on the treadmill while watching educational DVDs. He says he enjoys Cocoa Puffs cereal but his wife, Melinda, says he doesn't eat breakfast.

Many of us cannot imagine a morning without coffee, but Sara Blakely can. The founder of Spanx says she's never had a cup of coffee. Instead, she drinks a smoothie made of frozen wild berries, dark cherries, kale, dates, cinnamon, spinach, cilantro, fresh mint, lemon, water, ice, chia, and walnuts. Blakely also tries to get a yoga session in at 6:30 a.m. before taking her kids to school.

Mark Zuckerberg stays true to his brand. The first thing he does is check his phone in bed.

Mark Zuckerberg: The first I do is look at my phone. I look at Facebook.

Jerry Seinfeld: Right.

Zuckerberg: Right to see — to see what's going on in the world.

Seinfeld: Right, right.

Zuckerberg: And I check my messages. I look at Messenger and WhatsApp.

He also says he doesn't like wasting time on small decisions which is why he wears pretty much the same outfit everyday.

Anastasia Soare is the founder of makeup brand Anastasia Beverly Hills. She also reaches for her phone when she wakes up at 7:00 a.m. Apparently, Instagram is the first app she checks every morning. She always has two cups of black coffee and eats a light breakfast while answering emails. Her personal trainer comes to her house most days and she exercises for an hour. And of course, she never leaves her house without doing her eyebrows.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published on January 31, 2019. 

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11 pet startups that are taking on traditional brands with more innovative products

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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.

pet startups 6

  • Online startups that make pet products, whether they focus exclusively on pets or make pet versions of popular human products, are thriving in a pet-obsessed economy. 
  • Fresh and healthy food, comfortable memory foam dog beds, and luxe leashes and toys are among the innovative pet products being favored over the products from traditional competitors. 
  • Shop these 11 cool pet startups if you don't like to shop the large, overwhelming aisles of pet specialty stores. 

The American Pet Products Association estimates that US shoppers spent about $72 million on their pets in 2018, up from $69.5 million in 2017 and $66.7 million in 2016. 

Having seen my mom bring home a new outfit for our dog every time she visited Target, I believe in the strength of our obsession with our pets, and these rising spending habits come as no surprise. 

In the era of direct-to-consumer brands, startups making pet products find themselves in the perfect position to compete with traditional pet brands and win over pet parents. 

These startups have more distinct personalities than their traditional competitors and don't compete on the overwhelming, cluttered shelves of pet specialty stores. Living on the internet does bring its own set of challenges, but so far these 11 companies have been faring quite well among animal-loving shoppers. 

For everything your pet needs, you can shop at these 11 startups making innovative pet products:

Fresh pet food delivery: Ollie, PetPlate, The Farmer's Dog, and NomNomNow

Order dog food from Ollie here

Order dog food from PetPlate here

Order dog food from The Farmer's Dog here 

Order dog or cat food from NomNomNow here

As humans become more health-conscious and careful about the food they consume, they're extending the same caution with the food they feed their pets. These pet food delivery startups, which make individual meals from fresh, nutritious ingredients you recognize and probably eat yourself, are underscoring the links between diet and health.

Though our pets have loved all of them, there are some subtle differences. For example, Ollie's meals start at just $3 a day for small dogs, making it one of the cheaper options. The Farmer's Dog also makes fairly affordable meals but they come in flat bags that have to be emptied into a bowl rather than trays. PetPlate's meals are resealable and thus easier to store, and NomNomNow rounds out the pack by offering both dog and cat food. 

Read our full reviews here:



Dog beds: Casper, Parachute, and Purple

The Casper Dog Bed, from $125, available at Casper

The Purple Pet Bed, from $149, available at Purple

Dog Bed, from $129, available at Parachute

Each of these three online startups that humans love, Casper, Purple, and Parachute, sell miniature, pet-approved versions of their best selling sleep products. People who shop with these innovative companies tend to be heavily invested in their overall missions and brands, so it's no surprise that they want matching beds for their pets. 

Casper's dog bed combines pressure-relieving memory foam and durable support foam, while Purple's features its signature Smart Comfort Grid, a polymer design that adapts to your dog's movements. Parachute's favors a polyester filling over a foam one. 

Read our full reviews here:

 



DNA tests: Embark

Dog DNA Test Kit, $199, available at Embark

If humans have their own at-home DNA tests to discover more about themselves, why not dogs? Embark, which partners with Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, determines your dog's breed and checks for over 175 genetic health conditions and traits. You'll not only satisfy your curiosity about your dog's origins, but also better understand important things about its health. 

Read our full review here: 

 

 



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40 photos that show how Tom Brady evolved into an NFL and fashion icon

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Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen

  • Tom Brady is the GOAT, but he has also become somewhat of a fashion icon.
  • Brady's fashion sense had humble beginnings and went through a lot of phases.

Tom Brady is a five-time Super Bowl champion and the greatest quarterback of all time.

But that is just one thing that is going well for Brady. He is also the husband of the world's highest-paid supermodel, Gisele Bündchen, and he is the fourth-highest-paid NFL player of all time.

Brady is now in his 40s, and in addition to being an NFL icon, he has become somewhat of a fashion icon off the field. However, Brady's fashion sense had humble beginnings.

Below we take a look at how his style has evolved over the years.

Brady's fashion decisions certainly had humble beginnings.



Brady's high school yearbook photo reveals a nice, clean look, especially with his hair which will take on many forms over the years.



Before he was in the NFL, there was a time when Brady's suits weren't always tailored.



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What it's like to do your own taxes for the very first time

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published on February 15, 2018.

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Backcountry's semi-annual sale is happening right now — and it has deals on Patagonia, The North Face, and more

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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.

backcountry

Twice a year, Backcountry has a huge, nearly site-wide sale with deep discounts on products from many of the best outdoor and sportswear brands. One of those sales is going on right now. 

Today through February 28, you can save up to 50% on select outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and kids.

Whether you're shopping for warm fleeces and jackets for this year's brutally cold temperatures or gear for an upcoming ski or camping trip, you'll find it here. Although the sale is running for the rest of the month, you'll want to shop sooner rather than later to pick from the biggest selection of products.

We rounded up 12 of our favorite deals to help you shop quickly, but since the sale is so massive, these product categories can help you find everything else you're looking for.

Shop the Backcountry semi-annual sale now.

Men's Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket

$161.85-$174.30, available in three colors, (Originally $249) [You save 30-35%]



Men's Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

$77.35-$95.20, available in six colors, (Originally $119) [You save 20-35%]



Men's Backcountry Silver Fork 750 Down Jacket

$188.96, available in four colors, (Originally $269.95) [You save 30%]



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Insider Inc. is launching a fellowship program

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Insider Inc. Team

In March 2019, Insider Inc. will welcome the first class of Insider fellows to its newsroom. The Insider Fellowship Program will take the place of the current intern program, and will be open to all early-career journalists looking to make an impact in digital media.

We will recruit the most talented fellows and pair them with the team where they can make the biggest impact, whether they’re writing stories, creating videos, editing, researching, designing, or anything else. Their work will be seen by our audience of millions, and they will become experts in digital media. As our interns have in the past, participants in our fellowship program will end their time here ready to dive into the next phase of their careers as journalists. Meanwhile, Insider Inc. will benefit from the diverse perspectives that early-career journalists bring to our newsrooms.

Fellowship overview

Fellowships will run for six months, most based in our New York headquarters. (Some positions will be available in San Francisco and Los Angeles; see listings below.) Fellows are paid $18 an hour, and most fellows will work 40 hours a week. For some positions, we can provide more flexibility, allowing as few as 20 hours a week. Throughout their time here, fellows will be fully embedded in the teams to which they are assigned, setting goals and doing tangible work each day to help the team produce its best content.

We’re looking for fellows across teams and job categories. No matter where they are placed, fellows will be tasked with hands-on assignments and given clear goals for their time with us.

The first class of fellows will begin in March. From there, we’ll welcome a new class each quarter, starting in January, March, June, and September of each year.

Professional development for fellows

In addition to their daily work, fellows will have access to specialized programming geared toward their professional development. Our six-month Newsroom Classroom training series exposes fellows to people from across our newsrooms who are experts in various topics, from breaking news reporting to building source relationships to writing useful reviews. Monthly fellow lunches will help fellows get to know one another and learn from the work others are doing. Fellows will have their own lunch AMA with Nicholas Carlson, our global editor-in-chief. They’ll also have access to newsroom events like lunch and learns with industry experts, networking panels with professional journalism groups, specialized training's on newsroom resources, and more. Additional programming will be planned throughout the six-month fellowship period.

Who is eligible

The fellowship program is open to any journalist who wants to spend six months learning in one of the world’s premiere digital newsrooms. Most of our fellows will be recent college graduates, but there is no education requirement or age cutoff. We screen people based on their journalism and other technical skills, prior experience, subject matter knowledge, and more — show us, in one way or another, that you can do the work. You should have a clear vision for why you want to work at Insider Inc., and why you want to be on the specific team that you’re applying for. But beyond that, we are simply seeking talented, enthusiastic journalists who want to come and learn from our team.

Application guidelines

  • Please submit applications by March 1.
  • In your application, indicate whether you are available to start in March or in June 2019. Individual listings will indicate whether a position is open immediately or for a June start.
  • Applications must include a resume and cover letter. Individual fellowship positions may request additional details, such as a reel or published clips; please provide those if asked.
  • You may apply for multiple fellowship positions, but please submit a cover letter for each. Your cover letter should indicate why each particular position appeals to you and aligns with your previous experience.

Open positions

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David's Bridal is lowering prices and offering a free styling service to win over millennial brides

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davids bridal 2363

  • David's Bridal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November.
  • It remerged from bankruptcy in January, having shrunk its debt load by $450 million
  • In a recent interview, company CEO Scott Key said that store is lowering prices, offering free personal stylists in store, and expanding its sample assortment in stores to woo millennial shoppers. 

David's Bridal has a comeback plan post bankruptcy. 

After filing for Chapter 11 protection in November, the retailer remerged in January with $450 million less debt ready to woo the millennial bride.

In a recent interview with USA Today, company CEO Scott Key outlined the store's strategies to do so. These include: lower priced dresses, free personal stylists in store, and more sizes.

Key acknowledged that the news of its recent bankruptcy may have prompted some people to think that the store was shutting down for good. But that's not the case, he said. "We’ve come out the end a much stronger company." David's did not close any of its 300 stores during its recent bankruptcy. 

New brides can also expect to have more attention when they come into David's stores as it will now offer a dedicated bridal stylist to help try on dresses and advise customers. This stylist is free of charge.

"In the past, in a busy, peak period … brides-to-be might find themselves in a situation where they’re sharing the attention of the associate with another bride. And that was a dissatisfier for our customers," Key said. 

He continued: "[Now] brides have the attention of a dedicated bridal stylist."

Key said the company has also lowered the prices on certain dresses, especially those for bridesmaids, to make it more competitive in a market that is increasingly saturated with options. 

Stores such as Anthropologie, H&M, Asos, and Reformation have all started selling bridesmaid and bridal in recent years and are offering lower prices on these items. This has put pressure on the more traditional chains such as David's and Alfred Angelo, which abruptly shut its doors in July 2017.

"There are so many options for brides to shop now, and women have the option to shop for less," Anne Chertoff, a wedding-industry marketing consultant, told Business Insider in 2018. "The market is saturated, and it gets diffused."

To make sure it is serving all of its customers, Key said the store will offer a larger assortment of sample sizes in its stores. 

"When a plus-sized woman would visit our store, she would likely be able to try on a dress in her size, which is different than the experience if she visited (a) boutique, but it might not be the dress she wanted," he said.

"Basically we are … supporting women of all sizes and giving them an opportunity to try on a dress in their size."

SEE ALSO: Millennials have a new attitude about weddings — and it's sending bridal stores into a downward spiral

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How KFC became China's most popular fast-food chain and made nearly $5 billion last year


I finally took the plunge and booked a cheap flight on a budget airline that consistently ranks as one of the worst in the US. Here's why I'd do it again.

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Frontier Airlines Airbus A320

SEE ALSO: I flew 14 hours on one of the best airlines in the world that you've probably never heard of — and even its worst seat put other long-haul flights to shame

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As this was my first year living out of my home state, I needed to get home to Texas for Christmas, and I knew from the start that I'd be looking at an expensive flight home.



I wasn't thrilled, since the holidays are typically one of the most expensive times to fly in the US.

Source: Kayak



Since I was on a budget, I looked into some budget airlines, which allow thrifty passengers like yours truly to book a flight for less than what other big airlines offer.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

In the midst of the polar vortex, 52 people completed this 135-mile ultramarathon in northern Minnesota — biking, skiing, and running through the coldest corner of America

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arrowhead 135 zombies

  • The Arrowhead 135 is a 135-mile endurance race through northern Minnesota.
  • This year's race coincided with the polar vortex. Temperatures dipped to -32 Fahrenheit, with wind chills reaching -55.
  • Organizers hope for some of the chilliest weather of the year when they pick the date of the annual race.
  • Of the 146 people who attempted the race this year, just 52 finished. 

During the polar vortex, when a blast of cold air rushed south from the Arctic, temperatures in Minnesota dipped to negative double-digits.

Most people took the bone-chilling temperatures — which can freeze skin in as little as five minutes— as a sign to stay indoors: mail service and school classes were canceled in several states.

But a rather unusual crew of experienced hikers, skiers, and bikers decided that this week, of all weeks, would be an excellent time to endure a 135-mile ultramarathon.

Starting out near the Canadian border on Monday, the endurance athletes pedaled, walked, ran, and skied the hilly trail between two towns that consistently record some of the coldest temperatures in the nation: International Falls and Tower, Minnesota. 

This is the Arrowhead 135, an annual torture test of low temperatures that some people relish.

"They like the challenge," race volunteer Russ Loucks told Business Insider. "There's a good contingent of winter enthusiasts up here who just like doing things in the winter." 

One veteran biker even broke a speed record this year.

Here's what the race looked like. 

SEE ALSO: The 33-year-old who crossed Antarctica alone once got horrific burns at a Thai beach party — and he says it's the reason he sets world records today

The race started at 7 a.m. Monday and followed a groomed snowmobile trail through the woods. Loucks said it was so cold the weekend before the race (temperatures reached -46 Fahrenheit) that the snow was like "packed concrete."



"It was really fast," Loucks said. So fast that biker Jordan Wakeley set a new speed record: He crossed the finish line 11 hours and 43 minutes after he started. "Jordan's just an animal," Loucks added. "It's not the first time he's won the race."



The race organizers make sure that everyone brings some survival equipment: a sleeping bag, stove, fuel, and food. "Fortunately most of the course is in woods," Loucks said. "But there are some open stretches, and that just really saps people's energy. That's why we require a good a windbreaker."



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13 of the best items on sale at Nordstrom right now — including apparel, home goods, and tech devices like the Google Home Hub

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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.

Google Home Hub

In an effort to clear its shelves and warehouses of more seasonal styles, Nordstrom has marked down a ton of clothing, home goods, and shoes. 

Right now, you can save up to 50% on select items from all of your favorite brands in categories like fashion for the entire family, beauty products, home goods, tech, and more.

We hand-picked 13 of our favorite deals to give you an idea of what's being offered, but the sale is truly massive. You'll want to check out the categories listed below to make sure you don't miss out on other items you're interested in.

Whether you're shopping for everyday items you and your family need, a special gift for Valentine's Day, or any other occasion, Nordstrom's sale section is a great place to look.

Shop on-sale items at Nordstrom now

You can also look at otherdeals for each of the following categories.

For potentially greater savings, check out all available coupons for Nordstrom here.

Men's Cole Haan Quilted Jacket

$149, available in three colors, (Originally $298) [You save $149]



Men's Tommy Jean Embroidered Crest Logo Hoodie

$83.40, available in two colors, (Originally $139) [You save $55.60]



Johnston & Murphy 1850 Karnes Boot

$136.90 (Originally $229) [You save $92.10]



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Cruise line workers reveal one of the biggest disadvantages of living on a cruise ship

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cruise ship kitchen

  • Five current or former cruise ship employees told Business Insider they did not like the food served to crew members.
  • Some said it was difficult to consistently find food similar to what they would eat at home.
  • Others described food of poor quality, like chicken with a rubber-like texture or sauteed fish heads.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and the Cruise Lines International Association — a trade association for the cruise industry — did not respond to requests for comment.

Working on a cruise ship often involves long hours and few, if any, days off for months at a time. But there are advantages unique to cruise ship jobs, like the elimination of time-consuming tasks like commuting, shopping for groceries, and cooking. 

That can be a major advantage to some workers, particularly those whose positions give them access to passenger dining areas. But those with lower-paying jobs, like bartenders and waiters, can sometimes be banned from eating with passengers and are at the mercy of the crew cafeteria. There, according to five current or former cruise ship employees who spoke with Business Insider, the food leaves much to be desired. (Four of them requested anonymity for fear of reprisal from their current or former employers.)

Some described their distaste for the food as a logistical issue. Since many ships employ crew members from around the world, the food served in the crew cafeteria can reflect that variety, making it difficult for some to find food similar to what they would eat at home on a consistent basis. Others described food of poor quality, like chicken with a rubber-like texture or sauteed fish heads.

Read more: The air on cruise ships can be as polluted as the air in Beijing, new study claims

"The food sucks," a former employee for Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line said.

Workers would keep tuna, granola bars, and other snack foods in their rooms or favor simple foods that require little preparation, like fruit, cereal, and sandwiches, she said.

Jamile Viana, a former bar waitress and bartender for Island Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Cunard Line, said that, while working for Cunard, she often complained to the chef who cooked for crew members. Sometimes, crew members would eat just rice and watermelon since their other options were unappetizing.

"The food for the crew is really bad," Viana said. "Sometimes, you cannot eat it."

cruise ship food

A former Carnival Cruise Line employee said he would advise crew members to refrain from eating the food he served them.

"'Don't eat that.' I told them, 'Do not touch it,'" he said.

Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and the Cruise Lines International Association — a trade association for the cruise industry — did not respond to requests for comment.

Not all of the cruise ship employees Business Insider spoke to disliked the food in the crew cafeteria. Two former cruise ship employees said they enjoyed both the quality and variety of the food served to crew members.

"The same people that are cooking for the guests are cooking for the crew. I mean, I don't think they knew how to cook badly," said David Weber, a former musician for Celebrity Cruises.

"It was real easy to gain weight when you're on the ships. Real easy."

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

SEE ALSO: A Royal Caribbean passenger reportedly jumped off the side of a ship and got banned from the cruise line for life

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A toxic-chemicals expert is sounding the alarm about 4 cancer-linked chemicals that could be making us sicker and fatter

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human popuation on earth sustainability environment plastic bottles

  • Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mess with the body's normal functioning.
  • They can contribute to lowered IQs, raised infertility rates, obesity, and low birth weights, among other things.
  • Leo Trasande, a pediatrician who studies the effects of these chemicals on people, warns of their effects in his new book, "Sicker, Fatter, Poorer."
  • Trasande says that with a few simple hacks, we can make our lives a little safer by avoiding these chemicals when possible.
  • The endocrine-disrupting chemicals he's most worried about are in our carpets, clothes, canned and packaged foods, cosmetics, and even receipts.

Through the course of a single day, your hands, mouth, and body come in contact with countless pieces of paper, plastic, fabric, and furniture.

You probably don't think about the chemicals these substances might harbor, or consider that they have a drug-like effect on health. But some do. They can make metabolisms slow down, subtly lower IQs, contribute to ADHD in children, and mess with sperm counts in men.

They’re called "endocrine disruptors," and they're around us all the time. The chemicals change how our bodies work by shifting the way hormones operate, according to Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and public-health researcher at NYU Langone Health.

"Hormones are the basic signaling molecules in our body that take on so many actions for practically every organ system" Trasande told Business Insider. "And endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals that scramble those signals, contributing to disease and disability."

leo trasande safer chemicals

In his new book, "Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future ... and What We Can Do About It," Trasande lays out the four big categories of endocrine disruptors he’s most concerned about, based on evidence from scientific studies and observations in his patients.

They are:

  • Bisphenols, like BPA, which are often found in the linings of aluminum-canned food and drinks and on cash-register receipts.
  • Brominated flame retardants that are in some carpets, furniture, and clothing.
  • Synthetic pesticides on food.
  • "Plasticizer chemicals" called phthalates that show up in plastic food packaging, lotions, and cosmetics.

BPA makes fat cells bigger, contributing to obesity and lower sperm counts

The chemical BPA, and others like it, could make the body turn more calories into fat instead of muscle, predisposing people to obesity.

In the lab, BPA acts like an obesogen. "It makes fat cells bigger," as Trasande writes. This is especially true if human embryos are exposed to the chemicals while still in a mother's womb.

Trasande said the obesogen effects of BPA are fairly small compared to what diet and exercise can do for health, but they're real.

"BPA exposure may explain nearly 2% of all obesity in 4-year-olds," Trasande says in his book. That stat is based on his analyses of data on childhood obesity and adult heart issues published in the journal Health Affairs in 2014.

The chemical is also dangerous for babies and pregnant women; it can up the odds of a premature birth, and mess with placenta function.

cvs receipts kimmel

Men are not immune to the effects of BPA, either. The chemical can mess with androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone, contributing to lower sperm counts, and even testicular-cancer rates.

The vast majority of us are exposed to the chemical. A 2013-14 CDC survey suggested 95% of US adults have detectable levels of BPA.

Counter to the adage that "the dose makes the poison," with hormone-disrupting chemicals there are often nonlinear relationships between the amount of chemical exposure and risk as the body's enzymes duke it out and compete with the hormone disruptors.

"The notion that everything needs to be linear — in a straight-line relationship — is really our own intellectual construct on a scientific reality that's much more complicated," Trasande says.

Many manufacturers are switching to BPA-free products. But that doesn't always mean they're safer, Trasande says, because many of the so-called replacements are just BPA relatives and the chemicals have similar effects on our health.

"To a large extent, when you don't know what's replacing [BPA], it's often BPS, BPF, BPP, BPZ — what I like to joke of as the artist formerly known as Prince," he said.

woman texting on couch

Brominated flame retardants found in most furniture we use

Brominated flame retardants — flame-stomping chemicals found in furniture, carpeting, clothing, and car-seat foam — can change the way the thyroid functions in a similar way to BPA, shifting how the body processes fats and carbohydrates.

What's more, a 2012 Chicago Tribune investigation found that the firefighting chemicals, which are standard fare in foam cushions, don't work well to stop flames.

One large study of the flame retardants in houses pinpointed a link between ADHD and exposure to the chemicals. More research is ongoing.

Concentrations of the chemicals in human blood, sweat, and breast milk are much higher in the US than in parts of the world, such as Europe, where more brominated flame retardants are banned.

John Weiss looks over his crop of  soybeans, which he had reported to the state board for showing signs of damage due to the drifting of Monsanto's pesticide Dicamba, at his farm in Dell, Arkansas, U.S. July 25, 2017. Picture taken July 25, 2017. REUTERS/Karen Pulfer Focht

Chemicals we spray to kill bugs can mess with us too

Certain pesticides used on food are also a concern, including bug-killing chlorpyrifos pesticides. These have been shown to impede brain development, making changes to the way a woman’s thyroid functions during pregnancy.

In the 1970s and '80s, before the chemical was banned in homes, doctors started noticing an increase in tinier and shorter premature babies being born, even in homes with low levels of the chemicals. After the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of chlorpyrifos in homes, in 2000, birth weights went back up.

Exposure to chlorpyrifos can have lasting effects on child development. One 2015 study in kids between the ages of 11 and 14 found prenatal exposure to the chemical was linked to more arm tremors, which are also common in adults who've been exposed to lead. The chemicals are still used in agriculture.

Flexible plastics can also contribute to cancer

Finally, Trasande is concerned about phthalates, chemicals that help make plastics more flexible and durable. They appear in raincoats, flooring, hair spray, nail polish, plastic food packaging, and toys.

According to the US government, "one phthalate, Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is an endocrine disruptor and can cause cancer." Additionally, the government says some phthalates can mess with normal reproduction and child-development processes.

In some studies, women tended to have more of the chemicals in their bodies than men because of beauty products they use. But anyone who eats packaged food or breathes in household dust probably has phthalates in their system.

More research on what these chemicals are doing to us is needed, but we do already have some evidence that they're leading to premature births, which can set kids up for a whole host of health problems later in life, including vision and hearing issues, chronic diseases like diabetes, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities.

The plasticizing chemicals may also be linked to decreases in male testosterone levels. Scientists need to know more about the plastics before they'll say that conclusively, though.

Read more: Dangerous 'forever chemicals' have been found in US drinking water at alarmingly high rates — here's what to know about PFAS

Recently, manufacturers, retailers, and state lawmakers have started to pay more serious attention to the dangers of hormone disruptors, and they're making some changes.

Since 2013, California no longer requires furniture to contain flame retardants (a previous requirement for 38 years).

Chili in jars

What you can do to reduce your exposure

  • Eat less canned food and more fresh produce. Trasande is a fan of organic farming because it generally excludes synthetic pesticides, but studies suggest that eating whatever fresh produce you can afford is the best strategy for your health.
  • Say no to paper receipts. This can help receipt-handling cashiers, who often have elevated levels of BPA in their urine.
  • Don't microwave plastic containers or put them in a dishwasher as the heat promotes chemical leaching. Throw kitchen plastics away when they become etched or scratched.
  • Avoid the recycling Nos. 3, 6, and 7, which are common plastics found in shampoo bottles, Styrofoam trays for ground beef, and coffee-cup lids, among other things.
  • Incorporate iodine-rich foods into your diet, including seafood, dairy, and cranberries. Iodine is a necessary ingredient for thyroid-hormone production, which helps bones and brains develop well.
  • Look for cosmetics that are "phthalate-free" and made without parabens, triclosan, or benzophenones.
  • Opt for naturally flame-resistant fibers, like wool, instead of chemically treated carpets, furniture, and clothes.
  • Circulate fresh air through your home.

Small steps like these can make a big difference. The European Union has banned 1,328 chemicals from cosmetic use, and under the new bans French scientists have noticed a decline in chemical concentrations in people's blood, urine, and hair. In the US, the FDA forbids just 11 chemicals, and concentrations of the toxic chemicals in American bodies are elevated when compared to Europeans.

The US has taken steps to improve public health before. The phase-out of leaded gasoline and paint in the 1970s led to a measurable brainpower boost in kids: as blood lead levels dropped, IQs went up anywhere from 2.2 to 4.7%. The economic benefits of that ban tally up to $2.45 trillion every year, and Trasande compares the IQ hike's impact on productivity and the economy to a generous stimulus package:

As Trasande writes, "Each of us 300 million Americans gets the equivalent of as much as a $1,000 tax refund each year because we did the right thing and got lead out of gasoline in the 1970s."

Many of the chemicals on Trasande's danger list today stay in the body for hours or days, not months or years, which means it's never too late to reduce your exposure.

SEE ALSO: Erin Brockovich is warning about an emerging drinking-water crisis in the US. Here's how she recommends you protect yourself.

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