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Amazon has launched its first-ever skin-care line, called Belei — all 12 products are $40 or less

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Belei product launch

  • Amazon has launched its "first dedicated skin-care line" called Belei, which includes 12 products that are each $40 or less. The products are available today, March 20, on Amazon.
  • Belei is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and fragrances, is animal cruelty-free, and features eco-friendly packaging.

As if we needed another reason to love Amazon, the online shopping giant has launched its first-ever skin-care line called Belei. All 12 products in the line are each $40 or less, including Micellar Facial Wipes for $9 and a Blemish Control Spot Treatment for $22. Amazon is already one of our go-to sites for all things skincare and beauty because of it's massive product selection and unbeatable shipping offers, so it's about time that they gave us a private line — which we can't wait to test. 

In a press release Amazon published earlier today, March 20, Kara Trousdale, head of beauty for private brands at Amazon said, "Our goal is to help customers spend less time and money searching for the right skin-care solutions."

Belei products feature ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to combat all of our beauty needs, like acne, dark spots, fine lines, dryness, and dullness. "We took a simple, no-nonsense approach when creating Belei, developing products with ingredients that are both proven to deliver results and also offer customers great value for the quality," Trousdale said.

Every single Belei product is also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and fragrances. In addition, the line is also animal cruelty-free and eco-friendly. All of the product bottles are manufactured using post-consumer recycled resin with 100% recyclable carton packaging.   

Since Belei is an Amazon brand, customers get to reap the benefits of Amazon's shipping deals. All of the products in the line are eligible for free shipping, including Amazon Prime unlimited free two-day shipping. 

Stay tuned for the full Insider Picks review of Amazon's new skin-care line once we've had a chance to thoroughly test all of the products.

Here is a full product list of the new Belei skin-care line by Amazon:

Read about more of our favorite Amazon skin-care finds:

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Amazon's new entry-level Kindle has a front light so you can read in the dark — it's up for preorder now for $89.99

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Amazon Kindle

  • Amazon has taken the wraps off a new entry-level Kindle— and it’s super affordable without compromising on features.
  • The new ebook reader has a modern design, an upgraded e-ink screen with a front light, and support for Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth.
  • You can preorder it now from Amazon for $89.99 and up, depending on whether you want to see ads or not.

The Amazon Kindle has long been the go-to ebook reader, and now the company is making the entry-level Kindle an even better deal. The new Kindle costs less than $100, supports Audible audiobooks, and has an adjustable front light so you can read in the dark. You can preorder it now for $89.99 on Amazon to get it on April 10.

Previously, the entry-level Kindle did not have any kind of light built in, so you had to have a light source to read by — now you don't need a light, because it's on the device. For that alone, it may well be the best Kindle for people on a budget. The only big feature it's missing is water resistance, so if you like to read in or near water, you'll want to pay more for the Kindle Paperwhite.

The new Kindle boasts a new e-ink touchscreen with better contrast and a resolution of 167 pixels-per-inch. It’s a glare-free display, too, so it should look nice and natural when you’re reading outside or in a bright environment. If it's night time or you're in a dark environment with no light source, the built-in front light has you covered, too.

It also has a slightly updated design with rounded corners, plus, you can get it in either black or white. Safe to say, this is one of the sleekest and most modern-looking Kindle ebook readers you can buy.

The new Kindle has 4GB of storage to hold thousands of ebooks, though it is half the amount of storage you'd get with the Kindle Paperwhite. You don’t have to stick with written books, either. With Audible, you can listen to audiobooks on your Kindle via Bluetooth headphones or a speaker.

You don’t have to worry about running out of battery any time soon, either, as it lasts weeks at a time. So as long as you charge the Kindle every now and then, you shouldn’t ever really run out of juice. Using Audible and Bluetooth audio will drain the battery faster, though.

Of course, perhaps the best thing about the Kindle ecosystem is how many millions of books are available in Amazon’s massive ebook library. Plus, if you use our handy guide on how to use a Kindle, you can learn how to get free ebooks, deals on ebooks, and more expert tips and tricks.

You can preorder the All-new Kindle on Amazon for $89.99

Check out our guide to the best ebook readers and our tips and tricks for the Kindle.

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5 ways to decide if your boss is incompetent, according to a personality-science expert

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Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

  • Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is a psychologist who uses science and tech to help organizations predict human performance.
  • He says that many people these days seem disenchanted with the idea of traditional employment, mostly because it may require putting up with a bad boss.
  • You can tell if you have a bad boss by asking yourself five simple questions, including whether or not he or she knows you well and has an accurate picture of your potential, and your strengths and weaknesses.

We tend to see leadership as a glamorous and desirable career destination, but the crude reality is that most leaders have pretty dismal effects on their teams and organizations. Consider that 70% of employees are not engaged at work, but it’s their boss’ main task to engage and inspire them, helping them leave aside their selfish interests to work as a collective unit with others. Instead, managers are the number one reason why people quit jobs. As the old saying goes, people join companies but quit their bosses.

As I highlight in my latest book, passive job-seeking, self-employment, and entrepreneurship rates have been on the rise even in places where macroeconomic conditions are strong and there is no shortage of career opportunities for people. For instance, in the US, there are now 6 million job seekers for 7 million job openings, but people appear to be disenchanted with the idea of traditional employment, mostly because it may require putting up with a bad boss.

To be sure, there are many competent leaders out there, but academic estimates suggest that the baseline for incompetent leadership is at least 65% (note this figure is based on analyzing mostly public or large companies), and, even more shockingly, there appears to be a strong negative correlation between the money we spend or waste on leadership-development interventions and the confidence people have in their leaders.

An obvious question this sad state of affairs evokes is how one can work if his or her boss is incompetent. Clearly, it is always tempting to blame our manager for our unfavorable work experiences, but it may also be the case that the problem is us rather than them, with recent research indicating that all aspects of job satisfaction are influenced as much by employees’ own personalities and values as by the actual (objective) working circumstances they are in.

The way we experience our boss is no exception. Here’s a quick five-point checklist to work out what your manager’s probable level of competence might be.


1. He or she is generally liked, or at least well-regarded, by his or her direct reports

This would be consistent with the mainstream scientific view that upward feedback (feedback from those who work for the manager) is the best single measure of a manager’s performance. Conversely, how managers are seen by their own managers is mostly a measure of politics, likability, or managing “up.” If the answer is no, the probability that your boss is incompetent increases dramatically.

2. His or her team tends to achieve strong results compared with similar/competing teams (internally and externally)

Note this may happen even if the answer to question one is no, though generally speaking, both points are positively intertwined: People perform better when they like their bosses, and they like their bosses more when they perform better. Thus, if the answer is no, then your boss is probably not that competent.

Read more:Ex-Googlers, Stanford professors, and startup CEOs share their best advice on making a career change

3. He or she frequently provides you with constructive and critical developmental feedback to improve your performance

And does he or she do it for others in your team, too? If the answer is no, then chances are your boss is less than competent, as one of the fundamental tasks of any manager is to improve their team members’ performance by providing accurate and helpful feedback on their potential and performance.

4. He or she knows you well and has an accurate picture of your potential, including your strengths and weaknesses

No bosses can do their jobs well unless they are fully aware of what their team members can and can’t do, which is a necessary precondition to assigning each employee to tasks and roles in which their skills and personality are best deployed. After all, talent is by and large personality in the right place. If you think your boss doesn’t know you, then he or she is less likely to be competent.

5. He or she seems truly coachable and continues to improve to the point of getting better on the job all the time

Just like your employability depends on your own ability (and willingness) to continue to develop key career skills and learn things that broaden your career potential, your boss should also be finding ways to get better. This means not just displaying the necessary humility and curiosity to learn — including from his or her own employees and customers — but also finding ways to keep their dark side or undesirable tendencies in check. In short, does your boss show self-awareness and the drive to get better, irrespective of whether that actually advances his or her own career? If the answer is no, then your boss has limited potential.

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is an international authority in psychological profiling, talent management, leadership development, and people analytics. He is the chief talent scientist at Manpower Group, cofounder of Deeper Signals and Metaprofiling, and professor of business psychology at both University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD. He was also the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems. Tomas has published nine books and over 130 scientific papers (h index 58), making him one of the most prolific social scientists of his generation.

SEE ALSO: 10 harmless mind tricks that make people like you more

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NOW WATCH: There's a secret room behind Mount Rushmore that's inaccessible to tourists

Popular oral-care startup Quip has a new $25 electric toothbrush for kids — here’s what it looks like and how it’s different

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

quip kids toothbrush

  • Online oral-care startup Quip has introduced a new kids electric toothbrush ($25-$35). 
  • The main differences from the adult toothbrush are the smaller brush head and the rubber non-slip grip. Otherwise, the kids brush closely replicates the original experience, complete with brush-head replacement deliveries. 
  • Instead of relying on gimmicky features to trick kids into brushing their teeth, Quip found that kids like using the same products as their parents. 
  • This new brush can help motivate kids to establish the healthy habit of brushing their teeth twice daily. 

The habits we form early on in life tend to stick with us through adulthood. One of those habits, brushing your teeth twice daily, is important to practice early on if you hope to avoid pain and costly medical bills as an adult. 

Quip, the startup that has sold over 1 million of its American Dental Association-accepted electric toothbrushes, is hoping to promote healthy oral care habits among kids with its first new product since launching in 2015: a kids electric toothbrush

Unlike many kids toothbrushes that rely on lights, music, or cartoon characters to get kids excited about brushing their teeth, Quip's looks and feels pretty similar to the original adult brush. It's the same length and silhouette, has a two-minute timer that pulses every 30 seconds to indicate it's time to switch sides, has soft bristles and gentle vibrations, and comes with a slim stand. 

Through research and user testing, the company found that kids feel empowered when they get to use the same oral-care products as their parents. We've actually witnessed this phenomenon at play across other products as well — Dyson, for example, sells a toy vacuum that's a direct replica of its Dyson Ball Vacuum

Read more: 8 startups that have grown with their millennial fan base by introducing baby and kids collections

quip kids toothbrush 2

Details of the brush, however, are still optimized for kid-friendly use. It has a smaller brush head to account for smaller teeth and a rubber non-slip grip that's easier and more comfortable to hold. 

Simon Enever, CEO and cofounder of Quip, says the company spent a year working with kids and pediatric dentists to learn what makes the ideal kids' brush. More than anything, dentists said they wanted to see a brush that replicated and encouraged the fundamental health habit of regular teeth brushing. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay affects nearly one in five children under the age of 5 and about half of children aged 6 to 11. By promoting strong oral health routines, parents can help prevent this condition, not only in childhood but for years to come. 

quip kids toothbrush 3

Since the Quip kids toothbrush doesn't look and feel like a toy, the idea is that kids won't bore of it quickly and will be more likely to use it for a consistent, long-term period. Making it even easier to keep the habit up is Quip's signature refill plan, which sends a fresh brush head and battery every three months. 

Here are the bundle options and pricing for Quip's new kids toothbrush: 

  • Kids Electric Toothbrush Starter Set ($25) with a brush head + watermelon anti-cavity toothpaste subscription ($10 every three months with free shipping)
  • Kids Electric Toothbrush Starter Set ($30) with a brush head subscription ($5 every three months with free shipping)
  • Kids Electric Toothbrush with no refill plan ($35) 

If you already own a Quip toothbrush, this new product is an excellent way to share your love for its gentle, effective cleaning with your kids. And if you don't, maybe now's your opportunity to pick up a matching set and make your daily brushing routine a little more fun. 

Shop the Kids Electric Toothbrush and other toothbrush sets at Quip here

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Depression among Gen Z is skyrocketing — a troubling mental-health trend that could affect the rest of their lives

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teen phone charging sad

Depression rates in the US are soaring.

Over the past decade, more and more people in nearly every age group, financial bracket, and circumstance across the country have reported worrying symptoms. They're losing interest in life, lacking zest for learning new things, and finding that activities they previously enjoyed feel meaningless.

Suicide death rates are also up 34% across the US since 2000, and the spike is especially pronounced among groups including men working in construction, stay-at-home moms, and students, according to recent Centers for Disease Control data.

But nowhere is this troubling trend more notable than among young people as shown in a study published last week in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.

Based on eight years of data from more than 600,000 people across the US, the researchers discovered that more young people — particularly those in their early 20s — are going through sustained periods in which they're losing interest in life and leisure activities, at rates much higher than that same age group did just a decade ago.

These are signs of a major depressive episode; typical symptoms can include feeling depressed, fatigued, worthless, or guilty. People experiencing these episodes often also do not get the right amount of sleep, struggle to concentrate, and may think about death often.

The graph below charts depression trends from a nationwide, anonymous survey that asks participants some straightforward questions about their mental health. (The survey is designed to gain information about people's drug and alcohol use.) The data clearly shows depression rates soaring among kids as young as 12 and young adults up to 25.

No age group over 25 has a depression rate higher than 10%, but the younger groups all do, and the rate among college-age adults (20-21) has increased the most.

Depression rates skyrocket in kids and teens

Lead study author Jean Twenge, who wrote the book "iGen," told Business Insider that these trends shouldn't be dismissed as unavoidable generational shifts.

"We have a generation of young people who are suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts at a much higher rate, and we should stop trying to explain that away and recognize that it's a problem and try to solve it," Twenge said. "This trend also shows up in suicide. It also shows up in emergency-room admissions for self-harm behaviors, for suicide attempts — behaviors that can't be explained away by self-reports."

Depression in teenagers can be especially dangerous

Depression is common: The World Health Organization estimates that on any given day, more than one in every 20 Americans is depressed. A major depressive episode isn't just a single bad day; rather, psychologists define it as a sustained loss of interest or lack of pleasure in life that affects a person's regular routines and day-to-day functioning for two weeks or more.

Read more: 4 short L-words can help reveal if you might be depressed

A bout of this kind of depression experienced as a kid, teen, or young adult can set people up for future mental-health troubles. Research shows that people who experience depression in their formative years often have more frequent and more severe depressive recurrences throughout their lives.

"When followed into adulthood, those with adolescent-onset depression (compared to those without) are twice as likely to have a major depressive episode, five times more likely to attempt suicide, and are at increased risk for death by suicide," the study authors wrote.

'Face-to-face social interaction has declined'

teen girl cell phone

One factor that Twenge believes may be behind the spiking depression rates among young people: a decrease in social interaction.

A second study she authored, published Wednesday in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, examined four decades of surveys about how young people spend their time. The results showed that high-school seniors today spend a full hour less socializing in person than teens in the late '80s did. High-school sophomores aren't partying like they used to either; they attend 17 fewer parties than the sophomores of the '80s did.

That's not because today's kids are diligently doing more homework or spending more time on extracurricular activities. The extra time away from friends and peers is eaten up by screens, Twenge said. Her findings suggest that as teens spend more time alone on their devices, they're getting lonelier and feeling more left out.

"Face-to-face social interaction among teens has declined during the digital age, and that has mental-health implications," Twenge said. "Face-to-face social interaction tends to protect against depression in a way that digital interaction does not."

kids

A wealth of studies shows that from day one, human gaze is a crucial ingredient in social interaction. Having high-quality, positive social interactions with family and friends regularly can lower a person's risk of depression.

According to the Centers for Disease Control's manual on preventing suicide: "Connectedness and social capital together may protect against suicidal behaviors by decreasing isolation, encouraging adaptive coping behaviors, and by increasing belongingness, personal value, and worth, to help build resilience in the face of adversity."

Research about the effects of screen time is still new, but some early data suggests that replacing a kid's early social interactions with more time on devices may hurt their development of emotional understanding and empathy. Screen time can also make it harder to sleep through the night than outdoor playtime.

"We are programmed to respond to other people in real time by looking at each other's faces, by being able to touch each other and smell each other," Twenge said. "Digital media interaction is missing a lot of those elements."

In addition to hanging out with others in person, Twenge said we should all also make time for other activities that boost mental health, like exercise and sleep — out of earshot from the buzzes and pings of phones and other screens.

Although only a trained mental-health professional can diagnose depression or suicide risk, there's more everyone can do to help each other out. Asking your peers, family, friends, and kids how they're doing — and really listening to their answers without judgment — is a simple first step.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Doing this for 5 minutes every day can help people who suffer from depression

7 leggings and sports bras that have pockets for necessities like phones, keys, and cards

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Untitled 11

  • Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging enough, but having to worry about where to put your phone, keys, and other little essentials when you work out is another unnecessary obstacle. 
  • Luckily, plenty of brands have added cleverly placed pockets to their performance workout apparel so you can keep your belongings on you and work out worry-free.
  • Below, you'll find seven performance pieces that'll help you keep your belongings secure while you exercise.

You got out of bed early, pulled on your leggings and laced up your sneakers. You made it to the gym — begrudgingly so, but you still made it, and that's what counts. You put in your headphones, blast some music, and you're ready to go. You take a look in the mirror. Is that the face of fitness? Yes, and it's you. 

Here you are, and you're crushing it. People probably think you really know what you're doing. Then it happens — you're out of range. Your phone screeches and the music sounds as fuzzy as a TV with a lost signal. Forced to hit pause on that amazing workout, you go to retrieve your phone, and all of that energy fizzles away. 

Maybe this has happened to you, maybe not — but most of us can agree that we'd rather not encounter any little bumps on the road during our workouts, like phones slipping out of our sports bras or holding a heavy wallet on an outdoor run. Whether you're in the gym or outside, you want to focus on exercising, not what you're wearing. Still, when most of us work out, we need more than just our bodies. I need my phone, keys, headphones, and if I'm running outside, I also like to bring some money in case I make any pit stops. 

Luckily, there are plenty of pieces of performance gear that have room for your necessities without compromising your workout. With them, you can get a great workout in without leaving anything you need behind.

Here are seven pieces of smartphone-friendly performance workout clothes for women:

Lululemon Stash N' Run Bra

Stash N' Run Bra, $58, available at Lululemon

Sweat-wicking, stretchy but supportive fabric makes this a great sports bra on its own, but the added bonus is the front pockets that give you room to stash keys, your phone, cards, and other small items. 



Athleta Contender 7/8 Tight

Contender 7/8 Tight, $89, available at Athleta

Some women on the Insider Picks team got the chance to try different pieces from Athleta's Contender line, and much of the feedback included praise for the zippered pockets on either side of the leggings, which keep your things concealed while you move. 



Zella Live In Pocket 7/8 Leggings

Zella Live In Pocket 7/8 Leggings, $59, available at Nordstrom

Smooth, open side pockets are a practical addition to these lightweight, moisture-wicking leggings. These are probably best for strength-training days when you won't be bouncing around as much.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to add and remove apps on your Apple Watch

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apple watch apps

  • You can add new apps to an Apple Watch using a few different methods on your iPhone.
  • An Apple Watch comes pre-loaded with basic apps, just like an iPhone.
  • Install new apps on your Apple Watch by using the iPhone Watch app and tapping "Install" on Available Apps already on your iPhone, or by browsing the Watch App Store.
  • You can remove third-party apps directly on Apple Watch or on the Watch app.

When you're trying to get the best use out of your Apple Watch, it's all about the apps.

Like the iPhone, Apple Watches come pre-loaded with set apps, including Activity (the app that tracks your progress toward daily, weekly, and monthly move, stand, and exercise goals), Breathe (a mindfulness app), Calendar (peek at events scheduled for the day and week ahead), and Messages (read and respond to texts without having to take out your phone).

The preset apps are great for getting started, but unfortunately take up a good amount of space in the Apple Watch, and you're not able to delete them. On my Apple Watch, these default apps take up 3.2 GB, leaving 2.1 GB free.

But in the remaining space you have available, you'll likely want to add apps that don't come with the Apple Watch automatically. Here are few ways to accomplish that. 

Add apps manually or install them automatically

Beyond the default apps, you can add additional apps manually or have compatible iPhone apps automatically installed by turning on Automatic App Install on your iPhone's Watch app.

1. Open your iPhone Watch app.

IMG_7804

2. Find Automatic App Install in the My Watch tab under General.

3. If you want to add apps manually, switch off Automatic App Install.

Install compatible Watch apps already on your iPhone

If you choose to install apps manually (as I have), you can see a list of Watch compatible apps already installed on your iPhone through your Watch app.

1. Scroll to the bottom of the My Watch tab in the Watch app to find the Available Apps section.

IMG_7807

2. To install any of these apps on your Watch, simply touch the Install button to the right of the app name.

IMG_7820

3. Once the installation is complete, the app will appear in a section titled Installed On Apple Watch.

ip

Browse for new apps in the App Store

To add new apps outside of what's already installed on your iPhone, head to the App Store tab in your iPhone's Watch app. If you know the name of the app you're looking for, go to the Search tab to find it faster.

IMG_7805

In the Watch App Store there are promoted apps at the top, then different sections like Great on Apple Watch (a diverse list with everything from streaming music apps to a stargazing app), Listen with Apple Watch (meditation, podcast, and sleep sounds apps), Take a Moment (mindfulness, relaxation, and focus apps), and Never Miss a Headline (apps by major news outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal).

To install an app, tap Get. After the app is installed, it will appear in the Installed On Apple Watch section as well as on your iPhone as a separate app.

Remove apps from Apple Watch (and your iPhone)

To remove apps from your Apple Watch, you can do so from your iPhone's Watch app or the watch itself.

1. Go to the My Watch tab of your iPhone's Watch app.

2. Tap the app you want to remove and switch off "Show App on Apple Watch."

IMG_7822

3. Alternatively, you can remove apps right on your Apple Watch by touching and holding the app icon on the home screen until you see an X, then tapping the X.

IMG_7833

Note: Switching off "Show App on Apple Watch" will remove the app from your Apple Watch but not your iPhone. To remove the app from both devices at the same time, touch and hold the app icon on your iPhone until you see an X, then tap the X.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

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NOW WATCH: Why Amazon canceled HQ2 in New York City and what it means for everyone involved

A 36-year-old woman just became the first person to swim around Easter Island. It took her 19 hours.

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easter island moai statues

  • Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, is one of the most remote places in the world.
  • Sarah Ferguson, a 36-year-old South African swimmer, just became the first person to swim around the island. She logged 39.46 miles in 19 hours and 8 minutes.
  • The area around Easter Island is inundated with plastic: It sits near a swirling vortex of plastic debris called the South Pacific Garbage Patch, and lots of tiny pieces float in the water or wash ashore.

Easter Island is one of the most remote islands in the world. It sits some 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, and is 1,200 miles from the nearest piece of land.

But even there, the water is filled with plastic.

That was the motivation for elite South African swimmer Sarah Ferguson, who recently completed a world-record swim around the island, covering 39.46 miles (63.5 kilometers) in 19 hours.

Ferguson, who used to swim for South Africa in international pool competitions, has taken to open waters in recent years to raise awareness about plastic pollution. She said Easter Island struck her as the perfect spot "because it's got one of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world."

So on Friday morning, she coated her face in a thick white layer of waterproof sunscreen, kicked off her flip-flops, shed her bathrobe, and dipped into the waters off the shore of Easter Island. At precisely 8:07 a.m., she started swimming. 

Ferguson didn't get out of the water, touch a boat, or put on fins at any point in the swim. No one had ever circumnavigated the island that way before. One man tried in 2016, but quit after a very salty 26 hours and 52 minutes in the water.

"It was my toughest swim ever," Ferguson told Business Insider from a satellite phone as she recovered on Easter Island. Her tongue, she said, was still prickly from the salty waves, since the island happens to be in an extra salty corner of the Pacific — not at all like the ocean she's used to around South Africa.

Take a look at what Ferguson endured along her 19-hour, world-first swim around the island locals know as Rapa Nui.

SEE ALSO: The real reason why so many cities and businesses are banning plastic straws has nothing to do with straws at all

On Friday morning, Ferguson received the all clear for her big swim.

She readied herself early in the morning, as the sunrise brought shades of pink, orange, and lilac. Before entering the water, Ferguson warmed up in a hooded robe, knee-high socks, and flip flops. She put on what she described as an "extreme eco-friendly sun cream" that was made specially for her trip and designed to hold up for 24 hours in the water.



Ferguson was not alone on the trip: Kayaker John McCarthy helped her stay on course and conserve energy. Another swimmer, Sarah Houston, swam alongside Ferguson when she was tired and served as her designated snack feeder.

Ferguson said the water around Easter Island is about 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). That's about 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) colder than the temperature she's used to along the shores of South Africa.



Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is officially part of Chile.

Some native people have even referred to the island, which was created from volcanic activity on the sea floor, as the world's belly button. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I got an inside look at the brand new, 7-story 'vertical shopping experience' in Hudson Yards, which the developers insist is not a mall — here's what I saw on opening day

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hudson yards shops

  • The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a seven-story luxury shopping center, opened to the public on March 15.
  • The one-million-square-foot shopping center includes more than 100 shops and 25 cafés and eateries, including Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Cartier, and the city's first Neiman Marcus department store.
  • The developers are reluctant to call the shopping center a mall, instead dubbing it a "vertical shopping experience" and an "urban retail center."
  • I walked through the shopping center on its opening day, and despite the developers' insistence that it's not a mall, it pretty much felt like a mall. 

 

The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a seven-story shopping center with more than 100 stores including Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Fendi, and the city's first Neiman Marcus, is officially open to the public.

Hudson Yards is New York City's new $25 billion neighborhood, which includes office buildings, luxurious residential towers, and a seven-story luxury shopping center with stores like Louis Vuitton and Dior.

In addition to retail stores, the shopping center includes restaurants from Shake Shack to Thomas Keller's TAK Room, a co-working space, and an interactive art exhibition.

Jeff Blau, the CEO of Related Companies, the developer behind Hudson Yards, said on Bloomberg TV that the shopping center is "not a mall," but is instead an "urban retail center." The developers have also dubbed it a "vertical shopping experience."

The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is not called a mall because it's designed differently than a traditional mall, and it has a more curated mix of tenants, Kathleen Corless, Related's director of corporate communications, told me on the phone following my visit. And on top of that, she said, Related Companies is not a traditional mall developer.

"We are urban planners and we build cities and mixed-use developments, so we think about the retail center as part of the whole neighborhood," Corless said. "It's about the Shed, it's about the 14 acres of open space, several commercial office buildings, 40,000 people a day are going to work there, 4,000 residences ... It's all about thinking about, who really lives here?"

I took a tour of the shopping center on its opening day. Here's what it looks like.

SEE ALSO: I climbed Vessel, the $200 million, 2,500-step sculpture in Hudson Yards — and the view from the inside blew me away

DON'T MISS: Inside the star-studded opening of the Shops at Hudson Yards, where A-listers including Anne Hathaway and Whoopi Goldberg came to see NYC's new $25 billion neighborhood

The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, the $25 billion megadevelopment's seven-story shopping center, opened to the public on March 15.



I was one of the first to go inside the one-million-square-foot shopping center on opening day.



The shopping center opened at noon, and as I made my way inside shortly after that time, it was already starting to get crowded.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The differences between Apple's original AirPods and the new AirPods (AAPL)

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2019 airpods 2x1

  • Apple quietly announced its new generation of AirPods, which come with a few differences over the original AirPods released back in December 2016.
  • The majority of differences are general improvements in functionality. 
  • There's also a new charging case option that can charge wirelessly.

Apple on Wednesday released its new generation of AirPods, and they sure look a lot like the original AirPods that Apple released back in December 2016.

But the exterior is where the similarities end with Apple's new AirPods because Apple has added some new innards that add general improvements.

There's also a new option for a wireless charging case that can charge wirelessly with a Qi wireless charging pad.

Apple made its new AirPods immediately available to buy from its website, and they'll be hitting store shelves next week. 

Check out the differences between the original AirPods and the new 2019 AirPods:

SEE ALSO: Two winning photos from Apple’s 2019 photography competition were shot with iPhones that launched almost three years ago

Design — they're exactly the same.



The new charging case also looks identical to the original AirPods charging case.



The new AirPods have better performance, "50% more talktime," faster connect times, and hands-free Siri.

Apple says its new H1 chip in the new AirPods is developed specifically for headphones, and "delivers performance efficiencies, faster connect times, more talk time and the convenience of hands-free "Hey Siri."

By "50% more talktime," Apple means an extra hour of battery life during phone calls.

And as for "hands-free" Siri, it means you can summon Siri using just your voice. It's a significant change over what you had to do with the original AirPods to summon Siri, when you had to physically tap one of the pods.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Apple's new AirPods have better battery life and a cool new wireless charging case — you can preorder a pair now for $159 or $199

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Apple Air Pods 2

Another day, another Apple release. After launching new iPad models and new iMac models, Apple has finally taken the wraps off of a second generation of AirPods headphones, which now boast a number of highly anticipated features.

There are plenty of things that make the second-generation AirPods better than the originals. For starters, the headphones now use the new Apple H1 wireless chip, doing away with the W1 chip that was featured on the first-gen AirPods and is used in the Apple Watch. The result? The headphones should now offer an hour of extra battery life, bringing you up to five hours on a charge, which is a big deal for truly wireless earbuds. The H1 is Apple's first chip in a line of processors built specifically for headphones, so it's likely that we'll see other "H" chips in the future.

Apple is also adding support for Siri to the AirPods, so now, when you're wearing them, you'll be able to summon Siri by saying, "Hey Siri,"and she'll respond — all without having to press any buttons.

Perhaps even cooler than the new wireless chip and Siri support is the fact that AirPods now feature the ability to charge wirelessly. In other words, you can charge your AirPods with any wireless charger you have — just like you can charge your Apple Watch and newer iPhones. About 15 minutes of charging in the case gives you three hours of battery life.

In case you're not keen on wireless charging, Apple is selling two versions of the new AirPods: one with the wireless charging case and one without.

You can get the AirPods 2 with wireless charging from Apple for $199

You can get the AirPods 2 without wireless charging from Apple for $159

Join the conversation about this story »

This slow cooker lets you cook 3 dishes at once and keep food warm at parties — here's how it works

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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.

Triple Slow Cooker

  • A high-quality slow cooker can be used for a variety of purposes, functions reliably, and it’s easy to store when not in use.
  • I like the Chefman Triple Slow Cooker because it allows me to make three dishes at once, functions well as a buffet server, and cleans up easily.
  • Though it is more expensive than your average slow cooker (currently $87.52 on Amazon), it’s also much more versatile and is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Slow cookers are a convenient way to make delicious home-cooked meals. As a work-from-home dad who does most of the cooking, it’s nice to be able to prepare supper before sitting down to work for the day. Slow cookers give me the flexibility to adjust dinner time to meet everyone’s busy schedules. Once the meal is ready, it can stay in a “keep warm” holding pattern until we can all sit down together.

The Chefman Triple Slow Cooker adds a new dimension to an old favorite. With the traditional single cooker, your entrée and sides would either be tossed together into one pot or you’d have to make the sides separately. With the triple cooker, you can create three distinct dishes at once. And, it doubles as a buffet server. Below, I’ll share my experiences with the triple slow cooker and let you know who would likely benefit from it most.

Specs:

The triple slow cooker has three identical 1.5-quart oval stoneware crocks that each have separate controls. There are four settings on each knob: off, low, high, and warm. Each crock has a glass lid with a stay-cool plastic handle, and the center of the unit features a lid holder. It also comes with lid locks, which keep the lids in place on top of the crocks when in transit.

The crocks measure 9.5 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. And, the overall size of the unit is approximately 16 inches in diameter and 8 inches high with the lid holder in place. The body of the cooker has an attractive stainless-steel finish.

In its marketing materials, Chefman says this cooker has a one-year “hassle-free” warranty, but the small print suggests that the warranty is more of the traditional “limited” variety.

Set-up process:

The set-up is intuitive and a breeze — I had everything ready to go within five minutes. Chefman recommends that you put a quart of water in each crock and run them on high for half an hour before the first use. Let the water cool for about 20 minutes, then remove the crocks and empty the water. You’ll then want to wash everything. After that, you are ready to try out your first recipe.

Chefman Triple Slow Cooker

What makes the slow cooker stand out:

I really liked the recipes that came with the slow cooker. There are two: Chinese pork chops with brown rice and herbed mushrooms and BBQ chicken with baked potato casserole and cheesy corn. Both recipes were easy to follow, and I could set them up and go about my day. When dinner time rolled around, they were ready.

The slow cooker only comes with two recipes, but with the access code on the back of the user manual, you can get more recipes through Club Chefman. However, you need to create an account, and the recipes are geared more toward your traditional one-pot slow cookers. You’ll need to do a little math to adjust for the smaller crocks of the triple cooker.

My family celebrates “Taco Tuesday,” and the triple slow cooker kept the meat, beans, and sautéed vegetables warm as we set up our own little taco bar. This was also useful when we hosted parties, where people would graze on dips and other food over the course of hours. It basically filled the role of three chafing dishes.

Lastly, the triple slow cooker comes in handy when you are putting together a meal for individuals with dietary restrictions. We have good friends who are vegetarian and gluten-free. When making my famous beer chili, I can leave the meat out of one of the pots, leave the beer out of another, and have one pot with all the good stuff.

Sometimes, food debris can really get caked onto the sides of stoneware. That’s why I like to wash the pots of slow cookers in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, when you’re using one large pot, it’s hard to fit it in your washer. With the Chefman Triple Slow Cooker, I didn’t have a problem fitting the crocks and lids into my dishwasher. And, they came out clean after one cycle.

Cons to consider:

The biggest downfall of the triple slow cooker is that it isn’t practical for most people. It’s mainly designed for people who regularly host parties or attend potlucks. It might also be useful if you have a larger family and want to make easy meals with distinct side dishes, or batch-prep meals for your family that can be popped in the freezer for later.

A minor issue I had with this appliance is the positioning of the lid holder. When installed, the lid holder gets in the way as you try to remove the pots. Consequently, you have to remove the lid holder to take a crock out. In many instances, this makes the lid holder useless. Other than that, I really liked the lid holder and hope future models correct this positioning problem.

This might just be a personal problem, but I kept overfilling my pots and making a mess. The user manual cautions against filling the crocks more than three-quarters full. It would be wise to take this advice. Who would have thought that heat makes food expand?

The bottom line:

Pros: The triple cooker is helpful in a variety of situations, has a handy lid holder for easy serving, and you can use it with little instruction.

Cons: The cooker may not be useful if you don’t cook for groups very often, and the lid holder is poorly positioned.

Overall, I like having this appliance in my repertoire of hosting tools. I have plenty of room in my home so I can store it easily when it’s not in use. The three crocks operate as advertised and keep flavor and ingredients separated. And, my family enjoyed the balanced meals I produced with it. Whether you want to create set-it-and-forget-it meals or are looking for an affordable chafing dish alternative that can handle three items at once, the Chefman Triple Slow Cooker is an excellent solution.

Buy the Chefman Triple Slow Cooker & Buffet Server on Amazon for $87.52

Join the conversation about this story »

Here's a look inside credit card startup Brex's new member-only San Francisco lounge

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Brex

  • Credit card startup Brex has opened a members-only lounge in San Francisco's South Park district to give cardholders a place to gather — whether that be to work, hold meetings, or socialize. 
  • Dubbed "The Oval Room," the space feels like a homier version of a WeWork, with sectional couches instead of communal work tables. It's also far smaller than a typical co-working space, as it's located above of what used to be a neighborhood cafe. 
  • "It's not about exclusivity," Brex co-founder Henrique Dubugras told Business Insider in a recent interview, touting the benefits of a meeting space that provides support for entrepreneurs. 
  • Below are photos of The Oval Room from its opening night last Thursday. 

When Brex co-founders Pedro Franceschi and Henrique Dubugras were fundraising for their idea of creating a corporate credit card specifically for startups, they had no office. Instead, they met with venture capitalists at coffee shops and nearby, San Francisco city parks. 

"You don't know exactly who's there. It could be anyone that's around," Dubugras told Business Insider in a recent interview, describing the duo's experience of fundraising from local coffee shops. "We really wanted a more private space." 

Dubugras said that many other founders they met through Y Combinator — the renowned startup accelerator, which Brex participated in during the winter of 2017 — faced a similar dilemma of having important meetings with nowhere to host them. 

Read more:  It took only a year and a half for these 22-year-olds to build a billion-dollar company. Here's how they did it.

Almost two years and a $1.1 billion valuation later, the credit card startup has opened a lounge space in San Francisco's South Park district to give Brex cardholders a place to gather — whether that be to work, hold meetings, or socialize. 

"Brex is about empowering entrepreneurship," Dubugras said. "For us, this is just a manifestation of that. It's hard to be an entrepreneur. [The lounge] is a place where you can go and meet other people who are going through the same struggle as you are. Like, 'Hey, I also don't have a place to take meetings." 

Dubbed "The Oval Room" — named after both the Oval Office (where big decisions are made) and the shape of the nearby park (South Park) — the space feels like a homier version of a WeWork, with sectional couches instead of communal work tables. It's also far smaller than a typical co-working space — the lounge is perched above what used to be a neighborhood cafe. 

The members-only space will be open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday-Friday, not including after hour community events. The board meeting room and a private lounge room are also be available for cardholders to book for free throughout the week. 

Already, one startup founder we spoke to, Deon Nicholas, is excited to start using the space for networking. He also says the lounge would have come in handy for candidate interviews before his company —Forethought— moved into its new office. 

"We had a candidate come by our co-working space, who in the end, we didn't get," Nicholas said. "We asked what were some things we could have done better and he said, 'You know, having an actual space would have been great.'" 

Even with the potential upsides for startups, as Fyre Festival documentaries linger in the popular zeitgeist, comparison's between Brex's Oval Room and Billy McFarland's Magnises Townhouse in New York City are hard to ignore. Dubugras stressed the difference. 

"It's not about exclusivity," Dubugras said. "But rather its the ability to deliver on the promise of combining a meeting space with the services and support entrepreneurs actually need to run their business." 

Today, only startup founders and their employees can hold a Brex credit card. In February, the also company allowed e-commerce business owners to join. 

Here's a look at Brex's San Francisco lounge on its opening night: 

SEE ALSO: Credit card startup joins unicorn club months after launching

The Oval Room is located right across the street from South Park, a hub of San Francisco's VC and startup scene.



It's on the second floor of what used to be the South Park Cafe.



The address is 110 South Park Street, up a narrow set of stairs.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I'm vegan, and I spend about $175 a month on groceries — here's exactly what I buy

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 Devon Delfino

  • I'm a vegan living outside San Francisco, and I spend about $175 a month on groceries.
  • I cook most of my meals at home and typically rely on a few key staples that I use over and over again.
  • I get my groceries from two markets near me: Trader Joe's and Safeway. Here's exactly what I buy.

When it comes to groceries, it’s relatively easy for me to stay on budget — I’m vegan, I like simple foods, and I’m fine with cooking in bulk and eating the same meal for a few days.

That's why I need to spend only about $175 a month on groceries.

I have a few reliable, easy meals I make often: baked veggies and tofu, rice with stir fry, and baked sweet-potato fries. I try to experiment with the few items I have to work with in the kitchen — for example, adding a different vegetable to the mix or opting to steam, rather than bake, one or two of the existing ingredients — to stave off boredom.

Tip: Use the right credit card to earn extra rewards on your groceries:
The American Express Gold Card offers 4x points per dollar spent at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year (and 1x point after that). Depending on what you spend on groceries, you can watch the rewards add up. Click here to learn more about the AmEx Gold.

The hardest obstacle to staying on budget is premade foods such as veggie burgers, prechopped produce, and microwaveable meals, so I have to be more conscious of those items when I go to the store. I’ve cut most of those out of my usual grocery list to keep costs low, but I try to give myself at least one or two of those quick meals a month. That way, I can relax for those days when I’ve got three deadlines, piles of laundry to do, and my dog has a vet appointment.

I also try my best to stick to my grocery list, shop seasonally, and put blinders on when I go past all the tempting last-minute buys that used to entice me. That said, I’m willing to go a bit over my budget if I need to stock up on things such as spices, sauces, or other items that tend to last at least a few weeks but cost more up front.

Read more: We're a vegan millennial couple that spends around $415 a month on groceries —here's exactly what we buy

Here’s a breakdown of my typical $175-a-month grocery list in Brentwood, California, about an hour outside of San Francisco.

SEE ALSO: We're a vegan millennial couple that spends around $415 a month on groceries —here's exactly what we buy

DON'T MISS: My wife and I spend $480.40 per month on groceries and cook 95% of our meals — here's exactly what we buy

Trader Joe's — weekly: $31.44

I love Trader Joe’s — there are plenty of vegan options (read: delicious junk food that’s conveniently marked as vegan, such as cookies and vegetable panang curry), their store-brand products are solid, and the produce is usually high quality. I’ll occasionally treat myself to a new-to-me vegan item, but for the most part I stick to my staple foods:

  • Canned garbanzo beans — $3.16
  • Tofu — $5.37
  • Canned corn – $1.78
  • Spinach — $1.99
  • Sweet potatoes – $3.67
  • Avocados — $2.99 (Note: I won’t buy these when the cost is more than $1.50 per avocado.)
  • Bananas — $1.33
  • Fuji apples — $4.67
  • Cucumbers — $1.49
  • Grape tomatoes — $2.49
  • Cauliflower — $2.50.


Trader Joe’s — monthly: $13.44 (or more)

There are also some items I buy at Trader Joe's only about once a month:

  • Vegan tikka masala — $3.69
  • Bell peppers — $1.99
  • Pasta — $1.29
  • Marinara sauce — $1.79
  • Marinated artichoke hearts — $2.69
  • Peanut butter — $1.99.


Safeway — every other week: $10.61

For some reason, Trader Joe’s doesn’t have cheap staples. I can’t justify buying small amounts of organic rice when I so frequently use it, so I usually go to the local Safeway to stock up on such items. Lucky for me, it’s on my way home from Trader Joe’s, so I can easily pick up a few items:

  • Rice — $4.12
  • Cracked wheat sourdough — $2.99
  • Almond milk — $3.50.


See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Save 40% on couches, chairs, and coffee tables at Target — and more of today's best deals from around the web

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out our coupons page.

Target

1. Save 40% on one furniture item at Target

Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, chances are there's a piece of furniture that you'd like to add to your home. If you've been patiently waiting for a good furniture sale to jump on, it's happening now at Target. Today only, you can automatically save 40% on one furniture item. With everything from sofas and armchairs to barstools and coffee tables, almost everybody will find something worth adding to their space. For more deals and savings at Target, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Target sale now

AeroGarden

2. Save 50% on AeroGarden indoor gardens on Amazon

If you have a green thumb, but don't have space for an outside garden, an AeroGarden is a must-have device. It allows you to grow multiple plants at once — and it'll fit on your countertop. Today, as an Amazon deal of the day, you can save 50% on select AeroGarden indoor gardens including the larger AeroGarden Ultra or the compact AeroGarden Harvest 360.

Shop all AeroGardens on Amazon now.

Amazon Kindle

3. Get a 3-month Kindle Unlimited subscription for only $1

Kindle Unlimited gives you access to more than one million books, thousands of audiobooks, and a rotating selection of popular magazines. Right now, new Kindle Unlimited users can get a three-month subscription for just $0.99. Originally priced at $29.97, you'll save a 28.98 in total. If you're an avid reader, you should definitely take advantage of this offer while it lasts.

Try Kindle Unlimited for three months for $1 now.

Ralph Lauren

4. Save 30% on orders of $150 or more at Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is celebrating the beginning of spring with a sale that's going to make you want to stock up on new arrivals and sale styles. Now through March 25, you can save 30% when you spend $150 or more on apparel and accessories for the entire family and home goods. Simply use the promo code "SPRING30" at checkout to save. For more deals and promotions at Ralph Lauren, visit Business Insider Coupons

Shop the Ralph Lauren sale now

Timex

5. Save 20% on select watches at Timex

Timex watches are almost always affordably priced, but right now the brand is having a private sale that's bringing prices even lower. For a limited time, you can save 20% on select watches for men and women including the sale section by using the promo code "VIP20" at checkout.  The variety of watches includes classic analogs, intricate chronographs, sporty GPS-enabled digital watches, and more.

Shop the Timex private sale now

Nordstrom Rack

6.Save up to 78% on designer sunglasses at Nordstrom Rack

Spring is here and a new pair of shades is a must-have for the season. Right now, you can save up to 78% on designer sunglasses for men and women at Nordstrom Rack. The selection includes brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, and more.  Find more great deals and promotions at Nordstrom Rack by visiting Business Insider Coupons.

Shopmen's sunglasses andwomen's sunglasses at Nordstrom Rack now.

Sears

7. Save up to 25% on lawn and garden equipment at Sears

Although you (hopefully) won't have to shovel any more snow, springtime means you'll have to cut the grass, trim hedges, and get rid of weeds. To help you fill your garage or shed with all the necessary tools for having a well-manicured lawn, Sears is having a sale with 25% off lawn and garden equipment. You can also save up to 50% on snowblowers for next winter. For more deals and promotions at Sears, visit Business Insider Coupons here

Shop the Sears lawn and garden sale now

Helix Sleep

8. Save up to $125 on a custom Helix Sleep mattress

If you want to find a mattress that meets your comfort preferences exactly rather than buying a mattress that aims to be comfortable for everyone, Helix Sleep is the brand to turn to. Helix uses a comfort- and sleep-preference quiz to build personalized mattresses, and right now, you can get one on sale. During the brand's spring flash sale, you can save $125 on the Luxe Mattress with the promo code "LUXE125" and $75 on the Helix Mattress with the promo code "SPRINGFLASH75" at checkout. To learn more about the customization process, check out my review.

Shop all Helix Sleep mattresses now.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A sleep expert explains what happens to your body and brain if you don't get enough sleep


9 cheap solutions for people who want to waste less and wean themselves off single-use items

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Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Swell

  • The world is facing an extreme trash crisis.
  • Single-use plastic, including water bottles, straws, and bags, contribute to much of the pollution worldwide.
  • Having a "zero waste starter kit" on hand can make it easier to say no to single-use items.

We are in the midst of a mega trash crisis. In 2016, more than 480 billion plastic bottles were sold worldwide. Nearly 2 million plastic bags are used per minute. Takeout orders make up around 269,000 tons of plastic waste that's entered our oceans.

While there's serious debate about who is responsible for this mess, there's no doubt that consumers can help to be part of the solution by consciously consuming less.

The zero-waste movement embodies this ideology; those who practice zero waste aim to use less, reuse what they have, and find alternatives to single-use products that have become ubiquitous around the world (hi, plastic straws). While any zero waster will tell you that it's impossible to be perfect — sometimes you simply can't avoid plastic packaging — the goal is to change everyday behaviors to become more sustainable.

Perhaps it's ironic to be sharing a guide of things to buy when the end goal is to be buying less, but consider this a beginner's manual to starting your zero-waste journey. You probably have many of the items listed below, and if that's the case, use them!

Hopefully this list will inspire you to set up your own "waste less" kit that you can keep close. When you go out into the world prepared, it'll be easier to use fewer single-use items while enjoying all the wonderful things this life has to offer.

See also: I'll never use plastic straws again after finding these metal ones that don't change the taste of my drinks at all

SEE ALSO: This $11 reusable K-cup filter saves me more than $1,000 a year on coffee

A reusable water bottle

S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $35.79, available at Amazon (price varies by color)

This one's a given. A reusable water bottle will prevent you from buying plastic bottles or using plastic cups. And, while "water" sure is in the name, you can use these vessels to hold pretty much any liquid, so long as you're willing to clean it.

There's no need to go fancy here: If you're down with toting a glass mason jar around or still have your Nalgene bottle from summer camp, those both make great options. If you're in search of an upgrade, however, there are plenty of options that manage to be hip, cute and stylish, even though we're still talking about a water bottle.

S'well bottles are among the more popular brands on the market. They're beloved for their sleek design, their ability to keep drinks hot or cold, and their condensation-free exterior.



A reusable mug or thermos

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $14.35, available at Amazon (price varies by color) 

If you're a big coffee or tea drinker, or if you hold meetings at cafes, a reusable mug of some sort should be in your starter pack. Chances are you have a ceramic mug at home. If you mostly stick to hot beverages in the office, you might be fine to keep this mug on your desk and call it a day.

If you're an out-of-office beverage drinker, however, a thermos could serve your starter pack well. Contigo thermoses are a household fave because of their impeccably sealed lids (no drips!) and bewildering power to keep hot drinks scorching for hours.



A set of wooden cutlery

Tatuo Bamboo Cutlery Flatware Set (2-pack), $15.97, available at Amazon

Fancy you with your own set of cutlery! This is the antidote to plastic straws, forks, and knives (and in this case, chopsticks!). Keeping this little pack with you at all times means you'll never have to stoop to using flimsy plastic soup spoons and you can be the kind of person who refuses silverware from your takeout order.

This particular cutlery set comes with a little straw cleaner, meaning you won't have to guess at whether your straw is actually clean or not. As a two-pack, you might keep one set at the office and the other in your bag or car.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A history of the times Kellyanne Conway's husband has roasted Trump

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kellyanne conway george

  • President Donald Trump and George Conway are in an escalating feud.
  • It reached a fever pitch this week, when Trump called the lawyer "a stone cold LOSER & husband from hell!" and Conway questioned the president's mental state.
  • Back when Kellyanne Conway was running Trump's presidential campaign, Conway supported his wife's boss.
  • But that started to change as the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference heated up.
  • Here's how their relationship devolved over time.

Prominent conservative lawyer George Conway has been highly critical of his wife's boss, President Donald Trump.

His latest comments come after Trump publicly attacked Conway on Twitter, calling him "a stone cold LOSER & husband from hell!"

Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway and George have previously shared how their political disagreements— especially about Trump — are affecting their marriage. But it wasn't always this way.

Here's a brief history of George Conway's transformation from Trump supporter into one of his most visible and vocal critics on the right.

SEE ALSO: Inside the marriage of Kellyanne and George Conway, who Ann Coulter introduced, are now worth $39 million, and are increasingly at odds over Trump

DON'T MISS: Kellyanne Conway opens up about how the president is affecting her marriage

June 2, 2017: Conway turns down administration role

After speculation began in March 2017 that Conway would be picked for a position in the Trump administration, Conway eventually declined any administration role, saying:

"I am profoundly grateful to the President and to the attorney general for selecting me to serve in the Department of Justice. I have reluctantly concluded, however, that, for me and my family, this is not the right time for me to leave the private sector and take on a new role in the federal government."

Conway went on to clarify: "Kellyanne and I continue to support the President and his administration, and I look forward to doing so in whatever way I can from outside the government."

The Washington Post reported that Conway considered the role, but was scared off by Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and the aftermath that ensued.



June 5, 2017: Conway posts his first critical tweet

Shortly after turning down an administration position, Conway started to tweet critically of Trump.

In his first post, he questioned the usefulness of Trump's tweets, mocking Trump's signature sign-off "Sad!"

In a later tweet, Conway clarified that he still supported the president.



March 28, 2018: Conway gets more vocal on Twitter

In late March 2018, after nearly a yearlong hiatus, Conway called Trump's reported interest in pardons for former staff as a way to protect himself from the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation "flabbergasting."

Also at this time, Conway reportedly switched his party registration to "unaffiliated."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Disappointing stories reveal what it's really like to win the lottery

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jack whittaker lottery winner

Becoming substantially wealthier thanks to a tiny piece of paper would make your life so much better, right?

In fact, recent research has suggested that lottery winners are more satisfied with life than those who lost the lottery and that this happiness is lasting, Business Insider previously reported.

But winning a lottery jackpot can also have some unwanted side effects.

Here's what it's really like to win the lottery.

SEE ALSO: 20 lottery winners who lost every penny

Lottery players everywhere dream of hitting the jackpot.



The idea of striking it rich is enticing enough for the average American to spend $207 a year on lottery tickets.

Source: CBS News



In reality, though, your chance of winning is pretty slim — you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than you do of winning a Mega Millions or Powerball contest.

Source: CBS NewsNational Geographic



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

33 of the most dangerous things science has strongly linked to cancer

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cancer immunotherapy treatment

Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in the US, second only to heart disease.

It fundamentally affects the way our cells grow and divide, changing them in perverse ways. All cancer is a result of damage or genetic mutations in our DNA. The nasty, debilitating class of diseases spreads through a body like an invading army, as toxic cells grow relentlessly into unruly tumors.

Some cases of cancer are out of our control, determined by genetic defects and predispositions passed down from one generation to the next, or spurred by genetic changes we undergo through our lifetime.

But we also know that breathing in certain substances, eating specific things, and even using some kinds of plastics ups the risk of developing some deadly cancers.

Here are some known carcinogens (cancer-causers), as well as a few more things scientists are zeroing in on as prime suspects.

SEE ALSO: A study of more than 100,000 people has found that one food group is closely linked with cancer

Sugar

Scientists now know that eating too much sweet stuff can not only lead to diabetes, but actively damage your cells and increase your risk of developing cancer.

But that's not all.

New research suggests that sugar may fuel tumor growth in the body — because cancer loves to use sugar as fuel.

"The hyperactive sugar consumption of cancerous cells leads to a vicious cycle of continued stimulation of cancer development and growth" Johan Thevelein, a Belgian molecular biologist, said in October after the release of his study.

Scientists say that the groundbreaking research gives us a better understanding of how sugar and cancer interact and that it could one day help create targeted diet strategies for patients.

NOW WATCH: The differences that matter between Splenda, Equal, Sweet'N Low, and sugar >>



Processed foods

Any food that comes in a crinkly plastic wrapper, is industrially sealed, and is designed to last for months without spoiling may be a quick on-the-go fix for a hunger pang, but it's also most likely increasing your risk of cancer.

Scientists in France recently zeroed in on a link between people who eat more processed foods and those who develop cancer.

They're not sure yet whether the problem is the shelf-stabilizing ingredients, the plastic packaging, or some combination of the two. And because their study was correlative, it's possible there's some other hidden factor at work.

NOW WATCH: I ate nothing but 'healthy' fast food for a week — here's what happened >>



Smoking

Though the tobacco industry tried to cover this one up, we've known for years that tobacco smoke has at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals inside.

And it's not just smokers who are affected — people who inhale secondhand smoke can develop deadly forms of cancer too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says: "Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%."

People who chew their tobacco are at increased risk too.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster

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Google Pixel

  • If you clear the cache on your Android phone periodically, you could help eliminate performance issues on the device. 
  • Your Android phone's cache comprises stores of small bits of information that your apps and web browser use to speed up performance.
  • But cached files can become corrupted or overloaded and cause performance issues. 
  • Cache needn't be constantly cleared, but a periodic clean out can be helpful.

Your apps and web browser store bits of information to speed up your experience using them.

Over time, your phone may collect a lot of files you don't really need. You can clear out the files to free up a little storage space on your device. Clearing cache can also help with website behavior issues.

Clearing browser cache and app cache from an Android phone is a quick and easy process.

Here's a short guide on how to do both.

Clear cache in the Chrome app (the default Android web browser)

1. Open the Chrome app on your device.

2. Tap the three-dot icon, found at the top right, to open a dropdown menu.

android

3. Tap History, then Clear browsing data.

google chrome

4. If desired, select the oldest date you would like cleared using the Time Range dropdown menu.

5. Select Cached images and files.

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6. Tap the Clear data button to clear cache.

Clear cache from third-party apps

App cache is similar to browser cache. It's small bits of information stored to speed up your experience using an app. However, there may be times when an app suddenly closes or stops responding all together. Problems with cached data could be the culprit.

Clearing cache is a quick and easy way to free up space and (hopefully) fix a misbehaving app. Clearing app cache will not delete app data like account information.

Here's how to clear app cache:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your device. 

2. Tap Storage.

storage

3. Tap Internal Storage under Device Storage.

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4. Tap Cached data.

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5. Tap OK when a dialog box appears asking if you're sure you want to clear all app cache.

4 (1)

Clearing app cache will not delete app data like account information. App data, like account information, can be deleted from the same menu - proceed with caution if you decide to do so. 

Note: Phones without SD card storage will not be given a choice to select between internal storage or SD card as shown in the above screenshots.

How often you should clear cache

You may find it helpful to clear cache periodically, but a regular cache clearing schedule isn't required. If you find you're routinely clearing cache to free up space, you may consider removing unused apps or archiving stored video and photos in the cloud. Installing a high volume microSD card is another option to address phone storage needs.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best smartphone you can buy

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