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9 places to shop for formal menswear — from custom tuxedos to monogrammed socks

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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.

Wolf & Shepherd Podium

  • Although it's not every day that you have to dress in formal menswear, it's important to look your very best when the time comes.
  • With wedding season approaching, you may be trying to figure out where to shop, so we rounded up a list of our favorite places to find formal attire.
  • Below, you'll find a breakdown of where to shop, including startups like Indochino and Bonobos, as well as legacy brands like Brooks Brothers.

Through trial and error (and hopefully our product recommendations), most guys discover a handful of brands that they like and stick to them for creating the bulk of their everyday wardrobes.

Once you figure out your personal style and which brands fit in your budget, getting dressed every day should be a piece of cake. But what is hard is figuring out where to shop for those not-so-everyday occasions that call for something more formal than what you're used to.

Chances are, the last time you wore a tuxedo was at your senior prom — and looking back at those pictures might make you cringe a little bit. So, you'll definitely want to do things right this time around if you've been invited to or are hosting a wedding, gala, or formal ball.

To save yourself from scrambling to find something decent before the date of your event, we rounded up nine of the best places to shop for formal attire including suits, tuxedos, ties, patent leather dress, and more.

Between these brands, grooms, groomsmen, and attendees of any other swanky functions will find everything necessary for dressing to a T.

Keep reading to find out our favorite places to buy formal menswear.

Black Lapel

Start shopping at Black Lapel now

Key styles: Tuxes, suits (from $499) and blazers (from $379)

Black Lapel offers premium, custom-made suits and artisan-level tailors. Its impeccable quality makes it a great place to shop when the tiniest details of your outfit (or your groomsmen's) really matter.

Although your wedding or party will only last a few hours, the pictures taken will last a lifetime, which means there's no room for sloppy tailoring. If you're a groom looking to dress your groomsmen, the brand's wedding service allows you to pick and keep track of suits for everyone in the ceremony, and you'll save on parties of four or more people.



Indochino

Start shopping at Indochino now

Key styles: Custom suits starting at $329

Another dependable place to get custom suits made is Indochino. Founded in 2007, the menswear startup has effectively changed the way men shop for custom apparel. With plenty of customization options and in-depth videos on how to measure yourself at home, you won't have to visit a tailor to get a garment that fits perfectly — unless you would prefer to. You can also visit one of Indochino's many showrooms around the country to be fitted in person.

Indochino also allows you to register your wedding party, which simplifies the suit-buying process for grooms and groomsmen. You can design suits for yourself and everyone in your party, schedule fitting appointments, and track the status of each suit. You'll be able to make sure everyone has the same exact suit, without worrying if a specific brand makes everyone's size or not. 



Bonobos

Start shopping at Bonobos now

Key styles: Suits starting at $400

With the drive of a startup and the backing of a huge corporation like Walmart, Bonobos is easily one of the fastest growing menswear brands on the market right now. The premium menswear retailer made it on our list of best places to shop for business casual attire because of its huge selection of apparel, and it makes it on this list for the same reason.

Beyond the high quality we've come to expect from Bonobos' more casual clothing, the brand has a plethora of suiting options. You can go with the $400 Daily Grind Suit that's ready to wear out of the box, a $1,000 Italian wool tuxedo, or something in between. 



Wolf & Shepherd

Start shopping at Wolf & Shepherd now

Key styles: Shoes from the Podium Collection, starting at $245

If you're attending a wedding or any other type of formal party, you can bet that you'll do a fair amount of standing — and maybe even some dancing — so you'll want some comfortable shoes. Wolf & Shepherd has made a name for itself by making dress shoes with sneaker-like comfort.

While its comfortable designs are great for commuting to work and wearing in other semi-formal environments, its latest collection is made specifically for black-tie events. The Podium Collection features three shoes — the Glider Sneaker, the Bannister Derby, and the Knight Slipper, each done in elegant patent leather. 

 

 



Suitsupply

Start shopping at Suitsupply now

Key styles: The Black-Tie Package, $799

Founded in 2017, Suitsupply is an Amsterdam-based startup that has suits for every occasion. The brand offers fresh takes on how suits can be worn (because a shirt, tie, and dress shoes aren't the only way to wear them). But when it is time to go fully formal, Suitsupply still has you covered. While you can buy things individually if you want, its Black-Tie Package is the easiest way to get a tie-to-toe outfit. It includes your choice of a tuxedo, dress shirt, shoes, and a bow tie.



Brooks Brothers

Start shopping at Brooks Brothers now

Key styles: Tuxedos and luxurious accessories

Unlike the many startups on this list, Brooks Brothers is a time-tested brand. Originally founded in 1818, the company has been making formal menswear for more than 200 years — and it truly shows in its products. The retailer has a fine assortment of options suitable for the most formal of occasions, however, with suits going for as much as $2,100, Brooks Brothers is definitely one of the more luxurious and expensive options on the market.

 



Spier & Mackay

Start shopping at Spier & Mackay now

Key styles: Custom dress shirts starting at $79

Regular dress shirts might be able to get the job done for going to the office, but formal events usually deserve custom shirts — especially if it's your own wedding. 

With Spier & Mackay, you can build your shirt from the ground up by choosing everything from the material to the collar, cuffs, pocket, and pleat styles. Special touches like personalized monograms and upgraded buttons will further separate your shirt from others like it. 

Read more:I used Spier & Mackay to design the best-fitting made-to-measure garment in my closet



The Tie Bar

Shop shopping at The Tie Bar now

Key styles: Ties, pocket squares, tie clips

Shopping for accessories like ties and pocket squares can become a bigger task than the suit itself, but The Tie Bar makes it easy and affordable. The brand has a massive selection of neckties — and most of them are only $19. The best part is that you won't have to play the guessing game when shopping for other accessories like pocket squares and socks.  The Tie Bar always recommends other accessories that match and look great together. 

Read more: The Tie Bar sells the 7 ties every man should own for $19 each

 

 



Nice Laundry

Start shopping at Nice Laundry now

Key styles: Monogrammed socks

Socks play a crucial role in a formal outfit, so you shouldn't make them an afterthought when getting dressed for formal events. While all of your cool and funky socks can spice up your casual outfits, you'll want to keep it classy here. Nice Laundry allows you to make personalized monogrammed socks, so you and anyone who sees your socks will know you put effort into them. And if you're getting married, they also make for a great groomsmen gift because you definitely don't want the guys (or anyone suit-wearers) in your party to show up in sweat socks.

 




10 maps show how different LGBTQ rights are around the world

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taiwan same sex marriage

  • On Friday, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • Business Insider created a series of maps to visualize how gay rights vary around the world.
  • Despite same-sex marriage being legal in the US, homosexuality is still illegal in 35% of countries in the United Nations.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

On Friday, Taiwan's Parliament passed a new bill legalizing same-sex marriage — becoming the first country in Asia to do so.

Despite the rain, thousands of people took to the streets of Taipei to celebrate the victory, marching and waving rainbow flags.

While the decision pushed gay rights one step further, there are still many places in the world where it's difficult and in some cases illegal to be out.

In April, the Sultan of Brunei introduced sharia law to the majority-Muslim nation, making the death penalty possible for anyone convicted of having gay sex. After international backlash, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said in a televised speech last week that the death penalty would not be imposed in any cases, including those dealing with homosexuality.

The controversy in Brunei is an example of how much of an up-hill battle LGBTQ rights continue to be around the world. For example, gay sex is still illegal in 35% of countries in the United Nations, according to statistics released this year by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

To explain just how much gay rights differ on an international scale, Business Insider created a set of maps to visualize the issue. The results show that while homosexuality is no longer outlawed in the majority of the world, there's still a long way to go in terms of acceptance and equality for LGBTQ people.

SEE ALSO: Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and George Clooney are asking people to boycott these 9 luxury hotels after Brunei passed a law that will see it stone gay people to death

Brunei is the first nation to institute Sharia Law in southeast Asia.

Sharia Law varies from country to country. Technically 11 other countries practice Shariah Law, but they vary in how they punish those convicted of sodomy. In Mauritania, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, sodomy carries the possibility of the death penalty, but offenders are more likely to see jail time. The death penalty is carried out more frequently in such cases in Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.



Religion is an un-ignorable factor in the maps. While the majority of the world has legalized homosexuality, the countries where it is still outlawed are concentrated in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa — areas with majority-Muslim nations.

According to the Associated Press, "Islamic scholars overwhelmingly teach that same-gender sex is a sin."

The Quran teaches that homosexuality should be punished but doesn't detail how. The Prophet Muhammad was reportedly more explicit that homosexuals should be killed in some of his teachings. That's why some countries that implement Sharia law make homosexuality a capital crime.



Following Trump's transgender military ban, just 19 countries in the world allow people with gender dysphoria to serve in the military.

The Netherlands was the first country to allow transgender people to enter the military in 1974, according to CNN. Thailand is one of the more recent countries to accept transgender soldiers, but they're only allowed to serve in a administrative capacity.



In some countries where homosexuality is legal, there are still several laws in place that make living openly difficult.

In Russia for example, a federal law passed in 2013 makes it illegal to distribute "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations." The country also makes it difficult for sexual orientation-related non-governmental organizations to operate in the country.

Under the 2012 foreign agent law, all organizations that receive any sort of funding from abroad must register as a foreign agent or else be fined.

Maximum, an organization that operates in the country to help the LGBT community, was fined about 300,000 rubles (about $4,500) in 2015 for refusing to heed the law because they thought it undermined the work that their employees do.



Only about 13% of UN member countries have legalized gay marriage.

A few others — including Peru, Italy, and Greece — have only legalized civil unions for same-sex partners so far.



Austria was the most recent country to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2019. The first country to do so was the Netherlands, in 2001.

Sources: ILGAFortune



Though it's too small to show up on the map, the Mediterranean island nation of Malta has also banned conversion therapies, in addition to Brazil and Ecuador.

Source: ILGA



Just 5% of UN member states have written it into their constitutions that sexual orientation-based discrimination is not allowed.

Source: ILGA



More countries have taken strides when it comes to tackling sexual orientation-based discrimination in the workplace.

Source: ILGA



But same-sex couples largely aren't allowed to adopt outside of the Americas and Europe.

South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand are exceptions to the rule.

Joint adoption means a same-sex couple can adopt a child together. Second-parent adoption means that one member of a same-sex couple can adopt their partner's child (such as when one member of a lesbian couple gives birth).



How to backup an Apple Watch and restore its data after you unpair it from an iPhone

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apple watch iphone

  • Your Apple Watch will automatically backup its data when it's connected to its companion iPhone.
  • The backup will save the majority of your data but will not save Bluetooth pairings, credit or debit cards saved in Apple Pay, or the passcode for your watch.
  • If you've reset your Apple Watch, you'll be given the option to restore it to a previous backup saved on your iPhone.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Good news! Apple makes it super easy to back up your Apple Watch— because it does it automatically. Whenever your watch is connected to your iPhone, it's syncing your data and saving it to your phone. You don't have to turn on any extra settings. As long as your Apple Watch is charged and connected to your iPhone it will be synced.

However, if you ever lose your iPhone or the data on it, everything is gone. So to fully backup your data, you'll need to make sure that the data on your iPhone is backed up as well, to iCloud or iTunes. If you don't know how to do that you can follow the steps in our iPhone backup guide.

If you're still slightly confused, the questions and answers below should clear up any remaining queries you might have.

What will be included in an Apple Watch backup

Your Apple Watch will back up most of your data, including the following:

  • Your clock face with any customizations.
  • The watch home screen app layout.
  • App specific settings and data — these will be bundled into your iPhone backup, so make sure you've got all of your apps set to backup to iCloud or iTunes.
  • Dock settings.
  • System settings, including your watch brightness, haptic settings, and time zone.
  • Notification settings.
  • Your health and fitness data, which will be added to your Health app on the paired iPhone.
  • Any music and photo albums that are synced to your iPhone.
  • Siri settings (if you have an Apple Watch 3 or newer).

What's not included in an Apple Watch backup

The following won't be included in your Apple Watch backup and will have to be set up again, even if you restore your watch from a backup:

  • Bluetooth pairings.
  • Credit or debit cards stored in Apple Pay.
  • Your Apple Watch's passcode.

How to restore an Apple Watch from a backup

If you've reset or unpaired your Apple Watch and want to re-pair it to your iPhone, you can set the device up using a previous backup. You'll have the choice of several backups, including the one your Watch saved to your iPhone just before you unpaired it. If you need help, go through the setup steps that can be found in our Apple Watch pairing guide.

Once you've paired your Apple Watch, you'll be given the option to set up the device as a new watch or restore it from backup — see step 5 in our guide.

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Select "Restore from Backup" and choose the backup you want to be used for your Apple Watch.

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This will let you skip many of the remaining setup steps, but you'll still have to set up your Apple Pay and Passcode again.

Once you've restored your Apple Watch you'll have to re-pair it with any Bluetooth devices, because this information is not included in your backup.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatches you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I tried $600 smart glasses and learned why they haven't replaced smartphones yet

25 Father's Day gifts that are Amazon Prime-eligible and guaranteed to arrive in time

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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.

perfect scale

  • Heavy users of Amazon Prime's fast delivery options will appreciate this Father's Day gift guide. 
  • It features 25 Father's Day gift ideas that are all Prime-eligible and fit budgets of all types.
  • Find more Father's Day 2019 gift ideas here

You can't underestimate the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership. Chief among them is the convenient two-day shipping policy, which I've personally gotten so used to that I forget many other retailers can't guarantee such a fast delivery. 

That's one reason why, as someone who isn't always great at planning ahead, I often find myself shopping on Amazon for gifts just a few days before the big event. Luckily, Amazon offers so many products across a variety of categories that I never feel limited as I last-minute shop. 

This Father's Day, rest assured you'll have a gift to give your dad as long as you shop the millions of Prime-eligible items on Amazon. We found 25 of the best last-minute, Prime-eligible gifts to consider below. 

For more great gift ideas, check out these Father's Day gift guides:

SEE ALSO: Useful Amazon Prime benefits beyond free 2-day shipping

A fascinating cookbook that will help him improve in the kitchen

Gift The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science, $33.64

Cooking is as much an art as it is a science. When you have the foundational knowledge of how heat, energy, and molecules interact with each other, you can make better-tasting food. 



A wireless charging pad

Gift the Mophie Wireless Charging Pad, $50.47

Sleek and convenient, the pad lets him simply place his phone on top to begin charging it (as long as he has an iPhone 8 or higher). The phone won't slip or slide, and neither will the pad itself. Plus, it still works if he has a thick phone case. 



A pomade to style his hair

Gift the Smooth Viking Hair Pomade, $11.35

A little goes a long way with this pomade that provides hold while still looking natural. It's not greasy and washes out easily. 



A Wi-Fi compatible sous vide

Gift the ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, $179

This is the sous vide of the future: not only will it cook food to a precise temperature, but it also connects to an app on his phone or to an Alexa device so it can be controlled even outside of the kitchen. It's a rare high-tech kitchen tool that's actually worth the hype. 



A smart notebook

Gift the Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, $29.97

Take handwritten notes, then send them to a cloud service like Dropbox or Google Drive to keep them forever. This environmentally friendly notebook wipes clean with a damp cloth and can be used over and over again. 



A personal meditation assistant

Gift the Muse Brain Sensing Headband, $179.99

Meditation can be a difficult practice to master. Muse gives accurate, real-time EEG feedback to make meditation easy to learn, trackable, and fun. For example, when you're calm, you'll hear peaceful weather sounds. When your mind wanders, the weather will intensify, guiding you back to a calm state. 



A pair of 'Star Wars' socks

Gift the Stance Men's Warped R2D2 Socks, $18

Stance's socks are both comfortable and quirky. They have reinforced heels and toes for durability, a seamless toe closure, and don't bunch up. Add in a "Star Wars" design and you have the perfect sock gift. 



A facial cleansing brush

Gift the FOREO LUNA 2, $169

This silicone brush features 8,000 T-Sonic (transdermal sonic) pulsations per minute to deliver a deep yet gentle clean. His skin will look and feel smoother, more toned, and refreshed after using the LUNA 2. 



Fitbit's best-selling fitness tracker

Gift the Fitbit Charge 2, $119

The Charge 2 has a ton of useful features, including continuous, automatic heart rate tracking; ability to receive call, text, and calendar notifications; GPS tracking; and guided breathing sessions. And of course, it will track steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, and hourly activity. 



A travel coffee press

Gift the Espro Travel Coffee Press with Coffee Filter, $30.18

This handy mug lets him brew coffee or tea on the go. The patented filter system squeezes out the most flavor possible and the double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel keeps beverages hot for four to six hours.



A car mount to hold his phone securely as he drives

Gift the iOttie Easy One Touch Car Mount, $24.95

The car mount can stick to the dashboard or windshield with its strong suction cup, allowing him to practice safer driving habits.

 



A mini basketball hoop

Gift the Spalding NBA Slam Jam Over-The-Door Mini Basketball Hoop, $29.99

A fun, affordable gift for the basketball fan in your life, the hoop is made at a one-quarter scale replica of actual NBA game backboard and is an easy way to practice shots in the office or at home. 



An attractive laptop backpack

Gift the Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack, $79

The comfortable, breathable, and water-resistant backpack can hold a 15-inch MacBook and the main compartment is designed for additional essentials like a jacket and books. 



A giant tin of gourmet popcorn

Gift the Popcornopolis Classic 2-Gallon Tin, $49.99

We don't know many people who would complain about receiving this delicious gourmet assortment of caramel, kettle, and cheddar corn. 



A small, super portable speaker

Gift the JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $47

Clip this Bluetooth speaker to clothes or any bag and it's ready to blast music and take phone calls wherever he goes. It's waterproof, plays for up to eight hours, and can connect with another Clip 2 speaker for amplified sound. 



A thoughtful card

Gift the Peanuts Snoopy and Woodstock More Dads Like You, $3.99

These classic cartoon best friends support each other through thick and thin — just like your dad does for you. 

 



A streaming media player that lets him cut the cord for good

Gift the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, $34.99

The Fire TV Stick is a great way to organize subscriptions and apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video in one place. Since it just fits into the TV's HDMI port, he can pick up right where he left off when he's out of the house and traveling. 



A smart lightbulb starter kit

Gift the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb Starter Kit, $199.99

Automate and control the home's lighting experience through the app and smart home devices. He can set the mood (with the color ambiance lights), set timers, dim and brighten the bulbs, and more. The system can accommodate up to 50 lights. 



A creative card game

Gift the Exploding Kittens Card Game, $19.99

Gift the Imploding Kittens Expansion Pack, $14.99

The family-friendly party game is one of the most backed projects in Kickstarter history and full of strategic fun. Get the expansion pack to keep the game going once you've played your fill. 



A sleek and slim metal wallet

Gift the Ridge Metal RFID Blocking Wallet, $72

This aluminum-plated wallet can hold up to 12 cards but never stretches out or gets bulky in his pocket. 



A pair of blue light blocking glasses

Gift the LifeArt Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $18.90

Eye strain from staring at screens for long periods of time is real — gift him these affordable blue light blocking glasses and his eyes will feel the difference. 



A set of Tile trackers

Gift the Tile Mate and Slim Combo 4-Pack, $37.95

Help him keep track of his keys, bag, wallet, and laptop, so he doesn't spend hours turning the house upside down trying to find his valuables. The slim tracker will barely make a dent in his bag or pocket, and he just needs to use the corresponding app to keep tabs on his belongings.

 



A cocktail scale

Gift the Perfect Drink 2.0 Smart Scale, $19.95

He'll become the party's resident mixologist with this scale that makes the perfect drink every single time. Explore more than 400 recipes, or discover new ones based on the ingredients he already have on hand. 



A pillow designed for naps

Gift the Casper Red Nap Pillow, $35

Dad deserves a nap and a comfortable silk-like pillow to accompany it. Plus, 15% of the retail price from purchases of the Casper Nap Pillow will support (RED)'s efforts to fight AIDS through the Global Fund. 



A summer-ready shirt

28 Palms Men's Relaxed-Fit Tropical Flamingo Shirt, $20

The 100% cotton shirt from Amazon brand 28 palms has a relaxed fit to match the relaxed vibes of the upcoming summer. If you don't think he's the flamingo type, there are many other tropical prints to choose from. 



This $90 shower head filter has vitamin C and essential oils to help soothe dry skin and hair — I saw effects immediately after one use

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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.

Vitaclean shower head 4

  • After I moved from from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree last year, I noticed my skin was becoming dry and dull, and my hair looked fried and frizzy. The culprit was hard water, which is filled with chlorine and magnesium that can irritate skin and hair.
  • When I installed the Vitaclean HQ Shower Head + Filter (currently $90 on Urban Outfitters), my issues cleared up almost immediately.
  • Vitaclean's filters feature vitamin C and essential oils, so they add vitamins and nutrients to your water flow while also removing nasties for skin and hair that's soft and healthy.

When I packed up my apartment and left Los Angeles — my home of almost a decade — to live a more low-key life in the Joshua Tree desert last year, I had high expectations. Among them were daily hikes, no traffic, and mornings spent in blissful meditation. Oh, and permanently sun-kissed skin and long, flowing, hippie hair — the perfect accessories for my new desert-dwelling lifestyle, right? Not exactly. While I did manage to opt out of traffic and go on some epic hikes, my skin and hair did not love my new home as much as I did.

My skin became dry and hair became lifeless almost immediately, and I blamed it on the humidity, or lack thereof — desert air is D-R-Y. I bought myself a humidifier, which helped a little bit, but for some reason, my face remained covered in flaky patches and pimples, and my hair still looked fried and frizzy. Eventually, I found the culprit — hard water. As soon as I installed the Vitaclean HQ Shower Head + Filter (currently $90 on Urban Outfitters), to eliminate excess chlorine and mineral content, my issues cleared up.

Vitahead shower head

My experience is hardly unique; anyone's who's made a significant move has likely noticed how the air and water of a brand-new city can affect your beauty routine. "Kristina [Velkova] and I both felt frustrated with the effects of hard water when settling to live in London," Sara Douglas, co-founder of Vitaclean HQ, tells Business Insider. "I have blonde hair and immediately saw how the water made it brassy and dull. Kristina had a very hard time with dry skin and scalp."

Eventually, the friends came to the same realization I did: The water supply was to blame. "We both concluded that the water had to be the cause, as we'd never had problems like this outside of London," Douglas says.

Major cities are most often plagued by hard, mineral-contaminated water; but hard water can really happen anywhere. "Hard water is produced when naturally-soft rainwater comes in contact with the ground," Douglas explains. "Rainwater passing through porous rocks, like limestone and chalk, causes it to collect calcium and magnesium minerals."

When these minerals come into contact with soap and shampoo, they form a substance glamorously known as "scum," which ends up coating hair and skin and can lead to dullness, dryness, and all kinds of irritation. "Minerals, chlorine, bacteria, and pipe rust damage skin and hair immensely," Douglas says. "The water can make hair brittle and skin uneven, as well as causing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis to flare up."

Read more: 16 tools and products we use to get healthy, shiny hair — from $7 shampoo to a $200 luxury hair dryer

Here's a not-so-pretty visual. You know the filmy, white mineral buildup that accumulates on the pipes under your kitchen or bathroom sink? Yeah, that's pretty much what can happen to your hair and face when you shower under a stream of hard water.

Once I figured out that I needed a shower head filter to help soften my water, I stopped by my local hardware store for something suitable, but there wasn't a single filtered shower head in stock. I found Amazon's seemingly endless stream of filters confusing too — it was hard to discern what I needed, what would work with my current shower setup, and what I could realistically install myself.

And then, I discovered Vitaclean HQ, created by Douglas and Velkova to offer aesthetically-pleasing shower head systems that come with everything you need in order to make your shower a literal oasis of skin- and hair-health.

"Vitaclean's range of plant-based, scented filters are formulated with vitamin C and essential oils to help neutralize chlorine in shower water and create an aromatherapy effect at home, leaving your shower water and bathroom smelling delicious," Velkova tells Business Insider. "Each scented filter is full of antioxidants and includes moisturizing properties for softer skin and hair."

Vitaclean shower head 3

The company sells the filters piecemeal or in a bundle, which I have, with a shower head, microfiber cloth, and ceramic balls. "The microfiber cloth and ceramic balls are also a big part of the filtration system," adds Velkova. "They are responsible for filtering out all the nasties that travel through your pipes." Nasties being things like magnesium, calcium, fluoride, and even heavy metals like lead — which is all the stuff you don't want touching your face. 

The shower head fits in most showers and comes in a wall mount or handheld head version. Vitaclean's site made installation sound easy, but I still kind of expected to struggle with it; I'm not exactly a handy woman. But I have to hand it to Velkova and Douglas — it actually was easy.

I noticed an immediate difference after my first Vitaclean shower. My skin didn't have that tight, stretched feeling it usually has post-cleansing, and my hair was noticeably softer. "That's because essential oils leave skin soft and hair smooth, and vitamin C removes 99% of chlorine from shower water," Velkova says.

Over time, the benefits only get better. Vitamin C can help brighten dull complexions and even has the power to help stimulate the skin's natural collagen production, similar to your favorite vitamin C skin-care serum. It's great for hair too; while chlorine can dull shine (especially for blondes), vitamin C can help lift and tone. A week or so into my Vitaclean switch, I noticed my balayage highlights were suddenly golden again without the need for toning shampoo.

In other words, this filtration system doesn't just remove harmful minerals; it also adds nutrients to your shower routine, resulting in hair and skin that looks and feels healthier over time.

Read more: The best leave-in hair treatments you can buy

Vitaclean shower head pack

"The essential oils also create an aromatherapy effect, filling your bathroom with delicious scents and helping with relaxation," Velkova adds. As soon as you turn the shower on, the light smell of citrus wafts through the air, which can make even a Monday morning shower feel like a self-care spa day.

As for how long each filter lasts, that kind of depends on where you live. "We noticed that cities are different from one another," says Velkova. "New York customers have to change their cloths more frequently because they get so full of residual particles, it's shocking."

Personally, my handheld vitamin C filter lasts for about a month before I need to change it out, and the microfiber cloth and ceramic balls are good for at least three months. And if you're worried about the water pressure of the Vitaclean shower head, don't. Pressure-wise, it's the best shower head I've ever used: The stream is smooth, strong, and steady.

Dry skin and hair is caused by a ton of different factors, but I experienced them immediately after I moved out to the desert and realized that hard water was the root of my issues. It might not be what's causing issues for everyone, so definitely take inventory of products you're currently using and the environment you're in, and see a specialist if needed. 

Personally though, I'm convinced that installing Vitaclean's filtration system has changed my life. Finally, my desert dream is a reality: No traffic, less stress, glowing skin, and shiny, healthy hippie hair.

Buy the Vitaclean HQ Handheld Showerhead + Filter for $89 on Urban Outfitters

Join the conversation about this story »

How to change your Mac computer's password, or reset it if you've forgotten it

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macbook pro 2017

  • If you know your Mac computer's current password, you can log in and set a new one in System Preferences.
  • If you've forgotten your password and cannot gain access to your account, then you'll have to reset your password.
  • You may be able to use your Apple ID or log into an admin account (if you have one) saved on your computer and change the password for your account.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to change the password on your Mac.

Perhaps you gave it to a family member and grew to regret that decision, maybe you want to change it to practice good device security, or like many of us, maybe you just forgot your password entirely.

Whatever the reason, you're in luck — resetting a Mac password is a breeze. Just follow the short steps below and you'll be logged back in.

How to change your Mac password

If you know your password, you can login to your account and reset it with a few easy steps.

1. Log into your Mac.

2. Open the Apple menu (the Apple logo at the top-left of your screen) and choose "System Preferences." You may also have it pinned to your menu bar (it's a gray gear).

3. Click "Users & Groups."

2

4. Select your user account on the left of the box and click the padlock in the bottom left to make your changes.

3

5. Click "Change Password."

6. Enter your current password, your new password (twice) and a hint to help you remember your password (don't make it too obvious). Click "Change Password" to complete the process.

4

How to reset your Mac's password if you've forgotten it

If you've totally forgotten your Mac's password and cannot gain access to your account, then you'll need to reset it.

Before you attempt to reset your password, check that you're typing the correct upper and lower case letters and that Caps Lock isn't turned on. Your password field may also have a question mark, which will display a password hint when clicked. If this doesn't help you remember your password, then follow these steps.

Reset using Apple ID

You may be able to reset your password using your Apple ID.

1. To trigger this option, keep entering passwords until you're given the prompt that you can reset your password using your Apple ID.

Note: If you don't see this message after 3 or more password attempts, then you don't have this option and will have to try another method.

2. Click the arrow next to the prompt message and enter your Apple ID.

3. Create a new password and password hint.

4. Restart your Mac and log in using the new password.

Reset using an admin user

If you've got multiple users on your Mac, and one of them is an admin, then you can log into that account and use it to reset your password.

1. Log into the admin user account.

2. Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu or on your menu bar (it's a gray gear).

3. Click "Users & Groups."

4. Click the lock symbol and enter the admin name and password.

5

5. Select the name of the user account that needs a password reset.

6. Click the "Reset Password" button and create a new password.

6

7. Log out of the admin account by going to the Apple menu and clicking "Log Out Admin…"

8. Log into your user account using the new password.

If you cannot use any of the methods above, then you'll need to contact Apple support for further help.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: How to manually update your Mac computer (when you've been putting off automatic updates)

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

47 perfect Father's Day gifts that are all under $50

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  • Father's Day is June 16, and the holiday is already creeping up on us. 
  • If you're looking for thoughtful, useful gifts that won't break the bank, start with the 47 under $50 below.
  • If you don't find the perfect gift on this list, take a look at more Father's Day 2019 gift ideas here.

Ideally, you'd be able to empty the coffers for dad on Father's Day. If money was of no object, you could rent out an amusement park or buy him a little quaint island for when retirement rolls around. But, if you're working with a budget, you can still get and give him roughly the same feeling with any of these thoughtful gifts under $50.

To help you with your shopping, we've put together 47 gifts that fit the bill. Even if you just grab a comfortable throw blanket he can keep and head over for a movie and popcorn, dad might just love the gesture most.

If you're looking for more Father's Day gift ideas, we have you covered: 

Below are 47 gifts under $50 the dad in your life will love for Father's Day:

SEE ALSO: 50 thoughtful gifts your dad actually wants this Father's Day — for every budget

An Omaha Steaks gift box

Omaha Steak Entertainment Sampler, $49.99

Whether dad likes grilling steaks or just loves eating them, a sampler of delicious meat will get the job done. 



A Hydro Flask water bottle

Hydro Flask 32oz. Wide Mouth, $39.95

Perfect for everything from camping to everyday use, this Hydro Flask water bottle is our top pick for the best water bottle you can buy. During Outdoor Gear Lab's testing, ice resisted melting for nearly 24 hours, and water was ice cold for more than a full day.



A Harry's shaving kit

Harry's Winston Shave Set, $25 (+15 to engrave)

If your dad could stand to take more time for himself, setting him up with nice tools for a quick — but nonetheless indulgent — routine is a great gift. Especially with the option to engrave Harry's Winston Shave Set is a thoughtful and practical gift you can feel good giving — especially if dad is still using disposables.



A waterproof speaker

JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, from $42.99

Perfect for the summer months spent at the beach, barbecuing by the pool, or simply for the demands of the rugged lifestyle of dads everywhere, a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is always a good idea. 



Delicious, guilt-free cereal

Magic Spoon Variety Case, $39

Magic Spoon Subscription, $35 per month

Magic Spoon is a new "childlike cereal for adults" that's high in protein and low in sugar — and all four flavors are delicious. If you want to treat him to cereal that tastes like it should leave you with a mouthful of cavities without actually doing so, check it out. 



The Echo Dot

Amazon Echo Dot, $49.99

Alexa can tell dad jokes or the forecast, order him pizza, and play his music among lots of other helpful skills



A card that shows you appreciate his dad humor

Dad Jokes Card, $3.58

No matter which gift you decide to give dad, odds are good he's going to be most thankful for a thoughtful card that makes him feel celebrated and appreciated. If you want to make his day (and give him something he can hold onto if he wants), a fun card is a great addition. 



A tablet he'll love using

Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa, 7" Display, 8 GB, $49.99

For casual internet perusing, Facebook updating, and game playing, Amazon's Fire tablet is a tough value to beat. It isn't exactly high tech, but it's $50 and it works well. If dad isn't a self-proclaimed tech fiend, it'll do what he needs it to do. 



White Walker scotch

Johnnie Walker White Walker Blended Scotch Whisky, from $26.24

An ode to eight beautiful, bittersweet seasons of Game of Thrones fandom. 



A nice leather case for his phone

Nomad Rugged Case, $31.95

An understated, rugged leather case will keep his phone safe and hopefully blend in seamlessly with the rest of his gear. Especially if he's a man of few accessories, why not pay extra mind to the ones he does have?



A tobacco- and amber-scented candle

We Took To The Woods Whiskey River Candle, $33.98

This tobacco- and amber-scented candle is a cozy, mellow addition that smells a little bit like drinking whiskey in the woods after breaking wild mustangs. 



A personal styling service

Stitch Fix Gift Card, from $20

Shopping isn't everyone's favorite activity — or, if it is, not all of us have the time for a trip to the mall. That's where the stylists at Stitch Fix come in. A great gift for busy dads, the service delivers the newest trends and styles to fit any occasion and price point.



A make-your-own hot sauce kit

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit, $35

Especially if your old man is big into the make-your-own movement, he'll probably have a lot of fun mixing his own hot sauces — whether they turn out well or not.



His new favorite jerky

Chef's Cut Sampler, $36.58

For jerky-loving dads, we're fans of Chef's Cut. The flavors in this Chef's Sampler run the gamut so he can try a little bit of everything. 



An external battery

Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh Portable Charger, $29.99

Perfect for dads accustomed to running around, a portable charger will keep his gadgets ready to go whenever he needs them. 



A fancy shaving cream

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream, 5 oz, $25

Grabbing a nice shaving cream that smells like sandalwood is an easy way to get dad into enjoying the daily luxuries. 



A stainless steel tumbler to keep his hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours

YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, $29.99

This stainless-steel vacuum-insulated tumbler was built to withstand the extreme conditions of the outdoors, and the overpreparation for day-to-day life is pretty great. This will keep your dad's cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours on end. 



A Tommy John gift card for comfortable clothes he can pick himself

Tommy John Gift Card, from $25

Tommy John makes some of our favorite comfortable loungewear (as well as basics like underwear, which is where most of their recognition comes from). You might not know exactly what to get your dad or in what size, but a gift card lets him look around for himself (with you still covering the tab). 



A family movie night

Fandango Gift Card, $15 and up

Whether there's a new summer blockbuster out or not, nothing beats going to the movies his kids.



A breakfast sandwich maker

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker, $39.99

If he loves breakfast sandwiches, he's probably going to be pretty enthusiastic when he opens this. It might seem gimmicky, but it has nearly 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.6 rating overall.



A must-read book

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, $13.51

If dad loves reading, medicine, or moving books "When Breath Becomes Air" is a must-read — and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. To lend extra meaning, write your own inscription to him on the inside cover. 



A wireless charging pad

Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad, $39.92

What's a better gift than total convenience? If he has an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, or the iPhone 8 Plus, he'll be able to set it down on this pad and see it instantly charging. This one is our top overall pick for the best wireless chargers you can buy



Smart light bulbs

Kasa Smart Light Bulb, $19.99

These smart light bulbs connect to the internet and can be controlled through an app on his smartphone or a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo or Google Home. Overnight, he'll never have to get up to dim the lights for the perfect late-night reading or movie-viewing experience again. 



Tickets to the next big show or game

Live concert and game tickets, from $15 per person

Is there a good concert, play, or game coming up in the next few months he'd love? Grab tickets and make a night of it — or, if you live far away, make sure he gets to go with a friend or two.



A cheesy mug

Top Dad Coffee Mug, from $8.51

Every dad deserves to have at least one unapologetically cheesy mug for his morning coffee. This one is well-placed to become a regular. 



A Himalayan salt block to spice up his cooking

Himalayan Salt BBQ Plank, $30

If he loves to cook, salt blocks will bring his meals to the next level. Himalayan salt is supposed to give a more nuanced flavor than regular table salt, and the amount of saltiness will be auto-regulated by the type of food (moist food absorbs more, fatty foods repel it).



Bourbon-infused coffee

Bourbon Infused Coffee, $20

Bourbon and coffee, what's not to love? 



A gift set of fun socks

Father's Day Gift Box, $38

Socks are every outfit's opportunity for some flair. If dad might appreciate a few unforgettable pairs from a new brand, check out Happy Socks' Father's Day Gift Box. As with any holiday set, it's a perk that it also already looks gift-ready. 



A fun, local class

Gift Airbnb Experiences, from $25

Local pasta-making classes, wine tours, pottery workshops, secret concerts, nature outings — you can book from thousands of local classes and experiences on Airbnb Experiences to make wherever you live feel new, exciting, and full of possibilities. 



A leather passport holder

Leatherology Passport Cover + Luggage Tag, $55 (+$20 for monogram)

For dad's big upcoming adventures, a leather passport cover and luggage tag (which you can engrave) is likely not something he'd pick up for himself but will love having. 



A babysitter

UrbanSitter Gift Card, from $25

If dad has young kids, one of the most impactful gifts you can give is probably a worry-free night out. Nationwide service UrbanSitter is home to more than 150,000 trusted babysitters and gathers mutual connections and recommendations from their community of fellow parents. You can give a gift card to dad for the service. A $34.95 one-month access pass (or $99.95 annual membership) allows parents to browse, interview, and book a sitter that meets their needs.



His new favorite summer shoes

Soludos Men's Original Classic Stripe, $48

Do your dad a big favor and pick up what will undoubtedly become the pair of shoes he spends the whole summer in. Comfortable, breathable, lightweight, and travel-friendly, they're a natural-born default. 



A craft beer-making kit

Northern Brewer 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, $49.99

Gift dad the tools to make his own craft beer. This kit comes with easy instructions, customer service to contact for troubleshooting, and all the essentials. It also has one of the most positive ratings online and gets an "A" grade from FakeSpot



A media streaming stick

Roku Streaming Stick, $49.99

A straightforward interface and lots of streaming options make Roku's streaming stick among the best streaming devices out there, especially in affordability. 



A lifetime REI membership

REI Membership, $20

An REI membership offers a lifetime of benefits for a one-time purchase. That includes 10%-back dividends, special offers, access to in-store REI Garage sales, and special pricing on REI classes and events. Find out more here.



"Game of Thrones" Monopoly

Monopoly: Game of Thrones Collector's Edition Board Game, $43.99

Use this to give a nod to his "Game of Thrones" obsession and institute a family game night. 



Really nice face cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, from $18

If he isn't married to a skin care routine yet, he might love Kiehl's — it's nicer than what he'd pick up at the drugstore, but not so expensive he can't bring himself to replace it when this pot runs out.



A dopp kit

Dagne Dover Small Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag, $35

A nice dopp kit goes a long way in making Dad's life easier and his essentials more organized. Dagne Dover's neoprene makes this look much more luxe than its price suggests.



A personalized coupon book he can redeem

Personalized Father's Day Coupon Book, $9.98

This personalized Father's Day coupon book is sweet and thoughtful, but more polished than if it was entirely homemade. You can gift him his choice of TV, free take-out-the-trash days, or anything else that might make his next few months better.



A gift card to Patagonia

Patagonia Gift Card, $50

If dad loves the outdoors but might not need another of whatever you select for him this time around, you might put the purchasing power in his hands for a change. You don't need to haunt his friends, siblings, and other family members with requests for taking inventory of his working or not-working gear, and he can shop for the latest edition of something or replace the old. 



An engraved money clip

Personalized Money Clip, from $20

Understated, elegant, and personalized, this money clip looks nicer than its price suggests.



A body wash he can't find at the drugstore

MALIN+GOETZ Rum Body Wash, $36

Nicer than what he might pick up at the drugstore, this MALIN+GOETZ body wash smells great and uses natural glycerin and amino acid technology to cleanse the skin without stripping it.



A craft beer flight holder

Craft Beer Flight Holder, $37.97

He most likely doesn't have this yet, but a beer flight holder is great for entertaining — or just having more fun with the hobbies he already loves. 



A drone

National Geographic Quadcopter Drone, $39.99

For the man who has everything — why not an under-$50 drone? 



A beard oil

Jack Black Beard Oil, $25.98

If Dad is letting his stubble grow out, or he's already sporting a beard, this is a grooming product he should have, but might not. 



A backpack cooler

Eddie Bauer Bygone Backpack Cooler, $40

This cooler is perfect for when a picnic or tailgate party involves more gear than he can carry in two hands. Its 20-liter capacity will hold a 12-pack plus ice, and two side pockets with adjustable toggles can handle wine or water bottles.



A cookbook that is one long "ode to the Southern breakfast"

Big Bad Breakfast: The Most Important Book of the Day, $20.40

This is basically the how-to book for every mouth-watering Southern breakfast dad might ever want, and he'll probably have a lot of fun making his way through each one.



The reason some people go gray in their 20s, according to a dermatologist

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  • We asked a dermatologist to explain why hair turns gray, and why it can happen to some people as early as their 20s. 
  • According to Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, genetics will likely determine whether or not you will go gray, and how soon it will happen. 
  • Our hair pigment is protected by an enzyme that fights the build-up of hydrogen peroxide.
  • As we age, this enzyme declines, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to break down the melanin in the hair shaft, causing the color to change. 
  • According to Chwalek, factors like stress and smoking that cause oxidative damage could also contribute to hair going gray.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Following is a transcript of the video.

Graham Flanagan: Look at that silver fox. So distinguished, so sophisticated. Wow! But what if I told you that this guy was a millennial? It's true, just barely. According to Joe, he started going gray when he was 16. By 22, he was pretty much totally gray. Why does that happen? And why does hair turn gray in the first place? There's something about a silver fox, if you can pull it off.

Actor: When I got rid of my gray hair, I wanted a natural look. Graham: But many people hate the idea of going gray. There's an entire industry built around fighting it.

Actress: It's like you took off 10 years.

Actor: And in just five minutes.

Man:
Just For Men. She'll love the way you look.

Flanagan: So why does it happen?

Dr. Jennifer Chwalek: The process of hair changing from darker color to white or gray with age is mainly due to genetics. It can be inherited from either parent. The color of our hair is determined by the form of hair pigment that we have. The pigment is actually produced along the hair shaft, and there are two main forms of hair pigment. There's eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is what we see in brunettes and darker-haired people, and pheomelanin is what we see in blonds and redheads. The cells in our hair bulb produce a little bit of hydrogen peroxide, which is a metabolic byproduct, and typically there's an enzyme called catalase that breaks this down to water and oxygen. But as we age, there's declining levels of catalase, and this allows the build-up of hydrogen peroxide in the hair bulb, which damages and destroys the melanocytes, or the pigment-producing cells, of our hair.

Flanagan: So I wanted you to take a look at my colleague Joe here. Joe is technically a millennial. He started to go gray when he was 16, and by 22, it was pretty much gray all over. What happened to Joe?

Chwalek: So when individuals gray early in life before the age of 20, it's called premature graying, and this is due to genes. And we know there's one gene, in particular, that's been targeted called interferon regulatory factor 4, which is important in regulating and producing melanin in the hair. Joe was lucky enough to inherit some genes that predisposed him to developing gray hair early in life.

Flanagan: Obviously, Joe has gray hair on his head. When you go gray on your head, does the hair on the other parts of your body go gray as well? No, no, Joe, Joe! We can picture it.

Chwalek: So you can grow gray hair anywhere on your body. Wherever you have hair, the hair is susceptible to oxidative damage and eventually going gray.

Flanagan: So the main cause of going gray is genetics, but what role can stress play? After all, Obama didn't look like this when he showed up at the White House.

Chwalek: So it's controversial the role that stress has in hair graying. We know that stress creates oxidative damage in the body, and it's been linked to a lot of premature-aging syndromes. So it's thought that the stress, that stress causes oxidative damage, which may cause damage to the melanocytes and may cause us to grow gray earlier. We know that smokers tend to go gray more so than the general population, and again it's felt that it's probably due to the oxidative damage that smoke causes and how it affects the pigment-producing cells in the hair. I think eating a well-balanced diet, so you make sure that you don't develop any nutritional deficiencies, that's another thing that can be done. And modulating your stress. That's another thing you have control over, which over time can cause oxidative damage and, again, make you prone to potentially more gray hair. 

Join the conversation about this story »


Home Depot's early Memorial Day sale is full of deals on appliances, patio furniture, and more — here are the best ones

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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.

home depot memorial day sale

The Home Depot has kicked off summer with its online Memorial Day sale

It's celebrating Memorial Day with more than 5,000 deals across categories including appliances, patio, tools and hardware, bath, and smart home. 

Nearly 700 of those deals are eligible for free two-day delivery, so if you wanted, you could even buy last-minute supplies for your Memorial Day party, whether it's a string trimmer to spruce up your lawn or sink faucet (with motion sensor) so you don't have to worry about leaks during the holiday. 

We've rounded up some of the site's best Memorial Day deals below. Now's a great time to replace your fridge or washing machine, or simply stock back up on small tools and hardware. 

Or, you can shop all the deals directly from Home Depot here

To potentially save more on Memorial Day, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

More Memorial Day coverage:

Up to 40% off with Appliance Special Buys

Shop all Appliance Special Buys at Home Depot here

These include refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Here are some of the best appliance deals: 

 

 



Up to 40% off Patio

Shop all Patio deals at Home Depot here

Full patio dining sets and individual pieces alike enjoy these deals. Hampton Bay is a popular, top-rated brand that is discounting many of its products. 

 



Up to 30% off Tools and Hardware

Shop all Tools and Hardware deals at Home Depot here

Whether you need an entirely new toolkit or just a replacement drawer pull, find all the Memorial Day savings in this section.

 



Up to 25% off Smart Home and Electrical

Shop all Smart Home and Electrical deals at Home Depot here

Save on smart door locks, security cameras, light bulbs, and more. 



Up to 20% off Bath

Shop all Bath deals at Home Depot here

Most of the best Memorial Day deals in the bath section are for vanities, vanity tops, and cabinets. There are also some faucet and toilet seat deals. 

 



Up to 20% off Outdoor Power Equipment

Shop all Outdoor Power Equipment deals at Memorial Day here

Pick up one of Ryobi's lawn maintenance power tools, or a generator for your summer camping trips. 

 



The most important inventions of the last 30 years

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Steve Jobs original iPhone 2007

  • World-altering inventions like the internet and the iPhone have led to dozens of major technological breakthroughs in the last three decades.
  • Many of these inventions have completely changed the way that we approach the world and people around us. Others have become luxuries that we've learned to take for granted.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The last 30 years have seen some of the most rapid technological advancements in human history, thanks to life-altering creations like the internet and the iPhone.

The internet redefined how we search and share information with each other, breaking down the communication barriers between countries in the process. The iPhone changed how people relate to technology and consume information at a personal level, transforming the smartphone from a luxury item into an essential everyday tool.

These two inventions have helped create a world where technology feels ever present, and the next major advancement feels like it's just around the corner. The last two decades have seen billion-dollar businesses like Uber, the ride hailing service, or Netflix, the video streaming service, depend on the ever-presence of internet and smartphones for their success.

Understanding the influence of the internet and the constant spread of information is essential as we explore the most important innovations of the last 30 years.

The internet (1990)

The creation of the internet, or the world wide web as it was first known, has changed billions of lives by providing access to a nearly limitless source of information. By allowing people in different countries to instantly transmit messages to one another, the internet has completely transformed the way we communicate as well.



Photoshop (1990)

Photoshop is a photo-editing suit and an essential computer program for nearly every type of business. The program is incredibly versatile, allowing professionals to create and adjust photos for whatever their needs may be. With the internet making visual communication even more important, Photoshop has enhanced the way we looked at the world while also increasing skepticism about whether what we see is real.



Portable GPS (1990)

Global positioning systems (GPS) were originally developed for US military use but the technology was eventually rolled out to civilians around the world. The earliest consumer GPS devices hit the market as the 1990s began. Since then, the development of the internet and mobile broadband has made it easier than ever to navigate new places.



Caller ID (1990)

As someone who hates picking up the phone when I don't know who's calling, it's hard to remember a time before caller ID. But it's actually been less than 20 years since phones started incorporating their own displays and showing who's calling.

With most people turning to their smartphones for personal calls, it's easy to take caller ID for granted these days, but the feature has certainly changed the way we handle phone etiquette.



Cloning (1996)

Dolly the sheep was the world's first mammal cloned from an adult cell in 1996, sparking an international debate on the ethics of cloning. Dolly died in February 2003 after it was discovered she had a progressive lung disease and she was preserved for public display at the Museum of Scotland.

Cloning remains a tense subject within the scientific community, but researchers are exploring if the technology can be used to reproduce endangered species in the future.



Email and text messaging (1992)

Some companies were able to send their own internal electronic messages during the 70s and 80s, but the introduction of the internet made email a standard form of communication for people around the world.

SMS text messages were originally designed to send short messages through telephone lines, so as texting began to skyrocket in popularity, the infrastructure was already in place to handle the boom.



Netflix (1997)

While Netflix has become ubiquitous with online video streaming, the company started out with much more humble beginnings. Netflix originally only offered subscribers a massive library of movies they could access via mail-order, a far cry from the instant satisfaction people get from queuing up their favorite Netflix shows today.

The company began streaming movies in 2007, and since then nearly every major media company has adopted their own streaming video service. Netflix's success even influenced tech giants like Apple and Amazon to follow suite with their Apple TV Plus and Amazon Instant Video subscriptions.



Drones (1994)

The term "drone" is used to refer to nearly any small motorized aircraft that can be carried by hand. While they've primarily drawn attention for their use in military engagements during the War on Terror, consumer drones have also become increasingly popular for aviation enthusiasts.



Mobile Broadband (1991)

Mobile broadband brought the massive scope of the internet to the portable package of a cell phone. It took a while for the mobile experience to become comparable to using a full computer, but the convenience of having access to vital information like maps and emails has since become necessity for countless working professionals around the world.



Hybrid Cars (1997)

As the world becomes more and more concerned with climate change, the need for new types of transportation is increasing as well. A number of major car manufacturers have developed hybrid cars that are capable of running on both electricity and gasoline. Other car makers like Tesla are developing technology that will make electronic cars as viable and affordable as their gasoline counterparts.



Flat screen Displays (1997)

New TVs don't just look better, they're significantly more energy efficient than the clunky old tube TVs of the 90s. Digital imagining technology has also changed the way that we scale images, allowing for sharp, quality visuals regardless of your screen size.



MP3 Players (1997)

MP3 players gave users more control over their music than ever, allowing them to pre-load a digital selection of songs and effortlessly swap between them. Unlike vinyl records, cassette tapes, and even CDs, MP3 files aren't vulnerable to physical damage.

As a bonus, MP3 players with removable memory cards could constantly increase the number of songs available by adding storage.



Google Search (1997)

Roughly two-thirds of people online use Google Search, making it one of the most vital sources of information on the planet.



International Space Station (1998)

The International Space Station is a joint endeavor between five space agencies representing the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada. The station has been gradually expanding since 1998 and welcomed long-term residents in 2000. More than 200 people from 18 countries have visited the station, which is used for research and educational purposes.



DVDs (1998)

The DVD, or the digital versatile disc, replaced VHS cassette tapes as the primary media for home video in the late 90s. As a digital form of media, DVDs are less likely to degrade in quality over time, so long as the disc isn't damaged, and can hold many more hours worth of footage than a VHS tape. 



Facebook (2004)

Facebook wasn't the first social media network, but it has become the world's most dominate platform and a primary source of information for hundreds of millions of people around the globe. While the site was original designed with a simple goal of helping friends and families stay in touch, the company has slowly built its business to incorporate a wide variety of services.



YouTube (2005)

The concept of YouTube is simple: It's a venue for just about any time of video and anyone can become a creator. But it's also a product of the internet age, and the platform became a prime venue for millions of people to find their voice online. With a global audience that most television networks dream of, YouTube has built a culture that is truly unique.



The iPhone (2007)

The iPhone is one of the most transformative devices of the last 30 years, not simply because of its functions, but because of the platform and access to creative tools it provides. The iPhone and the other smartphones that followed have become the primary portal to the world for hundreds of millions of people, and they've completely changed the way that we communicate with each other on a personal basis, and as a culture.



Bitcoin (2009)

Introduced in 2009, bitcoin introduced the world to the idea of an entirely digital form of currency. Bitcoin uses a complex code to create unique and verifiable currency which can then be traded online and used for purchases. Today, a single bitcoin is work more than $7,000. 



Self-driving cars (2012)

Self-driving cars make use of significant advancements in artificial intelligence and GPS technology. While most models are currently undergoing testing, they could potentially automate tasks like deliveries and public transportation to make our future easier — and safer.



Google keeps a running list of the things you buy. You can't turn it off, but here's how to stop Google from using your shopping history. (GOOG, GOOGL)

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man shopping texting grocery store

  • Google keeps a list of your purchases based on receipts emailed to your Gmail account.
  • Google says the information is used to provide personalized services, and is not used to serve ads.
  • There's no way to turn off the purchase tracking in Google. But you can change your settings to that Google doesn't use the information about your purchases in the services it provides you.
  • Here's how to do it.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The fact that Google keeps track of information such as search and location history is fairly well-known, considering the widespread popularity of its search engine and navigation app.

But what may be less obvious is the running list that Google keeps of your purchases. The company logs purchases based on receipts delivered to your Gmail inbox as well as items or services you've purchased through Google's services. It's unclear exactly how long the company has been logging this information, but the page was noted in a Reddit thread from nine months ago and surfaced again on Friday thanks to a report from CNBC.

"To help you easily view and keep track of your purchases, bookings, and subscriptions in one place, we've created a private destination that can only be seen by you," Google said in a statement to Business Insider. "You can delete this information at any time. We don't use any information from your Gmail messages to serve you ads, and that includes the email receipts and confirmations shown on the Purchases page."

There doesn't appear to be an easy way to delete these purchases from your Gmail inbox or the Purchases page other than removing each entry individually. And you can't actually stop Google from tracking and cataloging your purchases.

But you can prevent Google from accessing and using this information in the products and services it provides you. If you do decide to remove this functionality, for example, you won't be able to ask the Google Assistant questions about when your packages will be delivered.

To stop Google from using your shopping history, follow the steps below:

SEE ALSO: Google's CEO took a subtle swing at Apple in a new op-ed: 'Privacy cannot be a luxury good'

From Google.com, click on the "Settings" button in the lower right corner.



Then choose "Search Settings."



Under "Private results," check the "Do not use private results" option.

This won't delete the information Google has already stored, or even stop Google from tracking your future purchases. But it will prevent the company from using private information like purchase history in search results and other services moving forward. 

The company also says its looking into ways to further simplify its settings page. 



Trump once reportedly complained the White House is a 'dump.' Photos show how surprisingly small it is.

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white house

  • The White House is an iconic center of power that has hosted presidents, their guests, staff, and tourists for two centuries.
  • A few major renovations have expanded and fortified the mansion, but it hasn't received a major overhaul since the 1940s.
  • As a modern landmark, the White House is surprisingly small. These photos illustrate the layout, floor plans, and makeup of the building.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

The White House has been a symbol of the US president's executive authority since John Adams and first lady Abigail moved in 218 years ago.

The mansion's iconic porticos, halls, and rooms have witnessed several administrations and countless guests, including tourists, celebrities, and heads of state. Past presidents have called it "the best public housing" and a "gilded cage".

After receiving either a high-profile invitation to an official event or clearance from a local representative for a tour, visitors to the mansion might be surprised at its modest scale, especially compared to the massive monuments and museums that sit a few blocks away.

In 2017, a few members of President Donald Trump's private Bedminster club told Golf magazine that he called the White House a "dump." The president later denied this remark in a tweet. "I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen," Trump tweeted.

Former diplomat Chase Untermeyer, who worked in the White House for four and a half years, said the West Wing in particular "is a very small place." "It's got three floors, but the footprint it occupies isn't very much bigger than a house in a prosperous suburb," he said in 2015.

See the decades-old architecture and decorations that make up the historic White House.

SEE ALSO: The wildest and weirdest facts about the White House, from hauntings to hot tubs

DON'T MISS: 24 iconic photos that left their mark on history

The White House is considerably larger in reputation than physical space when compared to other major landmarks across the US.

Source: White House Historical Association, Architectural Digest



An 18-acre enclosed area keeps the mansion at a distance from the public on the street in the heart of Washington, DC.

Source: White House Historical Association 



From the street, it looks far away, but looms large.



The mansion's iconic features are obvious symbols that the mansion has been a center of power for more than 200 years, but they might be less grand than visitors expect.



The mansion itself covers 55,000 square feet, or around 30% of the area enclosed by the fence, and is 168 feet long from east to west — about three-quarters of the wingspan of a 747 aircraft.

Sources: White House Historical Association, Boeing



Inside and out, the White House serves as an important platform for the president to meet with the press, public, and international rulers. An estimated 90 people work on building staff to keep it in tip-top shape, and a few hundred administration staffers work in the offices of the West Wing.

Sources: Quora, Quora



Though the grounds are maintained with extensive regular landscaping and painting, only a few renovations have added space to the mansion.



The British burned down the original building during the War of 1812, so the White House as we know it today was constructed after that.



The West and East wings were added in 1902 and 1942, respectively, and a four-year renovation completed in 1952 installed a steel frame to fortify the building.

Source: White House



The building has three wings connected by two colonnades. The West Wing, where the Oval Office and the president's staff work, has three floors. The East Wing, where the first lady and her staff work, has two floors. The residence, located in the middle, has two floors of basements, a ground floor where building staff work, the state floor where official events take place, then two floors where the first family lives.

Source: The White House Museum



In the residence, the mansion's state floor contains several rooms that serve as the main reception areas for the first couple to meet with official visitors and hold events.



Its style has changed with each incoming president, but it was First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy who famously filled the mansion with historic American art and furniture, transforming the mansion's interior into a gorgeous and meaningful spectacle.

Sources: Architectural Digest



The classic touches added by the former first lady are still in the White House's main rooms today in the paintings and colored silk that cover the walls in reception areas like the Green Room.



The rooms provide a picturesque and intimate setting for the president and first lady to receive their diplomatic guests.



The main drawing rooms are among the most visible areas of the mansion. They connect to the main hallway, Cross Hall.



The hall connects all the main parlors, including the Blue and Red rooms, providing a prime space for festive seasonal decorations.



The main corridor only measures a little less than 18 feet by 80 feet, about 20 feet longer than a bowling lane.

Source: White House Museum, US Bowling



The East Room, approximately 80 feet by 37 feet, is often used for formal ceremonies and press availability.

Source: White House Museum 



The State Dining Room is home to many of the official functions, and was expanded to approximately 49 feet by 36 feet, which can accommodate 140 guests. It's where the most formal meals are held, including state dinners.

Source: White House Museum



The first family's residence is a floor away from the mansion's main reception rooms, accessed by a private staircase.



The first family's residence on the second and third floors are some of the most private and historically significant rooms in the mansion.

Counting all six levels, the residence has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, and three elevators.



The Yellow Oval Room is one of the largest rooms of the residence floor and has provided an intimate space for the first couple to host guests who have the honor of seeing the private level.



There are a couple smaller sitting rooms that may feel more intimate for the first family, including the Treaty Room, seen here for a World Cup soccer game in 2011.



The Lincoln Bedroom, named for the former president who used the room as an office and is rumored to still haunt the space, serves as a guest room.

Source: White House Historical AssociationBusiness Insider



The iconic room's last major refurbishment was by former first lady Laura Bush in 2007, but all first families are invited to put their personal touches on the residence's decorations.

Source: White House Historical Association



The West Wing is where private rooms are officially designated and designed for the administration's work.



The Oval Office is 35 by 29 feet.

Source: The White House Historical Association



Parts of the well-known West Wing resemble a standard office building, complete with photos of the present's inauguration celebrations.



The Cabinet Room allows for 22 people, including administration officials and relevant outside agents, to take a seat at the large conference table for meetings on specific issue areas.



The West Wing's "Situation Room" is a major center for the administration's work, as it's actually a series of conference rooms that spans 5,000 square feet to host meetings with the president and top defense officials.

Source: White House Museum



In comparison to the glitzy Manhattan penthouse Trump lived in before taking office, the White House offers a more vintage and compact feel.

Source: Politico



Though it's smaller than people might expect, it's still the 34th largest house in the US, and it's filled with more history than any of them.



I tried Barry’s Bootcamp, the intense fitness class that's become a hub of VC networking and tech deals. I walked out with a lot of sweat but no funding.

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Barry's Bootcamp

Lee Edwards, a partner at early-stage venture firm Root Ventures, tweeted Thursday "The 3 B's of venture deals: Barry's, The Battery, and Burning Man."

The mockery was swift, but according to the replies to Edwards' tweet, there was a grain of truth to the first B, which refers to Barry's Bootcamp.

The intense bootcamp-style fitness program was started in Los Angeles in 1998 by fitness trainer Barry Jay, according to the studio's website, because Jay wanted an all-in-one workout that included cardio and weight lifting. Now, Barry's is available in 17 cities across 10 states plus Washington, D.C. The studio also has 10 international locations from Dubai to Stockholm to Melbourne, and has commanded a global following as one of the toughest workouts around.

Barry's studios are also known for the exorbitant cost of classes and branded camouflage gear, its club-like atmosphere, and instructors whose foul-mouthed commands would make a Marine blush.

On its face, Barry's Bootcamp is the Patagonia vest of workouts: it doesn't make a ton of sense to those deemed "outsiders," but for those in the know it's a symbol of rugged toughness and status.

Scroll through Instagram's various Barry's geotags and hashtags and you'll notice that in addition to the expected "fit-fluencer" posts, the page is dotted with tech founders and their teams and other Bay Area notables.

"Data has shown that Founders that opt for double floor tend to focus on short term exits vs. longer term growth, and investors come to take notice" one startup exec joked to Business Insider, referring to the famous "double floor" strength routine at Barry's. 

"Furthermore, investors go there looking for signal in the noise of treadmill speed. Early indications show that there is an inverse relationship between treadmill speed and company cash runway," the exec said.

Members of the cult of Barry like to be uncomfortable and to reward themselves with niceties not available at an ordinary CrossFit gym. After a 50-minute burst of activity, many bootcampers report to the "Fuel Bar" for one of the famous $10 protein shakes.

It's an intense scene that you won't forget

"Exercising at Barry's is very SF - it's super intense and you have a love / hate relationship with it since it's exhausting, but it brings you to a better state and energizes you," said Masha Drokova, founder and general partner at Day One Ventures.

Drokova however prefers something more calm to establish a rapport with founders she works with.

"I haven't taken any meetings at Barry's but I've on occasion brought founders I work with to do yoga with me at Love Story Yoga," she told Business Insider. "It's so fantastic for the body and to clear your mind, and this shared experience brings you closer together since you see each other in vulnerable sweaty environment."

One famous Barry's disciple is Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who was spotted working out at San Francisco Barry's the morning before an Aprile court appearance.

Multiple sources suggested to Business Insider that Keith Rabois, an early PayPal executive who is now a general partner at VC firm Founders Fund, was the inspiration for Edwards' tweet about Barry's importance in the venture scene. When reached for comment, Rabois responded to Business Insider that "this is a quite ludicrous idea for a post," though he declined to comment on Barry's. 

I had to see just how ludicrous Barry's was for myself. So I suited up with San Francisco's finest for Barry's signature Full Body workout, and left with less funding and self-doubt than I started with. Here's what it was like:

SEE ALSO: I tried Liquid Death, the water for punk rockers that just raised $1.6 million from Twitter's cofounder and other tech stars — and it just tasted like water

Unlike most gyms, Barry's does not offer memberships. You can buy a one day pass for $35, or buy a pack of multiple passes.



When I walked in at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m., the front desk attendants were unnaturally peppy and explained how a treadmill worked since I assume I look like I’ve never stepped foot in a gym before today.



You can choose whether you want to start on the treadmill or on the floor with weights. The instructor cues both at the same time and participants switch between sections throughout the class. I started the class on the treadmill because a friend told me it’s better to just get it over with. We are no longer friends.



The front desk offered ear plugs in a tasteful glass jar, which I pass up because the last time I wore ear plugs I was 7 years old at a demolition derby. I wrongly assumed the music for a 6 a.m. workout class would not reach race car-level decibels.



The instructor, who I think might have taken the ‘bootcamp’ label a little too seriously, advised our class to grab medium to heavy dumbbells, which come out to 10-pound to 20-pound weights for women. I went for 12-pounders and was proud of my slight athletic superiority over the minimum requirement.



The Red Room is named such because of the dark red lights that are the only illumination in the sweat room. That is, unless your instructor wants to quickly flash regular white lights to simulate a strobe light while you’re doing bicep curls. Seeing yourself in fluorescent lights mid-workout will easily humble even the buffest investor.



After 60 minutes, I was honestly surprised that I had survived. I wasn’t close to crushing it, as my instructor so kindly put it as he knuckle-bumped me on the way out, but the after-workout glow had me feeling like I could walk into a conference room and pitch even the most stone-faced investors.



17 real-estate agents reveal the worst parts of their jobs, from the lack of steady income to being on call 24/7

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real estate agent showing

Many real-estate agents may love their jobs, but in any career, there are certain parts that are less than ideal.

Business Insider asked real-estate agents around the country about what it's really like working in their industry, including the worst parts of their jobs.

Several agents said managing clients' unrealistic expectations was the worst part, while others mentioned dealing with the frustration of getting "ghosted" by clients and having to be available 24/7.

Here are 13 of the worst things about working in real estate, according to 17 agents.

SEE ALSO: 13 easy things you can do to increase the value of your home, according to real-estate agents

DON'T MISS: 10 things real-estate agents wish they could tell you — but won't

1. Clients with unrealistic expectations

Eric Goldie, an agent at Compass who sells $1 million to $5 million homes in New York City, said the worst part of his job is dealing with clients with unrealistic expectations.

"50% of my job is managing expectations," Goldie said. "When a client wants a two bed/two bath for under $2,000,000 downtown, it's not fun breaking the news to them that they are actually in a market for a 1 bed/1 bath in their price point."



2. The endless emails and paperwork

Brian K. Lewis, an agent at Compass who sells $2 million to $10 million homes in New York City, said responding to emails has become one of the worst parts of his job.

"Although I pride myself in solid, good, and accurate communication, and although I love technology, emails have become very burdensome," Lewis told Business Insider. "I spend so much time on emails — time that would be better spent with people and the building of relationships — time that would be better spent marketing for my clients."

Gill Chowdhury of Warburg Realty said it's the paperwork that gets to him.

"I hate paperwork," Chowdhury said.



3. The inconsistent income

Noemi Bitterman of Warburg Realty, who deals with homes in Manhattan and Brooklyn with prices between $500,000 and $1.75 million, said the worst part of her job is the lack of a steady income.

"Some months are great and some are not, and the volatility can be hard to budget around," Bitterman said.



4. Mistrustful clients

An agent in Massachusetts who wished to remain anonymous said the worst part of her job is being mistrusted and dealing with misconceptions about what real-estate agents do.

"We honestly work very hard, it's a tough field ... so much of it is behind the scenes, and we take our oaths to our clients very seriously," she said. "We do a lot of work for free, yet people think we're just raking in the dough left and right."

Michael Bello of REAL New York, who does $5,000-per-month on average rentals in the city, said some clients have "negative pre-conceived notions that all brokers are 'sketchy' and [that] you're going to take advantage of them."



5. Getting ghosted by clients

Elana Delafraz of REAL New York (not pictured), who deals with rentals with $3,200 to $5,000 monthly rent, said the worst part of her job is getting ghosted.

The worst, she said, is "when you work really hard to find the perfect apartment for [a] client and then they ghost you like nothing ever happened."



6. Needing to be available at all times

"The worst part about my job is that it is hard to completely disconnect," Jared Barnett, a Compass agent who sells homes between $2 million and $5 million in New York City, told Business Insider.

"Selling real estate is complex, so if you want to be successful you have to work hard and be available at all times, whether in person, via email or on the phone," Barnett said. "Real-estate deals are very intricate and time-sensitive, so if you're unavailable to handle a problem that arises, it could cost you the deal."

Smitha Ramchandani, a broker-associate at SR Real Estate Group at Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty, who sells homes in New Jersey and California, said agents "have to be available during the evenings, weekends, holidays and on vacations. We have worked from the middle of the Serengeti (not kidding), Australia and New Zealand."



7. Letting down clients

"To me, [the worst part of my job] is letting my clients down in some way or form," Jason Tsalkas of Compass, who sells homes mainly in Brooklyn that cost between $650,000 and $2 million on average, told Business Insider. "I'll give you an example: I was working with a buyer to find their first home in Brooklyn. We looked at countless options and stumbled upon what I thought was the best one but he insisted we see some more and mentioned how it's his first home and he needed to see EVERYTHING."

Tsalkas said his mistake was not putting his foot down at the right moment and insisting it was the right fit.

"As you might imagine, we lost that one that I knew was the right fit and he realized it too," he said. "It crushed me to see him be disappointed. But it also served as an example; he trusted me from that point on, attentive to my every statement and opinion."



8. Being a 'parent' to clients

Clients won't always accept that a real-estate agent might know best, Marilyn Blume of Warburg Realty, who sells $2 million to $3 million homes in New York City, told Business Insider. 

"It's like being a parent, knowing a great property (or buyer) that is the right fit, but my client may get dissuaded by an insignificant factor," Blume said.

"For example, sometimes the first property you take your buyer to see is the best and they need to act swiftly, but they are not convinced as they need to see more," she said. "Or if you get a competitive offer for your client's property when it just hits the market they may say, well it only just came on the market and already look at this fabulous offer! Let's see what else we get, but the first offer had the best terms."



9. Having to rely on other people

Scot Dalbery from REAL New York, who deals with rental properties in New York City that are $4,000 a month on average, said the reliance on other people is difficult to deal with as a real-estate agent.

"Whether it be having to get keys from someone, have someone meet you to buzz you into an apartment, clients not showing up to appointments — as someone who is extremely diligent about my schedule, somebody unexpectedly not following through can really impact your day and cause great frustration," Dalbery said.



10. Dealing with New York City co-op boards

Spencer Cutler of Corcoran, who sells homes with an average price of $6 million, says the worst part of his job has nothing to do with clients, but rather dealing with co-op boards.

"In New York City, co-ops can require an enormous amount of paperwork which has to be meticulously put together to present the buyer in the best light possible," Cutler said. "In some cases, a buyer is rejected by the board (without any reason given) and the process starts back at square one."



11. Working around the clock

Several agents said the worst part of their job is that it never stops.

Adam Feinberg of Anchor Associates, who sells homes in New York City with an average price of $725,000, said the worst part of his job is "working around the clock — 24/7."

Greg Cooper, a broker at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty in Austin, Texas, who sells homes between $300,000 and $8 million, described it as "the treadmill that we are always having to run on. You are only as good as the last month," he said.



12. Dealing with rude people

"You try not to take it personally and some people are just mean," Butch Haze, a Compass agent who sells homes between $3 million and $10 million in the San Francisco area, said. "It is an emotional process so you try to give them a pass but some people are just not good people. I try to run from those situations. Life is too short."



13. Keeping their cars shiny

Robin Kencel of The Robin Kencel Group at Compass in Connecticut, who sells homes between $500,000 and $28 million, said one of her biggest job pet peeves is keeping her car looking clean.

"Keeping my car shiny on the outside — I'm always battling the weather and season," Kencel said. "Take this season: I have it washed at 10 a.m. and by 3 p.m. the pollen has dusted it."



Before he was a billionaire, WeWork CEO Adam Neumann was broke. Here's the NYC building where he and his wife lived in a tiny apartment before he built a $47 billion company

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adam and rebekah neumann

WeWork CEO Adam Neumann's coworking company is worth $47 billion, but not too long ago, he was broke.

Neumann and his wife, Rebekah, once lived "at 166 2nd Avenue [in New York City] in an apartment smaller than this office," he told Business Insider's Alyson Shontell and Rich Feloni in a recent interview.

Today, a studio apartment in the East Village building is renting for $3,098, and the median monthly rent in the neighborhood is $3,150.

Here's a look inside the New York building where Neumann and his wife lived before they were billionaires.

SEE ALSO: How WeWork's CEO manages his ego after going from broke to a billionaire in under 10 years

DON'T MISS: WeWork's CEO explains why he thinks his $47 billion company is recession-proof and how he keeps his ego in check as a young billionaire

WeWork CEO Adam Neumann's coworking company is worth $47 billion and filed to go public in December 2018.

The Israeli-born entrepreneur launched WeWork in 2010 with his wife, Rebekah, and his business partner Miguel McKelvey. Now, it's one of the most valuable companies in the world.

But not too long ago, Neumann was broke.



The WeWork CEO told Business Insider in a recent interview that he and his wife, Rebekah, at one point lived in a tiny apartment at 166 2nd Avenue in New York City.

Neumann didn't specify the year they lived there, but it was likely sometime after 2009, the year he met his wife.



The street level of the building is occupied by a liquor store and a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge, according to Google Maps.

As of August 2018, scaffolding was erected on the front of the building.



The building sits right across the street from St. Mark's Church-In-The-Bowery in Manhattan's East Village, a neighborhood where today's median monthly rent is $3,150.

That's lower than the median rent in Manhattan as a whole, which is $3,325, according to StreetEasy.

In 2010, the East Village's median rental price was about $2,600, as compared to Manhattan's $2,880 at the time.



166 2nd Avenue is a 15-story, pre-war building built in 1929.

It comes with a 24-hour doorman and laundry in the basement, according to the listing.



The only rental currently available in the building is a studio apartment for $3,098.

Other studios in the building recently rented for between $2,725 and $3,150, while one-bedrooms have rented for between $4,550 and $4,695, according to StreetEasy.



The studio currently available in the building comes with stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, including a dishwasher.

It's one of 159 units in the building.



The listing describes the apartment as "a perfect mix between elegance and location in Prime East Village."

The apartment is listed with Thomas Perry and Elsa Duarte of Citi Habitats.



Today, Neumann's real-estate holdings are much costlier than a $3,098 studio.

The WeWork CEO bought a Greenwich Village townhouse for $10.5 million in 2014, according to Bisnow. And in 2017, he spent $35 million on property on Gramercy Park, The Real Deal reported.

He and his wife also reportedly own homes in Westchester County and the Hamptons.




Johnnie Walker's whisky expert says you can tell how expensive a bottle of scotch is just by smelling it

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whisky smelling

  • Saturday May 18 is World Whisky Day.
  • Johnnie Walker's whisky ambassador, Ali Reynolds, told Business Insider it's possible to tell how expensive a whisky is by smelling it.
  • According to Reynolds, detecting the sting of alcohol is a sign you're drinking a young whisky.
  • Meanwhile, if you can pick up other flavor notes, it's a good sign it's a more expensive bottle.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

From simple matters like knowing the difference between whiskey and whisky to avoiding big mistakes when buying, ordering, and drinking the liquid, the worlds of scotch, bourbon, and rye can seem complicated.

However, according to one whisky expert, knowing the difference between a good bottle and a bad one can be as simple as smelling it.

Ali Reynolds, a whisky ambassador for Johnnie Walker, has been in the drinks business for 10 years, having started out managing bars across the UK.

ali reynolds

He told Business Insider he came across Johnnie Walker when he entered a cocktail competition run by the brand's owner, Diageo, in 2015. He won the Great Britain final and traveled to South Africa for the global competition.

Read more: The 3 mistakes people make when buying, ordering, and drinking whisky — and what to do instead

"I fell in love with the brand there really," he said. "It was nice to see the other side of the business — less of the late nights and more early meetings."

Now, his role as a whisky ambassador involves educating people on the spirit and "helping the brands show up in the right place," he said. Plus lots of travel.

Having always had a passion for scotch, Reynolds certainly seems to know a lot about the liquid now. Still, he had a few pointers for less confident drinkers when it comes to choosing the right bottle and the right distillery.

You can detect quality by smell alone

Reynolds, who works with whiskies costing £25 to £25,000 ($33 to $33,000), said it's often the case that "the more you pay, the better the liquid."

"If you're buying a good single malt, £40 to £50 plus is a nice benchmark to start at," he said.

He added that it's possible to tell how cheap or expensive a bottle of whisky is without seeing the price tag — by simply smelling it.

"Some whiskies don't smell like they taste," he said. "You want to look out for that sting of alcohol. If that's there, it probably means it's quite a young whisky. If it has depth to the smell and you can pick up other flavor notes, that's quite a good thing."

Read more: This is the real difference between whisky and whiskey

He added that you can often pick up on leather or wood notes in whiskies aged longer.

"It's hard to tell from the color, so look for layers of flavor," he said. "If you can describe them in different ways, that's a good sign."

Keep it out of direct sunlight

Once you've made your selection, to ensure the quality of your whisky remains intact — particularly if you've invested in it — you should keep it out of direct sunlight, Reynolds said.

"If it's in a green or blue glass bottle, it should be fine no matter where, as long as it's not too warm, because alcohol will evaporate," he said. "It will lose a lot of the color, and whisky starts to bleach itself."

He added that he keeps his in a cabinet or cupboard "out of reach from everyone else."

"As long as it's not in direct sunlight or next to a radiator, it can keep for as long as you like."

Whisky has regions, just like wine

Reynolds said most people choose their whiskies by their age, which he called a "good guideline, as you have a guarantee."

However, he said that as a whisky ambassador, he doesn't think any whisky is "bad" and is a proponent of finding the right one — or the right region — for you.

Read more: This is the difference between scotch, bourbon, and rye

Reynolds says you can get to know whisky regions like you get to know wine regions — and there are four main ones in Scotland.

He said that when he's educating bartenders, he tells them "to explore the regions around Scotland." Because of this, he added, bartenders are often the best people to ask for advice.

"Once you've nailed the four regions, they have their own distinctive character, and there's something for everyone," he said.

A fine time to be up in Scotland picking whisky 🥃 for tomorrow!!! . . . #caskstrength #drambassador #truespirit #bobbyburns #johnniewalker

A post shared by A L I R E Y N O L D S (@ali.scotch) on Jan 24, 2019 at 11:01am PST on

He added that blends, which mix different whiskies to create one flavor, are a good place to start if you're new to scotch.

"There are almost 130 distilleries producing scotch, so there's a lot out there," he said. "Explore, but know your favorite region."

There are 'ghost distilleries' all over the world

Even Reynolds is still discovering new things. Happening upon "ghost distilleries" resulted in the launch of the Johnnie Walker's Blue Label Ghost and Rare blend.

JW_Ghost and Rare_Open 01e kopiera

"The term comes from lost but not forgotten distilleries which have closed down," Reynolds said. "The one we're focused on was in Port Ellen," a revered distillery that closed in 1983.

"They haven't made a drop since then, but there are amazing liquids sitting in casks still," he said, adding that Johnnie Walker was bottling them with the launch and "wanted to focus on amazing flavors."

Read more: Stars like George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, and Bob Dylan have struck gold with liquor launches, and countless celebrities are following suit

Liquid from three ghost distilleries will go into the Ghost and Rare blend. But Reynolds said these ghost distilleries exist around the world.

"There are limited releases that come out in Ireland, Japan. Unfortunately, a lot are quite tragic — it might have been fires that closed them down," he said. But "whatever it might be, a lot of distilleries are open to helping make blended whisky."

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The 3 mistakes people make when buying, ordering, and drinking whisky — and what to do instead

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Johnnie Walker Black Label

Whether it's what brand to order, or simply the difference between whisky and whiskey, there's a lot of knowledge that goes with properly enjoying a glass of scotch, bourbon, or rye.

Business Insider spoke to Ewan Gunn, Global Brand Ambassador and Whisky Master for the global drinks giant Diageo, which produces mass brands like Johnnie Walker, and several others which he mentioned.

We asked Gunn — who has 19 years' experience in the industry — what mistakes people are making when they drink whisky, and how to fix them.

Buy based on flavour, not age

"When people buy a whisky, you do sometimes come across an obsession with age, when really, in my opinion, you should be buying based on the flavour," Gunn said.

"People have this perception older is always better, which is not always the case," he added. "We have some amazing whiskys focused on flavours and styles."

Read more:Johnnie Walker's whisky expert says you can tell how expensive a bottle of scotch is just by smelling it

"You buy a Scotch whisky to drink it, not to look at the label," he said.

Ignore the "rules" you think you know

"People often have these rules they think they must follow when appreciating a scotch," Gunn said.

"'You should never add water, never drink it with ice, never add a mixer, you have to be older to enjoy it, it's a man's drink' — they're all nonsense.

"I would certainly not worry about all of these rules. The people who make it make it for you to enjoy, and they're not precious about how you enjoy it."

He said that even going back centuries people were drinking whisky in cocktails, combining it with herbs and spices.

"You're seeing scotch featuring more and more on cocktail menus," he added.

He said his favourite way to start a weekend is with Johnnie Walker and ginger ale. "It's a lovely drink, it's easy to make, and it tastes magnificent."

Don't just drink it after dinner — pair it with food

"When it comes to the holidays, people enjoy eating lots of rich and flavoursome foods, and a lot of people are increasingly enjoying Scotch whisky paired with foods," Gunn said.

He added that, while there's a preconceived idea that whisky only works with heavy food, there's actually a range of dishes you can pair it with.

"Talisker with oysters is incredible, and Lagavulin paired with blue cheese," he said. He added that Haig Club and crème brûlée is another recommended pairing.

1092623_Clubman and Cola pour_original

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This is the real difference between whisky and whiskey

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Ewan Gunn

  • Saturday May 18 is World Whisky Day.
  • While it may seem obvious to some, "What's the difference between whiskey and whisky?" is an often asked — and Googled — question.
  • Business Insider spoke to Ewan Gunn, Global Brand Ambassador and Whisky Master for global drinks giant Diageo, to finally get to the bottom of the answer.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whether you're a seasoned drinker or are only just starting to experiment, whiskey is certainly a globally-loved tipple of choice.

But don't fear — if you have no idea what you're doing when you drink (and order) it, you're not alone.

While it may seem obvious to some, "What's the difference between 'whiskey' and 'whisky?'" is an often asked — and Googled — question.

Business Insider spoke to Ewan Gunn, Global Brand Ambassador and Whisky Master for global drinks giant Diageo, to finally get to the bottom of the answer.

Read more:The 3 mistakes people make when buying, ordering, and drinking whisky — and what to do instead

Gunn is an expert on Scotch, and has been in the industry for 19 years. For the past decade, his role — a hybrid of PR, media, brand education, and training — aims to tell people how to sell it, how it's made, and why it tastes the way it does.

Johnnie Walker Black Label.PNG

He also knows how to spell it.

"Scotch whisky is always spelled without the 'e' — we use the extra time to enjoy the liquid itself," he joked. That makes it "whiskies" when made plural.

Canada and Japan usually go with the "whisky" spelling as well.

Meanwhile, he said: "Irish whiskey is always spelled with an 'e', and American is usually spelled with an 'e', but there are some exceptions." The plural of this version is "whiskeys."

So there you have it — the spelling simply comes down to where the whisky — or whiskey — was made.

If that's still tricky to remember, food website The Kitchn came up with a clever way to make it stick — countries with "e"'s in their names (United States and Ireland) tend to use "whiskey," while those without an "e" (Scotland, Canada, and Japan) go with "whisky."

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This is the difference between scotch, bourbon, and rye

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whiskey tasting glasses

  • Saturday May 18 is World Whisky Day.
  • The difference between scotch, bourbon, and rye comes down to where the whisky — or whiskey — is made.
  • The "mash bill" — list of ingredients — also plays a part.
  • That's according to wan Gunn, the whisky master for the global drinks giant Diageo who spoke to Business Insider.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

There's a lot to know when it comes to drinking whisky.

Whether it's deciding whether or not to have ice, what brand to buy, or simply knowing the difference between whisky and whiskey, plenty goes into enjoying a glass of scotch, bourbon, or rye.

Business Insider spoke to Ewan Gunn, whisky master for the global drinks giant Diageo, which produces mass-market brands like Johnnie Walker and Haig Club.

We asked Gunn — who has 19 years' experience in the industry — to answer a simple question about a complicated nectar: What's the difference between scotch, bourbon, and rye?

Scotch by name, Scottish by nature

"Scotch whisky can only be made in Scotland," Gunn said. "You cannot make it anywhere else in the world."

He added: "One of the most beautiful things about scotch is it is tightly regulated and the most trusted. [There are] rules governing how you can and cannot make and sell scotch whisky — they're really rigorous.

Read more:This is the real difference between whisky and whiskey

Another whiskey expert, Tommy Tardie, owner and operator of Fine & Rare and The Flatiron Room, who spoke to Business Insider in 2017, added that it's no different to Champagne.

"If you're a Cognac, you have to be made in the Cognac region. If you're a Champagne, you have to be made in the Champagne region. It's no different for scotch," he said.

Ewan Gunn

Bourbon in the USA

Bourbon and rye, meanwhile, are native American spirits.

Aside from the point of origin, what differentiates variants of whiskey — or whisky — is the "mash bill," or list of ingredients used to make it, according to Tardie.

"To be a bourbon, in America you have to be using 51% or more corn, [and] the rest of the mash bill is traditionally rye and malted barley," he said.

"To be a rye whiskey, you have to use 51% or more rye, and then the rest is usually corn and malted barley. In addition, both have to be aged in brand new American oak barrels."

Read more:The 3 mistakes people make when buying, ordering, and drinking whisky — and what to do instead

While there's no set time period they have to spend in the barrel, to "call yourself a straight whiskey, you have to be aged a minimum of two years," Tardie said.

If it still seems confusing, Tardie said you should think of whiskey as a category, or "big umbrella," and underneath this umbrella, stands all of its variants. "In other words, all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon," he said.

talisker_sour_10 YEARS_RT

While they all have their own unique properties, Gunn believes that "no other spirit or whiskey offers the same range [as scotch.]"

Diageo alone has 28 single-malt scotch whisky distilleries, and there are over 100 within the industry, according to Gunn.

Read more:Johnnie Walker's whisky expert says you can tell how expensive a bottle of scotch is just by smelling it

Single-malt scotch whisky is made at a single distillery, exclusively from malted barley, and must be aged for at least three years in oak casks. Some American single-malt whiskeys are produced from malted rye rather than malted barley.

"We make scotch whiskies that are light, delicate, and sweet to robust, powerful, smokey, and intense," he said. "No other whiskey really offers that diversity scotch whisky can offer."

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How to use Amazon Family to save money on all the products your kids need

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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 Family

  • Amazon Family helps parents save cash on many of the items that come standard with childcare, from diapers to baby food and childproofing gear. 
  • An Amazon Family membership is free if you already have Amazon Prime, and signing up for Family only takes a minute. 
  • When you sign up for Amazon Family, you also get access to thoughtful product lists, informational articles, and recommendations from leading parenting experts. 
  • If you want help choosing the best products for your family, check out our parenting and baby gear buying guides.

My wife and I have been Amazon Prime members since 2006 and parents since 2013, but it wasn't until 2018 that we started using Amazon Family.

The occasion that led us to start using the service was the birth of our second child. And in the year that we've taken advantage of the program, it has saved us plenty of money, but even more notably, it has introduced us to products and information that we might otherwise never have known about.

So what is Amazon Family?

Amazon Family is a free service as long as you already have a Prime membership (if you don't, sign up here). It offers discounts on myriad baby and childcare products, like diapers, wipes, bottles, and so forth, and membership comes with email newsletters rich with information tagged to your child's age. Expect an email with information on teething sometime around the 10th month.

Yes, Amazon uses Family to try to sell you stuff — you can definitely expect to see content promoting baby gates around the time your kid turns a year, for example — but it's stuff you were almost surely going to buy anyway, and at the best prices out there.

Amazon Family offers product ideas and information for kids aged zero through 12 years. You'll start off with curated product lists like "Jumpstart Your Nursery," a collection including rocking chairs, changing pads, cribs, and so on, and before you know it, you'll be clicking on "Gifts for 12-year-olds."

Am Fam Product Page

How to set up Amazon Family

If you already have Amazon Prime, then you're just a few clicks away from setting up your Amazon Family account. Or accounts, as the case may be. You can create a profile for several children, and when you go to your Amazon Family account page, you can toggle between the kids to see product ideas and information tailored to for their age (and gender, though that's only questionably positive).

  1. Click this link to go to Amazon Family.
  2. Sign into your account or sign up for your free trial of Prime, which includes Amazon Family.
  3. You will be taken to a page with the headline: "Tell us about your little one to start receiving exclusive discounts, parenting tips via email newsletter, and more."
  4. Enter the kid's gender, birthday (or due date or anticipated adoption date — you can set up your Amazon Family account before the child even arrives), and, if you want, his or her name.
  5. Then hit the button that says "Explore Amazon Family" and you can start doing just that.

You'll see an extensive "Top picks for your family" with products aplenty, you can browse among articles organized by age (they have titles ranging from "How to raise responsible kids" to "No teeth, no problem. Solid foods for little eaters") and you can sign up for subscriptions to diapers, baby food, and other items you'll need on a recurring basis, saving up to 20% in many cases.

Again, you were going to buy all this stuff and read all about babies and kids and parenting anyway, right? So why not just stick with Amazon like you do for everything else you buy, most of the shows you watch, the music, the groceries...

Sign up for Amazon Family here or sign up to try Amazon Prime here.

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