Inside the relationship of Trump and convicted sex offender Epstein, from party buddies to 'not a fan'

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This all-natural exfoliating peel left my skin feeling softer than ever after just one use — I could actually see my dead skin sloughing off

July 18, 2019, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: AOC's policy adviser wants to tax high incomes at 99%. A tax attorney says it would be 'naive' not to expect high earners to change their habits in response.

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Most skincare products take time to work. That's why I'm always impressed with the ones that yield immediate results.
The Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray ($52) from Juice Beauty is a gentle exfoliant that uses all-natural ingredients to slough off dead skin and reveal fresher, brighter looking skin in seconds.
The first time I tried it, I was in awe — and I'm not exaggerating here. I've been using it for a few weeks now and still am loving how soft and fresh it leaves my skin feeling.

When it comes to skin care, instant gratification is pretty uncommon. It could take weeks for that serum to reveal its promised dewy glow and even the most expensive under-eye cream out there won't make your crow's feet disappear overnight. Most skincare products take time to work their magic.

But every now and then you'll stumble upon the elusive product that provides serious results with actual immediacy. And when you find one of those products, you have to share it with the world.

That's why I'm divulging all the details of my new skin-care obsession: The Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray.

The name may be a jumbled mouthful, but trust me: It's one of the most fool-proof ways to exfoliate your way to smoother, glowier skin.

What it is

Juice Beauty was launched in 2005 with a mission to provide high-performance, luxury skincare products made completely from natural and organic ingredients. Since then, the brand has released a host of all-natural makeup and skincare products, ranging from colorful lip glosses to clinically tested and validated skincare collections, like Stem Cellular.

The Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray is just what it sounds like — a facial mist that you spray onto skin to exfoliate.

For many, the word "exfoliate" conjures up memories of vigorously rubbing skin with rough microbeads until it burns. Juice Beauty's iteration of a chemical exfoliant is surprisingly gentle, though understandably so when you consider it's made with stem cells from fruit. Yes, you read that right. The Stem Cellular spray combines exfoliants derived from plants to slough off dead skin, with ingredients like licorice root, cucumber extract, and aloe to nourish, brighten, and soothe it as well.

How to use the peel spray

Juice Beauty recommends using this product in the morning while you shower. As much as I love multitasking, I got it during the day and was so excited to use it, I had to give it a try that night. I think the results were equally as impressive, regardless of when you use it.

After washing my face and patting dry, I reached for the sleek silver bottle. I gave it a good shake and liberally spritzed my face, neck, and décolleté. The mist is cool with an invigorating (though not particularly pleasant) scent. While lightweight, each spritz comes out quickly, so I'd recommend spraying a few inches away from your face.

As the instructions suggested, I let the product sink into my skin for a few seconds. Then, I used my fingertips to rub all of the product in, gently massaging my face with circular motions. Here's where the process gets kind of gross, but really great.

As I rubbed, I watched the dead skin cells ball up into little clumps on the surface of my skin and onto my fingers. Within just seconds, the peel had lifted the dry, flaky skin off of my face and left scant remnants on the surface. When I felt that I had adequately rubbed everything in, I rinsed my face with warm water.

After patting dry again, I oohed and aahed as I did a double take in the mirror. My skin looked noticeably more vibrant, with healthy dose of redness (which went away quickly, don't worry), and felt so much smoother than before. To make that baby soft skin feeling last, I followed with my favorite moisturizing jelly serum from Moon Juice and a basic Neutrogena moisturizer.

When I woke up the next morning, I still felt fresh-faced. Just imagine what my skin would have felt like if I had used the spray in the morning instead.

Bottom Line

At-home exfoliation can be a toss up — if you're not careful about the products you use and how often you exfoliate, you can really hurt your skin. You could always go to the experts and get a facial for a deep exfoliation every now and then, but that isn't the most cost-effective option.

That's why Juice Beauty's exfoliating spray is such a sweet luxury. For $52 you can have a quality exfoliating experience that's gentle on the skin but yields serious results. You can even spray your hands, arms, or any other body parts that could use some extra help sloughing off dry skin.

Since it's made of all-natural and organic ingredients, this product should be fine for all types of skin. It's still an exfoliant though, so you probably shouldn't use it every day — I've been using it about once or twice a week.

My favorite thing about this product, though, is how convenient it is. I don't need to fumble around with physical exfoliators or make a mess with a clay mask — all I have to do is spritz. The size — a travel-friendly 1.7 fluid ounces — makes this easy to take on the go.

I think you'll want to spread the word after trying this one, too.

Get the Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray for $52

↧

AOC's policy adviser wants to tax high incomes at 99%. A tax attorney says it would be 'naive' not to expect high earners to change their habits in response.

July 18, 2019, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian: San Francisco is great but 'no one in their right mind' will build a company here anymore

≪ Previous: This all-natural exfoliating peel left my skin feeling softer than ever after just one use — I could actually see my dead skin sloughing off

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Dan Riffle, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's senior counsel and policy adviser, believes that income over a certain threshold should be taxed at 99%, he told Vox.
Such a tax could persuade billionaire CEOs to stop working, the former Department of Justice tax attorney James Mann told Business Insider.
Riffle wrote the slogan "every billionaire is a policy failure," Vox reported.
Finding the solutions to social issues like infectious diseases should be left to democratically elected governments instead of billionaire philanthropists, Riffle told Vox.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Dan Riffle, the policy adviser who wrote Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "every billionaire is a policy failure" slogan, said in an interview with Vox's Dylan Matthews that the phrase had much clunkier origins: It started out as "tax income over $5 million at 99 percent."

Riffle told Vox that he nixed that version because it didn't "roll off the tongue" but said he believed the underlying policy was the right way to address growing wealth inequality in the US. Riffle said he wasn't sure that $5 million is the right threshold for the 99% tax but that it could be decided in a nationwide referendum.

"There's nothing in this world that anybody wants or needs to do that you can't do with, let's say, $10-15 million," Riffle told Vox. "And so at some point there has to be a line. To me, $1 billion is way, way, way, way past the line."

The revenue raised by a wealth tax could be used to tackle issues being worked on by billionaire philanthropists, Riffle told Vox. "Increasing taxes, and democratic control over the distribution of society's resources, is a hell of a lot more important to fairness and equality and progress than any philanthropy pledge," Riffle said.

Riffle is among a growing group of Democrats calling for new taxes to address wealth inequality. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's proposal for a wealth tax earned the support of some ultrawealthy Americans.

In June, a group of 19 multimillionaires and billionaires wrote an open letter to all 2020 presidential candidates asking them to consider a "moderate" wealth tax, citing Warren's "Ultra-Millionaire's Tax." Under Warren's proposal, wealthy Americans would pay an annual tax on high-value assets they already own, such as fine arts and superyachts, not their income. Riffle's proposal, in contrast, would tax billionaires' paychecks.

Unintended consequences

Riffle's plan may have unintended consequences, the former Department of Justice tax attorney James Mann, who is now a tax partner at law firm Greenspoon Marder, told Business Insider. The tax might cause high-net-worth people like CEOs to embrace leisure activities full time after they initially make their fortunes, Mann said.

"If an additional dollar of income is taxed at a 99% rate, who would go to the effort of making the additional dollar?" Mann said.

"The notion that people will not change their behavior in response to changes in the tax code is naive," Mann added.

Business Insider previously reported that a wealth tax like the one Warren is proposing could also help reduce wealth inequality but would likely not generate as much revenue as its proponents hope because it would be difficult for the IRS to enforce.

DON'T MISS: Meet the 18 ultra-wealthy Americans begging for a wealth tax, from a Facebook cofounder to a Disney heiress

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Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian: San Francisco is great but 'no one in their right mind' will build a company here anymore

July 18, 2019, 4:22 pm

≫ Next: From social taboos to long paid holidays, here's what it's like getting fired in 6 different countries

≪ Previous: AOC's policy adviser wants to tax high incomes at 99%. A tax attorney says it would be 'naive' not to expect high earners to change their habits in response.

Alexis Ohanian

At an event in San Francisco Wednesday, Reddit cofounder and venture investor Alexis Ohanian told attendees that "no one in their right mind" would build a company in San Francisco or the Bay Area.
Ohanian founded Initialized Capital, his venture firm, knowing he had to travel often for his business and personal lives, so he created an environment ideal for remote employees.
He cited the high costs of housing and doing business in the Bay Area as partial reasons why building a company there is challenging, but he also thinks younger workers are more inclined to work and start companies remotely.
Click here for more BI Prime stories.

The sun is setting on Silicon Valley.

That was Reddit cofounder and venture investor Alex Ohanian's argument at an event on hustle culture and work-life balance in San Francisco on Wednesday. He cited the area's skyrocketing costs of living and doing business as key reasons why he is looking elsewhere as an investor.

"I will be shocked if I have anyone coming to our office anymore that is adamant about building a team in San Francisco or the Bay Area," Ohanian said. "It makes me sad because San Francisco is great but no one in their right mind will build their company entirely here, and that's just how you have to think now."

Part of the push away from San Francisco, Ohanian said, was the mentality that pushes founders to work long hours because it feels "right." Even when a startup has matured beyond the two-guys-in-a-living-room model, founders set the example for the entire workforce and can't rely on brute forcing their success.

"In the Valley we are mired in the 'butts in seats' mentality," Ohanian said. "But companies that grow and are entirely decentralized, they have the strongest company culture. They have to. They overthink company culture because it's core to their survival."

Ohanian said he built Initialized Capital, his venture firm, knowing he would be traveling often for business and personal reasons, and so has created an environment ideal for remote employees. He said he rarely spends more than four months in one location, and the firm's few employees are scattered across the United States. He claims this opens the firm up to new solutions and founders that would otherwise get passed over in red-hot Silicon Valley.

"Initialized was built to operate as a decentralized company, and I know it makes us a better firm because I'm not just in Silicon Valley problems and Silicon Valley solutions," Ohanian said.

The 36-year-old credited Generation Z with leading the charge on remote working and thinks more companies will be forced to accommodate remote workers as younger employees begin joining the corporate workforce.

"One of the best parts of this new generation, Gen Z and Millennials to a certain extent, is that they are optimizing around experiential living," Ohanian said. "Our parents were really into that white picket fence thing and we just aren't."

NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

↧

From social taboos to long paid holidays, here's what it's like getting fired in 6 different countries

July 19, 2019, 5:00 am

≫ Next: This $20 handheld milk frother is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've used to make coffee

≪ Previous: Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian: San Francisco is great but 'no one in their right mind' will build a company here anymore

Layoffs

When Americans get laid off, employers give them just hours to pack their belongings and leave.
Other countries don't have the same approach. Germany lets laid off workers stick around for weeks after the fact, while Sweden has programs to help retrain fired employees and get them new jobs.
In Japan, layoffs are even considered a social taboo.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Layoffs in the US are often quick and dirty.

As depicted by George Clooney in "Up in the Air," American company managers or execs typically meet with their employees to tell them they must leave before giving them just a few hours to pack their belongings.

In other countries, however, this practice would be considered absurd — or even cruel. In Germany and other European nations, laid-off employees get weeks to stick around so they can finish projects and get a head start on applying to new jobs, Erin Meyer, a professor at global business school INSEAD who has studied how cultural differences impact businesses, told Business Insider.

"Firing in the US is like pulling off a Band-Aid: you have a problem, you pull out the Band-Aid, it hurts a lot, and the problem's gone," she said. "In Europe, it's more like boiling a lobster: you put the lobster in, slowly the lobster cooks, and finally the time is done."

Here's what it's like to be fired in six different countries.

The United States has a quick, impersonal approach to firing its employees.

At US firms, fired employees typically have short meetings with their employer or HR manager on why they've been fired. They usually only have hours or days to pack their belongings and leave, Meyer said.

Part of the reason for this is the country's "at-will" employment contracts between workers and their companies. "At-will" contracts are those that allow employers to fire subordinates for any reason at any time, so long as it's not discriminatory.

The US is only one of a handful of countries where employment is at-will, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Another reason could be because US managers don't want to expose sensitive corporate information to fired employees who may reveal trade secrets out of anger, Meyer said.

Germany typically lets laid-off employees stick around for weeks following a firing to finish up projects and even start job hunting while still at their old posts.

Meyer attributes the more relaxed vibes around layoffs to both Germany's worker-friendly policies, as well as their relationship-centric culture. German employees typically develop close relationships to their coworkers, making severing ties more personal for the employer, Meyer says.

Japanese employees see large-scale layoffs as a social taboo.

Japanese law allows employees to reject early-retirement packages. As a result, laid-off employees — who don't have roles at their company anymore — sometimes continue to go to work and sit in "chasing-out rooms" working on other projects.

Layoffs are rare in Japan, largely due to the country's "lifetime employment system" where full-time workers typically remain at the same company for years. The permanent employment contract is both a factor of the country's culture around work, as well as government policies that discourage companies from firing workers, The New York Times reports.

In Hong Kong, bankers who lose their jobs get months of severance pay. Some higher-up members get years of guaranteed severance written into their contracts, making layoffs a "long paid holiday."

Source: South China Morning Post

Sweden has one of the most progressive layoff cultures in the world.

Employees can pay into private job-security councils, which help fired workers develop new skills and get them financial support, according to The Atlantic.

Sweden leads developed nations in helping laid-off employees get back on their feet: 85% of such workers find new jobs within a year, the OECD reports.

In India, layoffs used to be a source of shame. As the economy grew and layoffs became more commonplace, the culture no longer stigmatizes fired employees.

The Economic Times of India spoke with executives and HR managers in the country, and found the rise of temporary work and job-hopping led to the culture shift.

"Globalisation has made Indian executives more familiar with the Western idea that getting laid off is part of market ups and downs, not a matter of personal failure," ET reporter Saumya Bhattacharya wrote.

↧

This $20 handheld milk frother is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've used to make coffee

July 19, 2019, 5:39 am

≫ Next: Millennials are turning to Netflix to cope with burnout, and it highlights the similarities between technology addiction and food cravings

≪ Previous: From social taboos to long paid holidays, here's what it's like getting fired in 6 different countries

Lattes and cappuccinos are delicious, but those expensive coffee drinks can really add up.
An Amerisleep study found that the average American spends over $1,000 a year on coffee.
I love fancy coffee drinks, but don't love paying the high prices at coffee shops. The Aerolatte handheld milk frother is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've ever used — it turns any milk into a rich foam in just 20 seconds and only costs $20.

There's no better way to start your day than with a nice cup of coffee. While a plain old drip coffee will usually do, there's something about sipping on a latte or cappuccino that feels just a little more special. But specialty coffee drinks don't come cheap — the average American spends over $1,000 a year on coffee, according to an Amerisleep study.

I'm all about getting my caffeine kick every morning, but with New York City coffee shops charging $5 or more for a latte I've realized I'm better off becoming my own barista. The Aerolatte handheld milk frother is an affordable, easy-to-use solution that'll make quality coffee beverages from the comfort of your own kitchen, and help you save some money too.

The Aerolatte handheld milk frother may be a small device, but it has the power to seriously up the ante on your morning brew. It comes as one piece, but if you'd like you can also purchase a stand to keep the gadget on display and easily accessible. Truthfully, this is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've ever used. On one end of the device you'll find a thick handle and on the other end you'll find the frothing head, a circular coil-like thing. I can't tell you the mechanics of it all , but I can confirm that it works well.

To use, simply place the frothing head into a large cup of milk and press the power button on the handle. As the frother vibrates you'll see the milk thicken up into a silky, creamy foam. All you need is about 15-20 seconds and then your foam is all ready to go. Brew your favorite beans and pour this right on top for beverage that's coffee-shop quality. To clean, rinse the frothing head immediately after using it. Every once in a while, you should fill a cup with warm, soapy water and froth for a deeper clean.

If you're not a big coffee drinker, you can still get a lot of use out of this little gadget. Of course it works just as well for teas — think matcha and chai lattes — but it can also be used in even more creative ways, like to make a single serving of decadent, homemade whipped cream. And, you can use any kind of milk, even dairy-free options.

Whipping up some foam and pouring it over drip coffee or espresso makes those regular coffees feel a little more indulgent. While I usually chug my cups of black coffee, adding some foam makes it feel like a treat that's worth slowing down and sipping on.

You might think that making fancy coffee drinks is expensive or labor-intensive — after all an espresso machine can run you well over $100 — but this is a frugal solution that'll give you that same delicious flavor for a fraction of the price. Being able to have complete control over what you put into your drink is pretty nice, so is never having to pay an extra dollar for almond milk instead of regular. Plus, you'll impress your guests when you whip up drinks they thought they could only get for $8 at their local cafe.

At only $20, I can't sing the praises of this product enough. Even just using it for a week will get you your money's worth, but it'll last for much longer than that. It runs on AA batteries, so just switch those out when the time comes to keep it running as good as new.

There are plenty of great milk frothers out there, but if you're looking for a no-frills option that'll give you great foam for a great price, the Aerolatte handheld milk frother is an easy choice. Maybe you'll never really give up your morning runs to the local coffee shop, or maybe this will convert you — either way, this is a great addition to any coffee lover's kitchen.

Buy the Aerolatte handheld milk frother at Amazon for $19.99

Buy the Aerolatte handheld milk frother with stand at Amazon for $29.95— currently only available from third party sellers on Amazon

↧

Millennials are turning to Netflix to cope with burnout, and it highlights the similarities between technology addiction and food cravings

July 19, 2019, 5:45 am

≫ Next: 10 major goals to accomplish before you're 30

≪ Previous: This $20 handheld milk frother is one of the most foolproof kitchen tools I've used to make coffee

binging tv netflix hulu

Millennials are using Netflix and TV to cope with burnout, according to a recent survey by YellowBrick, a treatment center for young adults.
They're turning to technology to distance themselves from being constantly connected — a relationship they need to learn to navigate, psychologist Dr. Leora Trub told Business Insider.
Research shows that binge-watching can have negative long-term health effects— but for those who can practice self-control, it's not a bad coping mechanism, says Trub.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Millennials are the "burnout generation."

To cope, they're turning to Netflix and Hulu, according to a recent survey by YellowBrick, a psychiatric and trauma treatment center for young adults. The survey polled more than 2,000 American millennials between the ages of 23 and 38 about burnout.

When asked how they cope with burnout, 16% of respondents said they watch Netflix, Hulu, or TV. They also reported sleeping and exercise as a coping mechanism (10% each), followed by drinking alcohol (9%), taking drugs (8%), meditation (8%), surfing the Internet (7%), and talking to friends/family (5%).

Watching Netflix isn't the worst kind of coping strategy, psychologist Leora Trub, Ph.D., who leads Pace University's Digital Media and Psychology Lab, told Business Insider. It offers both distraction and entertainment as coping mechanisms, she said.

But whether this coping strategy is healthy or not depends on the person, Trub said. Ultimately, it's all about moderation.

Using technology to create distance from technology

The fact that millennials are turning to one type of technology to create distance from another type of technology is emblematic of an increasingly connected world. And it can become a problematic habit, Trub said. That's because watching one episode of Netflix can turn into binge-watching — watching episode after episode of a TV show.

"You have to find resources within yourself to take a step back and figure out your relationship with [watching Netflix or TV] and what you want it to be," Trub said, adding that we have to work hard to develop a healthy relationship with technology because it's so immersive.

She added: "Generally, the younger people are, the less good they are at anticipating their own responses to things. We're no longer giving people the opportunity to cultivate skills that have to do with keeping yourself nourished without technology."

The addiction criteria usually used for drugs and alcohol is now being used for technology, Trub said. But she likens a technology addiction more specifically to a food addiction. Technology, she noted, is "... out there for everyone, everyone needs to use it to some extent for their daily lives. It's an alluring and compelling thing."

The key is navigating your relationship with TV

Because Netflix and its peers are so accessible, regulating the use of it calls for an incredible amount of self-control, especially when you're stressed out, Trub said.

Trub noted that TV has gotten more stimulating over time: Shows in the 1980s didn't have the level of drama or stimulation that today's shows, like Game of Thrones and Handmaid's Tale, do. Now that entertainment has upped the ante, Trub said, moving on to the next episode could be problematic for sleep if you're not careful.

"It's hard to control or moderate Netflix use and navigate your relationship with it," Trub said. "Technology sets it up so that you can binge-watch — the battle to turn it off is up to you."

Binge-watching can damage your health, reported Lindsay Dodgson for Business Insider, citing a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. The study found that binge-watching can lower our quality of sleep and increase fatigue, leading to long-term effects such as changes in performance, cognitive thinking, and immune system, and an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.

The researchers who conducted the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study said it's unrealistic to expect people to stop binge-watching altogether, but suggested drawing boundaries like stopping an hour before going to bed or doing it on the weekends only. However, when being used as a coping mechanism, it's likely that streaming services and TV are specifically being turned to after a long day at work, before bed — and that's where self-control comes in.

"For people who are able to behave in line with their intentions, it's not a bad thing," Trub said. "Everyone should get to have their own vices and TV is a fine one."

DON'T MISS: Depression is on the rise among millennials, but 20% of them aren't seeking treatment — and it's likely because they can't afford it

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↧

10 major goals to accomplish before you're 30

July 19, 2019, 5:53 am

≫ Next: Inside the most expensive property for sale in the Hamptons, which is listed for $150 million and costs 75 times more than the swanky area's median home

≪ Previous: Millennials are turning to Netflix to cope with burnout, and it highlights the similarities between technology addiction and food cravings

millennials young people college grads graduation 3

Start exercising and meditating regularly the younger you are.
Your 20s are also a good time to travel alone and fall in love.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In case you haven't heard, you only live once.

Your young-adult years will slip through your fingers before you know it.

It shouldn't depress you — it should empower you to take charge of your life and pursue your dreams.

To help you get started, we checked out a bunch of Quora threads and found some potentially life-changing experiences that you can put on your 20s bucket list.

Read on and start checking things off.

Live in a big city.

Quora user Dylin Redling says he moved to Manhattan when he was 24 and to San Francisco when he was 26. "They were the two best moves I ever made," he says. "I highly recommend living in a city with a lot of diversity where you can meet people from all over the world."

If you've never made a move like that before, we've got you covered with these roundups of everything you need to know before moving to New York City and San Francisco.

Challenge yourself physically.

"While you're young, train for and complete a marathon, a Tough Mudder, a triathlon, or something similar," Redling says. "It'll help you physically and mentally to push through boundaries and go for goals."

As Bernie Michalik writes on 99U, training for a marathon teaches you some key life lessons, like the importance of tracking your efforts and results as you're working toward a goal.

These skills will help pave the way for your personal and professional success down the line.

Learn to meditate.

Redling recommends starting a meditation practice as a way to manage stress. He writes:

"You're going to experience A LOT of stress over your lifetime, so it's best to learn how to effectively deal with it as soon as possible. One of, if not, the best ways is through meditation. Take a class, read a book, or do some research on the basics, and make it part of your life."

You might want to explore mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the intake and outtake of breath.

If you find that this type of meditation helps you stay calm and focused, it's a practice you can use whenever and wherever.

Try online dating.

If you're in your 20s and single, there's little harm in creating a profile on OKCupid, Tinder, or any of the dating sites out there.

As Elarie Mashi writes, "There's nothing to lose if you try, [but] who knows what you might gain?" In other words, you might be momentarily embarrassed about logging on, but you could potentially find your soulmate.

Up your chances of finding that person by building a your profile according to science. That means you shouldn't post revealing photos and you should describe both your own personality and what you're looking for in an ideal partner.

Let yourself fall in love.

Becoming totally enamored with someone is intimidating — what if your feelings are unrequited? What if the relationship doesn't work out in the long run?

Let yourself fall for them anyway.

"Any number of breakups or separations cannot take away the joy and the experience of being in love," writes Mragank Yadav. "It's all worth it."

Fail, and fail often.

Yadav says it's important that 20-somethings learn how to fail, and more importantly, how to get back up again: "Failing comes naturally. Rising up again is something that needs to be inculcated."

Take a tip from now super-successful figures, like Paul Allen and Oprah Winfrey, all of whom learned from multiple professional failures.

Travel by yourself.

Now's the time to pack up and head somewhere solo, especially if you don't yet have kids or a mortgage.

"It will prove to be one of the most useful tools in later stages of life to clear your mind, get away from stuff, or just to see the world for what it truly is," Yadav says.

Ready to go? We put together a list of the 30 best places to travel alone, including Costa Rica, where you can stroll through the Cloud Forest, and the Greek Isles, where you can idle on the beach.

Start a business.

George Everitt recommends devoting one year in your 20s to pursuing a business idea. "It will probably fail," he writes, "but you will learn so much more than if you had taken that time in a corporate job."

And don't worry too much about roadblocks, like not having a business degree and not wanting to invest thousands of dollars. User Danny Marguiles launched an online course without an MBA and with just $100. Later that year, he was earning $30,000 a month.

9. Learning to code

"Computers are here to stay," Everitt says, "and learning at least one programming language helps you understand so much about how the modern world works."

Pro tip: These eight in-demand programming languages are the ones to have on your resume in 2016.

Keep a journal to track your growth.

Josh Fraser says writing is one of the most important and underrated life skills. You can hone that skill by journaling — about food, sports, relationships, or simply being a 20-something.

"As with most things," Fraser says, "the best way to improve is to just start doing it."

↧

Inside the most expensive property for sale in the Hamptons, which is listed for $150 million and costs 75 times more than the swanky area's median home

July 19, 2019, 5:57 am

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Southamptons, NY

The most expensive home for sale in the Hamptons is located in Southampton, New York and is asking $150 million, according to real-estate listing platform Out East.
The home has been on the market with the same asking price for the past two years.
It is 75 times more expensive than the $1,995,000 median asking price of a home in the Hamptons.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

You can live among New York's wealthiest in the Hamptons— if you have hundreds of millions to spare.

The Hamptons, a series of beach towns dotting eastern Long Island, New York, are known to be vacation spots for America's wealthiest.

The most expensive home for sale in the Hamptons is currently listed at $150 million, according to the real-estate listing platform Out East. That's 75 times more expensive than the Hamptons' median asking price of $1,995,000.

Located in Southampton, New York, 1080 Meadow Lane has been on the market for $150 million for the past two years.

To put that price point into perspective, the Hamptons' second-most expensive home for sale on Out East is listed at $53.9 million.

The Southampton property spans nearly 14 acres and offers around 700 feet of oceanfront property that stretches across three lots.

Keep reading for a look at the property.

DON'T MISS: 6 famous homes you can rent right now, from the Malibu beach house in 'Big Little Lies' to the 2-story farmhouse in 'Field of Dreams'

Southampton, New York is a popular destination for the wealthy. It is called home by celebrities like Brooke Shields, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Calvin Klein.

Source: Out East

1080 Meadow Lane in Southampton is the most expensive home for sale in the Hamptons.

Source: Google Maps

It is on the market for $150 million.

Source: Out East

The property spans nearly 14 acres across three lots.

Source: Out East

It includes a 12,000-square-foot, 12-bedroom main house, a tennis house, a pool house, and golf houses.

Source: Out East

It also includes two golf greens ...

Source: Out East

... and a pool and spa.

Source: Out East

The home boasts 700 square feet of oceanfront property and three private walkways to the beach.

Source: Out East

It has been listed at the same price for the past two years.

Source: Out East

↧

The 20 best skin-care products we've tried so far in 2019

July 19, 2019, 6:00 am

≫ Next: 19 beach reads you'll want to read this summer — according to editors at Amazon, Goodreads, and Book of the Month

≪ Previous: Inside the most expensive property for sale in the Hamptons, which is listed for $150 million and costs 75 times more than the swanky area's median home

Best skincare 2019 4x1

On the Insider Picks team, we try a lot of skin-care products.
We know shopping for great skin care can be overwhelming and expensive, so we made this list of our favorite skin-care products we've tried so far in 2019.
Keep reading for our roundup of the 20 skin-care favorites we've tried this year, so far.

When it comes to skin-care shopping, it's too easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. A quick search on Sephora for moisturizers for sensitive skin yields 271 results. At Ulta you'll find a selection of 380 different face washes. On Amazon, even a specific search like "eye cream for dark circles and puffiness" pulls up over 2,000 products.

With new products constantly releasing and new trends making headlines every week, it can be hard to keep up with what's what in skin care. You probably don't have the time (or energy, or desire) to scroll through pages of eye creams until you find one you like. And, you definitely don't want to spend a ton of money testing them all out.

Luckily, the Insider Picks team has already tested a lot of skin-care products this year. Now we're here to share our favorite finds with you. Whether you're looking for a serum to target a specific skin-care concern or just are looking for some inspiration to upgrade your beauty routine, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find 20 of the best skin-care products we've tried in 2019, so far.

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Matte Sunscreen

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Smooth & Poreless Matte Screen SPF 40, available at Sephora, Nordstrom, and Dermstore, $38

Now that temps are starting to rise, the last thing I want to do is go through my usual multi-step skin-care and makeup only for everything to melt right off as soon as I leave my apartment. But with Supergoop!'s Smooth and Poreless 100% Mineral Matte Screen (say that five times fast), I've streamlined a bunch of products into one. This takes the place of my primer, sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, and mattifying mist. I also like that the light tint masks any white cast I'd normally get with mineral sunscreens. — Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor

Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream

Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream, available at Target, $14.99

This is my new go-to moisturizer because it's so lightweight, soothing, and makes my skin feel bouncy and plump like jelly. And at $14.99, it's a steal. Versed was developed with reader data from digital publisher Who What Wear, so as shoppers are calling for easier access to safe skin-care products, it's no surprise that this moisturizer is formulated with recognizable ingredients like aloe vera and green tea in a clean formula without parabens, sulfates, and more. — Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, available at Target, $17.99

I tested this out on a weekend trip to Amsterdam and I was so glad I did. Not only did it get every last bit of makeup off easily, it rinsed clean without leaving behind a filmy texture and didn't make my face feel tight afterwards. I especially appreciated the solid balm because it made going through security a little less hectic. Unlike other solid balms I've used, this one doesn't come with a tiny spatula to scoop up product, though, let's be honest — it's probably worse to use a spatula that's been sitting on my counter than it is to just use clean hands. — Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor

Ren Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen

Ren Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30, available at Sephora and Dermstore, $36

Can you tell I'm big on SPF? I love this newbie from Ren, one of the OGs of clean beauty, for its clean mineral formula. It does give me a white cast compared to Supergoop!'s but I usually wear a tinted powder on top so it doesn't bother me. I love the matte finish too for keeping my oily forehead in check.— Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor

Edible Beauty Probiotic Radiance Tonic Serum

Edible Beauty Probiotic Radiance Tonic Serum Calm and Restore, available at Sephora, $39

I've been using a vitamin c serum that I thought was okay until I decided to try this one — it made me realize that the vitamin c serum I was using was garbage. Seriously, my skin looked brighter and fresher after just a few drops of this. I might've gone overboard because I used five drops as opposed to the recommended two or three, but that's not a bad thing in my book. In fact, if it didn't cost $39 for a small bottle, I'd slather this all over my face daily. — Jada Wong, Insider Picks editor

Brandless Depuffing Eye Gel

Brandless Depuffing Eye Gel, available at Brandless, $8

Like everyone, I, too, get puffy eyes in the morning, and my fair skin shows dark circles very clearly. I decided to try Brandless' Depuffing Eye Gel, because, hey, it's $8! And I'm impressed with the results. It has a watery, gel-like texture that's easy to pat into my under-eye skin, it absorbs quickly, and makes puffy dark circles disappear thanks to green tea and caffeine. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Farmacy Green Defense

Farmacy Green Defense SPF 30, available at Farmacy Beauty, $36

I mix this SPF moisturizer with my Burt's Bees BB Cream every day for light coverage that protects my fair skin from the sun's rays and reduces a bit of my natural redness. It uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sunscreen, but it isn't as thick as other mineral-based SPF moisturizers, so it goes on smoothly. The formula also has marigold extract to decrease inflammation. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

High Beauty Cannabis Seed Facial Moisturizer

High Beauty High Five Cannabis Seed Facial Moisturizer, available at Sephora and JCPenney, $40

I've always had a rosy-pink complexion, but it can veer into rosacea territory from time to time. I've tried lots of redness-reducing moisturizers over the years, but none of them have worked as well as High Beauty's High Five Cannabis Seed Facial Moisturizer. I can see the difference: After I wash my face, it inevitably gets red, but the second I rub this moisturizer into my skin, the redness starts to gradually disappear. It sounds like it's hyperbole, but it really isn't. I'm not one to spend a lot of money on anything — I'm more of a $6 moisturizer person — but this, I will pay $40 for. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks senior editor

Perricone MD Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer

Perricone MD High Potency Classics: Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer, available at Sephora, Ulta, and Macy's, $69

Perricone MD recently reformulated some of its best sellers into more intense versions of the originals that have higher concentrations of key ingredients. In this case, the key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps draw moisture from the air into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. Honestly, I've never met a moisturizer that my dry skin loves more, and that's saying something for the 300+ that I've tried over my life as a product reviewer.

Also, it's not skin-care per se, but the brand's new blendable, $35 liquid blush has been a game-changer for my makeup routine, and I can't sing its praises highly enough. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, available at Sephora, $95

Everyone at Insider Picks knows I'm a huge fan of the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads, but this is basically those pads on steroids. You gently wipe the serums around your face in two layers using a cotton pad, and let it work its magic overnight. All I know is that the blends of various acids in the first step (which I'm not science-savvy enough to truly understand) help to lift off dead skin cells, and the gentle extracts in the second step calm my skin down and keep it hydrated. The result is a seriously smooth, fresh face in the morning. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, available at Tatcha and Sephora, $88

Usually I find that vitamin c serums dry out my skin, but this one from Tatcha makes me glow like a dang unicorn. It's so hydrating, in fact, that I sometimes forget to even add another layer of moisturizer over it, and the bottle has lasted me a really long time. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Malove Refresher Triple AHA Cleanser

Maelove Refresher Triple AHA Cleanser, available at Maelove, $18.95— currently unavailable (expected to return in late July)

This is one of the gentlest face cleaners I've tried yet — it's actually specifically formulated for sensitive skin and can be used multiple times per day without irritation — but it still provides a thorough clean that leaves my skin feeling recharged and refreshed. It's infused with peppermint and spearmint oils, so it leaves a minty finish and cools your skin! Unfortunately, it's so popular that it's currently out of stock (a common theme for all Maelove products), but you can signed up to be notified when it's available to buy again. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense

Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF30, available at Dermstore and Sephora, $28

Facial sunscreens are hit or miss for me. Dermologica's newest formulation is one of the hits: It's a super-lightweight formula that's made for skin prone to breakouts (yes, please) and easy to layer makeup on top of it (also, yes). It's also made without oxybenzone and avobenzone, two ingredients the Insider Picks team is keeping an eye on after recent sunscreen news that they may be harmful to the oceans and our bodies. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream, available at Nordstrom and Sephora, $48

My skin is naturally very dry, so I've been applying Fresh's new night cream in the morning and at night for a little extra hydration boost. It works great under makeup, helping to impart a dewy look that I generally have trouble achieving due to my skin's aforementioned dryness. It's essentially an amped-up version of my other favorite Fresh moisturizer for $2 more. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks director of content strategy

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel, available at Beautycounter, $63

I'm all for slowing down and spending a few minutes every night on a skin-care routine — it's a nice bedtime ritual. But, sometimes I just want to skip all the steps and fall asleep. On a night when I'm tired and running low on time or energy, usually just a moisturizer and eye cream will suffice, but if my skin is looking particularly dull I'll throw in this peel from Beautycounter. As the name suggests, it works to clear dead skin cells and add moisturize skin overnight— so you can wake up feeling fresh-faced. It takes half the effort of a typical face mask or peel, but yields the same results while you sleep — that's multitasking at its finest. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

Moon Juice Plumping Jelly Serum

Moon Juice Beauty Shroom Plumping Jelly Serum, available at Moon Juice and Sephora, $58

I've already written about how happy I am that this product made its way into my beauty routine in 2019, so I'll keep singing its praises. Whether it's cold weather, dehydration, or lack of sleep, our delicate skin is easily affected by our habits and environments. While your best bet is remedying those first, that's not always possible. The next-best thing is to find an ultra-hydrating product that'll plump up skin to make it look moisturized, supple, and all of those good things we want our skin to look like. For me, that's Moon Juice Beauty Shroom, a lightweight but seriously hydrating jelly serum. — Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks reporter

Fleur and Bee Collection

Fleur & Bee skin-care products, available at Amazon and Fleur & Bee, $18 - $30

Fleur & Bee is a new skin-care line that launched earlier this year that I got to test for work. I really like the fact that all of the products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, so I know exactly what I'm putting on my face. The products include a toner ($18), vitamin C serum ($17.99), eye cream ($30), and face cream ($30), all of which work together to keep your face oil-free and hydrated. — Francesca Rea, Insider Picks content producer

Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap

Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap, available at Amazon, Ulta, and Nordstrom, $14

I needed a cleansing soap that was effective yet gentle when adult acne hit me hard. I was already a big fan of the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, so I figured I'd try another product from there. I like that it not only cleanses but it also gently exfoliates my skin. It does smell a little bit like the beach at low tide, but that's just because the seaweed extract is hard at work. — Francesca Rea, Insider Picks content producer

Dior Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Eye Treatment

Dior Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Eye Treatment, available at Nordstrom and Sephora, $75

The Dior Capture Youth line is one of my favorite skin-care lines I've tried yet. It's not cheap, but the eye treatment does an awesome job at minimizing puffiness on the spot and smoothing my skin throughout the day. I use it in the morning under makeup and find that it creates a moisturized base for my foundation. — Megan Foster, Insider Picks intern

Nuria Defend Triple Action Eye Cream

Nuria Defend Triple Action Eye Cream, available at Nuria, $40

The Triple Action Eye Cream from Nuria Beauty is my favorite product from the brand's Defend line, which helps your skin recover from internal aggressors and external ones like pollution. When I use it before going to bed I notice that my eyes aren't nearly as puffy in the morning. The neatest part about the eye cream is that the applicator is actually built into the tube so that you won't apply the product with too much pressure or get oils from your hands on your face. — Megan Foster, Insider Picks intern

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19 beach reads you'll want to read this summer — according to editors at Amazon, Goodreads, and Book of the Month

July 19, 2019, 6:36 am

≫ Next: The best rice cookers you can buy

≪ Previous: The 20 best skin-care products we've tried so far in 2019

What makes a good beach read? We think it's an easy-to-read book that keeps you excitedly flipping through the pages, whether it's a memoir, thriller, rom-com, or whatever genre you like best.
There are a lot of great beach reads out there, but to get some fresh inspiration we reached out to the experts — editors at some of our favorite online bookstores and book review sites.
Below, you'll find 19 great beach reads recommended by editors from Goodreads, Book of the Month, and the Amazon Book Review.

With plenty of sunny afternoons, warm nights, and beach weekends to enjoy this Summer 2019, it's time to get some beach reads on your bookshelf.

You know the type — fast-paced page-turners that you never want to put down. A beach read is the perfect accessory for your next weekend spent by the shore or a lazy summer morning spent on the front porch. Some of our favorite places to get inspiration for great books are Book of the Month, the Amazon Book Review, and Goodreads. So, we decided to reach out to the editors of these sites for their recommendations. From memoirs that'll make you laugh out loud to creepy thrillers that'll keep you on your toes, this list has all the inspiration you need to find that perfect page-turner.

Keep reading for 19 beach reads you won't want to put down this summer.

"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Buy it here >>

What happened to iconic (fictional) rock band Daisy Jones & the Six— darlings of the '70s music scene? The reason behind their mysterious breakup is revealed in the latest page-turner by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review

Read the review at Amazon Book Review here >>

"Jaws" by Peter Benchley

Buy it here >>

Tourist season in the seaside town of Amity is rudely interrupted by the arrival of a deadly great white shark in this classic tale of suspense. It's the perfect read for daring beachgoers willing to let their imaginations go wild.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

Read reviews on Goodreads here >>

"Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty

Buy it here >>

Schoolyard scandal escalates to murder in a beachside suburb outside Sydney, Australia. While mystery propels the book, the humor and family-focused plot make this a great fit for readers looking for heartfelt drama in a sunny setting.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"The Bride Test" by Helen Hoang

Buy it here >>

At Book of the Month we've been obsessed with Helen Hoang since she debuted with "The Kiss Quotient" last year, and with "The Bride Test" she once again proves she's a rom-com genius. This is a sweet, feel-good, read-in-one-beach-day romance for the sunbather who just wants to be happy.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Buy it here >>

Ride the currents of history as the eminent historian questions where we have been and where we are going as a species. This is an engaging exploration of the past for the vacationer in search of both relaxation and knowledge.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"Crazy Rich Asians" by Kevin Kwan

Buy it here >>

In the opulent island city-state of Singapore, wealthy Nicholas Young brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season. For readers looking for a lavish escape, this is the ticket to the Asian JetSet.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides

Buy it here >>

I like to read really creepy books in really sunny places where I don't have to worry about a serial killer jumping out of the shadows. For this reason I'd recommend adding this thriller about a therapist and his mysterious patient to your beach bag. It's suspenseful, it's authentic, and the twist is truly shocking.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

"The Girl He Used To Know" by Tracy Garvis Graves

Buy it here >>

Annika and Jonathan are each other's person (in "Grey's Anatomy" parlance). So when the quirky librarian and handsome financier reunite in the frozen foods section of a grocery after a ten year separation, you wonder how their relationship could have gone off the rails. In this unique rom-com read, they try to find their way back to each other again.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review

"And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Buy it here >>

In this twisty mystery from the Queen of Crime, an eccentric millionaire summons a group of strangers to his private island. And then they begin dying, one by one. Recommended for beachgoers who like a little paranoia with their paradise.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

Buy it here >>

Sally Rooney's books are like the chocolate-covered espresso beans of literary fiction—stimulating, addictive, easy to consume, with a sweet outer coating and a biting interior. "Normal People" is a skilled portrait of an on-again, off-again relationship perfect for those seeking a more serious beach read.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

Read the review at Amazon Book Review here >>

"The River" by Peter Heller

Buy it here >>

In Peter Heller's nail-biting new novel, a forest fire near the Maskwa River in northern Canada turns a dream getaway for two college friends into a nightmare, but the fire is only one of the perils they need to navigate.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review

"Dune" by Frank Herbert

Buy it here >>

On the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides struggles to avenge his noble family in this sci-fi classic that blends political intrigue, environmentalism, and adventure. This is a fantastical escape for readers already lounging on sandy dunes.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

Buy it here >>

Missing or murdered? When "cool girl" perfectionist Amy disappears, all eyes turn to her husband, the town's golden boy, in this riveting psychological thriller. It's the beach read you can't put down, a devilish descent into darkness.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion

Buy it here >>

No list of beach reads is complete without a romance, and this feel-good novel is a unique take on the genre. Professor Don begins The Wife Project, an evidence-based quest for "the one" that falls apart as soon as he meets Rosie.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"The Flight Portfolio" by Julie Orringer

Buy it here >>

When you think "beach read" do you think "500+ page World War II saga that will both warm and break your heart"? Same. This is a superb novel about an American journalist who saved Jewish artists from occupied France, and it will keep you busy for many sun-filled days.

Source: Brianna Goodman, Editorial & Content Manager at Book of the Month

"The Guest Book" by Sarah Blake

Buy it here >>

The Milton family myth is shattered when its prejudices are exposed in "The Guest Book"—a lyrical, morally complex family saga by Sarah Blake.

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review

"Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

Buy it here >>

Captain Ahab swears vengeance against the whale that crippled him in this seminal work of American literature. What better time than vacation to tackle the classics? This rousing tale delivers epic adventure on the high seas.

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"Bossypants" by Tina Fey

Buy it here >>

With infectious wit and charm, Tina Fey tells her life story, from daydreamer to head writer on "Saturday Night Live". The memoir is a joyous ode to taking charge, even at the beach. (Those excursions aren't going to plan themselves!)

Source: Hayley Igarashi, Editor at Goodreads

"Furious Hours" by Casey Cep

Buy it here >>

Assisting with the research for Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" inspired Harper Lee to embark on her own true crime masterpiece. Casey Cep finishes what she started in "Furious Hours", which recounts the unusual case that so captivated the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Source: Erin Kodicek, Editor at Amazon Book Review

Read the review at Amazon Book Review here >>

↧

The best rice cookers you can buy

July 19, 2019, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Here's how much you should tip in every situation

≪ Previous: 19 beach reads you'll want to read this summer — according to editors at Amazon, Goodreads, and Book of the Month

A high-quality rice cooker is simple to use, does an excellent job of producing several styles of delicious rice, and cleans up effortlessly when you're done.
The Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is our top pick because it doesn't take up too much counter space and uses fuzzy logic to create outstanding rice.

As a regular maker of sushi, I can tell you that cooking rice perfectly is an art. You must pick your rice carefully, rinse it several times, and ensure there is an airtight seal as it simmers. World-class sushi restaurants use a pot on a stove to craft their rice. Of course, most of us are not world-class sushi chefs. We want an easy way to create well-textured rice as a side dish. This is where rice cookers reign supreme.

If you eat rice regularly, a rice cooker is an effortless way to get your daily dose of starchy goodness. With most devices, you just measure out the rice, pour in water to the appropriate line, press a couple of buttons, and wait for the machine to let you know your rice is ready. Basically, set it and forget it. Even if you are a seasoned pro when it comes to cooking rice on the stove, a rice cooker is indispensable when you want to free up burners or if you simply don't have a range available.

It's also worth noting that the measuring cups that come with rice cookers typically are smaller than a standard eight-ounce cup. Instead, they are about six ounces in volume. This is important to keep in mind when measuring out rice as you put it in your cooker. If you use a standard cup, you are likely to end up with tough, undercooked rice.

While researching the best rice cookers, we looked at hundreds of ratings and reviews of countless cookers from both buyers and experts. The rice cookers included in our guide are durable, have several intuitive functions, and can be used for a wide variety of rice.

Here are the best rice cookers for 2019:

Best overall: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
Best multipurpose rice cooker: Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker
Best rice cooker for GABA rice: Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker
Best rice cooker on a budget: Oster 6-Cup Cooked Rice Cooker
Best rice cooker for people in a hurry: Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker

Updated on 07/19/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Read on to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best Crock-Pots you can buy

The best rice cooker overall

If you are looking for a cooker that produces delicious results no matter what type of rice you put in, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker is the best.

What sets the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cookerapart is its use of "fuzzy logic." Basically, a microcomputer adjusts the cooking time and temperature to adapt to the rice, whether it's brown, sweet, white, or porridge. At the bottom of the inner body of the cooker, there is a thermal sensor that keeps tabs on the rice and reports back to the microcomputer, which makes the appropriate adjustments.

The nonstick internal cooking pan features handy lines indicating how much water to add for each type of rice. Both the cooking pan and inner lid can be removed for easy cleaning, though they are not dishwasher-safe.

Other features include a large LCD screen, programmable delay timer for having your rice ready when you get home from work, handle and retractable cord for easy transport, reheating cycle, and an extended keep warm mode. There are two sizes: 5.5-cup and 10-cup. Both come with a one-year warranty.

Wired recommended the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy to "rice geeks" who are particular about tenderness and texture. The reviewer was impressed with how the device handled basmati, medium-grain white, and long-grain jasmine. However, they were put off by the long wait times.

A Tasty Mess was emphatic in its recommendation of this rice cooker. The blog mentioned that the cup is closer to six ounces, rather than the standard eight ounces. But, the brown rice the reviewer made turned out to her liking — not underdone or overdone and with the right chewiness.

Guides Editor Les Shu grew up in a household where rice was served nearly every night. His family has relied on Zojirushi cookers because they consistently make perfect rice and rice porridge. The 5.5-cup model is actually the model his parents now use after downsizing from a larger cooker.

Nearly 1,600 buyers on Amazon left a positive review of the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. One owner, who has been eating rice on a daily basis for 35 years, found that this cooker makes rice comparable to how his mother's. Plus, the "keep warm" function helps the rice maintain its freshness for up to three days.

Another buyer shared a story of using the cooker on a daily basis for about nine years. After five years of use, the battery died, but they were able to replace it on their own and get it going again. The only consistent complaint is that it cooks too slowly.

Pros: Adjusts to the type of rice, uses "fuzzy logic," produces tender rice, small footprint

Cons: Somewhat slower than other options

The best rice cooker on a budget

The Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker is affordable, doesn't take up much space, and has a detached glass lid that is easy to clean.

The Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker is the only option with a tempered glass lid. The compact size allows for faster cooking, and the lid lets you monitor the progress of your rice. The "6-cup" size mentioned in the name of this appliance does not refer to a standard US cup but rather the slightly smaller cup that comes with most rice cookers.

There is only one button so the Oster rice cooker is easy to use. Yet, there is no timer or alarm that lets you know when the rice will be ready. Instead, you might be able to hear the audible click that occurs when the device switches from Cook to Keep Warm mode. Both the inner pot and lid are removable for hand washing. Oster backs this product with a one-year limited warranty.

Expert testers have found the Oster cleans up effortlessly and the rice quality to be terrific, particularly white rice and sushi rice. Brown rice, however, can be somewhat dry.

Around 75% of the buyers who reviewed the Oster 6-Cup Rice Cooker on Amazon gave it a positive rating. One buyer liked the glass lid because it is separate from the body, which makes it easier to clean. He also liked being able to watch his rice cook. And, he was able to cook rice with the cooker only partially covered, which is useful for making sticky rice.

Other buyers mentioned that this cooker doesn't take up much space and is ideal for one- or two-person households.

Pros: Inexpensive, glass lid, great for white, sushi, and sticky rice

Cons: No timer, actually only produces about four standard cups of cooked rice

The best multipurpose rice cooker

The Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker is an affordable appliance for cooking 20 cups of rice as well as steaming vegetables and slow cooking.

The Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cookeris unique in that it can steam vegetables and meat while rice cooks. There are easy-to-program controls for slow cooking, flash rice (speeds up the cooking time for grains that usually take longer), steaming, brown rice, and white rice.

It also has a keep warm functions and a 15-hour delay timer, which is useful for when you want your rice and vegetables to be ready when you get home from work.

The Aroma rice cooker yields 20 cups of cooked rice and comes with a serving spatula, rice measuring cup, and steam tray. The inner cooking pot features measurement lines that make it easy to determine how much water to add. And, the pot is removable for cleaning.

Rice Cooker Advice recommends the Aroma rice cooker because it does an excellent job steaming vegetables and producing "Goldilocks" rice. However, the reviewer did find that keeping the non-removable lid clean was a challenge and suggested wiping it down after each use.

Nearly 3,000 buyers on Amazon have left 5-star reviews of the Aroma Housewares Digital Rice Cooker. One owner found the instructions easy to follow, rice came out delicious every time, the cooker doesn't take up much space, and it's easy to clean.

Pros: Large capacity, several uses, including steaming vegetables

Cons: The attached lid can be difficult to clean

The best rice cooker for GABA rice

If you are looking for an affordable fuzzy logic cooker that can help you enjoy the health benefits of GABA rice, the Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker is an excellent solution.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) rice is becoming increasingly popular as we learn more about its many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and improving brain function. Enter the Cuckoo Electric Heating Rice Cooker (funny name aside, it's a well-known brand in South Korea), which has six cooking settings, including a GABA function, turbo cook, keep warm, and timer.

The Cuckoo rice cooker produces up to 12 cups of cooked rice. The inner pot has a non-stick surface and is removable for easy cleaning, though it's not dishwasher safe. The company offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

The Electric Heating Rice Cooker is the top-rated Cuckoo appliance on Warm Chef. The reviewer recommended it to people looking for a cute, unique design. The reviewer also noted that it didn't consume much energy to product fluffy rice. Rice Cooker Advice also recommended the Cuckoo rice cooker because it was able to keep rice warm for 24-plus hours without turning it yellow or drying it out.

About 88% of the people who reviewed the Cuckoo rice cooker on Amazon gave it a 4- or 5-star rating. One reviewer found that the rice cooker produced better results and was more durable than our overall pick. The buyer also noted that it kept rice warm for 72 hours before it started to yellow.

Other reviewers agree that the resulting rice is top quality. One buyer recommended rinsing the rice and letting it soak for about half-an-hour before cooking it on turbo mode.

Pros: Uses fuzzy logic, keeps rice warm without drying out for 24-plus hours, has GABA rice cooking function

Cons: Only available in pink

The best rice cooker for people in a hurry

If you are looking for an affordable, multi-use rice cooker that can produce delicious rice quickly, look no further than the Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker.

The Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker is special because it can be used to make steamed vegetables, oatmeal and other hot cereals, quinoa, and, of course, rice. It's also useful for preparing one-pot meals: you can steam seafood or poultry while you cook rice.

There are also pre-programmed settings for delayed starts (up to 11 hours) and warming. The appliance comes with a one-year limited warranty. Also, the comprehensive 20-page user's manual includes a couple recipes.

The Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker is the top budget rice cooker recommended byWirecutter. The reviewer appreciated the functionality as well as the delicious medium-grain and short-grain white rice that it produced. And, of the rice cookers the writer tested, this Hamilton Beach unit was the third-fastest.

House of Fauci's blog recommended the Hamilton Beach rice cooker because of the large capacity and easy cleanup. However, the reviewer noted that there is a little bit of a learning curve and that reading the user manual is a must.

Approximately 63% of the buyers who reviewed the Hamilton Beach Rice & Hot Cereal Cooker gave it a 5-star rating. One buyer liked that this unit catered to his laziness. He used it for a variety of one-pot meals and enjoyed that the delayed start made it so his meal was ready when he got home from work.

One buyer shared a story of oatmeal leaking out of the top and making a mess. This was due to the rubber gasket around the top coming loose. After this happened again, the buyer contacted Hamilton Beach, which replaced the unit.

Pros: Cooks rice quickly, sleek design, many functions

Cons: May need to read the user's manual before operating

↧

Here's how much you should tip in every situation

July 19, 2019, 7:07 am

≫ Next: American vs. Delta vs. United — we compared the 3 most popular airline credit cards and named a winner

≪ Previous: The best rice cookers you can buy

Tim Urban, from the website Wait But Why, created a chart that explains tipping norms across an array of industries.
The 2014 chart's data is based on interviews, personal accounts, and research from a tipping expert.
The average tipper tips about 15% to 20%, regardless of the service or the industry.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Every service industry has its own tipping norm, which often causes customers to question how much to tip and when.

Tim Urban, from Wait But Why, a self-described "procrastination website," took it upon himself to shed light on tipping norms by asking over 100 service workers in New York City about their experiences.

The people he consulted included waiters, bartenders, barbers, doormen, valets, and more from different neighborhoods and different businesses. He then compared their feedback with accounts from his site's readers and industry research, particularly that of tipping expert Wm. Michael Lynn.

The findings are summarized in Wait But Why's comprehensive tipping chart below:

chart tipping statistics

You'll notice that average tippers across most industries give about 15% to 20%, and that it's always a good idea to tip more in extenuating circumstances — like if your food delivery person had to brave bad weather or if you've ordered an elaborate cocktail that takes your bartender three times as long as it would to pour a beer.

While most of us may try and tip 20% of our meal so as not to seem cheap, keep in mind that you should never tip under 15% in a restaurant or bar. If your service was terrible, take it up with the manager. Most servers rely heavily on tips as a major part of their salaries, so neglecting to tip means they may be working nearly for free. In many places, tips are shared among the staff, so stiffing a service person on a tip may do more than punish just that individual.

And if you aren't tipping, it's nicer to leave the line on your bill for the tip blank and fill in the total below. Putting a zero in the empty space apparently comes across as pointed and mean.

Business Insider is looking for your personal finance stories. Are you paying off student debt, using a handy spreadsheet to manage your savings, or budgeting for a big splurge or early retirement? Share your stories, spreadsheets and tips with us here: lbrandt@businessinsider.com.

NOW WATCH: 8 Tips For Google Search That Will Streamline Nearly Everything You Do

↧

American vs. Delta vs. United — we compared the 3 most popular airline credit cards and named a winner

July 19, 2019, 7:19 am

≫ Next: The risk of traveling to every country in South America, according to the US State Department

≪ Previous: Here's how much you should tip in every situation

Airport credit card

If you fly even just a couple times a year, it's worth having an airline credit card.
The perks and benefits that come with these cards, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge passes, that make flying easier and more enjoyable — and can save you money.
We compared some of the most popular mainstream credit cards from the three big US airlines — American, United, and Delta.
Read on to see what we found and which one is best for you.

One of the best ways to earn a bunch of frequent flyer miles quickly is to open an airline credit card and earn the new card member bonus.

While a card that earns transferable points — like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — typically has more valuable and flexible rewards than fixed program cards, airline cards win in two respects.

If you generally fly with one preferred airline and earn frequent flyer miles on that program when you travel, it can make sense to earn the same kind of miles from your credit card. Between the mileage earned from both, your miles will add up quicker.

Also, airline credit cards come with various perks specific to that airline that can save you a ton of time and money. Things like complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and even day passes to airport lounges will have you feeling like you're flying first class even when you're in basic economy.

Each of the three major US airlines (American, Delta, and United) offer a few different credit cards, but among the most popular are the "mainstream" cards. These products have annual fees between $95 and $99 — often waived the first year — and feature benefits that appeal to everyone from casual fliers to road warriors.

While they all have similar features and benefits and all offer a great value to cardholders, we've compared them and found that one stands out above the rest. Read on to see which one it is.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on earning rewards and perks, not things like interest rates and late fees, which can far outweigh the value of any rewards or benefits.

When you're working to earn credit card rewards or take advantage of travel benefits, it's important to practice financial discipline, like paying your balances off in full each month, making payments on time, and not spending more than you can afford to pay back — or spending more than you would otherwise. Basically, treat your credit card like a debit card.

Click here to learn more about the United Explorer Card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Gold Delta SkyMiles card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

DON'T MISS: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and perks of 2019

First up is American Airlines: the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.

Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 American Airlines miles after you spend $2,500 in the first three months.

Annual fee: $99; waived for the first 12 months

Earning miles: 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, at gas stations, and restaurants, 1 mile per dollar on everything else

Top benefits: Free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding, 25% off in-flight food and beverages, no foreign transaction fees

50,000 miles (or at least 52,500, when you factor in the miles you'll earn for completing the minimum spending requirement) can get you far on American Airlines — as long as you can find "SAAver" availability. Based on American Airlines' award chart, it's nearly enough miles for a round-trip flight to Europe or South America during peak season, a one-way ticket to Europe in business class, or at least two domestic round-trips (or more, depending on the distance).

The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, and Citi also recently added a few new bonus categories — new card members will earn 2x miles on restaurants and at gas stations, too. You'll earn 1 mile per dollar on everything else.

The card comes with a suite of useful benefits for American Airlines flyers.

You and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation each get a free checked bag on domestic flights (since American Airlines is a full-service carrier, most international flights include the first checked bag for free). Because the first checked bag is usually $25 each way, this benefit can save you $50 on a round-trip itinerary.

In addition, you and everyone on your reservation get preferred boarding — joining an earlier boarding zone. That gives you more time to settle in — and earlier access to the overhead bins, so that you can make sure you'll have room to store your bag.

A small, but useful new perk: When you spend $20,000 or more on the card in a card membership year, you'll get a $125 discount on your next American Airlines flight (that's in addition to the miles you'll earn on those purchases).

The card also offers a 25% discount on in-flight purchases, such as food and drinks, and access to discounted mileage award flights.

Next is the United Explorer Card.

Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 United miles after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. (While the card has occasionally offered higher targeted bonuses, those don't always waive the $95 annual fee for the first year — this current public offer does.)

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $95

Earning miles: 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases and at restaurants and on hotel stays, 1 mile per dollar on everything else

Top benefits: Free checked bag, priority boarding, two complimentary United Club lounge passes each year, up to a $100 application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, access to additional award space, no foreign transaction fees

The United Explorer Card from Chase is a solid option for United flyers. Like the other airlines' sub-$100 cards, the United card offers a free checked bag for the cardholder. Up to two traveling companions booking at the same time can also get a free checked bag each. This is especially useful since United raised the price of a checked bag to $30.

Unlike the other airlines' cards, though, you'll have to actually buy the tickets with the United card in order to get the free checked bags — simply having the card open and tied to your account isn't enough.

For those who don't have luggage to check, the card offers priority boarding for everyone on your reservation — you'll get this benefit even if you pay for the tickets with another card. By boarding earlier, you can make sure to snag overhead space for your carry-on.

One excellent perk with the United card is that you'll get two complimentary passes to United Club lounges each year. If you get to the airport early or end up dealing with a delay, you can head to the lounge and enjoy free snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and more comfortable seating than what you'd find in the terminal.

When you spend $25,000 in a calendar year, you'll also get a PQD waiver — PQDs, or "Premier Qualifying Dollars," count toward earning elite status with the airline. When that requirement is waived, you'll earn status just based on how much you've flown, rather than a combination of how much you've flown and how much you've spent that year.

The card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all United purchases, and it also earns 2x miles on all dining and hotel spending. It will continue earning 1x mile on everything else. There are no foreign transaction fees.

Other features include a fee credit to cover the cost of enrolling in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, and a 25% discount on all in-flight United purchases.

One unique — but unpublished — perk of the card is that having it helps you access additional United award space. That means that you'll have an easier time finding the flights you want when it's time to actually use your miles.

Click here to learn more about the United Explorer card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Finally, there's the Gold Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express.

Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 Delta miles after you make $1,000 in Delta purchases in the first three months. Plus, get a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with the Gold Delta Amex in the first three months.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

Earning miles: 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else

Top benefits: Free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding, 20% off in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees

In addition to the welcome offer, the Gold Delta Amex card comes with a handful of incredibly useful — and valuable — perks.

If you have the card open, you get a free checked bag on Delta flights, as does each other person on your reservation. Delta normally charges $30 for the first checked bag on each flight — so $60 for a round-trip — meaning that for a family of four, the free checked bag benefit could save $240.

The card also offers priority boarding to everyone on the cardholder's reservation. If you aren't checking a bag, that can come in useful — by boarding a little earlier, you'll get better access to the overhead compartments and won't have to worry about space running out.

For those who travel periodically, but not often enough to justify investing in a lounge membership (or getting access to Delta Sky Club lounges through the Amex Platinum Card), the Gold Delta SkyMiles card also offers discounted day passes to Delta's lounges: $29 per person. That can be a useful backup to have in case you ever find yourself with a long layover or a delay.

Other benefits include a 20% discount on in-flight purchases (in the form of a statement credit), such as food or drinks, and no foreign transaction fees.

While the Gold Delta card is a great option, you may also want to consider the Platinum version (the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express). Although it has a higher annual fee —$195, not waived the first year — it offers a companion pass each year on your cardmember anniversary. You can learn more about the companion pass benefit and the Platinum SkyMiles card here.

Click here to learn more about the Gold Delta SkyMiles card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

How do the cards stack up?

Each card has strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at each:

American Airlines: the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select

Pros:

2x points on dining and gas — not just on airline purchases
Offers a solid sign-up bonus
Free first checked bag for you and up to four traveling companions, regardless of whether or not you use the card to buy your tickets
Priority boarding
$100 discount on an American Airlines flight if you spend $20,000 in a year
Discount on in-flight purchases

Cons:

No lounge passes or discounts
No spending bonus that counts toward elite status

United Airlines: the Explorer Card from Chase

Pros:

2x miles on dining and hotels, as well as on United purchases
Two complimentary United Club lounge passes each year
Priority boarding for you and your travel companions
Discount on in-flight purchases, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Access to additional saver-level award seats

Cons:

To get the first checked bag free, you'll have to use the card to buy your tickets
The free checked bag is only extended to up to two traveling companions — that's not helpful if you're traveling with a family of four

Delta: the Gold Delta SkyMiles card from American Express

Pros:

Free first checked bag for you and any traveling companions, regardless of whether or not you use the card to buy your tickets
Priority boarding
Discounted day passes for Delta Sky Club lounges
Discounts on in-flight purchases

Cons:

No bonus earning categories (besides Delta purchases)
No extras (like a discount on flights, extra points, or help toward elite status) if you spend a lot on the card in a year

So, which is best?

The best card is the one for whichever airline you find the most useful. Although there are some differences between them, each of these cards comes with a version of free checked bags and priority boarding, which are the most valuable reasons to have the cards. Plus, they help you earn more miles — and quickly.

However, if you're ambivalent about your choice of airline, the Citi/AAdvantage card for American Airlines is probably the most appealing card right now.

Between the new benefits, including 2x miles on several categories, and a solid sign-up bonus, this card represents a great value. However, keep in mind that it's always possible that the sign-up bonus increases at some point in the future, although there's no guarantee.

As benefits continue to be added and removed — and, crucially, as sign-up bonuses and welcome offers fluctuate — this evaluation could always change. One way or another, an airline card is a must-have and represents significant value for anyone who flies even just a few times a year.

Click here to learn more about the United Explorer card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

Click here to learn more about the Gold Delta SkyMiles card from Insider Picks' partner: The Points Guy.

This content is not provided by the card issuers. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the authors' alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any issuer.

↧

The risk of traveling to every country in South America, according to the US State Department

July 19, 2019, 8:14 am

≫ Next: This $200 backpack is my go-to for days when I'm headed from the office to the gym or out to dinner — it holds way more than I thought possible and still manages to look nice

≪ Previous: American vs. Delta vs. United — we compared the 3 most popular airline credit cards and named a winner

Brazil

Before booking your next South American vacation, it's worth checking which countries are the most dangerous and why.
The US State Department ranks countries as levels 1 through 4, from least dangerous to most dangerous.
While Venezuela is the most risky level 4, the rest of the countries in South America are levels 1 or 2. Peru's travel advisory was just upgraded due to crime and the Pan American Games.
Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

South America may be a perfect destination for your next holiday. But it's worth checking the US State Department advisories for each country to learn more about any risks before you get there.

The State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to offer Americans advice, set boundaries, and describe the risks of each country:

Level 1 - Exercise normal precautions

Level 2 - Exercise increased caution

Level 3 - Reconsider travel

Level 4 - Do not travel

Only one country, Venezuela, is classified as a Level 4, because of the ongoing conflict there. The other countries on the continent are all Level 1 or 2.

Here are the travel advisories for every country in South America, ranked from least to most risky based on the State Department's designation levels.

French Guiana - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the French territory.

Uruguay - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts for the country, where every house has its own name.

Chile - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for this country, which has 60 active volcanoes.

Suriname - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The US State Department doesn't have any alerts for South America's smallest country.

Paraguay - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

The US State Department warns some areas have increased risk, including Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyu, San Pedro, and Concepcion. The agency points out that along Paraguay's northeastern border, the illicit trafficking of arms and narcotics is going on with limited police presence.

Argentina - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Overall, the country is classified as the safest travel advisory. But the US State Department warns American travelers that street crime is a problem in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza. Keep an eye out for muggers and pickpockets working the streets, restaurants, and bus and train stations.

Travelers are also warned about violent robberies on side streets after dark in neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. If heading out of the city alone, be wary — sexual assaults have reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile, according to the State Department.

Bolivia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Bolivia is also classified as the lowest travel advisory. But the US State Department warns protests, strikes, and roadblocks are common. Outside Bolivia's large cities, emergency medical care may be inadequate. The government recommends being prepared when traveling to remote areas and inquiring about contingency plans for medical treatment.

In La Paz, "express kidnappings" are common, where tourists are forced to withdraw money from ATMS and then robbed.

The government also recommends being vigilant for imposters. Organized criminal groups may pose as police or as criminal victims to rob unsuspecting victims.

Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

In July 2019, Peru's travel advisory was upgraded due to crime and the Pan American Games.

The US State Department warns travelers not to go to the Colombian-Peruvian border in the Loreto Region, because of crime, in particular drug trafficking, or to the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro, because the area still has active terrorist groups. Both of these areas are rated a Level 4.

Travelers should be vigilant during the Pan American Games, from July 26 to August 11. They're a prime opportunity for thieves and criminals to target tourists, the advisory says. Avoid carrying largest amounts of money or valuables, and secure wallets and phones. The agency also recommends organizing taxis through apps, major hotels, or over the phone.

The State Department recommends Americans don't drive at night outside of cities.

Ecuador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The US State Department warns increased caution should be taken with increasing crime.

Parts of the country are at a Level 4 advisory, with the agency recommending not traveling to Carchi, Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to violent crime. In Esmeralda, transnational groups have killed local citizens and carried out targeted bombings on Ecuadorian military and law enforcement.

Brazil - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The US State Department advises that American tourists exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime.

"Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread," the advisory reads.

It warns travelers against going anywhere within 150km of Brazil's land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay. It also warns travelers against visiting "favelas" (housing developments), catching buses in certain areas, or visiting Brazil's satellite cities of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa after sunset.

Guyana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The US State Department warns violent crime such as armed robbery and murder is common, and recommends increased caution.

If American travelers do visit, the agency recommends being aware of your surroundings, not displaying signs of wealth like expensive watches or jewelry, being extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and not resisting any robbery attempts.

Colombia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The US State Department warns travelers there is crime, terrorism, and kidnapping throughout Colombia. Terrorists operate in some areas, and violent crime is possible, the agency says.

Parts of the country are a Level 4 advisory, with the agency recommending Americans don't travel to Arauca, Cauca (except Popayan), Chocó (except Nuquí), Nariño, and Norte de Santander (except Cucuta), because of crime and terrorism.

The following areas are a Level 3 advisory, and the State Department recommends Americans reconsider traveling to them: Antioquia north of Medellin, Caquetá, Casanare, Cesar outside Valledupar, Córdoba outside Montería, Guainía, Guaviare, Meta, Putumayo, Valle del Cauca outside the Cali and Palmira area, Vaupes, and Vichada.

Venezuela - Level 4: Do Not Travel

The State Department warns of crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and the arbitrary arrest and detention of US citizens. The agency ordered government employees and their families to leave the country in January 2019.

There are also shortages of food, electricity, water, and medicine.

The agency warns against travelling between Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas at night and not to take unregulated taxis from Simón Bolívar International Airport.

↧

This $200 backpack is my go-to for days when I'm headed from the office to the gym or out to dinner — it holds way more than I thought possible and still manages to look nice

July 19, 2019, 8:16 am

≫ Next: The number of Americans who think women are as intelligent as men has grown by a whopping 146%

≪ Previous: The risk of traveling to every country in South America, according to the US State Department

My ideal backpack is stylish, comfortable, roomy, and well organized. The Tamitha Backpack ($248) from Aimee Kestenberg fits all these criteria.
The luxury bag has an eye-catching front zipper design and multiple interior organization compartments, slots, and zippered pockets for your day's necessities.
I carried it every day for my work and gym essentials, and I've also traveled abroad with it. It's a practical yet stylish bag option for virtually any situation.

Backpacks immediately make me think of a particular type of person, usually a fresh-faced student or outdoorsperson embarking on a hike. They really are useful, though. When you're on the go all the time and have to carry a lot of stuff, a backpack is simply the more practical and comfortable way to go.

Today, it's luckily not too difficult to find a stylish backpack made for adults, though I will say it's difficult to find one that also works for everything — work, gym, leisure, and travel. I hate switching bags constantly because it inevitably means I forget my keys in one, lip balm in another, and so on.

Thankfully, I think I've finally found a backpack that eliminates this need to carry multiple bags at once or play musical chairs wih my purses. Meet the Tamitha Backpack ($248) from Aimee Kestenberg.

This bag is comfortable, stylish, and thoughtfully designed to consider your daily needs and how you travel, attaining the holy trifecta of qualities that I wish all bag designers prioritized.

At first glance, the bag doesn't look too big or capable of handling a day's worth of activities. My first impression was that it was cute, but maybe better for short outings rather than a full 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. day or for traveling. As I got familiar with all its features and actually put it to use, however, I realized it was more high-performing than I initially thought — and it was still one of the cutest backpacks in my closet.

The bag has a front zipper that unzips to reveal a roomy main compartment and an interior organization panel that has various slots for pens, a pair of sunglasses, your phone, and a keychain ring. There's also a zip pocket and padded media pocket for your laptop. On the right back side of the backpack, there's another zippered compartment, plus a buttoned pocket across the entire back.

I've carried my laptop, gym clothes and shoes, large water bottle, and everyday essentials like my wallet and sunglasses in the backpack all at once. I remember the first time I packed this arrangement, I was surprised that it had that much give and space to fit everything. The slightly padded straps meant I could carry all of this without any pain or discomfort.

I also like using the backpack when I travel. My travel tech organizer slips into the main compartment perfectly, and I can keep valuables like my credit cards and passport in the compartments against my back. The zipper design might seem easy for pickpockets to unzip, but it includes a security snap that essentially locks up the backpack and would be difficult to undo without you noticing first.

I feel better knowing exactly where everything is, and the intuitive organization of the bag makes it easy to streamline tasks such as getting my MetroCard out to go through the train station turnstiles or fishing out the tech accessory I need at any particular moment.

The backpack is available in leather, washed lamb, and denim materials, in a variety of colors and prints. The brand's leather is soft, pliable, and substantially thick, making an accessory usually associated with school feel cool and luxurious.

I tried a black, weatherproof Nylon version with leather details, but there are also plenty of eye-catching styles to choose from — sophisticated neutrals, bright jewel tones, and everything in between.

On the spectrum of backpacks, the Tamitha Backpack is on the more expensive side but it's also more versatile, stylish, and well-designed than most I've tried. For a bag that you won't want to switch out of every week, give this luxury backpack a try.

Shop the Tamitha Backpack, $248, at Aimee Kestenberg

Shop all Aimee Kestenberg bags here

↧

The number of Americans who think women are as intelligent as men has grown by a whopping 146%

July 19, 2019, 8:34 am

≫ Next: How to connect Beats wireless headphones and Powerbeats earbuds to your iPhone

≪ Previous: This $200 backpack is my go-to for days when I'm headed from the office to the gym or out to dinner — it holds way more than I thought possible and still manages to look nice

women working

Americans now view women as equally intelligent— if not more so — than men, according to new research in the journal American Psychologist.
Over the past 70-plus years, the percentage of Americans who thought men and women were equally intelligent increased by 51 percentage points.
This reflects gains towards gender equality and should lead to less sex discrimination in employment, the study's lead researcher told Business Insider.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Women are now seen as just as smart — or smarter — than men.

A just-published study in the prestigious journal American Psychologist has revealed a positive shift in how Americans view the capabilities of men and women over the past 70-plus years, including their competence.

The research team, lead by Alice Eagly at Northwestern University, analyzed 16 public opinion polls of more than 30,000 US adults from 1946 to 2018. They focused on whether poll respondents thought the following three traits were more true or equally true of both genders: communion — qualities like compassion and sensitivity; agency — related to ambition and aggression; and competence — such as intelligence or creativity.

In that time period, the percentage of Americans who thought men and women were equally intelligent increased by 146% from 35% to 86% — that's 51 percentage points, the study found.

Among those who did find there to be a difference in intelligence between genders, the trends inverted: In 1946, more respondents thought men were more competent than women. In 2018, more respondents thought women were more competent than men. Respondents generally agreed with these views regardless of demographic differences, such as gender, race, age, and ethnicity, among other variables.

"The implications of this intelligence finding for women are certainly favorable and reflect large gains toward gender equality," Eagly told Business Insider. "Intelligence and competence in general are critical in job markets, so women's gains should reduce sex discrimination in employment."

Eagly expects this trend to continue climbing upwards in the future, with an even higher percentage of Americans regarding men and women as equally intelligent.

"However, if male political leaders, especially presidents and prime ministers, end up producing warfare and disasters in the next years, there could be a shift toward viewing men as less intelligent than women," she said.

DON'T MISS: What young women think it takes to get ahead at work isn't actually what moves the needle

NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where American accents came from

↧

How to connect Beats wireless headphones and Powerbeats earbuds to your iPhone

July 19, 2019, 8:36 am

≫ Next: The ultimate guide to nailing a sales pitch that closes the deal every time

≪ Previous: The number of Americans who think women are as intelligent as men has grown by a whopping 146%

Apple Beats 10

You can connect Beats wireless headphones to your iPhone in just a few simple steps.
Beats by Dre is owned by Apple, and if you're a student buying a Mac or iPad, you might be able to get Beats headphones for free.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

AirPods aren't the only earphones you can get from Apple.

If you buy Apple products with education pricing – like getting a Mac or iPad for college – you can even get a pair of Beats headphones for free.

Beats by Dre is an Apple subsidiary and it's easy to pair these Hi-Fidelity, wireless earphones with your iPhone and other Apple devices.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Apple)

Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones (From $349.99 at Best Buy)

Get free Beats when you buy an iPad or Mac for college

How to connect Beats wireless headphones to your iPhone

When you get new Beats earphones, it's easy to connect to your iPhone.

1. Turn on the power. On Beats– the over-the-ear headphones – the power button is on the cable under the right earphone. On Powerbeats – the earbuds – the power button is on the left earpiece.

2. The power light should flash on and off. This indicates it's in pairing mode. If it doesn't flash, it may have connected to another nearby device. You might need to turn Bluetooth off on other devices in order to connect to your iPhone.

3. If you don't get a flashing light at first, hold the power button for several seconds to go into pairing mode.

4. Open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone. Make sure Bluetooth is on.

5. Select your new Beats or Powerbeats earphones from the list of Other Devices.

powerbeats in Other Devices menu, waiting for connection

6. Your Beats wireless will be added to the My Devices list and it should say Connected.

Bluetooth screen beats connected

Once you have paired your Beats device with your iPhone, it will automatically connect in the future. Beats and Powerbeats connect, by default, with the last device they were paired with.

If you use your earphones with multiple devices, you may need to go into Settings again to connect to your iPhone.

How to troubleshoot if your Beats aren't connecting to an iPhone

If you have trouble connecting your Beats wireless device to your iPhone, here are some things to try.

Make sure your Beats or Powerbeats earphones are close to your iPhone and other Bluetooth devices are not. Other electronic devices, such as wireless routers and microwaves, can also get in the way of your Beats connection.
Go to the Settings > Bluetooth menu and make sure that your Beats are selected.
Tap the lowercase "i" icon next to your device in the Bluetooth menu. On the next screen, choose Forget This Device. Then pair your Beats with your iPhone again.

Powerbeats screen disconnect or forget device

Make sure that both your Beats and iPhone are charged and turned on, and that the volume is loud enough to hear.

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The ultimate guide to nailing a sales pitch that closes the deal every time

July 19, 2019, 8:42 am

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meeting, interview, office

Jay Dixit is the founder of Storytelling.NYC, where he teaches corporate workshops on how to use storytelling techniques to build relationships and drive sales.
Sales is an ethical pursuit, he writes — and a successful sales pitch is much less about showmanship and high-pressure tactics than it is about empathy and listening to what your customer actually needs.
Below are his tips for nailing a sales pitch, including selecting your prospects strategically, asking the right questions, and learning to anticipate and even welcome objections.
Validating what your customer is saying is crucial: One study found that waitresses who repeated customers' orders verbatim made 70% more tips than those who simply acknowledged or paraphrased them.
"People don't buy products, they buy better versions of themselves," he writes.
Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Although I run my own business, I spent years resisting anything to do with sales.

I'm a creative type, I told myself. I traffic in ideas and insights. Sales pitches felt icky and vulgar. I always felt like I was above having to worry about trying to hustle people for money.

Looking back, I had no idea what a sales pitch really was. The idea I had in my head came from "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Boiler Room," and that scene in "The Wolf of Wall Street" in which Leonardo DiCaprio sells a stock to an unsuspecting schmuck who's responded to a "Get Rich Quick" ad in the back of Hustler Magazine. In my mind, sales pitches were all about bluster, charm, and manipulation — playing on a customer's subconscious to convince them to do something that was not entirely in their best interests.

Once I started my company, I realized how wrong I'd been. All three of those movies were about scams — people swindling customers with cheap penny stocks and worthless swampland in Florida. Those men weren't salesmen — they were con artists who never cared about their customers' best interests. Since these guys weren't selling a legitimate product, manipulation and deception were the only tools they had.

I'm proud of the value I bring to my customers, so I now see that sales is an ethical pursuit. A successful sales pitch is much less about showmanship, high-pressure tactics, and psychological manipulation and more about perspective-taking and empathy — listening to what your customer actually needs so you can figure out how to help. As role models ranging from Steve Jobs to Harley Davidson have shown, sales is about truly hearing the people we're selling to, and helping them become greater versions of themselves. The same themes are borne out in the research, whether it's the tips servers make or the success of traditional telephone sales calls.

As I ultimately had to accept for my business to take off, being creative doesn't exempt you from the need to sell. Whether you're a founder or a solopreneur, a software engineer or a sculptor, chances are that part of your job is to get others to see your vision. With that in mind, here are some tips for nailing the sales pitch every time.

Select your prospects strategically

There's an idea out there that a good salesperson can sell anything to anybody. That's a myth. The best salespeople spend most of their time sorting through data to identify prospects who most stand to benefit from their product or service.

The flip side is accepting that some people aren't viable prospects. If someone doesn't need your product, don't waste your time trying to convince them they do. You're better off spending your resources prospecting for customers who actually need what you're selling.

"The best salesman I ever saw was a 16-year-old kid selling bottles of water in the desert after a concert," explains Wayne Elise, a conversation skills coach who runs a weekend seminar called Conversation Camp. "Because he was smart enough to sell the right thing, at the right time, to the right people."

presentation work meeting

Focus on trying to help

Part of my original aversion to sales was that I don't like to impose. What can I say — I'm Canadian. To me, sales always seemed liked pushing yourself and your agenda onto people who would probably rather be left alone.

As it turns out, acting pushy doesn't work that well anyway. Consumers are good at spotting ulterior motives, and honesty, transparency, and sincerity are ultimately more persuasive than pressure tactics.

Fortunately, the insight that ultimately made sales palatable to me is also what's made me fairly good at it — and something that warms my Canadian heart. And it's that I have the customer's best interests in mind.

A good sales pitch shouldn't be oppositional. Yes, sales is technically about getting someone to take an action they may be hesitant about. But the best way to do that is to stop worrying about getting the sale and focus instead on trying to be helpful. Instead of wondering what you can say to get them to buy, ask yourself, "How can I help them achieve their goals by using my product or service?"

"The best sellers adopt an attitude of service," writes Dan Pink, author of "To Sell Is Human." "They believe in the value of the product and how it will impact the life of the buyer."

There's no need to push your product or service on your customers. Instead, work to help them accomplish their goals. When you genuinely care about helping them improve their lives, you'll not only offer more targeted solutions, but they'll also sense your sincerity and respond in kind.

Ask questions

There's another myth out there that sales is all about talking — that the best salespeople are chatty extroverts who can charm their way into a conversation and talk people into anything.

But a meta-analysis of 35 studies— involving 3,800 salespeople — found that the correlation between extroversion and sales success is close to zero. "Extroverts can talk too much and listen too little, which dulls their understanding of others' perspectives," writes Pink. "They can overwhelm others with the force of their personalities."

But people who were too shy to pick up the phone weren't the best salespeople either. The best salespeople, the analysis found, were neither extreme extroverts nor extreme introverts, but people in the middle.

Many of us have a conception of a sales pitch as being like a spiel or mini-presentation in which the salesperson talks while the customer listens and makes a decision. But that's backwards. To truly help your customer improve his or her life, you need to have a deep understanding of what they care about — and to do that, you need to ask questions.

To help your clients improve their lives, you need to know what they care about. Allow yourself to be curious about their situation and their interests. Ask questions that get to the heart of what they care about, what they're trying to accomplish, and what problems they face. By asking good follow-up questions, you may even uncover challenges they don't even know they have.

Listen and empathize

The single most valuable asset in any sales interaction is an understanding of what your customer wants and needs. Contrary to the old stereotype, you should actually be doing more listening than talking. In fact, an analysis of 25,000 sales calls found that top closers listened 57% of the time.

So worry less about getting your energy up and projecting confidence, and more about listening to the needs of your prospect. Empathize, validate what they're saying, and demonstrate that you truly understand their situation. One study found that waitresses who repeated customers' orders verbatim made 70% more tips than those who simply acknowledged or paraphrased them. By reflecting orders in a precise way, they assured customers they'd been heard and understood. By listening well, you'll not only get a better understanding of your customers' goals, needs, and desires — you'll also build trust and rapport.

coworker conversation

Focus on solving the problem

When you're closely connected to your product or service, your perspective is naturally skewed. No doubt you're proud of its features, and you may have spent months helping make it the best it can be. You're eager to share your knowledge and tell your prospective customer all the details about the product and its features.

That enthusiasm is great, but when it's time to pitch, you need to leave that mindset behind. Customers don't buy a product because of its features — they buy it because they have a job they need done. Customers only care about what's in it for them, and a successful sales pitch zeroes in on how you'll make their life better. In the words of Basecamp CEO Jason Fried, "Here's what our product can do" is very different from "Here's what you can do with our product."

When Steve Jobs introduced the first iPod, he didn't just talk about technical features like the Firewire port and 5GB storage capacity. He offered people a device that "puts 1,000 songs in your pocket."

There's an old saying in business: "People don't buy drills, they buy holes." What that means is that customers don't care about your product — they only care about what they can do with it. But even that saying doesn't go far enough. In reality, people don't care about holes — what they truly want is the ability to hang art on their walls and make their house feel like a home.

This approach works even if what you're selling isn't something your customer needs in the strictest sense. Your customer may not need a new pair of designer shoes. But if wearing those shoes makes them feel sexier and more confident, then you're helping them achieve a goal.

Harley-Davidson, for instance, doesn't just sell motorcycles — they sell a fantasy. As one company insider put it: "What we sell is the ability for a 43-year-old accountant to dress in black leather, ride through small towns, and have people be afraid of him."

To put it another way: "People don't buy products, they buy better versions of themselves."

Tell a story

As I tell my clients in my "Storytelling for Sales" workshops, sales is about creating desire. And the best way you can create desire is by telling a story.

When you're trying to sell something to someone, it's natural to think you need to make your case, presenting your argument for and evidence like you're arguing in court.

But trying to persuade someone through arguments and evidence can be a trap. When someone senses that you're trying to convince them of something, their defenses go up. The brain's automatic response to hearing arguments and evidence is to evaluate them, weighing facts and assessing merit. Scientists call this "counterarguing" — the little arguments a prospect makes in their head that they may never articulate out loud.

Storytelling is different. When you tell your client a story, you bypass the evaluative regions of the brain and activate the experiential and emotional regions instead, triggering a brain state known as "narrative transportation." Rather than focusing on evaluating your claims, the listener is instead transported into the world of your story.

That's not to say you never mention facts and evidence. If you have metrics that prove the effectiveness of your product, by all means mention them. But by framing them in a story, you'll help sidestep their habitual skepticism.

Think of your customer as a character struggling against an obstacle — to which your product or service is the solution. By painting a picture of a future state in which their life has improved, you'll help them see how you can help them get the results they want.

Seeing is believing, and when people hear a story, they can't help but visualize it. If you can get your customer to imagine themselves using your product or service to solve their problem and achieve their goals, you've already won.

Anticipate and address objections

Most prospects you talk to will have objections — reasons in their mind why your product might not be right for them. Since your prospect doesn't yet know everything about your product, those reasons may or may not be accurate. So part of a successful sales pitch is handling those objections.

The first step is to anticipate them. Identify the ten most common objections— including reservations about value, price, urgency, or relevance — and prepare a concise response for each one.

Second, welcome objections. They mean your prospect is engaged in the process and providing information about their needs — and giving you a chance to address them. So make your customer feel safe to voice objections. Don't argue, be defensive, or try to minimize the objection. If your product or service can help them in spite of their concern, tell them how. And if you discover you can't help them, say so and ask for a referral instead.

woman boss employee coworker office

Follow up

As important as it is, your initial sales pitch is just a small part of the process. As any salesperson will tell you, the majority of sales happen not in the first encounter but in follow-up conversations.

At the end of your initial pitch, let them know you'll be following up and ask how they prefer to be contacted. Then, follow up promptly to thank them for their time and lay out next steps. Be friendly and available, follow up when you say you will, and end every interaction by scheduling the next one. Be persistent — and above all, never interpret a lack of response as a rejection. Track every attempt to reach them, and keep following up until you either get the sale or the prospect tells you they're not interested.

Ask for the sale

It's not enough just to present your vision. You need to actually ask for the sale. In theory that's simple, but it's often the scariest part of the entire process. Many people are afraid to ask for the sale for fear of hearing no, appearing pushy, or jeopardizing the relationship.

But when you've listened to your client, taken the time to see the world through their eyes, and used empathy and storytelling to communicate exactly how you can help, then closing is simply the next logical step. If you genuinely believe your product or service can improve your customer's life, you're doing them a service by offering it to them. Remember, the answer is always no until you ask the question.

Jay Dixit is the founder of Storytelling.NYC, where he teaches corporate workshops on how to use storytelling techniques to build relationships and drive sales. Follow him on Twitter.