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5 ways to check if your boss is incompetent, according to an expert in psychological profiling

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Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 



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

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

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



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

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

 



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

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

 



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

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

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




The best bike pumps you can buy

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  • Whether you're bouncing down the trail on a mountain bike or sprinting on a racing bicycle, without proper tire inflation, you'll have a bad ride. Fortunately, there are a lot of great bike pumps out there that can fill those tires fast.
  • The Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump is our top pick, thanks to its high 160-PSI pressure capacity and low price.

The first device that looked like the modern bicycle was developed in the early 1800s. It was known as a velocipede, and it had as many disparities as shared traits with modern bikes. Early pedal-driven cycles used steel bands or solid wooden wheels instead of pneumatic (air-filled) tires, so its little wonder that one variety of early bike was known as the boneshaker. Pneumatic tires were developed in the 1880s, and cyclists have been enjoying fewer headaches ever since.

But even the latest greatest modern pneumatic bicycle tire is useless without a good pump to fill it with air. If you have a bike manufactured any time after the late 19th century, you also need a good bike pump to keep the tires ready to roll. But how to choose the right bike pump?

First, you need to think about the most basic consideration: What type of bicycle will the pump serve? Road bikes with narrow tires require a fair amount of pressure, generally between 80 and 130 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI). Mountain bikes with large, thick tires use much lower pressures, generally down around 30 PSI. A general-purpose bike, commonly called a hybrid, will, not surprisingly, fall in the middle, with an average range of 50 to 70 PSI.

It logically follows, then, that the racing bike enthusiast needs a pump capable of creating plenty of pressure and ideally that can do so quickly, while the mountain biker will be served just fine by a pump with lower output capacity.

Beyond basic PSI capacity, next, think about pump size and design. Do you need to carry the pump along with you during a multi-day bike camping trip? Or during an all-day road race that will take you far away from the nearest support infrastructure? Then a lightweight and portable pump is a must. Or are your rides mostly around town for commuting and recreation? If so, a larger floor pump stored in the closet or in a shed is just fine.

And finally, how serious of a cyclist are you? If you have to dust off your bike before each ride, a lower cost pump of midrange quality will suit you fine. If you ride every morning and afternoon, then, by all means, invest in a professional-grade pump that fills the tires fast and that will last for years of regular use. Don't worry about the budget too much, as even an excellent pump can be yours for less than 50 bucks.

Here are the best bike pumps you can buy:

Updated on 08/16/2019 by Les Shu: Updated selections, prices, links, and formatting. Added new mini-pump options.

SEE ALSO: The best bike locks you can buy

The best bike pump overall

The Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump has a strong, smoothly-operating steel barrel that inflates up to 160 PSI with minimal effort.

For about $30, the Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump is a bargain for a quality tool. With a maximum output rating of 160 PSI, this pump can inflate just about any bike tires you will ever come across, and it does so rapidly with minimal effort thanks to its efficient and reliable design. Its nozzle can rapidly convert to accept Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves.

The Vibrelli has an extra-long barrel that makes each pump productive, saving you time and effort as compared to shorter options. Its wide nylon foot base and broad ergonomic handle work in tandem to keep the unit stable even during vigorous operation.

The highly accurate gauge, which displays air pressure both in pounds per square inch and bar units (a metric system measurement; one bar is equal to 14.5 PSI) makes it easy to know just when you've hit the optimal pressurization for your bike's tires.

In case the high quality and low price weren't enough for you, the Vibrelli Performance Floor Pump also comes with an inflation needle for balls as well as with a puncture repair kit.

With more than 3,000 reviews posted on Amazon, the Vibrelli has a 4.5-star average rating. One customer called it a "fantastic pump" with a gauge that is "accurate and responds quickly."

PedalSwift called the Vibrelli a "high performance" option at a reasonable price and noted its "all-steel barrel design." BuytheBest10 said it is "affordable" and "durable" and praised its "multipurpose T-valve." — Steven John

Pros: High-efficiency pumping, good price point, durable barrel, accurate pressure gauge

Cons: Proper nozzle attachment takes practice



The best electric air pump

The EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump does all the hard work for you, effortlessly inflating tires to an exact pre-set pressure goal with the tap of a few buttons. 

When used to inflate bicycle tires, there are three issues with the EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump that we should deal with at the outset. First, it requires a 12-volt DC power outlet, AKA the cigarette lighter port you found in an automobile. Second, it has a maximum pressure output of 100 PSI, which is too low for some road bike tires. And third, to inflate a tire with a Presta valve, you will need to purchase a separate adapter.

Those drawbacks aside, for most cyclists who also own a car, the electric EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump will make inflating bike tires easier than ever. Once the nozzle is screwed in place onto a tire's valve, all you need to do to achieve the exact level of inflation desired is pre-program the target PSI using the Plus or Minus buttons, then start the unit up. 

The compressor's LCD screen displays pressure in PSI, BAR, or KPA measurements, and the unit features a built-in flashlight for use after dark. This compressor is also more than suitable for use with auto tires. That, after all, is the EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump's primary purpose.

The compressor has a 4-star average rating. One owner said its "gauge is accurate" and appreciated that it was relatively "quiet for a compressor." Another said that despite its small size it "packs a punch" or pumping power.

A review from WoodWorkingToolKit appreciated the fact that this compact compressor has a feature that "shut[s] down the unit when the desired pressure is achieved," which can "prevent overinflation." — Steven John

Pros: Fast inflation time, pre-set air pressure target, built-in flashlight

Cons: Requires access to auto battery, maxes out at 100 PSI



The best budget bike pump

The Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump can create up to 100 PSI and accommodates both common bike valves as well as sports needles.

At $17, the Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump isn't the least expensive option on our list, but it is the most affordable all-around bike pump. This is a bonafide floor pump that can quickly and reliably inflate a tire all the way up to 100 PSI.

Granted, 100 PSI is a bit too low for certain racing bikes, but for most of us, the Bell Windstorm 400 Floor Pump, with its Schrader and Presta valve compatibility, its sturdy base, and its broad handlebar is more than adequate for our inflation needs. Just know that you will probably need to replace it within a year or two if you start cycling daily in the run-up to a Tour de France attempt, as it's not as durable as its pricier counterparts.

On Amazon, One owner said the pump "does what it's supposed to do," inflating tires without issue. A cyclist agreed, saying it "gets the job done" and that he had "no complaints."

A write-up from Top5Best noted that this Bell floor pump costs "only 50% [the price] of other bike pumps" yet calls it effective and easy to use. The review goes on to caution that it likely won't "last more than one season" with heavy use, though. — Steven John

Pros: Great low price point, relatively lightweight

Cons: Maximum output of 100 PSI, no gauge



The best professional-grade bike pump

The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump is a top-quality pump that works fast and is built to last, yet it still fits the budget of any avid cyclist.

The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump is suitable for use in a bike shop or by a professional cycling team, but at just a bit more than $47 in price, it's hardly too pricey for the amateur rider, either. Because this pump should outlast most similar devices by many years, it's a worthwhile investment.

The quality of the materials used to build the Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump set it apart from the competition, but so do a number of clever, intuitive design features. For example, like many pumps, this one has an extra-long air hose that makes it easy to access tire valves no matter their position and even when the bike is up on a rack. Here, though, the hose is connected to the pump via a rotating connection point that prevents tangles and makes positioning the nozzle even easier.

The pump's large pressure gauge is easy to read whether you are checking PSI or BAR measurements, and the smooth operation of the barrel makes the pump easy to use even as you approach its 160 PSI maximum output. The Topeak JoeBlow Sport II's double-sided "twin-head" nozzle makes it simple to connect to both Presta and Schrader valves, and you can screw in adapters with ease, too.

With nearly 1,500 reviews logged on Amazon, this floor pump has a 4.2-star average rating. One owner said it makes "pumping very ease" without the need for "a lot of muscle power." Another Amazon shopper called it "a very good floor pump" and noted its "large base" that keeps it "stable when pumping air."

A reviewer with Outdoor Gear Lab called the Topeak JoeBlow Sport II Floor Pump versatile and durable, noting its "easy-to-read" gauge and dual valve nozzle. A write up from Bike Radar called the pump's inflation "rapid and comfortable thanks to the generous sized T-handle." — Steven John

Pros: Rugged and durable, pivoting air hose, accurate gauge, sturdy base design

Cons: Nozzle too large to fit between narrow spokes



The best mini pump for gravel and mountain bikers

The Blackburn Core combines a mini pump with a valve core extractor that makes fixing tubeless tires an easier task. 

Tubeless tires are a godsend if you live somewhere that's littered with puncture-causing hazards. The sealant that is inside can plug the hole as soon as the air begins to leak from the tire.

Sometimes, even the hard-working sealant can't fix a puncture. This often happens when the sealant has plugged several tiny holes and is running dry. If you've got a regular mini pump, this leaves you in a sticky situation: You'll need to pull the tubeless tire off, clear away the sticky mess inside it, check for any sharp objects in the tire casing, and then put a tube into it. All while your ride time ticks away and your buddies heckle from the sidelines. 

The Blackburn Core is no ordinary mini pump. It contains a valve core extractor, which lets you pull the core out of your valve, dump in more sealant, and reinflate the tire as the sealant jumps into action and plugs the hole — without needing to remove the tire. The Core has a flexible hose, so however hard you pump, your valve will stay intact. 

How good is this pump? My friends ask to borrow it all the time, even when they have their own, and that's about the best evidence I can think of that it's the cream of the crop when it comes to getting your tires back up to pressure quickly and easily.

The Gravelbike blog spoke highly of the reliability of the Core but noted that the core is better suited to high volume than high-pressure tires, suggesting that it was hard to get above 70 PSI. This should not be an issue for anyone riding a gravel or mountain bike, where pressure in the 30-PSI range is about as high as you'll need to go.

In addition, Amazon reviewers loved the bracket that allows you to attach the pump to a bike frame. — James Stout

Pros: Built-in valve core extractor, inflation hose to prevent snapping valves 

Cons: A little larger than other mini pumps



The best mini pump with tire pressure gauge

Low tire pressure can make a huge difference to ride quality. Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive Pump gets tired back to perfect pressure after a flat. 

If there is one question that every cyclo-cross racer has asked, it's, "What pressure are you running?" You see, just a few PSI of extra air in your tires is the difference between successfully turning a rutted corner and ripping through the course tape as you bounce off your bike and into a muddy puddle. 

Often, when I race cyclo-cross, I would take laps at different pressures to see which one gave me the best traction without flatting. This is great when I'm riding on a closed course with short laps and a mechanic standing by with a pump and pressure gauge, but it doesn't really work when out on the trail.

Until I got my hands on the Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive, I'd start rides at high pressure and then let a little air out, but always err on the side of riding with a little to0 much air in my tires; it might be uncomfortable and slow, but it beats getting a flat. The Digital Alloy Drive changed that: I could dial-in my desired tire pressure for a trail. If I get a puncture, I no longer have to rely on pinching the tire and guessing the pressure — I can inflate it to precisely where I need it to be. 

In addition to an accurate digital gauge, Lezyne also uses it trademark inflation hose, which keeps the pump and the valve separated and reduces any risk of damaging the valve when you push on the pump to inflate the tire. The pump's alloy construction makes it a reliable and dependable way to fix flats for years to come — I have one Lezyne pump that I have used for close to a decade and it is still going strong. 

Testers at Cycling Weekly found the pump fast to use and accurate, as have I. Unlike many pumps here, the Lezyne also allows for users to inflate Presta or Schrader valves (this probably won't apply to most casual riders). Although it costs a little more than other mini pumps, Lezyne stands by its products and will sell you all the seals and supplies you need to refurbish this pump and keep it running for years. Although the pump is small enough for a jersey pocket, I have invested in several bike frame attachment mounts and use this pump on all of my tubed road bikes. — James Stout

Pros: Accurate pressure readings, well built 

Cons: Costs more than a basic pump



How to turn off your Fitbit Ionic to conserve its battery when you're not using it

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Fitbit ionic

On those rare occasions when you plan to go a few hours, or even a few days, not wearing your Fitbit Ionic, you should give the smart tracker a break and shut it down. 

Shutting down a Fitbit Ionic is also the best way to get the tracker working properly again if it's sluggish when running apps, or as you swipe from screen-to-screen.

You can't turn a Fitbit Ionic off using the physical buttons on the sides of the unit; you need to complete a multi-step process on the screen. However, you can restart the device by holding down the back and bottom buttons for a few seconds, until you see the Fitbit logo appear.

Fortunately, all of the steps combined will take you less time to perform than you've spent reading this article.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

FitBit Ionic Smartwatch (From $249.95 at Best Buy)

How to turn off a Fitbit Ionic

1. Open the "Settings" app.

Screen Shot 2019 08 16 at 10.45.59 AM

2. Scroll all the way down and tap the word "About."

3. Scroll down again and tap the word "Shutdown."

Screen Shot 2019 08 14 at 11.05.32 AM

4. Tap "Yes" to confirm.

And to turn a Fitbit Ionic back on, just press and hold the left button (the solo button, if you can't tell which side is left while the tracker is powered off).

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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'This one is ugly and frankly hurts my eyes': People are freaking out about Snapchat's new logo, and some are even threatening to delete the app (SNAP)

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snapchat logos ghost

  • Snapchat quietly changed its logo recently to give its ghost icon a thicker and darker outline.
  • The seemingly small change has upset some Snapchat users who have taken their complaints online, and others are even threatening to delete the app over the logo update.
  • Some users are so angry they've left negative reviews of Snapchat on the App Store, with one reviewer saying the new logo "look(s) like a 3 year old drew it with a stubby magic marker."
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Snapchat has quietly updated its logo to give its iconic ghost a thicker outline, but the seemingly small change has ignited fervent criticism from users online.

Since Snapchat released the new logo in an app update last week, users have not been shy on social media about their negative feelings toward the new ghost. People have called the new logo "uncomfortable" and "aggressive" compared the outline to the much-hated Comic Sans font, and complained that Snapchat is thirsty for attention.

Snap declined to comment to Business Insider on its logo change. However, the company told Fast Company that the new logo's "bold line" makes it "more visible and eye-catching."

Whatever Snapchat's reasoning is for changing the look of its logo — whose name is "Ghostface Chillah" and was drawn by CEO Evan Spiegel— users are mad enough that some are threatening to delete the app altogether

"Gunna have to delete @Snapchat cos this is, without exaggeration, the most hideous icon update ever," one Twitter user wrote. "Attacked the outline with a Sharpie. What were you thinking?"

Read more:Snap saw monstrous growth in the second quarter, and the reason has a lot to do with that viral gender-swapping filter

Although there's no concrete evidence to back up people's claims they'll delete the app, some users have taken to leaving negative reviews for the Snapchat app on the App Store to express their unhappiness. Since August 8, more than 300 reviews mentioning Snapchat's "logo" or "icon" have been left on the U.S. App Store, according to data from mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower

Reviewers have roasted Snapchat for its "butt ugly" and "obnoxious" icon, and multiple users have said the new logo looks like it was made for an Android device.

"I've been using snapchat for years and always enjoyed it but never felt compelled to write a review until they made the icon look like a 3 year old drew it with a stubby magic marker," one reviewer wrote.

The Snapchat app is regularly inundated with negative reviews: The App Store reviews are on average nearly 70% one-star and two-star rates, according to Sensor Tower. 

It's the most flak Snapchat has got for an update since it released the wildly unpopular Android version of the app. Snapchat released the updated Android app in April with a better camera and, apparently, fewer app crashes.

SEE ALSO: Snapchat users are so upset about losing their streaks that they email the company to get them back

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to Chromecast from a Mac computer, for streaming media or sharing your screen on a TV or larger display

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google chromecast

Google Chromecast is a convenient little device: cheap, easy to set up, and able to stream content from a variety of sources.

Most will use Chromecast on a phone or tablet, but to get the most versatility out of the device, you're going to want to know how to cast from your Mac computer. Here's how. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Google Chromecast (For $69.99 at Best Buy)

How to Chromecast from a Mac computer

Once you plug your Chromecast into the HDMI-capable television or projector of your choice, you need to set up the device by downloading Google Home on either your smartphone or tablet and following the instructions to set up the device.

You'll also want to download the Google Chrome web browser. It is called "Chromecast" for a reason, after all. 

From there, click the three dots in the right hand side of the browser and click the "Cast" button. 

add chromecast to chrome browser

Then, keep the Chromecast icon in your toolbar by selecting "Always show icon." 

How to Chromecast streaming services

Casting from most streaming video sites – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. – is simple. 

Just click the Cast button, select your chromecast, and Chromecast should stream to the device of your choice.

Otherwise, you can also click the Chromecast icon that will show up in the corner of Chromecast-compatible websites like Netflix and YouTube. Either works just as well. 

chromecast_icon_on_streaming_service

How to Chromecast your Mac's desktop or any Google Chrome tab

If a streaming site isn't natively Chrome-compatible – or you just want to cast the contents of your Chrome tab, it's as simple as selecting the drop-down arrow from the "Cast to" dialogue box. 

chromecast drop down menu

It will then turn into a "Select source" dialogue with options for what you can cast. 

Select source chromecast

Likewise, you can easily cast your desktop contents. This makes the Chromecast a superb device for presentations. No more worrying about long cords to a projector or other dongles – a Wi-Fi connection will do the trick. 

share screen

How to Chromecast local video and audio files

Because Chromecast is usually thought of more as a device for playing content from tablets or phones, the fact it can play local video and audio files from your computer is often overlooked. 

Select "play local content" from the dropdown and select either an audio file (MP3) or video file (MP4, MPG, and M4V files, among others). The content will launch in a Chrome tab and cast from there. 

casting local content

That's a good general rule of Chromecast: Whatever you can open and use in Google Chrome you can usually cast on your Mac.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Macbooks you can buy

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Amex acquired restaurant-booking platform Resy, and to celebrate it's offering cardholders bonus points on reservations through September

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friends restaurant

  • Amex recently acquired the restaurant reservation-booking service Resy.
  • Through September 30 you can earn 500 Amex points on Resy bookings (on up to three bookings, for a total of up to 1,500 Amex points).
  • Amex has one of the best cards for dining purchases, the American Express® Gold Card, so this is a good opportunity to earn even more bonus points when you eat out.
  • Amex card members will also get early access to Resy's Off Menu Week in New York and other upcoming Resy events.

Amex recently acquired Resy, a restaurant reservation-booking platform, to beef up its "experiential" cardmember benefits. Now, we're getting a taste of what this partnership will mean for Amex cardholders, as the two brands are running a bonus points promotion, in addition to launching early access for upcoming dining events.

Earn up to 1,500 Amex points with Resy

When you make a restaurant reservation through Resy now through September 30 and pay with an eligible US-issued Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can earn 500 points per reservation on up to three reservations, for a total of up to 1,500 points.

Amex points are some of the most valuable rewards around, because you can use them to book travel both directly through the Amex Travel portal and with airline and hotel partners when you transfer your points to their respective loyalty programs. Travel website The Points Guy estimates that Amex Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents apiece, so if you make three eligible reservations to earn 1,500 points you're looking at about $30 in value.

That may not seem huge, but those points are in addition to the rewards you'll earn on your dining purchase by using a credit card. The Amex Gold card earns 4x points at restaurants, so stacking this Resy promotion with earnings from that card can help you boost your Membership Rewards balance to inch closer to a trip with partners like ANA, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.

There are some rules to keep in mind for this promotion. For example, you need to add your eligible Amex card(s) to your Resy wallet in order to earn the bonus points.

Early Resy event access for Amex cardholders

In addition to the bonus points promo, Amex and Resy are offering Amex cardholders early access to some upcoming Resy dining event series:

  • Off Menu Week NYC — 72 hours' early access to reservations at participating restaurants starting August 19.
  • New Resy event series — 48 hours' early access to Resy's fall and winter dining events, including a dinner series with Danny Bowien, the chef behind Mission Chinese.

Click here to learn more about the Amex Gold card from our partner The Points Guy.

SEE ALSO: We compared the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Gold to determine the ultimate dining rewards card

Join the conversation about this story »

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I bought these reusable paper towels after seeing them on 'Shark Tank' and they've helped me cut down on a ton of waste

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Americans use a lot of disposable paper towels. While other nations swear by brooms, mops, and sponges, it seems our society is having a tough time kicking a bad habit. 

But it's 2019, and there are clever companies making more sustainable workarounds that don't require us to sacrifice the convenience we're accustomed to — like Bambooee.

Bambooee, if you're unfamiliar, is the company that popularized reusable bamboo paper towel alternatives on "Shark Tank" in 2013. 

Bambooee sheets (currently $10 for 30 sheets Amazon) are thick, super-absorbent sheets made out of rayon derived from organic bamboo that can be machine-washed for reuse up to 100 times. Rayon is a natural raw material that has been converted through a chemical process into a durable, soft fabric. Each roll of 30 Bambooee sheets is equivalent to 429 paper towel rolls, but unlike trees, the sustainably harvested bamboo bamboo regrows new sprouts every year. Plus, Bambooee plants a tree for every roll it sells. On Amazon, the sheets have over 300 five-star reviews

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In an effort to make my home more eco-friendly, I bought Bambooee Sheets, and I've been impressed. The sheets are thicker and more absorbent than traditional paper towels, and they dry faster than cloth towels. It took a bit of explaining to convey the concept to my roommates, but after that it was easy to adjust to using them and throwing them on the top rack of the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.

If you rarely run the dishwasher or washing machine (or don't have one), then care may outstrip their convenience. But, if that doesn't apply to you, the perks are pretty compelling: a superior product (thicker, sturdier towels), eco-friendly benefits, and saving money by replacing them far fewer times though it's more expensive upfront.

Even if you don't completely switch from paper towels, you can integrate Bambooee to use fewer. Estimations put the impact of American households using three fewer rolls per year at 120,000 tons of waste saved and $4.1 million eliminated in landfill dumping fees. 

While most of the Amazon reviews are positive, I want to note that a few reviewers have mentioned their Bambooee sheets turning moldy after the first wash. I didn't experience this after more than a month of use. The only noteworthy limitation I've experienced is that they can stain, but since I keep the washed Bambooee sheets in a bin under my sink, this doesn't bother me.

If you plan on getting a set and know you'll want to separate the sheets that have been used to clean hands from those that have been used to clean the house, some reviewers have suggested using a touch of fabric paint to delineate. 

All in all, Bambooee sheets have been a great eco-friendly substitute for me. I prefer them to regular paper towels in density and durability. If you don't mind the subtle adjustment to your cleaning routine, they're a solid option for a more sustainable home. 

Bambooee Reusable and Machine-Washable Paper Towel Replacement, 30-Sheet Roll, $9.99

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Wall Street comes to Fort Lauderdale: A Florida mansion with a fully functional stock trading floor just hit the market for $12.99 million. Take a look inside.

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220 N Compass Dr Fort Lauderdale Florida

Traders, take note: One Florida mansion comes fully equipped with everything you need to play the market from the comfort of your own home. And by that we mean it has a fully functioning, state-of-the-art trading floor.

Neil Schneider, MD, a 76-year-old retired nephrologist, and his wife Kerstin have listed their lavish Fort Lauderdale property for $12.99 million with Niki Higgins of Douglas Elliman.

The home at 220 North Compass Drive totals over 16,000 square feet of space, which includes six bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and yes, the trading room.

Keep reading for a closer look at the home's unique amenities.

SEE ALSO: A $34 million San Francisco mansion billed as a 'wellness home' has a sauna, yoga studio, and filtration system that changes all the air in the house every 2 hours. Take a look inside.

DON'T MISS: The SoHo bachelor pad Zayn Malik bought after his breakup with Gigi Hadid is back on the market for $10.8 million — here's a look inside

Neil Schneider, MD and his wife Kerstin have listed their highly personalized Fort Lauderdale home for $12,995,000 with Niki Higgins of Douglas Elliman.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The home at 220 North Compass Drive is located in the Bay Colony neighborhood, which came in 32nd in ranking and review site Niche's 2019 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Fort Lauderdale list. The coastal home is about an hour north of Miami and an hour south of West Palm Beach.

Source: Niche; Douglas Elliman



The property has over 12,500 square feet of interior space and over 16,000 square feet between its indoor and outdoor areas.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The home has six bedrooms ...

Source: Douglas Elliman



... and 7.5 bathrooms.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The estate was custom-built and boasts extreme privacy — along with expansive waterfront views. It's located on a 250-foot intracoastal waterway and another 111-foot deep water canal.

Source: Douglas Elliman



Of course, the property has a pool overlooking the water — complete with three pool heaters.

Source: Douglas Elliman



Aside from the pool, the home also features a number of over-the-top amenities.

Source: Douglas Elliman



Most notably, there's a state-of-the-art, fully functioning stock trading room. It has 10 monitors, a news ticker, and two separate internet providers hooked up. "If one [internet] carrier goes down, it automatically switches to another so you don’t miss productivity," the former owner tells the New York Post. Schneider is a nephrologist who began trading very seriously, for six hours a day, after retiring.

Source: New York Post, Douglas Elliman



On a more leisurely note, the property also has its own movie theater.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The massive chef's kitchen can accommodate as many as four chefs working simultaneously.

Source: Douglas Elliman



Oenophiles will also love the sizable wine cellar — it has room to store over 1,000 bottles.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The library features a built-in closet humidor for storing cigars.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The owners are also throwing in their stretch limousine, included in the home's selling price.

Source: Douglas Elliman



The home is coming nearly fully furnished, with almost all the artwork pictured — minus a select few "personal" pieces that the Schneiders are taking with them to their West Palm Beach condo.

"We spent a tremendous time going over the details," Schneider, who has owned the custom-built property for 16 years, told the New York Post. "We feel [the amenities] belong there — we feel like [they're] part of the house."

Schneider also added that the ideal buyer for his home — which took two years to plan, two years to build, and another year to furnish — will be "a detail-oriented person in the financial industry."

Source: Douglas Elliman




How to unsubscribe from publications and accounts on your Snapchat Discover page

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snapchat using phone women

  • Snapchat doesn't have a direct unsubscribe button for accounts and publications you've subscribed to within the Discover page, but it is still easy to unsubscribe in a few steps. 
  • You can unsubscribe on Snapchat by tapping and holding down on a story from the account or publication you want to unsubscribe from, and toggling off the subscribe option. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you've found yourself looking for an "unsubscribe" button for an account or publication you subscribed to on the Discover page on Snapchat, don't worry: It's not you, there is no such button within the app. 

However, that doesn't mean you can't unsubscribe if you're no longer interested in whatever that publication or account is creating. The steps you'd take to do so are ever so slightly less obvious than you might imagine.

That said, it should still only take you a minute or less to complete the unsubscribing process, assuming that account or publication regularly puts out content and you know your way around the app. 

Here's everything you need to know to get it done.

How to unsubscribe on Snapchat

Unsubscribing from an account or publication via Snapchat's Discover page is extremely easy and can be quickly accomplished, provided you know your way around the app. 

1. Open the Snapchat app and log into your account, if necessary.

2. Swipe across the screen from right to left to get the Stories page. 

3. Scroll down, if necessary, to get to the "Subscriptions" section of the page. 

1 HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE SNAPCHAT

4. Tap and hold down on a story from the account or publication you want to unsubscribe from. 

5. Toggle off the "Subscribe" option to unsubscribe from that account or publication.

2 HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE SNAPCHAT

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the ways Amazon is taking over your house

These cult-favorite outdoor sandals are the only reason my feet survived a 3-day music festival

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  • In the 1980s, a former river guide created Teva, a Velcro-strapped sport sandal, so his flip-flops could stay on his feet through rugged conditions. 
  • Today, you won't find them just in the canyons of Arizona. Everyone from avid hikers to casual city recreationalists love these practical sandals for their comfort, durability, and support. 
  • The Universal Sandal is the brand's best-seller, but we tried two other styles, the Hurricane XLT 2 ($70) and the Terra Fi 5 Universal ($100), to see how Teva's footwear performed. We loved their feel and fit. 

Some summer jobs, like scooping ice cream or riding a mail route, are but a blip in our professional lives. Others, like Mark Thatcher's college summer job of guiding rafting trips in the Grand Canyon's Colorado River, have more widespread reverberations. 

Thatcher is the founder of Teva (Hebrew for "nature"), the Velcro-strapped sport sandal that changed the way outdoor enthusiasts traversed rivers and mountains and has become a beloved icon in the outdoor community.  

As a river guide, he adapted his flip-flops so they would stay on his feet through all the bumps and even flips of his boat. After graduation, he worked as an exploration geophysicist, but was laid off in 1982. His next step, he decided, was to follow his passion for the outdoors by taking his sandal design to the next level.

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His inspiration for the sandal straps came from Velcro watchbands — the easy-to-adjust nature of Velcro could be applied just as well to footwear. A couple patents, trademarks, and redesigns later, the modern-day Teva sandal was born. The Teva Universal, which features quick-drying polyester webbing, a cushioned footbed, rubber outsole, and a series of Velcro straps, is still the brand's most popular style today. 

There are plenty more designs to choose from, including platform sandals, special pattern collections (like the commemorative Grand Canyon one), and hiking sneakers. While the looks might differ, the features that stay constant across the Teva brand are comfort, all-weather and all-terrain durability, and support. 

Patterns are also a hallmark of Teva. In addition to solid colors, it makes more fun and funky options. Collaborations with designers like Anna Sui and trendy startups like Outdoor Voices further opens its fanbase past pure outdoorspeople to fashion-minded recreationalists.  

Whether you're hiking in a national park or walking around the city, it's almost impossible not to run into someone wearing a pair of Teva sandals (like the three Insider Picks members below, for example). I tried my first pair a couple weeks ago, while Sally and Breton grew up running around in Tevas, and I can only envy them for being introduced to these sport sandals so early on. 

Shop all Teva sandals here: Amazon | Teva | REI

Read on for our detailed thoughts on 2 Teva sandal styles: 

Teva Hurricane XLT 2 

tevas sandals

Buy the women's Hurricane XLT 2 sandal for $70 here: Amazon | Teva | REI

From climbing unexpected hills in Golden Gate Park, to dancing to my favorite bands and dashing to the next act, to standing for what seemed like hours on the packed-like-sardines subway ride home, my feet endured a never-ending cycle of activity when I went to a music festival in San Francisco this summer. I wore sneakers the first day, but after discovering how much more comfortable these sandals were on the second day, I stuck with them through the remainder of the festival. 

I have fairly flat feet, but these sandals don't have an extreme arch, so they were perfect for the shape of my feet. The footbed is soft, cushioned, and breathable, while the rubber sole has traction that allowed me to walk across the many types of terrain, wet and dry, of the Bay without worry. It was easy to get a comfortable fit by adjusting the three different Velcro straps. 

Did I have a funky sandal tan by the end of the weekend? Of course. But the tan lines were a small price to pay for the true all-day comfort and support of these sandals.  —Connie Chen, reporter 

tevas sandals 5

Buy the men's Hurricane XLT 2 sandal for $70 here: Amazon | Teva | REI

I spent the summers of my childhood living in Tevas, so it was exciting to revisit them as an adult. I've been pretty strongly anti-sandals-for-men but I get so hot in the summer that I decided to give them a chance. These Tevas fit exactly as I remember, they're comfortable, and while the Velcro is a bit dorky, it does offer an adjustable and secure fit, and it's nice that there are multiple places to tweak the straps to get the ideal fit.

I don't know if it's my faulty memory, but I distinctly recall from when I was younger that the Teva footbed felt strange, but the one on this model is super comfortable. It gives your feed the ability to breathe while also maintaining good traction. Mandals are definitely an occasion-specific look (day in the park, light hike in the woods, walking the dog), but I'm really enjoying it.

At $70 it's a bit of an investment, but if you're going to do something, do it right, I guess. When I was younger, the only reason to get rid of Tevas and get a new pair was that you grew out of them, and these feel the same way. They'll be able to take a beating.Breton Fischetti, vice president

Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal 

tevas sandals 3

Buy the women's Terra Fi 5 Universal sandal for $100 here: Teva | REI

I grew up in both Tevas and Chacos sandals, roaming the springs and creeks of North Florida, whitewater rafting and mudsliding in the mountains of Georgia, and hiking and biking through marshes of barrier islands all through the south. I'll admit, I generally like the look of Chacos better, but I find Tevas to be slightly more comfortable for my arches. This pair specifically, the Mack Daddy of Teva's performance sandals, is one of the most comfortable shoes I own. 

The sole is ultra-cushioned and has extreme traction both against my foot and against the ground. The straps are extremely secure (more so than what I remember the basic pair to feel like), and the plastic pieces that connect the straps are all padded against the skin to prevent irritation. The cupped heel also keeps me from sliding around, which I appreciate when my feet get sweaty. This features make them excellent for hiking and white-water rafting since you need something cushioned enough to keep you from feeling the acute pressure of jagged rocks underfoot. 

Aesthetically, I love that I can transition these from a hike to a day out in Manhattan. I've paired these chunky black sandals with a structured white dress and a straw hat (a la my favorite designer, Cecilie Bahnsen), as well as a pair of leggings and a white T-shirt (the outfit I currently have on as I write this). They definitely weren't designed as a fashion statement, but they're easy to wear that way — especially considering that designers like Prada are copying Teva's look. —Sally Kaplan, editor

Shop all Teva sandals here: Amazon | Teva | REI

Join the conversation about this story »

Take $100 off a Casper mattress and get 2 free pillows — and 7 other sales and deals happening now

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We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on Casper mattresses, the third-generation Echo Dot, menswear at Bonobos, and school uniforms at Target. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

Casper

1. Save $100 and get two free pillows when you buy a Casper mattress

For the first time ever, popular mattress-in-a-box startup Casper is running a promotion that includes money off and some freebies. Now through August 19, you can save take $100 off the Casper Mattress and get two free pillows (valued at $130) when you use the promo code "CASPERPILLOW" at checkout. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more sales and deals at Casper

Shop the Casper sale now

Echo Dot Gen 3

2. Save $20 on the Echo Dot 3rd Gen

With 4.6 out of five stars from over 53,000 customer reviews, the Echo Dot is one of the most popular and best-selling items on Amazon. The device might be small, but it packs a lot of features. Using the power of Alexa, you can get the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, and play music from streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora. Today only, you can save $20 on the device.

Echo Dot 3rd Gen, $29.99 (Originally $49.99) [You save $20]

Bonobos

3. Save an extra 40% on sale items at Bonobos

 For a limited time, you can save an extra 40% on sale items at Bonobos by using the promo code "FREAKINGWEEKEND" at checkout. The sale includes button-up shirts, dress shirts, dress pants, chinos, shorts, jeans, and a lot more.  Visit Business Insider Coupons to potentially save more at Bonobos

Shop the Bonobos sale now

Target

4. Save 30% on school uniforms at Target

If your kids wear uniforms to school, you'll want to head over to Target for big savings. Until tomorrow, August 17, you can save 30% on uniforms for boys, girls, and toddlers. Some of the deals include polo shirts for as low as $2.80 and chinos for $9.09. You'll also find backpacks, sportswear for gym class, and other essentials like socks and belts. Visit Business Insider Coupons for more great deals at Target.

Shop the Target sale now

EyeBuyDirect

5. Buy one, get one free plus an extra 15% off at EyeBuyDirect

EyeBuyDirect makes buying prescription glasses online easy and affordable with frames priced as low as $6. In preparation for the new school year, the brand is running a buy-one, get-one-free promotion that makes the deals even better. By using the promo code "BOGO" at checkout, you can get your second pair of glasses for free, plus an extra 15% off. 

Shop the EyeBuyDirect sale now.

Allen Edmonds

6. Save up to 75% on dress shoes at Allen Edmonds

Men's footwear brand Allen Edmonds is having an end-of-summer sale with massive savings on dress shoes, boots, loafers, and more. For a limited time, you can save an extra 20% on select sale styles at checkout. With the discount added, you'll save up to 75%. Visit Business Insider Coupons to potentially save more at Allen Edmonds

Shop the Allen Edmonds sale now

REI

7. Save up to 50% on sale items at REI

REI is preparing for the fall season by marking down a bunch of summer styles. For a limited time, you can save up to 50% on select gear, apparel, and footwear from all of your favorite outdoor brands. Whether you're shopping for quality basics to wear casually, technical gear for extreme outdoor adventures, or styles for the outdoor sports you love, REI has deals on pretty much all of it.

Shop the REI sale now

Purple mattress

8. Get two pillows and sheets for free with any Purple mattress

Labor Day is usually a great time to find a great deal on a new mattress, but Purple is making it so that you don't have to wait for the holiday. As part of the brand's early Labor Day sale, you'll get two pillows and sheets for free with any mattress purchase. The extra goodies are valued at $327, so this is a better deal than most mattress discounts. Visit Business Insider Coupons to potentially save more at Purple.

Shop the Purple sale now

Join the conversation about this story »

What cocaine does to your body and brain

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cocaine

Whether it's snorted, smoked, or injected, cocaine enters the bloodstream and starts affecting the brain in a matter of seconds.

But the high is short-lived, and in most cases lasts anywhere from five to 30 minutes.

Regular, heavy use can have extremely negative consequences, from nosebleeds to permanent lung damage and even death.

Here's a look at some of the ways cocaine affects the body and brain.

DON'T MISS: Here's how different drugs change your brain

SEE ALSO: What marijuana does to your body and brain

Cocaine starts affecting the brain in seconds — and the high can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.

If you inject or smoke it, cocaine will travel rapidly into your bloodstream and brain. You'll also experience a stronger, but more short-lived high of roughly five to 10 minutes. The high from snorting cocaine is short-lived as well, but lasts a bit longer — roughly 15 to 30 minutes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.



It blocks the brain’s normal reabsorption of hormones involved in desire and pleasure, which can give you a temporary feeling of intense euphoria.

Normally, our brain cells cycle and reuse hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which play critical roles in how we experience desire, motivation, pleasure, and reward. After they're released by brain cells to send out their signal, they're taken up again by special receptors on that cell.

Cocaine blocks those receptors, effectively shutting off this normal cycling process. The result? A glut of the hormones that key our feelings of desire, behavior reinforcement, and pleasure (AKA a "high").



Your pupils will dilate.

Increased levels of both dopamine and serotonin can result in dilated pupils, and cocaine boosts both.



You may feel more energized or alert...

Cocaine is thought to boost levels of dopamine — a hormone which plays a key role in reinforcing a behavior — in several brain circuits, including one that's involved in pleasure and another that's involved in movement. This is one of the reasons some users may feel more energized, talkative, or alert, studies suggest.



...or you may feel irritable, anxious, or paranoid.

Studies suggest a link between cocaine use and psychosis, when someone loses touch with reality. Symptoms of psychosis include agitation, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Still, we can't say for certain what role the drug plays in these symptoms. While some studies suggest that people who experience psychosis while using cocaine are more likely to experience it later (even when they're not using), others suggest that using cocaine can worsen underlying mental illnesses like anxiety.

 



In some users, cravings can be triggered by seeing people or places that remind them of getting high.

The part of the brain cocaine affects includes key memory centers that help us recall where the source of pleasure came from. When we experience a cocaine high, these brain areas form memories of our pleasurable experience and the places or people that were involved in our experience of getting the drug.

This is why, in some people, going back to the original spot where you used cocaine — or simply seeing pictures of someone else using — might trigger a renewed desire to use.



Your blood vessels will tighten or constrict.

Cocaine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates our "fight or flight" response. This also tightens up the vessels that ferry blood through our organs and tissues.



Your heart rate will rise.

Since your vessels are narrowed, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.



Your appetite might disappear.

Diminished appetite is one of the most frequently reported effects of using cocaine, which is why frequent users may lose weight or be malnourished. While this has so far been mainly anecdotal in people, it's also been observed in rat studies.



Chronic use may also reduce your body’s ability to store fat.

A 2013 study found that cocaine could mess with your body's ability to store fat. The researchers observed 65 Britons, roughly half of whom had been addicted to cocaine for more than a decade. (The other half had never used the drug.)

They came away with two surprising findings: 1. The addicts tended to eat more (and even have different protein levels that should have made them put on weight) than those who'd never used, and 2. They also tended to have less body fat than those who never used. Their conclusion? Cocaine seems to cause fundamental changes to our metabolism.



Your arteries will constrict, which can block blood flow to the heart and even cause a heart attack.

A 2012 study presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association found that even in young people who only reported using cocaine "socially," the drug could significantly raise the risk of heart attack. "It's the perfect heart attack drug," the study's lead author, University of Sydney professor of medicine Gemma Figtree, said in a press release.



Cocaine is sometimes laced with other drugs that can generate additional side effects.

The powerful and addictive opioid fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, is increasingly added to cocaine supplies.

According to the New York City Department of Health, drug dealers are adding fentanyl to cocaine because it acts as an inexpensive filler. Oftentimes, people don't realize they're ingesting fentanyl.

"All New Yorkers who use drugs, even if only occasionally, should know their drugs may be mixed with fentanyl," health commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett previously told Business Insider.

Fentanyl, which is one of the most powerful opioids, can slow down a person's breathing to the point they stop breathing altogether and die because of it, according to AddictionCenter.com.



Some young people have started lacing cocaine with ketamine, which can be a dangerous combination.

The cocaine-and-ketamine mixture is known by the slang term "Calvin Klein," with the "C" referring to cocaine and the "K" referring to ketamine, another drug with depressive effects.

In July, a London teen used the party drug combination and died of an overdose later that night. Both drugs can lead to skewed perceptions of time and a racing heart, so when mixed, the effects can be even more severe.

"People act as amateur psychopharmacologists, mixing drugs to get a certain effect — but what they judge poorly are the risks," Dr. Owen Bowden-Jones, founder of the CNWL Drug Club Clinic, told Vice.



Snorting cocaine can create holes in parts of the nose like the septum between your right and left airways.

Cocaine constricts blood flow to the septum, the part of the nose that separates your right and left airways and divides your nostrils. Repeated use can cause holes in the area, which cannot heal without treatment.



Your nasal passages can dry out, causing nosebleeds and nasal collapse.

Some of cocaine's effects can fluctuate depending on the method of use. Regularly snorting it, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes, can cause: a loss of the sense of smell, nosebleeds, problems swallowing, hoarseness, and a runny nose.



One case study found that a man’s cocaine abuse caused his brain to be ‘eaten away.’

According to a case study in BMJ Case Reports, a 45-year-old habitual cocaine user landed in the emergency room after acting confused and being unable to follow basic commands.

When doctors looked at his brain, they found that part of his brain had been "eaten away." They eventually diagnosed the man with cocaine-induced leukoencephalopathy.

Leukoencephalopathy is a condition where white matter, a substance packed with nerve endings, starts to disappear in the brain or spine. The condition leads to mental deterioration, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Cocaine-induced leukoencephalopathy is extremely rare, but the condition can be fatal.



Smoking cocaine can irritate the lungs and, in some cases, cause permanent lung damage.

Smoking crack cocaine has been linked with numerous lung issues, including injuries to the airways, asthma, a range of symptoms referred to as "crack lung," interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, pulmonary hypertension, emphysema, infections, and tumors.



Brooklinen, best known for its ultra-comfortable sheets, is now in the loungewear game — here's how they stack up

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  • Brooklinen, the online startup known for making the "internet's favorite sheets," recently introduced men's and women's loungewear to its product offering.
  • The collection includes shorts, joggers, tanks, and tees, and ranges in price from $28 for tanks to $75 for joggers.
  • We wore some of Brooklinen's loungewear. The verdict? You're probably going to love it.

After dominating the direct-to-consumer bedding landscape over the last few years, Brooklinen has entered into the apparel space with its own line of soft, vintage-inspired loungewear. 

Alongside luxe sateen sheets and blanket-like towels, shoppers will now find tees, tanks, shorts, joggers, and a dress made from soft cotton, terry, and modal (with a dash of Spandex) that feel silky to the touch. Colors span four simple, neutral colors (black, white, gray, and sage green), and prices range from $28 for its tanks and tees to $75 for the joggers. The line was inspired by vintage athletic wear, and you'll see that heritage crop up in the occasional bottle-nosed shaped hem, though that's about as overt as it gets. 

Brooklinen says each piece undergoes five separate quality-control checks to ensure it won't warp, shrink, stretch, sag, or pill. In person, each piece has a heft and substantiality to it that made us feel that a higher price for basics may actually coincide with above-average quality, in this case. Like our other staff picks for the best loungewear out there— including MeUndies and Tommy John— spending a bit more on one fantastic set of lounge clothes and pajamas is ultimately far more enjoyable than spending the same amount on four underwhelming iterations. 

We reviewed a couple pieces from the men's and women's collections to see what they're really like in person. Shop Brooklinen loungewear now, or keep reading for our reviews.

Women's loungewear

Delancey Brooklinen shirt

The Delancey Tee ($28)

It's hard to get excited about loungewear — primarily, it comes down to the question of whether it's comfortable or not. But the Delancey Tee does sing for its $28 supper. Off the bat, it's a thicker, cooler-to-the-touch material that has a weighty drape. The sleeves are elongated, and the sage is a beautiful and subdued tone. The fit is loose but not sloppy, and since that's by design, its collar sits high as it would on a regular T-shirt, not low and stretched out like an oversized sleep shirt. I own a lot of comfortable clothes, but I get excited before I walk through the door to throw this on. 

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The Bleecker Short ($55)

As much as I love the Delancey Tee, I'd still pick the Bleecker Shorts first in a pinch. The best way to describe them is that they feel like a Saturday morning with nothing to do. The French Terry is super soft and surprisingly thick, and the elastic drawcord makes them customizable, and they're perfect combination of slouchy vs. fitted. The back pocket is a cute touch, and while I'm not sold on the bottle-nosed shaped hem on the shorts, it doesn't particularly bother me here — partly because it's executed well, and partly because they're too cozy to care if it wasn't. I sleep in them, wear them around the apartment, and make bagel runs in them without feeling like it's necessary to change. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Men's loungewear

brooklinen_hero

The Prospect Tee, $28

I may be one of the few people on the Insider Picks team who hasn't tried Brooklinen sheets, but if they're anything like the new loungewear, I understand why everyone loves the brand. I first put on the Prospect Tee under the impression that I'd only wear it at home, but I immediately knew that I could wear it anywhere. It's made from a super-soft blend of cotton and modal and it fits perfectly. After wearing it at home for a few days, I washed it and wore it to work and was comfortable all day long. Even at $28, the shirt is worth every penny. Although you could stock up on a bunch of $6 shirts, those are almost disposable. The Brooklinen Prospect Tee is a shirt you'll want to keep and wear forever. 

The Bergen Joggers, $75

There are few better feelings than taking your pants off after a long day and putting on something more comfortable. My old college sweatpants used to do the trick, but the Brooklinen Bergen Joggers have been a real game changer. Just like the T-shirt, they're super soft and comfortable. I like that they're lightweight, non-restrictive, and have decent-sized pockets for either putting my hands in or carrying stuff around. Although I wouldn't wear them outside, I can't stop myself from wearing the around the house and to bed. — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Shop the Brooklinen Loungewear collection, $28-$75

Join the conversation about this story »

A death in the Atlantic, a media empire that once had $4 billion in debt, and a yacht named Lady Ghislaine: Take a look at Ghislaine Maxwell's family history

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ghislaine maxwell robert maxwell

Ghislaine Maxwell has become a topic of public scrutiny for her relationship with former financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who was arrested on charges of sex trafficking in July.

Epstein was found dead after an apparent suicide August 10. At the time of his death, he'd been awaiting trial in a New York jail.

Maxwell, a British socialite, is alleged to have acted as Epstein's madam. Maxwell has denied these allegations.

Read more: Elon Musk was photographed next to Epstein's alleged madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, at an Oscars after-party in 2014

But Maxwell's family has plenty of scandals of its own, dating from the 1990s. Keep reading to learn more about the Maxwell family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help.The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.

SEE ALSO: The famous connections of Jeffrey Epstein, the elite wealth manager who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges

DON'T MISS: How Jeffrey Epstein, the mysterious hedge-fund manager arrested on sex-trafficking charges, made his fortune

Robert Maxwell was the first mysterious businessman in Ghislaine Maxwell's life.

Ghislaine Maxwell, 57, is the youngest child of the late media mogul Robert Maxwell's nine children. According to a 2011 report from The Telegraph, she was his favorite. All Maxwell's children were born in France, according to the Daily Beast.

Robert Maxwell was born Ján Ludvík Hoch in 1923 in Czechoslovakia, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Despite losing most of his family in the Holocaust, Maxwell escaped to the United Kingdom during World War II, changed his name to Ian Robert Maxwell, and became an officer in the British Army.

After the war, Maxwell entered the publishing business by selling academic papers, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.



"Ghislaine's father Robert Maxwell was one of the darkest and most mysterious men to appear in British public life," the Daily Beast wrote.

In July, the Daily Beast described Maxwell as a "charismatic businessman" who was surrounded by an air of mystery.

In 1984, Maxwell purchased Mirror Group Newspapers, the publisher of six British newspapers, including the Daily Mirror.

According to the LA Times, Maxwell went on to expand his empire to include the New York Daily News, the publishing house Macmillan Inc., and the now defunct paper The European.

But the expansions caused financial troubles for the company. It was later discovered that Maxwell stole money from his other companies and employee pension funds to cover the newspapers' debts, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.



Robert Maxwell considered Rupert Murdoch his rival, according to the Daily Beast.

Maxwell tried to create a media empire that would rival Rupert Murdoch's, the Daily Beast reported.

The two newspaper publishers posted opposing bids for British tabloid News of the World in 1969, according to the Daily Beast. Murdoch's bid was selected. Maxwell also lost a bidding war for The Sun to Murdoch in 1969.

Read more: What Rupert Murdoch's life is really like: How the mogul grew his media empire and $7.35 billion fortune, weathered scandal, and became engrained in international politics



Various reports indicate that Robert Maxwell did not shy away from questionable business practices.

Maxwell had the Daily Mirror's offices bugged so that he could hear what the company's executives were saying about him, according to the Daily Beast.

Maxwell engineered contests for Daily Mirror readers designed to prevent anyone from winning, according to the BBC. In one contest, any reader who could locate a football in an image printed by the paper was promised £1 million.

"He took aside the promotions manager and myself and he said, 'Between you, I want you to make sure no one can win £1 million,'" former Mirror editor Roy Greenslade told the BBC.



In November 1991, Robert Maxwell was found dead in the Atlantic Ocean.

Robert Maxwell had been sailing off the coast of the Canary Islands aboard his 180-foot luxury yacht named after his daughter, Lady Ghislaine, according to the AP. Maxwell was missing from the yacht for 14 hours before his naked body was discovered.

Maxwell was set to meet with representatives of the Bank of England over his company's unpaid debts the day after his disappearance, his sons told the Sunday Times, 27 years after his father's death, according to The Guardian.

The media mogul was 68 at the time of his death, according to the AP. Ghislaine was 30.



After an investigation, Robert Maxwell's death was deemed to have been the result of natural causes.

According to The Guardian, Maxwell's death was officially ruled to have been caused by a heart attack combined with accidental drowning.

But Maxwell's cause of death became the subject of many conspiracy theories, INSIDER reported. His death had been widely speculated by the public to be a suicide because it occurred during a period of financial turbulence for his company.

Years after his father's death, one of Maxwell's sons spoke out against the suicide theories.

"In 27 years I've never speculated: Was he killed or did he kill himself?" Maxwell's son Ian told the Sunday Times, 27 years after his father's death, according to The Guardian.

"If I say anything about it, I think it is highly unlikely that he would have taken his own life. It wasn't in his makeup or mentality. I don't think any murder conspiracy stands up, so for me, it is an unexplained accident, and I'm content to live with that."

Maxwell's companies owed more than $4 billion to 43 different banks at the time of his death, according to the Daily Beast.

After her father's death, Ghislaine Maxwell moved to the Manhattan's Upper East Side and began working in real estate. According to a New York Post story from 2000, she was living off about $100,000 a year from a trust fund her father had set up.



After her husband's death, Ghislaine's mother, Elisabeth Maxwell, became a Holocaust expert.

Maxwell devoted her life to Holocaust research after her husband's death, earning a doctorate from Oxford at age 60, according to The New York Times.

Before Robert Maxwell's death, she spent her time managing the couple's 53-room mansion in Oxford, The Times reported. Less than a month after his death, Robert Maxwell's financial crimes erased the family's fortune, forcing her to move out of the mansion and into a borrowed apartment.

She died in 2013, according to The Times.



Two of Ghislaine's brothers, Ian and Kevin Maxwell, were tried with financial crimes related to their father's businesses in 1996.

The brothers were later acquitted, according to the AP. Kevin Maxwell filed for bankruptcy in 1992, according to The Guardian.

Ian and Kevin Maxwell have been extremely private since the trial's conclusion, HuffPost reported in 2018. The brothers now own a real estate and telecom businesses outside the UK. In 2018, they launched a think tank called Combating Jihadist Terrorism and Extremism, according to The Guardian.

Ian serves as CoJit's director, according to the organization's website. CoJit did not return Business Insider's request for comment.



The Maxwell siblings have been described as having kept low profiles in recent years.

In a 2011 report titled "Whatever happened to the Maxwells?" The Telegraph said that Robert Maxwell was "famously good at covering his tracks," and that it's "hardly surprising his family has grown so skilled over the past two decades at simply disappearing."

Ghislaine's other siblings include Anne, Christine, Isabel, and Philip Maxwell, according to The New York Times. Anne is a former actress who worked as a hypnotherapist in Surrey, The Telegraph reported in 2011. Christine launched an internet company. Phillip was said to be in London launching a career as a writer.

As of the 2011 Telegraph article, all of the siblings were reported to have a close relationship with one another.



Ghislaine Maxwell is alleged to have helped former financier Jeffrey Epstein run a sex-trafficking ring.

Ghislaine was a close associate and former girlfriend of Epstein, Business Insider previously reported. An Oxford-educated socialite, she has been photographed alongside many powerful people, including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Maxwell is now alleged of having helped him find underaged victims to use as sex slaves. She has denied these allegations.

Now that Epstein is dead, the investigation into him could refocus on her. But, as Business Insider's Michelle Mark reported, her location has been hard to track down: Maxwell had reportedly not been seen in public for three years.

That changed August 15, when a photo shared to the New York Post showed Maxwell dining alone at an In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles.

Read more: What to know about British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's alleged madam who could become the new focus of his conspiracy case



How to zoom in on a Windows PC in a web browser or app, or using its built-in Magnifier tool

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If you have trouble reading elements on the screen, Windows can help by zooming or enlarging the display. 

There are a few ways to do this. Not only do many programs come with their own zoom control, but Windows has an accessibility tool called Magnifier, which you can use to zoom in on the entire desktop and all its content. 

Here's how to do it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 Home (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to zoom in on a PC 

How to zoom in on any web browser

No matter which browser you happen to use in Windows — Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, even Internet Explorer — the technique to zoom in on your browser window is the same. 

1. Open the browser of your choice.

2. To zoom in and out with a keyboard shortcut, hold CTRL and press the + key to zoom in. 

3. Hold CTRL and the - key to zoom out. 

You can zoom in and out multiple levels. If you prefer, the Zoom command is usually also available in the browser's menu.

  • In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines at the top right and then click the + and - beside Zoom.
  • In Chrome or Edge, click the three dots at the top right and then click the + and - beside Zoom.
  • In Internet Explorer, hold ALT to get the menu bar to appear, then click View, followed by Zoom. 

zoom 1

How to zoom in on Windows using Magnifier

In the Start menu search box, type "Magnifier" and click the program when it appears in the search results. 

zoom 2

The Magnifier starts with the desktop zoomed to 200 percent. You can find the Magnifier controls at the top left of the desktop (it can be initially disorienting to find your way around the desktop because of the magnification). Once you find the Magnifier, you can use the + and - buttons to zoom in and out. 

You can also click the View menu and choose from these options:

  • Full Screen. The entire display is zoomed into the selected value.
  • Lens. Only a rectangular "lens" around your mouse pointer is zoomed, so you can move the mouse around the display to get a better look at whatever your mouse is hovering over.
  • Docked. The zoomed "lens" is docked to the top of the display rather than moving around with the mouse pointer. But the docked display shows wherever your mouse pointer is located at the current zoom level.

zoom 3

To stop magnifying the screen, you can close the Magnifier program or press Windows + ESC. 

Zooming in other apps

Many other apps have their own built-in zoom, so if you frequently need to enlarge text, you should look for this in the programs you commonly use. 

Most apps that include this feature tend to locate it in the "View" menu. In Microsoft Word, for example, click "View" in the ribbon menu and then click the "Zoom" button in the ribbon. 

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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These percale sheets are not only smooth and cool to the touch, they also cleverly attach to the matching duvet so your top sheet doesn't slide around

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  • For the last few months, I've been sleeping on the Percale Complete Bedding Set ($149-$199) from online bedding startup Primary Goods
  • The cool, crisp, and breathable weave is ideal for warmer weather, letting you relax in bed without overheating. 
  • Another feature worth noting is the company's patented top sheet and duvet cover design that prevents the top sheet from slipping and takes the pain out of making your bed in the morning. 
  • Right now, you can take 15% sitewide with code "BETTERSLEEP".

As the weather warms up, the thought of snuggling in bed doesn't hold quite the same appeal as it did back during the chilly weather, when all I wanted to do was bury myself under layers of sheets and comforters. 

The cool and smooth percale sheets from Primary Goods, however, provide a good argument for staying in bed a little longer this season. 

Primary Goods is an online bedding startup that makes just two types of sheets: linen and percale.

Last year, I tried its linen set and loved its soft feel and rumpled, lived-in look. Making the experience especially memorable was Primary Goods' patented snapping design that keeps the top sheet and duvet cover together at all times, so I was able to sleep comfortably with a top sheet for the first time, ever. 

primary percale sheets review

Since linen is pricey and not for everyone, you have another way to enjoy bedding that's both comfortable and cleverly designed. Primary Goods' five-piece Percale Bedding Set ($149-$199) is $200 less than its linen set and right around the same price as Brooklinen's percale sheet set

The big benefit of a semi-loose percale weave is its breathability. It's is the perfect material for spring and summer because it'll keep you pleasantly cool through warm nights and it always feels light and crisp.

Being made from 100% long-staple cotton means it's also more durable than short-staple cotton. After many rounds in the washing machine, my sheets are just as strong as when I first got them, and they feel softer than before. 

The Insider Picks team recommends Brooklinen sheets with fervent passion, but I'd argue the Primary Goods equivalent are even better value because they eliminate the problems of traditional top sheets. 

These top sheet and duvet cover snap together so both always stay attached and move with you as you shift in bed. The top sheet is cut to a slightly smaller size than the cover, so you don't have extra material hanging out and have nothing to tuck in.

Once I reluctantly extract myself from my soft and cool haven of a bed, it's easy to make it look neat and tidy again. Rather than dig out the top sheet from the bottom of my bed, then tuck that in and put the duvet cover over it, I only have to rearrange one layer. When it's time to wash my sheets, I just unsnap the top sheet from the duvet cover. 

Taking into account the time and frustration saved by sleeping with these sheets, on top of their comfortable, long-lasting quality, I think $150-$180 is a great price to pay for a set. Right now you'll pay a little less by using the special code "BETTERSLEEP," which will get you 15% off sitewide as well as free shipping. Then, you'll have a 100-day free trial to determine whether you want to keep the sheets. 

Shop the Complete Bedding Set and take 15% off with code "BETTERSLEEP" at Primary Goods here ($149-$199)

Shop all bedding at Primary Goods here

Join the conversation about this story »

I helped launch an 'Uber for lawn care' startup that failed miserably. This is exactly how I knew when to give up — and how we were able to pivot to launching a multimillion-dollar company within the same year.

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  • Ninety percent of startups fail. It's a fact of startup life. 
  • David Jackson is a founder of one of those failed startups. He cofounded Roost, "basically Uber for lawn care," in 2013.
  • While the startup was getting positive feedback and seemed to be growing, it wasn't making any profit. After a year, the cofounders shut down Roost. Now they run FullStack Labs, a thriving software-consulting business.
  • Jackson's advice to startup founders is straightforward: fail fast, transition the business early, and consider how high the risk of failure is. 
  • Click here for more BI Prime stories.

With the startup-failure rate holding steady at around 90%, stories of new companies going belly-up are common. What's less common is finding founders of these failed ventures who are willing to candidly share exactly what went wrong and why.

David Jackson is one entrepreneur who isn't ashamed to admit that his startup — a company called Roost, which he described as "basically Uber for lawn care" — bit the dust despite the best efforts from him and his business partner to keep it alive.

The pair launched Roost in 2013 with the starry eyes of every tech cofounder — with high hopes for its success. Jackson explained how everything started out smoothly and showed initial signs of growth: "Homeowners came to our website, measured out their property on Google Maps, selected a weekly or biweekly plan, and submitted their payment information," he said. "We then partnered with lawn-care professionals who would provide the recurring service to the homeowner. After each visit, we'd charge the homeowner's credit card and allow the homeowner to leave feedback for the landscaper." 

David Jackson

Read more: One email put a 24-year old on a path from intern to COO in six months. Here's the exact text he used.

At the company's peak, Jackson and his partner were processing several hundred jobs per month, receiving positive feedback from homeowners and landscapers alike who were involved with the service. Despite these early indicators, the company wasn't making any profit, and the model required significantly more customer service than Jackson had anticipated.

"Roost worked well for a while," Jackson said. "But when something went wrong, the homeowners would call us directly and want us to fix it, as opposed to calling the landscape company." As the startup grew, customer service began absorbing more and more of the cofounders' time and resources, eliminating whatever small profit margin they might have made. "Lawn care is a commodity service, and buyers are very price-sensitive, so we had a hard time raising prices to try and offset the cost," Jackson said. 

After a year of trying to make it work, they called it quits and shuttered the business. Though Roost wasn't Jackson's first startup, he felt discouraged about the outcome. "It was pretty disheartening to shut down Roost, especially since we had strong initial traction and positive feedback from customers and service providers, and decent revenue," Jackson said. "But I was convinced that the business model just wouldn't work in the long run, which made the decision easier."

Pivoting to a new venture

The cofounders had bills to pay, so they needed to think fast. They pivoted their efforts toward software consulting, which Jackson considered "an easy place to turn." The gearshift turned out to be a smart decision, as their consulting business ultimately evolved into FullStack Labs, which launched the same year as Roost and has become a huge success. The company generates several million dollars in annual revenue, with offices now in California, Washington, DC, and Colombia. 

Read more: The best way to teach yourself to code and land a six-figure job, from 5 people who've done it

"When we originally started FullStack, we had no idea it would grow as quickly as it has," Jackson said. "We thought that best-case scenario, maybe we could build a small five- or 10-person consulting firm." But they far exceeded that original vision. In the five years since they launched FullStack, the company has grown to 60-plus employees, with continued expansion projected in the future. The firm has also been able to grow profitably without taking on outside investment.

Jackson attributes the successful bounce back to a compatible dynamic with his cofounder. "My business management and sales experience combined with my business partner's technical experience gave us a competitive advantage in the consulting marketplace," Jackson said. "We were able to divide and conquer between delivering projects and focusing on sales, and the business just took off." 

Since Jackson has experienced both sides of the entrepreneurial coin and has emerged relatively unscathed from a failed venture, his advice to other entrepreneurs hoping to beat the one in 10 odds and launch a successful startup has special meaning. First, he suggests that founders don't waste too much time trying to make lemonade from an obvious lemon. "Fail fast," Jackson said. "Your time is precious, and you can't afford to invest several years into a business that's not going to make it." 

Read more: Here's exactly what it takes to get accepted into Harvard Business School, according to 5 grads and the managing director of admissions

Jackson also recommends that if you're going to change course, do so early — even if it means transitioning to an entirely new business model. "If you try enough business models, eventually you'll find one that works," he said. 

His final tip: think about whether the business that you're proposing has a high chance of failure. "Established business models (like software consulting) are much easier to make successful than new products and services that don't currently exist in the marketplace," Jackson said. "There's more upside if you can create something brand new, but the chances of failure are much higher. So don't be afraid to pivot to an established business model in the event your moonshot business model didn't work."

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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Tesla sells more than just cars. Here are some of the company's surprising 'lifestyle' products, from wireless chargers to surfboards. (TSLA)

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  • Tesla makes some additional revenue through the use of its name and brand.
  • Tesla often releases new, sometimes-limited-edition lifestyle products, like phone chargers and even surfboards.
  • We've compiled all of the popular lifestyle products Tesla has sold recently or currently.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Tesla sells a lot of products that aren't just cars — and people seem to love them.

Last summer, Tesla released 200 limited-edition surfboards, priced at $1,500, which sold out in just one day. The carbon-fiber surfboards featured the same paint used on Tesla's cars, in a similar livery.

Tesla also unveiled wireless chargers for smartphones last year; those sold out within a day as well. Tesla said they use "the same design language used in our energy products, like Powerwall." 

We decided to round up all of Tesla's popular lifestyle products and notable merchandise from the past and present. Take a look.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says he wants to 'nuke Mars' and that he plans to make 'Nuke Mars!' T-shirts

In 2018, Tesla started selling $65 wireless smartphone chargers, which quickly sold out.



Tesla sells other phone chargers as well. The Powerbank is a portable charger, and the Desktop Supercharger is modeled after a Tesla car charger.



Your kids can have a Tesla of their own, before they're old enough to drive, thanks to this $600 Model S replica for kids.

The Model S for Kids is made for Tesla by Radio Flyer.



The pint-sized Tesla Model S is battery-powered, fully customizable and comes standard with cool features like a built-in MP3 player.



In 2018, Tesla also notably put surfboards up for sale — just 200 of them, priced at $1,500 apiece — and they sold out in less than a day. Some were posted on eBay, going for more than twice the price.



Tesla also sells tiny diecast 1:18 scale models of the Model S, which go for $250 each.



Tesla offers some custom mugs and thermoses, including a $35 mug showing the "Starman," which was the mannequin that Tesla dressed in a space suit that shot into space riding an actual 2008-model Tesla Roadster.



And of course, there's plenty of branded clothing, like shirts and hoodies.



Tesla sells various styles of baseball-style caps ...



... as well as beanies.

To see a list of all of Tesla's clothing products, click here



Tesla continues putting interesting products in its stores from time to time — but there's still no Tesla-branded flamethrower. That was a Boring Company product, merchandise for another one of Musk's companies.

(The Boring Company makes hats, too.)

Sean Wolfe contributed to an earlier version of this story.



39 critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video original shows to add to your streaming queue

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If you're stuck in a cycle of thumbing through streaming sites, looking up trailers, and ultimately rewatching "The Office" for the millionth time, you may want to set your sights on a smaller, choicer pool of options — like all the nominated or award-winning original series on Prime Video.

Streaming wars have amped up the volume of production, financial investment, and in the best of cases, the quality of the content itself. As companies duke it out for a bigger portion of your finite attention, they're bringing bigger and better options to the market in order to seduce you. But, if you don't know where to find the shows most worth your time, then you can get burned by investing time into the fluff and filler also housed on the platform. 

Like Netflix and HBO, Amazon is no stranger to Emmys. Below, you'll find 39 solid original series that have either been nominated or already won awards to consider next time you want something new.

Here are 39 critically acclaimed Amazon original series:

Series descriptions are provided by Amazon and lightly edited for length.

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

Watch it here

In 1958 New York, Midge Maisel's life is on track — husband, kids, and elegant Yom Kippur dinners in their Upper West Side apartment. But when her life takes a surprise turn, she has to quickly decide what else she's good at — and going from housewife to stand-up comic is a wild choice to everyone but her. 



"The Gymkhana Files"

Watch it here

The Gymkhana Files takes viewers deep behind the scenes of one of the world's wildest, most successful viral video franchises of all time, with over 500 million online views and counting. Follow globally recognized race-car driver and viral star Ken Block and his team of Hoonigans as they attempt to make the greatest automotive video of all time while racing in the World Rallycross Championship.



"Beat"

Watch it here

Nobody in Berlin's techno scene is better connected than club promoter Robert Schlag, aka Beat. In order to get to the masterminds of a criminal network, Beat is recruited by the European Secret Service. On the hunt for the architects behind organized organ trafficking, the past catches up with Beat, who quickly reaches his personal limits.



"Homecoming"

Watch it here

Good intentions. Erratic bosses. Mounting paranoia. Unforeseen consequences spiraling out of control. Heidi (Julia Roberts) works at Homecoming, a facility helping soldiers transition to civilian life. Years later she has started a new life, when the Department of Defense questions why she left Homecoming, Heidi realizes there's a whole other story behind the one she's been telling herself.



"The Romanoffs"

Watch it here

From the creator of "Mad Men," "The Romanoffs" is a contemporary anthology series set around the globe featuring eight separate stories about people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. 



"The Man in the High Castle"

Watch it here

Based on Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel, and executive produced by Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner"), and Frank Spotnitz ("The X-Files"), "The Man in the High Castle" explores what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States. 



"Forever"

Watch it here

Married couple June and Oscar live a comfortable but predictable life in suburban California. For years they've had the same conversations, eaten the same meals and taken pleasant vacations at the same rented lake house. But after June talks Oscar into shaking things up with a ski trip, the pair suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory.



"Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan"

Watch it here

When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon a suspicious series of bank transfers, his search for answers pulls him from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East, with a rising terrorist figurehead preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies.



"All or Nothing: Manchester City"

Watch it here

In this ground-breaking docu-series, follow Manchester City behind the scenes throughout their Premier League winning, record-breaking '17-18 season. Get an exclusive look into one of the best global sports clubs, including never-before-seen dressing room footage with legendary coach Pep Guardiola, and delve into the players' lives off and on the pitch.



"Fleabag"

Watch it here

"Fleabag" is a hilarious and poignant window into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, grief-riddled woman, as she hurls herself at modern living in London. Award-winning playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge writes and stars as "Fleabag," an unfiltered woman trying to heal, while rejecting anyone who tries to help her and keeping up her bravado all along.



"Agatha Christie's: Ordeal by Innocence"

Watch it here

When wealthy philanthropist, Rachel Argyll, is murdered at her family estate, her adopted son Jack is arrested for her murder. He vehemently protests his innocence and eighteen months later, the identity of the murder is thrown in doubt. Now it is up to the rest of the family to decipher a killer amongst them.



"Eat. Race. Win."

Watch it here

"EAT. RACE. WIN." is a behind-the-scenes adventure into the biggest annual sporting event on the planet: The Tour de France. The Queen of Performance Cooking, Chef Hannah Grant, takes you on her race within the race as she sources performance food for Australia's pro cycling team, Orica-Scott. Hannah shows us exactly what it takes to perform at the edge of human endurance for 21 race days.



"A Very English Scandal"

Watch it here

The shocking true story of the first British politician to stand trial for conspiracy to murder. Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant), the leader of the Liberal party, has a secret he's desperate to hide. His ex-lover Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw) is putting Thorpe's brilliant political career at risk so Thorpe schemes and deceives until he realizes there's only one way to silence Scott for good.



"Goliath"

Watch it here

Once a powerful lawyer, Billy McBride is now burned out and washed up, spending more time in a bar than a courtroom. When he reluctantly agrees to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the biggest client of the massive law firm he helped create, Billy and his ragtag team uncover a vast and deadly conspiracy, pitting them all in a life or death trial against the ultimate Goliath.



"Transparent"

Watch it here

When the Pfefferman family patriarch makes a dramatic admission, the entire family's secrets start to spill out, and each of them spins in a different direction as they begin to figure out who they are going to become. 



"Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse"

Watch it here

Join the Emmy and James Beard Award-nominated adventure as celebrated chef Emeril Lagasse embarks on a food-fueled global exploration. Emeril hits the road with his best friends and biggest chefs in the world to discover popular food movements and local culinary traditions. With Marcus Samuelsson in Sweden, Mario Batali in China, José Andrés in Spain, Danny Bowien in South Korea, Nancy Silverton in Italy, and Aarón Sánchez in Cuba.



"Picnic at Hanging Rock"

Watch it here

A reimagining of the iconic Australian novel that plunges us into the mysterious disappearances of three schoolgirls and their governess on Valentine's Day, 1900. Exploring the event's far-reaching impact on the students and staff of Appleyard College, their enigmatic headmistress and the nearby township, theories soon abound, paranoia sets in, long-held secrets surface, and the mystery deepens.



"The Expanse"

Watch it here

The disappearance of rich-girl-turned-political-activist Julie Mao links the lives of Ceres detective Joe Miller (Thomas Jane), accidental ship captain James Holden (Steven Strait), and U.N. politician Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo). Amidst political tension between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, they unravel the single greatest conspiracy of all time.



"Catastrophe"

Watch it here

Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan write and star in this R-rated comedy about a one-week stand between a Boston ad exec and a London schoolteacher that leads to an accidental pregnancy. When Rob moves to the UK to help figure things out, cultures clash and hormones flare as these two realize they don't know the first thing about each other.



"Mozart in the Jungle"

Watch it here

What happens behind the curtains at the symphony is just as captivating as what happens on stage. Brash new maestro Rodrigo (Gael Garcia Bernal) is stirring things up, and young oboist Hailey (Lola Kirke) hopes for her big chance.



"Britannia"

Watch it here

The mysterious and tumultuous land of 43AD Britannia is occupied by many warring tribes until the invasion of a foreign army sparks chaos and allegiances. Celtic rivals Kerra (Kelly Reilly) and Antedia (Zoë Wanamaker) must face the oncoming Roman invasion led by Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey) as it seeks to dismantle the Celtic Resistance.



"Bosch"

Watch it here

Based on Michael Connelly's best-selling novels, Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), an LAPD homicide detective, stands trial for the fatal shooting of a serial murder suspect — just as a cold case involving the remains of a missing boy forces Bosch to confront his past. As daring recruit, Julia Brasher (Annie Wersching), catches his eye, and departmental politics heat up, Bosch will pursue justice at all costs.



"King Lear"

Watch it here

Set in the fictional present and starring Anthony Hopkins, the 80-year-old King Lear divides his kingdom among his daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, according to their affection for him. When his youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him, hurt and angry Lear banishes her. With that fateful decision, family and state collapse into chaos and warfare.

 



"Philip K.Dick's Electric Dreams"

Watch it here

Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams is a 10-episode sci-fi anthology series that journeys into unique worlds beyond imagination. Based on original short stories by the acclaimed author, each stand-alone episode features an all-star cast including: Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi, Greg Kinnear, and Anna Paquin, and provokes society's deepest questions about what it means to be human.



"The Last Post"

Watch it here

In the mid-60s, a unit of Royal Military Police officers and their families deal with the challenges of politics, love, and war in the shimmering heat of British-controlled Aden.



"The Grand Tour"

Watch it here

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are back with "The Grand Tour." A show about adventure, excitement, and friendship... as long as you accept that the people you call friends are also the ones you find extremely annoying. Sometimes it's even a show about cars. Follow them on their global adventure.



"Inside Edge"

Watch it here

The Mumbai Mavericks are playing in their sixth season of the PowerPlay League. Successful on the pitch, but in trouble off it, the team gets a new owner, setting off a chain of events that not only bares the rampant greed, ambition, politics, and sleaze that runs deep in the league, but also challenges the passion and courage of those who love it.



"Tin Star"

Watch it here

Part drama, part thriller, and part dark comedy, "Tin Star" is an exhilaratingly smart, breathlessly suspenseful thrill-ride of a show as deceit, guilt, love, and all-consuming rage lead inexorably to a gut-wrenching finale.



"One Mississippi"

Watch it here

"One Mississippi" is a dark comedy inspired by comedian Tig Notaro's life. Tig returns to her hometown in Mississippi, where she contends with the death of her mother and her own mortality as she embarks on a painful yet hilarious journey that unearths uncomfortable truths about her family and her self.

 



"Comrade Detective"

Watch it here

In the 1980s, millions of Romanians tuned in to "Comrade Detective", a gritty, sexy, communist buddy cop show that has now been digitally remastered and dubbed into English for the first time by a cast featuring Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jenny Slate, Nick Offerman, and many more.



"All or Nothing: A Season with the Los Angeles Rams"

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This Emmy-winning series takes viewers inside the locker room, on the sidelines, and off the field for an unprecedented look inside an NFL franchise's complete season.

 



"I Love Dick"

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Adapted from the lauded feminist novel, "I Love Dick" is set in a colorful academic community in Marfa, Texas. It tells the story of a struggling married couple, Chris and Sylvere, and their obsession with a charismatic professor named Dick. Told in Rashomon-style shifts of point of view, "I Love Dick" charts the unraveling of a marriage, the awakening of an artist, and the deification of a reluctant messiah.



"You Are Wanted"

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Lukas Franke (Matthias Schweighöfer) finds himself a victim of a hacking attack, his online information altered to implicate him as having masterminded a cyber-attack on Berlin resulting in a city-wide blackout. Suspected as a terrorist, Lukas scrambles to find out why he's been targeted, as even his family and friends begin to doubt his innocence. 

 



"Patriot"

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To prevent Iran from going nuclear, intelligence officer John Tavner must forgo all safety nets and assume a perilous "non-official cover" — that of a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm.



"Jean-Claude Van Johnson"

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What if I told you that Jean-Claude Van Damme — yes, that Jean-Claude Van Damme — was, in fact, a secret agent? That his entire film career was built solely as a front for his black ops? Would you believe me? No? Well, then that's egg on your face because that's what this show is about.

 



"The Last Tycoon"

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Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios present "The Last Tycoon", a drama series based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's unfinished final novel.



"Red Oaks"

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In the summer of 1985, 20-year-old David Meyers takes a job as a tennis pro at Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey, as his parents, girlfriend, and co-workers pull him toward a future he's increasingly unsure he wants.

 



"Alpha House"

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They work in the Senate. They live in the house — Alpha House. 



"The Tick"

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In a world where superheroes have been real for decades, an accountant with mental health issues and zero powers comes to suspect his city is owned by a global super villain long-thought dead. As he struggles to uncover the conspiracy, he falls in league with a strange blue superhero. They launch into an adventure brimming with crazed archvillains, blood-soaked vigilantes, and superhuman freakery.



'What is YouTube Premium?': Everything you need to know about YouTube's ad-free streaming service

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youtube app phone

  • YouTube has its own streaming service, YouTube Premium (formerly known as YouTube Red).
  • For $12 per month, YouTube Premium subscribers can watch videos without ads and download content for viewing offline.

If you're hooked on YouTube, YouTube Premium is your opportunity to indulge your addiction. 

While YouTube remains free for all to post and view videos, YouTube Premium allows you to watch those videos without ads. 

But that's just the start of the benefits of a Premium subscription.

What is YouTube Premium?

YouTube Premium does more than free you from sitting through ads that are sometimes as long as the video you want to watch. Here's what else you get with YouTube's streaming service: 

  • You can open another app on your mobile device and your YouTube video will continue to play in the background
  • You can download videos to watch offline later, which will surely make your time on the train home go by faster.
  • Watch YouTube Originals, exclusive content featuring celebrity stars available for streaming through YouTube Premium. 
  • With your subscription to YouTube Premium, you also get access to YouTube Music Premium. This may be one of the best features of the membership. YouTube Music, like Apple Music, Spotify, or Pandora, allows you to stream a wide library of music. You can create stations or explore new releases. If YouTube Music doesn't have the song you're searching for, the app can find that song for you from the YouTube app and send you there to play it.

3.5 premium music

  • If you let YouTube Music use your location data, it will play location-specific music for you (such as a workout playlist at the gym). This is either very cool or super creepy, depending on your perspective.

How to sign up for YouTube Premium

To sign up for YouTube Premium, simply click on one of the many pop-up boxes for a free trial in YouTube on your computer or your phone. 

4.5 premium sign up

If you don't see a pop-up, follow these steps:

  • If you're not logged into YouTube, you'll need to log in.
  • Click on your Profile photo.
  • From the menu that appears, choose Paid memberships. 

5 account management menu   computer

To use YouTube Music on your phone, download the app. You can click on the music icon from the YouTube app and you're automatically signed in and ready to go. Add your music preferences to start getting custom playlists. 

You can also access YouTube Music through the browser on your computer. 

How much YouTube Premium costs 

After the free one-month trial, YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month. For an extra $6 per month, you can add as many as five family members to your Premium subscription. 

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At $17.99 per month, that's the best deal, especially if you have a big family. Family members must be at least 13 years old to use YouTube Premium.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

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