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REI's big Labor Day sale is going on now through September 2 — here are 25 best deals from The North Face, Patagonia, and more brands

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rei labor day sale

  • REI is a go-to shopping spot for all things outdoors— whether you need to stock up on some outdoor apparel basics or want to go on a fun nature adventure in your area, REI has got you covered. 
  • Now through September 2, you can save up to 40% on outdoor gear, apparel, and more at REI's Labor Day sale.
  • We rounded up the 25 best deals from the sale. Check them out below, or head right to REI to start shopping. 

REI is the ultimate shopping destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you need a jacket to brave the winter cold or want to stock up on gear before a big outdoor adventure, REI has got you covered.

Right now, REI is running a huge Labor Day sale— and anyone who needs some outdoor gear or apparel should take note. From August 23 through September 2, you can save up to 40% on outdoor gear, apparel, classes, and adventures at REI. 

The sale is offering deep discounts on tons of items, including kayaks, hiking boots, winter jackets, sleeping bags, and more from your favorite outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Thule, and more. This year, you can even save on REI events and adventures— outdoor day trips, activity classes, and specialty trips run by the retailer.

If you need to gear up for a rock-climbing trip, are looking to actually learn how to rock climb, or just want to pick up some outdoor clothing basics, the REI Labor Day sale is well worth checking out. Since the sale is so big, these nine categories will help you navigate the best deals easily: 

  1. Camping gear up to 30% off
  2. REI Co-op brand gear and clothing up to 30% off
  3. Arc'teryx apparel up to 25% off
  4. REI events and classes 20% off with the code "REICLASS19"
  5. Bikes up to 20% off
  6. Casual footwear and sandals up to 40% off
  7. Summer clothing up to 50% off
  8. Cycle clothing and accessories up to 30% off
  9. La Sportiva hiking and climbing footwear up to 25% off

Head to REI to shop the Labor Day sale now. Or, check out 25 of the best deals included in the sale, below:

Garmin Vivomove HR Smart Watch

$169.99 (Originally $200) [You save 15%]



Men's Arc'teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket

$161.83 (Originally $325) [You save 50%]



Osprey Aether AG 70 Pack

$231.99 (Originally $310) [You save 25%]



Women's Roxy Neon Tide Rashguard

$26.83 (Originally $39.50) [You save 32%]



GHOST Square Cross 6.8 AL Bike

$768.93 (Originally $1,099)[You save 30%]



Women's Oboz Sawtooth Low BDry Hiking Shoes

$97.73 (Originally $140) [You save 30%]



Men's Adidas Terrex ClimaCool Boat Water Shoes

$42.93 (Originally $65) [You save 33%]



Women's The North Face Anthea Insulated Jacket

$63.83 (Originally $129) [You save 50%]



Men's Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

$68.93 (Originally $139) [You save 50%]



REI Ausangate Lodge to Lodge Trek

$3,999 for REI members (Originally $4,999) [You save $1,000]

$4,499 for non-members (Originally $5,499)[You save $1,000]



Women's Patagonia Better Sweater Vest

$48.93 (Originally $99) [You save 50%]



Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent

$337.39 (Originally $449.95) [You save 25%]



STAR Challenger Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak

$671.19 (Originally $895) [You save 25%]



Men's REI Co-op Link Shell Bike Shorts

$38.93 (Originally $79.95) [You save 50%]



Women's REI Co-op "Out There" Graphic Fleece Sweatshirt

$28.99 (Originally $59.95) [You save 51%]



Men's Smartwool Curated Shadow Ridge Crew Socks

$9.83 (Originally $19.95) [You save 50%]



Men's Columbia Titanium Omni-Heat 3D Knit Tights

$21.83 (Originally $90.00) [You save 75%]



Women's Arc'teryx Delta LT Jacket

$68.83 (Originally $139.00) [You save 50%] 



Marmot Trestles Elite 0 Sleeping Bag

$130.73 (Originally $219) [You save 40%]



REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 Soft Cooler

$74.89 (Originally $99.95) [You save 25%]



Women's Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Pants

$68.93 (Originally $99.00) [You save 30%]



Men's Columbia Super Slack Tide Camp Shirt

$37.93 (Originally $55) [You save 31%]



Thule Force XT L Roof Box

$455.89 (Originally $569.95) [You save 20%]



Manduka eKO Lite 4mm Yoga Mat

$33.73 (Originally $68) [You save 50%]



Kids' Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandals

$23.83 (Originally $40) [You save 40%]




The best Labor Day sales on tech, mattresses, clothing, and more that you can already start shopping

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 Best Labor Day sales 4x3

  • Labor Day is on Monday, September 2. You can already start taking advantage of many end-of-summer and Labor Day sales through September 2 and beyond. 
  • See our full list of online sales across mattresses and bedding, home and kitchen, clothing and accessories, tech, and more below. 
  • Saving even more on Labor Day is as simple as visiting Business Insider Coupons, home to promo codes for your favorite online stores.

It's hard to believe summer is already almost over.

One of the good things about the end of the season, though, is that many online retailers are starting to announce and hold their end-of-summer and Labor Day sales. 

While you still have another month or so to go on vacation, relax at the beach, and enjoy a glass of rosé (or can of White Claw), now's also the perfect time to start thinking about your fall fashion, home and kitchen, and tech needs.

Labor Day sales provide an opportunity to save on anything you need to buy online. You may also be interested in the soon-to-be out-of-season stock from your favorite stores. 

To potentially save more during Labor Day, you can visit our coupons site to find promo codes to these retailers. 

Shop the best online Labor Day sales we already know about below: 

Mattresses and bedding

Allswell: 15% off mattresses and bedding with code "LD15" from August 25 through September 8

Bear Mattress: 20% off sitewide + 2 free Cloud Pillows with code "20LD" now through September 3

Boll & Branch: 20% off mattresses, duvet inserts, and pillows with code "LABORDAY20" from August 25 through September 2 

Brooklinen: 10% off all orders under $200 and 15% off all orders of $200+ from August 30 through September 3 

Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off sitewide from August 28 through September 2 

Casper: 10% off any purchase with a mattress with code "LABORDAY" now through September 9. Discount is increased to 15% off on September 1 and September 2

Crane & Canopy: Up to 60% off bedding from August 29 through September 2 

Dreamcloud: $200 off the Dreamcloud Mattress now through Septtember 9 

Eight Sleep: Buy a Pod and get a free Gravity Blanket now through September 9 

Layla: $125 off the Layla Mattress + 2 free pillows now through September 12 

Leesa: Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows 

Mattress Firm: Get a king size mattress for the price of a queen or a queen size mattress for the price of a twin; get a free adjustable base with any mattress purchase of $499 or more now through September 2 

Nectar: $100 off the Nectar Mattress + 2 free pillows now through September 9

PlushBeds: $1,200 off all organic latex mattresses + free cotton sheet set and mattress protector with code "BIORGANIC" now through September 12 

Purple: Get 2 free pillows and set of sheets with each mattress purchase now through September 10 

Saatva: $100 off all mattresses now through September 3 

Serta: Purchase a Serta iComfort or iComfort Hybrid mattress set and receive a free upgrade to a Serta Motion Slim adjustable foundation of the same size now through September 9 

Tuft & Needle: $100 off the Mint Mattress and 40% off sheets through September 9 



Home and kitchen

Allmodern: Up to 65% off and an extra 25% off sitewide with code "GOFORIT" from August 28 through September 3

Birchlane: Extra 25% off from August 29 through September 4 

Burrow: $600 off orders of $2,600+ with code "LDW600" from August 24 through September 8

Dormify: 25% off sitewide with code "BYESUMMER" from September 1 through September 3 

Floyd: $150 off The Soda, $75 off The Bed, $50 off The Table, and $75 off The Shelving System with code "LaborOfLove" from August 26 through September 2 

Framebridge: 15% off all orders of $50+ with code "LABORDAY" from August 30 through September 2

Hurom: 25% off juicers and blenders from August 30 through September 6

Modsy: 25% off all design packages with code "LABORDAY25" from August 29 through September 2 

Saatchi Art: 15% Off Originals of $1,000+ with code "LABOR15"; 10% off all other Originals with code "LABOR10"; 20% Off Framed Limited Editions with code "LABOR20" from August 29 through September 2 

Society6: Up to 40% off sitewide from August 31 through September 2 

Wayfair: Up to 75% off sitewide from August 26 through September 3 

 



Clothing and accessories

2Xist: Spend $120 and get an additional $25 off your entire order; buy one get one 50% off Active, Shape and Multipacks with code "LABORYAY" from August 29 through September 3 

Adidas Outdoor: 30% off sitewide 

Alala: Up to 50% off select styles from August 28 through September 3

Ban.do: Extra 20% off sale items with code "STACKED" from August 30 through September 2 

Belk: 60% off sitewide from August 30 through September 2 

Columbia: 25% off select new arrivals and 50% off past season styles now through September 3 

Cotopaxi: Up to 60% off sitewide 

eBags: 25% off sitewide now through August 31; 30% off sitewide starting September 1

Happy Socks: 20% off sitewide and free shipping with code "LABORDAY" from August 30 through September 3

Kidpik: $25 off your first box when you keep $50 or more, plus an additional 30% off the whole box and free shipping with code "GET25" now through September 3

Lensabl: 20% off blue light lenses now through September 2 

M.Gemi: Up to extra 20% off discounted Before They Go styles from August 28 through September 2 

Naadam: Up to 50% off select styles now through September 2 

Old Navy: 50% off all jeans, dresses, and tees from August 29 through September 2 

PrAna: 25% off select styles from August 29 through September 2 

REI: Up to 40% off sitewide and an extra 20% off one Outlet item with code "LABORDAY19" now through September 2 

Rhone: 40% off already marked down surplus items with code "SAVESUMMER" from August 29 through September 2 

Richer Poorer: 25% off white tees with code "LABORDAY2019" from August 30 through September 2 

Skagen: $49.99 watches and free shipping from August 25 through September 2 

Smartwool: Up to 50% off discontinued styles from August 29 through September 2 

Summersalt: Free shipping in time for Labor Day with code "WEEKEND" now through August 27 

True & Co: 20% off sale items with code "LABORDAY" from August 29 through September 3 



Tech and appliances

Best Buy: Up to $150 off Vizio TVs 

Lenovo: Up to 60% off sitewide from August 26 through September 8

Sears: Up to 40% off appliances and an extra 10% off select appliances now through September 7 



Miscellaneous

Godiva: 15% off purchases of $50+ and 20% off purchases of $100+ from August 29 through September 2 

Ollie: 50% off your first box of dog food + free bag of probiotics + free bag of treats from August 28 through September 2 

Rastelli's: 15% off any plan with code "LABORDAY" now through September 2 

Skylar: 15% off sitewide with code "LDAY15" from August 29 through September 2

The Bouqs Co: 20% off sitewide from August 29 through September 1 and 25% off sitewide on September 2 

TRX: 25% off sitewide from August 27 through September 4 

Winc: 35% off your first order 



Not all of Melania Trump's fashion is out of touch — here are 5 of her affordable staples

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President Donald Trump waves to members of the media as he and first lady Melania Trump walk across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, as they return from Bedminster, N.J. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

  • For first ladies, fashion is a key way to shape their public image and involves thoughtful choices to nail a formal occasion or public appearance.
  • Modern first ladies, notably Michelle Obama, have been careful to seek out more affordable options to include in their wardrobes to make a polished but sensible statement on more casual occasions. 
  • Melania Trump has caught eyes with custom and couture pieces that some have criticized as impractical and unrealistically expensive, but the first lady also relies on some affordable staples.
  • These are some of the jeans, sneakers, and casual tops that the first lady keeps on-hand for dressed-down days.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

First lady Melania Trump's outfits have been knocked in the past for being controversial, impractical, and massively expensive, but that's not the first lady's entire wardrobe.

Since the first family is on display for occasions such as formal events, vacation, and boarding Air Force One, the first lady fits affordable staples in-between couture pieces.

See the basic sneakers, casual tops, and jeans that are some of the first lady's repeat favorites.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the Trump family spends their billions, from a $15 million beachfront estate in St. Martin to a $32 million fleet of private helicopters and airplanes

Timberland boots: $170

Source: Timberland



The boots were a rugged turn to the first lady's wardrobe for on-the-ground appearances.

She wore them in Hurricane Harvey-ravaged Puerto Rico and at a visit to an American air base in Afghanistan



J. Crew gingham button-down shirt: $75

Source: Yahoo News



The shirt was a casual step down from the first lady's flashier choices that made appearances at formal events and the 2016 campaign trail.

The first lady raised eyebrows with a pink blouse the year before when she wore a Gucci pussy-bow blouse that retailed for $1,100 and was speculated to comment on her husband's Hollywood Access tape scandal.



Converse sneakers: $50-$65

Source: Business Insider



The sleek but casual sneakers are no stranger to the White House, as former first lady Michelle Obama sported them regularly as well.

Trump has also been spotted in Adidas Originals' Stan Smiths, which retail for $75.



J. Brand Jeans: $188



Though the jeans are on the pricier side, they pale in comparison to the rest of the first lady's luxe wardrobe. She saves them for travel or more casual appearances.

The first lady's chosen style of the pants have since sold out, but the brand has a number of similar high-waisted and skinny variations.



Baseball hats



The Trumps are keen on baseball hats that reference the first family, and the first lady's hats complement the president's oft-worn "USA" hat.

The FLOTUS hat isn't for sale, but several designs are offered for around $40 from the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, which raises money for his reelection campaign.

Read more: 

The cost difference between Melania Trump's and Michelle Obama's outfits reveals the truth about America's criticisms of them

Melania Trump wore more than $12,000 worth of dresses in 48 hours during her Japan trip

The mysterious life of first lady Melania Trump, a former supermodel who is the subject of fashion scandals and bizarre conspiracy theories



11 billionaires who dropped out of college before making their fortunes

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bill gates stanford speech

You don't need an Ivy League degree to become a billionaire. Some billionaires don't have degrees at all, though not always for lack of trying.

Some dropped out to focus on their companies, like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, while others made their fortunes long after leaving school, like Uber cofounder Travis Kalanick. These billionaires dropped out of a wide variety of schools, from Harvard to UCLA to The City College of New York.

Read more: 5 Hollywood celebrities who became billionaires and are vastly more rich than their peers

Keep reading to meet 11 billionaires who also happen to be college dropouts.

SEE ALSO: Meet Laura Arnold, the billionaire philanthropist taking on the parole system with Jay-Z and Meek Mill

DON'T MISS: This is how the world's 5 youngest billionaires spend their time and money

Fashion designer Ralph Lauren dropped out of Baruch College at The City College of New York.

The 79-year-old designer founded his eponymous fashion company by selling ties out of his desk drawer while working in an office in the Empire State Building, according to the company's website

Called "the man who made American fashion cool" by Forbes, Lauren currently has a net worth of $5.8 billion — and he only finished two years of college.



WhatsApp cofounder and former CEO Jan Koum dropped out of San Jose State University.

Koum worked at Yahoo for nine years before founding WhatsApp, Business Insider previously reported in May 2017.

The 43-year-old computer programmer has a net worth of $10 billion, Forbes estimates. 



Mark Zuckerberg left Harvard after his sophomore year to focus on Facebook.

Zuckerberg founded the social network to help fellow students learn the names of the people in their classes, Business Insider previously reported. He dropped out shortly after.

The 35-year-old entrepreneur has a current net worth of $66 billion, Forbes estimates.



Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson dropped out of the City College of New York.

Adelson first became wealthy after founding a company called COMDEX that hosted technology-focused trade shows, Business Insider previously reported in May 2019. In 1995, Adelson and his partners sold it along with other smaller shows to SoftBank for $862 million. 

The 86-year-old has a net worth of $33.1 billion, Forbes estimates.



CNN founder Ted Turner left Brown University before graduating ... but not by choice.

Turner was expelled from Brown for allowing his girlfriend to live with him in his dorm room, Business Insider previously reported. Despite the rather murky end to Turner's time as a student there, the university issued him honorary degrees years later.

The 80-year-old has a net worth of $2.2 billion, Forbes estimates.



Ty Warner, the creator of Beanie Babies, dropped out of Kalamazoo College in 1962 because he couldn't afford it, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Warner went on to sell encyclopedias, work as a valet, and sell stuffed animals for now-defunct toy company Dakin before founding Ty Inc. and creating the iconic Beanie Baby, according to HuffPost. Forbes reports that Warner also owns several hotels, including the Four Seasons in New York.

But Warner's career wasn't without controversy. He pled guilty to charges of tax evasion in 2017 for hiding income in a Swiss bank, according to HuffPost.

The 74-year-old now has a net worth of $2.6 billion, Forbes estimates.

Source: Chicago Tribune



DreamWorks Animation cofounder David Geffen once lied about having graduated from UCLA to keep a job in the mailroom of now-defunct talent agency William Morris.

Geffen later admitted publicly that he had actually dropped out of the University of Texas at Austin, according to Forbes. He worked as a talent agent at William Morris prior to founding DreamWorks.

The 76-year-old is now the richest man in Hollywood, and Forbes estimates that his net worth is about $8.4 billion.

Source: Business Insider



Michael Dell dropped out of the University of Texas at Austin to sell computers.

As a student, Dell spent his spare time upgrading PCs and selling them from his dorm room, Business Insider previously reported in November 2018. He made $180,000 in his first month of business the summer after his freshman year and never went back to school.

The 54-year-old has a current net worth of $30.6 billion, Forbes estimates. 



Oracle founder Larry Ellison dropped out of two different universities.

Ellison enrolled in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign after high school but dropped out during his sophomore year after his adoptive mother died, Business Insider previously reported. He later completed one semester at the University of Chicago.

Read more: The life and rise of billionaire Oracle founder and international playboy Larry Ellison, who dropped out of college twice and has a $68 billion fortune

The 75-year-old has a net worth of $63 billion, according to Forbes.



Bill Gates left Harvard after two years to found Microsoft.

In 2010, The Harvard Crimson called Gates "Harvard's most successful dropout." He left the Ivy League school during his sophomore year in 1975.

The 63-year-old is worth $102 billion, according to Forbes.

Read more: Bill Gates is no longer the 2nd-richest person in the world. Here's how he spends his $107 billion fortune, from a luxury car collection to incredible real estate



Uber cofounder and former CEO Travis Kalanick studied computer engineering at UCLA before dropping out to work on now-defunct search engine Scour.

After Scour filed for bankruptcy, Kalanick also founded a networking-software company called Red Swoosh. Kalanick sold Red Swoosh to Akamai for $23 million in 2007, Business Insider previously reported. He used some of that money to spend a year traveling the world before founding Uber.

The 43-year-old has a net worth of $3.7 billion, Forbes estimates.

Read more: The life and rise of Travis Kalanick, Uber's controversial billionaire co-founder and former CEO



How to season cast iron cookware in a few simple steps

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lodge cast iron

Some home cooks may think that cast iron is old fashioned, hard to maintain, and even low quality because it is relatively inexpensive compared to other cookware materials. But experienced chefs know better and rely on it for all types of food preparation.

Cast iron cookware is versatile, and you can find everything from skillets to Dutch ovens to cake pans that are safe to use with electric, ceramic, gas, and open fire cooktops. A cast iron skillet not only conducts heat well, but it also retains that heat for a longer period than other metals. This helps foods cook evenly and at a lower temperature resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior.

Cast iron cookware has been around since it originated in China in the sixth century BC. The process of creating a skillet from molten metal poured into a mold hasn't changed much in the years since. One change has been the process of coating the cast iron with a vitreous enamel glaze. This glaze, signature to Le Creuset cookware, helps prevent rusting, eliminates the need to season the metal to keep it non-stick, and adds a colorful flair to the cookware.

Almost all cast iron cookware sold today comes pre-seasoned. This means that a coating of vegetable oil has been applied to prevent rusting and to prevent food from sticking. This cookware can be used right away after a quick rinse in hot water and a thorough drying.

However, you will need to season your cookware regularly. Even with proper care, cast iron cookware can become damaged after years of use and develop problem areas causing food to stick. Below, we break down to how to season cast iron cookware.

How to season cast iron pans and other cookware

  1. Heat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Wash the cookware inside and out with hot, soapy water using a plastic scrubber. 
  3. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry completely with paper towels.
  4. Using a paper towel saturated with at least one tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted solid vegetable shortening, wipe down the inside and outside of the cast iron. Leave a thin coating and mop up any excess oil on the surfaces.
  5. Place the cast iron upside down in the hot oven and bake for one hour. If you are concerned about oil dripping into the oven, place a disposable baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven.
  6. Turn off the oven and allow the cast iron to cool completely before removing.

Buy Crisco All Vegetable Shortening on Amazon for $8.99

Read our full guide on how to clean cast iron cookware.

Our favorite cast iron cookware

There are a lot of cast iron cookware brands selling their wares online, so it can be hard to know which pieces to buy. Here are our recommendations for the best cast iron cookware brands.

  • Lodge Cast Iron ($10 to $150): Lodge was founded in 1896, making it one of the oldest cast iron cookware companies in the US. Lodge sells all kinds of cast iron cookware, including everything from skillets to muffin pans and Dutch ovens. The brand's cookware isn't that expensive, but it is super durable. Several members of the Insider Picks team own and use Lodge cookware.
  • Food Network Cast Iron ($14 to $50): The Food Network is selling cast iron cookware that's lighter weight. You can get enameled and unenameled pieces for decent prices.
  • Le Creuset Cookware ($75 to $425): Le Creuset is widely considered to be the best maker of enameled cast iron cookware. You can get the pieces in a number of styles and beautiful colors. 
  • Staub Enameled Cast Iron Cookware ($300 to $460): Staub is known for its unique enameled cast iron pieces. You can get cookware that's shaped like tomatos or artichokes if you want a conversation piece.

Read our full buying guide to the best cast iron cookware you can buy.



13 unbelievable facts that show just how much people are willing to spend on Burning Man, from $425 tickets to $14,000 private planes

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burning man

  • Burning Man takes place over nine days, from August 25 to September 2, in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.
  • As a community, Burning Man is commerce-free — but attending can cost up to $20,000 depending on the experience you want, according to some estimates.
  • That includes prices for tickets, transportation, accommodation, supplies, and costumes.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

"Burning Man is not a festival. Burning Man is a community."

So reads the official Burning Man website. At the end of every August, everyone from "hippies" to billionaires — who all call themselves Burners — gather in the middle of Nevada's Black Rock Desert known as "the playa" to partake in a global cultural movement based on 10 principles. The temporary city of Burning Man is known as Black Rock City.

This year, Burning Man takes place from August 25 to September 2. Burning Man is a free community inside — instead of booking entertainment, it encourages participants to perform for the community free of charge. It also doesn't sell goods.

Read more: Everything you've been wanting to know about Burning Man, the wild 9-day arts event in the Nevada desert frequented by celebs and tech moguls

But the cost of attending Burning Man can come to thousands of dollars between tickets, transportation, accommodations, supplies, and costumes.

See how much it really costs to attend Burning Man.

SEE ALSO: 15 unbelievable facts that show just how much people are willing to spend on Coachella, from $430 tickets to $9,500 campsites

DON'T MISS: $30,000 tickets, $2 million jewelry, and $2,000 tuxedos: Unbelievable facts show how opulent the Met Gala is

Revenue numbers for 2018 weren't available, but Burning Man earned about $3.7 million in revenue minus expenses in 2017.

Source: Federal tax documents via Reno Gazette Journal



The cost of admission to Burning Man depends on when you buy tickets. Pre-sale tickets cost $1,400, main sale tickets run for $425, and late registration tickets cost $550. Kids 12 and under can attend for free.

Source: Burning Man



Burning Man also offers a low-income ticket program — approved applicants can purchase tickets for $210 each.

Source: Burning Man



Vehicle passes cost $100 for each car you drive in.

Source: Burning Man



There are also transportation costs. Bus tickets can average from $75 to $107, plus fees for luggage or bikes. Plane tickets can range anywhere from $384 to $1,195 depending on where you're flying from. Some rich attendees fly in on private planes, which can cost upwards of $14,000.

Source: CNBC



Many burners fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Here, the cost of a rental car for the first four days of Burning Man cost anywhere from $25 to $58 a day at the time of this publication.

Source: Expedia



However, some rental companies charge a $100 to $150 cleaning fee since the cars get dusty from festival grounds.

Source: EDM Festival Insider



For those looking to stay in an RV, CNBC estimates a 22-foot RV to cost $7,460 to rent for the week. One Burner said on a Quora forum an RV rental cost them $4,000 back in 2014.

Source: CNBC, EDM Festival Insider



There are also costumes. One Burner told CNBC she spent $108 on costumes, which typically involve goggles, boots, and dust masks. On Etsy, attendees can grab light-up leg warmers for $70 or tie-dye faux fur coats for $350.

Source: CNBC, EDM Festival Insider



The cost to attend Burning Man overall varies greatly. CNBC estimated the total cost of attending could range from $1,300 to camp in a tent to $20,000 to glamp in an RV. That also includes transportation, food, camp fees, costumes, and gifts.

Source: CNBC



Money estimated a four-day trip to cost $2,218. That includes $227 for camping, $360 for toys and camp decor, $226 for survival supplies, $318 for food and drinks, and $1,087 to get there.

Source: Money



But it's a little different if you're a billionaire — some of Silicon Valley's biggest names have attended. In 2014, a Bay Area venture capitalist created a festival within Black Rock City that featured air-conditioned tents, showers, WiFi, and attendants — for $16,500 a week.

Source: Bloomberg



No matter who you are, once inside Burning Man, there are no prices with the exception of coffee and ice (the latter is $3). Burning Man is based on a sharing community and is "commerce-free."

Source: EDM Festival Insider



The best cities in each US state for middle-class families

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kansas city missouri

For many, being part of the middle class these days can mean they're making every dollar count.

Of course, it helps to live in a city where those dollars go furthest. That often means lower property taxes, good public schools, and secure jobs. A new study by financial services website Simple. Thrifty. Living. found the best city in each state for middle-class families.

According to the most recent data available from the US Census Bureau, the median American household income (in 2017 inflation-adjusted dollars) was around $57,600. The definition the study used for "middle class" is based on former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich's definition, which is anyone who makes between 50% and 150% of that median.

The study looked at over 9,500 cities around the country for the following factors: income, real estate taxes, home value, unemployment, job availability, schools, and college education, with each of the seven metrics measured out of a possible 10 points. Those points were then weighted on a 0-100 scale for the total city score. The list below focuses on four key categories — real estate taxes, home value, schools, and job availability — that matter to families most.

The real estate taxes score was based on the taxes as a percentage of the home value: The lower the percentage, the higher the score. The home value score was based on the city's median home value as opposed to the state's. The school score is based on data from Homes.com, which looks at state test scores. The job availability score is based on job openings listed on Indeed within a 10-mile radius of the city.

The highest-scoring city in the country is South Burlington, Vermont, with 85.57 total points.

Here are the best cities for the middle-class, state by state.

SEE ALSO: The 25 US cities where workers spend the most time at their jobs, have the longest commutes, and use the least of their vacation days

DON'T MISS: 38 US cities where people have to fork over more than 50% of their income to afford housing

Huntsville, Alabama — total city score: 62.5

Real estate taxes score: 5.95

Home value score: 6.91

School score: 6.05

Job availability score: 6.29



Anchorage, Alaska — total city score: 63.80

Real estate taxes score: 0.64

Home value score: 7.46

School score: 5.24

Job availability score: 10.00



Phoenix, Arizona — total city score: 72.96

Real estate taxes score: 7.22

Home value score: 9.89

Schoolscore: 3.96

Job availability score: 10.00



North Little Rock, Arkansas — total city score: 69.70

Real estate taxes score: 9.08

Home value score: 9.30

School score: 2.90

Job availability score: 9.97



San Diego, California — total city score: 62.46

Real estate taxes score: 7.07

Home value score: 6.75

School score: 4.26

Job availability score: 4.72



Denver, Colorado — total city score: 75.28

Real estate taxes score: 5.89

Home value score: 7.75

School score: 6.19

Job availability score: 10.00



Wethersfield, Connecticut — total city score: 71.39

Real estate taxes score: 4.14

Home value score: 8.54

School score: 6.82

Job availability score: 8.35



Lewes, Delaware — total city score: 62.53

Real estate taxes score: 10.00

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 10.00

Job availability score: 1.87



Tampa, Florida — total city score: 69.08

Real estate taxes score: 7.01

Home value score: 8.21

School score: 4.59

Job availability score: 8.61



Atlanta, Georgia — total city score: 62.75

Real estate taxes score: 5.87

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 6.22

Job availability score: 9.32



Waimalu, Hawaii — total city score: 72.86

Real estate taxes score: 4.38

Home value score: 3.66

School score: 9.98

Job availability score: 8.41



Boise City, Idaho — total city score: 72.19

Real estate taxes score: 3.62

Home value score: 7.13

School score: 6.17

Job availability score: 9.33



Chicago, Illinois — total city score: 62.43

Real estate taxes score: 8.14

Home value score: 4.54

School score: 3.68

Job availability score: 10.00



Jeffersonville, Indiana — total city score: 64.91

Real estate taxes score: 4.24

Home value score: 8.74

School score: 4.43

Job availability score: 8.25



Cedar Falls, Iowa — total city score: 61.59

Real estate taxes score: 5.34

Home value score: 5.03

School score: 9.81

Job availability score: 1.08



Mission, Kansas — total city score: 76.39

Real estate taxes score: 5.02

Home value score: 8.47

School score: 8.15

Job availability score: 6.33



Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky — total city score: 69.45

Real estate taxes score: 4.68

Home value score: 5.78

School score: 5.24

Job availability score: 8.63



Jefferson, Louisiana — total city score: 73.63

Real estate taxes score: 5.64

Home value score: 7.95

School score: 6.74

Job availabilityscore: 10.00



Portland, Maine — total city score: 65.00

Real estate taxes score: 3.28

Home value score: 2.70

School score: 3.44

Job availability score: 10.00



Pikesville, Maryland — total city score: 71.57

Real estate taxes score: 5.39

Home value score: 9.08

School score: 8.79

Job availability score: 2.41



Cambridge, Massachusetts — total city score: 68.82

Real estate taxes score: 10.00

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 5.47

Job availability score: 10.00



Wyoming, Michigan — total city score: 70.51

Real estate taxes score: 7.63

Home value score: 4.82

School score: 5.86

Job availability score: 10.00



St. Louis Park, Minnesota — total city score: 72.54

Real estate taxes score: 3.31

Home value score: 6.59

School score: 6.52

Job availability score: 9.62



Pearl, Mississippi — total city score: 71.04

Real estate taxes score: 8.27

Home value score: 9.05

School score: 7.27

Job availability score: 9.40



Kansas City, Missouri — total city score: 66.20

Real estate taxes score: 5.98

Home value score: 9.86

School score: 1.68

Job availability score: 8.42



Bozeman, Montana — total city score: 74.54

Real estate taxes score: 5.06

Home value score: 2.82

School score: 10.00

Job availability score: 7.35



Omaha, Nebraska — total city score: 71.07

Real estate taxes score: 1.88

Home value score: 9.89

School score: 4.20

Job availability score: 10.00



Las Vegas, Nevada — total city score: 68.04

Real estate taxes score: 5.16

Home value score: 9.22

School score: 4.89

Job availability score: 9.32



Portsmouth, New Hampshire — total city score: 67.83

Real estate taxes score: 9.13

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 7.66

Job availability score: 6.91



Fort Lee, New Jersey — total city score: 65.95

Real estate taxes score: 7.00

Home value score: 6.56

School score: 7.18

Job availability score: 1.69



Albuquerque, New Mexico — total city score: 62.51

Real estate taxes score: 0.00

Home value score: 8.63

School score: 3.30

Job availability score: 10.00



New York, New York — total city score: 58.48

Real estate taxes score: 9.88

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 4.41

Job availability score: 10.00



Charlotte, North Carolina — total city score: 67.39

Real estate taxes score: 4.02

Home value score: 8.10

School score: 4.98

Job availability score: 10.00



Fargo, North Dakota — total city score: 72.47

Real estate taxes score: 1.57

Home value score: 9.59

School score: 6.71

Job availability score: 10.00



Norwood, Ohio — total city score: 68.24

Real estate taxes score: 7.58

Home value score: 7.99

School score: 5.43

Job availability score: 9.25



Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — total city score: 69.65

Real estate taxes score: 2.14

Home value score: 7.92

School score: 5.59

Job availability score: 10.00



Portland, Oregon — total city score: 67.19

Real estate taxes score: 7.14

Home value score: 4.14

School score: 3.68

Job availability score: 9.74



Hershey, Pennsylvania — total city score: 65.08

Real estate taxes score: 7.73

Home value score: 3.08

School score: 9.11

Job availability score: 0.91



Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island — total city score: 65.17

Real estate taxes score: 10.00

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 10.00

Job availability score: 0.69



Wade Hampton, South Carolina — total city score: 68.94

Real estate taxes score: 4.80

Home value score: 7.39

School score: 5.69

Job availability score: 6.51



Sioux Falls, South Dakota — total city score: 76.19

Real estate taxes score: 7.04

Home value score: 9.60

School score: 6.97

Job availability score: 10.00



Brentwood, Tennessee — total city score: 62.17

Real estate taxes score: 8.81

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 10.00

Job availability score: 5.44



Houston, Texas — total city score: 64.28

Real estate taxes score: 5.12

Home value score: 9.99

School score: 2.85

Job availability score: 10.00



Salt Lake City, Utah — total city score: 66.30

Real estate taxes score: 4.39

Home value score: 8.25

School score: 5.22

Job availability score: 8.34



South Burlington, Vermont — total city score: 85.57

Real estate taxesscore: 7.04

Home value score: 5.59

School score: 10.00

Job availability score: 9.84



Forest, Virginia — total city score: 63.42

Real estate taxes score: 9.44

Home value score: 6.89

Schoolscore: 6.21

Job availability score: 0.15



Seattle, Washington — total city score: 62.63

Real estate taxes score: 8.21

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 3.28

Job availability score: 10.00



Westover, West Virginia — total city score: 81.60

Real estate taxes score: 7.25

Home value score: 9.81

School score: 7.93

Job availability score: 9.61



Shorewood, Wisconsin — total city score: 65.13

Real estate taxes score: 3.05

Home value score: 0.00

School score: 7.77

Job availability score: 9.75



Cheyenne, Wyoming — total city score: 73.84

Real estate taxes score: 2.54

Home value score: 8.10

School score: 7.75

Job availability score: 10.00



How to make AeroPress coffee in a few simple steps

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aeropress about 003

  • The AeroPress is an innovative, easy, clean, and delicious way to make coffee on the go. 
  • With a few easy techniques and tips, you can make delicious coffee anywhere.
  • Not only will you save money, but you'll also save the planet, as the AeroPress is a very low-waste solution. 

I travel a lot, and that means I often wake up to a hotel room equipped with a K-cup brewer and a selection of stale coffee in plastic cups. I care a lot about coffee, and a fair bit about the planet, so I tend to eschew the K cup in favor of my trusty AeroPress.

I must have made close to a thousand cups of coffee in the half dozen years I have had my AeroPress. I have used one everywhere from Alaska to Atlanta, and regardless of whether I wake up in a suite or a sleeping bag, it is my go-to on-the-go coffee maker. 

At just under $30, the AeroPress is not expensive. In fact, I think it has saved me money by avoiding the lobby coffee bars so many times.

The AeroPress makes a coffee concentrate that isn't really espresso — it's more like a concentrated filter brew, but if you know how to handle it, the strange-looking giant syringe can turn out a delicious cup. And, when you're done, you simply push the puck of grounds into the trash, and the AeroPress is all clean, so you don't have to mess up your hotel sink with coffee grounds! 

So how do you get the most out of your AeroPress? Here is my step-by-step guide on how to make the best coffee with the AeroPress.

Here's what you'll need to make AeroPress coffee:

AeroPress camping

How to make AeroPress coffee

  1. Boil your water. If you can't boil it, microwaving or running the K-cup machine without a cup in is fine. In the latter case, I run one cycle first to clean out any stale coffee taste. 
  2. Preheat your cup with some of the hot water
  3. While the water boils, prepare your coffee. I like to use a scale when I can, but when I can't, I try to eyeball the same 20-gram dose that I normally weigh out at home. 
  4. Grind your coffee. If at all possible, grind your coffee fresh, this preserves flavor and means you get the most out of your brew. If you can't, have your coffee shop grind it to a medium-fine setting. This article has a great visual and some more fun recipes to try. If you are interested in a grinder for travel, Handground's grinder comes with fun AeroPress recipes and a great brewing guide 
  5. Assemble the AeroPress and turn it upside down, so the hole faces upward and it is standing on the plunger. If you are using a paper filter, wash it well to take away the papery taste. I prefer a metal filter, as it is less wasteful. Metal filters are reusable so I never run out of filters on a trip, and I prefer the taste of coffee through metal. Place the filter in the cap. 
  6. Put your coffee in the AeroPress chamber and add enough water to saturate it (about 50 grams if you have a scale) and let it bubble for 30 seconds. Ideally, the water should be just lower than the boiling point, so leave your kettle open about 30 seconds after it shuts off. 
  7. Now fill the AeroPress nearly to the top and let is stand for a minute. Give it a quick stir with the included stirring wand and put on the cap. 
  8. Now invert the AeroPress and push down on the plunger. 
  9. Enjoy delicious coffee guilt-free.

Buy the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker for $29.95 at Amazon

Buy the Handground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder for $79.95 at Amazon

Buy the Able Brewing Disk Coffee Filter for AeroPress for $15 at Amazon

Join the conversation about this story »


This $25 manual milk frother is the best one you can buy — I've been using it for 6 years to make my daily cappuccino

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HIC Milk Frother 1

  • I love cappuccinos, but they cost a lot of money to buy at my local coffee shops, and I'm nothing if not frugal.
  • After testing a bunch of electronic and battery-powered milk frothers, I found HIC's $25 manual milk frother at a coffee supply store and decided to try it out.
  • The stainless steel manual frother is as easy to clean as it is to use, and it makes perfect foamy milk in a matter of minutes.
  • I've been using HIC's milk frother every day for the past six years to make milk for my cappuccinos, and I can confidently say it's the best frother you can buy.
  • I use a 6-cup Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker to brew my espresso (it's the best stovetop espresso maker by far) and a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup to heat up the milk after frothing so that it develops a rich, creamy texture.

I don't particularly like regular coffee, but I love a good cappuccino. The only problem is cappuccinos cost $4 to $6 and I'm notoriously frugal.

I decided to learn how to make my own cappuccinos at home after watching a cooking show where the host made cappuccinos with a Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker and a glass mason jar full of milk.

I did try the mason jar shaking method, and it worked, kind of, but to get that truly rich, creamy, foamy milk texture cappuccinos require, you need a milk frother.

It turns out that milk frothers are finicky. I tried battery-operated ones and electric ones, ranging in price from $50 to $100, and none of them really worked the way I wanted them to. They usually broke after about a week or two of use, were incredibly frustrating to clean, or were simply too expensive for me to justify the price. I must have returned at least five milk frothers during my quest.

Then I stumbled upon HIC's $25 manual milk frother at a coffee supply store and decided to try it. After a good bit of trial and error and YouTube videos, I figured out how to use it to make the perfect foamy milk for cappuccinos. Six years later, I'm still using the same milk frother to make cappuccinos every single day.

A simple two-part design

HIC Milk Frother 2

HIC's milk frother is deceptively simple. It's just a simple stainless steel pitcher with a lid and a mesh plunger. It sort of looks like a small French Press coffee maker.

Because it only has two parts, it's very easy to clean. I just wash the stainless steel pitcher and the mesh plunger with soap and water after each use. Occasionally, you may want to unscrew the top of the mesh plunger and separate the parts so you can clean every nook and cranny in the lid.

The frother is super easy to use — you just put milk in, pop the lid on, and move the mesh plunger up and down to aerate the milk — but making the perfect foamy milk texture is all about the technique.

Here's how to use a manual milk frother:

  1. Pour cold milk into the frother — fill it about halfway so the milk has room to grow as it aerates.
  2. Froth it for 1 to 2 minutes by moving the mesh plunger up and down.
  3. Let it sit for a minute to thicken up.
  4. Pour it into aPyrex measuring cup, mug, or ceramic pitcher and heat it in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.
  5. That's it! Pour into your mug and enjoy.

The milk foam grows creamier and frothier as it heats until it's perfect for cappuccinos, chai tea lattes, and hot chocolate. You can use the foamy milk in just about any hot drink that typically calls for milk.

When the milk is heated for a hot drink, the foam maintains its integrity longer, but you can use it for cold drinks if you don't heat it up. I use my milk frother to make Thai iced tea and iced coffee occasionally, but the foam does gradually disappear as the air bubbles inside the milk dissipate. 

The bottom line

HIC Milk Frother 4

The low upfront cost of HIC's milk frother convinced me to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. It's amazing how much money I've saved by making my own cappuccinos at home over the past six years. It paid for itself in about a week.

Of course, not everyone is as crazy about foamy milk as I am, but if you want to make cappuccinos, chai lattes, and creamy hot chocolate at home regularly, it's a no-brainer.

Buy the HIC Milk Frother at Bed Bath & Beyond for $24.99

Buy a 2-cup Pyrex Measuring Cup at Bed Bath & Beyond for $5.99

Buy a 6-cup Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker at Bed Bath & Beyond for $39.99

Join the conversation about this story »

How to host an outdoor dinner party in a few simple steps

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how to set an outdoor dinner table

  • Long, warm summer days and nights bring plenty of occasions for outdoor entertaining.
  • Planning an outdoor dinner party is very similar to hosting one indoors, but there are a few subtle differences. 
  • In this guide, we'll list all the items you need to host an outdoor dinner party and how to plan it.
  • We'll also explain how to get the look or mood you want depending on the occasion. 
  • If you need help getting the table setting right, you can check out our guide on how to set a table for formal or casual meals.

There's no better way to enjoy the company of family and friends over the summer than by hosting an al fresco dinner party, but the prospect of outdoor dining might seem daunting at first.

Luckily, we've come up with a few key tips so you can plan and execute the perfect outdoor dinner party.

We also give recommendations on what dinnerware, placemats, flatware, and serving dishes you'll need to set the table and the mood.

How to plan an outdoor dinner party in 4 steps:

  1. Pick a theme and find dinnerware to match it.
  2. Set the menu to find out which serving dishes you need.
  3. Add some decoration.
  4. Consider your guests' comfort.

Step 1: Pick a theme and choose your dinnerware

The first step is to pick a theme. This will make it easy to achieve a consistent design style for your table. Play with lively, tropical colors for a bright, vibrant look or set a more sophisticated, subdued mood with more mellow or darker hues. Many people opt for natural motifs like plants or animals to highlight the sense of being outdoors.

Pinterest is a great resource for exploring outdoor dinner party ideas. One of the most popular dinner party décor options is a green and white theme, which you can make as elaborate or simple as you like, depending on your taste and budget. 

After you picked a theme, consider what dinnerware and table linens will best reflect your choice. If you're on a budget, use the dinner and glassware you already own and make a statement with candles, flowers, or other more affordable extras.

Or, you can splurge on new dinner and drinkware to really set the mood. Since you're eating outdoors, melamine dinnerware and shatterproof drinkware are excellent options and worth the extra cost if you plan to entertain outdoors often.

The linens and placemats you choose can also either stand out with prints and patterns or serve to highlight the other elements of your tablescape in neutral shades and designs.

You can read out guide on how to set a table for casual and formal meals here.

Here's what you need for an outdoor dinner:



Step 2: Set the menu and choose serving dishes

Next, you should decide on the menu, since that will determine how much space you need for extra items like plates, bowls, or serving platters. Another important consideration is how far you'll be from the kitchen. Family-style service with passed platters is ideal for outdoor parties.

Entertaining becomes virtually effortless when you don't have to make many trips back and forth during the meal, but you'll need to leave plenty of room on the table for larger platters.

Pitchers and nearby beverage tubs also make it easier to enjoy your guests' company rather than trekking back and forth for everyone's drinks. You might even set up a sideboard or small folding table nearby if you don't have space on your dining table.

Here are the serving dishes you may need:



Step 3: Add some decoration to your table

Make the most of your outdoor setting with greenery and natural elements like garlands or small vases of flowers. They will always elevate the look of your tablescape.

Lighting can also set the mood, and if you don't have string lights overhead, you'll want plenty of candles, which you can put in hurricane vases to keep breezes at bay.

Your theme will be important here too. A tropical tablescape can display vibrantly hued flowers or lush bowls of fruit, while a boho-chic party calls for an abundance of candles, metallic accents, and more low-key blooms.

Here are some recommended decorations:



Step 4: Consider your guests' comfort

While it's not technically part of the table setting, also consider the comfort of your guests. You may want to drape a blanket or shawl over the back of each chair or add an outdoor pillow to each seat so that people can truly relax.

Here's what you need to make your guests comfortable:

So there you have it. With this basic template, you can set a different insta-worthy dinner table every weekend, or at least a handful of times this summer.



Check out our buying guides to find everything you need for dining well



A look at the life and fortune of John McCain, who had a sprawling real estate portfolio and donated $1.7 million in book sales to charity

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Cindy McCain john

  • August 15, 2019, marks the one-year anniversary of Senator John McCain's death, who passed away at age 81 due to complications stemming from brain cancer.
  • McCain's memoir, "The Restless Wave," was released in May.
  • He and wife Cindy McCain quietly sat on a fortune of more than $200 million, largely due to Cindy's stake in one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

August 25, 2019, marks the one-year anniversary of Senator John McCain's death.

He passed away on August 25, 2018, at age 81, shortly after his family announced he would no longer continue receiving medical treatment for brain cancer. He had reportedly been spending time at his ranch home in Sedona, Arizona, where he was receiving a flood of visitors as he battled glioblastoma, reported Town & Country.

In honor of his death a year later, his daughter, Meghan, took to Twitter to express her grief and his wife Cindy encouraged others to perform acts of civility. In a statement, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden also encouraged others to engage in civility acts, calling McCain "a political giant" and "a genuine American hero."

McCain's new memoir, "The Restless Wave," was released in May 2018. You may know McCain as the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, a Vietnam war vet, or an advocate for more civil politics.

What you may not know is that McCain and his wife Cindy sat on a private, but hefty fortune.

He was reportedly worth $16 million, according to Celebritynetworth.com. But that's only a fraction of what was his wealth — the rest came from his wife, who is an heiress to Hensley & Co., one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors.

She reportedly inherited a major stake in the company and became its chairman when her father, the company's founder, passed away. She currently has a net worth around $200 million.

A prenuptial agreement dictates that the McCains' money is in Cindy McCains' name, reports the New York Times.

Take a look inside their fortune.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg and his college-sweetheart wife Priscilla Chan are worth billions — see their houses, cars, and travels

DON'T MISS: Meet the 9 richest people in America, who have a combined fortune of $567 billion

John McCain's money came from multiple sources: his government salary and pension, a sprawling real estate portfolio, and private wealth largely held by his wife.

Sources: GOBankingRates, US Senate Financial Disclosures



The standard US Senator's salary is $174,000, and McCain received more than $73,000 from his Navy pension in 2015.

Sources: GOBankingRates, US Senate Financial Disclosures

 



McCain also earned $1.7 million related to sales of his 2007 book "Hard Call: The Art of Great Decisions," which he donated to charity.

Source:GOBankingRates



John and Cindy McCain had a sizable real estate portfolio — not even the senator knew how many houses they owned when asked by a reporter in 2008. In Sedona, Arizona, they own a 15-acre ranch valued at more than $1 million.

Source: The Washington Post



But his primary residence was a condo in a 12-story glass building in downtown Phoenix. The McCains reportedly spent $4.67 million on a high-floor apartment in 2006 and bought the unit below for $830,000 almost a year later, combining them into a crib deluxe.

Source ZillowWashington Post



In 2007, the McCains paid $700,000 in cash for a loft at Biltmore Lofts in Phoenix for their daughter, Meghan. They eventually put it on the market for $730,000.

Source:Zillow



They've also owned three beachfront pads in California, including one in La Jolla, a ritzy beach enclave in San Diego. The 1,429 square-foot condo was sold in 2017 for $1.3 million.

Source:Zillow, Zillow



Adding to the beachfront properties are two condos in the same building in Coronado. Cindy reportedly bought the second when she tired of the kids using the first so frequently. The first was purchased in 2004 for $2.6 million and the second for $2.1 million a few years later, which they offloaded in 2014.

Source: ZillowWashington Post



On the other coast, the McCains owned a 2,089 square-foot three-bedroom condo in Arlington, Virginia, complete with balconies, patios, and "climate controlled access to the Metro." It was purchased by the Cindy Hensley McCain Trust in 1993 for $375,000, according to public records. It sold for $1.2 million in 2017.

Source:Washington Post,Zillow



And then there's Cindy McCain's childhood home in Phoenix, which the couple sold to an investor in 2006 for $3.2 million. It came back on the market at $12 million in 2008 and finally sold for $1.8 million in 2011. It has sold two more times since then.

Source: Forbes, Zillow



From 2006 to 2007, the McCains increased their budget for household employees from $184,000 to $273,000, according to tax returns, to support an "increase in the number of employees" potentially related to their growing real estate portfolio.

Source:CBS News



During the 2008 election, it was reported that the McCains owned 13 cars, including a 2004 Cadillac CTS, the senator's personal ride; a 2005 Volkswagen; 2001 Honda sedan; a 2007 Ford truck; a 1960 Willys Jeep; a 2008 Jeep Wrangler; a 2000 Lincoln; a 2001 GMC SUV; and three NEV Gem electric vehicles. That's not to mention a Toyota Prius for Meghan McCain and Cindy McCain's Lexus, which is registered to Budweiser.

Source:Telegraph



Cindy is known to favor suits made by German designer Escada, which typically retail for $3,000.

Source:CBS News



The McCains investment fund shares for their children were worth between $2.7 million and $5.8 million as of 2008.

Source: ABC News



Between 2001 and 2006, McCain contributed about $950,000 to the John and Cindy McCain Foundation, which made contributions of about $1.6 million. More than $500,000 went to their childrens' private schools, $210,000 went to the US Naval Academy Foundation in both 2001 and 2002, and large amounts have been donated to various medical causes with a focus on craniofacial research and the HALO Trust, a landmine-clearing organization.

Sources:Harper's Magazine



The foundation has also donated smaller amounts, such as $200 to the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, $500 to Cool Our Troops, $350 to the Child Crisis Center in Phoenix, and $50 to the American Cancer Society's Neighborhood Cancer Program.

Sources:Harper's Magazine



Nearly $9 million in leftover presidential campaign funds from 2008 were transferred to the McCain Institute Foundation, which was used to establish the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University.

Source: The Washington Times, ASU

 



Inside the most unbuttoned night of professional tennis, where Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal faced off for a game of badminton in an iconic NYC hotel's courtyard

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palace invitational

  • On Thursday, I attended the 2019 Palace Invitational, an annual event at an iconic New York City hotel in honor of the US Open, America's largest tennis tournament.
  • Tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams, Alexander "Sascha" and Mischa Zverev, Sam Querrey, Daniil Medvedev, and special guest Cori "Coco" Gauff faced off in friendly games of badminton.
  • In 90 degree heat, guests in button-up shirts and summer dresses sipped sangria cocktails and rosé wine and snacked on small bites that included Kobe beef sushi and chorizo and saffron arancini.
  • The badminton matches only lasted about 20 minutes total, nobody seemed to know the rules or care who won, and the tennis players didn't stick around afterward.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

On a sweltering Thursday night in New York City, I attended the 2019 Palace Invitational, a glamorous professional tennis event in honor of the US Open.

The event, which took place at the iconic Lotte New York Palace hotel, saw tennis superstars including Rafael Nadal and Serena and Venus Williams facing off in a friendly game of badminton. 

Here's what the event was like. 

SEE ALSO: The 30 highest-paid tennis players of all time, ranked

DON'T MISS: Photos show what the world's top tennis players looked like when their careers started

Last night, I attended The Palace Invitational, an annual event at a luxury hotel in New York City in honor of the US Open, America's biggest tennis tournament.

Tennis stars Rafael "Rafa" Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams, Cori "Coco" Gauff, Alexander "Sascha" and Mischa Zverev, Sam Querrey, and Daniil Medvedev were invited to the event to face off in a friendly game of badminton.



The event takes place at the Lotte New York Palace, an iconic five-star hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

A night's stay at the Lotte New York Palace starts at about $405.



I arrived to the event about 10 minutes early, as the invitation said to arrive promptly at 5:00 p.m.

I recognized the hotel's iconic courtyard from The CW's teen drama "Gossip Girl," which filmed scenes both in the courtyard and inside the hotel.

In fact, the hotel offers a "Gossip Girl Getaway" package that includes a stay at the hotel and tickets to a tour of the show's filming locations around the city.

After checking in and getting my media pass, I waited on the sidewalk for about 10 minutes before they opened the gates.



A badminton court was set up in the center of the hotel's elegant courtyard.

Barriers surrounded the court to keep the crowd at bay.



There appeared to be at least 50 guests in attendance.

The Palace Invitational is usually open only to media and VIP guests staying at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

This year, the hotel offered guests the option to book a $10,000 package that included two nights' accommodation in a corner suite, invitations to the Palace Invitational for four guests, a round of cocktails at the hotel's Gold Room bar, breakfast at the hotel's bistro, and a signed tennis ball from the Palace Invitational Players.



The stylish crowd was a mix of all ages.

Men wore button-down shirts and khakis (and a few wore full suits), while most of the women wore cocktail-type dresses, some with heels but just as many with sneakers or flat sandals.

I didn't feel underdressed in my blue patterned wrap dress and sneakers.



At about 90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity, everybody was sweating.



A rosé bar was set up right inside the front gates, and another bar was open near the main doors to the hotel.

The bartenders were serving Chateau d'Esclans rosé, sangria with fresh strawberries and oranges, various sodas, and Icelandic spring water.



I got a glass of the rosé sangria, which came in a plastic cup that looked fancy because of its golden rim.

The sangria was a bit too sweet for my liking, but I didn't even care because at least it was ice-cold. Even though all I was doing was wandering around taking photos, I was sweating profusely.



Servers were walking around with platters of finger foods including tiny sandwiches, Kobe beef sushi, and chorizo rice balls.

The food was all very tiny, which generally seems to indicate that it's fancy.

I was underwhelmed by the Kobe beef sushi, which was "inspired" by Serena Williams — whatever that means — according to publicity materials for the event. I also tasted a chorizo and saffron arancini (rice ball) inspired by Rafael Nadal, which I found to be much tastier.



One intrepid server was offering up snacks on a tennis racket, which seemed to be a bold move.

I could imagine one bump of the elbow would send the tiny pastries and the rosemary leaves flying. Fortunately, I didn't see that happen. 



Two young women dressed in white Nike tennis outfits were wandering through the crowd with giant bottles of rosé, refilling guests' cups.



The rosé flowed freely throughout the event.

With the two bars, the two tennis rosé women, and the other servers walking around with cups of sangria, it would be very easy to get tipsy.



A DJ was set up in one corner of the courtyard.

He played mainly upbeat pop songs, including a seemingly neverending medley that somehow combined at least 10 different songs, including Ariana Grande's "God Is A Woman," Lady Gaga's "Shallow," "I Like It" by Cardi B, and "Love Lies" by Khalid and Normani. 



After almost an hour, as the guests continued to mingle and drink rosé, there was still no sign of Nadal, the Williams sisters, or the other tennis players.

At about 5:45 p.m., people seemed to turn their focus toward the badminton court, waiting for the tennis players to make their debut.



Finally, at 6:00 p.m., about an hour after the event started, the hotel manager introduced the host of the evening, NBC News anchor Dylan Dreyer.

Dreyer welcomed the players onto the court. The biggest cheer came for Rafael Nadal, followed by the Williams sisters.

Even though I'm not a big tennis fan, I felt star-struck seeing Serena and Venus.



The first match saw Sam Querrey and Alexander Zverev playing against Mischa Zverev and Daniil Medvedev.

The match wasn't particularly competitive, and the players seemed rather amused throughout.

Instead of trying to score points, the tennis stars seemed intent on lobbing the birdie back and forth as high in the air as possible.



The crowd "ooh"-ed and "ah"-ed appropriately.

The match anticlimactically ended in a tie.



Next up were the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus.

They started the badminton match playing against Nadal and Dreyer, the NBC News anchor, but Dreyer quickly said she needed to sub out because she was pregnant. 



In a surprise appearance, 15-year-old tennis star Cori "Coco" Gauff showed up to take Dreyer's place to play alongside Nadal and face off against the Williams sisters.

Gauff was the youngest player to ever qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon.

But, as it turns out, tennis and badminton skills aren't exactly the same: Her racket missed the birdie the first several times she swung at it, and when she finally managed to hit it, it didn't go over the net.

Nadal, for his part, didn't seem to mind in the slightest, laughing good-naturedly even though they were losing. 



Pop music blasted throughout the courtyard amid occasional cheers from the crowd. Laughing and joking their way through the badminton match, none of the players seemed too concerned about winning.

Serena and Venus ended up taking the trophy for the second match. 



Both of the badminton matches were over in about 20 minutes.

Afterward, the players spent a few minutes posing for photos together.



A couple of the players tossed tennis balls to lucky onlookers in the crowd.

After that, the players disappeared into a side door into the hotel.

I was slightly disappointed that they didn't stick around to mingle for a few minutes.



People started filtering out almost immediately after the badminton matches ended, but some lingered to finish their conversations and their drinks.

At about 6:50 p.m., the DJ turned the music volume way up. Whether that was to turn the event into more of a party or to get people to leave, I didn't know. As the courtyard was emptying out, I took that as my cue to head home.

Apart from the roughly eight-minute match between Nadal, Gauff, and the Williams sisters, there wasn't much excitement during the two-hour event — but the evening was clearly meant to be a low-key affair.

Considering the crowd of wealthy and stylish VIP hotel guests, it's a safe bet to assume many of them will attend the US Open itself, where the true drama and excitement will be found.



I drove a $48,000 Blazer to see if Chevy's revival of the famous SUV lives up to its reputation (GM)

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Chevy Blazer


The Chevy Blazer, like the Ford Bronco, is one of the original SUVs. The Blazer started life as little more than a pickup truck with a shell over its bed and some seats added.

By the time Chevy most recently retired the nameplate in 2005, the crude original had morphed into a modern SUV.

The revived Blazer bears little resemblance to its ancestors. The styling is downright flashy, and plenty of reviewers have noted similarities to the Chevy Camaro muscle car. Honestly, my first reaction to the $48,075 Blazer from the 2019 model year that Chevy let me borrow for a few days was, "Hmmm ... not sure I like all that exterior jazz. Isn't a Blazer supposed to get dirty and haul around a couple of dogs?"

If you read on, you'll find out what changed my tune.

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So here it is, the 2019 Chevy Blazer, with a "Red Hot" exterior, coming in at just over $48,000.



When I first saw the new Blazer in photos, I thought it looked kind of ... un-Blazer-ish.



That's because when I think Blazer, I think of the earlier versions (the last time a Blazer was sold in the US was 2005). This 1979 Blazer is effectively a 4x4 pickup truck with a topper and some seats.



The 2019 Chevy Blazer is a crossover SUV that's meant to evoke some nameplate heritage and give Chevy dealers another vehicle to sell in crossover-mad America.



I will say that the Blazer's sort of Lexus-y design grew on me over time. But it's pretty far from being a rough-and-ready, bare-bones SUV.



I mean, look at those sleek headlights and that crispy rendered grille with chrome trim. It's more sports car than SUV, right?



No four-wheel-drive here, but an all-wheel-drive system that should be able to handle moderately foul weather and the odd snowstorm.



My tester was the "RS" trim level — that's why it's sporting all those cool black exterior elements, such as the blacked-out Chevy bowtie badge.



The nameplate is also blacked out.



Let's slip inside! The "Jet Black" interior is roomy. The front seats are heated and cooled.



The rear seats are a bench design, but they also provide ample room for adults.



The Blazer, in the end, is quite spacious. Or at least it creates the illusion of spaciousness.



A sunroof would have made it seem even roomier, but there wasn't one on this test vehicle.



I'm not kidding about the roominess! The Blazer is made for full-size people!



There are 30 cubic feet of cargo space available once you open the gesture-activated "hands free" power liftgate.



Drop the rear seats and you have a capacious 64 cubic feet.



Let's have a look under the hood at what's probably the Chevy Blazer's best feature.



That's a 3.6-liter V6 engine, making 305 horsepower. It doesn't look like much, and the fuel economy isn't great (18 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined). You can opt for a 193-horsepower four-banger if you'd like better MPGs.



Across its portfolio, Chevy's crossovers have a user-friendly, open interior design. What the driver sees is quite straightforward. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated.



Power is routed to the wheels through a capable nine-speed transmission.



The infotainment system is Chevy's superb, responsive IntelliLink. All functions, from navigation to Bluetooth device pairing, are excellent. You have USB/AUX ports and OnStar 4G LTE WiFi connectivity.



The Blazer also has wireless charging, and my tester was outfitted with a wonderful Bose premium audio system.



The climate control venti-knobs are sort of weird, but they're easy to use — and borrowed from the Chevy Camaro!



So what's the verdict?

The good: The Blazer is a crossover that can be driven with gusto and whose V6 motor is old-school sweet.

The bad: The Blazer looks more like a sporty ute than the rugged Blazers of yore. 

To be honest, I hated the new Blazer until I got it out on the highway and let the V6 rip. The 0-60 mph dash passed in about six seconds, and I'm a sucker for turbo-free V6 punch when cruising in a straight line or maneuvering around semis. The power is V8-mellow without the lurches and untapped reserves. I could gather up all the Blazer's horsepower and put it to use. For what it's worth, GM has always been good at V6s, so the Blazer with this mill doesn't disappoint.

The other nice thing about the Blazer is its serious interior roominess and considerable cargo capacity. Throw in Chevy's state-of-the-art infotainment system and you have a dandy modern crossover. 

Of course, if you don't like the Camaro-derived style, you can comfort yourself with the understanding the Blazer is a fine example of Chevy being Chevy: the vehicle fits appealingly in the slot between the Equinox and the Traverse, adding some flash to the lineup. Chevy has something for everybody in the crossover market.

Now, there's one thing about the Blazer that should be noted: it would have been a NAFTA vehicle if Trump hadn't been elected — it's assembled in Mexico and exported to the US. If you think that should be a knock against the Blazer, don't. It's a well-bolted-together piece of machinery and good indication than GM can move production around. US labor might not like that, but the fact is that GM needs to remain profitable to keep employment relatively stable in America (that doesn't mean layoffs won't come, just that major cost-cutting won't be required).

Another strong-selling crossover will help with that objective. 

But enough on business. Basically, I liked the Blazer. Would I pay $48,000 for the RS, when the base is $29,o00? Probably not. But I'd definitely want the V6 and the Bose Audio system. But you can't get the audio system without going to the RS trim. A quick cost-out on the Chevy website got me a Blazer for about $35,000, minus the roughly $4,000 package than gives the buyer a suite of driver-assist features and the upgraded audio.

That's the Blazer worth looking at, for my money.



A new study reveals how the price of treatments for a devastating disease quadrupled over the past decade

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  • In a study published by JAMA Neurology, researchers found that multiple sclerosis patients who have Medicare Part D—government-funded health insurance that covers prescription drug costs—have seen their medication prices quadruple from 2006 to 2016. 
  • The rise in drug prices has also translated to an increase in patients' out-of-pocket expenses, which increased by seven times over that decade, from $372 a year to $2,673 a year.
  • Alvaro San-Juan-Rodriguez, an author of the study, told Business Insider that the expenses are "exorbitant" and mean limited drug access for multiple sclerosis patients. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The high cost of prescription drugs is a growing problem in the US healthcare system.

A new study published by the journal JAMA Neurology sheds new light on the issue, revealing how drug prices for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) quadrupled over a 10-year period. The average price of the treatments climbed from $18,660 in 2006 to $75,847 in 2016. That's more than the median family in the US makes each year.

"We were not expecting the magnitude of the drug price increase at all," Alvaro San-Juan-Rodriguez, one of the study's authors, told Business Insider. "The price is exorbitant, and it's higher than what we've seen for other specialty drug medications." 

MS is a degenerative inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which affects almost one million people in the US, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

The study focused on patients using Medicare Part D, government-funded health insurance that helps cover prescription drug costs. Medicare Part D is available to seniors, as well as to some individuals with disabilities.

The cost of prescription drugs has drawn attention from both Republicans and Democrats, with the Trump administration proposing a number of fixes. Still, the administration has taken little action so far and drug prices continue to increase. Often patients end up paying a significant portion of the cost. 

Study authors including San-Juan-Rodriguez and Inmaculada Hernandez at the University of Pittsburgh set out to study the increasing price of multiple sclerosis drugs to see how they affected patients and the healthcare system. They said increasing costs can make it difficult for patients to afford their medications.

MS drug costs have increased exponentially, causing patients to pay more out-of-pocket 

The study showed that as the total cost of MS drugs increased, so did the amount that patients had to pay out-of-pocket. Looking at Medicare data, the study breaks down the price increases separately for drug list prices (the cost before any rebates), patients' out-of-pocket expenses, and Medicare expenses. 

The study looked at an average of 2.8 million Medicare beneficiaries every year from 2006 - 2016.  The annual cost of treatment with self-administered disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS patients increased from $18,660 in 2006 to $75,847 in 2016, averaging a 12.8% increase annually, based on the list price of the treatments.

Medicare's actual spending increased by 10 times over that decade, from $7,794 to $79,411 on average. And average out-of-pocket spending increased by seven times from $372 to $2673 over the 10 years. 

The chart below from the study shows how the prices of different MS therapies all largely increased at a similar pace.

MS drug chart price increase

Even with new therapies entering the market, drug prices continue to increase

Some of the most popular drugs for MS on the market like Copaxone, Tecfidera and Avonex reduce the frequency of relapses for MS patients. 

"These drugs offer great benefits to patients," Rodriguez said. "It helps with vision loss, pain, fatigue and muscle weakness and much more." 

Even though there has been increased competition for for MS drugs overtime, as new therapies are introduced, the drug prices have been steadily increasing for almost all the therapies. 

"The uptake for the new therapies since they entered the market a couple years ago is considerable," Hernandez told Business Insider. "It's hard to predict the future, but we hope these trends will not be maintained. There should be more competition so we don't see these drug prices continue." 

Rodriguez said he hopes this study will be a call to action for drug prices to not continuously inflate.

"We observed how prices of drugs are more than four fold and the key driver is out-of-pocket expenses which reduces patient access for the vital medication they need," Rodriguez said 

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Taylor Swift is reportedly house-hunting in London. She already owns at least $81 million in real estate in the US — here's a look at her mansions and penthouses.

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Taylor Swift is going shopping — for real estate, that is.

The "Lover" singer has been spotted looking at real estate in London in the $30 million price range, reported Page Six. Swift reportedly wants to be near her boyfriend of three years, British actor Joe Alwyn.

"Taylor is looking for a grand home in London with two kitchens, so she and Joe can live in privacy and entertain properly," a source told Page Six. "They've been splitting their time between [his native] London and [her home in] Nashville."

This certainly wouldn't be Swift's first real estate purchase. Her homes are arguably as impressive as her singing career.

The 29-year-old has a reported net worth of $360 million and a huge chunk of that is parked in real estate. Swift owns more than $81 million worth of real estate across the US — seven properties in four different states, to be exact — according to estimates provided to Business Insider by Trulia

Taylor Swift real estate map list

Let's walk through Swift's real estate.

SEE ALSO: See inside the 15 most expensive penthouses for sale in America

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Nashville

Let's begin in Nashville, Tennessee, where Swift launched her country music career. It's only fitting for her to have at least one property there, but she has two. 

There's the 3,240-square-foot condo in Nashville's Music Row, which she bought at age 20. Swift said in an interview with Vulture, who described the condo's aesthetic as "whimsically girlie," that she did the interior design herself.

Worth an estimated $3 million, the condo boasts industrial-style features and skyline views of midtown Nashville thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

In June 2011, she purchased a 1934 Greek Revival estate in Nashville that features a 5,600-square-foot main house with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. Out back there's a pool and a 2,000-square-foot guesthouse. Trulia estimates it to be worth nearly $2.5 million — and that's the least expensive property she owns.



Los Angeles

Ever the superstar, Swift also spends time in Los Angeles. In 2018, she sold her Beverly Hills Cape Cod-style cottage of 2,826 square feet for $4 million and her 2,950-square-foot Beverly Hills home for $2.65 million. 

Surrounded by lush greenery, mountains, a pool, and a sprawling patio area, the mod-style single-story home is light and airy with floor-to-ceiling glass, skylights, a private courtyard, and a 1,000-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar

But she still has one LA property left — the iconic 1934 Beverly Hills mansion she purchased in September 2015. It was previously home to Hollywood film producer Samuel Goldwyn.

Swift plans to turn the 10,982-square-foot Georgian Revival estate into a historic landmark and restore it to its former status now that the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission has voted in favor of her request.

Worth nearly $30 million, it's the most expensive piece of property in her real estate portfolio, according to Trulia's estimates.



Rhode Island

But Nashville and Beverly Hills aren't the only places she calls home. Across the coast, Swift owns an estate with seaside views in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, valued at $6.65 million.

The seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion of 12,000 square feet overlooks 700 feet of shoreline with views of Block Island Sound and Montauk Point.

The grapevine whispers that Swift bought the home in April 2013 after breaking up with Conor Kennedy — the famous Kennedy Family Compound is not far. A dream vacation home, it's the perfect place for parties with her squad. Remember Swift's famous Fourth of July party in 2016?

But that's only one of four properties Swift has in the northeast. The rest are all in New York City, specifically in Tribeca — and they're all on the same block.



New York City

In 2014, Swift put her savvy real estate skills to work, purchasing two adjacent penthouses in a Tribeca building and renovating them into one large duplex penthouse of 8,309 square feet with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

It features an expansive kitchen where Swift has baked with her squad, a billiards table, and a sweeping staircase, all at an estimated value of $20.5 million.

In 2017, she became her own neighbor when she purchased a 100-year-old, four-story townhouse next door. At 27 square-feet wide and 5,148 total square feet, it's filled with a ton of natural light on the first floor (a rarity and a luxury in Manhattan). It also has a home theater, gym, steam bath, and bar, as well as a guest suite, and is estimated to be worth $12.5 million.

Most recently in February 2018, she purchased another condo on the second floor of the same building as her penthouse from financier Jeremey Phillips for $9.75 million in an off-market deal, reported the New York Post. Trulia estimates its value at $6.9 million.

It's no wonder Swifties are dubbing Swift's Tribeca block "Taybeca," considering she owns roughly $40 million worth of property there.

Now the question just remains: Where will she move in next?




This $80 yoga mat is a worthy investment if you're serious about yoga — it provides the best traction of any mat I've used

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Jade Yoga Mat

  • Jade Yoga's Harmony Mat ($79.95) is meant to provide traction and cushion while providing stability for standing poses.
  • I have been a sweaty person my entire life, but in adulthood, my main problem is slipping on my yoga mat.
  • I have been using the Harmony Mat for more than a year after trying dozens of others. While no mat is perfect, this one comes pretty close if you're a sweaty yogi like me.
  • $80 may seem like a lot for a piece of rubber you put on the floor, but for me, it is definitely worth it.

When I was a teenager, I used to leave sweaty hand prints on my school work. It wasn't because I was stressed about a test, that's just me — I sweat. And it's embarrassing.

At age 30, my husband has affectionately nicknamed me "Sweaty Betty" (my name is not Betty) and my main worry regarding my inability to stop perspiring is slipping on my yoga mat.

When I began my yoga practice several years ago, I had a $5 mat from my local grocery store. Within a matter of minutes in my first class I transitioned from downward gog to laying-flat-on-my-face dog, which, according to the instructor, is not a yoga pose. I had slipped due to sweaty hands before the class barely got started.

I falsely assumed that as I built up my yoga stamina, I'd stop sweating so much. Wrong — several years later, my yoga mat still looked like I someone ran 10 miles on it even after a fairly mellow practice. So, when one of my friends decided to become a yoga teacher, part of her mission was to find a mat I could use without injuring myself.

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After a mat made for hot yoga still made me slide, we went to a "yoga mat class" together. Saying I was skeptical to find a mat is an understatement, but I was up for trying the dozen or so mats laid out on the studio floor. Some I didn't even bother with after just touching the surface and knowing it would end in tragedy; others I used but with a towel, and then I landed on Jade Yoga's Harmony mat.

According to Jade Yoga's website, the mat "provides great traction and cushion while still providing stability for standing poses." Traction is definitely what I need and because you can describe my body as "bony", a cushioned mat is also a necessity.

The mat retails for $79.95 - $84.95 depending on if you get a 68-inch, 71-inch, or 74-inch mat. It is 3/16-inches thick, 24-inches wide, and weighs about five pounds. Not that it matters when it comes to how well the mat performs, but it also comes in more than a dozen colors depending on which size you get. It is made with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable source, and contains no PVC, EVA, or other synthetic rubber. Made in the United States, Jade also plants a tree for every mat sold and donates $5 to charity with the purchase of certain mat colors.

My experience with the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat

After miraculously not slipping on the mat for the few minutes I was on it at the studio, my friend bought me the 68-inch mat as a gift for helping with her wedding. I have now been using the mat for more than a year and can attest that my yoga practice has never been better. 

First off, the mat did not have an odor like some mats do when you first buy them and is the stickiest I've found. The surface is not smooth or shiny like some mats, but actually feels like it has tiny dots that help aid in the traction. These "dots" are not uncomfortable, by the way. Both my hands and feet grip right away and the 5-pound weight of the mat also helps keep it in place. While I joke about sliding and falling on my mat, it's actually not a laughing matter and can be incredibly dangerous. Aside from smashing your face on the ground, you can easily pull or tear muscles if you stretch too far from an inability to grip.

Jade Yoga Mat 3

As for the cushioning, my spine and knees used to be covered in bruises and I am happy to report they no longer are. It is thick enough to not cause injury, but not so thick that it's too soft and therefore difficult to move. When I am taking a yin class and holding the poses for five minutes or more, I do find myself reaching for my yoga knee cushion, but needing it is rare.

Keep in mind that no mat is perfect; if you are taking a 60-minute hot vinyasa class, you're probably still going to slip a bit. This is solved by throwing down a yoga towel — my favorite is Gaiam's Stay-Put Yoga Towel. The photo above is how my mat looked when removing my hands near the end of pretty intense practice. While I was still not slipping, I decided to put my towel down anyway because it was inevitable that it would happen soon.

Because the mat is pretty sticky, another word of warning — more than your hands stick to it. If you have a home yoga practice and your pets like to join you, it's unfortunately probably best to not let them on it, as I have learned the hard way that it basically attracts fur. Because of this, you need to make sure you're cleaning it often. I use Austra cleaner and it seems to work quite well. It has not taken any of the traction off the mat, but if you are really scrubbing, some of the color does come off.

It's also important to note that my mat is on a hardwood floor, so I cannot attest to what it is like on a carpet. The cushion would be better, of course, but the odds of sliding might be higher, so keep that in mind when deciding where to practice. 

All in all, one year later, the Harmony Mat is still just as sticky and with the addition of a towel for super sweaty practices, it is a worthy investment if you're serious about yoga (and not falling on your face).

Buy the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat on Amazon for $79.95 - $84.95 (price varies by size)

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How to speed up YouTube videos as much as 2 times the normal speed, or slow them down

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  • You can speed up YouTube videos to quickly watch longer videos and consume more information in a shorter period of time. 
  • The playback speed feature allows you to speed up YouTube videos as much as 2x the normal speed, or even slow it down as low as 0.25x the normal speed. 
  • Here's what you need to know about using the playback speed feature on YouTube, whether you're using the website or the mobile app. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

YouTube can be a great source of educational content, whether you're trying to learn new skills or immerse yourself in an industry. The only problem is that sometimes these videos are extremely long, surpassing the hour-long mark.

But, rather than skipping around from one section of the video to another and hoping you don't miss any vital information, you can instead speed up these videos and get all of the information in less time.

YouTube has a feature which allows you to increase the playback speed, up to twice as fast as normal. Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

Google Pixel 3 (From $799.99 at Best Buy)

How to speed up YouTube videos on your computer

1. Go to the YouTube video you want to watch and click "Pause" when it begins to play. 

2. Click the gear icon at the bottom of the video and select "Playback speed."

1 HOW TO SPEED UP YOUTUBE VIDEOS

3. Select your desired playback speed. 

2 HOW TO SPEED UP YOUTUBE VIDEOS

4. Click "Play."

If you don't see the playback speed option within the video settings, you'll have to change your default player. To do that, paste "www.youtube.com/html5" into your browser's web address bar. Next, select "Request the HTML5 player" followed by "Use the default player."

How to speed up YouTube videos on your mobile device

The process is generally the same as above if you're using an Android or iPhone to speed up a YouTube video. 

1. Open your YouTube app and go to the video you want to watch.

2. Tap the video once — this will prompt a menu overlay to appear — then tap the three dots.

3 HOW TO SPEED UP YOUTUBE VIDEOS

3. Tap "Playback speed."

4 HOW TO SPEED UP YOUTUBE VIDEOS

4. Select the speed you prefer. 

5 HOW TO SPEED UP YOUTUBE VIDEOS

You can also slow down a YouTube video by changing the playback speed to a factor as low as 0.25x the normal speed. 

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We reviewed pro surfer Kelly Slater's sustainable clothing brand — here’s what the pieces look and feel like in person

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  • Outerknown, a lifestyle surf brand cofounded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, makes effortless and casual beach styles rooted in sustainability and transparency. 
  • Over 90% of Outerknown's products are made from organic, recycled, or regenerated materials. The company's manufacturing partners also follow strict guidelines of safety and working conditions.
  • We tried nine men's and women's styles from the brand and confirmed their style, comfort, and durability. Below, you'll find pictures of how we styled our picks.
  • Outerknown should be top of mind for anyone who cares about the environment and is looking for surf lifestyle-inspired essentials. 

While professional surfer Kelly Slater has spent the last 29 years of his life smashing the competition and winning a record 11 World Titles, another venture tied to his love for surf has also been occupying his time.

In 2014, he left his sponsorship from surfwear giant Quiksilver to start his own surf brand, Outerknown.

outerknown 10

Slater, a longtime advocate for sustainable living, wanted to create a lifestyle brand for everyone that was rooted in good design and sustainable production. He partnered with designer John Moore to make this idea a reality. Moore says, "We're surfers who grew up with surf brands, but we grew out of logos. And we want to wear clothing that's made better and looks better." 

Made better: That means using sustainable materials (over 90% of Outerknown's products are made from organic, recycled, or regenerated materials) as well as using transparent and responsible manufacturing partners, who follow strict guidelines of safety and working conditions by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), Bluesign, and Fair Trade

This commitment to sustainability and transparency means you're going to pay more than usual for the clothing. Men's shirts, for example, range from $78 to $148.

Slater points out to Business Insider, however, that "conscious development takes time and investment. There are added costs in creating quality product made to last, in finding and partnering with the right factories that value worker well-being, and in sourcing and leveraging materials that cause less harm." 

"At the end of the day, we're looking at the long run and what's best 'For People and Planet.' We're putting in the work to build a truly sustainable model rather than zeroing in on short-term trends or financials," he says. 

outerknown 11

Casual, effortless beach style defines Outerknown. As you shop its men's and women's styles, you can practically feel the cool and salty breeze run through your hair. They're casual and low-maintenance, but they don't look sloppy or haphazard.

Bestsellers from the brand include the cozy, heavyweight Blanket Shirt ($148, made from 100% organic cotton) and the simple, sleek Neptune Tank Dress ($98, made from hemp and Tencel Lyocell). Other offerings include sweaters, pants, and jumpsuits. They're soft, comfortable, and importantly, durable.

Senior reporter Owen Burke says: 

"Having spent a good deal of my life in and amongst the surfing community, it's hard not to want to love Outerknown from the start. Doing my best to be an objective reporter, I've scrutinously worn Outerknown for over six months, and run the brand's shirts and pants through my treacherously cheap washing machine countless times. So far, I haven't even turned up so much as a loose thread." 

If you're one to spend a lot of time outdoors, you'll appreciate that Outerknown's clothing is sturdy and practical in addition to any wardrobe.

We tried a range of Outerknown's men's and women's clothing (nine styles in total). Read on for our thoughts below, plus pictures of how we wore each item. 

Shop all sustainable clothing at Outerknown

Meander Beach Pants

Meander Beach Pants, available in 2 colors, $118

Of course, I had to take this pair of 'Beach Pants' to the beach. I wore them as a swimsuit cover-up when I went to Coney Island this summer, and they turned out to be the right choice — lightweight, breathable, and relaxed. My legs had plenty of room to move around in the wide pant legs and they had a comfortable high-rise fit. The back of the waistband has elastic, which is smart considering I filled my body with Nathan's hot dogs while on the boardwalk. 

The white pair is slightly transparent, so I'm not sure you could wear it outside of a beach, beach town, or lounging setting, but it is a perfect choice in casual environments. —Connie Chen, reporter 



Blanket Shirt

Blanket Shirt, available in 26 colors, $148

While I'm a big fan of its Transitional Shirts and the S.E.A. Jeans, my favorite pieces from Outerknown have been the Blanket Shirts. These are Outerknown's iteration of a "work shirt" or "shacket," as you please, but they maintain their softness and don't pill like many other higher-end rivals.

There's nothing like getting out of the water on a brisk evening and tossing one of these on while I change out of a wetsuit. And, of course, I can stroll right back into town feeling fresh — and warm — as a daisy.

$148 is no pittance, but this isn't your fast-fashion, wear-for-one-season shirt, and you do get what you pay for with Outerknown. Bravo, Kelly Slater and John Moore, for making a line of conscientiously sourced-and-made clothes from start to finish. I'd say I'd keep buying these shirts for years to come, but because of the craftsmanship that goes into them, I know I'll do just fine with the two I've got for the foreseeable future. —Owen Burke, senior reporter 



Blanket Shirt (cont'd)

Blanket Shirt, available in 26 colors, $148

As thick and heavy as the Outerknown Blanket Shirt may be, it actually has great versatility throughout the seasons. It's good for late summer nights on cool and breezy beaches, layering in the fall and winter, or even leaving at your desk when it's cold in the office.

The relaxed fit makes it comfortable to wear, but if you want it to be more fitted, I'd recommend sizing down. I'm 5-foot-5 and about 135 pounds, and the size small was slightly oversized (I had to cuff the sleeves for a better fit). Here, I styled mine with a Brooklinen T-shirt, black jeans, and Tread by Everlane sneakers.

At $148, the Blanket Shirt is at the higher end of what I'd spend on a shirt, but it's so well made you'll be able to wear it for years on end. —Amir Ismael, reporter  



Oasis Dress

Oasis Dress, available in 3 colors, $148

I generally don't wear color, but something about this green midi dress really caught my eye. I love that the straps are adjustable — I'm 5-foot-1, but I have a large chest that often requires me to to size up, which means straps are usually too long for me. The ties on this dress allow me to get a custom fit, and the length is perfect on my frame. —Sally Kaplan, editor 



Station Jumpsuit

Station Jumpsuit, available in 3 colors, $178

The Station Jumpsuit is utilitarian, cool, and very fun to style thanks to its front zipper, sleeves that you can roll up or leave down, and tapered silhouette. It's tough and functional, but you can also make it look more casual or dressed up, making its $180 price tag feel more justified.

It's made from 51% organic cotton and 49% linen, resulting in an instantly comfortable feel from the very first wear. Right now, NYC weather is a little too hot and muggy for me to wear the suit without overheating, but I can't wait to live in it during fall and winter. —Connie Chen, reporter 



Solstice Cozy Hoodie

Solstice Cozy Hoodie, available in 3 colors, $138

Hopefully you can't tell, but I had a 102-degree fever when I took this picture. I was on my way to the doctor's office when I remembered I needed a shot of my Outerknown sweatshirt for this article, so I took one quickly on my way out the door.

The takeaway here, though, has little to do with what I look like and everything to do with the fact that this was the sweatshirt I chose to wear on a day I felt my absolute worst. It's the perfect medium weight, lined with a terrycloth-like inner that felt simultaneously cozy but not thick. I feel better now, but I've worn this sweatshirt nearly every day since. —Sally Kaplan, editor 



S.E.A. Jeans

Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge S.E.A. Jeans, $168

Having worn plenty of jeans over the years, I went into testing Outerknown's $168 Selvedge denim with high expectations — and they actually exceed them. The jeans have that hefty weight and rigidity you'd expect from well-made selvedge denim and handsome brass and nickel hardware on the rivets and buttons. The fact that Outerknown was able to achieve quality this significant while still being considerate of the environment is truly impressive.

Craftsmanship aside, the S.E.A Jeans are simply great-fitting pants, and for me, that's super important. I had no problem styling these jeans with casual shoes like the Wu-Tang x Clarks Wallabees I'm wearing or sportier sneakers.

The jeans are available in every waist sizes from 28-38 and inseams 30, 32, and 34, so most guys will find a pair that fits them well with no alterations. —Amir Ismael, reporter  



S.E.A. Jeans (continued)

Ambassador Slim Fit Selvedge S.E.A Jeans, $168

The S.E.A. Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans have, far and away, become my favorite raw denim jeans. They're sturdy yet tidy, and I can pull them off dressed up or down for just about anywhere and anything as needed, short of a black tie dinner (not that you'd ever find me at one). —Owen Burke, senior reporter 



The Folk Top

The Folk Top, available in 6 colors, $98

This top is so flowy and perfect for summer. It's made from organic cotton spun to be exceptionally thin and lightweight, so you can feel the breeze even when you're fully covered up. I love tucking it into jeans for a casual look I can pull off at work or on the weekends.

It comes in six colors, but I will say the lighter ones are slightly sheer, so choose your undergarments accordingly.  —Sally Kaplan, editor 



Stringer Seersucker Pants

Stringer Seersucker Pants, $118

Featherlight and airy, these pants will serve you well on a scorcher. The color also does wonders to conceal any spillage that might take place at an outdoor barbecue, though that's another story that probably says more about me than these pants.

There's nothing like seersucker in summer, and the slight bit of linen (20%) worked into them mostly pays off. I'd prefer them to be 100% linen, especially at this price, but the fact that they're sourcing organic cotton (at least for 64% of the pants — the rest is 16% pesticide-reliant cotton) and corozo (tagua palm nuts) for buttons mostly makes up for it.

In the end, they're sturdier than my all-linen pants that ring up the same bill, and I imagine they'll last longer. Again, you get what you pay for with Outerknown. —Owen Burke, senior reporter



Oasis Top

Oasis Top, available in 4 colors, $78

This cropped top is sweet, breezy, and easy to wear. You can tuck it into a skirt or pair of pants, or let it flow loosely over your body. It features touches that are both stylish and practical, like the shoulder ties, which let you get a customized fit, and the elastic at the top, which prevents the chest area from gaping. —Connie Chen, reporter 



How to measure the dimensions of objects on an iPhone using its augmented-reality Measure app, or turn your phone into a level

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iPhone SE woman

  • You can measure objects on your iPhone using the Measure app, which turns your phone into an augmented-reality (AR) ruler.
  • You can use your iPhone to measure straight lines, all of the dimensions of a single object, and even calculate the area of a rectangle.
  • The Measure app also lets you use your iPhone as a level.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you need to measure something on the fly, the Measure app on your iPhone has your back. 

Thanks to augmented reality (AR), you don't have to wonder if that couch will fit in your living room; you can measure it right at the yard sale. You can even save an image of the object with its dimensions labeled. 

It's not quite time to throw away your tape measure, however. The app takes some getting used to, and it's easy to get an inaccurate measurement if you're not holding your phone at just the right angle.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to measure the dimensions of an object with your iPhone

Here's what you need to do to measure a 3D object with your phone.

1. If you don't have the Measure app, download it from the App Store. It's made by Apple, so it should be the first to appear when you search "Measure."

2. Once downloaded, tap the Measure app icon to open it.

3. You'll see a box with open corners and an instruction to move your phone around. 

4. Move your phone until the AR technology gets its bearings. When that happens, you'll see a circle with a dot in the center.

2 move dot to starting point

5. Move your phone until the dot appears on top of the spot you want to measure from.

6. Tap the + near the bottom of the screen.

7. Move your phone slowly until the dot appears above end point of your measurement. You'll see a dotted line to help you keep your measurement on track.

3 measure a line

8. When you reach the end point, tap the + again. Your measurement will appear, showing how much distance there is between the two points you set down.

4 save measurement

9. If you didn't get the start and end points lined up just right, you can fiddle with the measurement. Put your finger on the endpoint you want to move, and move your finger to reposition the dot.

10. To save an image of your measurement, tap the circle toward the bottom right side of the screen. This saves a photo to your phone.

If you're measuring a couch or other 3D object, you may need to know more than one dimension. The Measure app lets you keep going after your first measurement.

1. With the initial measurement still on your screen, position the dot at one of the points currently in your first line.

2. Tap +.

3. Move your phone so the dot makes a line to the endpoint of your second measurement. Tap + when you get there.

4. Both measurements now appear on your screen. You can add as many measurements as you want. You can also clear your most recent measurement by hitting the back arrow. Tap Clear to remove all the measurements.

5 meaure two dimensions

5. You can take more photos after you add more dimensions by tapping the white dot on the lower right side of the screen.

How to measure a rectangle and calculate its area

If you hold your phone over a flat rectangular object, the Measure app can measure the outside dimensions and the square inches with one tap.

1. With the Measure app open, position your phone in front of the object and move until the + appears at the bottom.

2. A dotted line will appear around the object. 

6 measure a rectangle

3. Tap the + or the object and the measurements of the entire rectangle will appear automatically.

7 measure a rectangle

4. You can save a photo of this measurement, too.

One caveat about this function: it took several tries to get the app to return the right dimensions for an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. The angle of your phone can affect the reading, and distort the measurements. Always measure twice.

How to use your iPhone's Measure app as a level

A level is a handy tool that helps you create flat surfaces and hang picture frames straight. The Measure app has one of those, too. The level function in the app helps you level an upright object or a flat surface.

Here's how to level an upright object, such as a frame hanging on a wall.

1. Tap Level at the bottom right of the Measure app.

2. Place the edge of your iPhone on the top edge of the frame or other object.

3. The number in the center tells you how many degrees off from vertical you are.

4. Adjust the object, with your phone on top, until the number becomes zero. The screen will turn half green.

9 vertical level at 0

Here's how to level a flat surface.

1. Tap Level at the bottom right of the app.

2. Place your iPhone flat on the surface.

3. The number in the center tells you how off you are from vertical. Two white circles move closer or farther to help you find vertical in all directions.

4. When you get to vertical, the screen will turn green and 0° will appear in the center of the circle.

11 flat levet at 0

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

Step inside 'Billionaire Mountain,' the wealthy Aspen enclave where the Bezos and Dell families own sprawling mansions and homes go for as much as $49 million

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aspen

Aspen, Colorado, is America's most expensive ski town — but it gets even pricier the more skyward you get.

Towering over Aspen is Red Mountain, also known as "Billionaire Mountain." It's home to high-end real estate, with sales prices as high as $49 million, staggering square footage, and scenic views of downtown Aspen and the surrounding mountains.

Read more:An anonymous buyer just broke 2 Aspen real-estate records by dropping $24.2 million on a ritzy 'Billionaire Mountain' lot — and it's totally empty

It's a haven for the 1%. From the candy mogul William Wrigley Jr. to the casino magnate Neil Bluhm, many notable names have had a home there.

Here's a glimpse at what life (and real estate) is like on Billionaire Mountain.

SEE ALSO: What it's like to vacation in St. Moritz, the hidden gem in the Swiss Alps where celebrities, billionaires, and royalty go to ski

DON'T MISS: A 'mountain' towering over Los Angeles, once listed for $1 billion and scoped out by Jeff Bezos, has finally sold — for just $100,000

Once a small mining town, Aspen is now the most expensive ski town in America — and only one of four ski destinations in the world where homes consistently sell for over $25 million.

Source: Business Insider (1, 2, 3)



You can find Aspen's 1% on Red Mountain, aptly nicknamed "Billionaire Mountain" by a former Forbes staff writer, Morgan Brennan, in a December 2012 article. It's known as a popular winter destination for the rich and famous.

Source: Business Insider, Forbes



Divided into upper and lower neighborhoods, Billionaire Mountain boasts views of downtown Aspen, peaks in the Elk Range, and the Aspen Snowmass, which comprises all four of Aspen's ski mountains.

Source: Aspen Sojourner, Forbes



Aspen's center is about a five-minute drive down the mountain, which is also near outdoor adventures, from fishing in Independence Pass to biking alongside Roaring Fork River.

Source: Carrie Wells Real Estate



Billionaire Mountain's "phone book reads like a Davos VIP list," Brennan wrote for Forbes.

Source: Forbes



"It's always been a cornerstone of residential real estate in Aspen," Joshua Saslove of Douglas Elliman told Forbes.

Source: Forbes



The Walmart heiress Ann Walton Kroenke, the oil billionaire Sid Bass, the candy mogul William Wrigley Jr., and the casino magnate Neil Bluhm have all had houses there, ranging in price from $7.4 million to $38.4 million, per Forbes' December 2012 report.

Source: Forbes



Billionaires' family members also call the elite neighborhood home. According to Forbes, as of 2012, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' parents had a 10,600-square-foot home valued at $20 million in Lower Red Mountain, and Dell CEO Michael Dell's grandparents owned a $10.5 million, 8,520-square-foot home in Upper Red Mountain.

Source: Forbes



The 1% pays top dollar for Billionaire Mountain's pricey real estate —properties now on the market there range from $2.45 million to $33.5 million.

Source: Realtor.com



The active average home price on Billionaire Mountain as of June 2018 was $15.8 million, with an average cost per square foot of $2,225, according to the Aspen Sojourner, a local magazine.

Source: Aspen Sojourner



Billionaire Mountain's real estate is quite literally record-breaking, especially when it comes to America's most expensive homes.



There you'll find the 90-acre Hala Ranch, which is larger than the White House. Once the most expensive home in the US, it was listed by the Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan for $135 million in 2006. It sold to the hedge-fund billionaire John Paulson for $49 million in 2012.

Source: Mansion Global, Business Insider



The Summit House sits atop Billionaire Mountain on nearly 6 acres of land. It was Colorado's most expensive available home when it was listed for $65 million in 2014. Its current asking price is a slightly more manageable $39.5 million.

Bill Koch put his Aspen compound on the market for $80 million, according to Curbed, but that property was "not listed for public consumption" — making Summit House Colorado's most expensive house, according to Realtor.com.

Source: Sotheby's International Realty



The 17,000-square-foot lodge boasts seven bedrooms, seven full baths, four half-bathrooms, and a 4,150-square-foot deck.

Source: Business Insider



But Summit House is far from the only high-profile, ultra-luxurious property in the area. In March 2019, an $18 million ranch on Billionaire Mountain's largest, most private lot went on the market. Known as Erickson Ranch, it's owned by one of Aspen's founding families, the Paepcke family.

Source: Business Insider



Nestled at the base of Billionaire Mountain, the 6,802-square-foot property sits on 12 acres of land and includes seven bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths.

Source: Business Insider



Even the neighborhood's undeveloped land carries a hefty price tag. In May 2019, an anonymous buyer broke two Aspen real-estate records, dropping $24.2 million on an empty 4.4-acre Billionaire Mountain plot.

Source: Mansion Global via Business Insider



At the time, it was the most expensive empty residential lot ever sold, and the highest residential sale in 2019.

Source: Mansion Global via Business Insider



It was previously part of a massive 40-acre estate owned by Marian Rubey Lyeth Davis, whose family started the company that eventually became Maxwell House Coffee.

Source: Mansion Global via Business Insider



Most of these homes are vacation homes. Billionaire Mountain is "best known for large, mostly vacant mansions," Scott Condon wrote for The Aspen Times in 2008.

Source: Aspen Times



But resident homeowners also put the land to other use. In 2018, the Red Mountain Ranch Homeowners Association donated a 55-acre parcel to Pitkin County for its Open Space and Trails Program. The parcel extends about 150 yards up the mountain from the top row of homes.

Source: Aspen Times



A minority of homeowners wanted to sell the parcel to the highest bidder, according to Jerry Murdock, the president of the homeowners association. He told Pitkin County commissioners at the time that he persuaded the majority to support the donation. He didn't reveal how much the property would've been worth on the open market.

Source: Aspen Times



Billionaire Mountain continues to attract new residents. There's a particularly high demand for remodels and new homes there, according to Carolyn Sackariason of the Aspen Sojourner.

Source: Aspen Sojourner



Local brokers told Sackariason in 2018 that Billionaire Mountain had an "aging inventory" but was still one of the highest-performing neighborhoods on the market. Single-family-home sales increased by 100% from 2016 to 2017.

Source: Aspen Sojourner



As Sackariason wrote, "when it comes to this level of exclusivity, criteria like lifestyle and prestige tend to outrank price."

Source: Aspen Sojourner



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