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Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have changed routes for their cruise ships to avoid Hurricane Dorian (RCL, DIS)

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Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line have changed the itineraries of some cruises to avoid Hurricane Dorian.

Royal Caribbean has closed its Perfect Day at CocoCay island, which is located in the Bahamas, from August 28 until September 4, the cruise line said on its website. Affected ships include the Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, and the Symphony of the Seas. Some stops at CocoCay have been replaced with stops in Nassau, Bahamas.

Passengers who bought shore excursions for Perfect Day at CocoCay will receive a refund, Royal Caribbean said.

"Royal Caribbean is closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Dorian, and we are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean routes to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests and crew," a Royal Caribbean representative said.

Read more:Cruise ship workers reveal what it's really like to live at sea

Disney Cruise Line is rerouting its Disney Fantasy ship from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog, which posted a photo of a letter describing the revised itinerary to the ship's passengers. (A Disney Cruise Line representative confirmed the photo's authenticity.) Stops in Tortola and St. Thomas have been replaced with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, according to the letter.

The Disney Cruise Line representative said the company may have to modify the itinerary for its Disney Dream cruise that sets sail on Friday, but does not expect to change the itinerary for its Disney Fantasy cruise that begins on Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Dorian will move through the Caribbean from Thursday through Sunday before landing near Florida on Monday. Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen from a Category 1 storm to a Category 3  storm in the coming days.

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

SEE ALSO: The world's biggest cruise ship has robot bartenders, rock-climbing walls, and a nine-story zip-line — here's what it looks like inside

Join the conversation about this story »

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The incredible life of John McCain in photos

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john mccain

  • The late John McCain led a remarkable life.
  • Following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, he served in the Navy, was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, served in the US Senate for 30 years, and ran for president twice.
  • He died at the age of 81 in 2018. He would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on August 29, 2019.
  • Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Republican Sen. John McCain died at the age of 81 in August 2018.

The Arizona senator was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and began treatment for the disease in July 2017. McCain appeared to be undeterred for several months after his diagnosis was made public.

He was seen back at work on Capitol Hill in Fall 2017 and weighed in on major legislative policies, including the annual defense authorization bill and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

McCain made headlines upon his return — including when he dramatically voted no on the Republican version of a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act in July 2017.

His career as a public servant spanned decades of honorable service, and despite some challenges along the way, McCain established himself as a key figurehead of the Republican Party. He was known to buck the GOP's leadership — earning the nickname "Maverick" — and reach across the political aisle to voice his candid opinions.

Here's a look back at John McCain's incredible life.

SEE ALSO: John McCain, war hero and longtime senator, dead at 81

McCain graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1958 and served as a pilot.

Early in his career in naval aviation, McCain's flying ability and judgment were questioned after he crashed three planes. His commanders were said to have sarcastically called him "Ace McCain" because of his record.

"John was what you called a push-the-envelope guy," Sam Hawkins, who flew in McCain's squadron in the 1960s, told the Los Angeles Times. "There are some naval aviators who are on the cautious side. They don't get out on the edges, but the edges are where you get the maximum out of yourself and out of your plane. That's where John operated."



On October 26, 1967, during the Vietnam War, McCain was flying over Hanoi when a surface-to-air missile hit his plane's wing, forcing him to eject.

"Some North Vietnamese swam out and pulled me to the side of the lake and immediately started stripping me, which is their standard procedure," McCain wrote in USA Today.

"Of course, this being in the center of town, a huge crowd of people gathered, and they were all hollering and screaming and cursing and spitting and kicking at me."



McCain broke both of his arms and his right knee. He had lost consciousness until he hit the water after ejecting from the plane.

McCain was held as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) for five and a half years. He was subjected to torture and solitary confinement in a Vietnamese prison nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton."

Upon learning that McCain's father was an admiral in the Navy, who would eventually command all US forces in the Pacific, NVA forces provided medical care to McCain. Doctors performed surgery on his leg, according to McCain, but made incorrect incisions on one side and cut all the ligaments.

McCain would spend the rest of his life walking with a noticeable limp.



McCain was released on March 14, 1973.

The North Vietnamese Army had previously offered McCain his freedom, but he refused, thinking that it would bring shame and demoralize his fellow POWs.

Carol, McCain's first wife, raised three children while he was gone, and was reportedly recovering from a devastating car crash that left her impaired for months.



McCain made several trips back to Vietnam to bridge relations with the US.



McCain would eventually retire from the Navy in 1981 as a captain. His awards include a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

"I have watched men suffer the anguish of imprisonment, defy appalling human cruelty ... break for a moment, then recover inhuman strength to defy their enemies once more," McCain said to the Naval Academy's graduating class in 1993. "All these things and more, I have seen. And so will you. My time is slipping by. Yours is fast approaching. You will know where your duty lies. You will know."

Source: Stars and Stripes



Some areas of the prison where McCain was held were converted into a museum, dedicated to the historic link between his service and the Vietnam War.

Source: Reuters



During a visit to the infamous prison, McCain said he could not forgive the jailers who mistreated and killed fellow POWs.

Source: Reuters



McCain married Cindy Hensley in 1980 and had a daughter, two sons, and adopted another daughter from Bangladesh.

Source: Los Angeles Times



After serving as a Navy liaison in the Senate, McCain took the leap into politics and was elected to serve Arizona's 1st Congressional District from 1982 to 1984.

McCain's political opponents criticized him early on, pointing to what they called his lack of connection to Arizona. He eventually hit back during a debate:

"Listen, pal. I spent 22 years in the Navy. My grandfather was in the Navy. We in the military service tend to move a lot. We have to live in all parts of the country, all parts of the world. I wish I could have had the luxury, like you, of growing up and living and spending my entire life in a nice place like the first district of Arizona, but I was doing other things. As a matter of fact, when I think about it now, the place I lived longest in my life was Hanoi."

"Looking back, I think the race was effectively over right then," McCain recalled in his autobiography. "But I didn't know that then. I was just mad and had taken a swing."

Source: New York Times, AZ Central



After his two terms in the House, McCain sought Arizona's Senate seat and won a landslide victory in 1986.

As a senator, McCain was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He would eventually become the chairman of the committee, weighing in on a variety of matters involving the US military, such as funding and mission scope.

Source: AZ Central



Sen. McCain hit a bump in the road in 1989.

McCain was one of the "Keating Five" — five senators accused of trying to persuade federal regulators to ease up on Charles Keating, a major campaign donor who became financially compromised during the 1980s savings-and-loan crisis. 

McCain, who emerged relatively unscathed after the Senate Ethics Committee's investigation, was found to have exercised "poor judgment." While the other four senators retired in the 1990s, McCain soldiered on.

"Despite my recovery, the Keating Five experience was not one that I have walked away from as easily as I have other bad times," McCain said in his memoir.

"Twelve years after its conclusion, I still wince thinking about it and find that if I do not repress the memory, its recollection still provokes a vague but real feeling that I had lost something very important, something that was sacrificed in the pursuit of gratifying ambitions, my own and others."



Following the scandal, McCain soon earned the moniker of "Maverick," a term his colleagues from both sides of the political aisle gave him as he advocated for campaign finance reform and sought to end government waste.

In the 1990s, McCain took on special-interest groups like the tobacco industry, and pushed for raising cigarette taxes to pay for anti-smoking campaigns. But McCain's anti-tobacco bill ultimately fell short after the tobacco industry launched a $40 million PR effort of its own.

"The losers are the children of America," McCain said.

Regardless of the outcome for some of his ambitious reforms, McCain's was easily reelected in 1992 and 1998.

Source: AZ Central



McCain would soon became a household name in politics. He set his sights higher and announced in 1999 that he would run for president in the 2000 election.



After losing several states in the primaries to then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush, McCain withdrew from the race and endorsed Bush.



One of McCain's crowning achievements in the Senate was the McCain-Feingold Act in 2002.

McCain, along with Democratic Sen. Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, helped enact the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, one of the first major amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act.

The legislation was designed to regulate financing for political organizations and curb the influx of soft money.



Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, McCain supported the US-led coalition war in Afghanistan.

McCain explained his support for Operation Enduring Freedom in a Wall Street Journal opinion column published in October 2001.

"There is no avoiding the war we are in today, any more than we could have avoided world war after our fleet was bombed at Pearl Harbor," McCain wrote. "America is under attack by a depraved, malevolent force that opposes our every interest and hates every value we hold dear."

"War is a miserable business. Let's get on with it."



McCain also supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and claimed Saddam Hussein was "turning Iraq into a weapons assembly line for al-Qaida's network."

Although McCain continued to voice his support for US military options in Iraq, McCain later admitted it was a mistake.

"The principal reason for invading Iraq, that Saddam had [weapons of mass destruction], was wrong," McCain wrote in his memoir.

"The war, with its cost in lives and treasure and security, can't be judged as anything other than a mistake, a very serious one, and I have to accept my share of the blame for it."

Source: USA Today



McCain announced his second presidential bid for the 2008 election.



McCain gracefully spars with then-Sen. Barack Obama.

McCain secured the Republican nomination in the primaries and faced off against then-Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois in the general election.

As McCain trailed behind polls, Obama's critics sought to discredit him by promoting false theories about his heritage and religion. During a campaign rally in 2008, one of McCain's supporters explained why she said she did not trust Obama.

"I have read about him, and he's not, he's not — he's an Arab," the woman said, incorrectly.

McCain quickly grabbed the microphone, shook his head and set the record straight.

"No ma'am," McCain said, calling Obama "a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign is all about."



McCain selects Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate.

McCain later said he regretted the decision and wished he selected Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic senator from Connecticut, and his longtime friend, as his running mate.

"It was sound advice that I could reason for myself," McCain said in his memoir. "But my gut told me to ignore it and I wish I had."



McCain concedes to Obama in November 2008: "This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight."

On November 5, 2008, McCain formally conceded the election and congratulated President-elect Obama on his victory.

"A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him," McCain said. "To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love."

"This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight," McCain added.

"I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too."



As the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, McCain provided legislative oversight of the military and became a leading voice on veterans issues.



But as the chairman of the legislative body of military affairs, McCain also had to account for the military's failures.



For the most part, McCain maintained friendly ties with other lawmakers, regardless of their political party.



In July 2017, McCain announced he had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

McCain received broad support for his recovery from both sides of the political aisle.

"I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support - unfortunately for my sparring partners in Congress, I'll be back soon, so stand-by!" McCain said on Twitter.



But McCain remained strong in his conviction that elected officials should be held accountable for their actions.

None of that changed, even when President Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Prior to making a move to politics, the real-estate tycoon threw verbal jabs at McCain, in part by throwing insulting his military service.

Trump said the former naval aviator "was captured," and expressed doubt about whether he should be hailed as a hero. 

"He's not a war hero," Trump said at a leadership summit in 2015. "He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."

"I think John McCain's done very little for the veterans," Trump later said. "I'm very disappointed in John McCain."

Trump would continued to criticize McCain throughout the first 18 months of his presidency.

McCain frequently called Trump's rhetoric that he believed was beneath the office of president. On Trump's controversial performance at a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in last month, McCain described it as "one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory."

McCain also denounced Trump's repeated attacks on the press: "Trump continues his unrelenting attacks on the integrity of American journalists and news outlets," McCain wrote in an op-ed. "This has provided cover for repressive regimes to follow suit."



A decisive Affordable Care Act vote.

A few weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer, McCain returned to the Senate floor and cast a stunning "no" vote that scuttled a "skinny repeal" bill, one of many variations the Republican Party put forward in order to hamstring the Affordable Care Act.

"Watch the show," McCain said to reporters as he walked into the chamber before the vote.

McCain's vote that night had been a continued source of ire for Trump, who frequently disparaged McCain during his campaign rallies over the senator's vote.



McCain also had a gruff, but affectionate relationship with journalists.



McCain discontinues treatment for brain cancer.

On August 24, 2018, the McCain family announced he would discontinue his cancer treatment.

"In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival," McCain's family said in a statement. "But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment."

In a passage from his memoir, which was published in May 2018, McCain writes:

"I don't know how much longer I'll be here. Maybe I'll have another five years. Maybe, with the advances in oncology, they'll find new treatments for my cancer that will extend my life. Maybe I'll be gone before you read this. My predicament is, well, rather unpredictable."

"I have some things I'd like to take care of first, some work that needs finishing, and some people I need to see. And I want to talk to my fellow Americans a little more if I may."



"It's been quite a ride."

"It's been quite a ride," McCain wrote. "I made a small place for myself in the story of America and the history of my times."



A Beijing skyscraper that's meant to look like a dragon and previously belonged to a fugitive billionaire just sold for $734 million — a mere 40% of its reported value

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Pangu Plaza

A dragon-inspired skyscraper in Beijing was just sold in an online auction.

On August 21, CNN reported that the Pangu Plaza was bought by Yucheng Zhiye, a Beijing-based property company, for $734 million after being put up for auction by a Beijing court.

CNN also reported that, according to the online listing, 150,000 people signed up to watch the 24-hour bidding feud between just two participants. The opening bid was $733.292 million.

Pangu Plaza

Pangu Plaza is a 629-foot-tall building that was designed by architect Li Zuyuan of the Taiwan-based architecture firm C.Y. Lee & Partners. It was built to resemble a dragon. The skyscraper, which is featured in the photo above, is supposed to represent the head of the dragon.

The four smaller buildings next to it, also featured above, are meant to serve as the body and tail. The four smaller buildings were not included in the auction, according to CNN.

Read more: Step inside the tallest building in Singapore, where the country's most expensive penthouse just sold for $54.2 million and a 39th-floor infinity pool looks out over the city

The government seized the skyscraper in 2016 from a company owned by Chinese billionaire, real-estate mogul, and fugitive Guo Wengui.

According to the Miami Herald, Wengui is wanted in China for a multitude of crimes — including paying bribes — and fled to the United States four years ago. He claims to be innocent of the charges against him and believes they are politically motivated. In July, the Miami Herald reported that Wengui was seeking political asylum in America.

On Wednesday, Wengui posted a video on YouTube during which he stated, according to CNN, that the winning bid of Pangu Plaza was only 10% of its approximated value.

His statement suggests the skyscraper is worth much more than the online listing estimate, which valued Pangu Plaza at more than $1.05 billion— over 40% more than what it sold for.

SEE ALSO: Hong Kong has been the least affordable city in the world for 9 years running, and the housing crisis is one of the factors fueling the 12-week protests

DON'T MISS: 7 of the world's most incredible new buildings in 2019, according to architects

Join the conversation about this story »

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Peloton is valued at more than $4 billion, but CEO and cofounder John Foley says investors turned his pitches down for 4 years. These are the reasons why he thinks they were rejected so many times.

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John Foley Marion Roaman Peloton

Home fitness giant Peloton may now be planning one of the most hotly anticipated IPOs of the year — but just a few years ago, the company struggled to raise enough money to stay afloat.

"I would bet I pitched three times a day for four years," Foley said, recalling Peloton's early days on an April 2019 episode of NPR's "How I Built This with Guy Raz." "Between thousands of angels, we had a hundred angels to get the first 10 million. But in order get a hundred angels at my success rate, I probably pitched 3,000 people, and then the 400 institutions that all said no."

At the time, Foley told NPR, the maker of $2,000 stationary exercise bikes was burdened by financial problems so severe that Foley cleaned the Peloton office's bathrooms himself because the company could not afford to hire both office support staff and the engineers needed to work on Peloton's Wifi-connected exercise equipment.

Foley was in his mid-40s with two children when he got the idea to build a stationary bike that offered in-home spin classes on demand, he told NPR. A graduate of Harvard Business School, he had previously been an executive at both Mars Inc. and Barnes and Noble's e-commerce division, according to the Peloton website. Foley and his wife both loved boutique fitness classes, but Foley couldn't get into classes taught by his favorite instructors at the most convenient times because he didn't like to book in advance.

Read more: Peloton, which sells $2,000 exercise bikes, just filed for an IPO — but cofounder and CEO John Foley has said that finding good talent is what keeps him up at night

According to Foley, there are two main reasons why Peloton — which, per Bloomberg's August 2018 report, was last valued at $4.15 billion in its latest round of funding — struggled to attract investors:

1. Boutique fitness was "a blind spot" for Silicon Valley investors.

"The valley didn't see what was happening in New York City with the boutique fitness movement," Foley told NPR. "I would go out there and they would say, 'There's two types of biking out here, John: mountain biking and road biking,' and I'm like okay, great. They just didn't see what was happening, and it was a blind spot for them."

2. Peloton couldn't show any market data.

"That was the frustrating thing, the 'no market data,' because we created a category, in a sense," Foley told NPR. "I thought when the venture capitalists heard that, they would say, 'wow, this is true vision, this is true disruption, absolutely let me in,' and they were saying, 'no, there's no research.' They look for what's called pattern recognition, and there wasn't a pattern in what we were doing. It was frustrating, because I saw it clear as day."

Peloton may still struggle to attract investors when it starts trading on public markets. Potential investors were shocked when the company revealed that it had sustained a $245.7 million net loss in fiscal year 2019 when the company released its IPO paperwork on Tuesday, Business Insider previously reported.

SEE ALSO: The Chobani billionaire who turned a $3,000 loan into a yogurt empire calls himself an 'anti-CEO' and thinks other CEOs should do the same

DON'T MISS: Meet Rebekah Paltrow Neumann, the former actress who cofounded WeWork, is cousins with Gwyneth Paltrow, and is CEO Adam Neumann's 'strategic thought partner'

Join the conversation about this story »

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I grew up eating white rice every day, but I love this protein-packed 'rice' alternative made from vegetables and legumes

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rightrice review 2

  • RightRice is a vegetable grain that tastes and feels just like traditional white rice. 
  • It's made from lentils, chickpeas, and peas, so it contains more than two times the protein and five times the fiber of white rice. But because it does still contain a little rice flour, it maintains the satisfying, chewy texture you're familiar with. 
  • I grew up on white rice, and I loved cooking with and eating RightRice. Though it's a little more expensive than traditional rice and you can only cook it on a stove top (rather than in a rice cooker), it's also more nutritious and just as tasty. 

Rice is and always will be an important part of my diet. Every night growing up, I had a bowl of fluffy and sticky white rice with my meat and veggies, a dinnertime constant as reliable as the conversations grilling my progress in school. 

This familiarity with rice made me somewhat skeptical of any alternatives for a long time. I have to admit though, the way my body processes and reacts to food has changed over the years, a reality that's making me reconsider what I eat. White rice isn't unhealthy, per se, but the emergence of alternatives made from ingredients like chickpeas shows it's entirely possible to enjoy a healthier, more nutritious version of white rice. 

I recently tried RightRice, a new grain made from a blend of more than 90% vegetables. As much as I didn't want to betray my white rice-centric upbringing, I ended up loving RightRice's taste, texture, and superior nutritional profile. 

rightrice review 3

RightRice vs. traditional white rice 

RightRice was created by Keith Belling, the founder of Popchips, a proven success in the business of better-for-you food. He loved rice, but didn't love the empty calories and carbs, so he decided to create a plant-based protein that was simultaneously delicious and good for you. 

For every 1/3 cup of RightRice, there's 10 grams of protein, five grams of fiber, and 25 grams of net carbs. Compare this to the same amount of white rice, which has 4 grams of protein, zero grams of fiber, and 39 grams of net carbs. 

RightRice isn't actually made completely from vegetables. Though it's primarily made from lentil, chickpea, and pea flour, which are what contribute the protein, fiber, iron, and other vitamins, it does still contain a little rice flour, which I think helps it maintain a more chewy and satisfying consistency. In this way, I don't see RightRice as a rice substitute. Instead, it's more of a rice enhancement. 

rightrice review 4

Cooking RightRice

It cooks in just 10 to 12 minutes in a sauce pan and is as easy to make as regular rice. Add it to a pot of boiling water, remove it from the heat, and let it stand covered for the designated time. After you fluff it with a fork, it's ready to eat. Unfortunately, if you use a rice cooker or Instant Pot, you might have to deal with some experimentation — the company says it hasn't yet found a great way to cook with these appliances yet. But in my experience, using the sauce-pan method was a perfectly easy way to cook RightRice. 

RightRice is currently available online in four flavors: Original, Garlic Herb, Lemon Pepper, and Spanish. There's also a new flavor, Thai Curry, available in stores at Kroger. The Original is a great "base" option that goes with anything and can easily be made your own, whether you want to add your own spices for flavoring, or you just want a plain side dish. I personally used it to make fried rice, and the result was much more filling and delicious than cauliflower fried rice. If you've ever made cauliflower fried rice, you know it's really not the same as the original, but with RightRice, I could've been deceived by its texture and taste. 

I really enjoyed the flavored options too, especially the Garlic Herb. None of them were too salty, which is usually my problem with pre-flavored grains. 

You can use RightRice in any rice-based recipe you normally would — arancini, rice bowls, burritos, paella, and rice pudding, for example. It's a versatile ingredient that can feature in the dishes of many cuisines and cultures, just like traditional rice. 

rightrice review

The bottom line

The one drawback of RightRice is that it's more expensive than traditional white rice. That's to be expected, since white rice is incredibly cheap, but all things considered — taste, texture, nutritional value, versatility — the price difference is worth it. If you're thinking about easy dietary switches to make in your life, the transition from white rice to RightRice is surprisingly seamless. 

Shop the RightRice Variety Pack (pack of 6), $25.99, at Amazon

Shop all RightRice flavors at Amazon

Join the conversation about this story »

How to delete your Lyft account on the mobile app or website

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FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2018, file photo, a Lyft logo is installed on a Lyft driver's car in Pittsburgh. Lyft’s stock fell 10 percent in trading Monday, April 1, 2019, just one day after the company went public. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

  • It's easy to delete your Lyft account with the mobile app on your iPhone or Android, or on the Lyft website.
  • When you delete your Lyft account, it is actually deactivated – that means the company may save some of your information whether you have an active account or not, in compliance with its privacy policy.
  • However, this will also make it easier to reactivate your Lyft account should you want to use Lyft again. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you delete your Lyft account, it is actually only deactivated. This means that the company may keep some of your information, as per the company's privacy policy

While not an ideal situation for those who want to take all of their data with them when they go, it can be helpful if you choose to reactivate your account later on.

The process of deleting your Lyft account is simple and can be done with just a few taps on your iPhone or Android , and you can also accomplish it just as quickly using the web browser version of Lyft, provided you're already logged into your account.

Here's what you need to know to get it done:

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 delete your Lyft account on the mobile app

You can delete your Lyft account with the mobile app on your iPhone or Android. Here's how:

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

2. Tap the three bars and select "Help."

1 HOW TO DELETE LYFT ACCOUNT

3. Scroll to the bottom and, under "Get help," tap "Profile and account settings."

2 HOW TO DELETE LYFT ACCOUNT

4. Tap "Delete My Account."

3 HOW TO DELETE LYFT ACCOUNT

You'll then get a confirmation message saying that Lyft will delete your account.

How to delete your Lyft account on Lyft's website

If you prefer, you could also accomplish this task via a web browser. Assuming you're already signed in through that browser, here are the steps you'd need to take:

1. Go to this support page

2. Select "I'm a passenger or driver."

3. Click "Profile and Account Settings."

4. Select "Delete My Account."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to charge a Fitbit Flex in 3 simple steps

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fitbit flex

The Fitbit Flex is one of the most compact fitness trackers offered by Fitbit. 

The actual tracker itself is only about an inch long, and weighs next to nothing, even when inserted into its band, which can make it a great fitness tracker for athletes.

Once charged, a Fitbit Flex can offer about a week of biometric tracking, alarms and reminders, and other data. And getting a full charge should only take about an hour, so go ahead and connect the Flex the next chance you get.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Flex (From $77 at Amazon)

How to charge a Fitbit Flex

1. Pop the Flex out of the back of its band, using a finger to press the unit free.

2. Click the Flex into its charging cradle, making sure the contacts align.

Screen Shot 2019 08 26 at 2.23.52 PM

3. Connect the charging cable to a USB power source.

Once the Fitbit Flex displays five little glowing LEDs on its face, it is fully charged and can be put back in the band and strapped back onto your wrist.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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The best grilling tools you can buy

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  • If you're going to grill great eats, you need to cook on a clean grill and have all the tools you need at your fingertips.
  • We've rounded up the best grilling tools, including everything from a grill cleaner and grill brush to grilling planks and meat thermometers.

When the weather is nice, I fire up my grill at least three times a week. And if the weather holds all day, I'll be cooking up burgers and skewers into the night. There's just no comparison to food cooked on a grill, and when you have great grilling tools and accessories at your disposal, grilling is just about the easiest kind of cooking, too.

Think about it: You're outside, so there's no reason to worry about a few drips of oil here or some dropped of food there, you have a precise control over the temperature of a gas grill, so you don't need to time things perfectly as with an oven, and you're supposed to be drinking a cold beverage while grilling, which ... well, OK, that doesn't necessarily make things easier, but it does make the process more fun.

What does make grilling easier? A great spatula that doubles as a knife. A grill brush that scours away grit and bits of food in one pass. A meat thermometer that takes readings in seconds. And of course, reliable grill cleaning supplies that keep your barbecue station looking great and working well.

Today, I've put together a list of the primary grilling tools I use to cook, clean, and maintain my six-burner gas grill. Most of these tools can also be used with a charcoal grill, and I've even included a great way to get coals burning fast, no lighter fluid required.

Here are the best grilling tools you can buy:

Updated on 08/29/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added option for nonflammable grill spray.

SEE ALSO: The best grilling gloves you can buy

The best grill cleaner

Used together with a bit of elbow grease, CLR's BBQ Grill Cleaner Spray and CLR's Stainless Steel Cleaner can leave your grill looking brand new.

It's not often that I'm genuinely surprised by the quality of a product. In my line of work and in my several hobbies, I've tested a fair amount of cleaning products from a number of brands, and while most prove adequate or even impressive, few in recent years have left me as impressed as two grill cleaning formulas made by the vaunted brand CLR (Calcium Lime Rust)

CLR BBQ Grill Cleaner is a foamy spray formula that is safe to apply all over the grates, burners, and other interior components of your grill. It's non-toxic, non-flammable, and even biodegradable, so health and environmental concerns are essentially nil. It's also super tough on grease, grime, soot, and baked on char. With a coat of this stuff on the grates of my much-loved, not-all-that-much-cleaned gas grill, it took me about two minutes of scraping and scouring to restore the cooking surface to the pure, shiny state I remember from the first day I used the grill.

Dozens of soap and water cleanings came nowhere close to the efficacy of a single use of this stuff, and to be honest, I think the burgers I cooked on the grill an hour later even tasted better than that last round cooked up before the deep cleaning.

As the grates of my grill weren't the only surface that needed some TLC, I was glad to also have a can of CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner on hand. This stuff brought out a shine I could hardly believe the exterior of my grill could achieve after years sitting outside facing the elements, and as with the BBQ Grill Cleaner spray, the cleaning process took about two minutes. (The canister looks oddly like cooking spray, so be careful not to confuse the two.)

With more than 200 customer reviews posted on Amazon, the CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner has a 4.2-star average rating. One reviewer called it "a great cleaner" that removed even the most stubborn spots on her steel stove. Another said, "Nothing else cleans our stainless-steel refrigerator."

Pros: BBQ Grill Cleaner cuts through stubborn grease and grime, Stainless Steel Cleaner works with minimal manual effort, trusted brand name

Cons: Stainless Steel Cleaner leaves a film on nearby surfaces

Buy a can of CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner on Amazon for $7.91



The best grill brush

The Kona 360 Grill Brush cleans in all directions to scrape away bits of food and built-up soot on the top, sides, and the bottom of the grill.

Cleaning your grill is important. We've established that, right? But nowhere have I claimed that it's exactly what you'd call fun. In fact, it's kind of an annoying process sometimes, especially when you have a long grilling session to look forward to and you'd really rather get on with things.

The Kona 360 Grill Brush is perfect for people who value a clean grill but want it cleaned fast. Its design allows you to clean the top, bottom, and sides of each bar of the grill without removing the grill top and with a minimal number of passes. While most grill brushes feature a panel of bristles facing in one direction, this clever tool has bristles facing in all directions. And what's more, there are three coils of said omnidirectional bristles, so you can scrape away at a broad swath of the grill with each pass.

While lightweight and easy to wield, this grill brush is far from dainty. In fact, it's backed by a five-year warranty and is tough enough for use on all types of grills, for hot or cold cleaning. For the record, you'll get the best results using it on a heated grill and with occasional dips into a bowl of water or with water sprayed across the grill, just watch out for hot steam! And though rugged, the many fine bristles are safe for use on ceramic, porcelain, or infrared cook surfaces, too.

More than 2,500 customers gave the Kona 360 Grill Brush an average 4.7-star rating on Amazon. One customer "used many grill brushes before, [and] none of them cleaned up my old grill like this one." Another called it a "very efficient brush" that saved time during cleanings.

A review from The Z9 called the brush "ideal for cleaning all types of grills" and noted the "perfect length of the handle."

Pros: Cleans in all directions, lightweight and balanced, safe for use on all types of grills

Cons: May rust if not properly dried

Read our guide for more of the best grill brush and cleaning tools you can buy



The best grilling planks

Primal Grilling Cedar planks impart a delicate, smoky flavor into your food and prevent flaky or fragile eats from falling apart.

For the finest fish fillets, you have to cook on a grill. But grilling delicate fish can be seriously annoying. All too often, the fillets fall apart and you end up losing much of the meat and all of the presentation value of your entree. The solution? Just serve PB&J sandwiches instead. Except no, actually just grill your fish on Primal Grilling Cedar Planks. Not only will these extra-thick, fully reusable grilling planks help the fish (or any other fragile foodstuff) stay in one piece, they will also impart a wonderful smoky wood flavor into the grilled food.

I've used grilling planks with everything from fish fillets to steaks to veggie kabobs to mini-sized pizzas with great success. When used properly (meaning plenty of soaking before use and careful cleaning after), a thick grilling plank like these from Primal Grilling can be used dozens of times. They will end up charred and can cause a bit of a mess, but they also come with a burlap storage bag that contains the sooty untidiness.

With feedback from nearly 700 customers, these grilling planks have a 4.8-star average rating. One customer noted the "wonderful taste" the planks give to salmon, chicken, meat, and vegetables.

Pros: Imparts wonderful smoky flavor, helps fragile foods remain intact, can be used multiple times

Cons: Messy after several uses



The best grill spatula

The Char-Broil Basic Grilling Spatula features cutting surfaces and a built-in bottle opener.

I've used my Char-Broil Basic Grilling Spatula multiple times, and I love everything about it except for the name. Who decided to call a spatula with a built-in serrated knife blade, a large fork-like edge, and a bottle opener set into the handle, basic?

OK, I also don't love the fact that the spatula head bends rather easily, but that only happens if you drop the thing or jump on it. It's not going to buckle under the weight of a big steak or anything.

Being as I hate undercooked meat, I often use the serrated knife-edge of this spatula to slice open a burger or steak just to confirm what my meat thermometer has told me. And the fork tine-like design of the other side of the spatula is perfect for moving stuff around on the grill. As for that bottle opener set into the handle? Yeah, I like that, too.

This is a low-cost, well-made grilling spatula that feels good in the hand and doesn't weigh much, and that bottle opener also serves as a fine hanging hook. Not much more to say about this one, other than it's a keeper.

Pros: Built-in cutting edge and bottle opener, low cost, lightweight construction

Cons: Spatula blade bends under pressure



The best grill gloves

If you are looking for affordable leather gloves for removing grill grates or moving other hot items, the Steven Raichlen Extra Long Suede Grill Gloves are your best bet.

The Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Extra Long Suede Grill Gloves can handle temperatures up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. To clean the gloves, you simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.

Both Cook's Illustrated and Amazing Ribs recommend the Steven Raichlen Ultimate Suede Grilling Gloves. According to Amazing Ribs, the Steven Raichlen gloves resisted the heat for an impressive 21.5 seconds — not designed for prolonged direct contact with hot metal, but plenty of time to move hot objects from one place to another. 

Reviewers and users said the gloves allow for excellent control when grabbing onto things, have a good fit even for large hands, and cover the forearms for extra protection.  — James Brains

Pros: 17.5 inches long, offers excellent dexterity, cost-effective

Cons: Not machine washable

Read our guide for more of the best grilling gloves you can buy



The best grill pan

The Char-Broil Porcelain Grill Topper creates a large nonstick cooking surface that allows plenty of heat and flame to reach up to your foods and keeps it from falling through the grates.

Most grills are great for large pieces of meat, but what about more delicate foods like veggies or loose-meat burgers? There's nothing worse than placing food on the grill, only to see them fall through the grill grates.

Oftentimes, I grill using a Char-Broil Porcelain Grill Topper. I place this 11.6 by 16.5-inch grill pan atop the grill grates and fire up the burners. Within a couple of minutes, the grill pan is as hot as the grill grates themselves, albeit creating much finer surface perfect for soft, delicate veggie burgers.

On the left half of the grill, I cooked traditional hamburgers for my son and me, while on the right side of the grill I prepared some veggie burgers for my vegetarian wife.

Anyone who has ever had a veggie burger fall to pieces and slip down past their grill's grates will tell you it's an experience they never want to repeat. The wasted food is a shame and the cleanup process is enough to cause genuine rage. With this grill pan, even the flakiest fish, the smallest shrimp or scallops, the most delicate veggie burgers, and all those other hard to grill foods are so easy to handle you will never again worry about lost eats and the potential need to disassemble a burner to clean out an embedded salmon chunk or potato wedge.

Also, the thing is easy to clean thanks to its nonstick surface. A bit of dish soap and a sponge is all it takes.

In one customer's Amazon review Char-Broil Porcelain Grill Topper is described as the "best grill pan," praising its durability and noting how well it worked for grilled pizza. Another said the pan "works perfectly especially for vegetables and seafood."

Pros: Supports fragile and flaky foods, transfers heat quickly and evenly, large surface area, easy to clean

Cons: May bend or buckle in extreme temperatures



The best charcoal starter for on the go

A single Pine Mountain ExtremeStart Wrapped Fire Starter can quickly bring a pile of charcoal to cooking temperature, no lighter fluid needed.

Before I got the big, beautiful hard-lined gas grill that's now proudly anchoring my patio, I was a charcoal grill man. And I still love charcoal and occasionally use it for cooking, the frustration of waiting for those coals to heat up notwithstanding. And sure, you can always just soak the charcoal in grill lighter fluid, but when you really stop and think about what you're doing there — spraying a petroleum distillate all over the coals that are about to cook your food — it's pretty unappealing.

These days, when I do use charcoal, I always build up the pile of briquettes over a Pine Mountain ExtremeStart Wrapped Fire Starter. These compact, quick-lighting and slow, hot burning fire starters provide more than enough flame to get multiple charcoal briquettes heated through, and the flame then spreads out through the rest of the pile.

The ExtremeStarts are made in the USA using natural materials and burn evenly with minimal smoke. I first started using them to get campfires going quickly, and when winter rolls around again, I'll be using them in our indoor fireplace as well. Because anything that makes doing something much easier is a thing I like.

As of this posting, Pine Mountain ExtremeStart Wrapped Fire Starter has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. One customer called the product "small but effective" for providing "more than enough" heat to get things burning.

A writer with Bob Vila called these "multipurpose fire starters" that work perfectly for igniting "firewood or charcoal," noting that each one burns for up to 20 minutes."

Pros: Compact with long burn time, quick and even ignition, great price point

Cons: Slightly unpleasant odor



The best charcoal starter for home use

The Looftlighter Charcoal Starter can get your briquettes up to cooking heat in about a minute's time, no lighter fluid or charcoal chimney required.

If charcoal is your preferred grilling method, then you should have a reliable charcoal starter at your side. Waiting for the bed of briquettes to reach cooking temperature is one of the big downsides to charcoal grilling. The waiting time required is the main reason I have primarily switched to gas grilling, but I can't deny the flavor that you only get with charcoal. So, the Looftlighter Charcoal Starter might just bring me back to briquettes.

Using nothing more than superheated air, this wand-like device can ignite charcoal in just a minute's time, helping you get your grill burning evenly and without the need for lighter fluid or a chimney.

The Looftlighter can also be used to start a wood fire in your fireplace or in a firepit outside, as the electric heating element can reach a staggering temperature of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The only drawback here is that, being electric, it requires the use of a plug, something that's not always conveniently at hand.

With more than 550 reviews posted on Amazon, customers give this product an average rating of 4.2 stars. One customer said it lights up his coals "faster than anything else" he has used. Another got charcoals glowing "within about 30 seconds" of use.

GrillingCompanion called the Looftlighter Charcoal Starter so effective that it has "completely changed [his] weeknight grilling habits," thanks to the time it saves him.

Pros: Quickly ignites charcoal or wood, durable construction, easy operation

Cons: Requires connection to outlet



The best charcoal

The Royal Oak Ridge Briquettes burn beautifully to grill your dinner to perfection.

Royal Oak Enterprises started as the Bradleyville Charcoal Company in Missouri in 1953 but changed to its current name in 1983. Today, the family-owned company is one of the largest charcoal producers in North America. The popular Royal Oak Ridge Briquettes promises to be hot and ready for grilling in 15 minutes. The special ridge shape allows for better airflow and peak performance. The briquettes cost approximately 75 cents a pound.

Around the web, professional reviewers, including found these to be the best overall briquettes for the average backyard barbecue lover. According to The Wirecutter, this charcoal burns hotter and longer than most other charcoal, and it doesn't leave much ash behind. The charcoal may not be completely additive-free, but it doesn't leave a strange aftertaste on your food, either.

There are no user reviews on Amazon, but on several other barbecue fan sites, consumers praised the briquettes. "I use this charcoal all of the time! It has a good flavor, and burns hot and clean," wrote one reviewer on Smoking Meat Forums.

You really can't go wrong with this charcoal, and it'll make your backyard BBQ a hit. — Olivia Abel

Pros: Burns fast, burns hot, long-lasting, no bad taste imparted to food, affordable

Cons: Contains sawdust

Read our guide on the best charcoal for grilling you can buy 



The best grilling thermometers

With a ThermoPro TP03 thermometer and a ThermoPro Wireless Dual Probe Thermometer, you can get instant internal food temperature readings.

For many years, I had what I now see to be an indefensible aversion to meat thermometers. I took it as a point of pride to cook my meats perfectly without checking the actual internal temperature of the foodstuff. The result was often undercooked foods that had to right back on the grill, sometimes after having condiments and toppings scraped off and a bun discarded.

Then a while back I was interviewing acclaimed Brazilian chef André Lima de Luca, and he extolled the virtues of using a meat thermometer. I quickly saw the light and have been a passionate convert ever since.

But why am I recommending two meat thermometers? Well, first because sometimes you're cooking lots of stuff. And second, because sometimes the immediate reading and ease of use of the ThermoPro TP03 thermometer is just what you want. Stab the probe into a steak or fillet or roast, check the reading, wipe the thing down, and stick it in a drawer. Done.

I've used it on dozens or burgers and steaks and fillets, but also to test the temperature of soup before serving it to my son and even while brewing beer with friends. This little thermometer is a perfect example of the simplest solution being the best.

For those more involved grilling sessions, the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Dual Probe Cooking Thermometer is the way to go. You can use its satellite piece and dual probes to keep an active watch over food temperatures even when you're 300 feet away from the grill itself.

Beyond the convenience of remote temperature readings, you can also use this thermometer to idiot-proof your cooking by establishing desired internal temps ahead of time (or using preset temperature points for various meats) and then waiting for the unit to inform you when the exact desired degree is reached.

Pros: Quick and accurate readings, TP03 thermometer is low-priced, both units are easy to use

Cons: ThermoPro TP20 is rather pricey

Buy the ThermoPro TP03 Thermometer on Amazon for $12.99

Buy the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Dual Probe Cooking Thermometer on Amazon for $59.99



The best grill spray

Help your grill-cleaning tools work more effectively by applying some Weber Grill Spray before cooking.

The best tools can help keep your grill clean, but you may have to put some elbow grease into removing that barbecue grease. To make it less of a chore, apply a nonstick, safe-to-eat solution onto your grilling grates with the Weber Grill Spray.

As an alternative to brushing on oil that could cause flare-ups — particularly with gas grills — the Weber Grill Spray can be used while cooking. Like any cooking spray you would use in the kitchen, just aim the 6-ounce can and spray onto meats or vegetables as they are grilling, without fear.  

We found we had success by applying the spray beforehand, and continuously during cooking. One user posted to the Kamado Guru forum found that the spray works well at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but the solution evaporates too quickly anything above that, which explains why we had to spray a few times. While it costs less than $5, you may go through it quickly, but it will probably last you the entire summer season.  — Les Shu

Pros: Safe-to-eat solution keeps foods from sticking to grill, can be applied onto food while cooking

Cons: Not as effective at higher temperatures



Check out our other grilling gear guides

The best charcoal for grilling

Although you may think that one bag of charcoal is almost identical to another, there are actually many different types and styles of charcoal to choose from. Here are our top picks for the best grilling charcoal you can buy:


The best charcoal grills you can buy

Charcoal grills sear meat and veggies to perfection and fill food with that perfect smokey flavor. Here are the best charcoal grills you can buy:


The best gas grills you can buy

The gas grill is the centerpiece of your backyard during summertime barbeques, so you should invest in a great one. Here are our top picks for the best gas grills you can buy:


The best grill brush and cleaning tools

There's nothing like food cooked up al fresco and served hot off the grill. But only a thoroughly cleaned grill can properly cook smoky, savory meats and veggies that diners will devour. Here are our favorite grill brushes and cleaning tools.




The Chobani billionaire who turned a $3,000 loan into a yogurt empire calls himself an 'anti-CEO' and thinks other CEOs should do the same

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Hamdi Ulukaya chobani

If you picked up a container of Chobani in 2007, there was a phone number on the back that you could call if you had a problem with the now best-selling Greek yogurt.

That number was CEO Hamdi Ulukaya's direct line, Ulukaya said in a TED talk filmed in April and published on YouTube on June 20. Ulukaya said he believed that businesses existed to serve customers.

"Today's playbook says the CEO reports to the board," Ulukaya said. "In my opinion, the CEO reports to the consumer."

Ulukaya refers to himself as an "anti-CEO" because he rejects traditional business practices like aiming to maximize value for shareholders, he said in the TED talk. According to Ulukaya, business leaders should also ask how they can help struggling communities instead of trying to get perks for their companies.

Ulukaya also advocates for companies to get involved in the ongoing refugee crisis, Bloomberg reported August 28. Chobani recruits refugees for jobs at its plants and encourages other companies to do the same.

"It's good for the companies to be a part of this," Ulukaya told Bloomberg. "Because people five years or 10 years from now are going to question 'What did you do about this? Why were you not part of this?'"

Ulukaya is not the only CEO to credit a business' success to a focus on customers. Amazon's founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, said in June that prioritizing customers' desires also helped businesses craft a stable corporate strategy, Business Insider's Julie Bort reported.

"You can work on those things with the confidence to know that all the energy you put into them today is still going to be paying you dividends 10 years from now," Bezos said.

Read more: A legendary venture capitalist who made early investments in Twitter and Skype explains why he turned down Netflix — and what he learned from it

Ulukaya, 46, founded Chobani after immigrating to New York from Turkey to study English in 1994, according to Forbes. Ulukaya received a $3,000 loan from the Small Business Administration in 2007 and used it to buy an old yogurt plant in Norwich, New York. Chobani now sells over $1 billion of yogurt annually and is America's most popular brand of Greek yogurt, Forbes reports.

"If you're right with your people, if you're right with your community, if you're right with your product, you'll be more profitable, more innovative, and you will have more passionate people working for you and a community that supports you," Ulukaya said.

SEE ALSO: The former gym teacher who built a budget hotel empire and became North Dakota's first billionaire found an easy way to cut costs, and it came down to the location of the hotel's laundry room

DON'T MISS: The husband-and-wife duo who founded Forever 21 — and had a combined net worth of nearly $6 billion in 2015 — have fallen from their billionaire status

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to update your Roku device manually in 5 simple steps

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roku

  • It's easy to update your Roku if you've been having trouble with the system or it's been unplugged for a long time. 
  • Your Roku should update automatically when it is turned on and connected, but you can also check for updates manually. 
  • You can check for software updates on your Roku in the Settings menu, by choosing "System update" in the "System" section.     
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Because your Roku is a connected device with an always-on internet connection, it is designed to check for software updates automatically without interrupting your use of the device or interfering with watching video. 

Ordinarily, Roku will check for updates about once a day, and then download and install changes in the background. 

If you want to check for updates manually, you can do that as well. You might want to do this if you suspect there's a problem with your Roku, or if your Roku has been disconnected or unplugged for a long time. 

In that case, you might want to ensure it's updated before you start using it again. Here's how. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Roku Express (For $29.99 at Best Buy)

How to update your Roku manually

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote control. 

2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to "Settings," and then press the right arrow to select it. 

3. Scroll to "System" and select it. 

update 1

4. Scroll to "System update" and select it.

update 2

5. Select "Check now" to manually check for and install updates. 

update 3

If there are any new system updates waiting, Roku will download and install them now, and then reboot if necessary. 

SEE ALSO: The Roku Ultra is $80 less than the Apple TV and still supports 4K video quality — here’s why it’s the best streaming box for anyone on a budget

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 lesser-known benefits of Amazon Prime

How to charge a Fitbit Charge 2 in 3 simple steps

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fitbit charge 2

The more you wear your Fitbit Charge 2, the better the data it collects can serve you. When you have access to months and months of metrics, you can determine just how well you are living the lifestyle you want, in terms of your overall health and wellness.

But to record all that data over time, you need to make sure your Fitbit Charge 2 always has a charge. Luckily, charging a Fitbit Charge 2 only takes about two hours.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Charge 2 (From $129.95 at Best Buy)

How to charge a Fitbit Charge 2

1. Connect the Fitbit Charge 2 charging cable into a USB outlet.

2. Gently squeeze the clamps on either side of the charger's head, making sure the pins on the Fitbit Charge 2's back and the charger are aligned.

Screen Shot 2019 08 27 at 10.21.18 AM

3. Release the clamps, ensuring the button on the tracker slips into the charger's cutout.

If properly connected, the Fitbit Charge 2 will vibrate once. And when charging is complete, the battery icon on the tracker's face will display as filled. You then should be good to go for a solid week without the need for more power.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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Living like a local was the big travel trend 5 years ago. Now, travelers want their experiences to be life-changing, and it's ushering in a new era of 'transformational travel.'

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travel family

Living like a local might have been the trendiest reason to travel five years ago, but that's no longer the case.

The travel industry has, in recent years, been obsessed with "experiential travel," which focuses on cultural exploration and "truly local and authentic experiences," according to industry news site Skift. But according to travel experts, the industry is moving into a new phase.

"'Experiential' would've been the buzzword five years ago," Chris Roche, the business director of a luxury safari company, told Business Insider. "The last couple of years, that's transitioned into 'transformational.'"

The Transformational Travel Council, founded in 2016, defines transformational travel as "intentionally traveling to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging with the world."

And according to the Global Wellness Summit's 2018 trends report, it's all the rage right now.

"We've been living in a great age of 'authentic' and 'experiential' travel where even the most mainstream hotel brands aim to help travelers eat, live and spa like a local," reads the report. "Travel experts now argue that 'transformational travel' is the evolutionary wave, which doesn't discard the focus on authentic experiences, but takes it to a deeper emotional level."

travel tokyo japan

Transformational travel can take many forms.

Transformational travel might mean making time for unplanned exploration, restorative wellness activities, or making the effort to learn about the native flora and fauna of a national park you're visiting, according to Jake Haupert, a cofounder of the Transformational Travel Council.

Roche, who handles business development for Wilderness Holdings, owner of Wilderness Safaris, a Botswana-based luxury safari company, says that when it comes to their safaris, transformation comes in the form of reconnection. 

"Our tag line is 'our journeys change lives' and it's been that way for the last 15 years," Roche said. "We sell [people] the ability ... to reconnect with nature and, as a result, reconnect with themselves and their partner or kids or whoever it is they're traveling with."

Wilderness Safaris operates customizable safaris at an average cost of $8,000 for five nights in seven African countries including Botswana, Kenya, and Rwanda. Rather than solely focusing on luxury, the company bills itself as a sustainable ecotourism operator that combines high-end hospitality with conservation and collaboration with local communities. 

travel thailand mother daughter

Roche says he sees many of their guests changed by their experiences with Wilderness Safaris, which employs locals to work at its camps, buys fresh produce and other products from local communities and helps them expand their capacity to collect rainwater, and runs conservation camps for children.

"[Travelers] see this and they say, 'I can do better. I can be a better version of myself,'" Roche said. "And I think people come here and they get inspired to do that."

Haupert told Forbes that ultimately, transformational travel means people should carry what they've learned on their travels home with them.

"Travel, at its purest, shifts perspectives, unleashes imagination, inspires understanding and cultivates empathy, which in turn promises peace," Haupert said. "... personal transformation results in global transformation."

DON'T MISS: Forget Champagne and infinity pools: High-end travelers today want to make an impact on the places they visit, according to a luxury safari operator

DON'T MISS: There's a new type of traveler dishing out thousands of dollars for high-end safaris. The business director of a Botswana-based company says it’s all because of the millennial tech boom.

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to find your phone number on an iPad in 2 different ways

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iPad 2018

  • You can find your phone number on your iPad in two different ways. 
  • If you have an iPad that has Wi-Fi + Cellular, it has a phone number associated with the SIM card – you cannot place a voice call to this number, since it is a data-only plan, but you can find it in the Settings app's About section.
  • Your iPad may also use your iPhone's number for FaceTime calls if you've set it up, and you can check this number in the Settings app under FaceTime.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple offers the iPad in two flavors: Wi-Fi only, which is the more common version, and Wi-Fi + Cellular, which is more expensive, but can access the internet using a cellular data plan when there's no Wi-Fi available. 

Since the cellular version of the iPad has a SIM card and accesses the internet that way, it has a phone number assigned as well. You cannot call this number – it has no voice plan associated with it – but you can text the number.

That's not all. Even if you have a Wi-Fi only iPad, it might have your iPhone's number associated with it, if you set them up to work together. If your iPad is connected to your iPhone, for example, you can conduct FaceTime calls from your iPad using your iPhone's phone number.

Here's how to track down both numbers using your iPad.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPad (From $329 at Best Buy)

iPhone Xs (From $999.99 at Best Buy)

How to find your SIM card's phone number on the iPad

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad with a SIM card installed, you can easily find its phone number.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "General."

3. Tap "About."

number 1

4. Your phone number is on the line called "Cellular Data Number."

How to find your FaceTime phone number on the iPad

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "FaceTime."

3. In the section called "You can be reached by FaceTime at," you should see a list of ways people can reach you, including email addresses and your iPhone's phone number. 

4. You can also choose how you want to be identified in the "Caller ID" section – you can choose your phone number or email address. 

number 2

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best iPads you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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This Gillette razor was specifically designed to make assisted shaving easier for caregivers

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Gillette TREO

  • There have been over 4,000 different razors designed for shaving yourself, and until 2017, exactly zero razors designed for shaving others.
  • To help the millions of Americans who provide care for those that are elderly, disabled, or otherwise in need of special care, Gillette designed the world's first assisted razor, called the Gillette TREO.
  • The Gillette TREO features a safety comb to avoid cuts and scrapes, an ergonomic handle to make it comfortable for the caregiver, and shaving gel built into the handle.
  • Starting at $8 for a four-pack, Gillette TREO razors are affordable and can greatly improve caregivers' workloads and provide a better shave for the recipient.

Approximately 44 million Americans provide unpaid care to people who are elderly or disabled, which means they're responsible for everyday tasks like grooming. Shaving another person can be extremely difficult, especially because razors are, in general, designed to be used on your own face and body.

There have been over 4,000 different razors designed to shave yourself and exactly zero razors designed to shave others — that is, until Gilette launched this one a few years back. 

Achieving a knick-free shave on someone else is no easy feat, so to lighten the load many caregivers bare, Gillette developed the world's first razor for safely shaving loved ones who require special care, called the Gillette TREO

Gillette TREO

Designed with caregivers, for caregivers, the Gillette TREO razor features a safety comb to avoid cuts and scrapes, and an ergonomic handle designed to be comfortable in-hand while shaving someone else. The TREO even includes a supply of non-foaming shave gel built into the handle, so you won't have juggle between razors and tubes or cans of shaving cream.

In the grand scheme of razor innovations, the changes might seem minimal, but they go along way in improving the experience for both caregivers and those being shaved.

In 2017 Gillette, conducted field testing with people who could benefit from using TREO razors in their everyday lives, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Now that the product is available to the public, it has 4.4 out of five stars on Gilette's site with stellar reviews from people using them on elderly parents or grandparents, parents using them on autistic or disabled children, and even nurses paying out of their own pockets to use them on patients.

One five-star review said, "Thank you Gillette for making shaving my disabled husband less stressful. Great product. Great results. My husband has dementia and is on blood thinners so [I've] relied on electric shavers which do not grab the neck and lip whiskers very well. These give a really nice shave and leave the skin soft and refreshed."

Gillette TREO

Priced at $8 for four, $14 for eight, or $26 for a 15, Gillette TREO razors are relatively affordable. If you, a family member, or friend that you know of requires extra care and assistance with shaving, they're worth trying.

You can start off with a one-time purchase to see how well it works, or set up a subscription to have them delivered every month, three months, or six months. 

Gillette TREO, starting at $8 for a four

Join the conversation about this story »

I've been through the eye of a Category 4 hurricane — here are 7 things you should do to protect your money before and after

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hurricane dorian

  • Hurricane Dorian, a Category 1 storm, is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm on Friday.
  • It's expected to hit Florida's eastern coast as a major hurricane — possibly even a Category 4 — on Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
  • I used to live in Florida and have several Category 4 hurricane experiences under my belt that left me with a few lessons learned along the way.
  • Here's what you should know when it comes to protecting your money during a hurricane.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Currently a Category 1 storm, Hurricane Dorian is expected to hit Florida's eastern coast on Monday as a major hurricane. According to the NHC, it could make landfall as a Category 4 storm, which the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale defines as a storm with winds running 130 to 156 miles per hour.

As someone who grew up in hurricane territory — otherwise known as Florida — I can tell you this much: A Cat 4 hurricane is nothing to take lightly.

I've been through two Category 4 storms myself. The first, Hurricane Charley in 2004, was a beast with winds of 145 mph— and the eye passed right through where I was taking shelter.

The second, Hurricane Irma in 2017, was hard to avoid and I was forced to evacuate; after much debated prediction about which side of Florida it would land on, it hit the west side of Florida. I was taking shelter on the east coast, but the hurricane was so monstrous that I still experienced the effects from the right-front side of the storm, where the strongest winds are.

As a hurricane veteran, I've picked up a thing or two on how to prepare for and deal with the aftermath of a hurricane, particularly when it comes to the most important and vulnerable aspects — your finances.

Here, seven things you should know about financially preparing for Hurricane Dorian.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian is gaining strength — it's expected to hit Florida on Monday as at least a Category 3 storm

DON'T MISS: Hurricane Dorian is set to wreak havoc on air travel — here's what you need to know about flights

Manage bills and paychecks in advance

First things first, set up automatic payments for your bills and direct deposits for your checks if you don't have them already — there could be mail delays or you may not have Internet access to pay online.

You don't want to become "seriously delinquent" if you fall behind on your mortgage payment in the hurricane's aftermath, although some companies and financial institutions may extend grace periods or defer payments considering the circumstances.

 



You'll need cash

In addition to having an emergency fund, you'll also want backup cash in small bills — when the power is out, there will be no other way to pay for supplies or gas (if there's any available), and you won't have access to an ATM for withdrawals. 

There's no rule of thumb on how much money you'll need; it's up to your discretion. But after my first hurricane, my neighborhood was without power for nearly three weeks — it's better to overestimate.



Don't safeguard important documents in the dishwasher

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the trick floating around the Internet about storing your valuables and documents in the dishwasher during a hurricane isn't one you should heed. If flooding occurs, a dishwasher won't keep things dry.

You should have photocopies or electronic copies of your personal, home and property, estate, medical, and financial documents stored on a flash drive or on a cloud. Think things like Social Security card, stock and bond certificates, home deeds, passport, and estate planning paperwork.

But if you're down to the chase and don't have time, you should put all documents and cash in tightly sealed Ziploc bags to be placed in a grab-and-go lock box. If you've evacuated or are taking shelter away from your home, you may not be able to get back for days — and you'll need these things on your person.



Beware of scams

Unfortunately, some people love to take advantage of dire situations — and storm-related scams and fraud are things you'll need to watch out for in the aftermath of a hurricane.

One common one is repair scams. Sometimes, insurers need to recruit independent claims adjusters from out of state — scammers seize this opportunity to exploit homeowners, according to CNBC. Always ask for proof of identity, research consumer-review sites, and leave a paper trail — don't pay in cash and don't pay it all up front.

According to AARP, some scammers even show up on people's doorsteps posing as Federal Emergency Management Agency damage inspectors. You should also be aware of cyber thieves, who can create fake GoFundMe pages or fake charity scams.



Keep an eye out for price gouging

Another way people get exploited during a hurricane? Price gouging. According to The New York Times, a one-way coach flight from Miami to Phoenix shortly before Hurricane Irma increased from $547.50 to $3,258.50.

But it's not just flights you have to worry about — it's also the necessities like food, water, and gas. A six-pack of water was allegedly being sold for $72 during Hurricane Irma.

Some states have laws against price gouging, and there's currently one in effect for North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Florence. You can report price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov. 



It might be tough to save money on emergency supplies

It can be hard to save money on hurricane supplies if you didn't purchase them in advance of the season with deals and coupons — especially as supplies run low and price gouging takes effect while the hurricane looms. From flashlights to first aid kits, there's a lot to get.

But you can make the most of your money if you know what to get. For example, don't stock up on food that needs to be refrigerated — it'll go to waste once the power dies if you don't have a back-up generator (and even those can fail sometimes). Opt for non-perishable foods like canned goods instead.

You can also make the most of what you have at home — take batteries from the remote control to use for your flashlight or fill up empty water jugs and water bottles with tap water (if it's drinkable) before the storm so you don't have to buy as much water at the store.



Check your insurance details

Insurance is arguably one of the most complicated financial aspects of a hurricane. Before the storm, you should review and understand your homeowners' insurance policy to ensure what valuables are protected in the event of loss or damage.

Something to pay attention to is "actual cash value coverage" versus "replacement cost coverage." The former pays the price of possessions minus depreciation; the latter pays to replace the possessions, a form of more complete coverage.

Not all policies have flood insurance. Only 17% of the homes in the eight counties Hurricane Harvey hit had flood insurance. FEMA can provide assistance in the form of private charity and grants, but the process can take weeks or even months, a delay that could potentially put people into debt. According to Reuters, the average FEMA payout to victims of Hurricane Katrina was just $7,114, and $8,016 for Sandy.

You'll need to file a claim with photo documentation and make an appointment for an adjustor.




How to change the time on a Fitbit using the Fitbit mobile app or website

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Fitbit Charge 3

  • To change the time on a Fitbit, you'll need to adjust the time zone setting in the Fitbit mobile app or on the website.
  • Your Fitbit should automatically know and display the correct time, especially if it's synced with your phone or computer. 
  • In the mobile app's Advanced Settings, make sure the time zone is set automatically. If it is, but it's still wrong, turn off this feature and set the time zone manually.
  • You can also set the time zone in the Personal Info settings on Fitbit's website.    
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Most of the time, your Fitbit should set the correct time automatically, meaning you don't need to do anything for it to properly track your activities — even in unusual situations like when clocks change for daylight saving time. 

Occasionally, though, you might encounter a problem, such as if you change time zones and the Fitbit doesn't automatically update. 

In a situation like that, it's easy to change the time on your device  from either the mobile app or website, and your Fitbit will display the correct time after the next sync. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Charge 3 (From $149.95 at Best Buy)

How to change time on a Fitbit using the Fitbit mobile app

1. Start the Fitbit app and tap "Today" at the bottom of the screen. 

time 1

2. Tap your avatar in the top-left of the screen. 

3. Scroll down and tap "Advanced Settings." Depending upon how the time zone control is set, do one of the following:

  • If "Set Automatically" is turned off, and the time zone is set incorrectly, turn it on by swiping the button to the right.  
  • If "Set Automatically" is on and the time is still wrong, turn it off by swiping the button to the left, and then choose the correct time zone in the line below. 

time 2

On Android, this screen says "Automatic time zone" rather than "Set automatically," but the process is otherwise exactly the same.

How to change time on a Fitbit using a web browser

1. Navigate to fitbit.com in a browser and make sure you are logged in to your Fitbit dashboard. 

2. Click the gear icon in the top-right and click "Settings" in the dropdown menu. 

time 3

3. If you're not on the Personal Info page, click "Personal Info" on the left side of the screen. 

4. Scroll down to the Advanced Settings section and choose the correct time zone. 

time 4

5. Click "Submit" to save the changes.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The incredible story behind Slack, the app that's taken over offices everywhere

Copycat Burning Man festivals take place around the world all year long — here's what they're like

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Midburn is Burning Man in Israel 2015

  • Burning Man, the nine-day event that lures more than 70,000 people to Black Rock City, Nevada, officially began on Sunday.
  • But all year long, international offshoots of Burning Man take place around the globe. 
  • Two of the most well-known Burning Man-inspired events take place in Israel (Midburn) and South Africa (AfrikaBurn).
  • There are also also events across Europe (France, Spain, UK, Greece, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), Asia (Japan, China), and South America (Brazil, Argentina). 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Burners in Black Rock City, Nevada, don't get to have all the fun — there are Burning Man copycats all around the world. 

Burning Man is an annual, nine-day art festival (or, as the festival organizers call it, a "social experiment for the ages") that gathers 70,000 folks in the middle of the Nevada desert for performances, art installations, music, and spiritual journeying. Attendees are called "Burners," and they include celebrities, tech moguls, and everyone in between.

Read more: This livestream lets you watch everything that's going on at Burning Man from the comfort of your living room

Burning Man has a vast network across the globe, with regional contacts hosting Burning Man-inspired events in six continents. These events are often outdoors and bring together large-scale art installations, just like the real Burning Man.

"Not everybody has the opportunity to get to Black Rock City. But with the Regional Network growing steadily year after year, more and more people around the world will have the opportunity to experience Burning Man culture. And, perhaps, it will change their lives too," the Burning Man website reads.

Check out some of the international Burning Man events that take place across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. 

SEE ALSO: Authorities want to build a 10-mile wall around Burning Man's desert site — here's why and when it could happen

Israel's version is called Midburn.

Midburn is set in a desert in the south of Israel, called Negev. Like Burning Man, a temporary city is constructed in the middle of the desert. Midburn lasts six days, and the first event was in 2014.



The South Africa version of Burning Man is called AfrikaBurn.

Afrikaburn has taken place since 2007. The event is in Tankwa Karoo, which is in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It adds an eleventh guiding principle to the usual Burning Man list of 10: "each one teach one," which asks participants to pass on their knowledge of the Burning Man culture to other people.



France has a version called Crème Brûlée.

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The May 2019 Crème Brûlée brought 550 Burners to a spot by a river in Creuse, at the center of France, for five days of music, art, workshops, yoga, and "the magic and the cuddles." 

"For 2019 we promise to put more eggs in it, to double the sugar and to roll you up in the cream," the Facebook event description reads. "The cream must burn ... It's its destiny and our karma!"



Spain has an event called Nowhere.

"It's not a playa, it's a field of dirt," reads the website description for Nowhere, the annual Spanish Burning Man event that takes place "surrounded by rocky mountains in the scorched Spanish wilderness." Attendees are encouraged to construct "an art project, performance project, innovation project, workshop, event, art-car, barrio."



Australia's is known as Burning Seed.

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The Burning Seed equivalent of Black Rock City is "Red Earth City." The 2018 event took place in the Matong State Forest of New South Wales, according to the event guide.



New Zealand has Kiwiburn.

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Kiwiburn calls itself a "participatory festival" and "collective experience." The 2020 Kiwiburn will take place in January and the theme is "Eclectic Decade." Tickets cost $195, and the event is in Hunterville, about 120 miles from Wellington.



The United Kingdom's version of Burning Man is known as Burning Nest.

Burning Nest calls itself a "community arts & education festival." The 2019 festival took place in a secret location in Devon, England, in May. The location was a private landholding with two lakes as well as "sheltered glades, sculpted gardens, and forested walking trails." 



Greece has Pyraegea.

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Greece moves Burning Man from the desert to the sea. The 2019 Pyraegea will set sail from the Lefkas Marina into the Aegean Sea in September. The event doesn't operate vessels itself; attendees charter boats themselves or bring their own yachts, and then everyone sails as a fleet.

Read more: The towering artwork and wild structures of Burning Man are already taking shape — take a look

 



Denmark has a Burning Man-like event called Borderland.

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Borderland— "a collaborative community where we co-create events and gatherings as prototypes for our dreams" — took place most recently in Hedeland, Denmark, in July. The event's website asks: "What is it that separates dream from reality?" and "Can you define the thin line that separates the two?"

 



Germany has Burning Burg.

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The 2019 Burning Burg took place in June. The first regional Burning Man event in Germany in 2008 was set at a rented-out hostel.



In the Netherlands, Burners can attend Where The Sheep Sleep.

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Where The Sheep Sleep calls itself a "a massive, immersive, interactive playground that we all build and live in." The four-day event has art installations and performances. The 2019 event began in June and had some delightfully wacky theme camp names, including: Barbie Death Camp, Circus of Life, Pebbles & BamBam, and What Could Possibly Go Wrong.



In Sweden, there's Urban Burn.

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Urban Burn calls itself "the very bare bones version of a participatory festival." The 2019 event was at an indoor venue in Stockholm, which attendees were asked to transform into a "mythical landscape" through art.



Japan's version is called Burning Japan.

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Burning Japan 2019 takes place this October at Tsumagoi. The theme is "Hidden World."

 



China's is called Dragon Burn.

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The first Dragon Burn took place in 2014. Historically the event lasts four days and is set in the bamboo forests of Anji in Zhejiang. The 2019 event theme was "The Great Offline."

 



In Brazil, there's Tropical Burn.

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The first Tropical Burn took place this past June on a beach in Rio Grande do Norte. The event's theme was "Divine Mother."



And in Argentina, there's Fugeo Austral.

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Fuego Austral is the Argentinian offshoot of Burning Man. The 2020 festival will take place in February for six days.

Melia Robinson contributed to an earlier version of this story. 



Save 15% at Brooklinen when you spend $200 or more — and 7 other sales and deals happening now

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This list includes Sponsored Products that have been suggested by eBay and that also meet our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

best online sales deals

We rounded up the eight best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on sheets and towels at Brooklinen, computers and laptops at Best Buy, clothes and accessories at Club Monaco, and shoes, clothing, and home goods at L.L. Bean. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

1. Save 15% on orders of $200 or more at Brooklinen

Shop the Brooklinen early Labor Day savings now

Whether you want to switch up the sheets in your bedroom or are looking for a plush robe to lounge in, Brooklinen has you covered with high-quality bed and bath basics. Today only, you can save 15% on Brooklinen's cozy sheets, towels, and more when you spend $200.

 



2. Get 25% off your purchase at Club Monaco

Shop the Labor Day Sale at Club Monaco now

Labor Day Weekend is a great time to stock up on fall styles before the cold weather comes. Club Monaco has plenty of stylish picks for men and women, and right now you can get them for less. Now through September 3, you can take 25% off your entire purchase at Club Monaco by applying the code "LABORDAY19" at checkout. In addition, orders of $150 or more get free shipping. 



3. Get huge savings during eBay's Labor Day sale

Shop the eBay Labor Day sale now

This Labor Day, eBay is having a massive sale with deep discounts on just about everything you can think of. The sale includes products from brands like Adidas, Apple, Lenovo, Puma, Insignia, and more. You'll find plenty of great prices on apparel, tech, and home goods, but be sure to check out Business Insider Coupons for more sales and deals sitewide at eBay.

*Sponsored by eBay



4. Shop summer clearance and save 20% off your order at L.L. Bean

Shop the L.L. Bean sale now

Right now, L.L. Bean is running a huge summer clearance sale where you can snag summer styles for up to 70% off. On top of that, you'll save 20% off your entire order (including full-price and sale items) with the code "GREAT20" at checkout. You can save on everything from clothing to home goods to the iconic Bean Boots now through September 3. 



5. Save $300 on a MacBook Air at Best Buy

Shop laptop and computer deals at Best Buy now.

Now through September 2, Best Buy is offering big savings on all kinds of tech, including laptops and computers. One of the standout deals we saw was an Apple MacBook Air, which usually retails for $1,199.99, on sale for $899.99. These savings are a great chance to upgrade your home office space or find an affordable laptop for the upcoming school year. 



6. Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from our partner The Points Guy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option if you're new to earning points and miles, as it has a reasonable $95 annual fee. You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point on everything else, and the card includes some valuable benefits like trip delay coverage and primary car rental insurance.

You can earn 60,000 Chase points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. That's worth at least $750 toward travel. Read our review to learn more about the card's benefits.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.



7. Save $300 on the Leesa Hybrid mattress and get two free pillows

Shop the Leesa sale now

As the best overall mattress you can buy in our buying guide, the foam Leesa mattress is exceptionally comfortable and has a great value (mattress prices start at just $595). But with this Business Insider-exclusive offer, you can get up to $300 off the Hybrid Mattress and two free pillows. Our exclusive offer is even better than Leesa's current Labor Day sale and is one of the best deals the brand has offered to date. To take advantage of the discount, just click through the link above. 



8. Save 15% on all orders at Framebridge as a new customer

Shop the Framebridge sale now.

In addition to offering customizable framing options for your prints and original paintings, Framebridge will turn your favorite digital images and smartphone pictures into beautifully framed artwork that's suitable for display. Simply pick a frame, upload your image, and Framebridge will it back ready to be hung up or shown off. Right now, new customers can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout. 



25 useful Android accessories and compatible gadgets to use with your phone

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fossil smartwatch

  • Many tech accessories are catered towards iPhones and iPhone users.
  • This can make it difficult to gift someone in your life who doesn't own an iPhone, but does love their Android. 
  • We found 25 phone accessories and compatible gadgets — like phone cases, ear buds, and even phone sanitizers — that prove gifting an Android user isn't actually as difficult as you think. 

From the first smartphone I owned, I've always been an Android user. Much to the chagrin of nearly all my friends and peers, I really do like the operating system and my Samsung phone. However, I do have to admit the world of tech accessories is made for iPhone users and the number and variety of options are tipped in their favor. 

If you have an Android phone user in your life who you generally regard with suspicion and is already causing you a lot of stress in the gift-hunting search, fear not — and just be glad they don't have a Windows phone. We're here to help you find some cool Android accessories they'll appreciate. Some are specially optimized for Android devices, while others are just great accessory gifts for all types of phones. 

These 25 phone accessories and compatible gadgets prove gifting an Android user isn't actually as difficult as you think. 

A camera lens kit for enthusiastic phone photographers

Xenvo Camera Lens Kit Pro, $39.99, available at Amazon

Take breathtaking landscape photos and detailed close-ups with the 140-degree, wide-angle lens and the 10x macro lens in this kit. Simply clip it to the phone and align it with its camera to start snapping high-quality pictures. 



Comfortable, high-quality wireless earbuds

Master & Dynamic MW07 True Wireless In-Ear Headphones, $249.98, available at Best Buy

These true wireless earbuds topped even the Apple Airpods in our guide, a testament to their beautiful design and excellent sound quality. Since it's more expensive than most models, it makes sense to splurge for them during the holidays. 



A flexible car mount

iOttie Easy One Touch Qi Wireless Fast Charge Car Mount, $49.95, available at Amazon

This accessory pulls double duty by charging their phone while holding it securely on their dash. The telescopic arm extends up to eight inches and pivots on a wide arc for easy readability and access. 



A smart home assistant

Google Home Mini, $29, available at Best Buy and Walmart

Owners of Android devices like the Google Pixel will be happiest staying within the Google ecosystem and using the Google Home Mini smart home assistant, which helps them start their day, enjoy entertainment, and control other smart home devices. 



A portable photo printer

HP Sprocket Plus Instant Photo Printer, $106.70, available at Amazon

It's quick and easy to print photos directly from their phone gallery and share them with your friends. The Sprocket Plus prints photos that are 30% larger than those from the original Sprocket



Long, efficient charging cables

Anker Six-Foot PowerLine Charging Cable, $12.99, available at Amazon

Braided cables are more durable and don't tangle as easily as the regular ones, plus they're simply more aesthetically pleasing. Anker's are specially designed to charge phones with USB-C ports efficiently. 



A pretty floral phone case

Geranium Case, $49, available at Casetify

Available for Samsung, Google, Sony, HTC, and LG devices

Phone cases often only satisfy two out of the following three criteria: durable, non-bulky, and beautiful. Casetify's are all three and I never feel like I'm settling while shopping its site. 



A tough phone storage box

OtterBox DRYBOX 3250 Series, $49.99, available at Amazon

This rugged case is basically like a tiny storage box, protecting not only their phone but also their keys, wallet, and other small essentials. It's even waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. 



A mini projector

Nebula Capsule Smart Mini Projector, $299.99, available at Amazon

After downloading the Nebula app, their phone becomes the TV remote for this high-quality mini projector. The projector itself runs on Android 7.1 and hosts streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix. 



A crossbody to hold just the essentials

Long Crossbody Phone Pocket, $40, available at Leatherology

Travel light with a stylish, full-grain pebbled leather bag that holds their phone with a little room to spare. Choose from more than 10 different leather colors and add a monogram for just $10. 



A running armband to hold your phone

Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case, $10.98, available at Amazon

Compatible with most phones, this best-selling case has a plush, elastic band for non-obtrusive comfort, reflective borders for safety, and a small pocket to hold their key as they run. 



A VR headset

Google Daydream View, $89, available at Walmart 

Samsung Gear VR Virtual Reality Headset, $64.99, available at Amazon

Depending on which device they have, either one of these VR headsets are great choices that will immerse them in new worlds. The Daydream View works with the Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+/Note 8, Moto Z and Moto Z2, while the Samsung Gear VR works with the Galaxy series. 

 



A gaming controller

GameSir G3s Bluetooth Wireless Controller, $35.98, available at Amazon

This controller lets them enjoy the classic gaming experience with their favorite Android games. It has a battery life of up to 18 hours, realistic vibration feedback, and a comfortable grip. 



A portable speaker

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (Waterproof), $149.99, available at Amazon

The newest version of the popular UE Boom series is waterproof and can even float on top of water (a feature that we put to the test). This "virtually indestructible" Bluetooth speaker is a must-have at their next party. 



A compact selfie stick

Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick, $15.99, available at Amazon

They can get the whole group in their photo with this selfie stick. It's light and durable, while featuring a 20-hour battery life and ergonomic handle. 



A Wear OS smartwatch

Fossil Gen 4 Q Explorist HR Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smartwatch, $199, available at Fossil

While iPhone users have Apple Watches, Android users can choose from a number of Wear OS smartwatches. Fossil's sleek watch includes heart rate tracking, smartphone notifications, NFC payments, GPS, microphone and Google Assistant, music storage and controls, and customizable watch faces. 



A wireless charging stand

Samsung Qi Certified Fast Charge Wireless Charger Stand, $38.55, available at Amazon

Get a wireless charger stand to reduce cord clutter and use their phone as it's charging. Three neutral colors (black, white, navy) maintain minimalist style. 



A PopSockets phone grip and stand

PopSockets Grip, from $10, available at PopSockets and Amazon

iPhone and Android users can at least agree on one thing: PopSockets are great. Other than their smart and useful design, they're worthy gifts because there's a different style for every personality. 



A powerful external battery pack

RAVPower USB-C Power Bank 20100 Portable Charger, $49.99, available at Amazon

This power bank has a USB-C port and can fully charge up their Samsung Galaxy S9 an impressive four times. It can also quickly and simultaneously charge multiple devices so they're never stuck with a dead phone or laptop.  



A precise stylus pen

Bargains Depot 2-in-1 Universal Touch Screen Pen, $9.76, available at Amazon

They might want or need a stylus if they have a phone with an especially large screen. These affordable pens are precise and include 20 replacement tips. It also doesn't hurt that the colors are vibrant and eye-catching. 



A phone case that holds their cards

Spigen Slim Armor Case with Card Slot Holder, $18.99, available at Amazon

They should feel safe using this phone case, which has a dual layered construction of a rigid outer shell and shock-absorbent interior. The secure storage slot slides open to fit two cards and some cash. 



A car charger

Samsung Fast Charge Dual-Port Car Charger, $13.96, available at Amazon

Anyone who's spending a lot of time in their car, whether stuck in a daily commute or taking a cross-country road trip, might as well be productive during that time by keeping a car charger on hand. By the time they get to their destination, their phone will be up and ready again. 



A portable Bluetooth keyboard

OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for Android, $14.99, available at Amazon

Typing up important emails or reports on a small phone is uncomfortable and invites mistakes. A light and portable Bluetooth keyboard is a convenient companion to their phone that will let them work more efficiently and accurately. 



A phone sanitizer that kills 99.99% of germs on their phone

PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Dual Universal Cell Phone Charger, $79.95, available at Amazon

For better or for worse, we bring our phones with us everywhere. PhoneSoap uses UV light to kill the many bacteria they pick up along the way. It also charges their phone at the same time. 



A headset to make it easy to take calls

Plantronics M95 Bluetooth Headset, $49.99, available at Best Buy

Calls come through this headset with impressive clarity. They can rely on it for uninterrupted calls as they juggle tasks like driving, grocery shopping, and dealing with kids. 



I spent 3 years writing about yachts, and owning one takes even more money than you think

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eclipse superyacht

  • A yacht costs a lot more than the price its owner paid to buy it.
  • There are additional expenses — for things like yacht crew, dockage, fuel, and maintenance — that many people don't think about.
  • Many yacht crew members say they wouldn't own a superyacht even if they could afford one, because they're so much money and work.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If there's one thing I took away from spending three years writing for the yachting industry and attending the Monaco Yacht Show, it's that buying a superyacht is the absolute pinnacle of indulgence for the 1%.

You see, these behemoths of the sea cost a lot more than the price tag they come with, thanks to the upkeep they require — it's a series of neverending expenses. There's what I like to call the Big Four that will easily wear down an owner's black AmEx: yacht crew, dockage, fuel, and maintenance, among a host of other eye-popping costs.

Just ask the crew who work on yachts.

I once spent a day running up and down the docks at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show asking crew one question: Would you buy a boat if you were rich? The answer, overwhelmingly, was no. Those that said yes were new to the industry — my guess is that they just didn't know any better yet.

Because, really, yachts are just floating money.

Here's how much it actually costs to own a superyacht, which is generally defined as a boat at least 80 feet in length.

SEE ALSO: A look inside Datça, the popular tourist destination in Turkey where the $400 million yacht rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos was spotted

DON'T MISS: 28 photos show how the 1% live it up at the Monaco Yacht Show, from cruising in on helicopters to partying aboard multi-million dollar yachts

Generally, yachts over 100 feet cost $1 million per 3.3 feet — and that's not counting costs for upkeep.

Source: Forbes



Some older yacht models around 80 feet may sell for six figures, but a superyacht will most likely set you back by at least a few million. An 84-foot yacht built in 2002 and refit in 2015, for example, can cost $1.45 million, while a 270-foot yacht built in 2013 can cost $132 million.

Source: Fraser Yachts, Burgess



But that's just the beginning — owners can expect to spend about 10% of the purchase price annually on operating and maintaining a yacht. That's $1 million a year for a $10 million superyacht, although it varies.

Source: Business Insider



The bigger the boat, the more crew — and salaries — you need. A 130-foot boat with five crew members can cost $32,500 a month. Deckhands earn an average of $3,083 to $3,574 a month, depending on the boat size. Captains get paid more, earning an average of $7,750 to $19,961 a month.

SourceFreedom Yacht Services, Dockwalk



Yachts in Florida's Broward County, a hub for for yachting, account for $3 billion yearly in wages and earnings, reported Kate Lardy of the Sun Sentinel in October 2017, citing a 2014 survey by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. That's not counting yachts based internationally.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



And don't forget payment for dayworkers, who are hired temporarily for onboard services. A captain of a 178-foot yacht told Lardy he spent $14,255 on dayworkers during the yacht's two-month visit in Fort Lauderdale.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



There are also other crew costs, like medical and liability insurance, training, and uniforms, the latter of which the captain told Lardy he spent $11,190 on over two months.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



In the two-month span, the captain also spent $50,000 on provisioning for the upcoming charter season, including bounty for the yacht's wine cellar.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



When owners aren't busy yachting in the Maldives or cruising to the Seychelles, they need a place to dock the boat — and fuel to get there. The captain also told Lardy he spent more than $100,000 on fuel and dockage during the two-month visit.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



Fuel and docking can get even more expensive during an event like the Monaco Grand Prix.

SourceBusiness Insider



Fuel can cost roughly $400,000 a year — and that's not just for the boat, but the toys that go along with it, like Jet Skis.

Source: Florida Yacht Management



Dockage varies on how big the boat is and how desirable the marina is. An 80-foot boat can run $1,200 a month, while a bigger boat in a more coveted slip can cost as much as $6,000 monthly. A superyacht owner can expect to spend $350,000 on dockage a year.

SourceFreedom Yacht Services, Florida Yacht Management



Like many things, yachts get wear and tear — they require regular maintenance and repairs. Routine maintenance can cost roughly 2% of the boat value after the yacht's first year, and around 7.5% of the boat's value when the yacht is 10 years old.

Source: Freedom Yacht Services



The captain of the 178-foot yacht takes the yacht to Fort Lauderdale twice a year, where it always gets work done. In the two-month period, he spent $142,746 on repair and maintenance, which he told Lardy is "typical."

Source: The Sun Sentinel



And regular maintenance doesn't include the cost for periodic refits. One owner told Superyacht News he refitted his 98-foot yacht for more than $1.1 million.

Source: Superyacht News



There's also insurance, which can cost roughly $240,000 a year, according to a report by Towergate Insurance.

SourceTowergate Insurance



And don't forget miscellaneous expenses, such as communications (like navigation and Satellite TV) and administration (mail and office supplies, to name a few). The captain told Lardy he spent more than $6,000 on admin costs during the two-month stay.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



Overall, he spent $643,164 during his stay in Florida. That's nothing compared to the $1.5 million he anticipated to spend for the yacht's next stay in Fort Lauderdale, during which the yacht would undergo a condition inspection.

Source: The Sun Sentinel



All of this doesn't count the cost of fun — superyacht owners love to throw soirees, especially during events and boat shows. During the Cannes Film Festival, Paul Allen traditionally throws a party on his yacht, Octopus, complete with guests like Kate Moss and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Source: Boat International Media



With superyacht parties, you can usually count on costs for food (or hiring a celebrity chef), alcohol, a DJ, and décor.

Source: Boat International Media



Owners can recoup some of these expenses by chartering their yacht. A 205-foot yacht with a $3.5 million annual operating budget can charge $425,000 a week. The price can vary on season and yacht size and includes costs for food and drink, fuel, harbor fees and dockage, and delivery fees.

Source: Forbes, Boat International



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