Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live

7 of Yale's super-elite secret societies ranked by wealth

0
0

skull and bones

Yale's secret societies often seem shrouded in complete mystery. They are bastions of influence and intrigue that hold among their members some of the world's most powerful people.

But some information about secret societies isn't as clandestine as some might think. Yale's "landed societies" — those that meet in tombs or halls — are registered with the IRS as charitable organizations. (One of the societies on our list, Elizabethan Club, is not a "secret society" per se but an elite social club that owns a house on campus.)

These landed societies are legally obligated to file public tax information since they are 501(c)(3) organizations.

Not all of Yale's societies meet in tombs or have relatively sizeable wealth. At last count, Yale had 41 secret societies, and the vast majority are not considered landed societies. 

We were able to dig up tax forms for seven "landed societies" from 2014. These seven landed societies have considerable wealth, the majority of which was garnered through the society's original endowments and has been maintained through voluntary donations by members.

Check out the list, ranked by total assets.

8. St. Elmo — $90,472

Filed under St. Elmo Society Incorporated

St. Elmo was founded in 1889. Its notable alumni include HBO's "Girls" actress Allison Williams and US Attorney General John Ashcroft.



7. Berzelius — $1,945,346

Filed under Colony Foundation.

Berzelius was founded in 1848. Its notable alumni includes Bill DeWitt III, the president of the St. Louis Cardinals.



6. Skull and Bones — $4,129,936

Filed under RTA Incorporated

Skull and Bones was founded in 1832. Its notable alumni include George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and John Kerry.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's why Tom Brady's 'no-tomato' diet is bogus

0
0

tom brady

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has a seriously strict diet.

In an interview with The Boston Globe's Hilary Sargent, Brady's personal chef, Allen Campbell, said the 38-year-old athlete and his wife, Gisele Bündchen, eat mostly vegetables, meat, and the occasional banana.

However, not all fresh fruits and veggies are considered OK to eat.

In fact, a whole family of flowering plants called nightshades, which includes delicious vegetables like peppers, is totally off-limits.

"[Tom] doesn't eat nightshades, because they're not anti-inflammatory," Campbell said. "So no tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, or eggplants."

What's a nightshade?

The term "nightshade" refers to a family of flowering plants that includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes. The family's more official name is Solanaceae; the plants all make a chemical compound called solanine that repels potential pests that might see them as a tasty snack.

tomatoesThe plants have been incorrectly linked with painful swelling or inflammation for decades, according to New York University professor of nutrition Lisa Sasson.

Sasson says the idea that nightshades cause or worsen swelling is a myth.

"There are no studies that support that," she said. "It's just this kind of myth that circulates."

In fact, there are some studies that suggest tomatoes may have components that actually help relieve inflammation. Others have shown no direct relationship between tomatoes and swelling.

If there was a strong connection, populations with diets high in tomatoes and eggplants (such as some Italian diets) would likely have a disproportionate amount of problems with inflammation, suggests Sasson, and that isn't the case.

Another one of the off-limits foods Campbell mentions is mushrooms, which don't fit into the nightshade family after all since they're technically a fungus.

Nightshades are rich sources of vitamin C and fiber — and they make a pretty great pizza

Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers are all great sources of vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients like vitamin A and B-6, which are important for eyesight and cell function. Depending on what you eat, you likely won't become vitamin deficient if you cut them out completely, Sasson said, but you'd probably want to find those nutrients somewhere else, like in other foods, such as spinach and chick peas.

Nevertheless, you'd still have to kiss pizza and marinara-drizzled pasta good-bye.

There are better ways to reduce inflammation

There are some steps you can take to reduce inflammation (which actually isn't all bad), Sasson said. They includes staying active, eating healthy fats found in avocados, fish, etc., and steering clear of added sugar and white flour.

RELATED: Sorry, paleo dieters: Your low-carb diet likely isn't how our ancestors fueled their big brains

NEXT: There could be a super-simple way to lose weight that doesn't involve dieting or exercise

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Curious things most people don’t know about Tom Brady

This city is made of 180,000 tons of ice

0
0

Every year, the city of Harbin in China's northeastern Heilongjiang province transforms into a winter wonderland known as "Snow and Ice World."

During the winter, the average temperature in Harbin is only 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is often referred to as the "Ice City."

Chilling northern winds from Siberia freeze the local Songhua River. Ice from the river's surface is then harvested to construct the impressive Snow and Ice World. This year alone, 180,000 tons of ice were harvested for the city's 17th annual Ice Festival — the largest festival of its kind in the entire world. 

Workers use chainsaws to cut the ice into building blocks, which are then used to construct stunning castles, arches, towers, and pagodas, as well as delicate sculptures. 

Snow and Ice World has become a world-famous attraction. What started as a local event has transformed into international eye candy — the festival's organizers are expecting 1.5 million visitors from all over the world to attend this year. 

This year's festival kicked off on January 5th, and is expected to run until February 5th. 

Story and editing by Ben Nigh

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: China's abandoned Wonderland park will send chills down your spine

Join the conversation about this story »

The best fondue in Colorado is at the top of a mountain

0
0

Nestled between snow banks 10,900 feet above sea level at Highlands Mountain in Aspen, CO, sits a small cabin known as Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro.

Inside, hungry skiers feast on gourmet food, specifically, the European-style restaurant's specialty, Gruyère fondue.

The warm cheese is paired with a plate of fixings that includes apples, Spanish chorizo, and pickled vegetables.  

The apple dipped in cheese was our personal favorite, but nothing beats the restaurant's 360-degree views.  

Story by Aly Weisman and editing by Ben Nigh

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: A 27-year-old left her desk job to sell cookie dough that's safe to eat raw

Join the conversation about this story »

A blind 8-year-old uses echolocation to get around

0
0

Ruben Graham-Morris, a blind eight-year-old boy, has mastered echolocation to get around on his own. Ruben was born with Leber's congenital amaurosis, a genetic disease that left him blind from birth. 

"Before echolocation, Ruben would not ever let go of my arm," Ruben's mother, Trudie Graham, said.

Trudie and her son connected with Daniel Kish, who is blind and a specialist in echolocation. He taught Ruben how to interpret sounds bouncing off nearby objects to make sense of his surroundings. 

"I think the first couple of days of Daniel working with him he was still reluctant to let go of my arm," Trudie said of Ruben, "but by time we got around the airport and the train station, Ruben was off on his own."

Kish is often referred to as Batman, since the technique he teaches is similar to how bats get around. Ruben's mother said that means her son must be a batboy.

Trudie said she, along with her family, has noticed that Ruben is more confident and independent since learning echolocation.

"I like the experience of finding my way around without anybody’s help so I could go, well, I could go anywhere with it," Ruben said.

Story and editing by Andrew Fowler

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: A 15-year-old who looks like a toddler wants to be the world's smallest comedian

Join the conversation about this story »

A North Korean defector tells us what life was like under a dictatorship

A relationship expert reveals the key to a thriving relationship

0
0

Esther Perel is a renowned relationship expert who has worked with hundreds of couples around the world.

During her countless sessions with all different kinds of pairs, Perel noticed a key factor that happy relationships have in common.

"The bottom line of what makes for a thriving relationship is probably similar across the board," Perel told Business Insider.

"The first thing is that we want to feel that we matter. I want to feel that I am valued, that I am recognized, that I am seen, that someone cares about me, that somebody notices what I do at work, that somebody lets me know that they have noticed what I do at work, and maybe even thank me or appreciate me for having done all of this," she said.

"Same in the home," Perel elaborated."Same in every relationship. We are creatures of meaning, and we need to know that we matter."

Watch the video above to hear Perel's full analysis.

Story by Aly Weisman and editing by Stephen Parkhurst and Alana Kakoyiannis

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

INSIDER is on YouTube: Subscribe here

SEE ALSO: Happy couples have these 3 things in common

Join the conversation about this story »

People are trolling the Oregon militiamen with amazing 'Daddy swore an oath' videos

0
0

Jon Ritzheimer, one of the armed men occupying a wildlife building in rural Oregon, apologized to his family in a video for participating in the occupation instead of being there for the holidays.

"Your daddy swore an oath. He swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution," he said tearfully.

After that video was widely circulated, some opponents of the Oregon militiamen chose to respond with mockery instead of outrage. The result is a series of parody videos, first spotted by Deadspin, under the hashtag #DaddySworeAnOath that mimic Ritzheimer's original.

Story by Tony Manfred and editing by Kristen Griffin

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: A teacher had an epic dance session with his students

Join the conversation about this story »


This mansion on a private beach in the Caribbean costs just $500 per night on Airbnb

0
0

Airbnb is the perfect way to get some local flavor on vacation... but it's also a great way to save money. This mansion in the Dominican Republic for example can sleep 10 people for only $500 per night.

Not only is that an insane deal, but the house is gorgeous and comes with a private pool and private beach entrance, a patio overlooking the ocean, and two bars — one of which is in the pool.

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom house has plenty of space to throw a party for a large group, and comes equipped with a full kitchen, a housekeeper, and a security guard. If you're lucky, the housekeeper will make you an incredible piña colada with local ingredients.

For an additional fee, a private chef will cook a five-course meal, and drivers will take you to the island's best restaurants. 

Story and editing by Adam Banicki

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: This pro surfer moved to the Dominican Republic and opened a kiteboarding resort

SEE ALSO: A park in the Dominican Republic offers unlimited ziplining for $3

Join the conversation about this story »

Here are our biggest men’s style predictions for 2016

0
0

Saint Laurent

The only way to truly stay ahead of a trend is to predict it.

We've gotten ahead of the curve and outlined some of the hottest trends and styles you'll see blowing up this year.

From what we've seen on the street, on the runways, on the screen, and in the stores, here are 11 of our best predictions for the trends that will live and die in the new year.

Have a burning men's style question? Ask me, and I may answer you in a future post. Email me at dgreen@businessinsider.com with the subject line "Men's style question".

SEE ALSO: 8 New Year's style resolutions every guy should make

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Suits will continue to loosen up a bit, but they'll retain a trim fit.

The prevailing fit of suits will loosen slightly from that ultra-tight look men were sporting a few years ago. With a looser jacket fit, less of a "v-shape" will be coming down from the bottom, the pants will be a little less slim, and less ankle will show.

Overall, suits will become a little more conservatively cut, but still trim.



Suits will also embrace more color, but retain a conservative style.

As suits fit more conservatively, guys are looking for other ways to make it stand out. One of those ways will be with color, we predict. 

We're not talking anything crazy here. Maybe there will be a few more stripes and patterns, or a subtle weave in the suit, or instead of regular navy guys will opt for the trendier "new navy," which is just a brighter navy color. This also extends to tuxedos, where we predict more men will explore midnight navy blue tuxedos when black tie is called for.



Athleisure will continue to dominate casual wear.

Trendy sportswear will continue to be seen in both the gym and on the sidewalk in 2016.

The gym-clothes-gone-luxury trend will continue to gain steam, sometimes intermingling with other aesthetics. Sweat clothing in particular will continue to be popular.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A 19-month-old toddler is rock climbing like a pro

0
0

Ellie Farmer, better known as Little Zen Monkey online, has been rock climbing since she was only eight months old. Recently, a video of the toddler climbing a wall at 19 months has gained over 52 million views on Facebook.

Ellie's parents, Rachael and Zak Farmer, are competitive climbers themselves. Zak told INSIDER that being around the sport at an early age helped spark Ellie's interest.

"We helped to guide her in learning how to use her feet and how to navigate the wall," he said. "We were surprised at how well she took to it on her own."

Despite the Farmer's climbing experience, they do recognize the safety concerns. Ellie's parents always spot her when she climbs, and they put down a large climbing mat just in case she falls.

"It is natural as parents to be nervous when our child is trying new things, but my wife and I have been climbing for many years," said Zak. "While climbing might seem extreme to many people, it is a part of everyday life for us."

You can see more of the Little Zen Monkey on their Facebook page.

Story and editing by Alana Yzola

INSIDER IS ON FACEBOOK:  Follow us here

SEE ALSO: This guy is famous for his jaw-dropping back flips and stunts — and he's in a wheelchair

Join the conversation about this story »

These are the best diets to lose weight, get in shape, and eat healthier

0
0

Eating an apple

Staying fit and healthy and losing weight are the two most common New Year's resolutions in America, but choosing the right diet depends heavily on what you hope the diet will achieve.

US News evaluated 38 of the most popular diets based on how easy they are to follow, their ability to produce short- and long-term weight loss, nutritional completeness, safety, and their potential to help prevent or manage diabetes and heart disease, and chose the best one in nine different categories.

Tried and true, Weight Watchers was rated the best diet choice in three out of the nine categories.

Whether you're trying to lose weight, manage your diabetes, or simply eat healthier, check out the diets that will help you stick to your New Year's resolution.

SEE ALSO: Dietitians, nutritionists, and food psychologists got together and ranked the best diets of 2016 — here's their top 10

AND: Here's why it's so hard to keep your New Year's resolutions

BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS: Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers has been around for years, but now that Oprah is behind it, the diet has again spiked in popularity.

The diet, which claims you can lose up to two pounds a week (a safe amount, according to the UK's National Health Service) operates on a SmartPoints system that supports choosing healthier foods that will fill you up (think protein and fiber) over foods that are lower in nutritional value. 

Weight Watchers puts no restriction on what you can eat and is flexible for those with dietary restrictions, but the point-counting process can be tedious and the program can cost anywhere from about $20-$70 a month.



BEST FOR LOSING WEIGHT FAST (TIE): HMR program and the Biggest Loser diet

The Health Management Resources program (HMR) tied with the Biggest Loser diet for the best rapid weight-loss diet.

HMR depends on meal-replacement shakes, bars, and cereals for weight loss. Experts say that meal replacements lead to three times as much weight loss compared to traditional diets. Meals are delivered to you, which is another pro; however, shakes and bars can become bland after a while, and the diet makes it difficult to go out to eat.

The Biggest Loser diet, based on the reality TV show of the same name, drills in the importance of exercise as a companion to a healthy diet. The diet emphasizes portion control with nutritionally dense foods and getting "up off the sofa." It's a lot of work and a bit expensive, but it's effective and offers no restrictions on the foods you can eat.



BEST FOR HEALTHY EATING: The DASH diet

"DASH" stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and the plan involves lowering sodium intake to prevent and lower high blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can cause heart and kidney disease, stroke, and blindness.

DASH was not developed for weight loss and can be more work-intensive and a bit pricier than other diets, since it emphasizes fresh groceries, but it's heart-healthy and nutritionally sound.

The DASH diet recommends working down to a maximum sodium intake of 1,500 mg a day (the FDA daily recommendation is less than 2,400 mg) and eating fresh produce, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

An exercise scientist told us how many pounds you should lose each week if you want to keep it off

0
0

workout

Dieters beware: Not all weight-loss plans are created equal, and for some, timing is key.

You might be enticed, for example, by a diet that claims it can help you shed 20 or 50 pounds in a couple of weeks.

But shedding pounds too fast can be a red flag for a diet that might encourage unsafe behaviors. On the other hand, losing weight too slowly might be discouraging and make you want to give up.

So how much weight should you lose each week if you want to keep it off?

We asked Philip Stanforth, a professor of exercise science at the University of Texas and the executive director of the Fitness Institute of Texas.

He said most people shouldn't lose more than one to three pounds each week.

"During the losing phase, you need a calorie deficit," said Stanforth. "At the maximum you want a 1,000 calorie-per-day deficit, meaning you burn 1,000 calories more than you take in each day. That typically means you’re losing a few pounds a week. And that tends to be a lot more sustainable than losing a whole bunch at once."

That jives well with the guidelines from the Mayo Clinic and the UK's National Health Service, both of which suggest losing one to two pounds each week.

"The concern with fast weight loss is that it usually takes extraordinary efforts in diet and exercise — efforts that could be unhealthy and that you probably can't maintain as permanent lifestyle changes," writes Mayo Clinic's Dr. Donald D. Hensrud, chair of the Division of Preventive, Occupational, and Aerospace Medicine with a joint appointment in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, in the clinic's "Expert Answers" column.

Clinical studies on weight loss provide us with a slightly more complex answer, however.

Severalstudies, for example, suggest that losing weight at a slow initial rate can help ensure that you keep losing it over time while also reducing your risk for gaining it back in the long term.

But other research suggests that neither slow or rapid weight loss is necessarily better. A 2014 randomized controlled trial of more than 200 people found that neither a rapid, 12-week program or a more gradual 36-week one affected the amount of weight the particpants regained over a nearly three-year period. And a 2010 study of nearly 300 obese women found that those in the study who'd lost weight fast also lost more weight overall — and for longer periods — than those in the study who'd lost it slowly.

So if you want to lose weight and keep it off, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Talk with a health professional and come up with a plan that works for your goals.

DON'T MISS: Everyone is completely misinterpreting a new study about American diets

RELATED: I actually upheld a New Year's resolution for all 12 months of 2015 thanks to a barebones fitness app

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: An exercise scientist told us 4 big things people get wrong about working out and weight loss

A criminal investigation is underway at Chipotle

The $83 million Skyacht One private jet is basically a luxurious super yacht that can fly

0
0

SYO_EntryHR154

Yachts and private jets — two billionaire tastes that go great together?

That's the bet SottoStudios is making with its new Skyacht One design. The concept takes an Embraer Lineage 1000E private jet and infuses it with a ton of yacht-style luxury, creating what the studio is calling "a yacht that can fly."

It'll cost you $83 million to build — a $30 million increase from a standard 1000E, according to Aviation Week.

SEE ALSO: Forget mega yachts — this mobile private island just upped the ante on billionaire toys

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

SottoStudios takes an ordinary Embraer 1000E private jet and turns it into a "yacht that can fly."



The 1000E comes standard with 10,000 cubic feet of cabin space and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.



As shown in the renderings, the exterior of the Skyacht One does play the part of a yacht with a wood-like mahogany paint scheme.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A man told the uncomfortable truth about what it's like to have Alzheimer's — and the video went viral

0
0

Alan Beamer is living with Alzheimer's disease, which destroys his memory over time. His wife had an emotional conversation with him about how hard it is to connect with family and friends, and posted the video on Facebook — it quickly accumulated over 100,000 views.

"It's a mean, mean... one of the meanest things I've ever seen in my life,” Beamer said. "I'm the same old person, and I wish my friends would just come and talk to me, like they did before. You know, play and joke around."

Beamer and his wife emphasized that though it's a hard thing for their friends to deal with, they should know that it's a hard thing for them, too.

"One of the biggest things we want them to know is that we're not comfortable with it either," Beamer’s wife said. "But we live it every day, and we can't get away from it."

Story by Jacob Shamsian and editing by Ben Nigh

INSIDER IS ON FACEBOOK:  Follow us here

SEE ALSO: A law professor tricked his students into lying, which shows why you should never talk to police

Join the conversation about this story »

We asked the Dalai Lama how to deal with conflict around the world

Mamajuana is secretly the best rum drink in the Caribbean

0
0

Some complain that mamajuana tastes like cough syrup, but the rum-based concoction is a delicious island favorite.

Locals mix up their own versions, soaking tree bark and other Dominican herbs in rum for weeks, then adding red wine and honey. Some soak the liquid for longer than others, and everyone has their own mix of up to 16 different herbs and spices. Thus, every batch tastes slightly different.

According to Real Mamajuana, the strong cinnamon flavor is helpful to diabetics, and the drink is also rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

Next time you find yourself in the Dominican Republic, it's definitely worth asking a local to mix up a batch.

Story and editing by Adam Banicki

INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here

SEE ALSO: How to cut and drink a fresh coconut

Join the conversation about this story »

A Bahamas party pad with a history of famous owners is up for auction at $10 million

0
0

Kilkee House Bahamas

Got at least $10 million to spare — and a hankering for a private mansion in the Bahamas with an illustrious rock 'n' roll history? Then you might want to consider Paradise Island's infamous Kilkee House, former home of playboys and party royalty, now up for auction.

Set on a beachfront two-acre parcel — and accessible only by boat, for serious privacy — the estate has hosted celebrities from the Rat Pack to the Beatles to James Bond (Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, that is). 

The home has been the scene of some of Hollywood's wildest parties in the Bahamas, and at an opening bid price of $10 million, it's a bargain.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Since the 1960s, Kilkee House has been a Bahamas hub for wild nights and wealthy visitors. According to the listing, the house was built in the 1960s by Huntington Hartford II, heir to the A&P supermarket fortune, owner of the entirety of Paradise Island, art collector — and notorious playboy.



He successfully changed the island's name from Hog Island to Paradise Island, a brilliant marketing play that pays off today. The estate can only be accessed by boat to its private marina, making it a haven for celebrities seeking a getaway from prying eyes.



Paradise Island is only 3.5 miles long, but Kilkee House is especially private, sitting on an independent spit of land.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

21 lottery winners who blew it all

0
0

lottery

The Powerball lottery, which will be drawn on Wednesday evening, has an estimated jackpot of $450 million.

It's a lot of money, but if you do the math, buying a ticket probably won't be worth it.

Even if it does pan out, winning the lottery will not solve all of life's problems.

In fact, many people's lives became notably worse after they got super rich, and they managed to lose it all quite quickly.

Mandi Woodruff and Michael B. Kelley contributed to this report.

SEE ALSO: I refused to put money into the office Powerball pool because of math — but my boss' rationale for playing is economically sound

Lara and Roger Griffiths bought their dream home ... and then life fell apart.

Before they won a $2.76 million lottery jackpot in 2005, Lara and Roger Griffiths hardly ever argued.

Then they won and bought a million-dollar house and a Porsche.

But six years after their win, Roger drove away in the Porsche after Lara confronted him over emails suggesting that he was interested in another woman.

Their 14-year marriage was over, a freak fire gutted their house, and every penny of their fortune was gone.



Bud Post lost $16.2 million within a nightmarish year — his own brother put out a hit on him.

William "Bud" Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988 but was $1 million in debt within a year.

"I wish it never happened," Post said. "It was totally a nightmare."

A former girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings and his brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him in the hopes that he'd inherit a share of the winnings.

After sinking money into various family businesses, Post sank into debt and spent time in jail for firing a gun over the head of a bill collector.

Bud now lives quietly on $450 a month and food stamps.



Martyn and Kay Tott won a $5 million jackpot, but lost the ticket.

Martyn Tott, 33, and his 24-year-old wife from the UK missed out on a $5 million lottery fortune after losing their ticket.

They were able to convince officials, but since there is a 30-day time limit on reporting lost tickets, the jackpot became the largest unclaimed amount since the lottery began in 1994.

"Thinking you're going to have all that money is really liberating. Having it taken away has the opposite effect," Kay Tott told The Daily Mail. "It drains the life from you and puts a terrible strain on your marriage. It was the cruelest torture imaginable."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images