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Nordstrom just partnered with one of our favorite clothing startups on a one-month-only pop-up shop

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

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Everlane, an online clothing store, has earned itself a cult following in the last few years, thanks to modern tweaks to timeless classics and a refreshing policy on transparency with customers.

And from now until November 12, you can shop its pop-in at Nordstrom.

You’ll find the essentials in the same materials that you’d find at a high-end store you grew up knowing, but for a substantially lower price. Grade-A cashmere for $100, Italian wool for under $130, and Japanese denim for under $70 are just some examples.

If great materials at low prices don't add up for you, it’s important to know that the low costs aren’t the result of less desirable designs or any other trade-off on your part: Everlane is the master of staple silhouettes. Rather, essentials made from great materials at affordable prices is the result of an aggressive campaign to nix traditional retail markups, and to be upfront about how and why.

On Everlane's website, you can see the projected "traditional retail" cost alongside its own. For example, the Luxe Wool Square Turtleneck is $88 at Everlane and might be sold for $180 elsewhere.

Plus, every piece is ethically made (and they give you the resources to fact-check that claim).

It makes sense that Nordstrom noticed a startup that generated a 28,000-person waitlist for its iteration of the low block heel. And it doesn’t hurt that Everlane just forayed into affordable, high-quality denim, either. If you're looking for affordable classics in quality materials and flattering shapes, you might want to check what's available at the pop-in.

Shop the Everlane X Nordstrom Pop-In here, and check out some of the best pieces for both men and women below.

SEE ALSO: People are so obsessed with these $200 leggings from Bandier that they've developed a cult following

Everlane Women

The Day Heel Pump, $145



The Modern Loafer, $168



The Pima Rib Turtleneck, $32



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8 fun holders for your Echo Dot

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

FoxWhile the Echo Dot is good looking by gadget standards, it still looks like a piece of tech. 

For some, that's alright, but others might want to dress the Dot up a little to make it fit in better with their home's decor.

A boutique industry of Echo Dot holders has sprung up to fill that need, and we've rounded up some of our favorites below. It's easy to imagine these holders becoming popular considering the Echo Dot was one of the best selling items this past Prime Day.

 

SEE ALSO: 10 tech gadgets that’ll make your everyday life easier

Starry Night

Fintie Protective Case for Amazon Echo Dot, $11.99, available at Amazon



A fox

Cute Fox Holder Round Dot Speakers, $19.99, available at Amazon



A cave

Natural Bamboo Wood Stand Holder for Round Dot, $19.98, available at Amazon



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Your partner's worst traits and how to handle them, according to their zodiac sign

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young couple loveThe INSIDER Summary:

  • Even the perfect partner can have some annoying traits. 
  • They might over-analyze or demand to always be right. 
  • Here's your partner's most annoying trait and how to overcome it, according to their star sign. 

You’ve found your perfect partner, but after spending some time together you realize that he or she comes with an inevitable annoying side. Here’s a hint at the likely irritations you will find with each star sign and the remedies to overcome them.

ARIES: Your partner will dance to his or her own tune, whether you like it or not.

Your Aries partner is independent and will dance to his or her own tune, whether you like it or not. They are always onto the next latest and greatest thing, and can leave a trail of unfinished business or errands behind, which will likely be up to you to clean up and put back in place. You will never know if an arrangement will stick because something or someone can come along with an offer that is simply too good to resist and in a blink of an eye, plans will change. They hate to be told what to do, and even if you are right and they are wrong, be prepared to let them learn their own lessons, inevitably, the hard way. They are quick to say what they mean and often with a sharper tongue than they realize, mainly because they are in a hurry, which can leave a sensitive being in emotional upheaval. 

Remedy: Don’t be overly sensitive and keep your schedule flexible! And remember, Aries rarely hold a grudge, so be prepared to let it go.



TAURUS: Their stubborn nature and lengthy pondering can drive you insane.

Taurus loves food and loves to cook and entertain as well as dine out, however, all this good living not only stretches the budget but also your waistline. Oh, and about that budget, they can be compulsive and extravagant with not only their money but yours, too. Every now and again there will a precious luxury piece they just can’t possibly live without, and they simply must have it. This Venus ruled sign is totally self-indulgent and can go into debt to surround themselves with all things high-end, including couture, bling, home luxuries and travel. They can come off as a little materialistic. However, they are highly dependable, attentive and trustworthy people; all fabulous traits, but can be a little predictable at times. And their stubborn nature and lengthy pondering can drive you insane; but they will do it anyway! 

Remedy: Buy a gym membership to stay in shape, enjoy living in luxury, and practice being patient.  And don’t ever let them miss a meal. 



GEMINI: You will not win at any argument with them, ever.

Gemini’s are quick thinking, witty, and inquisitive, yet tantalizingly charming in the process, which means you will not win at any argument with them, ever. And even if you do, Gemini has a convenient memory, so you will not get the satisfaction of them ever admitting to anything, ever. They become lost in a world of mesmerizing story telling, which is usually a combination of fact and fiction, which you will need to learn to live with. They get bored quickly and then they can either become a social gossipy scandal chatter box, or play tricks as in mind games, all in the name of fun, of course. Their dual personality keeps you guessing who you’ll be dealing with next, your darling pal or wicked clone. 

Remedy: Take a chill pill, enjoy the lightheartedness of life and don’t take your Gemini, or life, too seriously.



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The Las Vegas shooter spent 3 days stockpiling weapons in a $500 suite on the 32nd floor — here's what the room is like

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Mandalay Bay

Stephen Paddock, the gunman who carried out the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, checked into a room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday.

On Sunday night, Paddock opened fire on a crowd of 22,000 people attending a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip from his hotel room window on the 32nd floor. More than 50 people were killed, and more than 500 others were injured.

Paddock had 23 firearms in his hotel room, according to police reports.

Paddock's motive remains unclear, and questions linger as to how he managed to transport the guns into his hotel room.

Here is what we do know about the hotel where Paddock spent his final days.

SEE ALSO: The 10 deadliest mass shootings in modern US history

The Mandalay Bay is a 43-story luxury hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip.



The hotel cost $950 million to build and opened in 1999.

Source: Las Vegas Sun



Paddock stayed in Room 135 on the 32nd floor.

Source: The New York Times



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10 colleges that are extremely expensive — but worth every penny

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Stanford Football

College tuition in the US is more than anywhere else in the world.

With that in mind, Forbes ranked the most expensive colleges it deems worth every penny.

Forbes started with its list of America's Best Value Colleges— which looked to indicators like post-graduation earnings and on-time graduation rate — and then filtered the list to include only the priciest of the bunch.

Below we've included the annual tuition cost for each school and the average annual price students pay, which is reflective of grant money students receive as part of financial aid packages.

Take a look below to see the top 10 schools on the list.

SEE ALSO: There's a tool that could slash college tuition — but too many people overlook it until it's too late

10. Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Annual tuition: $48,108

Average annual price students pay: $29,597



9. Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Annual tuition: $47,434

Average annual price students pay: $25,005



8. Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia

Annual tuition: $46,744

Average annual price students pay: $27,801



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The 10 best fall boots for men under $100

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

FlorsheimFor most of the year, a few solid dress shoes and a stylish pair of sneakers are all you need to rotate between formal and casual footwear. Now that it's getting colder outside, having a nice pair of boots to add to your rotation is a must. 

While buying dress shoes and sneakers can become very expensive, finding a pair of fall boots can easily empty your pockets, too.

If you walk into any department store, you can easily spend upwards of $200 on a pair of boots, but with a bit of searching online, you can lower your budget to $100 or less and find plenty of options to fit your personal style.

Whether you're looking for Chelsea boots, chukkas, or hikers, you can definitely get a fashionable boot without breaking the bank. Brands like Clarks, Steve Madden, Vince Camuto, and Florsheim all make options that allow you to walk in style this fall.

To save you some time and money, we rounded up the 10 best fall boots for under $100. 

Florsheim Truman Chukka Boot

Florsheim Truman Chukka Boot, $79.90 (Originally $130)



Calvin Klein Christoff Chelsea Boot

Calvin Klein Christoff Chelsea Boot, $97.90 (Originally $140)



Steve Madden Quazzy

Steve Madden Quazzy, $100



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5 numbers that demonstrate the meteoric rise of the $400 million game that's dominating 2017

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In six months, one game has already made nearly half a billion dollars — and the complete version isn't even out yet.

That game is the bizarrely named "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" ("PUBG"), a unique shooter game that pits 100 real players against each other on an abandoned island. As each match progresses, the game forces survivors into closer and closer quarters. Whoever survives — and there can only be one — is crowned the winner.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

There is no story, and no mode other than the one described above. It may sound like a bare-bones game, but the way each match plays out is what makes it so impressive.

Though "PUBG" itself has no real story, the insane tale of how it rose from obscurity to money-printing machine is fascinating.

Copies sold: Over 13 million

That's in just six months.

Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene launched "PUBG" on March 23, calling it a "very special day." But he released the game in what's called "Early Access," which meant that while consumers could buy and play it, it wasn't yet complete. 

Six months later, Bluehole, the South Korean game company Greene joined to make "PUBG," is still selling the "Early Access" version of the game. Bluehole has promised to release the completed version of the game by the end of 2017. But it hasn't yet announced a release date.

That "PUBG" is still incomplete hasn't seemed to affect its sales. Bluehole had topped the 13 million figure by the end of September. 



Current (as in earlier today) player count: 1.3 million

That's just a snapshot from the middle of the day on Tuesday. At one point in the past 48 hours, over 1.6 million people were playing "PUBG" at once. That's an absurdly high number for any game, including widely popular ones such as "Minecraft" and "League of Legends."

"PUBG" is so popular that it has become the most actively played game on Steam, which is a big deal, considering that the Valve-owned PC gaming service is huge, with more than 200 million users and thousands of available games. It's even set an all-time record on Steam for the most concurrent users on the system. 

In fact, "PUBG" is the first game ever to beat out Valve's own Steam games, which include "DOTA 2" and "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive," in terms of users playing at the same time.



Approximate revenue: $390 million

We don't know the exact amount that "PUBG" has made so far, but we do know that Bluehole has sold more than 13 million copies. At $30 apiece, that's at least $390 million gross revenue in just six months — a ton of money to make on a game that isn't even finished.

And that's just a rough guestimate. That figure doesn't include the money the company's made by selling in-game items.

To be sure, that's sales, not profit. It doesn't take into account Bluehole's costs, including the commission it pays Valve — which is typically around 30% for most games — or what it's spending to run its studio and continue developing the game.

Still, that's a ton of money to make on a game that was built by a relatively small team (fewer than 100 people), in a relatively short time (about 18 months).



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We compared 3 of the most popular premium airline credit cards — and the winner was clear

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Delta Seattle airport business traveler

  • We compared premium airline credit cards for the largest US carriers: Delta, United, and American Airlines
  • We looked at annual fees, spending bonuses, airline miles, and hotel and airport perks to see which card offered the best benefits.
  • There were a lot of similarities, but one airline credit card stood out above the rest.

If you've ever walked past the first class cabin on your way to a middle seat in coach and thought to yourself there has to be a better way, well, maybe there is.

JPMorgan Chase brought the allure of premium credit cards to a new level when it introduced the Chase Sapphire Reserve card last year, making a $450 annual fee seem reasonable — if not a downright steal — thanks to generous travel credits and a six-figure sign-on bonus.

But the popular credit card leaves one thing to be desired: airline-specific loyalty rewards. Though Chase's Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed on many different airlines, perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags aren't included.

If you're a frequent traveler — or even just a beleaguered one craving a more luxurious vacation experience — paying the annual fee for a premium airline credit card allows you to buy the benefits of elite status so you can save time (and maybe money), maximize your trip value, rack up miles, and restore some peace of mind.

To help figure out which airline credit card is best, we compared the top-tier offerings from the three largest US carriers: Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Before we dive in, please note all the usual credit card disclaimers apply: Don't spend more than you can afford to pay in full each month. Credit card interest is expensive and a waste of money. And so on.

Scroll through to see how each card stacks up when it comes to annual fees, spending bonuses, airline miles, and hotel and airport perks — and which one emerged victorious in our match-up.

SEE ALSO: How 5 of the most powerful travel rewards credit cards stack up

DON'T MISS: Thanks to a little-known airline hack, traveling around the world could be cheaper than you realize

No matter which premium airline credit card you pick, you'll pay $450 for the plastic.

Each of the airline credit cards we compared — the Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card, the United MileagePlus Club Card from Chase, and the Citi/AAdvantage Executive Card— has a $450 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

None of the credit cards have blackout dates for travel, a cap on the amount of rewards cardholders can earn, or an expiration date for airline miles.

Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardholders receive a statement credit of $100 for Global Entry, which you should definitely sign up for if you haven't already.

The Delta Reserve American Express is the only card to offer one free companion pass each year, which could very well justify the annual fee, depending on the value of the ticket price.

Best for fees: Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card



Bonus offers change regularly, but they should play a role in your decision-making process.

Credit card sign-on bonuses have been gigantic lately, but only two of the three cards we looked at currently offer a sign-on bonus of any consequence.

United is offering a measly $100 statement credit after your first purchase. Delta has the biggest bonus per spending amount required, at 40,000 miles for spending $3,000 in the first three months. American has a bigger bonus at 75,000 miles, but you'll have to spend more to get it: $7,500 in the first three months.

Best bonus offer (currently): Delta Reserve American Express Credit Card



All of the cards will give you a first-class airport experience, even if you're flying economy.

Paying the $450 fee for any of these cards could essentially wipe out the typical frustrations of flying.

To enjoy the perks below, your card may need to be open for a certain number of days before your trip, and you may have to purchase your airfare using the card. Make sure to read the fine print, so you aren't disappointed when you arrive at the airport.

Priority treatment, from check-in to boarding

Regardless of where your seat is on the plane, all three cards offer priority check-in, priority security lanes, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling. That means you can breeze through the airport like a first-class flyer, even if you're paying economy prices.

Check your bags for free

United cardholders and one companion can check two bags for free, while Delta and American limit free checked bags to one per passenger on the reservation, up to eight travel companions. If your travel crew is large, you'll get more free checked bags with Delta or American, but United is better if you tend to travel with only one other person.

Relax in the lounge before your flight

Complimentary lounge membership is included with premium airline credit cards, which comes in handy if you arrived early at the airport only to realize security is easier with your new card and now you have a couple hours to spare before your flight. Delta and United both offer about 50 lounges worldwide, while American has 90.

Delta Sky Club access is only free for the cardholder, but discounted passes can be purchased for up to two guests. American cardholders and guests enjoy the full benefits of an Admirals Club membership, including partner lounge access.

United cardholders gain entry to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. It's unclear if you also get access to the secret, invitation-only restaurant located in Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal C, but one can hope.

Best airport perks: Citi/AAdvantage Executive Card (but just barely)



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The 11 most cliché Halloween costumes of 2017

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wonder woman

Halloween is coming up, which means you're probably starting to panic about your costume — or lack thereof. With the pressure on, it can be stressful to come up with a clever costume that showcases your originality.

But everyone knows there's nothing worse than showing up to a party in the same outfit as someone else, especially when it's a costume party and everyone there is dressed as "Pregnant Kylie Jenner."

In addition to Kylie, some of this year's most cliché costumes will include pop culture references like Wonder Woman and a Playboy Bunny.

Keep scrolling to see all 11 of the most common Halloween costumes of 2017.

For $55, you can dress up as "fake news."

The internet isn't sure how to feel about this minidress of newspaper clippings branded with the word "FAKE" in bold red letters. Sold by the major costume retailer Yandy, there's a high chance that every journalism student you know will sport this costume.



Dressing up like Donald Trump might seem like a good idea, but many people won't find it funny.

Wearing this $10 wig and your best suit in order to emulate the current president might seem like a good idea, but the only person who should imitate The Donald is arguably Alec Baldwin on "Saturday Night Live."



"Wonder Woman" was the highest-grossing movie this summer, so it's likely that lots of people will want to dress up as the character.

"Wonder Woman" was the biggest hit movie of the summer, so the superhero costume will be a popular one this year. However, costumes like this $45 option from Target have been around for a few seasons, long before the movie hit theaters earlier this year.



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One player from all 30 NBA teams who can break out and become a star this season

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dejounte murray

The NBA season is upon us once again, and it figures to be an interesting one.

While this offseason saw insane movement among star players, this NBA season should be equally as interesting for the number of exciting young players that look poised to break out.

We went through each roster to find a potential breakout player for all 30 teams. When possible, we tried to avoid choosing rookies, but on some occasions, a promising rookie was the clearest choice.

Take a look at the players who could become stars this year.

Atlanta Hawks: John Collins, PF

Experience: Rookie

One thing to know: Collins excelled at Summer League, showing off athleticism and a knack for finishing around the basket. With the departure of Paul Millsap in the offseason, he should be able to soak up many of the minutes and delight fans with highlight-reel plays. 



Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, F

Experience: Rookie

One thing to know: Tatum has already impressed people around the Celtics with his ability to pick up schemes and plays. He appears to already be an NBA-ready scorer, and Celtics president Danny Ainge said he liked Tatum enough that he would have taken him No. 1 in the draft.



Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell, G

Experience: 3rd season

One thing to know: Russell's growth in LA stalled out, and with the team all but locked in on Lonzo Ball, he got shipped off to Brooklyn. Now he'll get a chance to both play on the ball and off of it next to Jeremy Lin and his crafty playmaking and shooting could make him a foundational piece for a growing Nets team.



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Amazon has triggered a $5 billion bidding war — here are the cities that are in competition for its new HQ

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Jeff Bezos

Amazon has sparked a bidding war, and it's only just beginning.

The e-commerce giant said on September 7 that it was soliciting bids from cities across North America for a place to build its second headquarters — its first outside of the Seattle area.

Amazon said it would invest $5 billion in the construction of its new headquarters, and it hopes to eventually house 50,000 Amazon staff members there, gradually building up its workforce.

"We expect HQ2 to be a full equal to our Seattle headquarters," CEO Jeff Bezos said in a statement. "Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in up-front and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. We're excited to find a second home."

Unsurprisingly, cities across the United States and Canada are jumping on the opportunity to lure Amazon to their neck of the woods. Many officials have already said they're planning to submit a formal proposal to the company.

Amazon has some requirements, however. Its new home would ideally be in a city with at least 1 million people, an international airport, and a "stable and business-friendly environment."

Of course, that means cities will need to offer incentives to the company for it to move there.

"Incentives offered by the state/province and local communities to offset initial capital outlay and ongoing operational costs will be significant factors in the decision-making process," the company said.

We've found over 50 cities whose officials have said they are looking into or preparing to submit a proposal to Amazon. Bids are due October 19.

SEE ALSO: Walmart says these will be the 25 toys every kid wants this holiday

Chicago, Illinois

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has already spoken to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos about the possibility of opening a headquarters in the city. Several other corporations — including McDonald's, Kraft Heinz, and Conagra Brands — have recently planned to move their base from the suburbs to this Midwestern hub.



Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement that city and regional nonprofits and development agencies were working on a proposal for an Amazon headquarters in the Twin Cities.



Toronto, Ontario

Mayor John Tory called the race for the Amazon headquarters "the Olympics of bidding."

"We should be bidding for this and be very, very competitive, and I'm in the midst of talking to the other governments to make sure that's what we do," he said Thursday, according to The Toronto Star.



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The CEO of the world's largest architecture firm reveals her favorite buildings of all time

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Gratz_01 Gensler

As the world's largest architecture firm, Gensler has been the guiding hand behind tens of thousands of masterplans and buildings — including New York City's JFK Airport and Facebook's London headquarters — since its founding in the 1960s.

Around the world, the company has more than 2,500 architects working on design projects, including a $600 million redevelopment of Chicago's oldest post office.

In an interview with Business Insider, Gensler co-CEO Diane Hoskins shared three of her favorite pieces of architecture of all time — two of which happen to be Gensler buildings.

Check them out below. 

SEE ALSO: Legendary architect Zaha Hadid changed architecture forever with these stunning designs

Hoskins said she loves how the Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania "defies logic," allowing plenty of fresh air in — even though it's 32 stories tall.



Completed in 2015 and designed by Gensler, the building features a chimney-like system that invites air in through small panels in the facade, while maintaining insulation to keep energy costs low.

The tower serves as PNC's headquarters.



Hoskins adds that the fresh air has proved beneficial for some employees, who have told her it helps them feel more alert and productive.



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The best hammocks you can buy for rest and relaxation

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

hammock 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • A good hammock provides comfort anywhere you can find a couple of stout trees or fence posts, a wall that supports mounted hooks, or a dedicated hammock stand. The WildHorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock is our top choice because it's great for a midday break or even a restful night of slumber.

The word "hammock" comes the Spanish term "hamaca," which itself was co-opted from the pre-Columbian Arawakan group of languages shared by many cultures native to South and Central America. Hammocks had been common among people living in the Americas for hundreds of years before the first Europeans arrived in the late 15th Century, but were essentially unknown throughout the rest of the world. All that changed quickly, of course, because hammocks rock. 

Within a few short decades following the first "New World" contact, navies and merchant fleets around the globe were using hammocks as sleeping quarters for sailors at sea. Hammocks were soon adopted as leisure items for the wealthy and used as cheap, convenient bedding for the frontiersman, farmer, or itinerant.

In the modern era, hammocks can be seen swinging in backyards, campsites, frat houses, and teenagers' bedrooms. They are prized for the comfort they offer when unfurled and for how well they fold up for transport and storage when the R&R session is over.

How to choose the right hammock for you

If you're looking for a hammock, before you choose which one you'll buy, first consider the classic questions of Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

First, who is looking for a hammock? Why, you are! If you'll be sharing this hammock, or lending it out, then you need to think about the other people who might also use it. Some hammocks can accommodate many hundreds of pounds, while some are rated and sized for the single user.

Next, what are you hoping to buy? A hammock! Got it. Moving on.

When will you use your new hammock? This issue is a bit more nuanced than you might think. Sure, saying "I'll probably use it on Saturday afternoons" might be the right answer, but you should also consider the season (temperature and insects can be factors in choosing) and if you will be using the hammock overnight.

Where is a big question here: Will you use your hammock while camping in the wilderness, or only on the patio beside the pool? Is it going to be hung in the basement playroom or in a bedroom? Will you want to set up and take down the hammock frequently and in various locations, or leave it as a semi-permanent installation?

As to why you should get a hammock ... well, have you ever been in one? Then you know all about it.

And finally, how will you use your hammock? As a bed when you're camping far afield? As a spot to read or relax at the end of the day? For tanning in the summer sun?

All of the hammocks on our list share a couple of characteristics, in that they hang from two fixed points and support a person or two. But that doesn't mean comparing various types of hammock can't become an apples to oranges situation. So think through where you will use your hammock, how you will set it up, who might be sharing or borrowing it, and so forth, then get yourself a great hammock and enjoy.

Although the WildHorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock is our top pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below you should also consider the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock, the G4Free Foldable Hammock with Mosquito Net, the Hammock Source Pawleys Island Rope Hammock, and the Newdora Parachute Cloth Ultralight Hammock.

SEE ALSO: The best beach chairs you can buy

The best hammock overall

Why you'll love it: The Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock measures 11-feet long, so you can achieve an almost flat sleeping position when spread out on a diagonal. 

Most hammocks feel great when you first climb in. Your body feels almost weightless as you ease yourself into a gentle curve and rock back and forth in the breeze. But should you want to shift out of that initial position of supine repose, you’re basically out of luck. That's because many hammocks are only comfortable enjoyed on your back and in near total stillness.

With the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock, you have the room and the support you need to shift positions and move about as you search for that ideal arrangement of your body's various parts. The 11-foot span of the Outpost allows you to stretch out fully with room to spare and creates a nearly flat space when you lie in it diagonally, provided you were able to secure the ends of the hammock tautly and far enough apart.

At one pound, ten ounces, this isn't the lightest parachute nylon hammock ever made, but it's still light and compact enough for use on overland treks or during climbs. The generous size and comfort of the hammock more than make up for those few extra ounces. Speaking of ounces, the hammock is tested to support up to 1,000 pounds, though its safety rated at a maximum of 400 pounds.

The Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock has a winning 4.7-star rating on Amazon. Many users praise the ease and speed of its setup thanks to the cinch buckle system. An owner named Nikki said it "takes two minutes or less to set up." A customer named Holt said he was "super pleased with the quality of the product."

A gear reviewer with All Camping Stuff said he got the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock "fully set up in a matter of seconds," while a video reviewer with SHEFF loved how the Outpost let him "stretch out" and how the strap system allowed for easy adjustability during the hanging process.

Pros: Long hammock for ideal sleeping comfort, easy to set up and adjust strap system, high-quality materials

Cons: Slightly bulky when packed, not made with ripstop fabric

Buy the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost Hammock on Amazon for $50



The best hammock for use anywhere

Why you'll love it: Thanks to the included stand, you can set up the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock anywhere, no trees required.

As the name suggests, the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock is made from soft, woven cotton. You sink into the material, enjoying comfort and support ideal for an afternoon nap, a break from the yard work, or while disappearing into the pages of a great book. Add a blanket, and this hammock will even keep you warm and cozy in colder weather, though it's a good choice for summertime, too, as the breeze drifts over your stretched-out body.

But the best thing about this hammock is arguably not the hammock itself, but the fact that it comes with a modular steel stand. The stand can be assembled (or disassembled) in a matter of minutes, and both the stand segments and the hammock tuck away into a carrying case.

That means you can set up this Best Choice Products hammock in the yard, on the porch, at a campsite, at a tailgating party, or anywhere else you want, no trees, fence posts, or wall anchors required. As the stand is resin-coated to be weather resistant, you can also set it up in a permanent location.

Oh, and you'll also probably like the multiple color and pattern options available and the fact that the whole package costs only a little more than sixty bucks.

With well over a thousand reviews logged on Amazon, the hammock enjoys a 4.3-star rating. An owner named Tyler speaks for many when he says: "I love how easy the stand was to assemble." Another customer noted the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock's 450-pound weight limit, calling it "sturdy enough for you and a friend."

If you prefer to take it from the experts, then trust Momma's Little Reviews when a writer there says this hammock was a "fantastic addition" and that required "very little assembly" and that she "can easily move it around [the] yard."

Pros: Sets up anywhere, lightweight hammock and stand, all season comfort

Cons: Not actually large enough for two adults, prone to tipping over with vigorous swinging

Buy the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock on Amazon for $63



The best hammock for insect protection

Why you'll love it: The G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net creates a safe, insect-free shelter, keeping you protected from the nuisance and the real dangers of bug bites.

Bug bites and bee stings are way up near the top of the list of things that are no fun. While most insect bites are merely annoying, causing an itch or a bit of pain, mosquito-borne illnesses like the Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria, and more can be deadly serious issues.

Whether you're traveling to an area known for endemic insect-born diseases or you're just really tired of having flies buzz around you and ants crawl over you while you try to relax, the G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net is a great solution.

The hammock itself is made from smooth, supportive parachute-style nylon and can generously accommodate a single adult user. Two hoop-shaped wire frames hold the insect netting up and out of the way, creating a large interior area in which you can sit up and move about without constantly touching the mesh. The netting can also be detached and moved out of the way when not needed.

The materials used to construct the hammock, mesh, and the supporting ropes are all mildew and rot resistant, making this insect shelter hammock a great choice for use in jungles, on beaches, and in varied tropical locations. Your back might protest after multiple nights of sleeping in it, though, as it does dip noticeably when in use.

The G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net has an average rating of 4.2 stars out of five on Amazon, with customers leaving comments about how "surprisingly easy to set up" the unit is and how lightweight yet sturdy the hammock proved to be.

A writer with Outsider Pursuits called the G4Free hammock "versatile" and able to "keep out the smallest bugs, including no-see-ums and midges." In a write-up on the G4Free, the reviewer from All Around Camping appreciated that it offered "enough room to comfortably stretch out."

Pros: Protects user against insects, versatile design, low price point

Cons: Not comfortable enough for multi-day use, netting rips easily

Buy the G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net on Amazon for $31.99 (originally $59.99)



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I interview 100,000 people a year, and there are 6 questions that make job candidates stick in my mind

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job interview

“Do you have any questions for us?”

You’ll be asked it in almost any interview. And while you may be tempted to sit back and relax during this portion—while the recruiter’s put in the hot seat—that’s not actually in your best interest.

Why? Because this is your final chance to make an awesome impression.

My team and I interview around 100,000 people a year so, as you can imagine, we always take notice when someone asks a question besides “What’s a typical day like?” or “When will I hear back from you?”

In fact, you shouldn’t be afraid to grill hiring managers during this portion of the conversation. Chances are, they're hoping you will.

To help get you started, here are some of the super-smart questions I’ve been asked during actual interviews by real-life candidates–and the reasons they got my attention.

SEE ALSO: I'm a tech recruiter — here's my best strategy to be memorable to everyone you meet

1. “Why does this role matter to the growth of the company?”

Talk about putting the ball back in my court! This question showed me the candidate was interested in more than just what I thought of him then and there, in the interview. She wanted to make an impact beyond her own role or team and get a feel for how she’d fit into the future plans of the business.

And, from a candidate perspective, it’s a great way to help you see whether the role you’ve applied for will be a high or low-profile position. It also gives you an indication of what’s expected of the person who fills that role.



2. “Could I meet some of the people I’d be working with?”

I’ve been asked this a few times—especially more recently—and it’s a great question. (And one that we always try to accommodate.) It shows me the candidate understands the importance of cultural fit and team dynamics and that it matters to them. This is clearly not a person who wants to come to work, sit down at their desk every day, and work in a solitary bubble with their headphones on.

Plus, if you want to get a sense of whether you’ll enjoy being around the people you could be working with every day, this is the question you should ask. 



3. “Why has the person in this role decided to leave?” / “Who had this role before?”

This can be a very revealing question! Why is the position you’ve applied for available? Is it because the previous person has been promoted or moved to a different team? Both of which would suggest that this job would set you up for progression.

Or, did the person leave to join another company? Or because they didn’t meet expectations? If the recruiter hesitates or becomes evasive, that could tell you everything you need to know! Equally, stay alert and if you sense it’s time to move the conversation on, gently change the subject to something else or ask a new question that’s easier to answer. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

One of New York's most prestigious power-lunch spots will reportedly close on New Year's Eve — here's what it's like to eat there

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le cirque 2300

This week, The New York Times reported that Le Cirque, one of New York's most storied power-lunching spots, will be officially closing after dinner on New Year's Eve. Tucked inside the Bloomberg Tower at 58th Street and Lexington Avenue, Le Cirque is one of New York City's most famous restaurants. The restaurant, established in 1974 by Sirio Maccioni, has been a staple of the New York dining scene since its inception. 

Trouble has been brewing over the last few years — including the filing of several class-action and sexual-harassment lawsuits— and earlier this year, Le Cirque and its sister restaurant, Circo, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

In September, President Trump hosted a GOP fundraising dinner at Le Cirque. In response, angry reviewers flooded the restaurant's Yelp page, including one commenter who said that Le Cirque was "aiding and abetting fascists and white supremacists." A Yelp account under the username Maccioni replied: "Remove this social media nazi white supremacist who incites hate and violence against hard working immigrant restaurant workers."  

While high rent is reportedly the main reason for the restaurant's closing, the Maccionis are currently looking for a smaller space closer to Madison Avenue for a new location.

A spokesperson for the restaurant did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment on plans for Le Cirque.

Le Cirque is known for inventing spaghetti primavera, but it's been the launching pad for multiple famous chefs, including Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, and Terrance Brennan. A mixture of style, wonderful food, and famous clientele have given Le Cirque its place in New York City's fine-dining history.

In March 2016, we shadowed Mario Wainer, who's been the maître d’ and manager of Le Cirque for more than 25 years. He's helped seat a list of famous guests that includes Beyonce and Jay Z, members of The Rolling Stones, former US presidents, and even the pope. His work is like a song and dance between the waitstaff and the guests — he greets regular diners like he would an old friend, and sees that everything is running smoothly. 

We followed Wainer on a typical Tuesday during Le Cirque's lunch hours, and learned how the power lunch has changed in his time there.

SEE ALSO: Take a look inside The Grill, the luxurious, revamped version of the NYC restaurant that invented the power lunch

The restaurant sits inside the Bloomberg Tower in Midtown Manhattan. Many Bloomberg reporters, including food critic Peter Elliot, hop over to Le Cirque for lunch.



Le Cirque's front dining room seats about 120 people.



There's also the Le Cirque Cafe, which has full service at night, although some lunchtime regulars choose to eat their meals at the bar.



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25 things every Midwesterner knows to be true

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University of Iowa Fans

The INSIDER Summary:

  • There are many foods, sayings, weather patterns, and hobbies that are only found in the Midwest.
  • We've gathered up some of the things that only Midwesterners can appreciate.
  • Examples include tornado warnings, steakburgers from Steak 'n Shake, cornhole, spending summers at the lake, and Big Ten team allegiances.


The Midwest is a unique place.

It's home to some great vacation spots, and you'll even find towns in the region that look like they're straight out of Europe.

You'll also find plenty of delicious food, and come across some words and phrases you won't hear elsewhere.

Keep scrolling to see some of the quirks only true Midwesterners can love and appreciate.

1. It's pop, not soda.

Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper — those are all brands of pop, not soda. According to the New York Times, there are places in the Midwest where 75% of people say pop instead of soda.

Many people say that the name pop comes from the noise a fizzy drink makes when you remove its cork.



2. There's more to Midwestern states than cornfields.

The Midwest gets a bad rap. Those who aren't from there often think of the region as nothing more than cornfields.

And while there are lots of those, there are also plenty of exciting attractions. For example, the Midwest is home to Chicago, the third-biggest city in the US. Michigan is full of quaint beach towns, and Indiana boasts beautiful sand dunes. Ohio has Cedar Point, a huge amusement park that's the second oldest in the country, while Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for its many breweries.



3. We take our Big Ten teams seriously.

Although not every school that's in the Big Ten is in the Midwest, the majority of the schools are, and chances are if you went to one of them, your allegiance to at least one of the school's sports teams is pretty strong.

That means you still go to games as an alum, you still tailgate, and you always have a good stockpile of spirit-wear in your closet.



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A $140 million prototype of a Mars colony is being planned for a desert near Dubai —here's what it looks like

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mars city

What might it be like to live on Mars?

Bjarke Ingels Group — the architects behind the designs for Two World Trade Center in Manhattan and the Hyperloop One— has an idea.

The firm is designing a city in the desert of the United Arab Emirates meant to simulate a Mars colony. The $140 million development near Dubai is slated to be "a viable and realistic model to simulate living on the surface of Mars,"according to the local government.

The design for the Mars Science City, as it's called, spans 1.9 million square feet — which would make it the largest of its kind in the world. The plan calls for a team of astronauts to spend a year living in the simulated city after it's completed. However, there's no timeline for construction yet.

Check out the plans below.

SEE ALSO: Ikea has debuted an indoor farm that grows greens 3 times as fast as in a garden

A team of Emirati scientists and engineers from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre plan to conduct research about colonizing the red planet at the Mars Science City.

Source: The Government of Dubai



The city is expected to include a giant greenhouse to test agricultural techniques, as well as laboratories designed to explore how to store food, generate energy, and get water.



The greenhouse plan calls for the use of an agricultural technique called vertical farming. Instead of natural sunlight, crops would grow under LEDs on stacked trays in a climate-controlled environment.



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On National Taco Day, I like to remember the best possible way to eat them

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Taco Truck

I love tacos, but I'm also a horrible taco snob. I only like mine served off a truck in a parking lot in Los Angeles. I want them to be small, tasty, and very, very cheap. 

Wednesday, October 4 is National Taco Day, which means that this humble food will be feted far and wide. But I don't care. I only like to eat them one way, in one place.

I spent the better part of a decade eating off taco trucks in LA, and in 2007, I found MY truck: Tacos La Estrella, always parked at a gas station on Colorado Boulevard in LA's Eagle Rock neighborhood, northeast of Downtown.

Then I moved back to New York.

"You will never have good tacos again," people warned me, ominously.

Yes, when I lived in NYC a decade earlier, it was a Mexican-food wasteland. But surely, with the whole food-truck revolution, that had changed?

Nope. Every purported "taco" truck I tried was a massive fail. Tacos too big. Tacos too busy (Lettuce? Shredded cheese? Sloshings of guacamole?). Tacos uncheap. A great taco is less than $2. Period. It's usually significantly less.

Every purveyor I tried — and I got away from the trucks after a while — botched the job. New York taco-makers seemed to think that a simple little piece of street food, made from unwanted cuts of meat and rendered delicious through ingenuity and an obsession with freshness, had to be improved. More meat. Fancier preparations. Ungodly sauces.

Great tacos are an art form, every bit as exacting in the details as great sushi, but at a much, much lower price. They are street art. And this art was long ago perfected in Southern California. It should be copied, not modified.

Thankfully, after a year and a half of suffering, I got back to California for the Los Angeles auto show. I went straight to the parking lot, fingers crossed that my beloved truck would be there.

It was:

SEE ALSO: Here's where to get the best deals on National Taco Day

It was a gorgeous, sunny day in Eagle Rock.



I headed for the gas station where I used to get my cars smog-checked.



OK, I wasn't getting this car smogged. It was a $400,000 McLaren 675LT supercar that I borrowed for a few days. But what's that in the background?

Here's the review of the car.



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The 25 highest-paid players in the NHL

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Patrick Kane

The NHL is still in a bit of a transition when it comes to how much money their top players are making. 

Prior to the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), teams took advantage of a loophole that allowed players to be paid more than they normally would under the salary cap. That loophole led to some skewed salaries and has since been corrected.

Still, several of the NHL's highest-paid players are playing on deals made under the old rules.

This year's list of the NHL's highest-paid players includes 11 centers, eight wingers, five defensemen, and just one goaltender.

Here are the 25 players who will make at least $8.5 million this season, with data provided by Spotrac.

25. Patrick Marleau — $8,500,000

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Position: Left Wing

All-Star games: 3 in 19 seasons

Contract: 3 years, $18.75 million

One thing to know: After Marleau spent 18 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, the 38 year old gives Austin Matthews a veteran left winger. While the Leafs did not have to go overboard to get a veteran wing, they did have to commit to three seasons. The good news is the Leafs are only on the hook for $4.3 million in the final season, although his cap hit will still be a little higher at $6.3 million.



24. Patrice Bergeron — $8,750,000

Team: Boston Bruins

Position: Center

All-Star games: 2 in 13 seasons

Contract: 8 years, $55 million

One thing to knowBergeron's 8-year, $55 million contract extension, signed in 2013, means the center will likely play his entire career with the Bruins as he is signed through his age-36 season.



t15. Ryan O'Reilly — $9,000,000

Team: Buffalo Sabres

Position: Center

All-Star games: 1 in 8 seasons

Contract: 7 years, $52.5 million

One thing to knowJust 26 years old, O'Reilly is already entering his 9th NHL season and is already in the second year of his 7-year, $52.5 million extension he signed in 2015. He made $11 million in the first year of that deal, but that will fall to $6 million for each of the final four seasons.



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Here are the 'Frozen' toys every kid is going to want during the holidays

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olaf frozen adventure toys

If you thought you were free of "Frozen," think again.

A new 21-minute short, "Olaf's Frozen Adventure," will be playing in theaters in front of Pixar's next movie "Coco" in November. Olaf (Josh Gad), Anna (Kristen Bell), and Elsa (Idina Menzel) will all be back as they celebrate their first holiday in Arendelle. 

They'll be back with new dresses and four new songs, which will be featured in a bunch of new toys be out this fall. If the short is anything near as popular as the 2013 movie, then we could have another Frozen frenzy on our hands for dolls and dresses this holiday season.

Keep reading to see the new "Frozen" toys kids are going to want after they see the new short.

A musical Elsa doll which sings one of the short's new songs.

Price: $24.99
Recommended age: 3+

You can find Hasbro's musical Elsa doll here.



Younger versions of Anna and Elsa will be available to buy separately from Disney.

Price: $19.99
Recommended age: 3+

The dolls aren't online yet. They will be at most retailers. We'll provide links when they're available.



If you want the two dolls together, the Disney store is selling the pair in their new winter outfits.

Price: $34.95
Recommended age: 3+

You can find the Anna and Elsa classic doll set here.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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