Quantcast
Channel: Features
Viewing all 61683 articles
Browse latest View live

I revisited my 23andMe results that can now tell if you're at an increased risk of diseases — here's what I learned

0
0

Helix DNA 6

Back in 2015, I decided to send my spit to 23andMe, the personal genetics company that sells direct-to-consumer tests.

The test gave me information on everything from how much DNA I share with our Neanderthal ancestors, to how much caffeine I likely consume, to whether or not I might have a unibrow. It also let me know if I'm carrying certain genetic variations related to diseases that could be passed on to kids.

In April, the FDA told 23andMe it could start providing genetic health risk reports, which reveal whether you have an increased risk of developing certain diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. That version of the test is $199, while the ancestry test alone is $99

Here's what the new version is like:

SEE ALSO: Patient groups have a message for anyone thinking of taking 23andMe's new test

NEXT: I shipped my spit to a genetics company to have it tested, 23andMe style — here's what I found out

I first received my 23andMe test in 2015. Because I had already submitted my sample, I didn't have to repeat the process to get my genetic health risks reports in April 2017.



That meant I didn't have to re-submit a sample of my saliva, which was convenient. Spitting into the tube had taken me about 5 minutes the first time around.



Before I shipped my spit, I registered online. I also got to decide if I wanted to have my DNA used to research treatments for diseases. In the spirit of science, I decided to consent and sign the form.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 moments that inspired us to be better in 2017 — and years to come

0
0

Harvey volunteers

  • People did some remarkable and inspiring things in 2017. 
  • Some donated their time and money, while others spread compassion. 
  • These acts of kindness and inclusivity will make you appreciate 2017, and inspire your goals for next year. 

A new year brings a chance to start fresh and make big, bold changes. Although 2017 had some low points, various acts of kindness, inclusivity, and inspiration made the year better overall.

From uniting in times of crisis to sharing priceless life advice, here are 11 moments from this year that inspired people to do great (and be great) in 2017, and the upcoming year. 

A 5-year-old started a lemonade stand to raise money for people impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

In September, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas, displacing people from their homes and putting the city under four-feet of water.

After the storm subsided, people across the country did what the could to help. Jett, a 5-year-old Houston native currently living in Philadelphia, set up a lemonade stand. ABC News reported that Jett sold sweet tea and lemonade for 50¢ a cup— all while wearing a Superman cape. He donated the proceeds to people in his home town affected by Harvey. 

 



A Florida high school student started a club, so no one sits alone at lunch.

Denis Estimon and three other students from Boca Raton High School in Florida wanted to make lunch fun and social again.

The students created We Dine Together, a club where members roam the campus and socialize with students who are eating alone. Estimon came to the US from Haiti, and told the CBS Evening News that his personal experience eating alone motivated him to start We Dine Together. 

"No kid should eat alone," he told the Sun Sentinel. "There are so many problems in this world and the only thing that can solve it is relationships."

 



Beauty pageant contestants used the stage to talk about women's rights.

The 2018 Miss Peru contestants used their platform to discuss an important issue — women's rights.

Instead of giving their body measurements, the contestants shared facts about gender-based violence. The entire event, held in October of this year, was dedicated to raising awareness on this subject and reminding viewers of the harsh reality of this issue. 

"Everyone who does not denounce and everyone who does not do something to stop this is an accomplice," Jessica Newton, the pageant's organizer and a former beauty queen, told BuzzFeed.

The fact that these women and event organizers used their platform to help others is more inspiring than anyone's looks or measurements. 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What the Victoria's Secret Angels look like without a lick of makeup

0
0

victoria's secret fashion show 2017 angels

The Victoria's Secret Angels are an elite group of models chosen to strut their wings down the catwalk of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. They may be known for their impeccable style and makeup — but a look at their makeup-free selfies prove they're just as gorgeous without the work of their glam squads.

While there's no doubt that all of them are naturally stunning, we can't exactly guarantee that these  no-makeup photos don't include a flattering filter or two — at least, that's what we're telling ourselves to keep our self-esteem levels in check.

Here's what the 14 Victoria's Secret Angels look like without makeup.

Adriana Lima

Adriana Lima has been with Victoria's Secret since 1999, making her the top veteran Angel.



Alessandra Ambrosio

This year's runway show was the 36-year-old's last as a Victoria's Secret Angel after walking in over 10 shows.



Jasmine Tookes

Jasmine Tookes has developed a large social media following since becoming an Angel in 2015.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 genocides that are still going on today

0
0

Bosnian war coffins

After a grueling, five-year trial, Ratko Mladić, the general of the Bosnian Serb Army during the Bosnian civil war in the '90s, was convicted of war crimes including genocide on Wednesday by a United Nations court at The Hague.

He was sentenced to life in prison. 

He was also found responsible for the 1995 massacre of over 8,000 Muslim Bosniak men and boys in Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is considered the worst atrocity committed in Europe since World War II. Many victims of the massacre are still being identified to this day.

Even though Mladić is one of the most high-profile perpetrators of genocide convicted in recent years, genocides are by no means a thing of the past.

Here are five genocides going on right now around the world:

SEE ALSO: The US has taken a backseat on preventing genocide since well before Trump became president

The Rohingya in Myanmar

Perhaps the most high-profile genocide of recent years is that of the Rohingya, who live in Rakhine state in northwestern Myanmar.

Unlike the majority of the Buddhist country, the Rohingya are Muslim, and have long suffered as second-class citizens in Myanmar because most people in the country believe they are illegal immigrants and "terrorists" from Bangladesh.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson officially declared the Rohingya crisis a case of ethnic cleansing on Wednesday. So far, up to 3,000 people have been killed in Myanmar, and at least 270,000 have been displaced.



The Nuer and other ethnic groups in South Sudan

South Sudan became the world's newest country in 2011, but since 2013, the country has been mired in a brutal civil war.

Throughout the multifaceted conflict, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, a member of the Dinka ethnic group, has been using his army to wage a campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Dinka's main rival ethnic group, the Nuer, as well as other smaller local groups. The Nuer have taken part in ethnic cleansing against the Dinka as well.

The UK has branded these targeted killings and rapes as genocide. Although the Dinka-Nuer conflict has taken center stage in South Sudan, many smaller ethnic groups have also been implicated in the dizzying array of ethnic violence in the country.



Christians and Yazidis in Iraq and Syria

As the terrorist group ISIS carved its caliphate out of war-torn Syria and Iraq in 2014 and 2015, it extended its reach over various non-Muslim communities and ethnic groups, including Yazidis and Shiites Iraq, as well as Assyrian Christians living in both Syria and Iraq.

In brutal, genocidal campaigns in both countries, ISIS sought to systematically exterminate Yazidis, Shiites, and Christians and destroy their villages. They also carried out mass rapes in these communities. Although numbers remain hazy, thousands of people have been killed in these related genocides.

As of this week, ISIS has officially been defeated territorially, but the effects of their genocides continue to wreak havoc on people in the region. Khider Domle, Yazidi researcher based in Dohuk, Iraq, says the secondary effects of the genocide are still very present in Yazidi communities in Iraq.

"Our psychological, social and religious identity has been destroyed," Domle told Al Jazeera. "People are living all over the place, and they don't know what the future is. There have been no initiatives from the Iraqi government to help the displaced people return back to Sinjar; no national reconciliation process; no attempt to rebuild ruined infrastructure."

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What 5 Miss Universe contestants look like without makeup on

0
0

sofia del prado

The 66th Miss Universe pageant will air on Sunday and features 93 women competing for the crown.

The pageant shows the ladies in glamorous gowns and more. But ahead of the event, five of the women participated in a "no-makeup" photo shoot at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas for a more natural look

Fans can watch them in their full pageant glory live on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on Fox.

But right now, see the makeup-free photos below. 

Sofia del Prado, 22, is Miss Spain.



She wants to work with the Red Cross to help with the refugee crisis if she wins the crown.



Prissila Howard is a 26-year-old and she represents Peru.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

See how members of the US military celebrate Thanksgiving in warzones

0
0

US Army thanksgiving Afghanistan

For America's troops, being deployed to a warzone is no excuse for missing out on Thanksgiving celebrations.

Even when stationed in far off countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, America's military service members still get their turkey and stuffing. Soldiers take the day to relax, enjoy some food, and play football.

For troops in Afghanistan, Thanksgiving dinner has been in the works for months. Food, as well as sparkling grape juice, is ordered and shipped up to four months in advance.

Check out these photos of members of the US military celebrating one of America's biggest holidays while deployed around the world:

SEE ALSO: From glowing orbs to putting 'America first' with world leaders: Here are the most memorable photos from Trump's wild first year in office

Despite being deployed to warzones, large military bases will usually hold a Thanksgiving feast for the soldiers, such as this one in Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2011.



Military personnel and civilian contractors are all treated to Thanksgiving buffets made by fellow servicemen.



Military bases are decorated to look more festive for the holiday, like this display at ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How a North Korean soldier crashed a vehicle, got shot 5 times, and dashed across the border to South Korea

0
0

KPA defector 7

The American-led United Nations Command has released the much-anticipated footage of the defection of a Korean People's Army (KPA) soldier.

The soldier made his move around 3 p.m. local time on November 13.

The footage shows how the soldier drove at high speed to the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, crashed his vehicle, sprinted across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) underfire, and was rescued by South Korean Army personnel after being shot at least four or five times.

The footage also shows the exact moment a KPA soldier violated the six-decade old armistice agreement that has temporarily halted open hostilities between the North and the South.

See the important moments here:

SEE ALSO: China is flying bombers and spy planes near Japan and telling Japan to 'not make a fuss' about it

The video begins with the KPA soldier driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed towards a bridge.



The vehicle passes a KPA checkpoint and drives over the bridge.



The vehicle passes the Kim Il Sung signature monument, which is where North Korean tours of the JSA begin.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This 26-year-old CEO used her own interior design app to redo her entire home in just one week — see the before-and-after photos

0
0

DW 12 02 17 150 DW

  • Beatrice Fischel-Bock, founder and CEO of the interior design startup Hutch, recently used her own app to redesign her home.
  • The redesign took only one week. 
  • Fischel-Bock was recently featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, in the Retail and Ecommerce category.

 

Beatrice Fischel-Bock, 26, who runs the interior design startup Hutch, knew it was time to give her own home a new look. She lives in a Spanish-style bungalow in West Hollywood, and she was ready to "adultify" it. 

"I moved into this house in September 2015. It had so much character and was perfect for what I was looking for. I really wanted a place that had some integrity, and especially a place that was very California," she said in a press release.

To create a more adult apartment, Fischel-Bock used her own company's app to get the job done in just one week. The 3D designer tool in the Hutch app allows users to visualize how furniture can be placed and what it will look like in the space.

Below, take a look at how Fischel-Bock's charming home turned out. 

SEE ALSO: Women are dropping $2,350 and waiting on an 8,000-person list to join an exclusive no-men-allowed club that just raised $32 million from investors like WeWork

Fischel-Bock began the redesign process in the bedroom, which was mostly white before.



With the redesign, she aimed to create a more feminine, elevated, and relaxed feeling in the bedroom.



Without much color, the room felt barren before.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A new National Geographic series shows warring lion clans up close — here are stunning images captured by the crew

0
0

national geographic savage kingdom

National Geographic is doing what it does best this Thanksgiving weekend: Stoking your wanderlust with stunning footage of the natural world.

The second installment of its "Savage Kingdom," series features warring lion clans struggling for survival in a remote region of Botswana.

The series, narrated by "Game of Thrones" actor Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister), follows the lions — and their leopard and hyena counterparts — as vicious yet relatable characters. It takes a dramatic look at the lengths the animals go to ensure their clan's survival during the region's long dry season.

In a video on National Geographic's website, filmmaker Andrea Crawford discussed the challenges of filming "in the bush" for over two years to get footage of the series' central characters.

"You've got to have a love for the bush, for being out there. You've got to not be too attached to the comforts normal people take for granted," she said. "But also, once you're out there, you see how beautiful it is waking up in the bush, seeing those sights and smelling those smells. It really does become — very much — a way of life." 

"Savage Kingdom: Uprising" premieres on Friday, November 24 at 9 p.m. on Nat Geo WILD. 

Take a look at some remarkable images from the show: 

SEE ALSO: At least 40% of the world's power will come from renewable sources by 2040 — here are the companies leading the charge

Young, curious lion cubs enjoy climbing trees. In this image, a cub from the Northern Pride holds on to a branch, perched in this prime spot.



A large bull elephant throws sand up towards his ears to cool himself off. Elephants have hundreds of small blood vessels at the back of their ears, so keeping those blood vessels cool helps them keep their overall temperature down.



The King of the Marsh Pride, Sekekama, sits alongside his brother as they watch large storm clouds approach.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Photos show how cities across the US celebrate Thanksgiving

0
0

23783667_10156856159854167_5580665682466529608_o

Millions of people are flooding New York City's streets today for the 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Around fifty million more are expected to watch it on TV.

NYC's parade centers around huge floating character balloons, with this year including Olaf from "Frozen" and the Grinch. There are also dozens of new floats, many of which serve as moving advertisements for brands ranging from Sour Patch Kids to Delta Air Lines.

Other cities have their own parade traditions, from performers in 17th century-style costumes in Plymouth, Massachusetts to "Star Wars" costumes in Los Angeles.

Take a look at how seven urban centers across the United States celebrate Thanksgiving.

SEE ALSO: The most Googled Thanksgiving recipe in every state

Every Thanksgiving, Los Angeles, California celebrates its Hollywood Christmas Parade on a red carpet.



In 2016, performers dressed as Stormtroopers and Imperial Shadow Guides to promote "Star Wars: Rogue One."



The event starts at 5pm, so the sky is dark for much of the parade.

Source: The Hollywood Christmas Parade



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I sent my spit to AncestryDNA and found out that my family history is more complex than I thought

0
0

hello

I have to admit: I've become a genetics geek. Ever since I sent my first saliva sample to be analyzed by consumer-genetics company 23andMe, I've become obsessed with what I can find out from a sample of my DNA.

After trying out 23andMe's $199 test, I wanted to see how one of its competitors' tests stacked up.

For $99, AncestryDNA will sequence your genes to help trace your geographic roots. It doesn't provide health and wellness information, although Ancestry launched a program aimed at tracking family-health history called AncestryHealth. The company also recently teamed up with Alphabet's biotechnology company, Calico, to study the genetics of the human lifespan. 

Here's what it was like to use AncestryDNA:

RELATED: I tried 23andMe's new genetics test — and now I know why the company caused such a stir

SEE ALSO: The 7 best science-backed fitness apps

Shortly after I ordered it online, my AncestryDNA kit arrived in the mail in a small box the size of a hardcover book.

Learn more here.



Opening it up, I found a collection tube (and a bag to seal it in once I was done), a set of instructions, and a smaller box to send it all back in.



No stranger to collection tubes, I wasn't quite looking forward to spitting up to the top of the line on this tube. As I learned previously, generating enough spit for the collection process (which helps ensure the company has enough DNA to run it a second time in case of errors) can be hard work.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best smart speaker you can buy: Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Apple HomePod

0
0

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.

echo 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, smart speakers can answer any question, control your smart home, play games, and so much more. The best smart speaker is the new Amazon Echo with its 15,000+ skills, ability to buy items on Amazon, support for dozens of smart home devices, and stellar audio quality. It's $20 off for Black Friday.

  • On Black Friday, many of the smart speakers we recommend are on sale, so we've included the sales prices in this guide.

Amazon's Echo was the very first smart speaker on the scene with artificial intelligence, and it still dominates the field. Since its launch, Amazon has grown the Echo lineup to include the new Echo, the cheaper Echo Dot, the touchscreen-enabled Echo Show, the upcoming fashion-forward Echo Look, the Echo Plus, and the upcoming Echo Spot.

However, Amazon is no longer alone in the smart speaker space. Google entered the fray last year with the Google Home smart speaker and it now has the Home Mini and the upcoming Home Max. Its smart Assistant now rivals Alexa for power. Apple is also about to get into the AI smart speaker space with its HomePod and you can bet your life that Samsung is looking into making its own smart speaker sooner or later with its Bixby voice assistant.

So which one is best for you and do you even need a smart speaker with artificial intelligence? We've tested the main smart speakers and done a lot of research on each of the main players in this space to bring you the answer to both of those questions. Before we get into the battle royale between Amazon's Echo lineup and the Google Home, let's go over the basics of what's going on in the smart speaker space and why you might want one in your home.

The best Black Friday deals on our favorite smart speakers

What can a smart speaker with artificial intelligence do?

Smart speakers can do a number of different things, including answer questions, control smart home devices, set alarms, play music, and more. Each speaker has different strengths and weaknesses, but companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple are working hard to fill the gaps and make these speakers even smarter. 

Perhaps the best thing about having a smart speaker is that it frees up your hands and gets you away from your smartphone. You can ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri what the temperature is before you run out the door or ask if you need an umbrella. The voice assistants can also read you recipe instructions or set timers when your hands are occupied in the kitchen. They can play you soothing music after a long day or set the mood during a date. If you have smart home devices, you can control them with your voice instead of having to get out of bed or off the couch to turn your lights on and off. 

Smart speakers are also fun for parties and kids, because they can answer trivia questions and even play games. If you have an inquisitive child at home or you like to win arguments, you can just ask your voice assistant a question and get the answer immediately without typing a word or opening an app. Once you've used one, you won't want to be without it.

What services and smart home devices work with the Amazon Echo and Google Home?

Feature sets vary based on the speaker and you should take into account which compatible devices and services you already own or subscribe to before you pick one or the other. Amazon's Alexa has many more skills, compatible products, and compatible apps and services than the Google Home. It's undoubtedly more fully featured, and Google Home is playing catch up. Here's a breakdown of which services and products work with the Amazon Echo and Google Home:

The new Amazon Echo,Echo Dot,Echo ShowEcho Plus, and Echo Spot

amazon echo dot

  • Smart home devices: Phillips Hue, Ring, Schlage Smart Locks, TP-Link Smart Home Products, Leviton, Insteaon, SmartThings, Wink, Caseta Wireless, LI-FX Smart Bulbs, GE Link Smart Bulbs, WeMo, iHome Smart Plugs, iDevices Switches, Nest, Sensi Thermostat, EcoBee Thermostat, Lyric Thermostat, August Smart Lock, Arlo Pro, Nest Cam IQ, Rachio Sprinklers, Gargeio Garage Door, iRobot Roomba Smart Vacuums, and so many more. You can browse all of the Echo compatible products on Amazon and buy them by clicking this link. 
  • Services: Amazon's Alexa supports more than 15,000 skills, and it supports far too many services to list here. Big ones include Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Sirius XM, Uber, Domino's, StubHub, Audible, Dish, NPR, and so many more. You can also buy things from Amazon with a simple voice command.

The Google Home, Mini, and Max

google home

  • Smart home devices: Chromecast, Chromecast-enabled TVs and speakers, Nest, SmartThings, Phillips Hue, LIFX Smart Lights, TP-Link Smart Home, Vivint Home Security, Rachio Sprinklers, Logitech Harmony, Geeni Connected Tech, August Smart Locks, Anova Precision Cooker, Insignia Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug, iRobot Roomba 960, Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat, Mr. Coffee Smart Coffee Maker, Lutron, Ring, and many more. See the full list here.
  • Services: Spotify, Pandora, Google Play Music, TuneIn Radio, YouTube, IFTTT, Netflix, Google Services, Domino's, Food Network, Headspace, MadLibs, and more. See the full list here.

The Apple HomePod

Apple WWDC 2017 HomePod

Apple's HomePod isn't available yet, so we don't know how many services and devices it will support at launch, but it's safe to say that Apple apps, Apple Music, and HomeKit smart home products will work with the speaker. We'll keep you updated.

Should I be worried about privacy, hackers, and companies selling my data?

There is a trade-off when you buy a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo or Google Home. Both devices are listening all the time for the wake words — "Hey Alexa," or "Okay Google/Hey Google"— that trigger actions.  You can mute the speakers, so they're not listening, but that defeats the purpose of being able to wake the AI assistants up whenever you need them. 

The companies say that nothing is being monitored or recorded until the wake words are spoken, but once they are, Amazon and Google tend to hold on to that voice data to improve the services for you. Luckily, it is all encrypted, so it should be fairly safe. You can delete that voice data from your Echo every now and then, and you should. Just go to Manage my device and delete recordings one by one or clear your search history. With Google Home, you can alter your permissions to limit the data it collects here.

Of course, neither situation is ideal, as Naked Security by Sophos points out. Gizmodo's Fieldguide has more tips on how to tighten your security and privacy a bit on both devices. The worry here is twofold: either hackers will use that data against you or Amazon and Google will mine it for advertising dollars. Unfortunately, it's the risk you take right now.

In contrast, Apple's upcoming HomePod advertises that its system is more secure and private than any other smart speaker. The promo page says that HomePod has, "multiple layers of security — including anonymous ID and encryption" to "protect your privacy." 

Both Google Home and Amazon Echo encrypt your voice data, too, but there are two big differences. One, Amazon and Google associate your data directly with you and your account to learn how to serve you better. Meanwhile, Apple does not associate your data with you or your account, but rather with a randomized set of numbers. Secondly, Apple deletes the association between the data and the random code every six months, whereas Amazon and Google just hold on to it forever unless you bother to delete it yourself, Wired explains.

This becomes important when government requests for data come in. Amazon and Google can find that data and trace it back to you directly, but Apple literally can't because the numbers are randomized and the data is regularly deleted. Apple has the upper hand here, so if data security and privacy matter to you, you'll want to wait and buy a HomePod.

Should you buy a smart speaker?

Smart speakers are helpful, fun to use, and a sure sign of things to come in the future of artificial intelligence and the smart home. If you like to be ahead of the curve, you enjoy having a good speaker at home, you own lots of smart home devices already, and you don't mind some of the trade-offs; you'll love these smart speakers.

Apple fans should hold off until the verdict is in on the HomePod, but Amazon Prime subscribers would do well to pick up an Echo, Echo DotEcho Plus, Echo Spot, or Echo Show. Finally, Google fans who aren't into Prime should spring for a Google Home or Mini because the Google Assistant is bound to pick up as many tricks as Amazon's Alexa before too long. Read on to learn all about these different smart speakers and to figure out which one is best for you. 

Editors Note: We look forward to testing the new Amazon Echo Plus and Spot soon. The Apple HomePod arrives in December, so we'll let you know how we feel about that one soon, too.

Updated on 10/31/2017 by Malarie Gokey: Removed the old Echo speaker and added the new model. Also added the Google Home Mini. We will update this post soon as we test the entire Echo lineup, the upcoming Google Home Max, and the upcoming Apple HomePod.

Updated on 11/23/2017 by Ellen Hoffman: Added Black Friday deals on all our favorite smart speakers.

Read on in the slides below to see why the new Amazon Echo is our top pick, and to read all the reasons why you should also consider the Google Home, the Amazon Echo Dot, the Google Home Mini, and the Amazon Echo Show.

SEE ALSO: The best Amazon Echo for every person and budget

The best smart speaker overall

Why you'll love it: The new Amazon Echo is the uncontested best smart home speaker with its 15,000+ skills, smart home support, and strong audio.

If you want a smart speaker that does it all, the new Amazon Echo is the best one you can buy. The updated model costs a lot less than the original, but it's just as smart. It comes in new finishes to blend in with your decor better, plus, it's a bit smaller and it sounds better.

Amazon got a head start on the competition, and it shows. Alexa has more than 15,000 skills, supports dozens of smart home products, and works with too many apps to count. You can even order things on Amazon with your voice.

This slim, modern cylinder plays audio that matches great Bluetooth speakers for quality, and it'll fit in with any room's decor. When you awaken Alexa, a subtle blue light flicks around the round top of the speaker as it listens in.

You can play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and more, and the sound quality is very good. If you subscribe to Audible's audiobook service, the Echo will also play the narration for you while you cook, relax, or work around the house.

Alexa can read you recipes, play audio news shows, tell you the score, look up local businesses, check the weather, and complete just about any other basic task that springs to mind. She'll even order you an Uber to the airport and read out your text messages.

If you have smart home devices already, chances are the Echo works with them. Major ones like the Phillips Hue and other great smart bulbs, as well as Nest and other smart thermostats, work with the Echo. Smart switches, garage doors, sprinklers, locks, and security cameras also play nice with Alexa. The Echo supports more smart home devices than any other smart speaker currently. You can browse compatible smart home devices here.

The only downsides are a lack of privacy, the general fear that Amazon is slowly but surely taking over the world, and the fact that Alexa's search chops aren't as good as Google's.

If you're a Prime member, this is the smart speaker for you, and if you don't have Prime yet, sign up, because all the perks like two-day shipping, free music streaming, free ebooks, and free video streaming on Prime Video are well worth the annual fee.

Pros: Strong speaker, you can buy things on Amazon, best smart home support, cool design, good voice recognition, huge support network, 15,000+ skills and counting

Cons: Some limits with search

Buy the new Amazon Echo on Amazon for $99.99

Buy Echo compatible products on Amazon (price varies based on the product)

Sign up for Amazon Prime now for $99 a year

Read more about Echo skills on Insider Picks



The best smart home speaker for Android fans

Why you'll love it: The Google Home is great for anyone who's all-in with Google and doesn't have Amazon Prime in their lives.

Google has the search smarts to rule the artificial intelligence space, but its just getting started with the Google Home smart speaker and its artificially intelligent Assistant.

It's a great little smart speaker that's customizable and cute enough to fit in with any room's decor. You can choose from a variety of cloth and metallic bases in fun colors. The top portion is white and angled gently so the touch-sensitive surface is positioned perfectly for your hands. Although some people say it looks like the air freshener in your bathroom (it does, to be perfectly honest), we think the Home looks more subtle than Amazon's futuristic-looking Echo lineup.

When you say, "Hey Google," or "Okay Google," little lights dance along the top touch surface in Google's signature colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. You can ask Home to play music from Google Play, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, and TuneIn. The sound quality is decent and even at top volume, it sounds as good as most Bluetooth speakers you can buy for the same price.

Google Home has lots of smart features, including the ability to read you a daily briefing, give you a recap of the day's news from NPR and BBC World News, and answer your questions on just about any topic. Since Home uses Google's search graph to answer you, the entire knowledge of the internet is open to you. Ask about weather, traffic, stocks, or trivia, and Google will know the answer.

Google also has lots of experience with different accents, so Home is likely to understand you easily even if you have a strong Colombian accent like my boyfriend. One of my favorite features is playing trivia games with Google. The Assistant will play cheesy game show music and act as the goofy host, giving you a weird nickname when you say, "Okay Google, play a game." She also tells really bad dad jokes that'll have you groaning and guffawing. 

Home works with a variety of smart home devices, too, so you can use it to turn off your Phillips Hue light bulbs, control your Nest thermostat, or stream media to your Chromecast. If you have any of these devices in your smart home, Google Home is a great compliment to those products. I've been using Google Home since it came out, and I love it.

There are still funny limitations, and Google Assistant may tell you she "doesn't know how to help with that yet," but "yet" is the operative word here. Google will only continue to improve Home, so it's a truly fabulous option for a smart speaker — especially at its price of $129.00 on Jet.

Expert reviewers across the web agree that Google Home is a great smart speaker, including CNET, Pocket Lint, The Guardian, and The Wirecutter.

Pros: Customizable base, best at search, good voice recognition, good sound, blends into decor, works with some smart home devices, plays games, affordable, works best with Google services

Cons: Ecosystem isn't as fleshed out as it could be, limitations with cross-platform support, not as much smart home support as Alexa

Buy the Google Home on Jet for $129.00 (originally $134.99)



The best affordable smart speaker

Why you'll love it: The Amazon Echo Dot is the most affordable smart speaker you can buy, and it's just as smart as the original Echo.

If you don't want to pay more than $100 for a smart speaker, you're in luck, because Amazon's Echo Dot is wildly affordable. For $50, you get all the smarts of the original Echo in a smaller package that can sync up with bigger speakers and other Echo Dots to make your home smarter.

Just like on the Echo, you can use the Dot to ask Alexa to play music, trigger smart home devices, make calls, read and dictate messages answer questions, play news casts, set alarms, read audiobooks from Audible, and more.

Since it's a smaller speaker, the Dot doesn't have the same level of sound quality you'd get from a bigger speaker like the Echo or Google Home. However, it can sync up with multiple Dots or you can connect other speakers you have via Bluetooth or the 3.5 mm stereo cable. The Echo Dot supports streaming from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn.

If you have smart home devices, you can use the Echo Dot to control lights, fans, switches, thermostats, locks, garage doors, and more. You can browse compatible smart home devices here. 

The Dot may be small, but it still has Alexa inside, so all those 15,000+ skills are just a voice command away. This is the best smart speaker you can buy on a budget. you can also use it to supplement the original Echo or other Dots in a large home.

Pros: Affordable, small, 15,000+ skills, tons of smart home devices supported, lots of app support, connects to other speakers, works with other Echo Dots

Cons: Not as strong a speaker

Buy the Amazon Echo Dot on sale for $49.99

Buy Echo compatible products on Amazon (price varies based on the product)

Sign up for Amazon Prime now for $99 a year



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 tricks Barbara Corcoran used to build a company where hardly anyone quit

0
0

Entrepreneur, Barbara Corcoran Shark Tank

  • Barbara Corcoran is a real-estate mogul and a star investor on the ABC series "Shark Tank."
  • She said she ran her real-estate agency — The Corcoran Group — the way her parents ran her household.
  • Lessons from her mom and dad include eliminating complaints and making sure everyone had fun.


Barbara Corcoran says her mother was a "drill sergeant."

It makes more sense when you find out that Corcoran was the second-oldest of 10 kids, nine of whom grew up to be entrepreneurs.

Corcoran herself started real estate brokerage firm The Corcoran Group, which she sold for $66 million in 2001.

In a conversation with Business Insider US Editor in Chief Alyson Shontell on the podcast "Success! How I Did It," Corcoran explained how she built a company with a strong culture and a high retention rate. To do it, she told Shontell, she used some lessons from her parents.

"I really did a mimic of my mother in building my brokerage firm," Corcoran said. "I ran the firm exactly how my mother ran the house. We were super organized. We had a place for everything. And I can tell you the minute you have more than one or two people working for you, efficiency has a lot to do with building a big company."

Corcoran broke down some of the other management strategies she borrowed from her parents for The Corcoran Group:

Listen to the full episode here, or listen later with the buttons below:

 

SEE ALSO: Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran reveals how getting dumped for her secretary and sending 1 gutsy email helped turn her into a business mogul

She recognized people's talents and moved them into positions around their strengths.

Corcoran described her mother as "inspirational," and says the ability to inspire others and identify their strengths is "probably the more important gift" she got from her mom.

"She would decide what your gift was, as a child," Corcoran said. "She would name one thing. For me, she said I had a wonderful imagination. And then she would cast you in that role in the family unit, which was like a small town."

"And I am great at spotting the gift, and people I could interview — someone who's trying for a bookkeeping job and totally convince them they'd be a star salesman," Corcoran continued. "Which doesn't fit into their résumé, but it sure fit into them."

She considers this quality, along with being hyper organized, to be the two most important factors in building her business.



She turned her employees into a 'happy family.'

Corcoran explained why her company had such high retention rates:

"I did what my mother did. I adored my children." (In this case, her children are her employees.)

"I would do anything for them. I would kill for them. And I nurtured them and I loved them and I tried to give them as much freedom as I could. I pushed them forward, got them to believing they could do a lot more than they were doing. And they did! Because people don't really know what they're capable of.

"And I made them love each other. I knew how to create teams where everybody got along and everybody respected the different attributes that people have and forgive the ones that were bugging them, you know?



She fired complainers as fast as possible before they could turn the culture toxic.

There was, however, one type of employee Corcoran wouldn't tolerate on her team.

"I learned how to get rid of complainers," she said. "Complain in my company, I couldn't wait till Friday to get you out, OK? So I felt like they were attacking my young."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

So, what is machine learning anyways? Here's a quick breakdown

0
0

robot

If you're keeping up to date on technology news, you're probably seeing references to machine learning everywhere, and for good reason: machine learning is an integral component of the way that computers process information. 

Machine learning is all around us, informing our day to day lives from the way we navigate Google maps right down to the way we check our inboxes. 

But what is it exactly, and when did it start being such a big deal?

Here's a quick explainer to get you up to date: 

 

SEE ALSO: Thousands of people open a trivia app twice a day for the chance to win hundreds of dollars — here's how you play

There have been two especially important developments in the history of machine learning: the first began with artificial intelligence pioneer Arthur Samuel, who coined the term "machine learning" back in 1959.

In 1959, MIT engineer Arthur Samuel described machine learning as a "Field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed." Samuel was busy creating his own computing machine: an autonomous checker program that he envisioned would someday beat the top world checker player champion. 



The other important development in machine learning? The internet.

The advent of the internet presented a trove of accumulated data. With so much information readily available, there seemed but one thing to do: figure out a way to organize it into meaningful patterns — one of machine learning's most integral roles.



Big data is the fundamental building block of machine learning.

Big data, is, essentially, exactly what it's called: a ton of data. It's all of the information accrued by social media companies, search engines, and even microphones and cameras that are constantly collecting information. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 psychological tricks to save more and spend less during Black Friday

0
0

shopping friends laughing

Between decorations, holiday feasts, gifts for your family and friends, and Secret Santa exchanges at the office, it's easy to blow through your paycheck during the holiday season.

It doesn't help that most supermarkets and department stores trick you into spending more. But you can play that game, too. 

To help keep more cash in your wallet this holiday season, we rounded up 11 simple strategies to help you spend less and save more.

SEE ALSO: One of the best times to get travel deals all year happens the week after Thanksgiving

DON'T MISS: Apple won't have Black Friday deals on the iPhone X and iPhone 8 — but here are the stores that will

Master the '10-second' rule.

"Whenever you're in a store and you pick up an item, hold it for ten seconds," writes founder of The Simple Dollar Trent Hamm, in his book, "365 Ways to Live Cheap." 

"During those ten seconds, ask yourself if you really need it and also if that money wouldn't be better used somewhere else. You'll almost always find yourself putting that unnecessary item back on the shelf and walking away, quite proud that you didn't waste your money on something so unnecessary."

Put this strategy to test when you're shopping for stocking stuffers — it's easy to get carried away with small, relatively inexpensive presents, but a bunch of little purchases can add up over the course of the gift-giving season. 



Practice the 'stranger test.'

Another quick and easy in-store trick: When deciding whether or not to make a purchase, imagine a stranger offering your would-be purchase in one hand and the cash it would take to buy it in the other. If you'd rather accept the cash, you might as well keep that money in your pocket.



Procrastinate on non-essential purchases.

There are times when procrastinating does have value. When it comes to discretionary spending, A. Noonan Moose from Frugal Fringe recommends putting off your purchase to give yourself time to find better prices and make better decisions. We highlighted a few of our favorite examples here.

This strategy translates well to buying gifts online: If you're deciding between a few choices, put all of them in your cart, and leave them for a few days without checking out (as long as you'll still have time for delivery before they're needed). In that time, an item might go out of stock and make your choice for you, you might be offered a retailer coupon by email, or the price might drop.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Incredible photos from the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

0
0

Balloon Puppeteers Macys Parade 1924

Around 3.5 million people attend the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York City every year. Fifty million more tune in to watch it from home.

Before it became the national spectacle it is today, the first parade in 1924 was a relatively modest assembly of Macy's workers, elephants, monkeys, camels, Broadway performers, and small floats.

Take a look at archive photos of Macy's first parade.

SEE ALSO: The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is at a five-year low, according to a new report

On Thanksgiving morning in 1924, Macy's procession launched as the Christmas Parade.

Macy's was not the first company to have a parade like this. In 1920, Philadelphia’s Gimbel Brothers Department Store staged a Thanksgiving parade with 50 people, 15 cars, and a fireman dressed as Santa Claus.



The performers marched 6 miles, starting from the intersection of 145th Street and Convent Avenue in Upper Manhattan.

Source: The New York Times



Approximately 250,000 people attended.

Source: The New Jersey Star-Ledger



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 25 highest-paid players in NFL history

0
0

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady

In the NFL, lots of players sign big contracts. But unlike other sports, NFL deals are rarely guaranteed and few players see all of the money in those large deals.

But a select few have gone on to make big money in their careers as there are now 26 players who have made at least $100 million.

The list of the 25 players with the most career earnings includes 17 active players, 17 quarterbacks, 1 Tom Brady, and 2 Mannings.

Using contract data obtained by Spotrac.com, here are the 25 highest-paid players in NFL history.

25. Champ Bailey, CB — $102.8 million

Seasons: 15

Highest single-season earnings: $16.5 million (2010; included $3 million roster bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 12

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Bailey's largest contract came after the 2003 season, when he signed a seven-year, $63 million deal.



24. Alex Smith, QB — $106.5 million

Seasons: 12

Highest single-season earnings: $19.0 million (2014; included $18 million signing bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 2

First-team All-Pro: 0

One thing to know: Often referred to by the pejorative "game manager," Smith is on pace to lead his team to the playoffs for the fifth time in the last seven years.



23. Calvin Johnson, WR — $113.8 million

Seasons: 9

Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2013; includes $20 million option bonus)

Championships: 0

Pro Bowls: 6

First-team All-Pro: 3

One thing to know: Johnson retired after the 2015 season because he was "in pain." He walked away from the final four years and $67.7 million on his contract.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

16 cocktails you've probably never heard of but are perfect for this holiday season

0
0

best cocktails

  • There are tons of amazing and unusual cocktails that most people don't know.
  • Instead of once again going for the eggnog this holiday season, try one of the fun, relatively unknown mixed drinks we selected.

 

It's the holiday season. You're at a party. And you go for the eggnog. Again.

A classic is always a solid choice, but variety is the spice of life. Sometimes, it's fun to go for a bolder, lesser-known drink, if for no other reason than to impress your dates or friends with your cocktail know-how.

Business Insider put together a list of outstanding but relatively unknown mixed drinks that you should try this holiday season.

We pulled most of the recipes from Liquor.com and Serious Eats. The cocktails using Cointreau were created by the Cointreau team.

SEE ALSO: 27 cities around the world where expats are happy, rents are affordable, and jobs are plentiful

Apple Rickey

To make this cocktail, muddle the apple and rosemary in a Highball glass. Then add the Cointreau and lime juice with ice, and top it off with club soda. Stir briefly and add the rosemary sprig and apple slices as garnishes.

Ingredients:

- 2 oz. Cointreau
- 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
- 3 slices of a tart apple
- 7 leaves of fresh rosemary
- 4 oz. club soda or seltzer



Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré comes from 1930s New Orleans. There's a lot going on, but it's an incredible cocktail when mixed by a pro.

To make the drink, put all the ingredients into a rocks glass, add ice, and stir.

Ingredients:

- 3/4 oz. whiskey
- 3/4 oz. cognac
- 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
- 1 tsp Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters



Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky originated at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London. The vermouth and gin play off the Fernet Branca's blend of botanicals.

To make the drink, put all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Finally, add the garnish.

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. gin
- 1 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
- 1 orange twist garnish



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These 7 TED talks have completely changed how I make decisions

0
0

choices shopping store customer decision

Big or small, decisions aren't as easy as they may seem.

Psychologists have found decision-making is fraught with hidden influences, tricky nuances, and the ability to make us happy in the short-term but unhappy in the long-term.

Some of my greatest insights into this aspect of human behavior have come from TED talks, which break down research findings into their most digestible form.

Here are the talks that have changed how I make decisions.

SEE ALSO: After watching over 50 TED talks, these are the insights that have stuck with me most

"How to make hard choices"

Philosopher Ruth Chang's 2013 talk explains that people often struggle to choose between two equally good options that are "on a par."

People tend to view hard choices as burdens, but Chang would prefer we see them as blessings that grant us agency. Hard choices make us confront our desire to live in the city over the country, for example, or to eat a healthy breakfast over sugary cereal.

The takeaway: Whenever I face a hard choice, I celebrate it as a way to cement an aspect of my identity.



"Grit: The power of passion and perseverance"

In 2013, UPenn psychologist Angela Duckworth presented the findings of her research on grit — or the ability to keep trucking when life gets hard.

Duckworth has found across numerous fields that grit is the single-biggest indicator of personal and professional success, even more than IQ. And the best way to cultivate grit is to build a "growth mindset" that sees circumstances are flexible, not rigid.

The takeaway: The moment when things start getting tough is the starting point for success, not a sign to call it quits.



"The paradox of choice"

In Barry Schwartz's 2005 talk, the Swarthmore College psychologist reviews research that says people are misled in thinking they should want as much choice as possible, whether it's the number of salad dressings at the supermarket or clothing styles at the mall.

It's actually possible to get worn out from making so many tiny choices throughout the day. It's called decision fatigue, and it can detract from the many important choices you need to make, whether at home or at work.

The takeaway: I limit my number of choices on purpose, because I know I'll be happier with my decision once I make it.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best Christmas decorations to deck your halls

0
0

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.

decorations 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • A beautifully decorated home is part of the wonder of the holiday season. We’ve rounded up the best decorating essentials for your home to make it easier for you.

While the joys of the holiday season are many, one of the top delights is a home transformed by lights, trees, ornaments, and all the other seasonal decorations. Your home becomes something just a little bit magical.

Who doesn’t feel at least a little surge of childlike joy at the sight of a fully loaded Christmas tree? Or slow down to admire a house covered in twinkling lights? And admit it — sneaking out to fill up a loved one’s stocking on Christmas Eve is one of the best parts of the holiday, right next to watching them discover what’s hidden inside the next morning.

That’s why we’ve gathered up the top suggestions for a wide range of Christmas décor. Whether you go all-out decorating for the holidays, or just stick with a tree covered with a few glass balls, we’ve got the best of the best for your holiday home. Here are the products we’ve included in this guide:

Continue scrolling to learn more about all the best Christmas decorations you can buy. 

SEE ALSO: Check out all of our holiday gift guides for 2017 on Insider Picks

The best faux tree

Why you'll love it: The National Tree Company’s Downswept Douglas Fir with Dual-Color Lights looks like a real tree, but without any of the fuss.

If you’ve shrugged off artificial Christmas trees as looking “too fake,” you’ll change your tune after seeing – and feeling – the Downswept Douglas Fir with Dual-Color Lights from the National Tree Company.

This 7.5-foot-tall beauty is incredibly realistic, both in feel and appearance. Like most artificial trees today, the Downswept Douglas Fir disassembles into three sections, and the branches fold up flat against the core, making it fairly easy to store after the holiday.

The tree’s lights change from all white to multi-colored at the press of the foot switch, which is a fun touch that is unusual for an artificial tree. It also eliminates the need for you to go buy more lights if you don't want to.

Wirecutter's experts chose it as their top pick, saying it excels at creating “a truly convincing illusion of a living tree.” They also praise the tree’s 100-bulbs-per-square foot (for a total of 750 LED lights), which they say is the perfect ratio. Buyers on Amazon agree, so if you prefer an artificial tree, this is the one for you.

Pros: Extremely realistic, perfect size for most living rooms, pre-lit with white or colored lights, and very easy to assemble disassemblable

Cons: You’ll need to take time to fluff the branches once the tree is assembled. Expensive, but when you amortize the price over the decade or more the tree will last, it’s not so bad

Buy the National Tree Company’s Downswept Douglas Fir with Dual-Color Lights on Amazon for $346.99 (originally $779.99)



The best Christmas tree stand

Why you'll love it: The Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand is easy to set up and it's very secure even when it's holding tall trees.

The Krinner Tree Genie has a five-claw design that holds a live tree’s trunk in place. The claws are connected with a single cable that allows the claws to apply equal pressure around the trunk whether it is thin, crooked, or thick. To secure the trunk, you put the tree in the base and tighten the cable using the foot pedal ratchet. 

The Tree Genie XXL has a 20-inch diameter and is made of a plastic resin. It weighs approximately eighteen pounds without water. The base holds 2.5 gallons and features a water level indicator that tells you when to refill the water. The Tree Genie L has an 18-inch diameter, weighs thirteen pounds, holds a gallon of water, and accommodates trees up to eight feet tall.

The experts almost universally agree that the Krinner Tree Genie is the best. The Wirecutter has picked it as the best Christmas tree stand for four years in a row because of its one-of-a-kind design that is versatile, secure, and easy to set up. More than 700 of the reviewers of the Krinner Tree Genie on Amazon gave it five stars.

Buyers have reported using the Tree Genie XXL for trees as tall as fourteen feet. They like how easy it is to set up quickly and how sturdy it is. Read more in our tree stand buying guide by James Brains.

Pros: Quick and easy setup, excellent customer support, stable base, 2.5-gallon reservoir (for the XXL)

Cons: The base may crack and leak

Buy the Krinner Tree Genie XXL Christmas Tree Stand on Amazon for $101.76

Buy the Krinner Tree Genie M Christmas Tree Stand on Amazon for $196.50

Buy the Krinner's Tree Genie L Christmas Tree Stand on Amazon for $81.95



The best ornament sets

Why you'll love them: Target has tons of adorable tree ornaments to please everyone's style.

No matter what your style is, you can find the perfect ornaments for your tree at Target. Ornaments are categorized by style and theme, making it easy to find ones you'll love. 

You can buy special ornaments individually or in sets. Many of the individual ornaments would make excellent gifts. If you're looking for unique collectible ornaments, you should also check out our holiday gift guide to the best ones.

Pros: Ornaments in all styles, buy individually or in sets, affordable

Cons: None

Shop Christmas ornaments at Target (prices vary by ornament)



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Viewing all 61683 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images