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

More than 100 'uncontacted' tribes exist in total isolation from global society

0
0

Índios_Isolados_4

We are more connected today than at any time in our species' history, yet isolated pockets of people still manage to live apart from the majority of society. 

It's impossible to know exactly how many such tribes exist. Organizations like Survival International, however, estimate that more than 100 are sprinkled around the globe.

To call these people "uncontacted," as they often are, is imprecise: It's nearly impossible to avoid contact with outsiders, and even harder to avoid objects like factory-made knives or bowls that make their way deep into remote areas through trade.

Despite these connections, dozens of groups manage to preserve their isolated way of life.

Unfortunately, environmental destruction and exploitation — such as clearing forests for timber and farms — put many of these cultures at great risk. Survival International, the Brazilian government's FUNAI (National Indian Foundation), and other advocacy groups seek to protect vulnerable tribes without interfering with them.

Here's where some of these groups live and the challenges they face in preserving their unique existence.

Sean Kane contributed to an earlier version of this report.

SEE ALSO: Here's what popular dog breeds looked like before and after 100 years of breeding

What does it mean to be uncontacted?



The name's a bit misleading — these are groups of people that have avoided, or even rejected, contact with the outside world.

Source: Survival International



It's possible they've made contact with outsiders at some point, but violence from settlers may have pushed them to return to isolation. Others may have never had an interest in the first place, championing their independence.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

All the crazy things happening in San Francisco because of its out-of-control housing prices

0
0

golden gate heights san francisco neighborhood 8806

People are leaving San Francisco in droves as the cost of living reaches a new high.

A recent report from real estate-site Redfin revealed that San Francisco lost more residents than any other city in the country in the last quarter of 2017. The great migration is far from over. Last month, 49% of Bay Area residents said they would consider leaving California because of the cost of living, according to a survey of 500 residents by public-relations firm Edelman.

Here are all the crazy things happening because of the Bay Area's insane housing prices:

SEE ALSO: San Francisco's housing market is so dire that people are spending over $1 million on the 'earthquake shacks' built after the 1906 fires

This is how people outside the area imagine living in San Francisco.



And this is the reality.



The median-priced home in San Francisco sells for $1.5 million, according to Paragon. It's not uncommon for buyers to bid hundreds of thousands above asking and pay in all cash.

Source: Paragon



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

You're probably making these 11 tax mistakes — and it could be costing you thousands

0
0

broadcity_taxes_ilana

  • You might be making easily avoided tax mistakes that can end up costing you money.
  • Some common errors people make include using the wrong filing status and forgetting to report earnings from a side gig.
  • Using an online system or accountant may not be a fail-proof system either.


There's a good chance you're worried about messing up your taxes. And, it turns out, you're not alone. A recent study from NerdWallet revealed that 89 percent of Americans are nervous they'll do their taxes wrong. 

It's a valid concern, because most people are surprisingly ignorant about their taxes. About half of Americans don't know what tax bracket they're in, the study found. And more than a quarter don't know that a tax reform bill was signed into law in 2017.

Educating yourself on taxes can help you save money and avoid any trouble with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Read on for some of the most common blunders experts say you should watch out for when filing your taxes this year.

1. Doing the math wrong

"According to the IRS, some of the most common tax mistakes include entering your Social Security number incorrectly and getting math calculations wrong," Andrea Coombes, a tax and investing specialist at NerdWallet, told INSIDER.

To avoid these pitfalls, Coombes recommends taking your time to carefully enter your data and using an online software program — like H&R Block or TurboTax— that that does the math for you.



2. Using the wrong filing status

Your filing status depends on your marital status, whether you can claim a dependent, and other factors.

There are five filing statuses on a federal tax return, the most common being "Single,""Married Filing Jointly" and "Head of Household." According to the IRS, the "Head of Household" status is the one most often claimed in error: It requires you to be unmarried but also to be the main household provider for yourself and a dependent, which means it exists primarily for single parents.

The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help you figure out which category you fall into. 



3. Taking the standard deduction when you should itemize

The standard deduction is the share of your income that you're not taxed on, so it can be used to lower your tax bill. 

For 2017, the standard deduction is $6,350 for single filers, $12,700 for married filers who file jointly and $9,350 for head of household filers. Coombes said, for most people, taking the standard deduction is a smart move but they "may be missing out on tax savings."

"For example, if you paid home mortgage interest and property taxes last year, it makes sense to see if the total of these and other itemized deductions, including charitable contributions and medical expenses, adds up to more than the standard deduction," Coombes explained. 

You should also keep in mind how the new tax law affects these deductions, she said.

"The new tax law nearly doubles the standard deduction, to $12,000 for single filers, $24,000 for married-filing-jointly, and $18,000 for head of household filers," Coombes said. "That means more people will likely take the standard deduction when they go to file their 2018 taxes in 2019."

This IRS page can help you figure out whether it's worth it for you to itemize your deductions.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 foods dentists want you to avoid for healthier teeth

0
0

cotton_candy

  • Drinks with lots of sugar like sweet coffee drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks can be very damaging to your teeth.
  • Dried fruits and chocolate covered raisins are the worst because they are both sugary, and get stuck in your teeth. 
  • Seltzer water can damage your enamel. 

Some of the most normal foods could be absolutely awful for your pearly whites and gums. We caught up with top dentists to see which foods they steer clear of—and some are pretty surprising.

Popcorn

Put down that bowl of microwave popcorn, friends. "Countless number of people come in with cracked teeth from eating half-popped popcorn kernels, not to mention the sneaky husk," says Jonathan Neman, DDS, a dentist in New York City "Popcorn husk is notorious for finding its way in between teeth and causing gum pain, too." We're depressed by this news since popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks out there!



Dried fruit

As tasty as those dried pineapples are and no matter how much you love that fiber boost from prunes, dried fruit is a disaster for teeth. "Not only are the sugars concentrated, but they are very sticky and sit into the grooves of your molars causing cavities," explains Dr. Neman. Check out these other easy ways to sneak fiber into your diet.



Sweet coffee drinks

Get ready to try our list of calorie-free coffee hacks, because those venti cups with extra pumps of the sweet stuff are your worst dental nightmare. "Constant exposure to the milk and sugar over the course of an hour or more make it difficult for the saliva to combat against the sugars and acids produced by the bacteria in our mouths," Dr. Neman says. "Saliva is the great protector of our teeth, and with the constant sugar attacks from taking sips of sugary drinks, over time the salivary glands fail to keep up." Yikes!



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These spots along Portugal's coast will have you booking your tickets ASAP

0
0

Praia Do Pinhão Portugal.JPG

I recently spent 10 days exploring Portugal with a friend in a tiny Fiat convertible.

It was a journey that left me with around 10 extra pounds worth of vinho verde (a special Portugese wine) and queijo (a delicious, cheesey bread roll), as well as plenty of insight into Portugal's hidden gems.

Of all the meals and miles we covered, I was most surprised by the sleepy villages and surf culture of the west (Alentejo) coast. What I ended up finding was much more than just beautiful, unspoiled beaches, but also local enclaves and authentic eateries that are just off the beaten path.

As much as it pains me to expose these untapped treasures, they are simply too good not to share. Here's how to get the best of Portugal's coast in just one week.

Day 1: Hide out in Praia da Luz.

Your journey along the coast will start in the quaint town of Praia da Luz. Most travelers to the Algarve region will look to stay in Lagos, but those in the know will stay in local villages in the surrounding area. An irresistibly charming Airbnb lead us to Luz, a 15-minute drive from Lagos, and its magical allure felt meant to be.

The sliver of beach in Praia da Luz is known to few, making it much more precious. The crystal clear waters and smooth rock that meets it will often be empty just for you enjoy. While here, make sure to catch the sunset and local-favorite cataplana dish at Luz's most celebrated restaurant, Fortaleza da Luz.



Day 2: Discover the secrets of Lagos.

Although Lagos may be the more touristy part of the Algarve, it is only from here that you can charter a boat to lesser-known sands. Sign yourself up for aAlgarve Boat Rental, it is by far the most beautiful — and not too expensive — way to discover the southern coast. Make sure your capitan takes you to peruse Praia Benagil and its hidden cave.

Once you've returned, there are two stops in Lagos not to be missed. The central fish marketwill give you a look into local life, where many come from neighboring towns to buy fresh produce for the week. Then, when the tide is low, find the stone archway that connect two cliffs above Praia da Batata. This gorgeous backdrop is only accessible via small caves that cut through two sets of cliffs.



Day 3: Surf along Praia da Amado.

On a last minute whim, inspired from an enthused bartender's suggestion, we took our chances at finding Praia da Amado. At this point, all we knew was that we were looking for a secret beach where all of Portugal's finest surfers goto catch waves.

We plugged it into our GPS, and thought that would be that. It was most certainly not. After many times missing a graffiti-covered sign off the main road inthe surf village of Carrapateira, we found ourselves on an unnamed, tree-lined, and winding path. After twenty-minutes or so, and with no service to speak of, we saw it. And it was amazing.

Caravans of surfers and locals lined the coast that seemed to drop off dramatically. Praia da Amado is so unique that it in fact has its own mini climate. Fog rolls in and out to moments of sunshine and cool temperatures. After admiring the view, and chatting with some effortlessly cool locals, we did what every visitor should do — took a surf lesson with Amado Surf Camp.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Apple and Samsung are the only ones making great smartphone cameras, according to Consumer Reports (AAPL)

0
0

iPhone X

When it comes to the best smartphone cameras on the market, Apple and Samsung rule.

Consumer Reports tested more than 50 of the top smartphones on the market from manufacturers including Google, Apple, LG, Samsung, Hauwei, HTC, and OnePlus. But when it came to the camera, only Apple and Samsung phones cracked the top 10. 

Consumer Reports tested phones for both still-image quality and video quality, but noted that there was little difference between all the top-ten phones — in fact, all 10 were rated either very good or excellent overall. 

One notable absence from Consumer Reports' list: the Google Pixel 2, which was lauded by critics for its impressive camera. Consumer Reports ranked the Pixel 2 below the Huawei Mate 9 and Apple iPhone 7 in its best overall smartphone ranking, and didn't include it on its best-camera shortlist at all. 

Here are the best smartphone cameras you can buy, according to Consumer Reports: 

SEE ALSO: I’ve tried every single iPhone currently available — here’s my ranking of the 8 iPhones you can buy right now

10. Samsung Galaxy S8 Active

The Galaxy S8 Active is essentially a ruggedized Galaxy S8. 

The phone comes coated in a thicker frame with metal sides and a polycarbonate material on the back, which Samsung says it allows the device to meet military-grade durability standards. The company says the Galaxy S8 Active is also water-resistant, and that its display can survive drops from up to five feet.

Otherwise, the phone is similar to the Galaxy S8. It has a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Consumer Reports ranked both its still image quality and video quality "very good."



9. Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus, released in 2016, was Apple's first-ever smartphone to feature a dual-lens rear camera — one wide-angle lens, and one telephoto lens. In other words, it was the first iPhone with optical zoom.

At the time, Apple said the phone would able to take sharper, higher-resolution photos than its predecessors. It was also Apple's first phone capable of taking Portrait mode photos, which produces striking images with a blurred background and sharp foreground — approximating an effect that professional photographers call "bokeh."

The phone was an immediate hit with users, too. Shortly after the iPhone 7 Plus debuted, my colleague Melia — a Business Insider photojournalist — said the phone's camera blew her away, and even ended up replacing her high-end DSLR for vacation photos. 

The iPhone 7 Plus has two 12-megapixel rear lenses and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera. Consumer Reports ranked both its still image quality and video quality "very good."



8. Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Like the iPhone 7 Plus, the Galaxy Note 8 has two cameras on the back. That means it can take portrait-style photos, and can handle 2x optical zoom without distorting your photos. 

In a test of the Galaxy Note 8, my colleague Tony found that the phone takes stunning photos with beautiful colors and great contrast. 

The Galaxy Note 8 has two 12-megapixel rear lenses and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Consumer Reports ranked both its still image quality and video quality "very good."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Yes, it matters what kind of onion you use in your dishes — here's how to cook them to perfection

0
0

cutting onions

  • Onions are great for salads, on tacos, and as onion rings.
  • Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to preparing onions.
  • With many varieties, onions are surprisingly versatile.
  • INSIDER spoke to several chefs to find out how to put your onions to good use in the kitchen.


"It's hard to imagine civilization without onions."

- Julia Child.

“I have always felt bad for the rare person that comes into the restaurant and says that they are allergic to onions. It seems like a sad existence to me to not be able to enjoy the beautiful flavors of an onion,”

          - Melissa O'Donnell, Chef/Owner, Lil' Gem

With statements like these, you have to wonder why chefs love their onions to this level. For many of us, slicing and dicing is as extensive as it gets for our onion endeavors.

But you'd be surprised to discover there are a world of flavors and dishes you've been missing out on. To expand your onion repertoire, INSIDER spoke to several chefs to help you up your onion game by adding them in the right dish.

Yellow onions — They are extremely versatile.

Almost 90% of onions grown in the United States are yellow, according toSerious Eats. Ranging in size, you'll find them at the store in a range of sizes. They have a light yellow flesh with a papery skin.

These are a staple cooking ingredient because of their flavor, according to Claudia Sidoti, Head Chef and Recipe Developer at HelloFresh.

"They're sturdy and slightly sweet with a little bit of astringency to add flavor to just about any dish," Sidoti told INSIDER.

Executive Chef Mike Ward of The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards added that they have a nice balance of flavor with a sweetness and bitterness that is not too aggressive on the palette.

This popular American onion is extremely versatile in cooking and as an added bonus, they're easy to prepare. Yellow onions are excellent for long-cooking in soups, pastas, braises, dips, and more, Sidoti told INSIDER.



Sweet onions — They taste great on a skewer.

These onions are slightly larger and flatter than yellow onions and a bit more delicate. They are a light yellow with a less opaque skin than yellow onions.

Some say they are the apple of onions because some varieties, such as the Vidalia, are so sweet and crisp that they can be sliced and eaten raw, according to Sidoti.

With a higher sugar content, they are great for caramelizing and charring, according toSerious Eats. And their larger size makes them great for cutting up into one-inch thick slices for skewers on the grill, according to Ward.



White onions — Try them in your favorite salsa recipe.

They have a white flesh with crisp layers throughout and a bright white papery skin. Though similar in size to the yellow onion, they are extremely strong in flavor, according to Executive Chef and Co-owner of Restauration, Chef Philip Pretty.

"Because of this, they are generally used more in cooking to start a recipe, rather than being served raw, as they would overpower a dish that way," Pretty told INSIDER.

Like yellow onions, they are very versatile across the board, according to Pretty, so adding them to a recipe can change the flavor entirely. Their crisp texture makes them great for salad and pizza toppings, guacamole, and fresh salsa.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 10 strangest times where Oscars mysteriously went missing

0
0

frances mcdormand oscar

Frances McDormand's best actress Oscar for "Three Billboards" was briefly stolen this past weekend — but it wasn't the only time an award has been taken from its rightful owner.

The history of stolen Oscars— and we're not just talking about "Birdman" winning instead of "Boyhood"— is a rich one. It's filled with misinformation, strange disappearances, and cleaning mishaps.

Here are the 10 strangest stories of Oscars gone missing.

Hattie McDaniel's acting Oscar from her "Gone With the Wind" performance went missing from its display at Howard University.

Until 1943, the Academy gave out plaques instead of Oscar statuettes for its supporting acting awards. Hattie McDaniel — the first black winner for an acting Oscar— had her award stolen sometime around 1970.

"Unfortunately all of the principals who would have been involved at the university at that time — administrators and others — are no longer with us," Thomas Battle, a researcher at Howard University who investigated the incident, told NPR in 2009. "We have not been able to get the kind of direct information that we would like to be able to pursue this investigation further."

 



Whoopi Goldberg lost her Oscar when she sent it out for cleaning.

Goldberg — only the second black actress to win an Oscar, after McDaniel — won her award in 1991, for her performance in "Ghost."

In 2002, she shipped it out to R.S. Owens & Company, the Chicago firm that forges the statuettes, for cleaning.

When the company opened the package, it was empty.

The Oscar was found by a security guard at the airport in Ontario, California. Someone had apparently opened the package, stolen the Oscar, then resealed it — but got cold feet and tossed it away, according to Vanity Fair.



Someone tried to ransom Olympia Dukakis’s Oscar — but she just bought a replacement for $78 instead.

In May 1989, a thief broke into Olympia Dukakis’s kitchen and whisked away the Oscar she won a year earlier, for supporting actress in "Moonstruck."

The thief called her son, asking for ransom money in exchange for getting the Oscar back. He called the police in return, and no exchange ever happened; the thief apparently suspected a sting operation, according to Vanity Fair.

Dukakis wasn't too bothered. As soon as she discovered her Oscar was missing, she called the Academy and paid the $78 replacement fee for a new statuette, according to the BBC.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 50 most popular first dance songs for weddings, according to Spotify

0
0

ed sheeran

The most popular song to play at a first dance during a wedding is really, really popular.

Spotify looked at thousands of playlists users made on the platform last summer to come up with the world's top 50 most popular songs to play for the first dance at weddings.

The most popular pick is "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran. Sheeran has two other songs on the list: "Tenerife Sea" (which features Taylor Swift) and "Kiss Me."

You can listen to the entire playlist on Spotify here.

Here are the top 50 most popular first dance songs, according to Spotify.

50. "You and Me Song" by The Wannadies

Listen to "You and Me Song" here.



49. "That's How Strong My Love Is" by Otis Redding

Listen to "That's How Strong My Love Is" here.



48. "I Loved Her First" by Heartland

Listen to "I Loved Her First" here.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 times you should never use your debit card — even if it is convenient

0
0

hotel front desk business cards

  • Debit cards might seem like the most convenient way to pay for many things.
  • In some instances, however, paying with debit instead of credit or cash isn't the right choice.
  • It can mean losing money and increasing your risk of fraud or identity theft.
  • Independent ATMs, restaurants and self-checkout lines are a few of the places where you should never use a debit card.

 

Debit might seem great because there's no chance of spending more than you have or risking steep overdraft fees, but the stakes are also higher when it comes to fraud.

That's why debit cards are one of the things you should never, ever keep in your purse. For one thing, debit cards take cash straight from your bank account, while credit cards give you time to look at your charges.

"A credit card is more like a loan," says Mason Wilder, research specialist at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. "You have more time to dispute charges before any actual funds of yours go out."

Plus, the Fair Credit Billing Act only leaves you legally liable to up to $50 on a credit card, and the four major credit card companies all have zero liability, says credit expert John Ulzheimer, president of The Ulzheimer Group.

If you are a victim of debit card fraud, though, you could be out up to $500 — especially if you swipe at these risky places.

1. At independent ATMs

Thieves use all sorts of tricks to steal your identity. Sometimes, they sneak devices called skimmers into ATMs to steal your information when you stick your card in.

If you do need to get cash, your best bet is to go inside a bank instead of finding one on the street or in a convenience store, says Wilder. Officers and security cameras keep a watchful eye at banks, but there's no guarantee an ATM with less security is a prime spot for thieves.

"Even if it's not your bank, you're at a lower risk for fraud," says Wilder. "If you have to pay a fee anyway, it’s safer to use a bank's."

Here's how hackers steal information from ATMs without skimmers.



2. At gas stations

You swipe your card before filling your tank at pay-at-the-pump stations, so the gas station doesn't know what your final bill will be.

Because gas stations don't have anyone watching the card reader, they're a prime spot for fraudsters to plant a skimmer, says Wilder. To protect themselves, gas stations pre-authorize the maximum they'd expect customers to pay for gas—up to $100, says Ulzheimer. That cash doesn't leave your account, but it is put on hold so you can't use the money to pay until the station deals with your bill.

"The final transaction has to clear, and that might take a day or two," says Ulzheimer.

It's true that in some situations, you should never pay with a credit card. Yet without all the same protections as credit cards, debit is an even riskier way to pay with card.



3. At hotels

When you book a few days at a hotel, you aren't just paying for that night. The hotel will pre-authorize enough money to cover your whole stay, plus an extra deposit in case there are any damages. That money is put on hold, so even though it's still in your account, you can't use it to pay. It's a trade secret that hotels won't tell you.

Depending on how much money is in the account hooked to your debit card, you might not have enough money to keep swiping during your trip, says Ulzheimer.

"On a credit card, it's less of an issue because you have a high enough credit card limit that you can still use it," he says.

If you tend to overspend when you're out of town, these tips to save money on vacation can help regardless of your method of payment.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's why H-E-B is the best grocery store in the US

0
0

H-E-B

  • Texans love local grocery chain H-E-B.
  • The store has been around for over 100 years. 
  • It's known for its cafe serving build-your-own pizzas and sandwiches, excellent produce selection, and own-brand products.

Texans can't get enough of H-E-B.

The 100-year old grocery chain, which has 340 stores across Texas and Mexico, was recently voted the third best grocery store in the US in an annual survey of almost 13,000 shoppers, conducted by the consumer insights firm Market Force Information.

The store came into the limelight on Friday after it launched a limited-edition reusable bag featuring late Tejano singer, Selena, which sold out almost immediately

The bags, which were originally sold for $2, were then posted on to eBay for as much as $50.

This chain has been providing a superior shopping experience for much longer than Whole Foods and is known for its gourmet cooked food and fresh bakery section.  

Here's what it's like to shop there:

SEE ALSO: This regional chain just beat Trader Joe's and Kroger as America's favorite grocery store

Produce section

The produce section at H-E-B has more than 1000 items. The gorgeous fruits and vegetables are known to be fresh and impeccably stacked.

Also, you can weigh and label your own produce for faster checkout.



Good quality meat

Customers love the store's meat selection– one Yelp reviewer described it as "outstanding," and reasonably priced. 



Fresh seafood

There's a specialty seafood counter which stocks an array of fresh shellfish and fish. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What you should — and shouldn't — do to attract love, according to your zodiac sign

0
0

couple holding hands

  • Your zodiac sign has a major impact on the person you attract. 
  • While a Taurus loves to pamper their partner, they can also be stubborn, making them less irresistible. 
  • Here are the dos and don't of making yourself irresistible and attracting love, according to your zodiac sign. 

 

ARIES: You’re a powerhouse and you know it.

You’re a powerhouse and you know it, Aries. People are drawn to your fiery energy and may be envious of your physical prowess. Comfortable in your body, you know how to use it. That positive vibe and proactive approach to life make you irresistible!

Do be romantic, use that talent to charm people. When you feel good about yourself, you can sweep anyone off their feet. Don’t expect your lover to be prince charming or lose interest if she has a bad hair day. Do use your personal drive to help support your partner. Don’t focus too much on yourself.



TAURUS: An earthy strength and sensuality make you famously irresistible.

An earthy strength and sensuality make you famously irresistible, Taurus. You know how to communicate without words and can make your partner feel like he or she is the center of the Universe. Others feel naturally secure in your presence. Naturally generous, you want to shower all the gifts of the Earth on your beloved.

Do pamper your loved one; great food, back-rubs, a touch of luxury goes a long way. Don’t be too stubborn. Make your point but stay open. Do use your strength to nurture your partner. Don’t indulge your temper at their expense.



GEMINI: Mysterious, funny, unpredictable and open to new experiences, you are never a boring companion.

The Twins’ combination of brilliance, humor, buoyant spirit and zest for life makes you pretty irresistible, Gemini. Your whimsical charm blends unique personal style with expressive talents and can be positively captivating. Mysterious, funny, unpredictable and open to new experiences, you are never a boring companion!

Do prioritize mental compatibility, that’s what will keep you interested. Don’t flake out. If you say you’ll call, follow through. Do use your enthusiasm to help your partner through difficult moments. Your ability to uplift can be magical. Don’t indulge in deception; if you cannot commit, say so.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This online startup's spring shoe line for men is surprisingly high-quality — and nearly all the styles are under $100

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.

New Republic

  • Since its 2016 debut, footwear brand New Republic has impressed us with it on-trend styles, excellent quality, and super affordable prices.
  • The brand just released many new styles for spring and almost all of them are under $100.
  • Right now, you can automatically save 25% off your order when you spend $250 or more.

Oftentimes, shoes are the first thing people notice about a person's outfit — so having a solid footwear rotation is crucial for making positive first impressions. As the spring season approaches, your shoes will start to be even more noticeable as you begin to phase out your go-to winter boots for a wider variety of fashionable styles.

That said, buying a bunch of new shoes can quickly become expensive, and spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on multiple pairs isn't doable for most people. Luckily, there's a solution to the problem of building a spring footwear collection on a budget — New Republic by Mark McNairy.

Founded in 2016, New Republic quickly became one of the most impressive footwear brands we've tried because of its on-trend styles and super affordable prices. Just in time for the change of seasons, the startup is launching many new shoes that are perfect for your spring (and summer) wardrobe.

You'll find everything from loafers and sneakers to chukkas and Chelsea boots. The best part is that almost all of their shoes are under the $100 mark, so no matter what style you're going for, you won't go over budget.

In addition to the already affordable prices, you can automatically get 25% off your order when you spend $250 or more. If you're looking pick up multiple new styles for yourself or you're shopping for more than one person, this is a great opportunity to save.

Shop all shoes at New Republic here.

Check out some of the best new arrivals for spring, below:

The Truman Suede Chukka Boot

Known for their versatility between professional and casual settings, the chukka boot has a place in every man's shoe selection. At just $99, the Truman features an ultra-luxe suede upper, leather insoles, and crepe outsoles — all premium materials that fetch big bucks from other brands. 

New Republic Truman Suede Chukka Boot, $99 (also available in Sand) 



The Kurt Leather Sneaker

A fresh white pair of sneakers is a must-have for spring and the New Republic Kurt is the perfect choice for fans of minimalism. With a design reminiscent of 70s basketball sneakers, the low-top silhouette features a white leather upper set on top of a rubber midsole. The only branding you'll find on the outside of the shoe is the New Republic logo done in gold flake on the tongue.

New Republic Kurt Leather Sneaker, $89



The Noel Short Boot

The classic moccasin-style boot has been around for decades, but New Republic manages to modernize it with a subtle camouflage print on the suede upper — pairing it with waxed cotton laces. A 100% natural crepe stacked outsole completes the shoe.

New Republic Noel Short Boot, $89



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The chain hailed by Wall Street as a 'retail treasure' runs the most disastrous store we've ever seen

0
0

Ross Stores

  • Ross Stores, a discount chain that competes with TJ Maxx and Marshalls, continues to post strong sales.
  • It's a rare bright spot in a struggling retail industry.
  • But a visit to a Ross store in Richmond, Virginia, showed products in complete disarray.


Ross Stores has been deemed a "retail treasure" and a "rarity" by Morgan Stanley analysts for its strong sales and earnings growth at a time of widespread distress in the industry.

The discount chain — which competes with stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls — has opened more than 500 new stores since 2010. It now has more than 1,600 US locations and has reported soaring same-store sales as much of the brick-and-mortar retail industry is struggling.

In the company's most recent quarter, overall sales grew 16% to $4.1 billion, and same-store sales rose 5%, on top of 4% growth last year. 

Much like warehouse chain Costco, Ross eschews the decor and frills of traditional retailers. The bare-bones philosophy allows them to pass savings of up to 60% on to customers. 

We went to a Ross store in Richmond, Virginia, to see how this "treasure" is luring so many customers when department stores are seeing sales and traffic plunge.

SEE ALSO: We went to a Toys R Us store the day after the bankruptcy announcement — and we were surprised by what we found

We were surprised to find the store in disarray.



It looked like a tornado had ripped through the shoe department.



Shoes were strewn all over the floor and benches, and there was a bra hanging from one shelf.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Gary Cohn is out — here are all the casualties of the Trump administration so far

0
0

Trump cabinet resignations new

Gary Cohn, President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, said Tuesday that he plans to resign from the White House. Cohn's departure comes amid a series of high-profile exits, including the recent resignations from White House communications director Hope Hicks and White House staff secretary Rob Porter.

Cohn had tangled with Trump in recent days over the administration's plan to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, The New York Times reports

The administration has been rocked by a series of high-profile departures — including Sean Spicer as press secretary and James Comey as FBI director — since Trump took office in January 2017.

Here are the top-level people who've either been fired or resigned from the administration and why they left:

SEE ALSO: How 29-year-old Hope Hicks, Trump's 'real daughter,' became the youngest White House communications director in history — and resigned after getting ensnared its biggest scandals

DON'T MISS: MEET THE CABINET: Here's who Trump has appointed to senior leadership positions

Gary Cohn

Gary Cohn, the director of the National Economic Council and President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, said on March 6 that he would resign.

Cohn had tangled with the president and Peter Navarro, the director of the White House National Trade Council, over tariffs on imports of aluminum and steel. 

Cohn was unable to convince the president to forgo the tariffs. According to The New York Times, which first reported the news, White House officials said there was no single factor behind Cohn's resignation. 

"Gary has been my chief economic adviser and did a superb job in driving our agenda, helping to deliver historic tax cuts and reforms and unleashing the American economy once again," Mr. Trump said in a statement to The New York Times. "He is a rare talent, and I thank him for his dedicated service to the American people."



Hope Hicks

White House communications director Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest confidants who's been with him "since the beginning", announced on February 28 she was resigning.

The resignation came just a day after she testified before the House Intelligence Committee, where she reportedly said that she told white lies for the president, but never lied about anything consequential related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

"There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump," Hicks said in a statement. "I wish the President and his administration the very best as he continues to lead our country."

New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who first broke the news, reported that it was not clear when her last day in the White House will be, but that it's expected to be in the coming weeks. Hicks told she did not know what her next job will be.

"Hope is outstanding and has done great work for the last three years," Trump said in a statement. "She is as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person. I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood."



Rob Porter

Rob Porter, a powerful White House staffer whose profile has increased in recent months, resigned February 7 after two of his ex-wives accused him of physical and emotional abuse.

Porter denied the allegations in a statement, and said he will "ensure a smooth transition" when he leaves the White House.

The White House did not give a specific date for Porter's departure.

Here's his full statement:

"These outrageous allegations are simply false. I took the photos given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described. I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign. My commitment to public service speaks for itself. I have always put duty to country first and treated others with respect. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served in the Trump Administration and will seek to ensure a smooth transition when I leave the White House."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The rise of Gary Cohn, from Midwestern kid to Goldman Sachs boss — who is now leaving the Trump administration (GS)

0
0

Gary Cohn

Gary Cohn, the former chief operating officer and president of Goldman Sachs, is resigning from his role as director of the National Economic Council in the Trump administration.

Cohn's move on Tuesday followed what had been months of internal chaos in the White House.

His addition to the Trump administration was the latest stage in a rather incredible journey. As a kid who grew up in a middle-class family in Ohio, no one would've expected Cohn to reach the heights he has in his professional career.

As Cohn now prepares to end his time in the Trump administration, here are some of the most interesting snippets from his rise to the top.

SEE ALSO: Trump's top economic adviser, Gary Cohn, is leaving the White House

Cohn's grandfather was a Polish immigrant who moved to the US on his own as a 13-year-old with $8 in his pocket. He worked three jobs, was an apprentice electrician, and ended up opening his own business. Cohn would later work there.

Source: Goldman Sachs



Cohn grew up in Cleveland in the 1960s in a middle-class family. He 'bounced around from school to school because really no one understood how to deal with a dyslexic kid,' he told colleague Jake Siewart in a podcast.

Source: Goldman Sachs



A teacher told Cohn's parents that 'if they were really lucky and spent a lot of time' with Cohn, he might 'grow up to be a truck driver.'

Source: Business Insider



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These were the 50 most violent cities in the world in 2017

0
0

brazil gangsta

In 2017, Latin America retained the ignominious distinction of having the most cities on Mexico's Citizens' Council for Public Security's annual ranking of the world's most violent cities.

Of the 50 cities on the list, 42 are in Latin America, including 17 in Brazil, 12 in Mexico, and five in Venezuela. Colombia had three, Honduras had two, and El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica all had one.

The region's violence is in large part driven by drug trafficking and organized crime— in Mexico, fragmentation of criminal groups has stoked more bloodshed in recent months. Insecurity is also exacerbated by political instability, poverty, and poor economic conditions. Corruption, abuses by officials, and impunity also facilitate crime.

The ranking contains cities with populations of more than 300,000 and does not count deaths in combat zones or cities with unavailable data, so some dangerous cities don't appear on the list

The Council also estimates homicide rates for some cities based on incomplete data.

In Venezuela, for example, the government has not consistently released homicide data (though it did for 2016), and in the past the Council has estimated based on entries at the Bello Monte morgue, which draws from an area larger than Caracas and doesn't only include homicides. The Council was also unable to gather 2017 full-year data for the city, leading it to calculate last year's tally based on previous estimates. Two other cities in Venezuela were excluded from this year's ranking because there was no reliable homicide data for them.

Here's the top 50:

SEE THE 2016 RANKINGS: The 50 most violent cities in the world

DON'T MISS: These are the 25 most powerful militaries in the world — and there's a clear winner

50. Cucuta, Colombia, had 34.78 homicides per 100,000 residents.

In 2017, Cucuta had a population of 833,743 people and 290 homicides.



49. Vitoria, Brazil, had 36.07 homicides per 100,000 residents.

In 2017, Vitoria had a population of 1,960,213 people and 707 homicides.



48. Teresina, Brazil, had 37.05 homicides per 100,000 residents.

In 2017, Teresina had a population of 850,198 people and 315 homicides.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 30 highest-paid tennis players of all time

0
0

Roger Federer

  • Serena Williams is the highest-paid female tennis player with career winnings over $84 million.
  • Roger Federer is the highest-paid male tennis player with career winnings topping $115 million.
  • Both players will compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, this week.

 

Serena Williams and Roger Federer are the highest-paid female and male tennis players of all time — though there's a more than $31 million difference in their total career earnings.

This week, both players will compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Williams is returning to the Women's Tennis Association Tour for the first time since the 2017 Australian Open, which she won while pregnant. Williams took the rest of the year off to give birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

The men's and women's singles champions at the BNP Paribas Open will each be awarded $1,340,860. A $1 million bonus will go to any player who clinches both the singles and doubles titles, a feat accomplished only six times in tournament history.

That's a nice payday in and of itself, but most of the high-ranking players are also locked into endorsements with top sports and luxury brands, banking multiple times their on-court earnings in any given year.

Below, we take a look at the 30 highest-paid tennis players of all time, based on on-the-court winnings. While the list is skewed towards recent players, it's a mix of both men and women, as well as current players and all-time greats.

Data is from the ATP and WTA tours. Doubles and and mixed-doubles earnings are included in the career winnings, but are not included in the number of titles won.

SEE ALSO: 'I never touched it': Serena Williams tried to deposit her first million-dollar check in the bank drive-thru

DON'T MISS: This is everything tennis champion Serena Williams eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

30. Goran Ivanisevic — $19,878,007

Nationality: Croatian

Grand Slam titles: 1 (Wimbledon)

Overall titles: 22



29. Stefan Edberg — $20,630,941

Nationality:Swedish

Grand Slam titles: 6 (2 Australian, 2 Wimbledon, 2 U.S. Open)

Overall titles: 41



28. Andy Roddick — $20,640,030

Nationality: American

Grand Slam titles: 1 (U.S. Open)

Overall titles: 32



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 reasons why daylight savings is the worst

0
0

Small analog clock

  • Daylight saving time has been linked to a host of mental and physical health issues.
  • It can put people at greater risk for cardiovascular conditions and is the reason why some individuals experience seasonal affective disorder.
  • Although it was invented to save energy, we actually use more electricity once DST starts.


It's that time of year again: daylight saving time (DST) goes into effect on March 11 in most of the US, parts of Canada, and a handful of island territories. If you live in an area that engages in daylight savings, prepare to lose an hour of sleep on Sunday morning when clocks leap from 1.59 a.m. to 3.00 a.m. 

While "springing ahead" means more daylight in the warmer months, some dread the time change because it can have negative ramifications on health and well-being.

From sleep deprivation to seasonal affective disorder, here are 10 reasons why some people hate DST.

Daylight savings can cause sleep deprivation.

Given that light is our primary time cue, it's no surprise that we alter our circadian rhythm (aka the sleep/wake cycle) by springing the clock ahead an hour. That's why the effect that daylight saving time can have on our internal clocks is similar to the jet lag we experience when traveling to a different time zone.

DST may have a less drastic effect on our sleep patterns than, say, traveling across the Atlantic, but the impact isn't exactly negligible: Americans sleep about 40 minutes less the night after DST begins, according to research conducted at Michigan State University. 

"Most of us end up losing 40 to 50 minutes of sleep those first few days — and as a nation that's significantly sleep deprived to begin with, even that little change can impact health," Sandhya Kumar, assistant professor of neurology and medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina, told Health magazine.



It can also take a toll on mental health.

A 2014 study in Germany, published in the journal Economics Letters, indicates a direct connection between DST and individual well-being. According to the abstract, researchers found "that self-reported life satisfaction deteriorates after the transition to DST." The effect is even more profound for people who are employed full-time.

On a more somber note, DST has also been correlated with an increase in suicide rates, according to an Australian study published in 2008 in Sleep and Biological Rhythms. After examining suicide data from 1971 through 2001, researchers concluded that male suicide rates in particular tend to escalate after DST begins.

 



DST can put people at greater risk for cardiovascular conditions.

Daylight saving time can put people at greater risk for heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and, possibly, strokes.

A 2014 study in the journal Open Heart found that on the Monday after DST begins, 24% more people have heart attacks than on other Mondays throughout the year. On the flipside, the study noted a 21% decrease in heart attacks the Tuesday after DST ends. 

Additionally, a preliminary study conducted in Finland links higher stroke rates with DST. Researchers found an 8% increase in stroke incidence for two days following the spring and fall time changes.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The cast of 'That '70s Show'

0
0

'That '70s Show' cast basement

"That '70s Show" first aired on TV in August 1998 and lasted for eight seasons before coming to a close in May 2006. The hit show provided iconic lines and hysterical scenes. And let's not forget that it also paved the way for one of Hollywood's favorite celebrity couplesMila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Most of the main cast members from "That '70s Show" continue to act, but have also ventured into writing books, directing, and producing. 

Keep reading to see what the cast has been up to since the series finale aired. 

Topher Grace starred as protagonist Eric Forman on "That '70s Show."

He was the leader of his group of friends (mainly because his basement was their hangout spot) and completely obsessed with anything related to "Star Wars."

 

 



Most recently, Grace starred in the 2017 film "War Machine" alongside Brad Pitt. He also appeared in "Workaholics" and "Drunk History."

During season seven, Grace left "That '70s Show," but made an appearance on the series finale. He went on to star as villain Eddie Brock (also known as "Venom") in "Spider-Man 3," Anne Hathaway's love interest in "Valentine's Day," and Getty in the 2014 film adaptation of "Interstellar." 



Laura Prepon starred as Donna Pinciotti, the next door neighbor of the Formans, member of Eric's inner circle, and his love interest.

Donna ditched her signature red hair for a blonde shade after she and Eric broke up, but in reality, it was dyed because Prepon's role in the 2006 film "Karla" required blonde hair.

 



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




Latest Images