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

I'm taking a trip around the world with only a carry-on suitcase — here's everything I packed

0
0

WhatToPackRoundTheWorldTrip (11 of 11)

  • I'm taking a trip around the world that will have me traveling for many months on end as Business Insider's International Correspondent.
  • I wanted to bring only a carry-on suitcase and a backpack so I could travel lighter and avoid baggage fees on the numerous flights I'll be taking.
  • Most of the packing lists I found online were ridiculously minimalist. I couldn't afford to be, with travel plans ranging from business meetings to hiking trips.
  • Packing properly required a lot of planning to make sure all the travel essentials I need.

As Business Insider's International Correspondent, I'll be spending the next three months traveling through Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Russia.

When I started planning my round-the-world trip, there was no shortage of packing lists to draw from. But most packing lists are laughably small. Minimalism is the dominant philosophy of travel bloggers everywhere.

That wasn't going to work for me. 

My trip has a wide range of scenarios to plan for, and that's before you include the copious photo and video equipment I'm carrying with me to document it all.

I'll be spanning Beijing's frosty early spring to Hanoi's sweltering summer and situations ranging from boardroom meetings with executives at Chinese tech startups to hiking China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (the mountains the 2009 film Avatar was based on).

With all that in mind, I decided to eschew the minimalist mantra of the backpackers of the world and go maximalist.

Consider this carefully planned packing list my Watch The Throne.

SEE ALSO: I stayed at New York’s most iconic luxury hotel that charges up to $50,000 a night and was once owned by Donald Trump

I'm going to take a ton of flights, so I don't want to deal with checking baggage. I decided to bring a carry-on and a backpack for efficiency.

(1) TravelPro MAXLITE 21" Expandable Carry-On SpinnerContrary to popular belief, there is no one correct carry-on suitcase size. Some airlines allow bags up to 22-inches, some only 20-inches. This bag is 21-inches. That should be small enough for most international carriers. 

TravelPro is the brand you'll see flight attendants and pilots using. I don't know if that's because they get them for free or because they're so ergonomical. For now, I'll pretend ergonomical and report back in a few months.

(2) Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack: I've been carrying the small radioactive orange Lowepro camera/hiking backpack for 6 years. While I love it, it was time to say goodbye. 

When I started looking for a new camera backpack for this trip, I came across Peak Design, which launched one of the most successful Kickstarters ever and is the choice backpack of tech journalists, or so I'm told. My early impressions are largely positive.

It's stocked with tons of pockets and functional design choices so you can fit (and keep organized) everything you might need on a workday: laptop, notebooks, paper, camera, lenses, flash, water bottle, chargers, knickknacks, etc.

It's also fairly stylish, if I do say so myself.



Packing the carry-on was a lot easier using packing cubes to keep things organized.

(1) Bicycle card deck: I always carry a pack of cards of me so I can perform my sick magic tricks on new business acquaintances. Just kidding. But they are a good distraction.

(2) New Outlander pocketable backpack: This is a good day pack for hiking. Super-light and folds up into the pocket so its smaller than a paperback book.

(3) Overboard Dry Tube Bag: I have a lot of expensive camera equipment and I plan on doing some adventure-type activities that I’d like to document on the trip. This bag will keep everything bone-dry so I don’t have to worry about calling the insurance company.

(4) Domke 19-Inch Protective Wrap: This Velcro wrap is a handy piece of gear so I can pack up sensitive equipment that doesn’t have its own case.

(5) Fuji X-T2 Battery Grip: This add-on grip for my Fuji camera houses two extra batteries and adds some extra performance punch when shooting video with the camera. Extra bonus: I can use it to charge two batteries at a time.

(6) Card tin + business cards: I refashioned a tin for holding playing cards as a business card holder. I learned my lesson on my trip to launch Business Insider Japan last January about not having business cards in Asia. I only hope I brought enough.

(7), (10), Godox VING V860IIFA speedlight for my Fuji X-T2 that’s fraction of the price of other leading brands while capable of doing everything I need it to. Plus the charger.

(8) Godox XPro-F: I just started getting into shooting with off-camera flash. This controller will allow me to execute more complicated lighting arrangements by firing the flash without it being connected to the top of my camera.

(9) Sony camera charger: In addition to my Fuji XT-2, I’m also carrying a high-end point-and-shoot, the Sony RX100 Mark IV. This is the charger for it.

(11) Ultraviolet and Neutral Density Lens Filters: This is a package of four lens filters for my Fuji lens. The UV filters protect the lens from scratches or smudges, while the ND filters reduce the amount of light to the camera.

(12) Lexar 25-in-1 memory card reader: For transferring my photos and video to my computer for editing.

(13) 3 Legged Thing Equinox Leo: A lightweight carbon fiber travel tripod that can handle a full camera setup. One of the legs is a detachable monopod. I’ll be using this a lot on upcoming shoots. A good thing it folds up to a little over 16 inches long.

(14) Travel towel: You never know when a place you are staying won’t a have a towel. This travel towel has come with me on a ton of trips. it folds up small and drys fast.

(15) Dakine Travel Kit Backpack: This toiletry bag has a ton of good reviews so I decided to give it a try after lugging around the same boring black one since I was 14. It fits a ton in there. See the next slide.

(16), (17), (19) — HiDay Travel Organizer Bag System: My girlfriend purchased this set of seven packing cubes for herself, then decided not to use most of them. I’m finding these to a be functional way to keep my clothes organized amidst all my other gear.

(18) Dollar store flip flops: I bought these at a dollar store in Canada last summer and they are still holding strong. I’ll keep using them until they disintegrate. Maybe then I’ll upgrade to some Havianas.

(20) Nike Roshe One Running Shoes: The Nike Roshe’s have become something of a cult favorite Nike shoe in the last couple of years, mainly because of its lightweight top and thick sole. The clean design combined with that reputation for performance convinced me that it would a good shoe for the many walking tours ahead, as well one I could use for morning exercise while traveling.

 

 



While I rarely buy travel-size toiletries, a few items like moleskin and Gold Bond can make long trips far more enjoyable.

(1) Oral-B Toothbrush: I had bought a Radius Scuba toothbrush a month ago to bring on the trip. That toothbrush is supposed to last 9 months (versus most toothbrushes 3 months) and is supposed to better on the gums. Unfortunately, it lasted a week before I lost it. A foreboding sign.

(2) Marvis Whitening Toothpaste: Let me start by saying I rarely, if ever, purchase travel-size items. They’re overpriced and too small. This one I acquired while staying at The Beekman for a story recently. Like Ross Geller (You know you’re a 90’s kid when …) I always stock up on hotel amenities for future trips.

(3) Floss: With apologies to my dentist, and my teeth, I don’t floss often. But I’m trying to change that. If New York me doesn’t floss, maybe I can convince world traveler me to do so.

(4) Marrone Scurro Creme: I recently bought an expensive pair of Italian leather hiking boots (see following slide). This tube of leather cream (?) came with it. I assume it's for shoe care but I’ll be honest I don’t really know. Might as well bring it.

(5) American Crew Forming Cream: I’m going to be at a lot of business meetings so that means stepping up my hair game. This cream gets my hair to look thick and pushed back without going full American Psycho.

(6) Nioxin Scalp Treatment: Like many men my age, I’m very slowly losing my hair (VERY SLOWLY, thank you).This spray came in a trial pack of other men’s hair products. It says it helps keep your scalp healthy. I’m not holding my breath.

(7) Old Spice Swagger body wash: I know I said I don’t buy travel-size toiletries, but this one was rolling around in the back of my medicine cabinet. I can’t be blamed for what a younger me purchased.

(8) Travel size shampoo and body lotion: I got these on vacation last October in Austria. I told you I stock up at hotels.

(9) Conair Hair Brush: It’s probably time for me to downgrade to a comb as I no longer have Thor-level locks, but I’m holding onto my youth as long as possible, thank you.

(10) Nioxin shampoo and conditioner: This also came in the trial pack. They lie flat so I figured I’d might as well pack them.

(11) Advanced Clinicals Beard Oil: I’ve never been one to use cologne as I find most scents too pungent for my delicate nose. But this sandalwood-scented beard oil serves that purpose while I also making my standard-issue 2010s-era Williamsburg beard nice and soft.

(12) Aquamira water purifier tablets: I’ve been storing this in my toiletry bag for at least a decade and have never used them. Still, it gives me peace of mind to know that if I’m ever caught in the wilderness, I’ll be able to drink from a stream. LOL.

(13) Fa Sport Deodorant: I’ve got nothing interesting to say about this deodorant except that I bought it in Europe and, for some reason, European brands of deodorant come in much smaller packages, which makes them ideal for travel.

(14) Blistex lip balm: I’ll be traveling to western China (Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia provinces) where it is very windy. You’ll see — this one is going to come in handy,.

(15) Wahl beard trimmer: The benefit of having a beard means not having to carry razors and shaving cream. The downside: you need a bulky electric trimmer to keep it professional-looking.

(16) Ibuprofen: Don’t be fooled. This miniature bottle of Ibuprofen also contains Imitrex for my migraines, which is a loving condition I was gifted when I turned 27. This bottle has since been moved to my backpack after suffering a migraine on my New York to Hong Kong flight.

(17) Moleskin: No, not the notebook. Moleskin is possibly one of the most clutch items to keep in your travel bag. After walking for days on end, you are bound to get blisters on your feet. Slap the Moleskine over them and you won’t feel them.

(18) Gold Bond Anti Itch Cream: Chafing is an eternal traveler condition. This tingling bottle of relief mitigates the issue.

(19) Antibiotic ointment (i.e. Neosporin): I usually carry a full first-aid kit on hiking trips. I plan to do some hiking during this trip, but I just don’t have the space for the kit. This will have to do.

(20) Eco Soap Bar: I will never run out of travel-size amenities. Trust me. I’m a squirrel storing nuts for winter.

(21) CVS bandages: You never know when you are going to cut yourself. Particularly when you are a klutz like me.

(22) Tums: Eating a lot of strange foods and drinking a fair amount — sounds like a recipe for a stomach ache, eh?

(23) Malaria pills: I’m not sure if these are really necessary, but I will be in Southeast Asia next month and my doctor wrote the prescription.

(24) Z-Pac: It’s always a good idea to have antibiotics on hand.  Most food and drinks are made with water stocked with foreign bacteria. Your immune system is not always going to be able to fight them off.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

28 pieces of politically charged artwork posted by actor Jim Carrey, who has amassed over 18 million followers on Twitter

0
0

Jim Carrey

  • Actor Jim Carrey has become a political artist and activist on Twitter, amassing over 18 million followers.
  • He regularly tweets politically charged and timely artwork — and has sparked backlash in some cases.
  • A clear style emerged in the art back in November.

 

Actor Jim Carrey has gained a reputation recently for not only being something of a recluse, but for being an outspoken political artist and activist on Twitter.

Carrey has been busier than usual this month. He's tweeted drawings that criticize everyone from Mark Zuckerberg for Facebook's handling of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, to President Trump in a sexually explicit drawing.

And he has sparked controversies, such as the conservative backlash he got earlier this month for posting an unflattering image of White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in which he called her "monstrous."

But when did this new style of art from Carrey begin?

The first public instance appears to be in November. A drawing of former strategist to Trump, Steve Bannon, that Carrey tweeted on November 10, 2017, seems to have set a precedent for the art that would come after it. The art features Bannon's face with the word "fool" drawn over it. That same day, Carrey tweeted a drawing of former Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore. Similar to the Bannon piece, Moore's face had the word "danger" drawn over it.

Carrey has regularly posted drawings since then, almost always inspired by current political events. His Twitter has attracted over 18 million followers.

We don't know what Carrey will say next, or what art he'll post, but until then, we've rounded up a selection of his politically artistic tweets since he debuted the distinct style in November.

Below is a timeline of Carrey's politically charged artwork:

SEE ALSO: Will Ferrell says he will delete his Facebook page over the Cambridge Analytica scandal — and he's not the only actor doing it

November 10, 2017

 



November 10, 2017

 



November 29, 2017

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 things that may influence your partner to cheat on you — or vice versa

0
0

by the sea movie passive aggressive

It is pretty difficult to determine if a partner is going to cheat on you before it actually happens.

Sure, there may be a few obvious warning signs when the actual act of cheating is underway — like seeing some texts from a suspicious number or noticing that they've been spending a lot of time with their ex — but there is no single characteristic or trait that automatically labels someone a cheater.

There may, however, be some overlapping behaviors that could influence someone to cheat. INSIDER spoke to relationship experts to find out what might lead a person to cheat — and what you can do about it.

1. Feeling a lack of appreciation and admiration

According to relationship expert Susan Winter, one of the most common — and, in many cases, unexpected — things that lead a person to cheat is feeling a lack of appreciation and admiration in a relationship. 

"Most people wrongly assume it's because the sex is bad or there is no sex, but when someone doesn't feel valuable, this is the number one reason [why they cheat]," Winter told INSIDER.



2. Being insecure

Another reason why someone might cheat is because they are insecure.

"Usually, in this scenario, the partner that wants to cheat is seeking out confirmation of their desirability," Winter told INSIDER. "And they use the reinforcement of a new person to bolster their own self-confidence."



3. Lack of sexual confidence

Dr. Paulette Sherman, a New York City-based psychologist and author of "Dating From The Inside Out," told INSIDER that insecurity is especially dangerous when it is tied to sexuality. 

"If someone lacks sexual confidence, they may feel a need to seek someone out on the side," Sherman told INSIDER. "Because this person doesn't know their sexual history, they feel less pressure with that person in terms of performance anxiety."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Trump says Amazon is 'putting many thousands of retailers out of business' — here are 8 industries hit hardest by the e-commerce giant's domination (AMZN)

0
0

donald trump

  • President Donald Trump tweeted on Thursday that Amazon is "putting many thousands of retailers out of business." 
  • Amazon's aggressive expansion into new industries has terrified competitors. 
  • Here are eight industries threatened by Amazon's growth, from shoe stores to healthcare businesses. 


President Donald Trump seems determined to take down Amazon as the e-commerce juggernaut expands its reach. 

"Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, use our Postal System as their Delivery Boy (causing tremendous loss to the U.S.), and are putting many thousands of retailers out of business!" Trump tweeted on Thursday morning. 

Trump has a history of criticizing Amazon. The president argues that Amazon has unfairly received prime tax benefits and preferential treatment from the US Postal Service, hurting brick-and-mortar retailers.

While Amazon denies that its aggressive growth hurts competitors, many analysts and executives agree that, often, when Amazon enters a new industry, rivals suffer.

These are eight industries that have been threatened by Amazon's increasing domination: 

SEE ALSO: Trump is determined to take down Amazon — and it could be terrible news for HQ2

Food delivery businesses

Blue Apron's disastrous IPO reveals how big of an impact Amazon's entrance in a new industry can have on competitors. 

The company went public in June. When Amazon filed a trademark application for "prepared food kits" on July 6, Blue Apron's stock sank 11%.

Amazon's success has continued to plague Blue Apron. In January, the company's shares fell more than 6% after One Click Retail's 2017 Grocery Report showed that Amazon had made impressive gains in the US grocery market. 



Shoe stores

As customers shop for shoes directly from Amazon, analysts say companies like Foot Locker and Finish Line are in danger. In August 2017, UBS analyst Michael Binetti downgraded both companies, saying it is "almost certain" that sneaker retailers will lose market share to Amazon.

"The disruption that has characterized the retail industry recently is not going away," Foot Locker's CEO Richard Johnson said in a call with investors in February."Consumers want experiences, they want cool products, and they want it all — fast."

Foot Locker plans to close approximately 110 stores this year after closing 147 stores globally in 2017. 



Grocery stores

Amazon bought Whole Foods in August 2017, which dealt a massive blow to US grocery stores as it forced its way into the brick-and-mortar market and threatened to drive prices down.

The retailer is already the largest seller of groceries online. It's estimated to have 18% of the US online grocery market, which is double the second-place share held by Walmart.

By having access to brick-and-mortar locations, the company is able to expand its reach across the US and use these stores as distribution centers for online orders. And, Amazon is building out its own brick-and-mortar concept, with the first Amazon Go store opening in Seattle in January. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What 31 highly successful people were doing at age 25

0
0

Beyonce

• There's no rule that says you have to become successful by the age of 25.

• Just look at what some of the most successful people out there were doing in their mid-twenties.

• Some individuals, like Beyoncé and Steve Jobs, had already made it big.

• But many other famous and successful individuals were just starting out.


Everyone's path to success is different.

For some, it's mostly linear. Others encounter more twists, turns, and bumps along the way.

Donald Trump, for example, was born into a real estate development family, and he inherited his father's business at 25, according to Bio.

J.K. Rowling, on the other hand, was still a struggling writer daydreaming about a magical world in her mid-twenties.

To prove that no two paths to success are alike, we've highlighted what Trump, Rowling, and 29 other successful people were doing at age 25.

SEE ALSO: 11 wildly successful people who dropped out of high school

DON'T MISS: Inside the marriage of Barack and Michelle Obama, who met at work and kissed outside an ice cream store on their first date

J.K. Rowling came up with the idea for the Harry Potter series on a train.

Rowling was 25 years old when she came up with the idea for Harry Potter during a delayed four-hour train ride in 1990.

She started writing the first book that evening, but it took her years to actually finish it. While working as a secretary for the London office of Amnesty International, Rowling was fired for daydreaming too much about Harry Potter, and her severance check would help her focus on writing for the next few years.

During these years, she got married, had a daughter, got divorced, and was diagnosed with clinical depression before finally finishing the book in 1995. It was published in 1997.



Donald Trump took over his father's real estate development company.

At the age of 25, US President Donald Trump was given control of his father's company, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which he later renamed the Trump Organization, according to Bio. He soon became involved in large, profitable building projects in Manhattan.



Mark Cuban was a bartender in Dallas.

At age 25, Cuban had graduated from Indiana University and had moved to Dallas. He started out as a bartender and then a salesperson for a PC software retailer. He got fired because he wanted to go close a deal rather than open a store in the morning. That helped inspire him to open his first business, MicroSolutions.

"When I got to Dallas, I was struggling — sleeping on the floor with six guys in a three-bedroom apartment," Cuban writes in his book "How to Win at the Sport of Business.""I used to drive around, look at the big houses, and imagine what it would be like to live there and use that as motivation."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 stylish pairs of men's sunglasses you can buy for 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.

mvmtSpring is finally here. As the weather begins to warm up, it's time to do away with winter accessories like warm beanies and scarves, and replace them with more seasonally appropriate pieces.

Certain brands would like to make you think that spending hundreds of dollars on designer shades is the only way to avoid chintzy frames that'll break within weeks, but that's far from true.

Brands like MVMT, Warby Parker, Ray-Ban, Sunski, and more all offer high quality sunglasses that are still fairly priced. With many fashionable options priced under $100, you can either save a bunch of money by buying one pair or pick up multiple styles for what you'd spend on a single pair of designer shades.

Whether you're looking for classic aviators, folding square frames, or sport-ready shades, you'll find them here.

Check out our picks for the best cheap men's sunglasses under $100:

MVMT Renegade

$70, available in four colors

Most known for their affordable and stylish watches, MVMT is now making sunglasses of equal caliber. As one of ten new styles released for 2018, the Renegade features a simple yet stylish square frame with silver lenses.

Shop all MVMT sunglasses here > 

 



Sunski Dipseas

$58, available in several frame and lens combinations

Founded by two surfers, Sunski sunglasses are made for adventure. Every pair comes with polarized lenses, flexible frames that fit like a glove, and a lifetime warranty. 

Shop all Sunski sunglasses here >

 

 



MVMT Runaway

$75, available in four colors

If you're looking for a classic pair of aviators, the MVMT Runaway is a solid choice. They're available in Dark Grey, Mirror Gold, G15 Green, and Dark Green colors. You can add polarized lenses for an extra $20 — still fairly priced at under $100.

Shop all MVMT sunglasses here > 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

19 important details you might have missed in the new 'Westworld' season 2 trailer

0
0

Bernard Charlotte Westworld Season 2 photos 10

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for the second season of "Westworld."

HBO premiered the official full-length trailer for the coming second season of "Westworld," and there are plenty of juicy new pieces of footage for fans to obsess over. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, watch that first. Then come back and keep reading for a closer look at the biggest revelations we spotted in the trailer.

Here are 19 important details you might have missed:

The trailers opens with Bernard/Arnold speaking to Dolores while we see the Delos security on the shores of Westworld.

If backup security has to take boats to the shore, this seems to cement the idea that Westworld itself might be on an island somewhere. 

 



We're pretty certain this conversation is a flashback to the real Arnold speaking with Dolores.

"I dreamt I was on an ocean," Arnold says. "You and the others on the distant shore."

This might be foreshadowing of how Bernard (the host Ford created in Arnold's image) will spend most of the season away from the other hosts. The other Delos employees don't know Bernard is a host.



But it looks like they'll find out. In the trailer, we see Charlotte Hale standing in front of a group of Bernard hosts.

How will Charlotte react to this discovery? What will Bernard do? This is going to be quite the balancing act.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

6 countries have a stake in Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un — here's what all the big players want in coming North Korea talks

0
0

Donald Trump Kim Jong Un

After President Donald Trump confirmed in early March that he would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the world has been eagerly watching to see what will happen.

If the potential meeting were to happen, six countries in particular — the US, North Korea, China, Russia, South Korea and Japan — will look to benefit from it. 

Although press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday that there is "no time or date" yet for a potential meeting between Trump and Kim, US officials have said that the talks might happen in May or June. 

"I'm going to be cautiously optimistic that a meeting will actually happen," Rodger Baker, Stratfor's vice president of Asia-Pacific Analysis, told Business Insider. Baker said he thought it was a good decision for Trump to meet with Kim, adding that the only downside to the two speaking could be a return to the bellicose rhetoric the world witnessed in 2017.

Business Insider spoke with Baker about what the six parties would like to see from the potential meeting.

Here's what he said:

SEE ALSO: The US will send an F-35 aircraft carrier to South Korea — and North Korea should be afraid

1. North Korea

Kim's ultimate goal is to "gain international legitimacy, which gets them access to money, resources, finance, investment, infrastructure development, technology for their own industry, markets for their own products," Baker said.

"It's moving them more and more into the space of a normal and recognized country," he said, adding that they've taken a hard stance against the US out of fear that the Americans may renege on any potential compromise in the future and overthrow the Kim dynasty.



2. United States

"The stated policy of the United States, no matter which administration, is the complete verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea," Baker said.

"What does the president want versus what does the core interest of the United States versus what is the ideal for many of the individuals in the administration or State Department — I don't there's a single agreed outcome at the moment," he said, adding "that's what's making it challenging on the US side and why you hear sort of very conflicting views on whether Trump should or shouldn't go and what may or may not come from it."

In the first potential rounds of talks, Baker said, the US would like to see "the North Koreans publicly stating and then following through with ending intermediate and long-range ballistic missile tests, publicly stating and following through with an end to nuclear tests ... in return for additional talks and the potential to ease back on ... restrictions to humanitarian aid and maybe even infrastructure development aid."



3. China

China is focused on the "technology transfer, manufacturing transfer, infrastructure development in North Korea to facilitate the economic development of North Korea," Baker said. 

"This is something China has been pushing for awhile, that if North Korea can be focused on its economic structure then — yeah, they may still have nuclear weapons here and there, but in general they are not going to be causing a lot chaos right there on the border," he said. 

"The Chinese top-tier concern is actually the collapse of North Korea," according to Baker, adding it would cause hundreds of thousands of refugees would flow into China, possibly bringing loose North Korean missiles and nuclear weapons.

To ensure this doesn't happen, China would like the sanctions to be eased to "create the space for some form of engagement" and for economic activity to pick up.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We tested these performance dress shirts that never wrinkle and feel like T-shirts — and they kept us from sweating at work

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.

mover

  • Twillory performance dress shirts feature a four-way stretch material that resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and keeps you cool.
  • Priced at $54 each when you buy four or more, they're the best value in smart workwear.
  • We tested them out and found that they're great for on-the-go and traveling professionals.

Dress shirts are probably the most important workwear essential for men. You can find them at just about any menswear retailer in an abundance of styles and colors, but when it comes to finding shirts that are versatile and comfortable enough for your busy lifestyle, that's where you'll run into problems. 

Traditional dress shirts wrinkle quickly, often fit poorly, and look pretty horrible once you begin to sweat — all things that don't bode well when it comes to looking professional.

But Twillory, a brand best known for making the 100% formaldehyde-free non-iron SafeCotton dress shirt, has developed an new dress shirt that addresses many of the frustrations and limitations of traditional styles. We got to try the shirts, and every one of us loved wearing them. 

The Twillory performance dress shirt features a four-way stretch material made from cotton, lyrca, and the brand's proprietary Cool Max™ fabric. What makes the material special is its ability to resist wrinkles, wick moisture, and keep your body cool. These innovative features help you stay neat and fresh by regulating your temperature on those days when you're going between a freezing cold office and hot weather outside.

sleeve

Twillory isn't the only brand to try its hand at smarter dress shirts, but it is the very best value on the market. Its performance shirts are priced at $99 each, but can be had for less when bought in bulk — 2 for $119, 3 for $175, and four or more for $54 each.

After testing the shirts, we found them to be convenient for city life, as comfortable as T-shirts, and an all-around great value for the cost. Read on below to see what each of us thought about the shirts, and to check out the different patterns they come in. 

Shop Twillory performance dress shirts here.

Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter: Twillory Advancer

I've worn several pieces of performance workwear like blazers, chinos, and dress pants, but never dress shirts. As someone who rarely wears button ups (simply because they're not as comfortable as other tops), I was more than willing to give the Twillory Performance shirt a try. I went with the "Advancer" since it features a blue checked patterns — a style you generally can't go wrong with.

It was wrinkle-free right out of the packaging and fit extremely well. I have a slim build, so most classic-fitting shirts are just too big on me and certain slim shirts are flat out tight. The Twillory Performance shirt only comes in one fit — tailored — but manages to achieve a comfortable in-between for all body types as a result of its dynamic four-way stretch. 

My favorite thing about the shirt is the soft cotton lining in the sleeves and shoulder areas. While other dress shirts are stiff from being starched and ironed, wearing the Twillory Performance dress shirt feels similar to wearing a long-sleeve t-shirt.

Twillory Advancer Performance Blue, $99



Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor: Twillory Mover

I’ve been a fan of Twillory’s button-up shirts since first getting to try them over a year ago, and found myself impressed again with the startup’s new performance collection. I tried the “Mover,” a gingham-patterned option that was professional-looking enough to wear to the office, but comfortable enough that I liked wearing it on the weekends.

I haven’t exercised while wearing it, but I did benefit from the Mover’s Coolmax moisture-wicking material after putting it on after a midday workout. Unlike other shirts, which stuck to me and felt weird, the Mover continued to feel light and easy to wear until the end of the day. If you’re the type of person whose commute includes a longer walk, or who dreads leaving the office during warmer months because of sweat, you’ll want a shirt from this collection in your closet.

Twillory Mover Performance Gingham, $99



Breton Fischetti, Insider Picks VP: Twillory Explorer

I'm really excited about the idea of Twillory's performance fabric. It has the benefits of all the technical workout gear we've seen evolve over the last couple of years, except that now it's designed to look appropriate in the workplace.

Twillory always delivers when it comes to well-fitted (not tight) dress shirts, and these new styles are no exception. The fabric is great — it feels like a T-shirt, and is comfortable and flexible — but it looks like any other dress shirt.

I will say that if you're the kind of person that likes a stiffer shirt, this won't be your best bet because it's very thin and soft. But I'm very excited about how the shirt will perform when it's hot outside since it's so breathable.

Overall, it's another great development from Twillory and a win-win when it comes to comfortable clothes that look professional.

Twillory Explorer Performance Plaid, $99



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

27 of the most dangerous things science has strongly linked to cancer

0
0

cancer immunotherapy treatment

Cancer is the number two cause of death in the US, second only to heart disease.

It fundamentally affects the way our cells grow and divide, changing them in perverse ways.  All cancer is a result of DNA damage or genetic mutations in our DNA. The nasty, debiltating class of diseases spreads through a body like an invading army, as toxic cells grow relentlessly into unruly tumors. 

Some cases of cancer are out of our control, determined by genetic defects and predispositions passed down from one generation to the next, or spurred by genetic changes we undergo through our lifetime.

But we also know that breathing in certain substances, eating specific things, and even using certain kinds of plastics ups the risk of developing some deadly cancers. 

Here are some known carcinogens (cancer-causers), as well as a few more things scientists are zeroing in on as prime suspects: 

SEE ALSO: A study of more than 100,000 people has found that one food group is closely linked with cancer

Sugar

Scientists now know that eating too much sweet stuff can not only lead to diabetes, it can also actively damage your cells and up your odds of developing cancer.

But that's not all.

New research suggests that sugar may fuel tumor growth in the body, because cancer loves to use sugar as fuel. 

"The hyperactive sugar consumption of cancerous cells leads to a vicious cycle of continued stimulation of cancer development and growth" Belgian molecular biologist Johan Thevelein said when his latest study was released in 2017. Scientists say the groundbreaking research gives us a better understanding of how sugar and cancer interact, and could one day help create targeted diet strategies for patients.

 



Processed foods

Any food that comes in a crinkly plastic wrapper, is industrially sealed, and built to last for months without spoiling may be a quick fix for a hunger pang on-the-go, but it's also likely upping your risk for cancer.

Scientists in France recently zeroed in on a link between people who eat more processed foods, and those who develop more cancer.

They're not sure yet whether it's the shelf-stabilizing ingredients in the food that's the problem, the plastic packaging, or some combination of the two. And because their study was correlative, it's possible there's some other hidden factor at work.

 

 



Smoking

Even though the tobacco industry tried to cover this one up, we've known for years that tobacco smoke has at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals inside. And it's not just smokers who are affected: people who inhale secondhand smoke can develop deadly forms of cancer too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says"nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20–30%."

People who chew their tobacco are at increased risk, too. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

13 famous women who reportedly earn way more money than their partners

0
0

oprah winfrey stedman graham

In relationships, money matters. More specifically, it matters when partners make drastically different amounts of money from one another.

Even for wealthy and famous couples, income isn't always easily distributed. There are power couples like Beyonce and Jay Z or Kim and Kanye, of course, but often one partner has significantly more money than the other.

The famous women on this list all out-earn their partners by at least twice as much, and they aren't letting that affect their relationship.

SEE ALSO: Airbnb for billionaires: Where the world's richest people stay when they travel

Jessica Alba: $200 million

Jessica Alba built a billion-dollar business with The Honest Company and is worth a reported $200 million. Husband Cash Warren, actor, producer, and son of actor Michael Warren, has a considerably smaller net worth estimated at around $20 million.



Reese Witherspoon: Over $198 million

There's nothing Reese Witherspoon can't do. The actress, producer, and director's net worth has netted a reported $198 million since 2002 before tax, according to Forbes, making her one of the highest paid entertainers.

She also launched the clothing company Draper James so it's likely her wealth is even higher as a result. 

In 2011, Witherspoon married talent agent Jim Toth, whose A-list clients like Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson have earned him an estimated $4 million net worth.

 



Sofia Vergara: $120 million

Topping the list of the highest-paid TV actresses, Sofia Vergara earns a reported $41.5 million a year for her work on "Modern Family." That pay brings her to a reported $120 million net worth. Financially, this puts her well ahead of husband and actor Joe Manganiello whose net worth totals around an estimated $16 million.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 ways to get over an ex who's still in your life

0
0

breakup

Almost everyone has gone through at least one or two bad breakups in their lives. Most people, your family and/or friends give you the "just get over it” speech, assuming it's simply so easy to get over the person you've spent a lot of time with.

This can be made all the worse if he's someone you still have to see all the time, like a coworker, someone who has mutual friends with you or someone you just happen to run into all of the time.

Breaking up with someone you have to see every day or often can be quite the sticky situation. It takes away the whole idea of "out of sight out of mind,” which makes it that much more difficult to get over them.

I dated a guy for a few months that lived exactly two doors away from me. After we broke up, it was difficult seeing him leave for work in the morning, casually seeing him outside and even watching him bring other women into his home. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

Here's how to get over someone you see too often without losing your cool.

Take time to grieve the loss.

No, it's not a funeral, but you did lose someone. It's ok to cry or have feelings of hurt, disappointment, sadness, and frustration after a breakup. You're hurt because you cared for this person. You're disappointed because you thought the relationship would last. You're sad and frustrated because you cannot believe this happened to you.

Clinical sexologist Kristie Street told Marie Claire that she believes treating yourself with TLC (tender, love, and care) during this time is crucial.

Don't waste your emotional energy by telling yourself that you shouldn't feel this way or that you should just get over it,” she said. In the end, it's going to be ok. These feelings of sadness and disappointment will pass."



Prepare for the unexpected.

Imagine the most unexpected situations that may occur between the both of you. Accidentally running into each other at the local store, seeing each other in the break room, showing up to a mutual friends birthday party.  You may or may not acknowledge each other but you will definitely see each other.

Under advice from professional matchmaker Simona Fusco"acknowledge the awkwardness.” Be prepared to see them in the most unexpected to places. Engage in conversation but maintain boundaries. Be smart, don't bring up the past and certainly don't lie about the present. No need to make up false stories to appear superior or have dug up dirt from the past that will leave one of you feeling hurt or worse, publicly crying.



Keep your composure.

Don't be the person that spazzes out in public when you see them or that makes everyone else around feel uncomfortable because you're uncomfortable. Don't let someone else or their actions take you out of your character, no matter how foolish they may act.

Keep it cute and act like you are unbothered, even if you happen to see them. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Costco workers reveal 7 deals that aren't worth the money

0
0

Costco samples

Costco deals aren't always a good value.

• With some products, employees said you might be better off skipping a trip to Costco.

• From vacation packages to large supplies of perishable produce, here are the items employees suggest leaving out of your Costco shopping cart.


Costco deals aren't created equal.

The retail chain is famous for having just about everything in bulk — from food kits for the apocalypse to cars.

But that doesn't mean you should necessarily buy everything at Costco.

Costco employees know firsthand that it's sometimes better to look for deals elsewhere, especially when it comes to certain items.

Here's a look at some items you might want to consider skipping on your next Costco run, according to employees:

SEE ALSO: Costco employees share their best food court secrets and hacks

DON'T MISS: 12 Costco deals everyone should stop wasting money on

SEE ALSO: 11 insider facts about shopping at Costco only employees know

Vacations

Did you know that you can actually book vacations through Costco?

But, according to former Costco marketing manager and Quora user Dan Holliday, that doesn't mean that you should.

In a 2013 post, he wrote that Costco Travel deals aren't "terrible" by any means. Still, he wrote that, "you're simply not going to find some crazier deal on Costco Travel than you would anywhere else."

He wrote that, like with any travel site, there's a possibility you'll find a gem of a vacation package.

"If you're just booking airfare or hotels, then don't bother," Holliday wrote. "There are better sites."



Standard membership if you spend a ton of money

A standard membership at Costco goes for $60 a year. An executive membership will cost you $120 a year.

Costco manager and Quora user Jeremy Falletta recommended springing for the more expensive option if you tend to be a big spender.

The reason? A standard membership just gets you access to Costco. An executive membership will net you an annual 2% reward up to $1,000 on your purchases.



Cookware and patio furniture, if you live in Japan

Some Costco products are more useful in some countries than others.

Quora user and Costco member David Grace wrote that some of the cookware at his local Costco in Japan is too big for typical Japanese ovens.

"Similarly they also carry large patio furniture sets, but nobody here has a yard or patio big enough for them," he wrote. "For almost everything else, I'm at Costco every couple of weeks!"



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The oldest town in every state

0
0

Leavenworth Kansas

There are many ways to define when a city was founded. To determine the oldest city in every state, we did our best to remain consistent in defining the founding of a city by the year of its first settlement — when people arrived and established a place.

The unfortunate reality is that many towns that were "founded" were home to Native American communities dating back thousands of years, the members of which were expelled or wiped out by colonizing settlers who claimed the land as their own. The history of colonial America often erases their stories, but people like Matika Wilbur, a photographer who set out to photograph members of every Native American tribe, are doing important work to keep them alive.

History isn't always pretty, but it is fascinating.

Keep reading to learn about the oldest city in every state.

SEE ALSO: The tallest building in every US state

ALABAMA: Mobile, est. 1702

A major port city, Mobile was founded by the French in 1702. While other sources credit Childersburg, Alabama, as the oldest continually occupied city dating back to 1540, it wasn't actually established until 1889.



ALASKA: Kodiak, est. 1792

Kodiak was founded in 1792 by Aleksandr Andreyevich Baranov, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Baranov was a Russian trader and merchant, who became manager of the Russian-American Company.



ARIZONA: Tuscon, est. 1775

Tuscon was founded in 1775, though the City of Tuscon's official website says it has been continuously settled for over 12,000 years.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince is taking a landmark US tour, meeting with with stars from Elon Musk and Bill Gates to Oprah

0
0

Donald Trump Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is currently on a multi-week tour across the US, meeting with heavy hitters in government, business, and the media.

Starting with President Donald Trump, MbS, as he is known, has since gone on to meet other important politicians in Washington, including influential members of Congress and a number of Trump Cabinet officials.

But the crown prince isn't just meeting with politicians. The Independent reported that a leaked copy of his itinerary revealed meetings with journalists, media moguls, academics, and some of the biggest players in the world's economy. 

Here are some of the biggest names MbS is meeting during his charm offensive:

SEE ALSO: Trump showed off Saudi Arabia's massive US military buys in giant charts — here's everything that's on them

Donald Trump

Trump has now met with MbS multiple times, both in the US and Saudi Arabia. He has emerged as a strong supporter of the young crown prince, as well as his father, King Salman.

The president brought several charts with him when he met with MbS at the White House that showed the type of weapons, vehicles, and equipment being bought by Saudi Arabia. The deals are worth tens of billions of dollars.



Oprah Winfrey

Nader Hashemi, the director of the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver's Josef Kor bel School of International Studies, told The Independent that MbS' meeting with Oprah may help create a better PR image for Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia has always had a public image problem in the West because of the obvious things like women’s rights and beheadings," Hashemi said. 

"When you meet with Oprah, even if you're not going to be interviewed, you're seeking the approval of an opinion maker. You're going into people's homes and reaching deep into American culture."



Jim Mattis

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis was known for being a hawk toward Iran when he served as a general in the Marine Corps. Though he has argued in favor of keeping the Iran deal intact, he is still wary of Saudi Arabia's Middle East rival.

MbS also serves as Saudi Arabia's Minister of Defense, and has made confronting Iran a top priority for Saudi Arabia. A meeting with his US counterpart is a no-brainer.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

All the TV shows that have been canceled recently

0
0

Once Upon A Time ABC

A slew of TV shows were canceled in 2017, and the list of shows canceled in 2018 is growing quickly, especially with streaming services like Amazon and Netflix letting go of some.

We said goodbye to a lot of shows in 2017, which was the first year Netflix decided to start really canceling shows in earnest.

The networks, as usual, axed plenty of shows (old and new) in 2017 as well, like the comedy "2 Broke Girls," which faltered in ratings later into its run. One of CBS' new shows, "Wisdom of the Crowd," was also canceled after its star, Jeremy Piven, was accused of sexual misconduct.

So if you're wondering why a show you love hasn't returned in 2018, it might have been canceled. 

In this roundup, we've also included shows that knew their end was coming. HBO's "Vice Principals," for example, had always been set to finish after two seasons.

Here are all the shows that were canceled in 2017 and 2018, including those from networks and Netflix:

SEE ALSO: All 26 notable new Netflix original shows that debuted in 2017, ranked from worst to best

Canceled in 2018:



"The Mayor"— ABC, one season



"Chance"— Hulu, two seasons



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 famous cities that China ripped off from the rest of the world — and what they look like in real life

0
0

england side by side

Some of China's tourist attractions might look familiar.

If you happen upon a Venetian canal, a Dutch windmill, or the Eiffel Tower during your stay, you're not hallucinating. China has a knack for copying famous landmarks, and sometimes entire cities, from around the world.

While some of these imitations could be mistaken for the real thing, others are abandoned ghost towns or remain half-finished construction projects.

Here's how China's versions of famous cities around the world stack up to the real destinations.

Venice is known for scenic gondola rides on the Grand Canal.

It's one of the most romantic canals in the world.



Florentia Village, near China's port city of Tianjin, also has a canal.

The replica town is a shopping center that spans 50 acres.



Venetian Gothic architecture dates back to the 12th century.

According to touring company Walks of Italy, Venetian architecture is different than that of Rome and Florence because of its Byzantine and Moorish influences.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A definitive ranking of the 20 smartest dog breeds

0
0

flat coated retriever dog

  • Dogs are one of the most beloved kinds of pets a person can own, and some breeds are a lot smarter than others.
  • Poodles are loyal, gentle, and one of the most intelligent dogs out there.
  • Golden retrievers are one of the easiest breeds to train.

Dogs are way smarter than we give them credit for. In fact, while we're busy bickering about which is the smartest dog breed, they're busy figuring out how to take over the world. OK, maybe they're not quite that smart, but they certainly have dog experts everywhere chasing their tails as to which dog breed is the smartest. With the help of our canine experts, we managed to cut to the chase.

Border Collie

"It's not a surprise that this hard-working, herding breed comes in first on our list," according to Caitie Steffen, a pet expert at Whistle, and Angela Hughes, DVM, Ph.D., a veterinarian geneticist with Wisdom Panel. "Border Collies are always eager to learn and please their owners. "How can you argue with a dog with a vocabulary of over 1,000 words?" adds holistic pet therapist and author, Sally Morgan, referring to Chaser, a famous border collie from South Carolina who was once profiled on CBS's "60 Minutes."

Here's how dogs get you to fall in love with them.



Poodle

The poodle has been selected as one of the top-ranked dog breeds for intelligence over and over because of its ability to be loyal, smart, and gentle, according to Lazhar Ichir, founder of Breeding Business, an educational platform for ethical dog breeders. "Poodles learn quickly and often surprise their owners by how human-like they can be." Wendy Hauser, DVM, adds that poodles are readily trainable and enjoy activities that allow them to be challenged, such as hunting, tracking, agility, and obedience work. Here is the scientific reason your dog is helping you live longer.



German shepherd

German shepherds are known to be intelligent and alert, so it's no surprise they're often employed as service dogs for law enforcement, search and rescue, and disability assistance (many seeing-eye dogs are German shepherds). Bred as herding dogs, German shepherds are adept at evaluating situations and determining the best course of action, adds Jill Cline, Ph.D., Site Director of the Royal Canin Pet Health and Nutrition Center in Lewisburg, Ohio.

German shepherds are pretty serious, but these hilarious dog videos are anything but. In fact, they're guaranteed to make you LOL.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The biggest Chick-fil-A in history just opened in New York City — look inside

0
0

6. Chick fil A Third floor dining

  • The largest Chick-fil-A in the country opened on Fulton Street in Lower Manhattan on Thursday. 
  • It has five floors, including a basement kitchen, three floors of seating, and a rooftop deck.
  • There's space for 140 guests, a high-tech ordering service, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private meeting areas.
  • The line to get in stretched around the block at lunchtime on opening day. 

The biggest Chick-fil-A ever just opened in Lower Manhattan.

The restaurant, which takes up an entire building on Fulton Street, opened at 6 a.m on Thursday. It has five levels: a basement kitchen where everything is made from scratch daily, counter service on the first floor, and three levels of seating, one of which is a rooftop deck. The restaurant even includes a semi-private meeting area, with floor-to-ceiling windows lighting up the space.

The franchisee-owned restaurant is operated by downtown resident Luke Cook and employs more than 150 team members.

Chick-fil-A fans showed up in droves to get inside on opening day. Keep scrolling for a look inside the brand-new Chick-fil-A Fulton Street:

SEE ALSO: We tried biscuit breakfast sandwiches from major fast-food chains — and the winner is shockingly clear

Located next to the Fulton Center at 144 Fulton Street between Broadway and Nassau, the five-floor Chick-fil-A is the first in Lower Manhattan. It takes up an entire building and is the largest Chick-fil-A in the country.



It's a whopping 12,000 square feet, with a basement kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.



Walking into the restaurant, customers are greeted by the neon Chick-fil-A logo.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Amazon’s often-overlooked coupons section is an easy way to save money on items you were going to buy anyway

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.

coupons

  • Amazon's coupons section is an overlooked way to save money on the site, whether you're making everyday purchases or one-time buys.
  • It's available to everyone, not just Amazon Prime members.
  • To help you take advantage of all these savings, I've broken down how it works, below.

SEE ALSO: Here's how Amazon's Subscribe & Save program works — and how you can use it to save money

DON'T MISS: This $9 clay mask that has 9,000 5-star reviews on Amazon is the only thing that has helped clear up my skin

Amazon automatically sorts the most popular coupons and shows them on its main coupon page, but you're not limited to using those.

A search bar on the right-hand side lets you look for coupons on items from a particular company (Downy, for example), while a list on the left-hand side lets you look for coupons in a particular category, like beauty or tech. Once you find a coupon you like, you can "clip" it. You can also subscribe to a weekly e-mail so Amazon can send you its newest coupons, like a digital circular.



If you find a coupon you like, you can "clip" it, and you'll be shown how much you'll save, and any additional limitations or terms.

You still have to add the item to your cart manually, though, which only takes a click.



Once you've clipped your coupon and added an item to your cart, you should double check to make sure it shows up before you check out.

The discount from the coupon won't be applied until you check out, but make sure it's there before you do.



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


Latest Images