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

We drove a $95,000 Porsche Cayman to see if it's worth the hefty price tag — here's the verdict

0
0

Porsche 718 Cayman S

  • Porsche 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster make up the company's mid-engine lineup.
  • In 2017, Porsche debuted the third generation Cayman sports car with a pair of new turbocharged, flat-four-cylinder engines.
  • The new engines proved to be controversial as they delivered great performance, but lackluster sound.
  • Our Porsche 718 Cayman S was powered by a 350 horsepower, 2.5-liter, turbocharged flat-four.

The Porsche 718 Cayman is arguably one of the most overlooked cars on the market today. And it's not because it isn't a good car. It's actually a great car. A world-class sports car of the highest order if I may be so bold. But it also lacks the superlatives that have been heaped on its corporate siblings.

Here's what I mean by that.

The 911 is Porsche's heart and soul. While the Boxster is the car that saved Porsche from financial ruin in the late 1990s. The money it made from the Boxster paid for the Cayenne which revolutionized the luxury SUV market while the Macan is the best selling Porsche in the world. And then there's the Panamera, the critically acclaimed luxury sedan has been the darling of the automotive industry over the past year. It's also Business Insider's reigning car of the year.

That brings us back the to Cayman. For many, it was simply seen as the Boxster with a fixed roof. (Technically, that's true and Porsche's recent decision to move the both the Boxster and the Cayman under the 718 moniker only serves to reinforce that notion.)

But the reality is that the Cayman is a mid-engined, built-from-the-ground-up, pure-bred, Porsche sports car with a personality of its own.

For years, the rumor has been that Porsche restricted the Cayman's performance, preventing it from realizing its true potential in order to protect the iconic 911. Well, they aren't anymore. With the introduction of the Cayman GT4 in 2016 and the new turbo 718s, Porsche seems to have loosened the reins on its pint-sized sports cars.

Business Insider had a chance to experience the new 718 Cayman S first hand in December on the roads in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Our 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S test car started at $66,300. The Cayman S carries over for the 2018 model year with no mechanical changes. However, the base price has been raised slightly to $67,700 to account for inflation and Porsche's new standard maintenance plan. Options and fees tacked $28,625 on to our 2017 test car and pushed the as-tested price to $94,925. An identically optioned 2018 Cayman S would cost $96,890.

Here's a closer look at the Porsche 718 Cayman S:

SEE ALSO: We drove the most powerful Bentley ever built to see if it's worth $325,000 — here's the verdict

FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more car and transportation content!

These days, nearly 2/3 of Porsche's annual sales come from its Macan and...



... Cayenne SUVs.



While the Panamera sedan has been both a sales and critical success.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A gorgeous new classic is headed to Nintendo's wildly popular Switch — take a look at 'Firewatch'

0
0

Yet another gorgeous, delightful, charming game is headed to Nintendo's wildly popular Switch console.

This is "Firewatch," an excellent first-person adventure/exploration game that's headed to the Nintendo Switch "soon":

Firewatch

It's gorgeous and mysterious and set in the late 1980s!

But what is it? Let's find out!

In "Firewatch," you play as a man named Henry.



It's a first-person exploration game — you'll get loads of story from the environment itself.



The whole game takes place in the gorgeous Shoshone National Forest (which is a real place in case you were wondering).



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's exactly how much paychecks changed after tax reform for people at every income level from $20,000 to $269,000 a year

0
0

donald trump


President Donald Trump's new tax law, which changed the 2018 tax bracketswent into effect at the start of this year.

By February, many Americans began to notice a bump in their take-home pay thanks to the new tax law. 

The IRS released new guidelines in January, known as tax-withholding tables, that help employers calculate how much in taxes to take out of employees' paychecks, Business Insider's Bob Bryan reported. That amount is paid to the IRS in the employee's name.

At the end of the year, when an employee files their tax return, they either get a refund (if too much was withheld) or pay more (if too little was withheld).

The new withholding amounts hit Americans' paychecks around February 1, resulting in roughly 90% of workers seeing an increase in their take-home pay, according to the IRS.

Career site Zippia provided Business Insider with data breaking down the average salaries for employees in various occupations, as well as how their federal tax bill changed under the new tax law. Business Insider used that data to calculate exactly how paychecks have changed since the new tax law went into effect. 

Below, a look at how people in a number of different jobs, from fast-food cooks to pilots to anesthesiologists, have seen their biweekly take-home pay (meaning, 26 paychecks per year) change under tax reform. The calculations are for a single person who does not have children and is not a homeowner.

The new paycheck amounts account only for federal taxes and FICA taxes — the employee's share of social security and medicare taxes. Depending on where you live, state and local income taxes will further reduce your take-home pay — as will health insurance premiums, 401k contributions, and other paycheck deductions you may have. 

SEE ALSO: How much money you actually take home from a $75,000 salary under Trump's new tax law, depending on where you live

DON'T MISS: How Trump's new tax law affects homeowners at every income level from $83,000 to $336,000 a year

Fast-food cooks

Average salary: $20,570

New paycheck after taxes: $697.67

Increase per paycheck: $7.78



Cashiers

Average salary: $21,680

New paycheck after taxes: $732.71

Increase per paycheck: $9.79



Waiters and waitresses

Average salary: $24,410

New paycheck after taxes: $817.07

Increase per paycheck: $12.94



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Kroger is expanding its restaurant chain — and the food looks nothing like what you'll find in the grocery store (KR)

0
0

Kroger

  • Kroger is opening a second location of its new restaurant concept, called Kitchen 1883, in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
  • The first location opened last year in Union, Kentucky.
  • The company said it will open additional locations if the concept is successful.


Kroger, the nation's largest grocery chain, is expanding its footprint in the restaurant business. 

The grocer is opening the second location of its new standalone restaurant concept, called Kitchen 1883, in the Cincinnati, Ohio area — and the meals look nothing like what you can find in one of Kroger's grocery stores. 

The company opened its first Kitchen 1883 last year adjacent to a Kroger store in Union, Kentucky.

Check it out.

SEE ALSO: Walmart is unleashing 2 key weapons against Amazon in 700 stores

Kitchen 1883, led by executive chef Chris Bushelman, serves a menu of what it calls "new American comfort food." The name of the restaurant alludes to the year that Kroger founder Barney Kroger started the grocery chain.



The full-service restaurant serves lunch and dinner on weekdays, as well as brunch on the weekends.

The "Union Benedict" features poached eggs, corned beef, hollandaise and tarragon over English muffins.



Kitchen 1883 also serves wine, beer and cocktails.

Instagram Embed:
http://instagram.com/p/Bb7WZGll_FW/embed/
Width: 800px



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 24 best science movies and shows streaming on Netflix that will make you smarter

0
0

Michael Pollan cooked

If you're looking for something entertaining and beautiful that'll also inform you, there's an incredible variety of science- and nature-focused documentaries and TV shows on Netflix right now.

These films and series showcase the beauty of the planet, delve into the details of how food arrives on your plate, and explore the mysterious and alien underwater world in oceans around the globe.

The downside to all of those options is that there's a lot to choose from. To make it easier, Business Insider reporters and editors have picked some of our favorites from Netflix' selection.

Films come and go from the platform every month, but as of the date of publication, everything on our list should be available. We'll update the recommendations periodically to reflect currently available documentaries.

Here are our favorites, in no particular order:

SEE ALSO: 24 health 'facts' that are actually wrong

"Icarus" (2017)

What it's about: In 2014, filmmaker and amateur cyclist Bryan Fogel contacted Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the director of the Moscow anti-doping center, for advice about how to get away with using performance-enhancing drugs. In 2015, Rodchenkov was implicated in state-sponsored doping efforts by the World Anti-Doping Agency. So he decided to flee Russia, travel to the US, and to reveal everything he knew about the widespread Russian doping program. 

Why you should see it:  The film mixes crime, sport, international intrigue, and the science of manipulating human performance. It's both thrilling and disturbing — and is especially relevant given the recent ban on Russian athlets competing for their country in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Because of Rodchenkov's revelations, the world will never look at sports — the Olympics especially — the same way again. [Click to watch]



"Cooked" (2016)

What it's about: In this four-part docu-series, journalist and food expert Michael Pollan explores the evolutionary history of food and its preparation through the lens of the four essential elements: fire, water, air, and earth. 

Why you should see it: Americans as a whole are cooking less and relying more on unhealthy, processed, and prepared foods. Pollan aims to bring viewers back to the kitchen by forging a meaningful connection to food and the joys of cooking. [Click to watch]



"Blackfish" (2013)

What it's about: This film highlights abuses in the sea park industry through the tale of Tilikum, an orca in captivity at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Tilikum has killed or been involved in the deaths of three people while living in the park. 

Why you should see it: This documentary opens your eyes to the troubles of keeping wild animals in captivity through shocking footage and emotional interviews. It highlights the potential issues of animal cruelty and abuse involved with using highly intelligent animals as entertainment. Sea parks have historically made billions of dollars by keeping animals captive, often at the expense of the health and well-being of animals. This documentary played a huge role in convincing SeaWorld to stop their theatrical "Shamu" killer whale shows. [Click to watch]



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 things to do in San Francisco that aren't tourist traps

0
0

San Francisco

  • San Francisco may be a major center for tourism, but savvy travelers can still find unique, slightly off-the-beaten-path adventures.
  • For great views, climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps or hike Billy Goat Hill.
  • Shoppers will like City Lights Bookstore and the Alemany Farmer's Market.
  • Good food and drink options include Coin-Op, The Grid, and La Taqueria.


Due to its incredible food scene, thriving tech landscape, and beautiful natural scenery, San Francisco regularly ranks among the
U.S.'s top ten cities for tourism.

All of the guide books will tell you to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a cable car, and take a stroll through the Castro —and if you're a first-timer, you'll want to check out those standard sights (they're popular attractions for a reason).

But if you're on the hunt for San Francisco destinations beloved by locals and not completely overrun with tourists, here are nine activities sure to fit the bill.

Climb the mosaic-tiled 16th Avenue Tiled Steps for incredible city views.

Thanks to its hilly landscape, San Francisco boasts plenty of high-elevation spots perfect for catching a scenic vista of the buildings and the bay. For a particularly lovely view featuring a piece of highly-functional public art, head to Golden Gate Heights and ascend the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, located at the intersection of 16th Ave and Moraga St.

Completed in 2005, the steps were a collaboration between community activists and San Francisco-based artists, all determined to create a permanent installation to beautify the neighborhood. The 163-step staircase features a "sea to stars" motif with rich colors, seashells embedded in the tilework, and intricate details representing local flora and fauna.

Once you finish climbing the steps, you'll be treated to panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay. For a particularly stunning sight, climb up to the top right before sunset.



Pay your respects to San Francisco's beatnik past at City Lights Bookstore.

Famous for its countercultural history, San Francisco was a mid-century hot spot for beatnik poets and musicians, attracting figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The City Lights Bookstore, an independent bookshop and publisher, opened in 1953 on the border of North Beach and Chinatown, and it immediately became a focal point of the Beat Generation, even publishing Ginsberg's iconic "Howl."

Now an official San Francisco landmark, City Lights remains open for business, with an impressive selection of world lit and volumes on the arts and progressive politics. It's a must-do for bibliophiles with an interest in San Francisco's groovy cultural history.



Load up on regional produce and international specialties at The Alemany Farmer's Market.

San Francisco's mild weather and penchant for mindful eating makes it an ideal place to hit up a farmer's market. The oldest Bay Area farmer's market  —founded in the 1940s — the Alemany Farmer's Market in Bernal Heights features reasonable prices, earning it a reputation as "the people's market".

Alemany vendors supply all the seasonable produce you could ever want, including herbs and fruits specific to Asian cuisine like Thai basil, jackfruit, and Chinese eggplant. Butchers and fishmongers provide locally-sourced meats and fresh-caught fish, and the market also includes prepared food stands serving up dishes like tamales, samosas, and pupusas. For an authentic, only-in-San-Francisco shopping experience minus the hipster vibes, The Alemany Farmer's Market is the place to go.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Kim Jong Un reportedly wants 6 countries involved in the big North Korea talks — here's what everyone from Trump to Putin wants

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. Kim reportedly told Chinese President Xi Jinping last week that he wants to return to the six-party nuclear talks involving these countries.

"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

The 5 best Easter eggs hidden inside Tesla's cars

0
0

tesla model 3

Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday tweeted that"most people don't know there's a box of Easter eggs with every Tesla."

Easter eggs are undocumented features — usually bonuses, or jokes — that developers like to hide inside their products. And for the most part, it seems like no other cars on the market right now have nearly as many Easter eggs as Tesla's cars do.

Most of them are even hidden directly in front of the driver, but chances are you haven't even seen them.

Here are five of the best Easter eggs hidden inside Tesla's cars:

Aaron Brown contributed to an earlier version of this story.

1. If you press button on your Tesla's charge handle, the light around the charge port flashes rainbow colors.

RAW Embed

At least it's something to keep you entertained while you wait for your car to charge.



2. If you've purchased Tesla's Autopilot software, turn it on four times quickly to display a Mario Kart-like rainbow road on your gauge cluster screen.

RAW Embed

Elon Musk referred to this rainbow Easter egg as a "psychedelic cowbell road."

 



3. If you bring up the technician login screen and type in "007," the model car shown on the screen turns into the submersible Lotus Esprit S1 from the James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me."

It'll also show you your "Depth"when you raise or lower your suspension.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Photos show what golf's biggest stars looked like when their careers started

0
0

Rory McIlroy

Many of the world's greatest golfers turn pro as teenagers and grow up right before our eyes.

Yet, down the road, it is easy to forget just how much many of these golfers have changed since they started their pro careers, and how much better their fashion sense has become.

Below we take a look at what guys like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day looked like before they were famous.

Dustin Johnson in 2007 (age 23).



Dustin Johnson now.



Phil Mickelson in 1991 (age 20).



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 answers to the most common questions about endometriosis that you were too scared to ask

0
0

do i have endometriosis symptoms questions 1

By now, you have almost certainly heard of endometriosis. The condition — in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus and often results in extreme pain during periods — has become more well-known over the past few years, with celebrities like Lena Dunham, Daisy Ridley, and Julianne Hough speaking out about their experience with endometriosis.

But awareness of the disorder still has a long way to go. According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, endometriosis affects over 1.76 million people worldwide, but it is widely misdiagnosed and mistreated. 

Because of this, you probably have a basic idea of what endometriosis is, but you may not be quite so sure how the condition might apply to you. And based on the things you have heard about endometriosis, like intense pain and potential infertility, you may be too afraid to find out.

INSIDER spoke with Dr. Rebecca Brightman, a gynecologist who partnered with SpeakENDO, to find out how it affects the body and the lives of people who have it. Scroll through for answers to all the questions about endometriosis you've been too afraid to ask.

1. What's the basic definition of endometriosis?

Endometriosis has gained some traction over the past few years. All the same, you might not be quite certain on what it actually is. 

"Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women in North America, affecting up to one in 10 American women," Brightman told INSIDER. "It is characterized by small, misplaced pieces of tissue similar to what we normally see in the uterine lining, which we refer to as implants, that appear outside the uterus. They can occur on the bladder, the bowels, and the ovary."



2. What are some symptoms of endometriosis?

It is unlikely that every single person with endometriosis will have the same exact symptoms, but there are a few that stand out.

"The symptoms really vary from one person to the next," Brightman told INSIDER. "But one of the hallmarks is extremely painful, debilitating periods. Some women with endometriosis will have pain at different times of the month, some women have very heavy periods and actually bleed in between periods. Other women experience pain during intercourse, pain during urination, and painful bowel movements, so it really depends on the individual person."

According to UCLA Health, endometriosis is so painful because the endometrial implants can become inflamed and irritated during one's period. Endometriosis can also create scar tissue, which might add to any pain that's already there. 



3. Does having period cramps mean I have endometriosis?

If you've been reading about the symptoms of endometriosis, it can be easy to convince yourself that any period cramp or stomach twinge you feel is a surefire sign that you have endometriosis.

"It's not unusual to have some cramping with your period," Brightman told INSIDER. "But usually those can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. If the pain is really severe and debilitating, that's not normal. And I think a lot of women have been misled about the amount of pain they are expected to endure during their period, which is why some women don't think to seek treatment for endometriosis."

Bottom line? If your period cramps are so terrible that you can't force yourself to do anything when you're on your period, and popping a Midol or some ibuprofen doesn't seem to do anything, you might want to see a doctor. And it doesn't hurt to be prepared when you go.

"The speakENDO website has a quiz people can take and get a sense as to what might mean they are having symptoms of endometriosis and learn that it's important that they raise their concerns with their healthcare providers," Brightman told INSIDER. "No one's a mind reader, and I think if people come in with their concerns, they can best be addressed."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince is meeting with everyone from Trump and Mattis to The Rock and Oprah on a crazy US tour

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 — and he's meeting with everyone from President Donald Trump to Oprah.

Starting with 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."



Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton was the 42nd president of the United States. During his tenure, he visited Saudi Arabia in 1994 and met with King Fahd, who was the brother of the current king, King Salman.

Clinton's tenure was marked with a number of important events in the Middle East, like the 2000 Camp David Summit, between Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat, as well as the Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's what it's like to play video games on the widest computer monitor in the world

0
0

BI reviews monitor

Perhaps you've thought about it before: What if I stick TWO monitors together to play games in super-ultra-widescreen?

But that's never been a reality, at least for me and probably a lot of PC gamers out there. When you place two monitors together, you get the monitor bezels right down the middle of your makeshift "super-ultra-widescreen" setup. Those bezels get in the way and just don't work in video games.

So Samsung came along and solved the problem by sticking two widescreen monitors together without that unwanted bezel down the middle. It's created the first "super ultra-wide" monitor.

After playing several games on the monitor for about a month, I've decided that the CHG90 and its incredibly wide 32:9 aspect ratio is the new gold standard for enjoying video games. 

Check out what it's like to play video games on Samsung's super-ultra-wide CHG90 monitor:

SEE ALSO: These surround-sound gaming headphones made by a high-end audio company are perfect for games like 'PUBG'

If you could pick between a regular widescreen monitor...



And Samsung's CHG90 super-ultra-wide monitor...

The impact of just how wide Samsung's CHG90 monitor is lost in the small photo above. Still, I'm going to assume that most of you would pick the wider, better, more impressive second monitor that shows you a lot more, well, game. If you chose the first screenshot, then you do you. 

Regular widescreen monitors have the same so-called "aspect ratio" — 16:9 — as your TV, and it's what we've all been used to for the last decade or so.

Samsung's CHG90 monitor is the future — a super ultra-wide future with a 32:9 aspect ratio that makes almost every video game look better and more enjoyable. It's as if someone put two 24.5-inch normal 16:9 displays next to each other and somehow removed the bezels between them.



Summed up in one sentence, playing video games on super-ultra-wide monitor is better than playing on a normal widescreen monitor.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 things you never knew about being a twin

0
0

Olsen twins 2012

After years of answering question after question about being a twin, I can speak for the masses when I say that twins are a fascinating phenomenon.

It's estimated that only 3% of the population is a twin and with such small odds, it's no wonder why most people are so intrigued by the idea. Every time I've ever told someone that I'm a twin, I am met first with surprise and then intense curiosity — people want to know anything and everything about being a multiple.

So, in effort to help the other twins out there avoid those same endless questions, here is everything you never knew about being a twin.

Twins don't have matching fingerprints or the same DNA.

Despite popular belief, twins are not clones of each other. Twins don't share the same fingerprints for example because even though they share a womb, they sit in different places in the womb, which gives them a different set of prints.

They also don't share the same DNA because studies have found that identical twins can have different DNA sequences.  

While we're on the topic of science, it's also important to remember that boy-girl twins are almost never identical, but fraternal — except in cases of a rare chromosomal defect.



Having twins does not skip a generation.

There's a popular rumor that having twins can skip a generation, but science doesn't back that up at all. It's a complete myth. 

Having twins can, however, be genetic. Having identical twins is not genetic, but having fraternal twins can be. Women who have a set of fraternal twins as siblings are 2.5 times more likely to have twins than an average woman.

And just so you know, when it comes to having twins, only the mother's genes matter. The chances of having twins also goes up with older age and certain pregnancy methods such as in vitro.   



Twins come with a built-in best friend.

Excuse my cheesiness for a moment, but having a twin is like getting assigned a best friend at birth. Sure, there are hundreds of twins who may disagree, but more often than not twins have a special bond that can't be denied.

After all, many twins shared their rooms, their clothes, and their parents' attention, not to mention a womb. It'd be harder to not be friends with them.

 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What your favorite TV characters would actually pay in rent for their apartments in the real world

0
0

the big bang theory computer

  • Television shows often give unrealistic expectations of how much it actually costs to afford an apartment in a big city.
  • Carrie Bradshaw likely could not have afforded her living space on the Upper East Side on her writer's salary.
  • The friends on "New Girl" could very well afford their Los Angeles-based apartment in real life.

Have you ever watched one of your favorite shows and pondered how a character could afford their giant city apartment on a small salary? Us too. So we decided to do a bit of investigative work to see what the TV homes we see on screen would actually cost.

We teamed up with the data experts at Trulia to analyze layout and neighborhoods to determine the modern day costs of each space. Big surprise? Most of the homes have some pretty hefty price tags and the apartments have crazy high rent. Read ahead to see the IRL costs of some famous on-screen abodes.

"Girls"— Marnie's apartment

Even though Marnie’s studio in "Girls" is laughably small (especially once her husband Desi tries building a wall), the spot in NYC’s Chinatown probably still costs a whopping $2,575 a month.



"Girls"— Hannah's apartment

For someone who struggles financially, Hannah has definitely benefitted from splitting rent in her two-bedroom apartment in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Trulia estimates that the rent might have been $2,500 per month.



"Silicon Valley"— Incubator House

With a home value of $3,023,753, it makes sense why six people are needed to pay rent for the Palo Alto incubator house owned by Erlich Bachmann.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best golf tees you can buy

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.

best golf tees

The Insider Pick:

  • A shot from the tee box should be the easiest one you have on the golf course, as you have control over the lie. But to get a good shot, you need the right golf tee. The color-coded Pride Professional Tee System is the best set of tees you can buy because it includes different tee lengths for driving with different types of clubs.

If golf tees are pretty low on your concerns about your golf game — right in between worrying about having a goose sit on your ball in the fairway like it’s an egg and your worry that you might not meet your goal of making the Senior PGA Tour in 15 years — you’re not alone. Tees don’t typically receive much attention.

But for those of you who struggle with shots from the tee box, you may want to consider a change to the simple tees that you’ve used forever. After all, this should be the easiest shot you have on each hole, as you can completely control your lie and lift the golf ball off the ground.

Considering all of the different products that are available that try to help you improve your overall golf game, you shouldn’t be surprised that manufacturers of the simple golf tee also have created dozens of products to help you have more success from the tee box.

Basic golf tees are inexpensive, so you can pick up a few dozen of them for a couple of dollars. But if you’re looking for an odd or specialty design, you will pay quite a bit more per tee. We've researched golf tees around to find the best ones you can buy.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Price Professional Tee System is our top pick and why you should also consider the 4 Yards More Reduced Friction tees, the VersaGolf Premium Bamboo tees, the Callaway Eterni-Tees, and the MeasureTees Plastic Golf Tees.

SEE ALSO: The best golf shoes you can buy

The best golf tees overall

Why you'll love it: You can simplify the process of choosing the right length of tee and placing it in the ground at the proper height with the color-coded Pride Professional Tee System.

If you struggle with finding the proper height when teeing your ball, you’re not alone. And if this problem becomes worse when you’re teeing the ball for different clubs, even more golfers are in the same boat with you.

The Pride Professional Tee System will help fix this common problem. This system consists of five different lengths of tees that are color-coded to help you find just the right tee length for each golf club you’re using.

One Amazon reviewer named Steve says these Pride Professional tees are the perfect solution for gaining consistency off the tee.

With stripes printed on the tees, you’ll be able to consistently place them in the ground at the desired height. The tee sizes are as follows:

  • 4-inch: For large-head drivers
  • 3.25-inch: For medium-head drivers
  • 2.75-inch: For small-head drivers
  • 2.125-inch: For hybrids, fairway woods, and irons
  • 1.5-inch: For hybrids and irons

You can purchase small quantities of each size of tee and then have them all on hand in your bag for different shot requirements.

It’s easier to press these thin tees into the ground than some other types of tees, according to Amazon reviewers. However, one reviewer named Kaly says the wooden version of these Pride Professional tees break too easily compared to the plastic version, so that's something to keep in mind.

Pros: Great teeing system for inserting tees into the ground at a consistent height every time, different tee lengths for using different clubs off the tee, plastic or wood

Cons: Wooden versions of the tees will break regularly, may transfer white paint to your clubs

Buy the Pride Professional Tee System (100 tees) on Amazon for $8



The best low friction golf tees

Why you'll love it: If you believe less friction on the golf ball from the tee will give you better performance, you’ll love the minimal design of the 4 Yards More Reduced Friction golf tees.

If a company is going to name its tee 4 Yards More, it’s not exactly shying away from what it believes is the strength of its tees. Green Keeper's testing says these reduced friction tees provide an average of 4 yards more distance off the tee box. Of course, we can't promise that these tees will make magic happen and give you 4 yards more every time, but they are a good option.

The design of the 4 Yards More Reduced Friction tees involves a six-pronged, flexible plastic top that holds the ball in place. Compared to the traditional hollowed out wooden or plastic tee top, these tees make less contact with the ball.

With the reduced friction on the ball from the surface of the tee, Golfer FX says these 4 Yards More tees will reduce the amount of spin your golf ball has off the tee, helping to keep your shots straighter and longer.

You’ll also be able to tee the ball at a consistent height because of the way the tee is constructed with a plastic ring in the middle of the tee.

However, Golfer FX points out that it’s difficult to press these tees into hard soil because of the soft top. They’re also tough to see in the grass if they pop out of the ground during your shot.

In its review, My Golf Spy says players gained ball speed and yardage off the tee when using the 4 Yards More tees during measured testing. Despite the soft top of the tee, Golfer Hill writes that the ball will remain in place on top of the tee nicely, even during windy weather.

One Amazon reviewer named Richard Buczek says the 4 Yards More Reduced Friction tees do cost more than other tees, but they also last a lot longer than others. The company claims each tee should last 100 or more drives.

However, another reviewer named Bob Areddy questions the ability of these tees to help you gain more distance in real-world conditions, because on the course in varying weather, it’s impossible to verify the tee is the cause of the additional distance.

Pros: Good longevity for each tee, less friction between the tee and the ball should yield less spin off the tee, multiple sizes available, easier to tee the ball at a consistent height with the design of these tees

Cons: Very expensive cost per tee, difficult to press these tees into the ground at times, difficult to find after they pop out of the ground

Buy the 4 Yards More Reduced Friction Golf Tees (4 tees) on Amazon for $7.49



The best environmentally friendly golf tees

Why you'll love it: If a series of broken tees on the tee box seems like a waste to you, the VersaGolf Premium Bamboo golf tees are an eco-friendly option that break less often.

Take a good look at a tee box on your local golf course, especially at a par-3 hole, and you’ll see plenty of broken tees lying on the ground. Some of them are plastic, some are wood, and all of them have been left behind, cluttering up the natural look of the golf course.

If all of these broken tees littering the tee box seem like a huge waste to you, the VersaGolf Premium Bamboo golf tees aim to make using and breaking golf tees a little more environmentally friendly.

Bamboo is a more renewable resource than traditional wood, so golf tees made from bamboo are better for the environment as a whole. Unlike most wood tees, these bamboo tees aren’t be painted, either.

Each of the VersaGolf Premium golf tees measures 2.75 inches in length, so they’ll work for all kinds of tee shots, ranging from most big drivers to irons.

Bamboo is stronger than traditional wood, which means you should have fewer broken tees. Therefore, the VersaGolf tees are a better value per tee than a traditional wood tee. The sturdy bamboo also results in fewer broken tees and less trash around the tee box.

However, Amazon reviewer Wayne Simmons says the claim of these tees being tougher and less breakable than other tees is exaggerated, with every third tee breaking on the first use during his testing. 

In its review, Golfer FX says the natural color on these bamboo tees ensures you won’t transfer paint from the golf tees to your golf clubs. They’re also strong enough to easily pierce hard ground on the tee box. 

One Amazon reviewer named J. Manly says these VersaGolf Premium Bamboo tees perform well enough that he'd buy them again, and he likes that they're durable and long-lasting.

Pros: Natural looking tees that consist of an eco-friendly material, bamboo tees don’t require paint that could transfer to your golf clubs, bamboo tees should last longer than wood or plastic

Cons: Basic design in a golf tee that doesn’t offer advanced features, more expensive than other tees, only one length of tee available

Buy the VersaGolf Premium Bamboo Golf Tees (250 tees) on Amazon for $17.25



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Trump walked to Air Force One in high winds — and the photos of his hair are mesmerizing

0
0

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One on Thursday.

Thursday was a very windy day in Maryland, as President Donald Trump's hair can attest.

He departed the White House around 12:45 p.m., en route to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

On the tarmac in Maryland, the wind caught his hair, and Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci was there to capture the result.

Trump was heading to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia aboard Air Force One for a roundtable with business owners and representatives from companies in the state who have benefited from the Republican tax law. It's his third trip to the state as president.

See the other mesmerizing photos:

SEE ALSO: How Nicolle Wallace went from a top GOP operative to a stranger in her own party

DON'T MISS: The Trumps hosted their 2nd White House Easter Egg Roll — and the photos are fantastic

The weather on the Air Force Base called for 9 mph winds with gusts to 25 mph.

Source: Weather Channel



It looks like Trump got caught in a gust.



Some, including a hair-transplant surgeon who spoke with Business Insider in 2015, have speculated that Trump had a hair transplant at some point in his life.

Source: Business Insider



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We compared the iPad to Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet — and the winner was obvious

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.

tablet insider picks 4x3 thumbnail

  • Apple's iPad and Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet may look similar on paper, but we put their hardware, software, overall value, and third-party app support under a microscope and the iPad was a clear winner.
  • Not only is it more powerful, but it's capable enough to replace your "real computer" with relative ease. That said, the Fire HD 10 was a worthy competitor, and may still be worth getting depending on your tablet needs.
  • The latest iPad came out this week; it supports the Apple Pencil and you can pick up for $329 at Best Buy.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best iPhone and iPad accessories I use every day

Hardware: The iPad is hands-down the most powerful tablet under $500, but the Fire 10 HD holds its own better than any other budget-friendly option.

If you looked at the basic tech specs for both the iPad and Fire HD 10, it would be easy to think they were evenly matched. Both tablets have 32GB of storage, 2GB of memory, a built-in smart assistant, quad-core processor, roughly 10 inch screens, and get 10 hours of battery life. If you look a little closer, though, the iPad is the more powerful of the pair overall. 

  • Screen: The iPad's screen has a resolution of 2,048 × 1,536, which is a fair bit higher than the Fire HD 10's 1920 x 1080 display.
  • Processor: Apple's line of A-series processors is incredibly powerful, and the four in the new iPad run at a speed of 2.36Ghz. The Fire HD 10's processors run at 1.8Ghz.
  • Memory: While the speed of memory can vary, what gives the iPad the edge in this category is how its used. Instead of allocating all of its memory to a single on-screen app, the iPad lets you use two apps at once.
  • Storage: The Fire HD 10 actually wins this round because you can easily upgrade its storage by popping in a MicroSD card. With the iPad, what you see is what you get.
  • Voice assistant: The Fire HD 10 wins again, since Alexa beat Siri in our voice assistant pop quiz.
  • Battery life: The iPad has had solid, 10-hour battery life since the first model was released in 2010. I was able to try the Fire HD 10, though, and its battery life was just as impressive, so in this way both tablets are evenly matched.

Winner: If raw power and multitasking are important to you, the iPad is the only tablet you should consider.



Software: The new version of iOS makes the iPad feel more capable than ever, which is why it handily won this round.

Raw power is important in the tech world, but so is software. The iPad runs iOS 11, the same operating system that runs on the iPad Pro and iPhone.The Fire HD 10 runs Fire OS 5, codenamed "Bellini," which runs on every other model of Fire Tablet. I've gotten to use devices using both operating systems, and the iPad wins this category by a landslide. 

It's hard to overstate how good iOS has gotten on the iPad over the last year. You can use multiple apps simultaneously and stash your most-used apps in a dock. These features let you use an iPad more like a traditional computer — at least that's how I use my iPad Pro— instead of just another way to browse the web and watch shows on Netflix. New features are added to iOS on an annual basis, and Apple supports its devices for long enough that the iPad you buy today will only get more capable with age.

Fire OS, on the other hand, is built around activities like reading, watching video, and listening to music; preferably all within Amazon's content ecosystem (but also via Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify). The first time you turn on a Fire Tablet and log into your Amazon account, Fire OS will automatically begin populate it with your Kindle Books, Amazon Video playlists, and Prime Music or Amazon Music libraries. Don't get me wrong, this you-centered approach to tech is very welcome, but it makes the Fire HD 10 feel more like really cool place to kill time rather than a ticket to adventure.

Winner: The latest version of iOS was tailor-made to make the iPad feel more powerful and capable, which is why Apple wins this round.



Overall value: Apple and Amazon have different ways of providing value to their customers, and Amazon's strategy gives the Fire HD 10 the edge.

Not everyone can afford to spend a lot to get the "latest and greatest," tech, which is why it's important to consider value when buying an expensive gadget. 

Apple's approach to value is to keep an item at a set price, but improve its hardware and software every year. This year's iPad costs just as much as last years, but it has a better processor and support for the Apple Pencil. This is a valid strategy, but it doesn't change the fact that an iPad costs north of $300.

The Fire HD 10 costs $150, and while its hardware and software are less capable, it's price makes it much more attainable. That's doubly true since you can split its price into five payments of $30 through Amazon with no interest or added fees. The fact that you can pay $45 (Amazon charges full sales tax upfront) right now and have a Fire HD 10 at your door in two days for Amazon Prime members is a lot more compelling. 

Winner: Apple and Amazon both have valid tactics for providing value, but it's undeniable that Amazon's is more compelling, so the Fire HD 10 wins this round.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Meet Tiger Woods' mysterious new girlfriend, a restaurant manager no one has heard of before now

0
0

Tiger Woods Erica Herman

  • Tiger Woods is back and healthy, eager to pull off a strong performance at The Masters.
  • Woods is dating Erica Herman, who is a manager at a Florida restaurant he owns.
  • The divorced golfer started dating Herman last year, and the couple made their first appearance together in April.

 

Tiger Woods has teed off at The Masters in Augusta, Georgia. 

His girlfriend may be watching him from the crowd at the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. Tiger Woods — one of the game's all-time greats and a four-time Masters champion— will be cheered on by Erica Herman in person or from afar.

While little is known about Tiger's girlfriend and their relationship, her potential appearance at The Masters may be one of the few times she has been seen publicly. 

Below, what we know so far about Erica Herman:

SEE ALSO: Tiger Woods is back — here's how he spends his millions and lives his life off the course

DON'T MISS: 13 facts about cheating that couples — and singles — should know

Multiple sources have cited Herman as being 33 years old, which would make her a full decade younger than her beau.

Source: The Daily Mail



The Metro reports that Herman is a registered Republican who grew up in Orlando.

Source: The Metro



Herman is the general manager at The Woods, Tiger's high-class sports bar in Jupiter, Florida.

Source: The Woods



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

14 of the reportedly worst-behaved 'Saturday Night Live' hosts and musical guests

0
0

Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, Kanye West

"Saturday Night Live" has been part of NBC's programming since 1975, and the show has consistently featured notable actors, musicians, and comedians. But since the show tapes live, things don't always go as planned.

Sometimes people forget lines or break character. Other times, the show's host or musical guest reportedly ruin their appearance by performing jokes or songs that weren't approved, reportedly giving crew members attitude, or allegedly destroying parts of the stage.   

Former "SNL" cast members Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah recently said that Justin Bieber was the worst-behaved guest they encountered from their time on the show — but the singer isn't the only star who people say has misbehaved. 

Here are "SNL's" worst-behaved hosts and musical guests, according to former cast members, reports, and the celebrities themselves.

Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah said Justin Bieber's SNL appearance was "rough."

While appearing on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live,"Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah were asked who was the worst-behaved musical guest or host they encountered from their time on the show. Both comedians agreed that in their opinion, Bieber was the worst.

"Bieber, he was just in a bad place," Hader said. "Maybe he's in a better place, but then, it was rough."

Hader added that most guests are well-behaved, but Bieber "just seemed exhausted or at the end of a rope."

Bieber made his first "SNL" appearance in 2010 as the musical guest and acted as the host and musical guest in 2013. He also participated in a digital short for the show in 2012

It's also not the first time Hader has called out Bieber for his "SNL" behavior. In 2012, Hader said that he "really didn't enjoy having Justin Bieber around." In a 2013 interview, Hader added that Bieber had an entourage of "like, 20 guys," which was an inconvenience to the cast and crew. 

"He had a guy holding a slice of pizza, a guy holding a Diet Coke,"Hader told Howard Stern. "You're going around the stage and you're trying to fight through all of these people to get dressed."



Kanye West was recorded reportedly yelling at SNL staff.

When Hader and Pharoah appeared on "WWHL,"Pharoah also pointed out that Kanye West's behavior was far from perfect.   

According to Pharoah, he saw West tug someone and put them back in place.

"I saw Kanye yank somebody," Pharoah said. "That was pretty hilarious." 

West performed on "SNL" in 2016 and also made headlines when Page Six released audio of the rapper yelling at a crew member prior to the live show. According to Page Six, West was upset that the "SNL" staff disassembled part of his performance stage because it interfered with the lighting. 

He also reportedly threatened to leave the stage during the live taping, though he didn't actually do so. 



Tina Fey thought Paris Hilton couldn't take a joke.

Hilton hosted "SNL" in 2005. Based on an interview former cast member and head writer Tina Fey gave, Hilton's appearance didn't go smoothly. 

"She's a piece of s---,"Fey told Howard Stern. "The people at 'SNL' were like, 'Maybe she'll be fun, maybe she won't take herself so seriously.' She takes herself so seriously!"

Fey went on to call Hilton "unbelievably dumb and so proud of how dumb she is." She also added that Hilton was "awful" to work with.

In a later interview with Playboy magazine, Fey said that she regretted "sinking down to that level of discourse."

Even though she wasn't entirely proud of what she said, she stood by her opinion on Hilton, calling her "a terrible role model and a terrible young woman" who "needs to be ignored."

 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The classic PlayStation series 'Spyro the Dragon' returns this September, and it's getting a huge makeover

0
0

The adorable and snarky "Spyro the Dragon" is coming back this September, and he's getting a huge makeover.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Rather than creating a new game, the original trilogy of "Spyro the Dragon" games are being remastered and bundled as the "Spyro Reignited Trilogy"— it's coming to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 21.

Just look at how much of a graphical upgrade this is:

"Spyro Reignited Trilogy" features the first three "Spyro the Dragon" games.



That includes "Spyro the Dragon,""Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!" and "Spyro: Year of the Dragon."



Like "Crash Bandicoot" before it, "Spyro Reignited Trilogy" is a major re-mastering of a classic franchise. The graphical enhancements are vast leaps in detail, lighting, fidelity, and much more.



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




Latest Images