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7 liquors that taste expensive — but cost less than $30

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Bartender

Stocking your home bar often feels like an epic battle of good versus evil. On the "good" side, you want to avoid blowing your budget on bottles of top-shelf booze. But the (not so) "evil" side refuses to let you compromise on quality.

Well, you're in luck. INSIDER surveyed a highly qualified troupe of bartenders and beverage industry pros to find out which bottles of liquor priced under $30 are ready to square off against the booze world's heavy hitters. Note: prices may vary depending on the retailer. Here are some of their affordable faves.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has a smooth taste.

When many people think of high-end vodka, they imagine bottles imported from the chilly climates of Northern Europe. In truth, however, you can find fantastic versions of this clear liquor made right here in the USA. Texas' capital city of Austin boasts a number of top-rated vodka distilleries, including nationally-popular hometown hero Tito's Handmade Vodka ($19.99).

Beverage director Jessica Norris of Del Frisco's Grille loves Tito's for its cocktail-perfect smoothness.

"Due to its smooth taste and punchy flavor, this reasonably priced, gluten-free liquor can also be mixed with a variety of bitters, juices, and infusions while still retaining its aromatic simplicity and taste," Norris told INSIDER.



Deep Eddy Vodka has an impressive selection of flavored vodkas.

Tito's isn't the only Austin vodka that delivers amazing quality for a low price. Deep Eddy Vodka ($16.99) earns high marks from bartenders for its cocktail readiness, and it's particularly celebrated for its impressive flavored vodkas, all made in small batches and infused with natural fruit juices.

Laurie Harvey, the beverage director for Cherry Pie Hospitality in Houston, Texas, chooses Deep Eddy's flavored versions as a base for fresh and seasonal cocktails.

"[Deep Eddy] makes excellent flavored vodkas in small batches using all-natural, farm fresh juices including Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lemon, and Orange. These make great bases for fancier cocktails, especially because the natural flavors pair more smoothly with other ingredients than some of the more expensive brands which use artificial flavoring," Harvey explained.



Tequila Cazadores Blanco tastes well-made.

Cheap tequila doesn't have the best reputation, reminding too many of us of college shot bars and overly sweet frozen margs at chain restaurants. We have good news for you, though: Well-made tequilas made of 100% agave can indeed be found for $30 or less.

One prime example? Tequila Cazadores Blanco ($24.99), a white tequila that's a particular favorite of David Kaplan, owner of famed NYC cocktail den Death & Co. Kaplan considers Tequila Cazadores Blanco a great all-purpose option for your liquor cabinet.

"If I'm stocking up my home bar for versatile, mixable spirits, I'll grab Tequila Cazadores Blanco over something that's a bit more expensive because it's got a great depth of flavor at a price point that's amazing for a 100% agave [spirit]," Kaplan said. "It's the perfect tequila for a margarita and is also really fun [in a beer-and-shot pairing]."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Trump celebrated products 'Made in America' with an F-35 fighter jet and an RV on the White House lawn

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Donald Trump thumbs up

The White House showcased a number of products made in each of the 50 states during its second annual "Made in America" event on Monday.

"We're here today to celebrate the greatest products in the world — products made with American heart, American sweat, and American pride," President Donald Trump said.

The Trump administration touted the importance of American-made and American-operated products, which was defined as having contained no, or a negligible amount of, "foreign content," according to a White House pool report. Additionally, the product's final assembly or processing must have taken place in the US.

"The single best tribute to our workers can be found in the unmatched quality and craftsmanship of the amazing products they bring from the blueprint to the storefront," Trump added in a statement. "'Made in the USA' is a global symbol of unrivaled excellence."

The products on display at the White House ranged from knives to cotton linens, while the bulkier goods, such as Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet and Ford's F-150 truck, were on full display outside.

This year's showcase comes during a contentious period in US trade relations, after the Trump administration targeted China and some US allies with steep tariffs on a variety of goods. China has fought back with tariffs of its own, sparking a global trade war that some fear would plunge financial markets into chaos.

Here's what Monday's "Made in America" product showcase looked like:

SEE ALSO: The 10 funniest moments from Sports and Fitness Day at the White House

President Donald Trump arrives for the second annual 'Made in America Product Showcase' at the White House on Monday.



Trump talks with Lockheed Martin president and CEO Marilyn Hewson, right, and an F-35 test pilot, middle, in front of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet.

The F-35's advanced features have been praised by many pilots, but its steep price tag and numerous setbacks have taken away some of the fighter jet's luster. At around $400 billion, the F-35 program is the US Defense Department's costliest endeavor.

Source: Bloomberg, Business Insider



An Orion crew module, part of NASA's Space Launch System, was also on display on the South Lawn of the White House.

More than 1,000 companies across the US contributed components and helped build the Orion crew module. In 2014, the unmanned Orion flew 3,600 miles into space and safely returned to Earth. 

Source: NASA



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10 trendy skin-care products that are a waste of money

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Skin care has always been huge, but it's become especially popular in the last few years with the rise of K-Beauty and the 10-step skin-care routine. We're trying out more products than ever before, but do we really need them, or are we just wasting our money on products that aren't impactful?

These are the trendy skin-care products you think you need but really don't.

Eye cream is usually just expensive face cream.

Many eye creams say they will lessen wrinkles and help with dark circles, and they aren't wrong — keeping your under eye area hydrated helps prevent wrinkles and improves overall appearance according to Livestrong.

What you need to keep in mind when it comes to eye creams, though, is that the ingredients in many popular eye creams actually don't differ much from a facial moisturizer, according to Fry Face. The only real difference tends to be that it's much less product for a lot more money.

Instead, just use a high-quality moisturizer all over your face, including your under eye area.



Don't buy a product just because it sounds fancy.

If you do any research into skin care, you'll notice a number of fancy-sounding names popping up. But what's important to remember is that a product having a cool name doesn't inherently make it a good product.

Be sure to do research into the ingredients and quality of every product you buy, rather than relying on the name itself.



Coconut oil could clog your pores.

Over the last few years, coconut oil has been a hugely trendy skin-care product, touted for its use for everything from hair to body to face. But is it really worth it? Sadly, coconut oil can actually be pore-clogging, according to Healthline. Of course, if it works for you, you should still use it, but if you find yourself breaking out, it could be the cause.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These 10 airlines have the most luxurious first-class cabins in the world

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qatar first class

Flying first class is the ultimate indulgence when it comes to air travel. Just stepping on a plane and taking a peek through the curtains at those elite seats is an experience in both envy and admiration. But there is also something fun and exciting about fawning over first class. After all, it's pretty impressive the way airlines design that exclusive section, trying to one-up each other in customer satisfaction and luxury. 

Skytrax, the United Kingdom-based consumer aviation agency, recently released its annual "Best Airlines in the World" ranking for 2018. The survey, which began in 1999, is an annual customer relations satisfaction survey that is among the most professional and prestigious. It has gone from attracting the entries of 2.2 million airline customers in 2000, to receiving more than 20 million entries in 2018. 

It's no surprise that Skytrax, which prides itself on an exhaustive appraisal of the airline industry, would also evaluate which first-class cabin sits supreme in their 2018 rankings.

This year, 335 airlines were included in the survey and more than 20 million respondents were counted in the final results, which measured multiple parameters like service attentiveness, staff language skills, and meal service efficiency. 

For 2018, the World's Best First Class was also voted the World's Best Airline, as Singapore Airlines took home both awards. Singapore Airlines has distinguished itself recently by focusing on customer service and investing in a newer, more modern fleet of aircraft. It made headlines last month when it announced plans to re-launch the world's longest flight, a trip from Newark, New Jersey to Singapore later this year. 

Below are the top 10 first-class cabins ranked by customers in 2018.

SEE ALSO: These are some of the most expensive items you get when you fly first class

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10. Thai Airways

Why They Made The List: Thai Airways "Royal First Class" cabin is designed with comfort in mind. Featured on AirBus A380s and newly renovated Boeing  747s, Royal First Class includes chilled champagne, 23-inch wide seats, flat screen TVs, 500 music CDs, and 180-degree lie-flat beds.  



9. Qantas Airways

Why They Made The List: As the flag carrier for Australia, Qantas Airlines is an elite operation.  A sheepskin mattress, armrest controls, and 17-inch screen await the lucky passenger, while an airline attendant is ready to serve signature dishes from a tasting menu designed by Neil Perry. Qantas' award-winning"Cellar in the Sky" wine selection is a nice indulgence as well. 



8. Cathay Pacific Airways

Why They Made The List: Cathay Pacific Airways, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, showcases a first class that is all about premium service. The leather seats offer comfortable manually controlled massages and the 500-thread-count duvet keeps one warm when the beds lie flat. Steaming jasmine rice can be served directly at your seat while enjoying entertainment on a 17-inch personal TV screen. 



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15 tricks for saving time and money on your next trip to Walgreens (WBA)

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  • Walgreens sells everything from groceries to greeting cards.
  • It also has a pharmacy offering services like free blood pressure tests and flu shots.
  • Whether you're shopping for groceries or picking up a prescription, there are a lot of tricks that can help you save money at Walgreens.
  • Some of the tricks include signing up for the rewards program, checking online for exclusive deals, and using manufacturer's coupons. 

Walgreens is one of the biggest drugstore chains in the country, operating between 8,000 and 10,000 stores in the United States. 

Whether you're at Walgreens shopping for groceries or picking up a prescription, there are plenty of ways to score major deals and discounts. 

The easiest way to save is through Walgreens' free Balance Rewards program, which allows shoppers to earn points for every dollar spent, adding up to discounts on future purchases. Members can also track healthy activities like walking or biking to earn even more savings points. 

Without becoming a member, there are still plenty of ways to find discounts at the store, like checking the Walgreens website and app, looking for orange clearance tags in-store, and knowing which aisles to check to find the best deals. 

Here are some other tips to save money at Walgreens: 

SEE ALSO: We shopped at a Walgreens, a CVS, and a Rite Aid to see which was the best drugstore, and there was a clear winner

Join the rewards program. Almost every product sold at Walgreens has a lower price for rewards members.

Source: Walgreens



Check online for deals that aren't listed elsewhere. Sometimes, you can get as much as 50% off on products.

Source: Walgreens



Check the Walgreens Savings Book online. Each month, Walgreens releases hundreds of dollars' worth of coupons in an online book. The current July book offers over $350 worth of coupons.

Source: Walgreens



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'Surf passage' is one of the most iconic and formidable parts of Navy SEAL training — here's what it looks like

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Navy SEAL surf passage

The US Naval Special Warfare Center is very close-mouthed about how it trains future Navy SEALs. 

Photos and videos are rare, and oftentimes the only information available to the public is through firsthand accounts of those who've endured one of the world's most arduous training regimens. 

But there is at least one type of training into which the Navy has given the public a glimpse: surf passage, where small teams of SEAL candidates paddle inflatable boats through waves crashing into San Diego's Silver Strand.

"Surf Passage is one of our more iconic training evolutions," Lt. Trevor Davids, a public affairs officer at the Naval Special Warfare Center, told Business Insider. 

"It's first addressed within the first week of Naval Special Warfare Orientation," Davids said, adding that candidates from both the Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman and Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL programs participate in the training.

Here's what they do:

SEE ALSO: We took a rare tour of one of the US Navy's most dangerous warships that entered combat for the first time in Syria

SEE ALSO: This is how Navy SEALs swim out of a submerged submarine

If the teams of usually 6-7 trainees start back a ways from the ocean, they'll carry their boats above their heads.



Sometimes the BUD/S trainers will even make the trainees get wet and cover themselves in sand to "make them really uncomfortable," Davids said.

"It sounds laughable," Davids said, but "people's performance cuts off quickly when they're uncomfortable" and it's all about testing whether they can perform under tough situations. 



The teams bring the boat down to waist-level before they enter the water.



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11 road trips around the world you need to take this summer

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The most beautiful roads in the world aren’t visited simply because of where they lead but, because they are worthy destinations in themselves. Whether it’s due to the nature surrounding them, the history of the road, or the world that has been built alongside one, these roads aren’t just a mode in which to get to a destination.

Across the world, there are plenty of breathtaking roads worth planning a trip to. Here are the best road trips in the world.

Head to Copacabana along Brazil’s Costa Verde.

If you’re looking for a long road trip that won’t make you lose interest, Costa Verde is definitely worth considering, according to The Telegraph. The whole road is 370 miles with plenty of points to stop off if you don’t feel like committing to the whole thing.

With the whole drive being along the coast, however, it may be worth sticking around for a while. Start your drive in the Brazilian city of Santos and make your way until you hit Copacabana. Hang out there if you have time — Barry Manilow didn’t turn this beach town into a hit song for no reason.



Milford Road will leave you in awe as you travel through the deep south of New Zealand.

While Queenstown is a known commodity in New Zealand, if you make your way a bit farther south, then you’ll truly be blown away. Maybe even literally — the winds can get strong as you go.

About five hours south of Queenstown you’ll find Milford Sound, a beautiful body of water that empties into the Tasman Sea. While the views on the ferry are phenomenal, the ride there is just as epic. From the towering mountains to the beautiful landscape, Milford Road truly encapsulates the wonder that is New Zealand’s landscape.



Head to Jordan’s Mount Nebo to discover the supposed final resting place of Moses.

As one of the most famous Holy Sites in the world, there are many reasons why someone would want to take the 230-mile road to Mount Nebo. At the Northern End of the Dead Sea, the mountain leads to an ancient church, quite an experience for anyone to have. While the goal is clear, the drive there is truly amazing, as well. Winding its way through the desert, the road to Mount Nebo will provide visitors with an intimate look at the country of Jordan.



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The best dental care products for dogs

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

best dog dental care

The Insider Pick:

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your daily routine. When it comes to your dog’s teeth, however, you might not be so diligent. In fact, you may not even realize that brushing your dog’s teeth is a necessity at all. Any responsible veterinarian will tell you that you should be brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis or, at the very least, once a week.

The truth is that oral hygiene is just as important for your dog as it is for you. By three years of age, the majority of dogs and cats exhibit some evidence of periodontal disease. In addition to causing bad breath, gum disease in dogs can cause discoloration to the teeth and inflammation in the gums. If the disease is allowed to progress, bacteria can spread under the gumline and cause damage to the underlying bone. It can even seep into the bloodstream and cause an infection.

Fortunately, taking care of your dog’s teeth is easy if you have the right products. Finding a good toothbrush and toothpaste is a great place to start, but you may also want to consider additional dog dental health products like water additives, gels, and dental chews.

Here are the best dental care products for dogs:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best dog toothpaste

Why you'll love it: With an irresistible poultry flavor, Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is loved by dogs and dog owners alike. 

Buying a high-quality dog toothbrush is a great place to start in improving your dog’s dental health, but you also need some toothpaste. Never use toothpaste intended for humans on your pup’s teeth because it may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

When choosing a toothpaste for your pooch, you’ll want to select one that gets the job done but is also appealing to your dog so he doesn’t fight you the entire time. Our top pick for the best dog toothpaste is Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste. In testing, we liked how well it cleaned our puppy’s teeth, and he enjoyed the flavor.

Specially formulated for dogs, Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste supports all aspects of your dog’s dental health. In addition to cleaning teeth and freshening breath, it helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup for long-term oral health. This toothpaste is made in the USA from high-quality ingredients in a non-foaming, poultry-flavored formula your dog won’t be able to resist.

In a review of the best dog teeth cleaning products, Dog Tartar names Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste as its top choice for the best dog toothpaste. The writer comments that the poultry flavor is appealing to even the pickiest dogs and the non-foaming formula means you don’t have to rinse after brushing. The Hunting Dog reviewed this product favorably as well.

With more than 2,700 reviews on Amazon and an Amazon’s Choice award, Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste also has a 4.5-star rating. Dog owners love how well the product works, though there were some dogs who simply didn’t like the flavor.

Pros: Specially formulated for dogs, irresistible poultry flavor, cleans teeth and freshens breath, prevents plaque buildup, non-foaming formula means no rinsing

Cons: Some dogs do not like the flavor, some dogs do not like having their teeth brushed

Buy  Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste on Amazon for $7.96



The best dog toothbrush

Why you'll love it: Not only do Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes work for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, but the price simply can’t be beat.

Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis is important for reducing plaque and calculus. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that forms on the surface of your dog’s teeth and while you can’t see plaque, you can see calculus. Calculus is made up of mineral deposits and, if not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to get rid of. To keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, we recommend brushing after every meal with Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes.

In our testing, we found that the small head was ideal for our test puppy and the bristles were very soft. Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes are surprisingly inexpensive, too. You get two double-sided brushes for about $4.

Each brush measures 8.5 inches long so you can reach all the way to the back of your dog’s mouth, and there are two different-sized brushes. These brushes feature ultra-soft bristles so they won’t irritate your dog’s gums and the angled heads make it possible to clean those hard-to-reach surfaces where plaque tends to accumulate.

Dog Plaque Removal Tips includes Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes in its list of the best dog teeth cleaning products, commenting that the size and shape of the angled heads are perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of your dog’s mouth. Petsho also reviews this toothbrush positively, noting that the small brush can be used in the front of your dog’s mouth and the larger brush in the back. The writer also comments that the brushes can be sanitized in the dishwasher.

With nearly 500 reviews on Amazon, Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes have a 4.5-star rating. Dog owners love the price and the soft bristles, though there are some comments about the handle being too long for very small dogs. 

Pros: Double-ended design features large and small brush, angled heads to brush hard-to-reach places, extra soft bristles don’t irritate gums, very inexpensive

Cons: Double-ended design makes the grip a little awkward, bristles may fall out with frequent use, handle may be too long for very small dogs

Buy Duke’s Double Ended Dog Toothbrushes on Amazon for $3.97



The best solution for bad breath

Why you'll love it: Adding Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover to your dog’s water can kill plaque-causing bacteria in his bowl and mouth for clean teeth and fresh breath.

If you don’t get your dog used to having his teeth brushed when he is young, you may have trouble trying to brush his teeth when he gets older. Some dogs simply do not like having their teeth touched but this doesn’t mean you can ignore your dog’s dental health.

Using a water additive can help kill off plaque-causing bacteria both in your dog’s bowl and in his mouth, keeping his mouth cleaner without the need for brushing. Our top pick for the best dog water additive is Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover.

Our test pup didn’t seem to mind the taste of the additive and it helped with our cat’s oral hygiene as well since they share a bowl.

Though it may not be an equal replacement for regular brushing, Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover can help prevent tartar buildup between dental cleanings. This water additive is specially designed to freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar buildup by altering the pH of your dog’s saliva. Simply add one tablespoon to 32 ounces of water and let your dog drink normally.

Dog Plaque Removal Tips recommends Nylabone's Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover and comment on how easy it is to use. However, the writer confirms that some dogs dislike the taste. As a solution, the writer suggests diluting the additive with water and spraying it directly into the dog’s mouth. A detailed review from The Dog Health confirms that the additive is effective and easy to use.

With more than 1,200 buyer reviews, Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover has a 4-star rating on Amazon and carries an Amazon’s Choice award. Dog owners love how easy the product is to use, though there are some comments about dogs not liking the flavor.

Pros: Very easy to use, freshens breath, reduces plaque and tartar buildup, safe for dogs of all ages and breeds, kills plaque-causing bacteria in the bowl and mouth

Cons: Some dogs dislike the flavor it adds to their water, some ingredients may affect dogs that suffer from allergies, not an equal replacement for brushing or regular cleaning

Buy Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Remover on Amazon for $6.83



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14 side jobs to try if you’re looking to make extra money

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dogsThe truth of the matter is that life is expensive. Whether you’re still in school or an active part of the workforce, sometimes you just need to make extra money.

Having a side job can go a long way towards helping your bank account. The key to finding the right side hustle for you based on your skills and interests. After that, all that’s left is to get started and watch the numbers in your account go up.

Not only is a side job a great way to make money, but it may also introduce you to a career path you hadn’t previously considered. In the meantime, find one that has the right time commitment for you, without getting in the way of any current job you have.

Time to discover your new money-making project. Odds are one of these lucrative side jobs may just be the right next step for you.

Share your love for language.

Are you bilingual? Either post a listing to help individual clients or look into settings such as courts or international affairs offices where interpreters are often needed.



Be a tour guide.

Do you love where you live? Give tours of your city or town and ensure others see what’s so great about it. Sites like Shiroube and Vayable are great places to look for potential gigs.



Babysitting is always an option.

It's a classic for a reason. Babysitting is a great, flexible way to make some extra cash.



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We shopped at CVS and Rite Aid to see which was a better drugstore, and one had a clear advantage over the other (CVS, RAD)

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  • CVS and Rite Aid are drugstore chains that sell items as varied as groceries and greeting cards.
  • Both CVS and Rite Aid have pharmacies that offer services like flu shots.
  • They also each have a rewards program that can earn shoppers major discounts.
  • When we visited neighboring locations of CVS and Rite Aid in Westchester, New York, we found that the stores had very different atmospheres, and each offered a unique shopping experience.

CVS and Rite Aid are pretty much everywhere you go. Some towns — like Westchester, New York — have both stores just minutes down the road from each other.

CVS and Rite Aid carry items as varied as groceries, cosmetics, household supplies, and greeting cards. Each store has a pharmacy, and both have rewards cards that offer serious savings.

CVS operates 8,000 to 10,000 stores in the United States, while Rite Aid has about 2,500.

When we visited locations of the two stores in Westchester, atmosphere was one of the most notable differences between them. The CVS we visited was dark and messy. There were dark gray carpeted floors, empty soda cans, old shopping lists, and no shortage of empty shelves. Security TVs loomed over every aisle, and it was eerily quiet.

Rite Aid wasn't quite as unwelcoming — it was mostly clean, but there were bins and shopping carts everywhere and a lot of empty shelves. It was also very quiet, but it was a more pleasant place to be in.

Even though Rite Aid had a nicer environment to shop in, CVS, which is merging with Aetna, saw same-store sales increase by 1.6% in the most recent quarter, while Rite Aid saw same-store sales decrease by 0.7% in its most recent quarter.

Here's what it was like to shop at each store:

SEE ALSO: These were the top-selling items from Amazon Prime Day around the world

First up was CVS.



The cosmetics section was right near the entrance. The store carried typical drugstore brands like Maybelline, L'Oreal, and CoverGirl, and prices typically ranged from $8 to $20.



The cosmetics department didn't leave the best first impression of the store. Many shelves were half empty or falling apart.



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The next generation of game consoles are scheduled to arrive in 2020 — here's what we know

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Xbox One X / Xbox One S

New video game consoles? Already?

Yes and no: It looks like we've got until at least 2020 before the successor to the Xbox One arrives. That's according to the latest rumors, which line up nicely with many of the details shared publicly by Microsoft's head of Xbox, Phil Spencer. 

Between repeated reports from Brad Sams at Thurott and Spencer's statements, we have a surprisingly clear picture of Microsoft's plans for the next Xbox consoles. Here's what we know so far:

SEE ALSO: Nearly 5 years after launch, we compared the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One — and it's a harder decision than ever

1. Microsoft officially announced the next Xbox in June 2018, at its annual E3 briefing in Los Angeles.

In a surprise move, Xbox leader Phil Spencer outright announced Microsoft's work on the successor to the Xbox One.

"The same team that delivered unprecedented performance with Xbox One X is deep into architecting the next Xbox consoles," he said on stage in Los Angeles on June 10. "Where we will once again deliver on our commitment to set the benchmark for console gaming."

Spencer offered more information on the announcement during an interview with Giant Bomb's Jeff Gerstmann the same week. "Everybody knows what's happening," Spencer said in reference to Sony and Microsoft making new consoles. "It's this kind of unsaid thing, of, like, 'Well, they shipped Xbox One X. They didn't lay off their whole hardware team. What do you think they're doing?'"

He said the announcement was a means of easing potential concerns of longtime console buyers: "It's not tomorrow, but I didn't want people to think that we're walking away from that part of the brand and the business, because it's really important to us."

In terms of what that console (or consoles) will actually be, Spencer isn't offering any major details just yet.



2. Microsoft has two Xbox consoles in the works.

Of note, Spencer said "consoles" on stage — as in Microsoft is apparently working on more than one future console.

Rumors point to Microsoft creating two new Xbox consoles that co-exist within the same generation: A smaller, less expensive Xbox, used primarily for streaming video games; and a larger, more traditional, more expensive Xbox that could power games locally (or stream them). 

Notably, Microsoft doesn't currently offer a streaming service for video games — but one is in the works.

"Our cloud engineers are building a game streaming network to unlock console-quality gaming on any device," Spencer said on stage in June. "Not only that — we are dedicated to perfecting your experience everywhere you want to play. On your Xbox, your PC, or your phone."

It's an echo of sentiments he's expressed previously, but it's the most definitive testament to Microsoft's plans for the future of gaming.

"There are 2 billion people who play video games on the planet today. We're not gonna sell 2 billion consoles," Spencer told me in an interview following his stage presentation in June. "Many of those people don't own a television, many have never owned a PC. For many people on the planet, the phone is their compute device," he said. "It's really about reaching a customer wherever they are, on the devices that they have."

That said, logic dictates that the ability to stream "console-quality gaming on any device" depends on some pretty major upgrades to internet speeds around the world. It also faces hurdles like the uncertain future of net-neutrality laws and consumer internet data caps.

Microsoft's answer to those potential problems is the "Azure" cloud platform, an infrastructure that few other companies have. "Fifty data centers in different parts of the planet? Billions of dollars of investment in building that out? It allows us to accelerate our growth in this space," Spencer told me.



3. The new Xbox consoles are rumored to launch in 2020.

It looks like the two new Xbox consoles will arrive in 2020. Just in time for Kanye West's presidential run and the return of the XFL!

That's according to Thurott's Brad Sams, who reported this week that the low-powered, streaming-focused box is "further along in the development cycle than the traditional console that will also be released in 2020." 

Microsoft has yet to put an official release window to its next console, but 2020 is a reasonable assumption based on the past. Home video game consoles tend to exist on a 5-10 year life cycle — 2020 is seven years from the Xbox One's original announcement and launch in 2013.



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15 underrated Lush products you need to try right now

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Lush is a powerhouse among eco-friendly cosmetics brands.

Known around the world for its vast vegetarian assortment of bath bombs, shampoos, and body scrubs, the company has acquired a near cult-like following for products like the "Dream Cream" body lotion and "Sex Bomb" bath bomb.

With so many fan favorites to choose from, some of Lush's best products end up getting lost in the mix.

Here are 15 underrated Lush products to check out.

Lush's "Cherryish Shower Scrub" is made with delicious ingredients like vegan white chocolate and dried cherries.

Cost: $12.95

Find out more about Lush's "Cherryish Shower Scrub" here >



Try the "Miles of Smiles Toothy Tabs" for a unique way to brush your teeth.

Cost: $10.95

Find out more about Lush's "Miles of Smiles Toothy Tabs" here >



A dual shampoo and conditioner, the "Avocado Co-Wash" smooths frizz and saves you time.

Cost: $15.95

Find out more about Lush's "Avocado Co-Wash" here >



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The 10 best soccer players in the world right now, according to FIFA

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Harry Kane

FIFA, the world governing body in soccer, has announced a shortlist of 10 candidates for The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2018 just weeks after the conclusion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The winner of the award, which attempts to recognise the "extraordinary achievements" of soccer players over the past season, will be announced at a ceremony in London on September 24

The winner will be decided by the following four groups, with equal weighting (25%) given to each:

  1. The captains of all national teams
  2. The head coaches of all national teams
  3. A fan ballot that the public can participate in
  4. A group of approximately 200 members of the international media

In no particular order, here are the 10 soccer players in with a chance of winning this year's award.

SEE ALSO: We analysed who the better big-game player is, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi — and the stats show the winner is clear

DON'T MISS: 3 stats show how Kylian Mbappé could eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming season

Antoine Griezmann — Atlético Madrid and France national team forward.

Antoine Griezmann has been instrumental to the success of his club and his country so far in 2018. He scored twice in Atlético's 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille in the Europa League final in May, and once in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in the World Cup final in July.

Titles won in 2018: UEFA Europa League winner with Atlético and FIFA World Cup winner with France. FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball (third best player) and FIFA World Cup Silver Boot (second top scorer).



Cristiano Ronaldo — Juventus F.C. and Portugal national team striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the best goals of the decade when he stunned Juventus with an acrobatic overhead kick — a "PlayStation goal"— in the Champions League quarterfinal earlier this year. He scored goal after goal in Real Madrid's march to the Champions League title, and then sealed a shock $130 million transfer to Juventus during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Titles won in 2018: UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid. Ronaldo was also the Champions League top goalscorer for the 2017-2018 season.



Eden Hazard — Chelsea FC and Belgium national team forward.

Hazard continued to grind away at Chelsea FC in the 2017-2018 season, but it was at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he really came alive. Hazard was a nuisance from the first game to the last, and was truly deserving of the Silver Ball award.

Titles won in 2018: FIFA World Cup third place with Belgium. Hazard also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball (second best player) and was the joint top assist provider at the tournament in Russia.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

8 things to do in Oahu that will help you beat the crowds

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lanikai beach oahu

With Oahu being Hawaii’s most visited island, according to US News, the possibilities are endless when planning your stay there. Hitting the beach or doing a sunrise hike are popular options, but there are plenty of other amazing, hidden gems on the island.

Plus, if you’re visiting for the third or fourth time, you’ll probably want to do more than sunbathe at Waikiki Beach — and avoid crowds of other tourists.

Here are some non-touristy things to do in Oahu from a local.

Snap a photo in front of the Kaka’ako Walls.

The perfect Instagram isn’t complete without an artsy, colorful backdrop and the walls of Kaka’ako are no exception. Every year, local and international artists repaint the murals in this district as part of the Pow!Wow! street art festival. Murals include native-Hawaiian designs and underwater maidens.



Tour the Shangri La.

Escape the loud, busy streets of the city and get a history lesson by visiting the Shangri La, one of Oahu’s most stunning museums. This Islamic-style museum was actually a home built by heiress Doris Duke in 1937. General admissions tickets go for $25.



Grab a cup of joe at a hip cafe.

Whether or not you’re a coffee person, Oahu’s cafe game is strong for a reason — Hawaii is the only state where the coffee is grown commercially. Not to mention, the stylish interiors of these cafes are worth checking out. Some of the best include The Curb, Brue Bar, ARS Cafe, and Morning Glass Coffee.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I have a 6-figure job and my husband stays home with the kids — here are the 10 best pieces of advice I can give you about money

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Liz Gendreau

  • Liz Gendreau, the Chief Mom Officer, is a 38-year-old MBA who works as an IT program manager at a large company making a six-figure salary. Her husband, Todd, stays at home with their three boys, ages 14, 10, and 3.
  • She's been the primary breadwinner since shortly after they were married, over 16 years ago.
  • Personal finance has been one of her hobbies since she was a teenager.
  • She says everyone should know how to track their net worth, invest their savings, and align their financial goals with their dreams.

When I was 16, I picked up a book from the library called "The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton.

That book changed the course of my financial life.

Like most teenagers, I thought only the famous or uber-successful were wealthy. Ordinary people couldn't become rich, right?!? The title of the book that drew me in, like it did millions of others. How on earth could a barber, of all people, become wealthy?

The book was fun and engaging, not dry and dull. It was told as the story of several friends who learn important money lessons from a wealthy barber (and the people hanging out at his shop) over the course of a year. I learned all the important foundational lessons about money that you don't usually learn as a teen.

It covered real estate, mortgages, taxes, retirement, investing, college savings, and so much more. That book inspired my lifelong passion for personal finance. Because of that book, I opened an IRA as a teenager, invested in a 401(k) the minute I had a job that offered one, bought a condo at 20, started investing for my boys to go to college when they were born — and a whole lot more.

The financial lessons continued to pay off even into my 30s. Having personal finance as a passion kept my family from bankruptcy. When I was 32 my husband almost died of septic shock — an event that rocked our world and continues to impact our financial life. Without the solid financial foundation I'd built, starting with this book, our lives would be totally different today.

Over the past 20 years, I've read hundreds of books, blogs, magazines, and articles about managing money. Here are the top 10 things I've learned.

SEE ALSO: I have a 6-figure job and my husband stays home with the kids — here are 10 things no one seems to understand

Don't rely on your partner to manage your money

Many women aren't taught important lessons about managing their money in the same way men are. But it's so important they're involved with their finances.

A recent report from UBS Wealth Management found that over half of married women (56%) leave long-term financial planning decisions to their husbands. Why? Because 85% of those women believe their spouses know more about finances.

Interestingly, did you know that a Fidelity study shows women investors outperform men?

Women outlive men. Nearly half of marriages end in divorce. And eight out of 10 of us will end up, at some point in our lives, being solely responsible for our money. These are all huge reasons women need to be money smart.

Relying on someone else can be a recipe for disaster. Sadly, according to that same report, 56% of these women discovered a money secret. Hidden debt. Inadequate savings. Overly conservative — or aggressive — investments.

That's a high price to pay.

Being in the dark about where your money is, where it's going, and why, is no way to go through your financial life. But taking charge of your money can be confusing and overwhelming. So where do you start?



Know where all your money is, where it's going, and why

The first step to being smart with your money is to know exactly where you are right now.

You can't make financial changes in your life without knowing where you stand. I've been tracking my net worth since I was 20 years old. It's actually a lot of fun to look back on past years and see what my financial situation was in my mid-20s, at 30, and now at 38.

We often overestimate how much can be accomplished in a short period of time, and underestimate how much can be accomplished over a long one.

There are only three things you need to know:

  • What you have (and owe)— This is called your net worth, or a balance sheet in the corporate world. It's everything you own, minus everything you owe. Knowing your net worth tells you where all your money is and how much you owe.  You'll want to record what kind of account it's in, how much is there, and what it's invested in.
  • Where your money is going — Note that this isn't a budget. No, it's a simple analysis of where your family's paychecks go each month. What are you spending on? What's going to expenses, debt, saving, and investments? If you don't track your money through a free tool like Mint, you can usually download the information from your bank and credit card(s).
  • Why your money is where it is— Why is it invested the way it is? What's the reason you have X dollars in checking, Y in savings, and Z in these funds in retirement? Why are you spending on the things you are?

Even if you have a spouse that already tracks the money, it's important that you know the answer to all these questions. Make time to sit down together and go through the details.

Knowing where all your money is, where it's going, and why, is the beginning of smart money management. After this, you need to get to know your dreams.



Establish your dreams

What are your ultimate goals and dreams? Where do you want to go in life?

Sit down and really think about your ultimate dreams. Do you want to start a business? Retire early? Send your kids to college without debt — or finally get that degree yourself? Buy a first home, vacation home, or become location independent? Maybe your dream is to travel the world as a family before your kids grow up, or start a scholarship to help underprivileged children go to college.

Why is knowing your dreams an important money tip?

Because without clarity on your dreams and goals, you can't make your money work effectively for you. You'll be saving or investing with no purpose, which means you might not be doing the right things to get you where you want to go.  

When you know your dreams, your why will help you down the long, hard road. It will get you back on the path when you fall off, and will give you the courage to stand up to those that might mock you.

It's your "why" that will keep you going.



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5 iconic cities were turned into brainteasers filled with hidden objects — can you find them all?

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01_New York

New York City, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, and Paris are five of the most culturally important cities in the world — they each have their own important landmarks, customs, and objects that are synonymous with their cultures.

Compare the Market created five different brainteasers, each with a cartoon depiction of each city filled with "cultural figures, cheesy tourist activities, and iconic foods/drinks from the area."

From an "I heart NY" shirt to a Buddhist monk, each city has seven different culturally important objects hiding in plain sight. Can you find them all?

This graphic really depicts how chaotic and crowded Times Square in New York City is.

Can you find a hot dog vendor, a yellow taxi, one of NYC's many pigeons, a manhole cover, an NYPD officer, someone rocking an "I heart NY" shirt, and a street sign for Broadway?

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Keep scrolling to see where everything was hiding!



Times Square is named after the New York Times.

The New York Times moved its headquarters there in 1905, changing the name from Long Acre to Times Square.



Rome, Italy, is a one of the oldest cultural centers in the world.

Can you find the gladiator taking photos with tourists, a man enjoying some gelato, the Pope, a cappuccino, a Vespa, four stray cats, and a street performer in this ancient city?

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Turn back now if you don't want to know where everything is!



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This is the Patriot missile defense system that Israel just used to shoot down a Syrian warplane

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yemen missile saudi arabia houthi riyadh

Israel's military said on Tuesday that it fired two US-made Patriot missiles at and "intercepted" a Syrian Sukhoi fighter that entered its airspace.

The plane crashed in Syria near the country's border zone with Israel, and the fate of the pilot is unknown, according to The New York Times. The Syrian jet is thought to be a Russian-made Su-24 or Su-22.

Israel and Syria have a border dispute in the Golan Heights and have squared off in aerial combat before, with Israel earlier this year destroying much of Syria's anti-air batteries and losing one of its F-16s.

We recently got a chance to see a Patriot system at Fort Bliss.

Here's what we saw:

SEE ALSO: This is the huge M777 howitzer that US Marines burned out while fighting ISIS in Syria

SEE ALSO: 'Surf passage' is one of the most iconic and formidable parts of Navy SEAL training — here's what it looks like

Developed by Raytheon, the MIM-104 Patriot became operational in 1985 and is now the US Army's main missile defense system.

The missiles are fired from the M901 Launching station mounted on the back of the M983 Heavy Expanded Mobility Truck.

Source: CSIS



Each Patriot launcher holds four missile canisters.



The Patriot fires two kinds of missiles: the Pac-2s and Pac-3s.

The main difference between the Pac-2 and the Pac-3 is that the Pac-3 has a radar transmitter and guidance computer and uses hit-to-kill technology, directly hitting the targeted missile with a small warhead.

The Pac-2s, on the other hand, explode near the target to either knock it off its course or explode it. 

The Pac-2 replaced the older Pac-1.



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20 NFL players who lost a ton of weight in retirement and how they did it

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Joe Thomas

Former Cleveland Browns All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas is the latest retired football player to lose a ton of weight, dropping 50 pounds in the first nine months of his retirement.

While many former athletes struggle with weight gain after their careers, some lose a ton of weight, and in many cases, are now nearly unrecognizable.

One common theme among many of these players is the position they played. Most of the players below were offensive linemen, suggesting those players do more to push their body weight to an extreme, developing dangerous habits like consuming massive numbers of calories to maintain their playing sizes.

Below is a look at 20 players who lost a ton of weight after their careers ended.

10-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen ever. He spent most of his career playing at 310 pounds and said he was "more eager to lose weight than almost anything in retirement."

Source: NFL Network



He is now an analyst for the NFL Network and it it took less than nine months after his final NFL game to lose 50 pounds. When asked how he did it, he chuckled and said, "You just don't eat until you feel like you're gonna throw up at every meal and all of a sudden the weight falls right off."

Source: NFL Network



Will Montgomery was a 305-pound offensive lineman with a size 42 waist who played for 5 teams in 9 seasons.



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I tried not spending any money for a month — here are 5 things I learned after failing in the first week

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katie no spend month

I'm the first to admit that I'm not always mindful with my spending.

To challenge myself, I decided to do a "no-spend" month. 

I still had to eat and pay rent, so the challenge didn't mean spending zero dollars for an entire month. The premise was that I could spend moneyonly on necessities. This included rent, utilities, transportation (a $120 monthly Metro pass, in my case), credit card payments, groceries, and household and hygiene items that might run out.

It was a daunting task: no eating out, no happy hour drinks or takeout coffee, and no shopping . . . for a whole month. 

The goal wasn't necessarily to save a specific amount of money, but to be more thoughtful with my spending and convince myself that I didn't need to spend money to have fun. 

Spoiler alert: I only lasted five days. 

Here's what happened and what I learned after completely failing the experiment.

Thanks to homemade meals, I was able to spend nothing for the first few days.

I didn't expect to spend much money the first few days of my challenge, because I almost always bring food from home to eat during the workday. I also usually wait until the end of the week to go out for dinner or drinks.

The first day of my "no-spend" month, I brought a bagel and avocado from home to make an avocado bagel for breakfast. My requisite morning coffee was provided for free by my office.

Lunch was leftovers from the night before: a garlicky, chili pasta with parsley. I ate outside my office in the 75-degree weather, which was more than welcome after a long, cold spring in New York City.

I snacked on baby carrots (free at my office) back at my desk, because I am always hungry. 

Over the next couple days, I continued to eat only home-cooked meals.

On Wednesday, I went to happy hour with my work team, but my boss kindly bought us all a round of drinks and some nachos to share, so I didn't spend anything.

After work the next day, I spent $14.27 on some groceries that included asparagus, zucchini, and avocados.



I caved on the fifth day, partially because I'm uncomfortable bringing up money in social situations.

After work on Friday, my original plan was to go to a small get-together at a friend's house that didn't require I bring anything. Perfect.

But then I got a text from another friend; she'd had a really bad day and asked if we could get a drink.

And because I'm such a good friend, I didn't bother her with any of this "no-spend" month nonsense. (At least, that's what I told myself at the time.) I met her at a wine bar in the neighborhood to drink some rosé.

Each glass was $9, which, including tax and tip, came out to $23.60 of non-essential spending for the day.

I realized that this could have easily been avoided if I were more comfortable bringing up money in social situations. After all, my friend would have completely understood me not wanting to spend any money despite her bad day. 



My second slip-up happened because, well, I forgot about my experiment.

Having spent money on drinks the night before, I must have subconsciously switched out of my no-spending mindset and forgot about the experiment. 

That Saturday, I ate at home during the day without spending any money. But when my boyfriend suggested grabbing drinks at a neighborhood spot we'd been wanting to check out for a while, I immediately said yes without thinking.

It was only after we'd arrived at the Cape House and settled at an outdoor table that I remembered my no-spend month. Because we were already there, I figured I would just make an exception rather than drink water while my boyfriend sipped a delicious cocktail.

Looking back, the excuse I made was pathetic. I spent $18.78 on drinks and an appetizer we shared.

 



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11 things all Wegmans employees know and most customers don't

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Wegmans employees

  • Wegmans store employees know all about the popular regional grocery chain.
  • The company operates stores in six states, and employs 48,000 people.
  • Here are some insider facts, tips, and hacks that Wegmans employees have shared online and with Business Insider.


Wegmans stores have acquired a bit of a cult-like following.

It's easy to see why. The company, which is headquartered in Rochester, New York, has been labeled the "best grocery chain" in the US. America's favorite grocery chain is also frequently lauded as a top employer.

But you can't find a Wegmans just anywhere. The chain's 97 stores are spread out between New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. According to the company's website, the brand employs 48,000 people.

Business Insider spoke with a few current and former Wegmans employees to get a sense of how the company operates. We also found a number of insights from employees on the web.

Here are a few things all Wegmans employees know, but customers may not:

SEE ALSO: Trader Joe's is one of the best places to work in the US — employees share the 7 best parts of the job

DON'T MISS: Panera Bread employees share their 11 favorite menu items — and a few secret hacks you have to try for yourself

SEE ALSO: McDonald's employees share their 8 best tips for customers

Check out the chain's digital coupons...

Don't leave money on the table when you shop.

"Take an extra two minutes out of your day to sign up for or check the digital coupons the store offers," an employee from New Jersey told Business Insider. "They're always on commonly-used products."

 



... and look out for items with yellow tags

"Yes, your Wegmans card does help you get discounts, though, at times, it seems like it's hit or miss," a person who said they were a Wegmans employee wrote in a 2014 AMA. "Just look for the items with the yellow tags. They're the ones on sale."



Wegmans employees appreciate it when you weigh your produce...

Want to make a good impression at Wegmans?

One Wegmans cashier had some tips for impressing employees in a 2014 Reddit AMA. They said that employees always appreciate it when customers take the time to weigh their produce.

"It's a huge help and a time saver," the cashier wrote.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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