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What ayahuasca — Silicon Valley's latest drug of choice — does to your brain and body

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ayahuasca peru

When brewed, the jungle vines and leaves that make ayahuasca have strange powers, often described as mystical.

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic compound — along the lines of LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, though with different effects — that's been used for thousands of years by shamans and communities in and around the Amazon rainforest. Some use the substance in healing ceremonies, meant to help people get past ailments of the body and mind. Other ceremonies are meant to aid communication with ancestors and other spirits.

Yet around the world, people are fascinated by the experience, which is often described as life-changing.

In recent years, enthusiasm for ayahuasca and its effects has spread from the indigenous roots of the substance and experimentation by curious backpackers to communities of tech workers in Silicon Valley and Brooklyn.

"It's mind-boggling how much it can do in one or two nights," Tim Ferriss, the author of "The 4-Hour Workweek," told The New Yorker in 2016 for a feature about the jungle psychedelic's exploding popularity in Silicon Valley and Brooklyn, New York.

Ferriss said that the substance was harrowing and that it made him feel as if he were "being torn apart and killed a thousand times a second for two hours." It also wiped away anger he'd held onto for decades, he said.

At the same time, a revival of scientific interest in psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin — and ayahuasca — is leading to a growing understanding of exactly what these substances do the body and especially the brain.

Here's what we know so far.

SEE ALSO: Hallucinogenic drugs could soon work 'like a surgical intervention' for mental illness

Ayahuasca, also known as yagé, is made by brewing certain leaves and vines together. In Quechua, the name means "vine of the dead" or "vine of the soul."

The preparation involves the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and components of the Psychotria viridis plant. 



When combined, the plant released the powerful hallucinogen DMT, and the vine releases compounds that cause the DMT effect to last for hours. Alone, DMT would just last about 20 minutes.

The most significant effects of DMT are feelings of being separated from the body, experiencing an unearthly environment, encountering mystical or otherworldly beings, having an altered perception of time, feeling peace and joy, and having heightened senses. 



The physical effects of ayahuasca are often described as miserable, including serious vomiting, though they are temporary.

Both DMT and ayahuasca can temporarily raise heart rate and increase blood pressure. Most users experience what is often described as a purging, which manifests as potentially intense vomiting and diarrhea.



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LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman shares his secret for fast growth and getting ahead of the competition

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meeting business company team

  • Startups can be just as risky as they are promising — 20% of small businesses fail in just their first year.
  • But Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist and co-founder of LinkedIn, has a method for success that bucks tradition.
  • "Blitzscaling," as Hoffman calls it in his new book, means prioritizing speed over efficiency in the face of uncertainty.
  • The method requires taking risks in a "do-or-die" environment, but promises competitive advantage.

Startups carry unavoidable risk small businesses have a 20% chance of failing in their first year, and a 50% chance after five years.

The idyllic story of a Silicon Valley startup — beginning with just a few employees in a garage and consistently scaling over time until it's a major company with hundreds of workers — is the anomaly, not the prototype. Most businesses don't experience the same trajectory, and a startup with a solid foundation won't always scale to become a force among its competitors. Some may have ups and downs, while others see slow, steady growth over a longer period of time.

Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist and co-founder of LinkedIn, understands how to achieve the kind of hypergrowth needed to survive in a world of companies like Amazon and Google. His new book, "Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies," focuses on the strategies and techniques that companies like these use to grow rapidly and stay ahead in their industries.

He sent Business Insider a presentation explaining how startups can use what he calls "blitzscaling"— prioritizing speed over efficiency — to grow quickly when faced with an uncertain future, and beat out the competition to take over the market.

SEE ALSO: 10 cities where it's the cheapest to get a startup off the ground







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17 exciting startups you didn't know were backed by Silicon Valley's biggest venture capital firms and startup accelerators

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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.

burrow 2

If you want an idea of which new startups are going to make it big in a few years, look no further than the portfolios of Silicon Valley's biggest venture capital firms and start-up accelerators. 

Y Combinator, Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Bessemer Ventures, and 500 Startups are among the most recognizable names in the Valley because of their history of success with e-commerce startups and ability to place their fingers on the pulse of consumer retail trends. 

A number of our favorite direct-to-consumer companies and online services are funded in part by these firms, and we're not surprised.

In an environment filled with startups trying to convince investors that they're disrupting stagnant industries, it's only the ones with truly strong products and growth potential that cut through the noise and earn their investments. 

Learn more about the firms backing the best e-commerce startups, from the unicorns to the companies that are just getting started. 

Rent the Runway

Rent designer dresses at Rent the Runway here

Recently named one of the most innovative companies in the world, Rent the Runway makes it convenient and cost-effective for women to dress for work, special events, and everyday life. You can rent single pieces or refresh your wardrobe every month through its subscription options. 

Investors include: Kleiner Perkins

Total funding amount: $416.2 million 



Airbnb

Book an accommodation through Airbnb here

This Y Combinator startup has come a long way since 2009 and has raised an incredible amount of funding. You already know you can book homes anywhere in the world at affordable rates through Airbnb, but you can also find unique experiences like intimate concerts and art walk tours.

Investors include: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Kleiner Perkins, Y Combinator 

Total funding amount: $4.4 billion 



Burrow

Shop sofas at Burrow here

Burrow's easy-to-assemble, modular couches fulfill our desire for simple furniture that can keep up with all the activity and changes in our life, from messy movie nights to cross-country apartment moves. 

Investors include: Y Combinator, NEA 

Total funding amount: $19.2 million 



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IKEA copied Costco and added a vegan item to its food-court menu. Here’s what it tastes like. (COST)

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ikea vegan hotdog 0628

  • IKEA just added a vegan hot dog to its food-court menu.
  • The veggie dog is meant to be a more sustainable alternative to the hot dog and is made from kale, red lentils, quinoa, onion, and carrots. It's topped with pickled red cabbage and roasted onions. 
  • IKEA is the latest of many mainstream retailers to start offering more vegan alternatives. Costco recently removed the Polish hot dog from its food-court menu to make room for several vegan options, including a new al pastor salad and an acai bowl.
  • We tried IKEA's new veggie dog ourselves, and we were surprised by how delicious it was.

IKEA is following in Costco's footsteps and adding a new vegan option to its food-court menu.

The veggie dog, which launched in IKEA's European locations in August, officially launched in the bistros in the furniture retailer's US stores on Tuesday. IKEA began developing the veggie dog as a more sustainable alternative to its hot dog back in February. 

"Every year 660 million people enjoy the IKEA Food offer and we see this global reach as an opportunity as well as a responsibility to serve food that is good for people and the planet," Michael La Cour, managing director at IKEA Food Services, said in a press release.

The veggie dog is made from kale, red lentils, quinoa, onion, carrots, and spices like ginger and turmeric. It's topped with pickled red cabbage, spicy mustard, and roasted onions. It costs $0.75 and is 226 calories. While the veggie dog itself is vegan, the bun isn't because it contains egg. 

It isn't IKEA's first venture into vegan food, and it won't be its last. The furniture store's restaurant serves vegan meatballs and has announced plans to introduce a vegan ice cream to the menu in summer 2019.

IKEA is the latest among several mainstream brands to start adding vegan options to meet increased demand. Costco recently removed the Polish hot dog from its food-court menu to make room for several vegan options, including a new al pastor salad and an acai bowl. Nestle acquired the vegan-meat supplier Sweet Earth in September. Campbell's recently acquired Pacific Foods, which makes nondairy milks. And White Castle added the plant-based Impossible Burger to its menu.

We went to the IKEA store in Brooklyn, New York, to try the veggie dog for ourselves — here's the verdict: 

SEE ALSO: Costco replaced a beloved food-court menu item with new vegan options. Here's how they taste.

The veggie dogs are available at IKEA's bistro, which is separate from its restaurant. The line was long — I waited almost 20 minutes to order. The veggie dogs cost $0.75 each, so I got two for $1.50.



IKEA's bistro's veggie hot dog is entirely vegan, except for the bun, which contains egg. The menu says that the veggie dogs have 226 calories each.



The veggie dog itself is made from kale, red lentils, quinoa, onion, carrots, and spices like ginger and turmeric.



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Here's how this year's biggest US IPOs have performed

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spotify ipo nyse

It has been a busy year for initial public offering in America. Through the end of September, there have been 173 IPOs, raising $45.7 billion. The value raised in the first three quarters was 46.5% greater than the same period last year, and more than three times that of 2016, according to PwC track of data.

The strong IPO dynamic has been driven by "continual period of very strong market conditions," PwC deals analyst  David Ethridge told Business Insider on Friday, adding that corporate earnings had their best results ever in the second quarter, with S&P 500 companies earning $38.65 per share, and consumer confidencesurging to 18-year high in September. 

"People have had a long period of time to look at the marketing, say this is going to continue and let's get ready to go public," Ethridge said.

Breaking down the sectors, year-to-date IPO activity was led by pharma and life sciences — predominately biotech firms, with 55 IPOs raising $6.8 billion. Technology, media, and telecom companies also boomed the IPO markets, with 38 offerings raising $15 billion, according to PwC.

Ethridge noted that international companies have been piling into US markets. In the technology sector, more than half of the 38 IPOs are non-US companies, and 11 of them came from China — despite escalating trade tensions.  This suggests that "globally people are still looking at the US as the place where they can find investors that are willing to pay for grow," Ethridge said.

Domestically, Elanco Animal Health had the biggest IPO, raising $1.74 billion in August. Greensky was the second largest US IPO this year, raising $1.01 billion. 

And while 2018 has been a banner year for IPOs, PwC expects more to come in the near future. A number of companies looking to go public have sped up the pace of their IPO preparations, with investors beginning to anticipate a slowdown in the global economy as inflation starts creeping higher and the trade war with China intensifies, PwC said.

Here's a snapshot of how the 16 largest domestic IPOs — all worth at least $500 million — have performed this year.

16. Cactus

Ticker: WHD

Sector: Diversified

IPO size: $552 million

IPO price: $10

Price change: +111%

 

Source: Bloomberg data/Markets Insider



15. Ceridian HCM Holding

Ticker: CDAY

Sector: Technology

IPO size: $531.3 million

IPO price: $22

Price change: +83%

 

Source: Bloomberg data/Markets Insider



14. BrightView Holdings

Ticker: BV

Sector: Consumer

IPO size: $538.89 million

IPO price: $22

Price change: -33.3%

 

Source: Bloomberg data/Markets Insider



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We drove a $152,000 Porsche 911 GT3 to see if it's still the greatest sports car of all time — here's the verdict

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Porsche 911 GT3 991.2

  • The Porsche 911 is arguably the most successful sports car in automotive history.
  • The 911 is both a perennial winner on the race track and a hot seller in the showrooms.
  • In 2017, Porsche sold more than 32,000 911s around the world. 
  • The 911 GT3 is a road-going track-focused version of Porsche's flagship sports car.
  • The base Porsche 911 Carrera starts at $91,100, while the 911 GT3 starts at $143,600. With a few options and fees, our test car came to a price of $152,110.
  • We were impressed by the Porsche 911 GT3's power, driving dynamics, and race-car-like looks.

The Porsche 911 is arguably the most successful sports car in automotive history. In the five decades since its debut in 1962, the 911 has not only been a perennial contender on the track but also a force to be reckoned with in the showroom.

In 2017, Porsche sold more than 32,000 of its flagship sports cars around the world which certainly helped the company achieve a profit margin of 17.6% — a jaw-dropping figure for an industry notorious for its razor-thin margins. 

Of the nearly two dozen varieties of the 911 offered for sale in the US, the model that truly brings together the race track and the showroom is the GT3.

The GT3, named after the FIA's eponymous sports car racing category, debuted as an official 911 variant in 1999 with the introduction of the water-cooled 996 generation Porsche 911. However, US consumers weren't able to get their hands on the model until 2004. 

Business Insider had the chance to spend a few days behind the wheel of a 2018 991.2 generation Porsche 911 GT3 on the roads around the Atlanta, Georgia. The home of Porsche Cars North America.

The base 911 Carrera starts at $91,100 while the GT3 starts at $143,600. With options and fees, our car carried an as-tested price of $152,110. In case you're curious, the priciest variant of the Porsche 911 is the 700 horsepower GT2 RS which costs $293,200. 

Here's a closer look at the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3. 

SEE ALSO: We drove a $67,000 Audi RS3 and found that it's a 400-horsepower speed demon designed to take on the best from BMW and Mercedes

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

Here it is! The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3.



It's named after the FIA's GT3 sports car racing category in which the Porsche 911 competes.



As a result, it's designed to be a sort of 911 race car of the road.



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How to store 7 different fruits to make them last longer

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bananasWhen your favorite fruits are in season, it's hard not to buy them all up at once. But if you're not storing the fruits properly, you might check back a few days later to find them spoiled.

With just some small adjustments, you can ensure that your fruits remain at their peak flavor and ripeness until you decide to take that first bite.

Here are seven fruits you're probably storing the wrong way and how to properly store them. 

Tomatoes don't belong in your fridge.

Although placing many fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator can make them last longer, that's not the case for tomatoes. Storing your tomatoes in the fridge can greatly reduce the fruit's flavor and aroma.

After seven days in the refrigerator, the DNA of a tomato begins to change, causing the activity of the fruits genes to decline and therefore reduce its flavor. According to a 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, even after being removed from the fridge, the tomato's genes did not fully recover.  

Next time you buy tomatoes, give them their proper place on the counter.



Leaving your bananas in a bunch isn't the best way to keep them from turning brown.

Attempting to keep your fruit in the best condition for the longest amount of time is not always the most aesthetically pleasing.

When it comes to bananas, experts recommend separating each banana and wrapping a small piece of plastic wrap around each individual stem.

Similar to other fruits on this list, bananas emit ethylene gas, which makes the fruit ripen at a faster rate. Separating the bananas, as well as using the plastic wrap, will help slow down that ripening process.



Apples last pretty well in the fridge.

If you want your apples to last longer, putting them in the fridge is the way to go.

According to Gardener's Supply Company, the ideal temperature to store apples is between 30 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. And they will do best when stored in a crisper drawer either in a bag with holes or covered with a damp towel.  

Because apples give off ethylene gas, you should not place any other produce in the same refrigerator drawer. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that can cause other fruits and vegetables nearby to soften and decay.



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22 celebrities you didn't realize got their start in horror movies

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Halloween H20

Scary movies are usually not known for having Hollywood's greatest actors. But, many viewers don't even realize that they may be watching the next George Clooney, who surprisingly had his big break in the horror genre.

Many of your favorite celebs actually started out as main characters — or even the first to be killed off — in scary movies. In celebration of the Halloween season, we're listing the most jaw-dropping celebrities who had their first major film role in a scary movie.

Justin Long starred in "Jeepers Creepers."

The heartthrob ignited his career by starring in this 2001 cult classic.



Madelaine Petsch had a minor role in "The Hive."

The "Riverdale" star got her first role playing"Current Girl #2" in this 2015 horror flick.



Jon Stewart made his first film appearance in "The Faculty."

Although he was already two years into "The Daily Show"at this time, he made his big-screen debut playing a high school teacher in this star-studded film. Other known celebrities who were in this horror-sci-fi mashup include Salma Hayek, Usher, and Elijah Wood.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best men's underwear you can buy

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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 men's underwear

  • If there’s one article of clothing that you ought to care about, it’s your underwear.

  • Our top pick is the Tommy John collection because you can choose from many different styles of underwear and all of them are seriously comfortable.

You probably don’t give as much thought to your bottom layer as you do to your top layers, but really, you should. Guys, we’re talking about underwear here — that all-important article of clothing that needs to be as comfortable for lounging about as it does for a long day of meetings. Luckily, there are plenty of companies these days hoping to make your underwear buying experience as easy and comfortable as the underwear itself.

Even if you prefer to buy other articles of clothing in shrink-wrapped packs of three, you’ll probably want to give a bit more thought to how you purchase your skivvies. After all, nothing can ruin your day quite as well as an uncomfortable pair of boxers, briefs, or something in between. When making that all-important decision about where to swipe your credit card, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.

First and foremost, what kind of guy are you? Do you opt for trunks, briefs, boxers, or something else altogether? Regardless of what you choose, you’ll certainly be able to find something that suits your needs.

You’ll also want to keep material in mind. While white cotton may have been the name of the game when you were a kid, the underwear industry has changed, and so have you. Now, you can have underwear made of “non-pilling” micro modal fabric. You may not know what that means, but all you need to know is that it’s really comfortable.

And although this may be the least of your concerns, please do consider prints and patterns. Before you write this off as something that “only the ladies” are worried about, let me point out (as a lady myself) that you’re likely not the only person to ever see your unmentionables. So if you want to get a good laugh (in a good way), you may consider a rather surprising design or color combination.

In any case, regardless of what underwear you choose from our favorite underwear purveyors, we’re confident that you’ll be well taken care of.

Here are the best places to buy men's underwear:

  • Best men's underwear overall: Tommy John
  • Best men's underwear for a perfect fit: Bonobos
  • Best men's underwear for workouts: Rhone 
  • Best men's underwear with fun prints: MeUndies
  • Best affordable men's underwear: Gap 
  • Best supportive men's underwear: Saxx
  • Best luxury men's underwear: Hamilton and Hare

Updated on 10/08/2018 by Lulu Chang: Added Saxx and Hamilton and Hare underwear. Updated prices and formatting.

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

SEE ALSO: The best white dress shirts for men

The best underwear overall

Why you'll love it: Tommy John's underwear is super comfortable, well made, and expertly designed to fit perfectly.

You’ll never truly get underwear that is 100% customized to your body, but with Tommy John's underwear, you may just feel like they were custom made for you.

While you may be familiar with the typical brief, boxer brief, and boxer options when it comes to underwear, Tommy John actually sells a total of five different fits so you can choose the underwear that works best for your body.

Tommy John offers boxer briefs, relaxed fit boxers, trunks, a square cut, and briefs. All of the styles are designed to move with your body without any need for adjustments. The inseams range from eight inches (longer than most) all the way down to zero. But because there’s so much variation, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to find a pair of Tommy Johns that suit your body type and your preferences.

There are also five different proprietary fabrics to choose from, including the luxuriously soft Second Skin, the moisture-wicking Cool Cotton, the lightweight Air, the anti-microbial 360 Sport, and the everyday Go Anywhere fabric.

Additionally, Tommy John has a contour pouch that “promises to keep everything in place and prevent the wearers from making unnecessary adjustments." The company is also proud to boast a no wedgie guarantee. I will say that my proxy reviewer (the boyfriend) backed up these claims in his own testing.

And it’s not just the boyfriend who has given his stamp of approval to this underwear. No fewer than 1,500 reviewers on the Tommy John website have said some variation of “these are the most comfortable underwear ever.” 

The Savvy Backpacker called these underwear legitimately excellent, too.

Pros: Wide variety in both fit and in material options, great fit, extremely comfortable material

Cons: These are some pricey underwear, but they’re worth the cost

Shop Tommy John underwear, starting at $27



The underwear with the most careful fit

Why you'll love it: If you think you should buy your underwear like you buy your pants, Bonobos is for you.

Bonobos has only been offering underwear for a matter of months, but already, the company’s decision to make even the smallest of clothes with the same level of detail used in big(ger ticket) items has paid off.

You see, when you order your boxer briefs or trunks from Bonobos, you’re not asked whether you’re a Small, a Medium, or a Large. Rather, you’re asked for your waist size. After all, why should buying your underpants be any different from buying your pants?

As a result of this exacting sizing, Bonobos underwear really do fit in a more exacting way. Sure, this is probably particularly beneficial for a few guys who are right in between sizes, but even if you’re generally fine with the generic sizes, there’s no reason to forego customization if it’s staring you in the face.

In addition to the superior fit of Bonobos, these boxer briefs and trunks also offer something that most others don’t — a seamless look. As Men’s Journal noted (and my boyfriend helped me verify), “there’s no danger of having that annoying line showing through a pair of slim-cut trousers where these boxer briefs end, the way there can be with some other brands.”

Thanks to the cotton, acrylic, and spandex, material combination, this underwear cuts a sleek profile while wicking away sweat. Plus, there’s a roll-proof waistband and a few mesh panels that facilitate airflow where you need it.

It took Bonobos a total of 15 months to perfect their underwear, and suffice it to say, practice makes perfect.

Pros: Carefully engineered fit, no show design, great airflow, and say goodbye to rolling waistbands

Cons: At $34 a pair, these are not inexpensive underwear

Shop all Bonobos underwear, starting at $34



The best underwear for athletes

Why you'll love it: If you’re a guy on the go, the underwear from athletic company Rhone may just catch your eye.

While Rhone isn’t in and of itself an underwear company, that seems to work for and not against the brand. Perhaps known best for its Gold Fusion technology, which as The Manual said, “set the standard for men’s activewear,” Rhone’s underwear is meant for athletes. And it lives up to its expectations.

I figured that Rhone knew what it was doing when it came to making garments for under your clothes given how popular its lined shorts air. New York Magazine calls the company’s Swift lined shorts “a revelation,” noting that the built-in boxer briefs felt “incredible.” And now, you don’t have to don a pair of running shorts every time you want to wear comfortable boxer briefs.

Rhone has exactly two options available on its website, which means that you won’t run into any paradox of choice problems. You can either opt for the 5-inch Rhone Boxer Brief, which as you might imagine, has a 5-inch inseam, or the 5-inch SeaCell Boxer Brief.

The Rhone Boxer Brief is perhaps the more straightforward pair. They’re lightweight and, as my proxy reviewers attested, extremely comfortable. There’s also what Rhone calls “a carefully engineered 'rocket pocket' with a seamless fly opening,” which also seems to be a big hit in the household. A happy customer called these boxers the “Best underwear on the market,” and another said he would be ordering additional pairs.

The SeaCell Boxer Brief makes a bit bigger of a promise, with its SeaCell technology. This material purports to integrate seaweed into its fibers and is said to transfer Vitamin E and other nutrients to the skin. While we can’t vouch for that claim, the boxers are just as comfortable as the alternative.

Pros: Comfortable even during runs or workouts, and straightforward options means you won’t waste time on inconsequential considerations   

Cons: One reviewer noted that the fit wasn’t quite as true as other Rhone products  

Shop all Rhone underwear, starting at $28



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Here's everything we expect Google to announce at its biggest hardware event of the year (GOOG, GOOGL)

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Sundar Pichai

Google is hosting an event on Tuesday where it's expected to announce all its new hardware.

The most anticipated new devices are the Pixel 3 smartphones, which have been leaked so much in the last few weeks that I feel like it's already available to buy.

Oh, wait — it was available to buy!

A shop in Hong Kong somehow got ahold of Google's Pixel 3 phone, which was picked up by Engadget and revealed to the world. The phone was being sold for around $2,000, but I wouldn't expect the Pixel 3 to cost as much when Google announces it on Tuesday. 

Apart from the Pixel 3, Google will likely unveil new new models of existing devices, as well as a brand new smart device that will house Google Assistant.

Based on reports, rumors, and leaks, here's what we expect during Google's big hardware event:

SEE ALSO: Apple and Microsoft are both making a big bet on the future of USB — and they’re both wrong

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, which have been fully leaked before the event.

The Pixel 3 is perhaps the most leaked device in recent memory. It's so "leaked," in fact, that you could take a walk in Hong Kong and potentially run into someone using the new Pixel 3 before Google's event. 

The new phone from Google apparently went on sale in a Hong Kong shop, and Engadget got its hands on the larger version, known as the Pixel 3 XL. The phone reportedly has a 6.3-inch display, runs on the latest Snapdragon 845 chip from Qualcomm, and has two selfie cameras (one of which is an ultra-wide angle lens for more inclusive selfies).

There's even a full video with a rundown on the Pixel 3:

Youtube Embed:
//www.youtube.com/embed/xyrs6Ore25s?start=60
Width: 800px
Height: 450px

 



Wired Pixel Buds, which will come with the new Pixel 3 smartphones.

If the device obtained by Engadget is, indeed, the Pixel 3, we now know that the phone will come with a wired, USB-C version of Google's Pixel Buds. 

This is noteworthy, as the Pixel 2 smartphones didn't come with USB-C earphones, despite the  fact that Google ditched the headphone jack.



Pixel Buds 2, a new version of Google's wireless earbuds.

Few rumors exist on the Pixel Buds 2 wireless earphones, but the general consensus is that Google will announce new Pixel Buds at its October 9 event.

We're hoping that a new set of Pixel Buds will bring substantial improvements over the originals, which weren't well received at all by critics, including Business Insider's own Avery Hartmans.



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6 low-impact workouts that burn a ton of calories

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yoga

Looking to torch a ton of calories but don't want to get injured? Low-impact workouts might just be exactly what you need.

"Low-impact training is a training or exercise method that minimizes risk for external pounding, shearing, or jarring forces upon the body's joints,"Taylor Hynes, a certified strength and conditioning coach and director of Player Performance and Wellness for the FC UNITED and Team ONE lacrosse clubs, told INSIDER. The good news? Hynes said low-impact does not mean low-intensity.

Hynes added that everyone can benefit from low-impact exercise, but that it's also important for people to incorporate high-impact workouts into their routine in order to maintain overall fitness.

Read more: Shorter, high-intensity workouts offer the same benefits as longer, moderate ones — here's how to get started and how it could transform your body

"The primary drawback to low-impact training is that it is incomplete in the whole human athletic range of abilities," she said. "Only training one way reduces the body's intelligence in other areas. Your healthiest body can respond to all demands and recover to 100% without issue."

But Hynes said that it's a myth that high-impact workouts burn more calories than low-impact ones. "As long as the intensity of your work to rest ratio is appropriate, and the intensity of your session is high enough, then you can burn an equal amount of calories," she said. "Calories burn when your body's internal temperature reaches a certain temperature through muscular stress. Heat is not a byproduct of impact."

So what are the best low-impact exercises to burn through calories? Hynes took us through six effective workouts that won't put sudden force on your body but will still improve your fitness.

Swimming, if done right, can burn a lot of calories.

"Water is eight times denser than air, but it also possesses less gravitational pull, so the bodies are far less subject to shearing forces," Hynes said. "In fact, when strokes are technically proficient, swimming is a smart resistance training tool for muscles in addition to it serving as a low-impact, high-intensity training tool."

The only catch is that you have to get your heart rate up for it to be a high calories burner, Hynes said. Hynes suggested using a kickboard or trying water jogging. "Try this: two sets of 10 laps at 30 to 45 seconds each," Hynes said. "Get to the other side as quickly as technique allows. The remainder of the interval is your rest time."



Kettlebell routines will work your entire body.

Hynes told INSIDER that the kettlebell can accompany almost any bodyweight exercise since it's a simple, handheld, and versatile weighted tool.

"Fuse four to six different exercise together at 30 seconds each," she said. "Rest 30 seconds at the end of the round, and then repeat four to six times to total 20 to 30 minutes worth of work."

If you're looking for some suggestions, Hynes recommended swings, goblet squats, push presses, reverse lunges, and pullovers. "That routine gets lower, upper, core, and taxes all systems of the body just enough to stress without deteriorating any structures," Hynes said.



Cycling is a powerful non-impact exercise.

Whether you're a fan of spin classes or prefer to take your bike outside, cycling can be a great form of exercise with little risk of injury. 

"Whatever your method, cycling is a great option for non-impact training," Hynes said. "The terrain of your ride will determine the intensity of your session.

"Typically, since cycling requires one main, bipedal movement, these sessions need to be 45 to 90 minutes for a massive calorie burn."



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The best prenatal vitamins you can buy

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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 prenatal vitamins

  • Prenatal vitamins give moms to be and would-be mothers all the nutrients they need to encourage the conception and healthy development of a child.

  • After much research, consultation, and personal testing, we've rounded up the best prenatal vitamins you can buy.
  • The Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamins are our top pick because they contain all the nutrients you need and the ingredients are sourced from organic, whole foods.

Taking a daily prenatal vitamin is an obvious must-do for any woman who’s expecting a baby. But more and more, doctors are recommending that all women who are hoping to conceive soon or even just fall into the demographic of “childbearing age” should add a daily prenatal vitamin to their self-care routine.

Not only are the specialized nutrients usually contained in prenatal vitamins — including folic acid, iron, calcium, Vitamin A, B-complex, C, D, zinc, and omega-3-fish oil — important for helping a baby develop properly in vitro, but many are also helpful in boosting the fertility and general health of a potential mom-to-be.

Plus, one of prenatal vitamins’ most important roles during pregnancy is to aid with neural tube development. Since this happens early on in a pregnancy  — often before a woman even finds out she’s pregnant — it just makes sense to pop these pills anytime in your life that it’s possible you would want to carry a child.

I read the current scientific literature, spoke with Dr. Sherry, a women’s health expert and Author of "She-ology: the Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period," about what we should look for and avoid, and then tried out several brands for myself, since I’m a mom already and am working on number two. Here are the five best prenatal vitamins on the market that rose to the top of the heap.

Here are the best prenatal vitamins you can buy:

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

The best prenatal vitamins overall

Why you'll love them: The Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamins contain all the nutrients you need and the ingredients are sourced from organic, whole foods.

When you’re hoping to conceive, are already pregnant, or are trying to stay healthy while making that milk, ensuring that your body is functioning with all cylinders is crucial. And even if you make a herculean effort to “eat healthy,” it’s common for your daily diet to fall short of optimal nutrient levels.

According to Dr. Sherry, a complete prenatal vitamin can act as the perfect “insurance policy” that you and maybe your progeny are getting all the nutrients you need. So, what should you look for in a multivitamin? Dr. Sherry says, “women who are trying to get pregnant [or are pregnant] need additional folic acid, iron, calcium, Vitamin A, B-complex, C, D, zinc and omega-3-fish oil.” New Chapter’s “perfect prenatal” multi fulfills all those requirements and more, while sourcing ingredients from organic, whole foods.

Dr. Sherry recommends the New Chapter prenatals as one of her favorite brands, and she’s far from alone. With thousands of real user reviews, currently 84% of Amazon reviewers rate the vitamins at four or five stars. People mention a number of perks with these pills compared to others, including “extra energy” and “less nausea.”

Recently, I took these vitamins every day for a month, and here’s what I loved: Even though I wasn’t pregnant at the time — just trying to conceive — I am still particularly prone to nausea. Taking pills in the morning, taking pills on an empty stomach, or just about anything can trigger my nausea.

However, New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Vitamins are taken in three small doses throughout the day, rather than one big horse pill all at once. I think breaking up the ingredients into smaller, more manageable doses really helped stave off my yuck reflex. Of course, the fact that you need to remember to take them three times a day could be a drawback for some.

Other negative reviews mention that the source of these pills’ folate could be misleading. Folate is generally the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9, while folic acid is often synthetic. Rarely, some women can be allergic to the synthetic form, and if that’s you, New Chapter might not be your pick. That said, for most women, these specialized vitamins will be top of the heap.

Pros: High-quality, specialized nutrition formulated from whole food sources

Cons: You have to take them 3 times per day, and their folate may be in synthetic form

Buy 32-day supply of New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin on Amazon for $28.50



The best prenatal vitamins on a budget

Why you'll love them: Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA vitamins offer all the nutritional extras recommended in a multivitamin, while keeping costs low.

Nature Made's Prenatal vitamins are an Amazon top-choice product for good reason. These vitamins are a powerhouse of essential and specialized nutrients that comes in just one pill per day.

The pills are free of artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, yeast, or gluten. The vitamins meet recommendations, but are lower in calcium and vitamin D than some of the others on this list, so you may want to supplement if you don’t already get enough. It’s also important to note that Nature Made offers prentals with and without added DHA — a particular Omega-3 fatty acid that’s helpful in pregnancy — and this review is for the kind with DHA.

Some reviewers on Amazon have reported a fishy taste or smell in these pills, but I’ve been taking them every day for the last three months and haven’t experienced any of the “fish burps” they’re talking about. The pills are large, but they’re gel-coated for easier swallowing.

The DHA in these vitamins do come from fish oil, so that’s one potential reason for the offense to these reviewers’ smell test. Some people are just more sensitive than others. But like I said, I haven’t had a problem, so I’d say buying a bottle is definitely worth a try.

I love that I can subscribe to these vitamins via my Amazon Prime subscriptions, so I can just set it and forget it. That said, if I do run out or forget my pills on a trip, Nature Made is available at a low price at pretty much any mainstream drugstore in the country. Popping out to get more is a breeze, and that means I don’t need to miss any days.

Pros: All the essential and specialized nutrients you need for your child-bearing years, all in one inexpensive and easy-to-find pill

Cons: This product isn’t vegetarian or vegan, and some users report a “fishy smell”

Buy a 60-day supply of Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA on Amazon for $14.69



The best prenatal vitamins for sensitive stomachs

Why you'll love them: Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamins are specially formulated to be extra gentle on your sensitive stomach, which is a major plus for many pregnant women.

According to our expert, Dr. Sherry, “Since prenatal vitamins have more iron and higher doses of other vitamins and mineral gastrointestinal side effects are common. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are common side effects of prenatal vitamins.” If you’ve had any of these side effects, check out Rainbow Light vitamins.

In addition to delivering a well-balanced litany of the key-nutrients required in pregnancy in one daily pill, Rainbow Light has your back if you’re on the sensitive side of the population. Paying extra attention to sensitive systems, like the stomach, gut, and skin, Rainbow Light’s recipe says no to any of the “eight major allergens,” like eggs, wheat, or soy. It also includes holistic fixes for pregnancy issues like nausea, in the form of ginger, probiotics, and natural enzymes.

Like I said, nausea is definitely a top-tier issue for me, and I didn’t detect any uptick in instances of upset stomach from taking this popular prenatal option. Although a few reviewers on Amazon noted issues like a bad taste, I found it pretty inoffensive for a multi vitamin that’s not loaded with a ton of sugar or artificial flavor.

Some reviewers also jokingly refer to these as “horse pills,” and suggest cutting them in half since they are rather large and not all that easy to swallow. However, as a consummate pill taker, I didn’t have a problem. But if you do, cutting in half and swallowing them as two smaller pills should be fine, since there’s no special time-release coating on these.

I also like how these prenatal-multis go beyond just the regular vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy, and include health-boosting extras like spirulina, plant-sourced enzymes, and probiotics.

At $35.99 for a 120-day supply, if you buy your bottle on Amazon, you’ll pay the affordable rate of thirty cents per pill. You can also snag the subscribe and save rate for an additional five cents per pill savings.

Pros: Allergen-free nutrition with superfood power sounds good at this affordable price

Cons: The large size is difficult for some women to swallow

Buy a 4-month supply of the Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin on Amazon for $35.99



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The 9 dark personality traits of narcissists, psychopaths, and sociopaths — and what they mean

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woman in mask

If someone has one dark personality trait, they are more likely to have another. That's according to a new study, which found that if you have something called the "D-factor," you tend to put your own needs about anyone else's — even if your actions are damaging to others.

People with any of the nine dark personality traits may belong to the Dark Tetrad. Colloquially, these people are known as sadists, narcissists, psychopaths, and sociopaths. But having some of the traits doesn't necessarily mean you have an antisocial personality disorder.

In fact, most people are on the psychopathy spectrum somewhere. And much of what people believe about people with dark personality traits isn't necessarily true. They aren't all obsessed with murder and hurting people. They just simply might not fret about it as much if they do cause someone else harm.

Here are the nine traits that are considered dark and what they mean. Remember, having one means it's more likely to have another too.

Egoism

This is the excessive need to put your own needs first at the expense of others. In philosophy, egoism means one's self is the motivation and goal of all their actions.



Machiavellianism

Named after infamous Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, it is the belief that the end justifies the means, no matter how manipulative or callous. In short, someone who has Machiavellianism is a master manipulator, and anyone who allows themselves to be used probably deserves it.



Moral disengagement

Someone who can morally disengage from a situation can convince themselves normal ethical standards don't apply to them in certain contexts. This means they can behave unethically without worrying about the consequences.



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The beginner’s guide to technology in 2018: All of the essential gadgets and services actually worth your money

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beginners guide to tech 2018 2x1

It's 2018, and you're not very familiar with technology. Where do you start?

While there are tons of gadgets and services out there vying for your attention and your dollars, there are a handful of "essential" technologies that are absolutely worth investing in, as they make your life easier in significant ways.

Here's your guide to all the essential technologies worth your money in 2018.

SEE ALSO: We just got our first real look at 'Cyberpunk 2077' — here are 31 things we learned about the futuristic video game people can't stop buzzing about

A quality smartphone

A quality smartphone is one of the best investments you can make.

Smartphones are the most personal computing devices we own. You can use them for just about everything: They're phones, obviously, but they're also cameras, calculators, and full-blown computers that can fit in your pocket or bag. They're the Swiss Army knives of the future.

The biggest choice you'll make is actually pretty simple: Which operating system do you prefer? Most smartphones either run iOS — which is operated by Apple — or Android, which is designed by Google and tweaked (slightly or a lot) depending on the phone you buy. 

If you like iOS, that means you're getting an iPhone. You can't go wrong with any of the new iPhones, including the $750 iPhone XR coming this month or $1,000 iPhone XS, but the older models like the iPhone 7, which starts at $450, are still an incredible deal.

If you like Android, you have a ton of options, but popular picks are the affordable OnePlus 6, which starts at $530, and the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 phones from Samsung, which start at $720 and $1,000, respectively. We're also expecting new Pixel 3 phones from Google this month.



A streaming device for your TV

Streaming devices are a worthy investment for any TV owner in 2018.

Streaming devices, in short, open up the possibilities for your TV. Most streaming devices support popular streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu, but depending on the company that makes your device, you'll also typically have access to an online store, like Apple's iTunes Store or Google's Play Store. So, if you purchased movies, TV shows, or games through any of those stores, you'll be able to access them on your TV.

The style is up to you. Several companies make sticks that can plug into your TV's USB port, like Amazon's $40 Fire TV Stick and Google's $35 Chromecast, while many other devices plug into your HDMI port and sit on top of a table or stand, like the $150 Apple TV and Amazon's $120 Fire TV Cube. One company worth following is Roku, which makes streaming devices in all shapes and sizes, and they're all relatively affordable.



A smart speaker of your choosing

Smart speakers may seem a little creepy at first — putting a microphone in your home should raise your eyebrows at least a little bit — but the benefits of owning a smart speaker, like a Google Home or an Amazon Echo, are absolutely worth it.

You can get a smart speaker for as little as $50, like Google's Home Mini or Amazon's Echo Dot, and those speakers often go on sale, meaning you can find them sometimes for as little as $35. You can also buy more high-end speakers, like Apple's $350 HomePod or Google's $400 Home Max, the latter being the best-sounding smart speaker you can buy.

But what do you actually do with these things? Well, just about anything: You can ask for the time, or the weather, or how old a certain actor is, or what to cook for dinner. You can connect your speaker to smart light bulbs, so you can turn on your living room or bedroom lights with just a simple voice command. I've found countless uses for my Amazon Echo, which only costs $80, but personally I think these devices are best used in the kitchen, where you can use it to set timers or play music, all hands-free.



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The best brands for basics at every price point

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White tee

Although people love wearing bright colors, elaborate patterns, and unique fabrics, building a wardrobe based on these pieces alone will inevitably lead to a fashion burnout. When it comes down to it, fashion experts agree that it's best to build a wardrobe based on quality basics. 

From the perfect denim jeans and white t-shirts to the iconic little black dress, here are the best stores to get basics, at every price point.

H&M offers affordable basics.

From humble beginnings in Sweden, H&M has exploded over the past 71 years into an internationally-known brand and one-stop shop for basics in every style and color. A former employee told PopSugar that shoppers should buy basics at least a season ahead since the brand’s popularity means that crowd favorites go quick.



Primark is a beloved UK brand.

Popular British staple Primark currently has just a handful of locations outside the UK. But incredibly low prices for basics await those who can reach a store — even people who visit London return home to tell future visitors that they "should at least go check out" if they ever find themselves in town, according to TripAdvisor.



Target has all the essentials.

With over 1,800 stores nationwide and recent collaborations with high-end designers, department store Target is an excellent place to find all your basics in one location. Writer and fashion expert Nicole Akhtarzad at Who What Wear pointed out that its jeans, light layers, and shoes are particularly in style.



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The 11 longest flights in the world, ranked

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Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 900 ULR first delivery

  • On Thursday, Singapore Airlines will relaunch its non-stop flight between SingaporeChangi Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport outside of New York City.
  • It will be the longest flight in the world covering a distance of 10,357 miles over nearly 19 hours of flying. 
  • Ultra-long-haul flying is back with a vengeance thanks to a new generation of fuel-efficient airliners. 
  • Qatar Airways, Emirates, Qantas, and United Airlines have all recently launched new ultra-long-haul flights.

On Thursday, Singapore Airlines will relaunch its non-stop flights between Singapore Changi Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport outside of New York City. 

The flight will once again be the longest in the world, covering a distance of 10,357 miles over nearly 19 hours of flying. 

The resurgence in these 8,000 to 9,000-mile marathon flights can be attributed to the availability of more affordable oil and a new generation of fuel-efficient airliners like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. In addition, the change in consumer preference in favor of non-stop point-to-point flying has helped drive this revival. 

Singapore Airlines will operate the new non-stop service using a brand new fleet of seven Airbus A350-900ULRs— ULR stands for ultra long range. 

Singapore's A350-900ULRs, the only seven in the world right now, will be equipped with 67 business class and 94 premium economy seats. There are no first-class suites or economy class seats on board. With just 161 seats, the ULRs will carry 92 fewer passengers than the rest of Singapore's A350-900 fleet.

Singapore previously operated the route using Airbus A340-500 airliners before suspending the service in 2013. The airline simply couldn't sustain the route financially using the fuel-guzzling, four-engine Airbus with just 100 business-class seats.

Last year, Qatar Airways launched the longest flight in the world between its home base in Doha, Qatar and Auckland, New Zealand. At Emirates, upgraded its flight from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Auckland from a Boeing 777 to an Airbus A380. It's now the third longest flight in the world and longest operated by a superjumbo.

United has relaunched non-stop service from San Francisco to Singapore, one of the longest flights operated out of the US while Qantas is going non-stop between Perth in Western Australia and London.

There's so much going on in ultra-long-haul flying that Business Insider turned to air travel intelligence firm OAG for the authoritative list of the long flights in the world.

Here are the 10 longest flights in the world ranked:

SEE ALSO: The 10 best airlines in North America

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

11. Emirates: Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Los Angeles, California: 8,324 miles.



10. Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Los Angeles, California: 8,375 miles



9. Delta Air Lines: Atlanta, Georgia to Johannesburg, South Africa: 8,434 miles.



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3 great TV shows to watch on Netflix this week, including a new season of 'Big Mouth'

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Big Mouth_203_01

Need something to watch on Netflix this week?

Every week, we gather a list of three shows you can watch on Netflix right now. There's shows you can finish in a day, and some you can just get started on. We mix shows that have recently come onto the service (like season two of "Big  Mouth") with some old favorites you might have missed.

From season two of  the Netflix original "Big Mouth" to the 90s docuseries fittingly called "The Nineties" that aired on CNN last year, here are three great shows you should watch this week.

SEE ALSO: The official trailer for the final season of Netflix's 'House of Cards' teases an intense season centered on Claire Underwood — and shows a country questioning its first woman president

"Big Mouth" - a Netflix Original

Seasons: 2

Episodes: 20

Season two of the delightful, informative, but also very gross animated comedy from Nick Kroll dropped over the weekend. It's laugh-out-loud funny throughout every episode, and goes even deeper into puberty than season one as it delves into body image depression (particularly from the female perspective).



"I'm Sorry"

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 10

This comedy follows a comedy writer and mother whose confidence in saying or doing whatever she wants can get her into some trouble. It's a cute, easy, and quick watch that represents a modern American family in a unique but authentic way, and Andrea Savage carries the leading role well. 



"The Nineties"

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 8

This exploration of events and news from our culture's favorite decade right now doesn't go into as great a depth as it could, but it touches on everything from politics to pop culture, and you might learn something you didn't know.



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The best black tights that don't rip — these are the 5 pairs we swear by

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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.

tights that dont rip

Tights are a closet staple that will never go out of fashion, whether you wear them for work, formal occasions, or general fall and winter weather.

This versatile piece of hosiery does tend to be delicate, though. Even when you take care not to snag them on your surroundings, they often still find a way to rip, rendering them unwearable.

I've gotten tired of throwing out tights that rip with impressive ease, which is why I asked the women of Insider Picks about the styles and brands that they know can hold up to regular wear. These are the tights you can trust not to tear right before you need them the most. They're also comfortable, supportive, and usually available in different colors. 

Though you might think you have to pay $30 to $40 for a quality pair of tights, we also wear and swear by under $20 options. 

Here are our 5 favorite tights that never rip:

Spanx Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights

Spanx Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights, $28, available in 4 colors at Spanx and Nordstrom

Spanx makes my all-time favorite tights. The Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights are a true workhorse in my fall and winter wardrobe since that never rip, never pill, and hold me in in all the right places, without suffocating me in the process. I wear and wash them many, many times throughout the season and am consistently impressed by how well they hold up compared to tights from other brands. I buy two new pairs at the beginning of every fall — it is $56 incredibly well spent. (Spanx make a very similar pair of tights for expecting moms too!) — Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor

The Spanx tights are ideal for fancier occasions or for wearing slim-fit dresses that show any extra pudge you have around the middle. The fabric is strong and densely black, which I like — I've never been fond of tights that are nearly sheer. I sized up in these tights because I knew they'd be form-fitting, and I'm glad I did. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor 



Spanx Luxe Leg Blackout Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights

Spanx Luxe Leg Blackout Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights, $38, available at Spanx

I love these tights from Spanx. They're similar to the previous pair recommended by Ellen and Malarie, but they're super dark and opaque — and thus very flattering! They never rip and are just generally awesome. — Grace High, Insider Picks e-commerce analyst 



DKNY Opaque Control Top Tights

DKNY Opaque Control Top Tights, $16, available in 3 colors at Nordstrom

Although I more or less live in tights as soon as the temperature drops below 60, I had never actually bought high-quality tights until a year ago. Then I bought Spanx and DKNY tights, both of which I love. I wear the DKNY ones most often, though. The 60 denier tights are comfortable, opaque, and strong. I wore mine almost daily last fall and they haven't ripped or snagged at all. I'm also a fan of Spanx's tights, but the DKNY ones are less restrictive around the middle, making them ideal for everyday wear. — Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor 

My experiences with tights used to be restricted to last-minute trips to CVS, and the first time I bought a "nice" pair was revelatory. DKNY's Control Top Tights are comfortable without feeling restrictive, opaque without passing for leggings, and they've outlasted every other pair I own in terms of ripping — making the few extra bucks well worth it for the convenience and security. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter 



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How Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein became one of the most-watched officials in Washington

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rod rosenstein wild monday

Speculation has swirled about Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's future at the Justice Department.

In September, The New York Times reported that Rosenstein had discussed using the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office and wearing a wire to record their conversations. Rosenstein has disputed the report, but it is said to have pushed Trump to weigh firing Rosenstein.

Rosenstein's authority over the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 US election has made his fate a top concern for lawmakers and officials.

Here's how the "poster child for the professional, competent, ethical, and fair-minded prosecutor" became one of the most-watched officials in Washington:

SEE ALSO: Here's who could replace Rod Rosenstein if he's fired

DON'T MISS: If Rod Rosenstein is on his way out, exactly how it goes down could have major consequences for how Trump can proceed

Rod Jay Rosenstein was born on January 13, 1965, in Philadelphia.



He earned an economics degree in 1986 from the University of Pennsylvania, where Trump graduated from the Wharton School 20 years earlier. In 1989, Rosenstein graduated from Harvard Law School.

Source: US News and World Report



After clerking with the DC Court of Appeals, Kenneth Starr recruited Rosenstein to investigate former President Bill and Hillary Clinton’s Whitewater Development Corporation business in Arkansas.

Source: Department of Justice



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How 29-year-old Hope Hicks, Trump's 'real daughter,' became the youngest White House communications director in history — and is now set to be a top executive at Fox

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hope hicks

Hope Hicks was President Donald Trump's 29-year-old White House communications director. But before joining Trump's 2016 campaign, she had no political experience.

Hicks was born in Greenwich, a town of 60,000 on the southwest tip of Connecticut that's a favorite spot for hedge-fund headquarters.

She was a model, actress, and lacrosse player as a child, before getting her English degree at Southern Methodist University.

Hicks didn't intend on playing such a large role in a presidential campaign, instead falling into the gig through a job at the Trump Organization.

Yet she became the youngest White House communications director in history.

And Hicks has been with Trump — to use his words — "from the beginning." White House staffers may even called her his "real daughter."

Hicks became ensnared in two high-profile White House controversies: the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and her role in crafting the White House's response to abuse allegations against staff secretary Rob Porter.

On February 28, Hicks announced that she was resigning one day after she said in testimony she had occasionally told white lies for the president but never lied about anything consequential related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

After laying low in New York and Connecticut for several months, it was announced that Hicks would head to Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox as executive vice president and chief communications officer.

Here's what we know about Hicks.

SEE ALSO: Inside the strange relationship between Trump and Hope Hicks, his right-hand woman and the youngest White House communications director in history

DON'T MISS: Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest confidants and longest-tenured aides, is resigning

Hicks and her sister, Mary Grace, were successful teen models. Hicks posed for Ralph Lauren and appeared on the cover of "It Girl," a spin-off of the best-selling "Gossip Girl" book and TV series.


Source: New York Times



Hicks' first brush with the Trumps came in 2012 when she was at the public-relations firm Hiltzik Strategies working on Ivanka Trump's fashion line. Trump's eldest daughter hired Hicks away in 2014 and she became an employee of the Trump Organization.

Sources: New York Times, GQ, NYMag



Hicks met patriarch Trump and quickly "earned his trust," Ivanka Trump told The New York Times for a June 2016 profile on the spokeswoman.


Source: New York Times



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