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

10 things people buy when they have more money than they'd ever need

$
0
0

space travel virgin galactic

  • The world's ultra-wealthy spend money on things that most people can't even fathom buying.
  • One tech billionaire bought his own Hawaiian island, and a hedge fund manager spent at least $8 million on a 14-foot preserved shark.
  • From private islands to dinosaur fossils and tickets to outer space, here are 10 things you'd only buy if you had more money than you'd ever need.

 

When you have more money than you know what to do with, it might not seem like a big deal to spend $8 million on a preserved shark, $2.2 million on a gold bathtub, or millions more on luxurious superyachts and private islands.

Business Insider previously calculated that the typical billionaire can afford to spend $80 million a year.

Here are 10 outrageously expensive things millionaires and billionaires spend their money on.

SEE ALSO: This $446 million mansion in Hong Kong could break the record as the most expensive home ever sold in the world's most expensive housing market — and it's surprisingly modest

1. Tickets to outer space



Celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry are among those who have reportedly bought tickets for a space tour aboard Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic spacecraft.

Source: Business Insider



Kutcher put down a $20,000 deposit for his $200,000 ticket in 2012.

Source: Business Insider



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best home projectors you can buy

$
0
0

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

best projector

  • Buying a projector is a great way to build a home theater without shelling out for a giant TV, and there are tons of options at different price points.

  • Based on research and testing, the BenQ HT2050A is the best projector you can buy with its reasonable price tag and sharp Full HD picture quality.

While TVs are getting better and better, a growing group of people have turned to projectors for their home viewing needs instead — and for good reason. If you have a projector, you can often have a much bigger screen for much less money. You can even move the projector wherever you want, and you don’t have to dedicate a certain amount of space for a big-screen TV.

Of course, like anything else, there are a ton of different projectors on the market, and not all of them are worth looking into. From build quality issues to simply low resolutions, there are plenty of reasons you could go wrong when buying a new projector. Here are some key terms and things you should look for when you buy a projector:

  • Brightness is key with projectors. The brighter the light, the better the image will look and the bigger the screen can be. Brighter projectors also allow you to watch movies in rooms that may not be totally pitch dark, and some even work in full daylight. Brightness is measured in lumens, and higher numbers are better.
  • Contrast ratio ensures that image quality is top notch. A projector with a great contrast ratio will produce deep blacks and bright whites. Poor contrast ratios result in washed out images and gray tones.
  • Color reproduction is also key, because you want your projector to offer true color. Good color temperature and accuracy make for a better viewing experience.
  • DLP, LCD, and LCoS are the three main technologies used in projectors. Most of you won't need to know the ins and outs of this tech to choose a good projector, but you can read more on CNET if you are curious.

We’ve included a range of different projectors here, including the projector that's the best bang for your buck, the best affordable one, a top-of-the-line option, one without wires, and more. In other words, there should be something here for everyone.

Here are the best projectors you can buy:

Updated on 10/09/2018 by Lulu Chang and Malarie Gokey: Added a pick for less than $100 from our cheap projectors guide, a new 4K projector, and a mini projector. Removed out of stock items and updated older picks to new models. Updated prices and formatting.

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

The best projector overall

Why you'll love it: The BenQ HT2050A is the best home projector you can buy for less than $800 with its 1080p resolution and brightness of 2,200 lumens.

Top-of-the-line projectors can run into the thousands of dollars, but most people don't have that kind of cash lying around. Luckily, you can get a great projector for less than $900 with great image quality and brightness. The BenQ HT2050A is the best projector for most people with its 1080p resolution, 2,200 lumens of brightness, and reasonable $749 price tag.

You can project a screen size ranging from 60 to 180 inches, and it offers 1.3x zoom. The lamp lasts up to 7,000 hours, which is decent for a projector of this caliber, and replacements aren't terribly expensive. 

In terms of ports, you get two HDMI inputs, two AV inputs, one analog RGB input for PC, and two USB-A ports. BenQ includes a remote control with a backlight so you can see it in the dark. The company also makes an optional wireless kit, which you can buy for $299.00, but you don't need it.

It has an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon, and buyers love it. Expert reviewers are positive, too. CNET and The Wirecutter consider it one of the very best projectors you can buy for less than $1,000.

In our tests, the BenQ HT2050A performed exceedingly well. The picture quality was impressively crisp, blacks were deep, the sound quality was decent, and it was so bright we could watch a movie during the daytime with interference from the sun. You could even see it with the ceiling light turned on, though you'd never actually watch a movie that way.

Overall, we were very impressed with the BenQ HT2050A and our experiences matched those of other expert reviewers and buyers on Amazon — It's the best one you can buy at this price point, and it's the best option for most people who want to set up a mini movie theater at home.

Pros: 1080p resolution, 2,200 lumens of brightness, lamp lasts up to 7,000 hours, decent price at less than $900

Cons: It's pricey

Buy the BenQ HT2050A on Amazon for $749



The best projector for less than $500

Why you’ll love it: The Optoma HD143X outdoes many of its far more expensive competitors while delivering 3D video and a ton of brightness.

If you’re looking for a high-quality projector, you might expect to pay a lot more than $550, but you probably won’t find anything with much better image quality than the Optoma HD143X. This projector will outdo other projectors that are far more expensive than it, and it should deliver great-looking movies straight to your living room for years to come.

The projector itself offers a 1,080p resolution, along with a brightness of 3,000 lumens, which is pretty excellent. In fact, that should be plenty of brightness even for watching the movie of your choice in relatively well-lit environments. The Optoma HD143X even offers a 1.1x manual zoom and is compatible with 3D videos.

Each lamp should last you 5,000 hours, and replacement lamps cost just $170. Last but not least, it offers two HDMI inputs. It's important to note that there are no analog video inputs, so if that’s something you need, you may have to keep looking.

Specs aside, you may not believe how good the Optoma HD143X is without seeing it in action. Reviews for an older generation of the device has scored excellently on CNET and Sound And Vision. It's also popular with buyers with an average of 4.5 stars in user reviews on Amazon.

The Optoma HD143X comes with a backlit remote, too, so while you could watch in a well-lit room thanks to the high brightness level, if it's dark, you’ll still be able to see the buttons you need to press.

Pros: Very bright, two HDMI inputs, much cheaper than competitors, compatible with 3D video

Cons: No analog inputs, a little bulky

Buy the Optoma HD143X on Amazon for $498.50



The best projector for $300

Why you’ll love it: The ViewSonic PA503S offers a ton of great features, lots of inputs, a long lamp life, and more for less than $300.

Projectors can get a little pricey, but thankfully you don’t to spend thousands of dollars for a good quality picture. The ViewSonic PA503S is a very affordable projector with a strong feature set and decent image quality.

For $299.99, you’ll get a resolution of up to 800 x 600, as well as an HDMI input, 3.5mm audio inputs and outputs, two VGA ports, and even miniUSB inputs. Additionally, the projector offers a massive 207-inch screen size if you have 50 feet to project from, and it boasts 3,600 lumens of brightness.

The projector should last a while, too. While you may notice other projectors on this list that offer 5,000 or 6,000-hour lamp lives, the lamp life on the ViewSonic PA503S sits in at a hefty 10,000 hours, so you won't have to replace the lamp as often.

It’s not a bad looking projector, either. The device offers a sleek black finish and should look reasonably good in any home setting. Reviews are pretty good, and The ViewSonic has a 4.6-star rating average on Amazon out of hundreds of reviews.

Pros: Long lamp life, lots of inputs and outputs, large potential screen size, good price

Cons: Resolution could be a little better, somewhat bulky

Buy the ViewSonic PA503S on Amazon for $299.99



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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

$
0
0

cancer immunotherapy treatment

Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in the US, second only to heart disease.

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

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

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

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

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

Sugar

Scientists now know that eating too much sweet stuff can not only lead to diabetes, but actively damage your cells and increase your risk of developing cancer.

But that's not all.

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

"The hyperactive sugar consumption of cancerous cells leads to a vicious cycle of continued stimulation of cancer development and growth" Johan Thevelein, a Belgian molecular biologist, said in October after the release of his study.

Scientists say that the groundbreaking research gives us a better understanding of how sugar and cancer interact and that it could one day help create targeted diet strategies for patients.



Processed foods

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

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

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



Smoking

Though the tobacco industry tried to cover this one up, we've known for years that tobacco smoke has at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals inside.

And it's not just smokers who are affected — people who inhale secondhand smoke can develop deadly forms of cancer too.

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

People who chew their tobacco are at increased risk too.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The economy of every state, ranked from worst to best

$
0
0

american flag bicycle fourth july

  • The US economy is the sum of the economies of the 50 states and Washington, DC.
  • Using six measures of labor-market and general economic health, we ranked all of those component economies from worst to best.

The US is a massive, complex economy, and so too are the component economies of the 50 states and Washington, DC, that make up the whole.

Business Insider combined six measures of labor-market and general economic health for all the states and the District of Columbia. They are the unemployment rate, job growth, per-capita GDP, GDP growth, average weekly wages, and wage growth. By putting all those on a common scale and combining them, we came up with an overall score for each state's economy.

Click here to see our detailed sources and methods.

While the top of the list remains similar to our most recent ranking last quarter, with Washington, DC coming in first place, several states saw their fortunes rise or fall. South Dakota moved up from last place to 12th best overall, while Georgia fell from 11th to 35th.

Here's how the economy of each state and DC is doing right now:

SEE ALSO: Here are the most common ancestries in every US state

51. Mississippi

Mississippi's Q1 2018 per capita GDP of $38,313, August 2018 average weekly earnings of $697, and 2.2% decline in wages between August 2017 and August 2018 were all the lowest among the 50 states and DC.



50. Alaska

Alaska's August 2018 unemployment rate of 6.7% was the highest in the country, and its 0.9% decline in the number of non-farm payroll jobs between August 2017 and August 2018 was the worst among the 50 states and DC.



49. Arkansas

Arkansas Q1 2018 per capita GDP of $42,282 and GDP growth rate of 0.0% were both the second-lowest among the 50 states and DC, as was the state's August 2018 average weekly earnings of $734.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We drove a $39,000 Volkswagen Tiguan and a $35,000 Mazda CX-5 to see which is the better compact crossover SUV — here's the verdict

$
0
0

Volkswagen Tiguan 4

  • The Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan are two of the best new compact crossover SUVs on the market.
  • The 2018 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,150 while the top-spec all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model starts at $30,945.
  • The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $24,595, but the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive SEL Premium version starts at $37,550. 
  • The Mazda's stylish design and strong driving dynamics won out over the Tiguan's spacious cabin and top-notch infotainment system.

In recent years, the compact crossover SUV has become a dominant force in the marketplace. This year, nearly one in every five vehicles sold in the US has been a compact SUV and the segment has grown nearly 15% since 2017.

The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue are the three heavy hitters in the segment. Through August, the trio accounts for roughly 40% of the more than 2 million compact SUVs sold in the US. 

Fortunately, those looking to stray from the mainstream have a bevy of strong contenders to consider including the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The second generation Mazda CX-5 debuted for the 2017 model year and has been a hit with both critics and customers. So far this year, CX-5 sales are up more than 26% over 2017.

The second generation Volkswagen Tiguan is all-new for the 2018 model year. The new Tiguan is roomier, more efficient, and available with a host of modern tech features. In many ways, the gen two Tiguan allowed VW to fix many of the shortcomings that plagued the slow-selling model it replaced. 

Only the long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan will be available in the US. Sold in other markets as the Tiguan Allspace, the US Tiguan is 8.5 inches longer than the standard model. 

Over the past year, Business Insider has had the chance to experience the top-of-the-line variants of both the CX-5 and the Tiguan.

Here's a closer look at how the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan stack up against one another:

SEE ALSO: We drove a $46,000 Subaru Ascent SUV to see if it's ready to challenge Honda, Toyota, and Ford — here's the verdict

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

First up is the Mazda CX-5.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes in three flavors — Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

The base front-wheel-drive CX-5 Sport starts at $24,150 while the mid-grade Touring model starts at $26,215. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring starts at $29,645. All-wheel-drive is available as an option on all three trim levels as a $1,300 option. 

Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Tour AWD started at $30,945. With options and fees, our CX-5 carried an as-tested-price of $34,685.



The CX-5 features Mazda's signature KODO design language, which aims to deliver a look that's timelessly elegant while conveying the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. The result is a CX-5 that is both striking and memorable without being over the top.



The rounded rear end is decidedly in contrast to the angular headlights and front grille.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

21 celebrities who made their careers playing terrifying characters

$
0
0

misery kathy bates

It's difficult to define, but when an actor so fully embodies a role that you can't imagine anyone else playing that part, you always know that you're watching something special.

Here are some actors who have terrified their way into our hearts with their scary good acting — and the creep-tastic roles that made us love them.

Evan Peters has been an integral part of "American Horror Story" since the beginning — and it's hard to imagine the show without him.

From Tate Langdon to Mr. Gallant, Evan Peters' characters in each season of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's anthology horror series have never failed to captivate.

Although some are undoubtedly creepier than others, Peters has an amazing ability to make you feel empathy — even at their worst, his characters have depth and are refreshingly multidimensional. In real life, he swears he's actually not that intense, according to GQ.



Sir Christopher Lee's career spanned decades and left behind a legacy of deliciously terrifying movie characters.

His career included genre-defining roles as the Creature and especially as Dracula in the Hammer horror films that spanned the ‘50s through the ‘70s to Saruman the White in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Sir Christopher Lee was one of the UK's greatest gifts to cinema. Lucky for us, he left us plenty to remember him by.



It's practically impossible to have a good Halloween without hearing Vincent Price's distinctive voice at least once.

From the original House of Wax to the cinematic adaptation of several Edgar Allan Poe classics — and continuing through to the Tim Burton short "Vincent" and his final screen performance in Burton's Edward Scissorhands, millions of people have been chilled by Price's voice alone.

But of course, for some fans of all things spooky, the Halloween season simply isn't complete without Michael Jackson's "Thriller". That iconic song just wouldn't be the same without Vincent Price — and the accompanying music video that brought together Jackson, Price, special effects legend Rick Baker, and the inimitable film director John Landis still ranks as one of the most groundbreaking music videos of all time.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 blackhead treatments that won't actually work, and 2 that might

$
0
0

blackheads

It turns out, most at-home treatments won't actually do much when it comes to getting rid of blackheads. This is because most treatments won't penetrate the skin deep enough to remove blackheads, Papri Sarkar, a dermatologist based in Massachusetts, told INSIDER. 

"Because blackheads are hard and trapped inside pores, they can't be scrubbed away or washed off," she said. 

Rather than continue to try treatments that won't actually work, here are five treatments that won't get rid of blackheads, and two that might.

Nose strips might prevent blackheads, but they won't get rid of them.

Sarkar said that ripping off a nose strip works well to remove sebaceous filaments, which are in the lining of your pores, but often doesn't remove blackheads. She did, however, say that, if used properly, nose strips could be a great preventative measure for blackheads.

"Although they won't get rid of your current blackheads, using nose strips once a week or twice a week maximum can help to prevent blackheads because it will help clear your pores, thus preventing blackheads from forming," she said.



Clay masks don't go deep enough to get rid of blackheads.

Although putting on a clay mask may feel like it's dissolving your blackheads, Sarkar told INSIDER that it's most likely not.

"Clay masks absorb oil, so they can temporarily improve oily skin and help to clear out excess oil from pores, but they generally don't go deep enough to get rid of blackheads," she said.

Plus, overdoing the clay masks could end up drying your skin out if you're not careful, which could cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness.



Peel-off masks won't make a difference.

"These will definitely help with sebaceous filaments, but it's hit or miss as to whether they will remove blackheads," she said. As with the nose strips and clay masks, peel-off masks just don't reach deep enough into the skin to get rid of those spots.

Sarkar also said that they can be harmful if you don't take them off properly.

"I personally hate when patients use peel-off masks because you have to have a very good technique when you remove them," she said. "Otherwise, you can take pieces of your skin and hair with it."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

6 companies making prescription and non-prescription computer glasses that can reduce eye strain from screens

$
0
0

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

blue light glasses main 2

Most of us spend a large amount of the day staring at a screen — at the office in front of computer, watching TV at dinner, scrolling through social media before bed — and unless you have superhuman eyes, your body feels the effects. Your eyes feel dry and strained, you experience headaches, or you have trouble falling asleep at night. 

The best way to avoid these uncomfortable side effects is to cut off your screen time, but in a digitally-driven world, that's not always realistic. Blue light computer glasses, which filter the light thought to be the main culprit of your woes, provide a happy medium through which you can have your screen time without sacrificing your comfort or health. 

While the name "blue light computer glasses" is decidedly unattractive, there are a number of actually stylish options that you won't feel embarrassed to wear in front of other people. These brands make glasses that will filter blue light and reduce screen glare, but you'd never be able to guess they're special computer glasses. 

Protect your eyes and look good doing it with these stylish blue light computer glasses brands. 

Felix Gray

Shop blue light computer glasses at Felix Gray here

Read our review of Felix Gray prescription computer glasses here

Felix Gray entered the space in 2016 as interest in blue light glasses was growing, and it's now one of the most well-known computer glasses brands out there (it also recently launched a sunglasses line). Its unisex frames, which start at $95 and are sourced from Italy, are available in non-prescription and prescription lenses. The company tries to give you as much helpful information as possible while you make your purchasing decision, from showing you exact frame measurements to educating you on digital eye strain. 



MVMT

Shop blue light computer glasses for men at MVMT here and for women at MVMT here

Indiegogo sensation MVMT got its start making great men's and women's watches before expanding into sunglasses, and now computer glasses. The popular startup has already seen a lot of success with this "Everscroll" collection, which features six styles that simply look like normal, stylish glasses. You'll pay $55 to $85 for a pair of these lightweight yet durable glasses. 



Eyekepper

Shop Eyekepper blue light computer glasses at Amazon here

Read our review of Eyekepper blue light computer glasses here

If you don't want to spend up to $100 on computer glasses, you can get Eyekepper's for only $10. Eyekepper glasses have been one Insider Picks reporter's go-to pair for a year and have proven to be a reliable choice after seeing many hours of computer and phone screens. The lenses do have a slightly more noticeable yellow tint, but the frame style is universally attractive, and for such an affordable price, we can't complain too much. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

16 hacks that will take your mashed potato game to the next level

$
0
0

mashed potatoes herbs

Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but sometimes they could use a little something. Luckily there are many simple mashed potato hacks that will turn this beloved side dish into the star of any meal.

Whether it's using buttermilk instead of cream and butter, or mixing in add-ins like herbs or cheese, make sure to try one of these easy tweaks to take your mashed potatoes to the next level.

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for naturally buttery mashed potatoes.

Yellow potatoes are naturally buttery and rich-tasting, which makes them perfect for mashed potatoes. And because they're already flavorful, you can add less cream and butter to make them healthier. 

Another reason why Yukon Gold potatoes work so well as mashed potatoes is because they're high in starch, which makes them fluffy and smooth.



Boil potatoes in cream and butter.

"Food Network" star chef Tyler Florence told Popsugar to boil potatoes straight in cream, butter, herbs, and olive oil, rather than water, because "when you cook potatoes in water and you pour that water down the drain, you've extracted all the flavor of the potato."

 



Put the potatoes in cold water first, then bring the water to a boil, for more evenly cooked potatoes.

If you put your potatoes into water that is already boiling, the outside will cook much faster than the inside.

Bon Appetit explains that you should put your potatoes into a pot with cold water, cover it, and then bring the water to a boil for more evenly cooked potatoes.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 companies that will pay you to travel the world

$
0
0

flight attendant air hostess comapnies that pay you to travel the world

  • If you want to travel the world but don't want to wait for your vacation days to add up, a career change may give you the adventure you're looking for. 
  • Many companies require their employees to travel, whether as a full-time jet setter or for occasional business trips. 
  • Other companies have offices around the globe for those looking for a long-term relocation.
  • Here are 12 companies searching for employees who are willing to travel on the job.

You've been bit by the travel bug. But you don't have to wait for your vacation days to kick in to travel the world; you can go global with your job instead. These 12 companies are searching for employees who are willing to travel on the job — think: as a flight attendant — or to clock in to a global office — take McKinsey & Company, below, which boasts locations in Santiago, Tokyo, Bengaluru, Bogotá, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Milan, and more.

So if you're ready to travel the world, check out this list, polish your resume, and apply for a job.

SEE ALSO: 10 resume tips you probably haven't heard before

1. Marriott International

Where hiring: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Paris, Berlin, and more.

What roles: Lobby Ambassador, Office Coordinator, Training Coordinator, Human Resources Generalist, Events, Manager, Night Audit Clerk, Director of Sales and Marketing, Concierge, and more.  

What employees say: "The company itself is fantastic. Benefits are great and there are unlimited growth opportunities. The company has integrity, cares about the environment and social issues, and tries to be the best it can be. Pay is good for an entry level position that doesn't require prior training. Scheduling is great and you choose your schedule based on your ranking, which is determined by how well you perform and follow policies at work." — Current Employee



2. Expedia

Where hiring: New York, Bellevue, Chicago, Dallas, Munich, Ho Chi Minh City, London, Seoul, Amsterdam, Toronto, and more.

What roles: Data Scientist, Executive Assistant, Project Manager, Search Marketing Manager, Principal Product Manager, Application Engineer, Senior Pricing Analyst, Software Engineering Manager, and more.

What employees say: "Culture and people are great to work with. Everyone comes together to solve problems instead of playing the blame game. Work-life balance is good. Travel and vacation benefits are great." —  Current Employee



3. American Express

Where hiring: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Buenos Aires, Gurgaon, Tokyo, and more.

What roles: Engineer, Reporting Analyst, Product Analyst, Fraud Analyst, Manager of Finance, Senior Manager of SEO and Content Strategy, Framework Engineer, Immigration Paralegal, and more.

What employees say: "The culture at American Express is amazing. Leadership is extremely understanding and flexible as long as you are getting your work done."  Current Employee



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I flew on one of Delta's Boeing 717 jets for only an hour — and it’s now my favorite plane (BA)

$
0
0

Boeing 717

  • The Boeing 717 is a slightly offbeat aircraft that went out of production in 2006.
  • Boeing chalked it up as a failure, a result of absorbing some McDonnell Douglas planes when it acquired the planemaker in the mid-1990s.
  • But the 100-seat 717-200 is now in serious demand, as carriers move away from regional jets.
  • I recently flew on a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 from Newark to Detroit.


I've flown on many big aircraft and plenty of small ones. I've flown on Boeings, Airbuses, and Embraers, Bombardiers and a host of more obscure names. 

But until recently, I'd never set foot on a Boeing 717, a smaller aircraft that Boeing inherited when it bought McDonnell Douglas in 1995 for $13 billion.

I tend to like really small jets, tolerate regional aircraft, richly enjoy big planes — and dislike the narrow-bodies that do most of the grunt work of hauling passengers around the US on domestic routes these days.

The 717-200, in Delta livery, that I boarded last month for a flight to Detroit from Newark, NJ, was a mystery. I wasn't sure what I was strapping into.

I figured out quickly what I was dealing with — and then settled back to enjoy the ride. Which was unexpectedly thrilling.

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

The Boeing 717-200 is actually a rebranded McDonnell Douglas MD-95. Boeing acquired McDonnell in 1995 for $13 billion.

Sadly, as Business Insider's Ben Zhang reported, "On May 23, 2006, Boeing delivered the last two 717-200 jetliners to customers at its Long Beach, California factory."

"It marked the end of a program filled with promise but that had ultimately failed to capture the interest of airlines. Even Boeing's well-oiled sales operation could only manage to muster up 156 orders for the little 100-seat, short-haul-airliner."



Despite being an apparent business failure with just 156 examples ever made, the 717 is now in high demand as a short-hauler, a 100-seater that can replace regional jets.



"What is this plane?" I asked myself.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 celebrities you forgot appeared on 'Saved by the Bell'

$
0
0

saved by the bell

If "Saved by the Bell" continues to be one of your all-time favorite '90s shows, you probably think you know everything about the antics of Zack Morris and the Bayside High gang. But the classic teen sitcom had plenty of guest stars that went on to become major celebrities, and you likely forgot they ever appeared on the show.

Sure, everyone knows about Leah Remini’s character, Stacey Carosi, who stole Zack’s heart during their summer at the Malibu Sands Beach Club, but do you remember Milo Ventimiglia’s turn as a hospital volunteer looking for love in all the wrong places in a later episode?

These are the 15 celebrity guest stars you might not remember from "Saved by the Bell," so grab those pencils before Mr. Dewey gives a surprise test on the first day of school.

Leah Remini starred as tough talking Stacey Carosi, a love interest of Zack’s.

These days, Leah Remini is known for her starring role in "King of Queens," but back in the early '90s, she played Stacey Carosi, who couldn’t resist the charms of the newly single Zack Morris after the two worked together at the Malibu Sands Beach Club the summer before senior year. Stacey was a no-nonsense New Yorker but eventually softened as she fell hard for Bayside’s signature blonde hunk.



Carla Gugino played an early love interest for Zack in the middle school years

Before the gang made it to high school, they inexplicably attended middle school together in Indianapolis, before everyone relocated to the sunnier shores of Bayside. Gugino starred as Karen, a ninth grader who developed a crush on Zack at summer camp. The problem is, Zack lied about his age, which she discovered when she transferred to his school. She wasn’t impressed.



Casey Kasem starred as himself in two separate episodes

The legendary disc jockey made two guest appearances on the show. First, he showed up at The Max to host a dance competition, with Lisa and Screech winning top honors thanks to their brand new dance, The Sprain. Kasem appeared in a later episode as a narrator, when the gang forms a pop group, becoming global music superstars until the fame and fortune went straight to Zack’s mile-high blonde hair.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 17 schools that still have a legit shot to make the College Football Playoff

$
0
0

Notre Dame

We are now six weeks into the college football season, and we finally have some shakeup at the top of the playoff power ranking.

Four more teams were effectively eliminated from playoff contention, with Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Auburn, and Stanford all suffering losses that they won't be able to overcome. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is now in a position to be one of the four teams still standing at the end of the season.

We have learned a few things over the years about how the committee picks the final four, and we have some idea of what teams need to do to make the playoff. Below, we ranked the 17 teams that still have a legit shot to make the playoff.

17. North Carolina State

Record (AP Rank): 5-0 (20)

Last week's result: Beat Boston College, 28-23

Last week's playoff rank: unranked

Key games remaining: The Wolfpack have Clemson on the road in two weeks.

One thing to know: We're not ready to include Colorado because the Pac-12 is a mess. Meanwhile, NC State caught a break with the cancelation of the West Virginia game. They will get a shot to prove their legitimacy against Clemson in 2 weeks.



16. LSU

Record (AP Rank): 5-1 (13)

Last week's result: Lost to Florida, 27-19

Last week's playoff rank: 7

Key games remainingThey have to play Georgia and Alabama, although both are at home. They also have Texas A&M on the road.

One thing to know: LSU couldn't afford a loss to Florida. Now their path back to the playoff picture might require them to beat Alabama once and Georgia twice. Good luck with that.



15. Wisconsin

Record (AP Rank): 4-1 (15)

Last week's result: Beat Nebraska, 41-24

Last week's playoff rank: 17

Key games remainingWisconsin still has games on the road against Michigan, Northwestern, and Penn State.

One thing to know: Even if Wisconsin runs the table and wins the B1G title game, that still might not be enough with all the undefeated and 1-loss teams ahead of them.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Google's new Pixel 3 smartphone has an upgraded camera system that can take better night photos, automatically pick your best shots, and maybe even replace your selfie stick (GOOG, GOOGL)

$
0
0

Google Pixel 3 event

Just like its forebears, the newly-announced Pixel 3 smartphone looks like it will have some serious photography chops. 

At Google's Pixel 3 announcement event on Tuesday morning, the company laid out all the new features coming with the Pixel 3 — and as usual, the camera received a lot of attention. Google's Pixel cameras are well-known for their powerful cameras capable of producing high-quality images, and the Pixel 3 looks like no exception.

New, mostly software-based additions are coming to existing Pixel phones as well as the Pixel 3 series. Some upcoming features include better low-light performance, an AI-based burst photo mode that will automatically choose the best image, and a group selfie mode that captures a wider frame to ensure everyone gets in the shot. Better yet, some of these features will be coming to existing Google Pixel and Pixel 2 phones, with details on that forthcoming.

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are available for preorder now and will start shipping on October 17 — the standard version starts at $799, and the XL version starts at $899. 

Here are the new features coming with the Pixel 3's camera: 

SEE ALSO: All the announcements from Google's Pixel 3 event

Night Sight: The Pixel 3 will be able to take well-lit photos even in low-light situations — without using a flash. During the keynote, Google compared a low-light photo taken on a new iPhone XS with a Pixel 3 Night Sight photo, and the difference was pretty significant.



Top Shot: It's pretty easy to miss a picture-perfect moment, especially when it happens quickly. The Pixel 3's Top Shot feature attempts to alleviate that with the help of artificial intelligence.

Top Shot will take a series of photos, before and after you press the shutter button, and it will recommend the best one by checking if everyone in the photo is smiling, facing the camera or has their eyes open. You can scroll through the photos to pick your favorite if you don't want the Pixel's recommended choice.



Group Selfie Cam: Google boasts that the Pixel 3's rear-facing cameras give you 184 percent more room in your frame when taking selfies, which should ensure that everyone gets in the shot. Google even joked that it could replace a selfie stick.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

6 easy ways to save money on food at the airport

$
0
0

airport thailand

From baggage fees and paying for airline extras like extended legroom to faster boarding, priority seating, or in-flight entertainment, it feels like flying is a more expensive experience than ever before. Eating at the airport or on your airplane can rack up costs too, especially if you feel forced to spend when you're overly hungry or in a time crunch. Make note of these simple hacks to save money next time you jet set.

Pack in the protein before you go.

Eating protein can help you feel full longer, which will save you from spending too much money when you become ravenous and are willing to pay a high price for a quick fix. Eat a balanced meal before you leaving home, such as an egg-based breakfast or protein-packed lunch, and push yourself to buy food that'll leave you satiated and sustained, rather than expensive, sugary or salty snacks and novelties.



Bring your own snacks.

It might be obvious, but bringing your own snacks can save you major money at the airport. Veggies and fruits are nutritious items to take through security, while bars can help you stave off hunger by providing the right mix of nutrients.

Bringing the right kind of bar is also helpful if you're on a special eating plan or have trouble finding low-cost options that are low sugar, gluten, or grain-free. Trail mix is another good option, as you can make it fairly low-cost shopping in the bulk food section, and it keeps well while traveling and over time.



Tap into free water

Most airports have free, drinkable bubbling water you can use to fill up your water bottle. Not only will this save you money you might've spent on buying bottled water, but using a smart bottle will ensure you keep it cold longer.

You can use hot water to make a more filling snack, too: Asking for a cup of boiling hot water is almost always free, and you can add it to instant meals or soup packs for a low-cost snack that'll hold you over or save you from spending more.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's what McDonald's restaurants look like around the world (MCD)

$
0
0

McDonalds Lindvallen Resort Sweden McSki

  • McDonald's operates more than 36,000 restaurants around the world.
  • The menu varies to reflect the local cuisine of the country where it's located. 
  • The stores themselves vary in appearance, too. Though many international McDonald's locations look similar to its US stores, some locations are completely unique.
  • See what McDonald's restaurants look like around the world.  

McDonald's operates more than 36,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries around the world. 

Many of the McDonald's restaurants around the world look similar to the ones we see in the US, but the menus vary to reflect the local cuisine of the country the restaurant is in. 

But some McDonald's locations stand out from the rest. Around the world, there are high-end McDonald's with marble walls and chandeliers, McDonald's in historic buildings, and even a McDonald's on a ski slope. 

In countries like Spain and Italy, McDonald's serves pastries like macarons. And in Rome, McDonald's has a gelato bar. 

See what other McDonald's restaurants are like around the world:

SEE ALSO: We compared the best vegan options from 7 fast-food chains — and the winner was clear

DON'T MISS: Bizarre food items that disappeared from McDonald's menu

This McDonald's restaurant in Bergen, Norway, is located in one of the oldest traditional Norwegian wooden buildings in the area.

Source: MSN



The exterior is white wood paneling, and the golden arches are a bit more subtle than at McDonald's restaurants in the US ...



... but the inside is pretty similar to what McDonald's looks like in the US.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Warren Buffett is the world's third-richest man — see how the notoriously frugal billionaire spends his fortune

$
0
0

warren buffett

  • Warren Buffett's estimated net worth is $88.3 billion.
  • But you wouldn't know the investor is America's third-richest man by his frugal lifestyle.
  • Buffett lives modestly and is one of the world's most generous philanthropists, opting to give away most of his billions to charity.

Warren Buffett, America's third-richest man, has increased his net worth by around $10 billion in the past year, according to the Forbes 400, which was released on Wednesday. But what else would you expect from the "Oracle of Omaha," who began building his wealth at age 11? 

Now 88, Buffett's estimated net worth stands at $88.3 billion — but you wouldn't know it by Buffett's frugal ways.

Still living in the house he bought in the 1950s and driving an equally modest car, Buffett prefers to keep and grow his money rather than take it out of the bank. Not one for lavish purchases, he spends relatively little of his billions — except when it comes to philanthropy. 

Buffett is regarded as one of the most generous philanthropists in the world, having donated more than $46 billion since 2000.

However he uses his money, not much is spent on himself. See how Buffett spends — or doesn't spend — his billions.

SEE ALSO: 24 mind-blowing facts about Warren Buffett and his $87 billion fortune

DON'T MISS: Bill Gates is worth $95 billion and he plans to give most of it away — here's how he spends his money now, from a luxury car collection to incredible real estate

Warren Buffett has a net worth of $88.3 billion, making him the world's third richest person.

Source: Forbes



He began building his wealth by investing in the stock market at age 11 and currently runs Berkshire Hathaway — but you wouldn't know he's a billionaire by the way he spends his money.

Source:Forbes



He previously told CNBC and Yahoo Finance's "Off the Cuff" that he's "never had any great desire to have multiple houses and all kinds of things and multiple cars."

Source:CNBC



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Therapy in a pill: Breaking down the science behind the strange, surreal world of Netflix's "Maniac"

$
0
0

The A Pill

Critics have given mixed reviews of Netflix's new series, "Maniac," which is set in a high-tech, futuristic dystopia.

But what's undeniable is the fascinating world that the show presents. The story unfolds over 10 episodes, and the plot revolves around an experimental pharmaceutical trial to test whether a course of three pills can replace cognitive-behavioral therapy for people experiencing psychological trauma. 

The show relies on theoretical and fantastical science; its style is reminiscent of the films "Inception" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and the television series "Black Mirror." 

But "Maniac" does actually incorporate many facets of current psychology. A lot of the technology and science used in the show, like ink-blot tests and brain monitors, exist in real life.

We took a look at seven of the science concepts seen in "Maniac" to see how they stack up to the real research they're based on. Potential spoilers lie ahead, so tread carefully. 

SEE ALSO: A new documentary chronicles the lives of triplets separated at birth in a controversial study — here's how scientists continue to use twins in research

DON'T MISS: Why psychedelics like magic mushrooms kill the ego and fundamentally transform the brain

In the show, participants in the trial get tested for defense mechanisms. Those tests are actually used to screen for mental illness.

Many psychology concepts in the show come from real research by psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. 

A defense mechanism, for example, is a real term in modern psychology. These mechanisms are the ego's way to protect the mind from feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. The major defense mechanisms as defined by Freud are repression, reaction formation, projection, regression, sublimation, denial, and rationalization.

Prior to admission to the pharmaceutical trial depicted in the show, the subjects (including the two main characters, Annie and Owen) undergo a pre-screening test for such defense mechanisms.

The three tests in the pre-screening are all really used by psychologists to scan for mental abnormalities or signs of PTSD in patients. They are:

  • The ink blot test, also known as the Rorschach Test: This test was invented by psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach in 1917 to study the mind's interpretation of the splattered paint. While there are no wrong answers, highly unusual responses tend to be an indicator of potential psychological issues. For example, Rorschach found that schizophrenic patients displayed more abnormal eye movement and deviation in image perception in this test compared to normal people. Later research showed similar findings. In 2013, the American Psychological Association deemed the test effective at diagnosing mental illness. The test has historically been used to test defense mechanisms as well.
  • Picture-word association: In these free-association tests, subjects are asked to say the first word that comes to mind when they see an ambiguous image. A similar test was used by psychologist Carl Jung to see into the mind of patients. The idea is that patients are likely to project their own ideas, thoughts, and emotions onto the simple images they're shown. 
  • Maintaining direct eye contact: Direct eye contact is used to assess social anxiety levels in individuals, since fear is associated with avoidance of eye contact. The test is also administered to assess if individuals have PTSD, since those patients may perceive direct eye contact as threatening. 


In the show, the three pills are designed to replace cognitive-behavioral therapy. Here's what that really is.

In real life, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to relieve symptoms of trauma, grief, or PTSD by helping patients understand their experiences and coping mechanisms. CBT can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication, and the aim is to return a sense of control, confidence, and predictability to patients' lives. 

In the show, the characters' experiences when taking the pills parallels that process. 

The first pill, A, stands for agonia, which means struggle in Greek. It's supposed to reveal and uncover a person's tragic experiences, making the patient relive them. Immersion therapy and gradual exposure to traumatic memory is usually a first step in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy

The B pill stands for behavioral, and it's supposed to tear down defense mechanisms and expose lies created by the mind. This mirrors a step in CBT that educates patients about their reaction to trauma exposure. The goal is to get someone to realize their true feelings and shed coping mechanisms . 

The C pill stands for confrontation, and it's supposed to get the patient to come to terms with the truth. Here, they must accept their own shortcomings and the consequences of their behavior. From this point, they can start to change, move on, and connect with others. This mirrors the step in CBT in which caregivers help patients process trauma-related thoughts and beliefs and help patients reassert control over their situation. 



Many elements of the characters' diagnoses are consistent with real-life conditions and symptoms.

In episode five, Dr. James K. Mantleray, the inventor of the pills, gives each character a personalized assessment and diagnosis. Here are the diagnoses given to Annie and Owen, what they mean, and how well they match up with real-life classifications of these disorders. 

Annie is told she shows signs of borderline personality (among other things). As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, patients suffering from borderline personality disorder have a tendency to act impulsively and struggle with personal relationships. They can experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that lasts from a few hours to days. Patients also are prone to cut off communication with someone in anticipation of being abandoned, feel chronic emptiness, and have intense but unstable relationship with those close to them. This aligns with Annie's character and actions in the show.

Owen finds out he shows signs of paranoid schizophreniaSchizophrenic patients often have delusions about someone spying on them or plotting against them, visual and auditory hallucinations, flat expression of emotion and voice tone, and reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Bella Hadid is one of the most in-demand models in the world — here are 15 things you didn't know about her

$
0
0

bella hadid

In a few short years, Bella Hadid has become something of an unlikely household name, rising to supermodel status after modest reality-TV exposure and a knack for social media.

Keep reading to learn more about Bella, who has staked her claim as the more "mysterious" Hadid sister.

Modeling runs in her family.

Bella is the second daughter of Mohamed and Yolanda Hadid, who divorced in 2000.

Her father is a real-estate mogul and her mother, before starring on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," rose to fame as a teenager after being signed to the Ford agency.

Yolanda seemingly passed her supermodel genes down to all three of her children. Shortly after Gigi Hadid broke into the industry in 2014 as the cover girl for CR Fashion Book, Bella followed suit with a slew of runway shows.

Anwar, their little brother, is currently growing his own brand after signing with the same agency as his sisters, IMG Models, in 2016.

"I've shot my children since they were born," Yolanda said on Australia's "Today Extra.""I always dressed them up, shot them at the barn on the horses… [but] I was always very strict about the fact that I never wanted them to really work until they're 18 years old. I really didn't want anybody judging them on the way that they looked."

Read more: Gigi and Bella Hadid have an 18-year-old cousin you've never heard of before — and it turns out she's also a model



She has Dutch and Palestinian roots and she is Muslim.

As a result of their heritage, both Bella and Gigi have weighed in on the Israel-Palestine conflict and voiced their support for Palestinian protesters. Gigi has said that her support is "not about religion," but rather because she is "pro-coexistence."

Bella opened up about the conflict in an emotional Instagram post in December 2017.

"Watching the news and seeing the pain of the Palestinian people makes me cry for the many many generations of Palestine," she wrote. "The TREATMENT of the Palestinian people is unfair, one-sided and should not be tolerated. I stand with Palestine."

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/BcaCVA-n3Yl/embed
Width: 540px

The sisters were also photographed attending the "No Ban No Wall" march in New York. Bella told Porter magazine that the issue is "very close to home" because their father was "a refugee when he first came to America."

"My dad was always religious, and he always prayed with us," she said. "I am proud to be a Muslim."



She made her runway debut in 2014.

During New York Fashion Week in the fall of 2014, Bella was introduced on the Desigual runway. Shortly after, she landed her first solo magazine cover for the December issue of Jalouse.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/vWYm8czWY5/embed
Width: 540px

In the years since, Bella has walked in countless shows for designers like Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Chanel, and Fendi.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 things you didn't know you could get for free at a hotel

$
0
0

hotel room

Vacations can be expensive, especially if you're staying at a hotel. But there are some items and services you can get for free.  

From fancier pillows to filling breakfasts, here are 15 things you can enjoy on the house ― if you know to ask for them.

Most hotels offer free WiFi.

Wi-fi is a modern amenity we've come to expect when we're on the go. Major chains like Marriott, Sheraton, and Hilton offer it for free, but policies vary. Some only offer it in lounges and shared spaces rather than in guest rooms.

In addition, luxury chains such as Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis might require you to sign up for a rewards program to gain free internet access.



Bottled water is usually provided gratis in guest rooms.

In-room coffee may not be free across the board, but bottled water is usually provided gratis at mid-range to higher-end hotels.

If there is a fee to crack open the H20, you could always take a cup from your room (which you'll find by the coffee maker and/or by the bathroom sink) and trek to the water fountain.



Toiletries and personal-care items are useful freebies.

It may seem obvious, but free soap, shampoo, and conditioner are common hotel perks that come in handy if you forget to pack them. The small bottles are also travel-friendly, so don't forget to grab them for later.

Some chains, like Kimpton Hotels, offer additional toiletries and personal-care items for free. You can ask the front desk for things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, men's and women's razors, and feminine hygiene products.



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




Latest Images