3 Noticias economicas ingles

Underinvestment highlights the complexities of shifting to clean energy

Intermittent renewables and current mayhem in energy markets highlight the importance of firms that link up producers of power with faraway consumers

Not a moment too soon

After a long delay, the loss-making flag-carrier flies free of state ownership

The jury system offers clues to managers everywhere

From an also-ran to the world’s fourth-most-valuable software firm

From pandemic to epidemic

The government’s digital-first solutions are inaccessible to millions

Sara Duterte, mayor of Davao City, has so far shown reluctance to run for president

The ruling Rajapaksas have strong ideas and expect everyone to adopt them

Lee Jae-myung, its candidate for president, presents himself as a man of the people

Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov off the coast of northern Norway, October 17, 2016.

Reuters

• Over the past century, the Soviet Union and Russia after it had several grand plans to build and field aircraft carriers.
• Those plans have largely failed to pan out, in part because of competing military priorities and limited national resources.

The Soviet Union was one of the largest, most industrial proficient countries the world has ever seen.

Yet for all of its engineering talent and manufacturing capacity, during the 74 years the USSR existed it never fielded a true real aircraft carrier. The country had several plans to build them, however, and was working on a true carrier, the Ulyanovsk, at the end of the Cold War.

After the Communists' victory in 1917, science and engineering were pushed to the forefront in an attempt to modernize Russia and the other Soviet republics. The military was no exception, and poured resources into then-advanced technologies such as tanks, airborne forces, and ground and aerial rockets.

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was linked to several carrier projects, including the first effort, Izmail.

In 1927, the Soviet leadership approved plans to build a carrier by converting the unfinished Imperial Russian Navy battlecruiser Izmail, under construction since 1913, to a full-length aircraft carrier.

Completed as a battlecruiser, Izmail was to displace 35,000 tons, making it similar in displacement to (and of the same decade as) the US Navy's Lexington-class interwar carriers that carried up to 78 aircraft.

US Navy aircraft carrier USS Lexington leaving San Diego on October 14, 1941.

US Navy

Unfortunately for the new Soviet Navy, Izmail's conversion was never completed and the ship was eventually scrapped.

While the idea of a Soviet carrier did have its supporters, others, including the brilliant young Marshal Tukhachevsky, pointed out that as large as it was, the Soviet Union could not afford to build both an army and a navy to match its most powerful neighbors.

Tukhachevsky had a point, and the Navy took a backseat to Red Army (and Air Force) ambitions. This was a strategic dilemma that the Soviets had inherited from the tsars and that persisted until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 - one that still affects the Russian government today.

The Soviet Union under Stalin came to measure economic and agricultural output in five-year plans, and in 1938, as part of the third five-year plan, laid the groundwork for a pair of aircraft carriers.

The so-called "Project 71" class would be based on the Chapaev-class cruisers, displacing 13,000 tons and with a 630-foot flight deck. The carriers would each carry 15 fighters and 30 torpedo bombers, with one allocated to the Baltic Fleet and one allocated to the Pacific Fleet. The carriers were approved in 1939 but never completed, their construction interrupted by World War II. A second project for a heavier 22,000-ton carrier was proposed but never even began construction.

In the mid-1940s, with the Soviet Union locked in a mortal struggle with Nazi Germany, yet another carrier concept was proposed. "Project 72" was described as similar to the previous carrier project but, at 30,000 tons, more than twice as large.

Another, similar design was Project Kostromitinov, which weighed in at 40,000 tons and would have been equipped with 66 fighters, 40 torpedo bombers and, unusually, 16 152-millimeter guns.

A US Defense Department photograph of Soviet helicopter carrier Leningrad, dated April 1, 1990.

US Defense Department

This suggests that the carrier might have been used to support amphibious landings in Scandinavia or the Baltics had it ever been built. While the Soviet Union was always a land power for which land warfare should take precedent over sea warfare, the wartime situation in 1943 made it crystal clear that resources could not be taken away from the Red Army to build an aircraft carrier of questionable usefulness.

In the aftermath of the war, with the Red Army the dominant land power in Eurasia, the Soviet Navy again pushed for more carriers. The naval staff wanted a force of 15 carriers, nine large and six small, split between the Pacific and Northern fleets, with six of the large carriers allocated to the Pacific and the rest allocated to the Northern fleet.

Stalin, however, did not want aircraft carriers, preferring to put his faith in battleships and cruisers. Soviet industry gave Stalin cover, explaining they did not yet have the capacity to build new kinds of ships.

Stalin was succeeded by Nikita Khrushchev in 1953, but despite Khrushchev's new ideas in the age of missile warfare the best the Soviet Navy could get out of him was a single light carrier. The carrier, Project 85, would displace just 28,000 tons and carry 40 navalized MiG-19 fighters. This project, too, was canceled even before construction began.

In 1962, the USSR began construction of two aircraft carriers at the Nikolayev shipyards in the Ukraine. The two carriers, Moskva and Leningrad, were compromise ships, with the front half looking like a conventional guided-missile cruiser and the rear half consisting of a flight deck, a hangar and an elevator that transported aircraft between the two.

Soviet Kiev-class aircraft carrier Minsk, February 9, 1983.

US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Glenn Lindsey

The Moskva class was likely designed to hunt American and British Polaris missile submarines operating near Soviet waters. Each Moskva ship carried up to a dozen anti-submarine warfare helicopters but otherwise lacked offensive armament.

The Moskva class was followed up in the 1970s and 1980s with the Kiev class, which had a similar mission, but the United States was on the verge of fielding the even longer-range Trident missile. This meant that the Soviet Navy would have to operate even farther from its home waters and potentially face off with US Navy aircraft carriers.

As a result, the Kievs had an offensive armament in the form of SS-N-12 "Sandbox" anti-ship missiles, each of which could carry a 350-kiloton nuclear warhead. Four Kievs were built, with a fifth authorized but never completed.

The mid-1980s were a period of major expansion for the Soviet Navy, including aircraft carriers. The USSR began construction on two carriers in the 50,000-ton class and one nuclear-powered supercarrier, Ulyanovsk, that was nearly on par with American Nimitz-class carriers.

Of the three super vessels, only one was completed before the end of the Cold War. The completed carrier was inherited by the Russian Navy, with which it still serves today as the Admiral Kuznetsov.

A half-built aircraft carrier called Varyag by Russia and owned by Chinese, is towed under the Bosphorus Bridge, November 1, 2001.

REUTERS/Fatih Saribas

The incomplete carrier was purchased by Chinese interests, which forwarded it on to the People's Liberation Army Navy, where it was refitted and commissioned as the carrier Liaoning in 2012. Ulyanovsk was scrapped by Ukraine, which had inherited the unfinished hull after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.

As a land power, the Soviet Union could never allocate enough of the country's resources to build a real fleet of aircraft carriers.

There was always some other perfectly reasonable - and eminently practical - way to spend the country's rubles, whether it was on the Army or the Air Force, and later on nuclear weapons.

Even today, the Russian Navy's nonstrategic forces face stiff competition from land and air forces, and the future of Russian naval aviation is again cloudy at best.

Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national-security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009 he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami.

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The 2021 NFL season began on September 9.

Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo; Mark LoMoglio/AP Photo; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

• Week six of the 2021 NFL season features matchups between all four AFC division leaders.
• NFL games are spread across several channels, including NFL Network, ESPN, NBC, Fox, and CBS.
• HD antennas and streaming services offer select NFL games without the need for a cable subscription.

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

Week six of the 2021 NFL season features a number of high profile games, including the Los Angeles Chargers against the Baltimore Ravens, and the Buffalo Bills against the Tennessee Titans. Each team is currently ranked first in their AFC division.

The Dolphins and Jaguars will also play a game in London, with a CBS broadcast starting at 9:30 a.m. ET on October 17.

Throughout the season, NFL games are spread across five primary channels: ESPN, NBC, Fox, CBS, and the NFL Network. Meanwhile, the next Super Bowl will be broadcast on NBC.

To help ensure you get access to every game you want to watch, we broke down the ins and outs of streaming the NFL season without a cable subscription.

NFL Week 6 schedule

Week six of the NFL regular season includes a Sunday Night Football matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers on NBC and Peacock. This week's Monday Night Football game will feature the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans on ESPN.

Primetime games are shown nationally, but local broadcasts for afternoon games are determined by your area. NFL teams with byes in week six include the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers.

Game

Date and timeChannelTampa Bay Buccaneers at Philadelphia EaglesOctober 14, 8:20 p.m. ETFOX, NFL Network, Amazon PrimeMiami Dolphins at Jacksonville JaguarsOctober 17, 9:30 a.m. ETCBSKansas City Chiefs at Washington Football TeamOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETCBSLos Angeles Rams at New York GiantsOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETFOXHouston Texans at Indianapolis ColtsOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETCBSCincinnati Bengals at Detroit LionsOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETFOXGreen Bay Packers at Chicago BearsOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETFOXLos Angeles Chargers at Baltimore RavensOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETCBSMinnesota Vikings at Carolina PanthersOctober 17, 1 p.m. ETFOXArizona Cardinals at Cleveland BrownsOctober 17, 4:05 p.m. ETFOXLas Vegas Raiders at Denver BroncosOctober 17, 4:25 p.m. ETCBSDallas Cowboys at New England PatriotsOctober 17, 4:25 p.m. ETCBSSeattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh SteelersOctober 17, 8:20 p.m. ETNBC, Peacock PremiumBuffalo Bills at Tennessee TitansOctober 18, 8:15 p.m. ETESPNHow to watch NFL games without cable

You can access select NFL games without a cable subscription via streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Paramount Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, and NFL Sunday Ticket. You can also watch local NFL games with an HDTV antenna.

The 2021 NFL regular season began on September 9. During the regular season, Sunday afternoon games with an NFC home team will typically air on Fox, and Sunday afternoon games with an AFC home team will typically air on CBS.

Meanwhile, Sunday Night Football airs on NBC, and Thursday Night Football will broadcast on NFL Network all season long. Select Thursday Night Football games will also be shown on Fox and streamed via Amazon Prime and Twitch. Finally, Monday Night Football is on ESPN.

Additionally, you can stream all your local in-market games on your mobile device for free using the Yahoo Sports app or the NFL app.

Here's a full roundup of all the services you can use to stream NFL games without cable. HDTV Antenna

Amazon

You can purchase an antenna, like this 1 By One model, to add to your TV for about $24, giving you access to local channels within a certain distance. 

What you get:

Hooking up an HD antenna to your TV gives you access to local over-the-air (OTA) signals in your location. This means that you will be able to access the local affiliates of major broadcast networks, like Fox, CBS, and NBC.

This lets you watch all the regional games broadcast from wherever you're located. You also get the Sunday Night Football matchup that airs on NBC. Because it's only a one-time payment, this is a great option if you're solely interested in watching the team in your area. However, you will not get access to any out-of-market games or games that air on ESPN or the NFL Network.

Sling TV

Alyssa Powell/Business Insider

If you're looking for a live TV streaming service to watch football, Sling TV is a great budget option that gives you most of the channels you need at a cheaper price than Hulu or FuboTV.

There are three different plans, depending on what channels you prioritize. Sling Orange and Sling Blue each cost $35 a month, while the combined Sling Orange + Blue plan costs $50 per month. Additionally, you can purchase the Sports Extra package to add NFL RedZone to your plan for $11 per month.

What you get:

Sling Orange has ESPN, while Sling Blue has Fox and NBC in select markets as well as the NFL network. CBS is not currently offered by Sling. While there is a Sports Extra package, it does not include any channels that air live NFL games. 

Your best bet to get access to the most NFL games via Sling is to sign up for the Sling Orange + Blue plan and cash in on Sling's current promotional offer of a free antenna for local channels. The free antenna requires that you prepay for two months of the Sling service. Plus, if you want RedZone you can add the Sports Extra package to the Orange + Blue Plan for a total of $61 a month.

If you don't want it all, you can just sign up for Sling Blue to gain access to Sunday afternoon games on Fox and Sunday Night Football games on NBC, or just Sling Orange to gain access to Monday Night games on ESPN, in addition to the local offerings included with the antenna. As with all streaming services, game availability is subject to blackouts.

With Sling's channel listings, add-ons, and the fact that they provide a free antenna, you can gain access to all local channels, the NFL Network, ESPN, and NFL RedZone, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to watch the NFL without cable. 

TV (small) Hulu with Live TV

Business Insider

In addition to all of its other offerings, Hulu + Live TV has nearly everything you need to stream NFL games for $65 per month. However, like Sling TV, there's no option to add the NFL Network or NFL RedZone as a channel, which could be a deal-breaker if you're hoping to watch and monitor action across the league.

What you get: 

Like an HD antenna, Hulu + Live TV gets you access to all the local affiliates of the major broadcasts, meaning Fox, CBS, and NBC. These will show the games that are within your regional broadcast map with the exception of any blackouts. In addition, you also get ESPN, which gives you access to all Monday Night Football games, and some of the best NFL coverage and analysis on TV. 

While you don't get access to watch out-of-network games from across the country like you do with NFL RedZone or NFL Sunday Ticket, this is a comprehensive way to tune into most locally and nationally televised games. Hulu does not offer a way to watch the first three regular Thursday Night Football games, however, since those will be aired on NFL Network. 

FuboTV

FuboTV

At $65 a month for the Starter Plan, FuboTV is one of the most comprehensive yet expensive live streaming options for NFL football. You can also spend an extra $11 per month to add the Sports Plus with NFL RedZone package.

What you get:

In terms of NFL games, the Starter Plan includes access to local CBS, NBC, and Fox stations (regional availability and blackout restrictions apply). FuboTV's Starter Plan also grants you access to ESPN to watch Monday Night Football, and NFL Network to stream Thursday Night Football all season long. 

YouTube TV

YouTube

With a base price of $65 a month, YouTube TV is another service that offers access to most NFL games. Additionally, the service announced an agreement with the NFL to offer NFL Redzone as an add-on included in their Sports Plus package for an additional $11 a month. 

What you get:

Like other services at this price range, YouTube TV offers access to all the local channels you need to watch NFL games, including CBS, Fox, and NBC. YouTube TV also offers ESPN and NFL Network in their base package, so you'll be able to watch all Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football games. And with the news of the new Sports Plus package, you can also watch NFL Redzone for an additional $11 per month.

NFL Sunday Ticket

REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

NFL Sunday Ticket used to only be available with a cable subscription, but NFL fans in non-DirecTV markets anywhere in the country can now gain access to every Sunday afternoon game.

There are two separate plans available: The NFL Sunday Ticket To Go plan costs $73.49 per month for four months, which is $293.96 total. There is also the NFL Sunday Ticket Max plan for $99 per month for four months, adding up to $396 total.

What you get:

Both plans give you access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. This means that you do not get access to Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night games. You also won't be able to stream locally televised games with only an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription. However, this is the only way for people hoping to watch full live games of their favorite teams out of market. A fun feature included in both plans is that you can watch four games at once on your screen.

In addition to the normal features, NFL Sunday Ticket Max adds in NFL RedZone and the DirecTV Fantasy Zone, which is a new channel solely dedicated watching games through the lens of fantasy football. 

Paramount Plus

CBS

If you're just interested in watching locally televised AFC home games, then a Paramount Plus subscription could be all you need. The service lets you stream live CBS television, as well as a growing library of on-demand shows and exclusive titles. Paramount Plus is available for $5 a month with commercials or $10 a month with ad-free streaming. With that said, all live broadcasts, including NFL games, still feature commercials with the ad-free plan.

What you get:

Paramount Plus offers live streaming for every NFL game that airs on the regular CBS channel in your local market. However, since Paramount Plus only offers CBS content you won't be able to watch any games that air on other networks or any out of market matches. You can see a full schedule of NFL games set to air on CBS here.

Essential Monthly Plan (ad-supported) (small)Premium Monthly Plan (ad-free) (small) Peacock Premium

Peacock

Peacock won't be streaming any exclusive games during the 2021 season, but Premium subscribers can stream all the NFL games being broadcast on NBC.

What you get:

For $5 a month, Peacock Premium will give you streaming access to NBC's Sunday Night Football games, as well as Super Bowl LVI, the Thanksgiving game between the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints, and the 2021 kick-off game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The NFL's flex scheduling gives NBC the option to change the Sunday Night Football game of the week, which typically guarantees that the primetime game will be one of the week's best matchups.

Premium (Monthly Plan) (small) Amazon Prime Video

Amazon

Though yon won't get local channels, NFL Network, or in-depth analysis, Amazon Prime Video members can watch select Thursday Night Football games with their subscription for no additional cost. A standalone Amazon Prime Video membership costs $9 a month, and the service is included as part of an Amazon Prime subscription for $119 per year or $13 a month.

What you get:

Amazon Prime Video will stream 11 Thursday Night Football games starting week five of the season. These game will also be broadcast on NFL Network and Fox. Since Amazon won't be streaming any additional games, Prime Video on its own is really only suitable for casual football fans who just want to stream a few games this season. 

Prime Video Monthly Subscription (small)Prime Monthly Subscription (small) Yahoo Sports app and NFL app

Yahoo

If you're only interested in watching in-market games without cable or an antenna, then you can stream live local and primetime games on a mobile device using the Yahoo Sports or NFL app. Both options are free and each app is available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. 

What you get:

These apps provide live streaming for regular season local and primetime games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. With that said, you can only watch the games on a mobile device. You'll also need to ensure that your location services are activated on your phone or tablet.

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Deleting your Amazon account is a permanent action that will delete all your data.

MoMo Productions/

• You can delete your Amazon account via the "Close your Amazon Account" page.
• Deleting your account means losing access to Amazon products like Audible, Alexa, and Kindle.
• There are other options if you still want access to those products, but don't want a Prime account.
• Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

Amazon can be a useful platform, but it isn't right for everyone. If you've decided that you no longer want your Amazon account, you have the option to delete it. But it's important to know what that means.

If you aren't willing to give up everything that comes with an Amazon account, you can try alternative methods, like increasing the security on your account.

How to delete Amazon account

You can only delete your Amazon account on the desktop version of the website, not on the mobile app.

1. Go to the Close Your Amazon Account page and sign in to the Amazon account that you want to delete.

2. Review the products and services for that account and, if you still want to proceed, select a reason for deleting your account from the drop-down menu.

Choose your reason for closing the account.

Devon Delfino

3. Tick the box next to Yes, I want to permanently close my Amazon account and delete my data.

Check the box.

Devon Delfino

4. Click Close my Account.

5. You'll receive an email confirmation. Reply to this email within five days to delete your account.

Note: If you want to use Amazon again in the future, you'd have to create a new account.

If you have outstanding orders that haven't shipped yet, you can also cancel those:

1. Go into the Orders page of your account.

2. Choose Not yet shipped.

Select "Not yet shipped" to see your outstanding orders.

Devon Delfino

3. Select Request cancellation next to the outstanding order.

What happens when you delete your Amazon account

Deleting your Amazon account means giving up all its products and services. The process is permanent, so it's important to understand what you're losing:

• Alexa
• Audible account
• Kindle Direct Publishing account
• Amazon gift cards
• Access to your Amazon order history
• Digital products, like Prime Video purchases
• Your Amazon reviews
• Your discussion posts
• Amazon Pay
• Amazon devices, like Kindle and Echo
• Amazon Flex account

Alternatives to deleting your Amazon account

You can make your account more secure without fully deleting it. So if you've purchased content that you don't want to lose access to, or if you use a Firestick, but don't want to have a prime membership anymore, try following options.

Delete your credit card information

1. Go to the Amazon website, hover over the Accounts and Lists tab on the homepage, and choose Account.

Go into your Amazon account section.

Devon Delfino

2. Select Your Payments.

Choose "Your Payments."

Devon Delfino

3. Click Edit under the desired payment option and choose Remove from wallet.

4. Hit Confirm remove.

Confirm your choice to delete the payment method.

Devon Delfino

Delete your shipping addresses

1. Go to the Amazon website, hover over the Accounts and Lists tab on the homepage, and choose Account.

2. Select Your Addresses.

Go into the addresses section of your Amazon account.

Devon Delfino

3. Locate the shipping address you want to delete and choose Remove.

Remove the unwanted address.

Devon Delfino

Update your email and phone number

Updating your email address and phone number can be useful, especially if you have set up two-factor authentication.

1. Go to the Amazon website, hover over the Accounts & Lists tab on the homepage, and choose Account.

2. Select Login & security.

Go into the "Login & security" section.

Devon Delfino

3. Enter your account password, if asked.

4. Click Edit next to your email address and update your information, following the prompts. Then repeat the process for your phone number.

Select "Edit" to make changes to your email address or phone number.

Devon Delfino

Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires an extra step of verification to access your account. So rather than just requiring a password, you might also have to enter a code from a text that's sent to the phone number associated with your account. So it's more secure.

You can turn on two-factor authentication for your Amazon account by going into the Accounts & Lists tab on the Amazon homepage, and choosing Account. From there, click Login & security and edit your Two-step verification settings.

How to cancel your Amazon Prime Video subscription through Amazon's websiteYou can't merge Amazon accounts, but you can share an Amazon Household account with multiple family members - here's how it worksHow to change your Amazon account password or reset it if you've forgotten itHow to ask a question on Amazon in 5 simple steps to learn more about a productRead the original article on Business Insider

Stocks rallied after better-than-expected earnings, including from banks, that helped ease investor concerns about a slowdown in growth.

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Sony's PlayStation 5 remains hard to find months after its release.

Sony

• Sony's PlayStation 5 launched with two models- the $500 standard PS5 and a $400 digital edition.
• The PS5 remains difficult to find, but retailers like Best Buy and GameStop restock regularly.
• Sony has also opened a registration program for gamers to purchase the PS5 by invitation.

Table of Contents: Masthead StickyPlayStation 5 (small)Playstation 5 (All-Digital) (small)

The PlayStation 5 is Sony's fastest-selling video game console ever, with more than 10 million systems sold since its launch in November 2020. However, the record demand and an international chip shortage have made the PS5 one of the hardest items to buy in stores or online.

In October, Sony launched a registration program to give shoppers a chance to purchase the PS5 directly from the company during the holiday shopping season. Sony says console supply will remain limited through the end of the year, but a select number of people who register will receive an email to make a direct purchase. You can find more details and register on Sony's site.

We've seen weekly restocks of the PS5 ($500) and PS5 Digital Edition ($400) online at retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Sony's own PlayStation Direct store. Nearly all PlayStation 5 sales are handled online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and overall demand, but some GameStop locations have made consoles available for in-store purchase on occasion.

Walmart usually announces PS5 restocks a few hours before consoles are available online. GameStop sends emails to subscribers ahead of PS5 restocks but typically only makes the PS5 available in bundles. Amazon and Newegg have also made PS5 consoles available, though on a less consistent basis. Newegg uses a raffle system to give shoppers a chance to buy rare items like the PS5.

We'll keep this post updated as we get more information about PS5 restocks, but ultimately you'll need to keep checking multiple stores and get a bit lucky with timing to secure the console.

Where to buy a PS5: stores and price The digital edition of the PlayStation 5 doesn't have a disc drive.

Sony

Several stores, including Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Newegg, have regularly restocked PlayStation 5 consoles since launch, but they typically sell out as soon as they're available online.

Sony's PlayStation Direct store has a registration program that functions like a waitlist for a limited supply of PS5 consoles. If selected, shoppers who sign up will receive an email to purchase a PS5 directly from Sony. Registering does not guarantee you'll get an invite, however, and it's not clear how many people will be selected. Invitations to purchase a PS5 will begin to go out to selected shoppers in November 2021.

The PlayStation 5 comes in two different models — one that has a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive and a "digital edition" with no disc drive at all. The standard model is priced at $500, and the digital edition is priced at $400.

At popular sites for resellers, like eBay and StockX, you can expect to pay between $700 or $800 for the PlayStation 5.

You can check the links below to see if the PS5 is currently available at each retailer; we'll update this post if a specific store announces a restock.

PlayStation 5 (Standard Edition) PlayStation 5 (Digital Edition) Tips for buying the PS5 A gamer sets up the new Sony Playstation PS5 at his home in Seoul after Sony launched the new console.

YELIM LEE/AFP via Getty Images

Buying the PlayStation 5 has been a struggle since release, but retailers have been making a steady stream of consoles available. If you have a preferred store, you should look into setting stock alerts with their online tools.

Third-party stock-tracking websites like HotStock.io can tell you when a store last had the PlayStation 5 in stock and let you set alerts for multiple retailers. A reseller who made more than $40,000 reselling PS5 consoles last year shared more specific tips on how to find the console online.

If you encounter issues while trying to check out with an online retailer, keep trying to refresh the product page to add the console and make sure the PS5 is available and in your cart. If possible, create an account with your preferred retailer and enter your payment and shipping information in advance to help the checkout process move quickly.

PlayStation 5 specifications

Sony

The PlayStation 5 boasts much more powerful hardware than the PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro. Upgrades include a solid state hard drive and a graphics card capable of ray-tracing technology.

For detailed impressions, check out our full PlayStation 5 review.

• Disc drive: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive (standard edition only)
• Storage: 825GB M.2 drive
• HDMI Out: Up to 4K resolution at 120Hz with HDMI 2.1
• Ports: 1x USB-C, 3x USB 3.1, 1x Ethernet
• CPU: AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores, 16 threads at 3.5 GHz
• GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2 at 2.23 GHz, 10.3 TFlops
• Memory: GDDR6 16GB, 44GB/s bandwidth

PlayStation 5 accessories

Sony

The new PlayStation 5 family of peripherals haven't been nearly as hard to find as the console itself, though they're not of much use without the main course. That said, they do complement the features of the PlayStation 5, so we've taken to the time to explain what they all do.

Sony's $70 DualSense controller is a worthy successor to the PS4's popular DualShock, implementing a built-in microphone, haptic feedback for adjustable trigger tension, and advanced rumble features while also improving the battery life and adopting a USB-C charging cable.

Wireless Controller for PS5 (small)

The $100 Pulse 3D headset is a direct successor to the gold and platinum wireless headsets Sony released for the PlayStation 4. The headset has an adjustable band, built-in microphone, and hardware buttons for mute, voice monitoring, and volume. While the Pulse 3D headset is worth the investment, PS5's 3D audio features will also work with any third-party headset that's been licensed for use on PS4.

Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (small)

The $30 PlayStation media remote might look appealing, but for $30 you can find a better or cheaper universal remote to control the console. Several smart TV brands also let you control the PS5 with your standard TV remote too, so it's worth giving that a try before making this investment.

PlayStation 5 Media Remote (small)

The $30 DualSense charging stand can charge two controllers and makes for a nice stand alongside the PS5, but it doesn't actually charge your controllers any faster than using a regular cable.

PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Station (small)

The $60 HD camera can be used for streaming in full 1080p and even has a background removal tool, but it cannot be used as a microphone like the PlayStation 4 camera. Luckily, you can just use the DualSense's built-in mic to communicate while playing.

PlayStation 5 HD Camera (small) PlayStation 5 exclusive games "Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart" is Sony's latest PlayStation 5 exclusive.

"Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart" / Sony

Sony is committed to creating a full lineup of exclusive games for the PlayStation 5, repeating the same strategy that helped make the PS4 a massive success. Because there are still so many gamers waiting to upgrade to PS5, many of the games released on the new console will also work on PlayStation 4, like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales" and "Sackboy: A Big Adventure."

Keep in mind that new games like "Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War" have been designed to run better on PS5, even if they're available on the PS4. Below, we've listed all the games that require a PlayStation 5 to play, including upcoming titles that don't have release dates yet. 

Exclusive PS5 games available now

• "Godfall"
• "Destruction AllStars"
• "Returnal"
• "Astro's Playroom" (pre-installed on PS5)
• "Ratchet & Clank: A Rift Apart"
• "Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade"

Upcoming PS5 exclusive games

• "Horizon: Forbidden West"
• "God of War: Ragnarok"
• "Gran Turismo 7"

For more PlayStation game recommendations, check out our complete roundup of exclusives that make the PS5 worth buying.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

• Sinema is frustrating many Democrats on Capitol Hill as talks on Biden's social spending bill stall.
• Two Senate Democratic aides tell Insider she's opposed to any corporate and individual income tax increases.
• "I can't put myself in her head," House Budget Chair John Yarmuth recently told reporters.

It's not just Bernie Sanders. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona is vexing many of her Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill.

The Arizona Democrat is off fundraising in Europe, The New York Times reported, as negotiations on Democrats' social spending bill stall out with few signs that Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia will resolve their differences over a large climate, education, and healthcare spending bill.

The centrist pair are sparking frustration among rank-and-file Democrats, who want to quickly wrap up talks and muscle the spending plan through the reconciliation process. That allows the party to approve it with a simple majority and bypass unified GOP opposition,along with the Senate's usual 60-vote threshold. Democrats need Manchin and Sinema's votes for the plan to clear the Senate. But at least it's (somewhat) clear what Manchin wants.

Manchin says he wants to contain the bill's price tag to $1.5 trillion and restrain the eligibility for new benefit programs like the child tax credit to low-income Americans. But Sinema doesn't speak with reporters on Capitol Hill and has only negotiated with the White House.

Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky, chair of the House Budget Committee, told reporters on Tuesday, "I have no sense of what Sinema wants."

"I can't put myself in her head," the retiring Kentucky Democrat said. "And don't want to."

A major holdup in the ongoing talks is Sinema's opposition to any tax increases for individuals and large corporations, per two Senate Democratic aides familiar with the matter. Her position threatens to deprive the package of over $700 billion in revenue to finance the bulk of Biden's agenda. The president has repeatedly promised his plan will be fully paid for and won't add to the deficit. Most Democrats are also fervent in their desire to roll back President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts.

"I do not think anyone in the caucus believes that to be a tenable position," one of the aides told Insider. The New York Times first reported Sinema's position. Her office didn't immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

"So far this week, Senator Sinema has held several calls - including with President Biden, the White House team, Senator Schumer's team, and other Senate and House colleagues - to continue discussions on the proposed budget reconciliation package," a Sinema spokesperson told Politico.

Biden expressed a flash of frustration with Manchin and Sinema last week during a press conference. "I was able to close the deal with 99% of my party," Biden said as he held up two fingers. "Two. Two people."

Progressives recently assailed Sinema and Manchin for not being clear in laying out their priorities. Sen. Bernie Sanders said on a press call on Tuesday "the time is now long overdue" for both senators to tell Democrats what priorities they'd be willing to eject from the spending bill, ranging from prescription drug negotiations

Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, chair of the 96-member Congressional Progressive Caucus, told reporters that progressives were open to cutting the price tag but not the overall scope of the package, favoring packing as many priorities into the legislation as possible, with shorter expiration dates.

"We're not going to pit childcare against climate change," she said. "We're not going to pit seniors against young people."

Whether Sinema ends up budging or digging in on her views means the difference between a hefty bill that transforms the economy or a skinnier one that only changes it around the edges. If she's serious about no tax increases, then the bill could be even smaller than anyone is talking about.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Brooklinen

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

• Research is limited, but recent findings say weighted blankets can aid in sleep and reduce anxiety.
• We tested 12 of them. Our favorites are the Brooklinen Weighted Comforter and the Bearaby Napper.
• Click here for more advice on what to consider when buying a weighted blanket.

If you toss and turn at night or find your mind racing when trying to fall asleep, you might benefit from adding a weighted blanket to your bedding. Usually weighing somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds, weighted blankets provide gentle, constant pressure as you sleep, and recent studies have shown promising results in their ability to ease anxiety and reduce insomnia, though research remains limited.

I spoke with Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She said the reason why weighted blankets tend to work is quite primal. "It really hearkens back to the way we entered the world," said Robbins. "You were in a womb, compressed on all sides by water and fluid, and so there was a sense of pressure. We try to emulate that with infants by swaddling them. We might look at weighted blankets as the adult version of swaddling or emulating those circumstances where we feel at ease."

I tested 12 of the most popular weighted blankets on the market to determine the best ones you can buy. I evaluated them for how well I slept while using them, the quality of materials and construction, how easy they were to wash and care for, and how comfy they were.

The best weighted blankets in 2021

• Best weighted comforter: Brooklinen Weighted Comforter
• Best extra-heavy weighted blanket: Gravity 35-Pound Blanket
• Best cooling weighted blanket: BlanQuil Chill
• Best weighted throw blanket: Bearaby Napper
• Best budget weighted blanket: Luna Weighted Blanket
• Best king-size weighted blanket: HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket

Best weighted comforter

Jen Gushue/Insider

Brooklinen's Weighted Comforter has a premium plush design that blends seamlessly with the rest of your bedding.

• Available sizes: Twin/twin XL (64" x 90"), full/queen (90" x 90"), king/Cali king (106" x 90")
• Available weights: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 30 lbs.
• Available colors: White
• Materials: 400 thread-count cotton sateen shell, polyfill interior, glass micro-beads
• Care instructions: Dry clean only, spot clean with soap and warm water, and dry with hairdryer

Pros: Looks just like a normal comforter, lots of plush fill, made of 400-thread-count cotton sateen, has duvet cover loops, accepts returns in any condition within one year of purchase

Cons: Dry clean only, duvet cover sold separately, difficult to adjust while using it

If you don't want to sleep under a stack of blankets or compromise your bedroom's look, you'll want a weighted comforter, and Brooklinen makes the best one I tried. It looks and feels like a traditional plush comforter but with an extra 20 pounds of weight integrated with small glass beads. The blanket itself is made of 400-thread-count cotton sateen, so it's soft enough to throw on your bed without a duvet cover.

That being said, we recommend adding one — corner loops make it easy to tie on — because the blanket is dry-clean only, which could run you anywhere from $20 to $50.

I found that the 20-pound comforter I tested weighed closer to 24 pounds, but the extra weight didn't make too much of a difference once I laid it out on the bed. Sleeping under it was pretty dreamy (excuse the pun). I felt enveloped by the cushy fill but not too overwhelmed or overheated. It was somewhat difficult to adjust while lying under it due to the weight and size, but I found this typical for just about every comforter-sized weighted blanket I tested.

Though pricey, this comfortable weighted blanket is worth the investment, especially because it will entirely replace your comforter. If you find it's not right for you, Brooklinen has an incredibly lenient return policy, accepting returns for any reason in any condition within 365 days of your purchase.

Best extra-heavy weighted blanket

Jen Gushue/Insider

Gravity's 35-pound weighted blanket evenly distributes weight across your king-size bed and is perfect for those who are looking for some extra heft.

• Available sizes: Queen/king (90" x 90")
• Available weights: 35 lbs.
• Available colors: White, navy, gray
• Materials: Micro-fleece removable cover, glass beads
• Care instructions: Removable cover is machine wash cold and tumble dry low, inner blanket is hand wash and air dry only

Pros: Great for those who need a heavier blanket, weight is evenly distributed, no beanbag feel, the cover is machine washable, low profile blanket

Cons: Queen/king size only comes in 35 pounds, the cover should be washed before use, too heavy to adjust in the middle of the night, the inner blanket is hand-wash only, customers are responsible for return fees

When I first received the Gravity 35-pound blanket, I thought it would feel way too heavy, but I found it pretty manageable. It did tend to slide down the bed as I was sleeping, and I'd often wake up about a foot lower than usual because I was chasing the blanket around through the night. It was simply too heavy to pull up or adjust while laying under it, though someone stronger than me will likely not have this issue.

One issue with this blanket was that the included micro-plush duvet cover felt oddly greasy out of the package. It left a film on my hands as I tried to smooth it out over the bed. But the zip-on cover is removable and washable, and a run through the wash resolved the issue. I can't imagine hauling such a heavy blanket into and out of a washing machine, so the removable cover is a huge plus. 

The Gravity blanket is low-profile without any excess fill, so it won't add a lot of bulk to your bed. That said, it's not as plush or cozy as the Brooklinen comforter, which does also come in a 35-pound version, though it's much more expensive.

The brand also makes "single" size weighted blankets that measure 48-inches by 72-inches. I tested a 15-pound one with a cooling cover and found it performed well, but nothing made it stand out from the pack.

Best cooling weighted blanket

Jen Gushue/Insider

The BlanQuil Chill's unique cover disperses heat and stays cool to the touch as you fall asleep, but its slick fabric can cause it to slide off the bed.

• Available sizes: 48" x 74"

• Available weights: 15 lbs., 20 lbs.

• Available colors: White with blue threading

• Fill materials: Glass micro-beads

• Care instructions: Removable cover is machine wash cold and tumble dry low, inner blanket is spot clean only

Pros: Stays cool to the touch, no beanbag feel, glass beads don't shift, 60-night sleep trial

Cons: Slides off the bed easily; internal blanket is spot-clean only; only one size, one color, and two weights available

I sleep hot, and the BlanQuil Chill is the weighted blanket I have the longest relationship with. It's been on my bed for about a year and a half, and I've had two iterations of the design.

I lined up all the cooling blankets I tested for this guide and ran my hand across each one, and the BlanQuil felt noticeably cooler than all the others. Plus, it did the best job of dissipating heat and getting back to its cool baseline.

Since it's slightly bigger than a twin bed, it's not a blanket that's intended to be shared. Glass beads add weight, but there's no beanbag feeling, and I've never felt them shift in a way that causes the blanket to feel lumpy or uneven.

The zipper on the removable, washable cover of the first version of the design was weak, couldn't handle the weight of the blanket, and broke just a couple of months into its use. But BlanQuil has since reinforced the zipper, and I've yet to have a problem with it. I even stress tested it by holding the weight of the blanket against the zipper, and it held strong.

Though it's one of the best I've used, the cooling cover's material has a bit of a sheen to it, which makes it slick so it slides off the bed easily — especially if you toss and turn at night. As soon as it gets off-center, the blanket's weight will cause it to slide.

Best weighted throw blanket

Jen Gushue/Insider

The cocoon-like, knit-woven Bearaby Cotton Napper keeps you cozy yet cool as you lounge on the couch, it's entirely machine washable, and it's one of the heftiest blankets we tested.

• Available sizes: 40" x 72", 45" x 72", 48" x 72"
• Available weights: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs.
• Available colors: Eight colors currently available
• Materials: Organic long-staple cotton
• Care instructions: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle, tumble dry low

Pros: Aesthetic design, has significant heft, made from organic cotton, washable and dryable, 30-day return policy if blanket remains unwashed, most versatile weighted blanket I tested

Cons: Doesn't fit in compact washing machines, takes multiple cycles to dry, open weave may catch toes and fingers, heavier than advertised (though this may be a pro, depending on your preference)

The weight of the Bearaby Napper comes entirely from the dense organic cotton strands hand-knit into one of the most aesthetically minded weighted blankets I've ever seen.

This is a really heavy blanket — the blanket I tested, which was advertised as the 15-pound version, actually tipped the scales at 24 pounds. I contacted the company to verify that they sent me the right item, and they assured me they did. 

It's not necessarily bad that they're heavier than advertised, but it's something to keep in mind when you order.

A blanket this heavy — and bulky — can be tough to shift around, and if it's going to live on your couch, it will take up quite a bit of space. I've shifted it to my bed. It drapes nicely over my partner and me, but the open weave makes it prone to stretching if you need to pull it up in the night. It hasn't become misshapen in any significant way, thankfully.

It's not quite a cooling blanket — Bearaby does offer one called the Tree Napper that I haven't tested — but it doesn't trap heat thanks to the open weave. The holes are quite large, though, so if you are bothered by some toes or fingers poking through, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Napper is fully machine washable and can go in the dryer on a delicate setting. I wanted to see how the blanket washed and dried as part of my test, but it didn't fit in my space-saving apartment-sized washing machine.

Best budget weighted blanket

Jen Gushue/Insider

Weighted blankets are typically expensive, but the Luna Weighted Blanket is gentle on your wallet despite being constructed from Oeko-Tex-certified cotton and filled with natural glass beads.

• Available sizes: 36" x 48", 41" x 60", 48" x 72", 60" x 80", 80" x 87"
• Available weights: 5 lbs., 7 lbs., 10 lbs., 12 lbs., 15 lbs., 17 lbs., 20 lbs., 22 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs.
• Available colors: 11 solid colors and 14 patterns currently available
• Materials: Cotton shell, glass beads
• Care instructions: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle, hang dry or tumble dry low

Pros: Excellent quality at a low price; comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and weights; fully machine washable; Oeko-Tex Certified construction; true to weight

Cons: Thinner blanket than some others on our list

Weighted blankets tend to be very expensive, but Luna offers an excellent weighted blanket at an affordable price.

I tested the 15-pound queen-size blanket, and the glass beads inside were barely noticeable, producing no beanbag effect. Where many other cheap weighted blankets are loaded with chemicals, the Luna Weighted Blanket is Oeko-Tex Certified, meaning it contains no harmful materials.

The blanket is much thinner than some of the others I tested, but it stayed breathable and was light enough to easily adjust in the middle of the night. It wasn't quite as cozy as some others, but it's a great option to layer with your usual comforter or use during the warmer months.

As I've continued to test these blankets, the Luna has become a bit of a travel-sized weighted blanket for me. I wouldn't recommend taking it on an airplane — it's a bit bulky for that — but the Luna is thin enough to fold into a car trunk-friendly size. 

The blanket was a true 15 pounds according to my scale, but that weight was dispersed over a queen-size surface area, making it feel lighter. 

It's also one of the easiest blankets to clean that I tested. The entire thing fits into my compact washer-dryer and was fully dry within one cycle — and it got softer after just one wash.

Best king-size weighted blanket

James Brains/Insider

The HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket is large enough for couples, breathes well to keep you from overheating, and can go in the washer and dryer.

• Available sizes: 60" x 80", 80" x 86", 88" x 104"
• Available weights: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs., 35 lbs., 40 lbs., 50 lbs.
• Available colors: White, dark grey, cool mint, burgundy, grey
• Materials: Cotton shell, glass beads
• Care instructions: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle, hang dry or tumble dry low

Pros: Breathable organic cotton shell, glass beads sewn into 5-by-5-inch pockets for even weight distribution, machine washable and dryable, the king size is large enough for couples, weight options up to 50 lbs.

Cons: The blanket started to leak beads after 18 months of use, hard to track down customer support

As a big guy, one of the problems I run into with weighted blankets is that they aren't large enough to cover my whole body. Even queen-size blankets tend to be too small to reach my giant feet. This was not a problem with the HomeSmart Products King Size Weighted Blanket.

At 88 inches by 104 inches and with weight options up to 50 pounds, it's the ideal blanket for couples who want to enjoy the comfort of a weighted blanket without sacrificing intimacy.

The HomeSmart blanket features micro glass beads sewn into the 400-thread count organic cotton shell with 5-by-5-inch pockets to keep the weight evenly distributed. The blanket is machine washable and dryable, which is a must for me since I don't use duvet covers. I've washed the blanket several times over the last two-and-a-half years and have found it's an effortless endeavor. If you want to add a duvet cover, the blanket has 10 loops for tying one on.

I tested the 15-pound and 25-pound comforters and enjoyed both, though the 25-pounder was almost too restrictive for me. I prefer the 15-pounder, and it's what I sleep under when I'm not testing other models. Thanks to its breathability, it's a great year-round blanket. Even in the summer, overheating has never been an issue.

The HomeSmart Weighted Blanket isn't without its flaws. The 25-pound blanket started to leak beads after 18 months of use. This was likely due to one of our pets working a hole into it. I tried to reach customer service but couldn't get a hold of anyone.

-James Brains, reporter

What else we tested The Gravity Cooling, Helix, and Brooklyn Bedding weighted blankets were among the others we tested.

Jen Gushue/Alyssa Powell/Insider

What we recommend and why 

Baloo Cool Cotton Weighted Blanket: The Baloo weighted blanket struck a great balance between comfort and cost. Its construction and quality felt similar enough to the Luna that we'd rather recommend the one that's even more affordable.

Gravity Cooling Blanket: The blanket itself is well-built and high-quality, but the cooling cover did little to actually cool me off as I slept. It just felt like any other weighted blanket and didn't do much to distinguish itself from the other blankets I tried.

Brooklyn Bedding Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket: This blanket is dual-sided — with a silky cooling side and a minky textured side. The silky side stayed cool to the touch, and the bumps on the minky side provided a nice sensory option. It didn't feel beanbaggy, and the weight was evenly distributed. But it was only available in one size, two weights, and one dark gray color that severely limited how many home decor scenarios it would work within.

What we don't recommend and why

Yaasa Weighted Blanket: This is a knit-style blanket similar to the Bearaby Napper, but Yaasa's weave was much tighter and allowed for less airflow. The material also felt spongier and less cozy than the Napper's. The Yaasa blanket was also dry clean only.

Helix Weighted Blanket: This blanket is dual-sided with a white sherpa fleece side and a gray minky fleece side. I found the sherpa side especially cozy, and so did my cat. But it had one of the worst beanbag effects of any of the blankets I tried, and there is only one size and color option available, though it did come in three weights. If this blanket suits your style, it's a decent buy for an affordable price.

YnM Weighted Blanket: This is an Amazon bestseller in weighted blankets, so we wanted to put it to the test. It's a perfectly serviceable budget blanket, but the glass beads created a sort of beanbag effect that the Luna did not. Plus, the Luna is even cheaper and made of Oeko-Tex certified cotton, which isn't found with the YnM.

Our testing methodology

There are several factors I took into consideration while assessing weighted blankets. Aside from the general coziness and comfort provided by each blanket, I also assessed things like quality of material, value, weight options, and aesthetics. For example, a blanket that came in more color and weight options beat out a blanket of equal quality that came in fewer options. I also considered return policies, sleep trials, and how easy these blankets were to clean.

The following are three tests I ran each blanket through to assess general user experience:

Sleep test: I slept with each weighted blanket on my bed for at least three consecutive nights. I noted how well I slept overall and how the blanket regulated my sleep temperature. I also paid attention to how well the blanket stayed in place as I slept and how easy it was to adjust while lying under it. Part of this test also included making the bed every day (hauling a weighted blanket is harder than it looks).

Wash test: I washed every weighted blanket or cover that was machine washable at least once to ensure they held up well in the wash and didn't shrink, shed, or otherwise show signs of wear. I noted if the added weight made them more difficult to haul into and out of the washing machine. I also discovered that one of the machine-washable blankets was so bulky it didn't fit into my washing machine. For those blankets that weren't machine-washable, I noted the care instructions and factored that into the cons of the blanket as I assessed them.

Weight test: I wanted to ensure each blanket was actually the advertised weight. To get an accurate reading, I weighed myself and then weighed myself again while holding each blanket, noting any discrepancies in the advertised weight versus the actual weight.

What we're testing next

Bearaby Sleeper: This is the only weighted blanket I've discovered designed specifically for couples. While there's little data available to determine the best weight for a couple to share, Bearaby has eliminated some of that guesswork by weighting the two halves of the blanket differently, allowing you to choose the right weight for each person. This is especially useful if you and your partner are drastically different sizes and would benefit from different blanket weights. The two halves can unzip from each other and become two distinct blankets. Right now, they are sold out, but Bearaby has assured us that they'll be restocking soon, and we hope to test it once they do.

Luxome Luxury Weighted Blanket: The Luxome weighted blanket comes with a reversible cover with a plush minky fabric on one side and a cooling bamboo fabric on the other. This allows you to customize your blanket with the seasons. I'm curious to see if this versatility makes a difference in how the blanket affects my body temperature. It's also a nice mid-range option in terms of price, and I'm hoping to add more affordable options to this guide.

Slumber Cloud Weighted Blanket: In my ongoing quest to find a cooling weighted blanket that stays put throughout the night, I'm looking forward to testing the Slumber Cloud. It's made using thermoregulation technology developed by NASA to keep astronauts comfortable in their spacesuits. The Outlast technology uses small beads that absorb body heat when you get too hot and release it back to you when you get too cold. I'm fascinated by this concept, and I'm excited to see if it works.

Weighted blanket FAQs What weight should a weighted blanket be?

It's recommended that you select a blanket that's roughly 10% of your body weight. But Robbins adds that there are no clinically established guideposts for choosing a blanket weight. "It's hard for the one size fits all approach because we're all just so unique and have different physiologies," she says.

This is especially true when blankets come in different sizes. A 15-pound throw blanket is going to feel much heavier than a 15-pound comforter since a larger blanket distributes its weight over a larger surface area. Robbins suggests trying out weighted blankets before purchasing them. If you can't test weighted blankets in a store, look for brands that offer sleep trials or have buyer-friendly return policies like many of our top picks.

What if I'm sharing the weighted blanket with a partner?

If you're sharing a weighted blanket with a partner, you'll likely want something a bit heavier, mostly because larger blankets feel lighter than smaller ones. A blog from Layla Sleep advises purchasing a blanket that's roughly 7.5% of the couple's combined weight.

I reached out to the brand to determine how they established this number, and a representative responded, "Most suggestions in terms of weight are based on anecdotal evidence. We also factor in the customer satisfaction data that we have when making suggestions, but ultimately the weight that's right for any one person will depend heavily on personal preference."

It's important to note that this parameter hasn't been established in any clinical trial or scientific study, so take it with a grain of salt. As long as you're comfortable and can move freely under the blanket, you should choose the weight that works best for you.

What size weighted blanket should I get?

If you're sharing a blanket with a partner with a similar body weight, you'll want a weighted blanket that covers your entire bed. Many brands, including almost all of our top picks, offer blankets in multiple sizes to fit standard twin, full, queen, and king beds.

Some weighted blankets in these sizes are a bit smaller than typical comforters so the weighted blanket doesn't hang off the side of your bed too much. Excess fabric hanging off the side can pull the weighted blanket off-center as you shift around in the night.

If you and your partner are very different weights, consider opting for two smaller separate blankets in a throw or twin size. This way, you can each get the weight that's most comfortable for you. Plus, you'll have the added benefit of not having to worry about blanket theft in the middle of the night.

How do I choose a weighted blanket?

In addition to weight and size considerations (see above), you'll also want to consider how easy the blanket is to clean and what type of fill it uses. A duvet cover will be easier to wash than a weighted blanket, but with a cover, you have to deal with the hassle of removing it and putting it back on. Even with ties to keep it in place, the blanket may still bunch up inside the cover.

Weighted blankets rely on glass beads, plastic pellets, or, less commonly, steel shot beads. What you prefer is a matter of personal preference. Comforters with plastic pellets tend to be cheaper, but it's a less eco-friendly material.

How often should I wash my weighted blanket?

Brian Sansoni, Senior Vice President at The American Cleaning Institute, recommends you treat your weighted blanket like any comforter, washing it once or twice a year, provided it's covered by a duvet cover that you're washing monthly. If it doesn't have a removable cover, the entire blanket should be washed roughly once a month.

Are weighted blankets good for anxiety?

In theory, the answer is yes. However, there are no randomized clinical trials that can speak to the efficacy of weighted blankets in the treatment of anxiety. This is because it would be obvious once participants curl up under one of the blankets that they're either in the control group or the weighted blanket group. 

The theory is that weighted blankets help reduce some anxiety symptoms, like quickened breathing or heart rate, by putting your autonomic nervous system at ease. 

Anecdotally, my wife and I have both been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. We've found lounging with a weighted blanket helps us unwind.

The bottom line is weighted blankets may help with anxiety, but there isn't any hard science to back it up.

 

Check out our other sleep and bedding guides

Lauren Savoie/Insider

• 7 weighted blankets for kids that may help with sleep, anxiety, and sensory issues
• The best pillows
• The best mattresses
• The best sheets
• The best duvet covers
• The best comforters

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Kohl's; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider

• Black Friday arrives on November 26. We'll update this post as Kohl's deals become available.
• In past years, Kohl's offered Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on vacuums, kitchenware, video games, smart speakers, and more.
• We'll also track Black Friday deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, The Home Depot, Nordstrom, and more stores.

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

Last year, Kohl's Black Friday sale ran from November 22 through November 27, and we expect to see deals similarly start early this year. If you frequently shop at Kohl's and are part of the rewards program, this store should be your

first Black Friday stop. Last year, shoppers could use their Kohl's cash to save even more on deals, as well as accumulate additional rewards.

Kohl's Black Friday deals often include lots of tech, vacuums, small appliances, toys, and more. The discounts are usually just as good as other big-box retailers, which comes in handy if stock runs out at other stores.

The best early Black Friday deals from Kohl's

There aren't currently active Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals from Kohl's, but we'll update this post as soon as we have that information.

When does Kohl's Black Friday sale start?

Black Friday 2021 is November 26 and Cyber Monday is November 29, but many retailers start their sales earlier. We expect Kohl's to start running deals about a week before Black Friday.

What should I buy from Kohl's on Black Friday?

Last year, Kohls had great deals on smart speakers, fitness trackers, kitchen appliances, and even an Xbox bundle. This year, expect to find similar deals on vacuums, cookware, pajamas, air fryers, and more.

How do we select the best deals at Kohl's?

• The products we choose must meet our coverage standards and come from brands we've tested and trust.
• We compare the prices against Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other retailers. The deals we include are the same or better (not including promotional discounts from using certain credit cards).
• We consider products' price histories to evaluate how significant the savings are.

You can read more about how we vet deals at Insider Reviews here.

Should I enroll in Kohl's Rewards?

Kohl's Rewards replaced Yes2You Rewards last year. The free program gives members 5% Kohl's Cash every day (not just during promotional events) on all purchases, as well as additional rewards, like a birthday gift.

Any Kohl's Cash received through the rewards program will be available on the first day of the following month and must be used within 30 days. So, if you earn a lot on Black Friday, it should be available on December 1. If you think you'll be shopping at Kohl's again before Christmas, it might be worthwhile to take advantage of the extra Kohl's Cash savings.

What is Kohl's cash?

Even if you're not a Kohl's Rewards member, you'll still get $10 of Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend during promotional periods. You can then use that Kohl's Cash like a coupon on future purchases.

If you make purchases in-store, you'll receive a coupon for your Kohl's Cash. If you buy online, Kohl's will send an email with your Kohl's Cash. Pay attention to expiration dates, because Kohl's Cash doesn't last forever. Also, keep in mind that there's a limit to how much Kohl's Cash you can earn: $1,500 on a single purchase.

Can I order online and pick up in a Kohl's store?

Kohl's stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2021. Due to the pandemic, Kohl's will continue offering curbside pickup in 2021. Many products are available for purchase online, and you can have it delivered to your car two hours later.

How does Kohl's compare to other stores on Black Friday?

Like Best Buy, Kohl's will likely have lots of tech deals. The retailer also sells cookware, vacuums, clothes, toys, and home goods that will also be on sale, similar to Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Often, these stores will all offer very similar deals on the same products, so if you have your eye on something that goes out of stock, you may still find it at a competitor.

Kohl's does sometimes win out over other stores' deals because of Kohl's Cash, but that's really only a draw if you plan on shopping there again before the end of 2021.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

• Coinbase wants a special regulator to oversee cryptocurrency markets.
• The biggest crypto exchange in the US proposed the idea in a regulatory framework released on Thursday.
• Coinbase argued that it shouldn't be regulated by the SEC or CFTC, but instead a single designated entity.

Coinbase has suggested Congress create a special regulator just for cryptocurrency markets, according to a new proposal.

"To avoid fragmented and inconsistent regulatory oversight of these unique and concurrent innovations, responsibility over digital asset markets should be assigned to a single federal regulator," Coinbase said in its "Digital Asset Policy Proposal: Safeguarding America's Financial Leadership" released Wednesday.

Coinbase - the cryptocurrency exchange that went public in August - said a single federal regulator should be in charge of oversight. That would mean jurisdiction would rest outside entities like the SEC or CFTC. In addition, the company wants Congress to create a self-regulatory organization in order to "strengthen the oversight regime."

The two would create rules dealing with a range of crypto topics such as digital asset trading, transfer, custody, clearing, settlement, money payment, staking, borrowing and lending, and related incidental services, the company said in its policy proposal.

"This two-tier regulatory structure will ensure efficient and streamlined regulation and oversight, and evolve elements of the existing frameworks to meet the requirements of our new technologically-driven financial system," Coinbase said.

The policy proposal comes as the government has struggled with how to approach a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. And some big investors have stayed away from the asset class as they await more clarity from the government.

"Regulatory certainty in the United States is urgently needed to maintain our leadership in responsible financial innovation," Michael Piwowar, executive director of the Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets and former Commissioner and acting chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said in an email.

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