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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

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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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Amazon; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider

• A great cookbook makes a thoughtful and sentimental gift that evokes past travels, memories, and shared meals.
• Here are some of our favorite cookbooks this year, including "The Korean Vegan," "New World Sourdough," and "Xi'an Famous Foods."
• Still looking for a gift? Check out our list of the All-Time Best products we've ever tested.

To me, there's no better gift to give or receive than a great cookbook. A cookbook with beautiful photos, thoughtful narratives, and foolproof recipes can feed the imagination, transport your giftee to another city or country, and inspire them to get creative in the kitchen. There are cookbooks out there to suit every type of cook, whether novice or expert, and feed all interests - from TV show cookbooks to comprehensive tomes on the science of cooking.

Every year, hundreds of new cookbooks make their way onto bookstore shelves. Here are our favorite cookbooks, new and old, to gift this year.

Here are 32 of the best cookbooks gifts for every type of cook: For the locavore

Amazon

"New Native Kitchen" by Freddie Bitsoie and James O. Fraioli, available for pre-order at Amazon, $40  

Before other cultures and their cuisines came to North America, indigenous people were cooking meals with accessible ingredients. In the "New Native Kitchen," to be released in November of 2021, Freddie Bitsoie and James O. Fraioli explore American Indian recipes from coast to coast, like Chocolate Bison Chili and Prickly Pear Sweet Pork Chops. Bitsoie was the executive chef of Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and is a member of the Navajo nation, and Chef James O. Fraioli is a James Beard Award winner.

For the the vegan

Amazon

"The Korean Vegan Cookbook" by Joanne Lee Molinaro, available on Amazon, $24.77

Becoming vegan was a big change for Joanne Lee Molinaro, having grown up with meat-based Korean food. However, it didn't stop her from collecting recipes and recreating the dishes that were so connected to her family history. For Molinaro, the stories of her family's immigration from North Korea to the United States are just as important as the recipes. Molinaro recreates childhood memories, like Jjajangmyeon, Korean-Chinese black bean noodles, and writes new recipes, like the Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake, in honor of the foods that saved her mother's life. 

 

For the no-fuss foodie

Amazon

"Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave)" by David Chang and Priya Krishna, available for pre-order at Amazon, $25

You won't find frozen vegetables in Momfuko, but that doesn't mean David Chang has anything against them. In this new book, available on October 26, Chang and co-author, Priya Krishna, explain how they use fine dining principles to make fast, easy, and unpretentious meals at home. For the home cook, it seems like the professional chef can take any ingredients and produce a full, delicious meal. In "Cooking at Home," Chang and Krishna teach you how to do just that. 

 

 

For the traveler interested in culture and cuisine

Amazon

"Cook Real Hawai'i" by Sheldon Simeon, available at Amazon, $24.95

A finalist in two different seasons of "Top Chef," Sheldon Simeon co-authored a cookbook with Garrett Snyder, transporting readers to the tropical islands of Hawaii. The book dives into stories of Simeon's family, as well as the state's history and cultural traditions. With 100 recipes throughout the book, this personalized guide to Hawaiian cooking has something for beginners and advanced cooks.

For the friend who cooks with the seasons

Amazon

"My Shanghai" by Betty Liu, available on Amazon, $31.79

This debut cookbook from Betty Liu (who somehow found the time to author it amid her general surgery residency) is an homage to seasonal cooking and her family's roots in the Chinese regions of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. I picked up this cookbook up in my local bookstore and couldn't put it down (and ended up bringing it home with me). The chapters are organized by season and explain the influence the weather, holidays, and traditions have on the recipes prepared throughout the year. I love the stories Liu relates about the inspirations behind her recipes, like climbing a mountain to eat Double-Mushroom Noodle Soup at a temple, foraging spring bamboo shoots for Oil-Braised Spring Bamboo, and the bowls of breakfast noodles her father would make her before test days. I've already made the Shanghai Stir-Fried Rice Cakes four or five times, and I can't wait to dive into more of the recipes as the seasons progress. 

For the cook who wants to master their grill

Amazon

"Rodney Scott's World of Barbecue" by Rodney Scott and Lolis Eric Elie, available on Amazon, $17.77

My best friend (and fellow cookbook collector) recently texted me raving about this cookbook and the genius of Rodney Scott's Loaded Pork Skin "Nachos," Pit-Smoked Turkey, and whole-hog approach to Carolina barbecue. Scott's positivity and passion shine throughout the book, and you'll learn lots about southern foodways and the history of Carolina barbecue along the way.  

For the parent planning their next trip

Amazon

"Dishoom" by Shamil Thakrar, available on Amazon, $17.29

Whether it's London or Bombay that is your giftee's next destination, "Dishoom" is required reading before they jet off. The popular Dishoom restaurants in London are inspired by the Irani cafes of Bombay and serve "tipples," snacks, and mains like Mango Kulfi, Pav Bhaji, and Roomali Roti. In "Dishoom," you'll learn to cook the restaurant's entire menu, and be taken on a tour of Bombay's cafes (complete with a map) along the way. 

For the coworker who has *opinions* on babka

Amazon

"Jew-ish" by Jake Cohen, available at Amazon, $15.79

At Insider Reviews we have lots of opinions, especially about food, and a recent debate centered around the merits of cinnamon versus chocolate fillings for babka. I like Jake Cohen's philosophy in "Jew-ish," which is that babka is delicious no matter what you fill it with. "Jew-ish" is a thoughtful collection of recipes centered around Cohen's Ashkenazi heritage, his own self-discovery in the kitchen, and the Persian-Iraqi traditions of his husband. Cohen celebrates the origins of Jewish dishes, while also putting his own twist on the classics. You'll see this in action in his recipes for Cacio e Pepe Rugelach, Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies, and yes, You Can Go Your Own Way: Babka Edition.

For the family member intimidated by their new Instant Pot

Amazon

"The Step-by-Step Instant Pot Cookbook" by Jeffrey Eisner, available at Amazon, $10.78

Insider Reviews reporter, James Brains, is currently testing Instant Pots and other multicookers for an update to our guide to the best electric pressure cookers. He's been using recipes from this cookbook and reports that they're easy to follow, have plenty of photos, and are delicious to boot. The book features more than 750 photos detailing step-by-step how to make the 100+ recipes, and makes a great gift for anyone who is curious about Instant Pots but hasn't taken the plunge yet.

For the history buff

Amazon

"Jubilee" by Toni Tipton-Martin, available on Amazon, $20.07

Toni Tipton-Martin's personal collection of African-American cookbooks spans more than 400 titles and her knowledge of American food history is on full display in "Jubilee." Through recipes and stories, she relates the history of Black folks who shaped American cuisine into what it is today, from those who cooked under the confines of brutal enslavement to the chefs who ran White House kitchens. "Jubilee" is a masterful work of American history, as told through food.

For the person who loves pie but fears making it

Amazon

"Pie Academy" by Ken Haedrich, available on Amazon, $17.99

A compendium of 255 pie recipes, "Pie Academy" is likely the last pie cookbook you'll ever need. It has nearly a dozen recipes for different types of pie crust, a troubleshooting section for when things don't go as expected, and chapters organized by seasonality and filling type. It's guaranteed to be a hit with the pie lover in your life, especially one who is interested in making pies but has always found them a bit daunting. 

For the home cook that also loves to read

Amazon

"Black, White, and The Grey" by Mashama Bailey and John O. Morisano, available on Amazon, $15.69

While not a cookbook, "Black, White, and The Grey," tells the story of one of the most celebrated restaurants in America: The Grey in Savannah, Georgia. Mashama Bailey, who is Black, and John O. Morisano, who is white, relate the story of how they turned a dilapidated formerly segregated Greyhound bus station into an award-winning restaurant. The dual memoir touches on race, community, and friendship, with some delicious food anecdotes along the way.

For the friend who wants to master the essentials

Amazon

"My Korea" by Hooni Kim, available on Amazon, $21.99

Michelin-starred chef Hooni Kim's debut cookbook is a crash course in the essentials of Korean cuisine. The book's tagline is "traditional flavors, modern recipes," and that is an accurate summation of what you can expect to find in this cookbook — from Dolsot Bibimbap to Budae Jjigae to Hanjan's Spicy Rice Cakes. When I first laid my hands on this cookbook, I wanted to make (and eat) every single recipe. If you're looking for some solid foundation recipes, "My Korea" delivers.

For the friend who knows all the words to "Lady Marmalade"

Simon and Schuster

"LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About" by Patti LaBelle, available at Amazon, $20.99

Patti LaBelle is not only the Godmother of Soul and a musical icon, but she is also a New York Times bestselling author for her cookbooks. Her newest cookbook, "Labelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About," has recipes centered around LaBelle's family's Southern roots. With comfort-food favorites like potato salad and peach cobbler, she showcases a variety of her recipes that are full of personal touches. 

For the person with quarantine cooking fatigue

Amazon

"Indian-ish" by Priya Krishna, available on Amazon, $18.29

In her debut cookbook, Priya Krishna (contributor to Bon Appetit, New York Times, and others) offers up beloved favorite recipes from her Indian-American family, including Tomato Rice with Crispy Cheddar, Malaysian Ramen, and what her dad calls Indian Gatorade (Shikanji). The recipes are largely vegetarian, creative, fun, comforting, and guaranteed to inspire anyone who feels stuck in a rut with their cooking in 2021. 

For the cook always on the go

Amazon

'The Full Plate" by Ayesha Curry, available on Amazon, $15

Ayesha Curry and her husband, basketball star Stephen Curry, have three children and busy schedules. She created her newest cookbook with her energetic household in mind, and it features 100 recipes that take under an hour to make. "The Full Plate" is perfect for anyone who wants to spend less time cooking while still ending up with delicious meals.  

For the person who can't get enough of Disney

Amazon

"The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook" by Ashley Craft, available on Amazon, $11.99

Technically unofficial, this cookbook will transport you directly into Disneyland. You can replicate a variety of food found in Disney theme parks. It features 100 recipes of iconic Disneyland treats and snacks, including the famous Dole whip, beignets, and more. 

For the person who spent 2020 mastering sourdough

Amazon

"New World Sourdough" by Bryan Ford, available on Amazon, $14.77

This was the year of the sourdough starter, and few people are as well-versed in fermented breads as Bryan Ford, blogger and baker. We're not just talking about your classic sourdough boule; Ford is well-known for demonstrating the breadth of what you can do with a sourdough starter: from Sourdough Pan de Coco to Sourdough Discard Battered Fried Chicken.

For the cousin who's just learning to cook

Amazon

"Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat" by Samin Nosrat, available on Amazon, $16.67

In this beautifully illustrated cookbook, chef and New York Times columnist Samin Nosrat outlines the foundations of cooking, from when to salt your chicken to how to make the perfect focaccia. All the information is presented in a fun, engaging way alongside original illustrations you'll want to frame and hang in your kitchen.

For your family member who loves "Emily in Paris"

Amazon

"La Buvette" by Camille Fourmont and Kate Leahy, available on Amazon, $14.25

"La Buvette" is part cookbook, part guide to French living. Interspersed with recipes from the cookbook's namesake cafe are beautiful pictures of Paris, tips about shopping in France's vintage markets, and instructions on how to dry flowers. The cookbook is a lovely escape into Parisian living, perfect for any Francophile dreaming of a visit to the City of Lights. 

For your friend who knows all the best restaurants

Amazon

"Xi'an Famous Foods" by Jason Wang, available on Amazon, $22.51

Xi'an Famous Foods started as a small family-owned market stall in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens. Its hand-pulled cumin lamb noodles have become so loved that there are now 14 locations all around New York City. In this cookbook, the son of the family and CEO of the business Jason Wang divulges some of the recipes that made his family business famous, as well as other classic dishes from Xi'an in western China.

For the fan of the 'Great British Baking Show'

Amazon

"Baking with Kim-Joy" by Kim-Joy, available on Amazon, $14.89

Contestants of the Great British Baking Show have come out with several cookbooks, including series nine runner-up Kim-Joy. She is best known for her adorable and creative bakes, like her giant chocolate planet filled with "space turtles," or her "Silke the vegetarian mermaid" pie. Kim-Joy brings the same color and fun to her bakes in her debut cookbook, which includes Pigfiteroles in Mud, Tazhong Cat Buns, and a version of her Space Turtle Cake. 

For the person experimenting with a plant-based lifestyle this year

Amazon

"Vegetable Kingdom" by Bryant Terry, available on Amazon, $17.39

James Beard Award-winning chef and food activist Bryant Terry offers 150 vegan recipes in his most recent cookbook. Instead of trying to imitate meaty dishes, Terry's book celebrates the vegetable and all its parts: skin, husk, flowers, roots, and all. You'll find recipes for Pea Shoot and Peanut Salad, Grilled Spring Onions with Lemon-Thyme Oil, Cornmeal-Fried Oyster Mushroom Po'Boys, and more. A special hallmark of Terry's books is that they often contain a playlist to listen to while you're cooking, and "Vegetable Kingdom" is no different, featuring recommended tracks by Duke Ellington, Santana, Björk, and more.

For the friend who likes to Instagram all their food

Amazon

"Ottolenghi Flavor" by Yotam Ottolenghi, available on Amazon, $23.39

Yotam Ottolenghi is owner and chef of some of London's most beloved cafes and restaurants. His recipes are some of the most colorful and beautiful out there, and his latest cookbook is no exception. "Flavor" is filled with mostly vegetarian recipes that not only pack a punch visually but flavor-wise, too. Ottolenghi and his co-authors expound the building blocks of flavor in three sections: process, pairing, and produce. The result is more than 100 'gram-worthy recipes from Spicy Mushroom Lasagna to Iceberg Wedges with Smoky Eggplant Cream.

For the hummus lover

Amazon

"Falastin" by Sami Tamimi, available on Amazon, $31.50

Longtime Ottolenghi collaborator (and co-author of "Jerusalem," another of our cookbook picks), Sam Tamimi, crafted his latest cookbook as an homage to Palestinian food. The book is rich in recipes, from multiple variations of shakshuka and hummus, to verdant salads, and colorful dips. Along the way, Tamimi tells the culinary history of Palestinian food — from the home cooks feeding their neighbors in refugee camps to the restaurateurs cooking for tourists in Bethlehem.

For the person who recently moved

Amazon

"Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from An Unlikely Life on a Farm" by Molly Yeh, available on Amazon, $24.25

Molly Yeh is the star of Food Network's "Girl Meets Farm" and winner of the Judges' Choice IACP Cookbook Award. "Molly on the Range" explores home, family, her Jewish and Chinese heritage, and Yeh's Midwestern farm life. You'll find recipes for Sufganiyot, Chicken Potstickers, Challah Waffles, and more.

For the pint-sized cook in your life

Amazon

"The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs" by America's Test Kitchen, available on Amazon, $11.49

I worked for America's Test Kitchen (ATK) for seven years and was privy to the care its team puts into each and every one of its cookbooks. ATK's series of cookbooks for kids is the epitome of that detail and care; every one of the recipes in this volume was tested by pro chefs and kid cooks. The recipes are specifically designed with kids in mind, outlining when to get an adult for help with handling hot ingredients or sharp tools. This is the book I wish was available to me when I was a child, and I've gifted it and the kid's baking book to every kid I know. I love getting reports from their parents about a new recipe they cooked or discovered.

For the person always posting pictures of their cheese board

Amazon

"Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion" by Shelley Westerhausen, available on Amazon, $15.38

In her best-selling cookbook, author and food blogger Shelley Westerhausen shares 40 casual yet chic spreads (complete with meat and drink pairings) that anyone can make and enjoy. It's also a visual cornucopia that's just as satisfying to flip through as to use when hosting get-togethers when it's safe to do so. And if you're looking for a board of your own, we recommend any of these five options. 

For the self-described dessert person

Amazon

"Dessert Person" by Claire Saffitz, available on Amazon, $22.24

Claire Saffitz may be known for her wildly popular Gourmet Makes series on YouTube, but she's a pastry chef at heart and her affinity for baked goods is out in full force with her new cookbook "Dessert Person." In this cookbook, you can find creative recipes for Babkallah (a babka-Challah mashup), Apple and Concord Grape Crumble Pie, Strawberry-Cornmeal Layer Cake, and Malted Forever Brownies. It's sure to please the dessert lover in your life.

For the person who had to cancel their vacation last year

Amazon

"Pasta Grannies" by Vicky Bennison, available on Amazon, $18.99

Each episode of the "Pasta Grannies" YouTube series is an escape to a different region of Italy, where local grannies (or nonne) teach the audience to prepare and cook a regional dish — from classics like Spaghetti alla Carbonara to a pasta shape from Sardinia only three women know how to make. This cookbook takes some of the most popular videos from the series and turns them into tangible recipes you can cook at home. Between watching the video and cooking from the book, you can transport yourself to a little corner of Italy without leaving your home.

For the person homesick for their grandma's cooking

Amazon

"In Bibi's Kitchen" by Hawa Hassan, available on Amazon, $18.69

This cookbook centers around grandmothers (or bibis) from eight south and east African countries. Throughout the book, we get to know the women whose recipes are featured and learn about their personal history and the history of their country. Along the way, you'll find recipes for Eritrean Doro Wat, Tanzanian Date Bread, Kenyan Kachumbari, and more. It's the kind of cookbook that makes think about your grandmother.

For the person who lives by a cookie-a-day philosophy

Amazon

"100 Cookies" by Sarah Keiffer, available on Amazon, $20.76

A good ol' chocolate chip cookie never goes out of style, but if you have a cookie lover in your life, consider gifting them this homage to baked goods. You'll find recipes for the classics (including four different variations of chocolate chip cookies) as well cookies you've probably never had before, like Banana-Espresso-Cacao Nib cookies.

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Cryptocurrencies.

Getty

• Investors are becoming increasingly exposed to cryptocurrencies and risks associated with digital assets, said MSCI.
• At least 52 companies under coverage at MSCI ESG Research have crypto exposure.
• And 26 such companies are included in MSCI's flagship ACWI World Index.

Investors focused on environmental, social and governance matters are increasingly subject to "creeping" exposure to cryptocurrencies, according to MSCI.

The index provider said at least 52 public companies covered by MSCI ESG Research have exposure to cryptocurrencies, representing about $7.1 trillion in market capitalization, or around 6.6% of the market cap covered by the unit, according to the ESG team's podcast.

"While most cryptocurrencies are speculative investments with little evident utility, some have seen limited success as genuine currencies, and many have posted eye-popping returns," said MSCI ESG Research. "This growth has contributed both to the rise of cryptocurrency-exposed companies and efforts by established companies to gain cryptocurrency exposure."

Exposure comes from a range of companies such as pure-play crypto firm Coinbase, the exchange operator that went public in April. Other names include Facebook, which logs no revenue from digital coins but is exploring ways to monetize the system, and Nvidia, the chipmaker with a dedicated graphics-processing unit for professional cryptocurrency miners.

Crypto exposure creeps in when newly listed cryptocurrency companies are added to indexes, or when companies that investors already own - directly or through indexes - venture into activities involving bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, said MSCI.

Crypto-exposed companies include 26 constituents of the MSCI ACWI Index, the company's flagship global equity index that gauges the performance some large- and mid-cap stocks in 23 developed and 27 emerging markets. The index includes more than 2,900 constituents across 11 sectors.

Meanwhile, investors with crypto exposure may also be running counter to their ESG goals.

Environmental risks from cryptocurrencies include greenhouse-gas emissions from energy usage and electronic waste. Governance risks include boards of cryptocurrency-exposed companies needing to adapt risk-management policies to issues such as cybersecurity and anti-money laundering practices.

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Actor William Shatner (left) and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.

AP Photo/Steven Senne/Tony Gutierrez/AP

• William Shatner took a light jab at Blue Origin's Jeff Bezos in a Today Show interview on Thursday.
• The "Star Trek" actor said, "I don't want to throw Skittles - I want to look out the window."
• Bezos had thrown Skittles with Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen on his Blue Origin flight in July.

When William Shatner went up into space on Wednesday, he spent a lot of time glued to the window, gazing down at Earth.

Now, the 90-year-old "Star Trek" actor has made a light jab at someone who didn't quite do the same.

Blue Origin's first human spaceflight took place in July, launching into space CEO Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, 82-year-old aviator Wally Funk, and Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen.

During their brief stint in zero gravity during the flight, Bezos threw Skittles with Daemen, with each trying to throw the candies into the other's mouth.

Shatner referenced their game in an interview on The Today Show on Thursday, speaking about his own experience with weightlessness on the New Shepard rocket.

"You're floating," he said. "I don't want to turn somersaults, I don't want to throw Skittles - I want to look out the window."

In a video showing the four passengers of Wednesday's flight during their 11-minute trip, Shatner can be seen staring down at Earth, saying, "No description can equal this."

With the conclusion of the 11-minute trip, Shatner became the oldest person to ever reach space. After landing back on Earth, he thanked Bezos for the flight.

"What you have given me is the most profound experience," Shatner told Bezos. "I am so filled with emotion about what just happened. It's extraordinary."

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According to Goodreads, the best Kristin Hannah books include "The Nightingale," "The Great Alone," "Firefly Lane," and "The Four Winds."

Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider

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• Kristin Hannah is the bestselling author of over 20 books, most recently "The Four Winds."
• She writes romance books, historical fiction novels, and stories with magical twists.
• Goodreads members' top favorites include "The Nightingale" and "The Great Alone."

Kristin Hannah is an award-winning and bestselling author perhaps best known for "The Nightingale" and "Firefly Lane," the latter of which has become a hit Netflix show. Though Hannah primarily writes moving romances with devastating twists, her more recent works have been vivid historical fiction stories that transport readers through time.

To rank Kristin Hannah's best books, we turned to Goodreads members. With over 125 million users, Goodreads lets readers rate, review, and recommend their favorite novels. So whether you're a new Kristin Hannah reader wondering where to start, or a long-time fan looking for a new read, we've ranked the best Kristin Hannah books, according to Goodreads members.

'The Nightingale'

Amazon

"The Nightingale," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.15

With nearly 600,000 five-star ratings on Goodreads, "The Nightingale" is Kristin Hannah's most popular book. Set during World War II, this deeply moving novel focuses on two sisters living through the Nazi occupation of France. While 18-year-old Isabelle courageously risks her life to join the Resistance, Vianne is left at home to protect her daughter and herself as a German captain requisitions her home in her husband's absence.

'The Great Alone'

Amazon

"The Great Alone," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.69

When Ernt Allbright returns from the Vietnam war broken and volatile, he impulsively moves his family to the Alaskan wilderness, determined to live off the land amongst other fiercely independent locals. But as the brutal winter darkness sets in, the Allbright family discovers they are far less physically — and mentally — prepared than they thought.

'Firefly Lane'

Amazon

"Firefly Lane," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.19

In this powerful story about the magic of friendship, Tully and Kate became inseparable friends during the summer of 1974, forming a bond that would last a lifetime. As the decades pass, Tully and Kate act as buoys in each other's turbulent lives — until a devastating act of betrayal puts their bond to the ultimate test.

'The Four Winds'

Amazon

"The Four Winds," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.49

As the Great Depression continues to devastate Americans in the early 1930s, a ruthless drought tears through Texas, leaving families torn between fighting for their land and heading west for the chance of a better life. A portrait of the strength of American women, this historical fiction novel follows young Elsa Martinelli as she agonizes over her own choice during the Dust Bowl era, a particularly dark period of history.

'Winter Garden'

Amazon

"Winter Garden," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.56

"Winter Garden" is a novel that explores the intricacies of a mother-daughter bond through Meredith and Nina, two starkly different sisters who are brought home over their father's illness. With little connection besides old memories and their mother's disdain, the sisters finally learn the devastating truth of their mother's past, revealing more about their family and themselves than they ever knew.

'Night Road'

Amazon

"Night Road," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.56

Jude is a stay-at-home mom who always puts the needs of her children ahead of her own. So when former foster child, Lexi, enters her twins' lives, she welcomes her in and the three kids become inseparable. But when a terrible accident happens, everyone blames Lexi and she's forced to leave behind the closest thing to family she's ever known. Years later, Lexi returns to face Jude, the past, and the night that changed their lives forever.

'Fly Away'

Amazon

"Fly Away," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.67

"Fly Away" is the touching sequel to "Firefly Lane" and while it can be read as a standalone novel, it's recommended to read "Firefly Lane" first to truly understand the depth of heartbreak in this book. As Kate struggles against her battle with breast cancer, her best friend, Tully, promises to be there for her children in any way she can. As Tully and Kate's family reel from grief, Tully struggles to keep Kate's daughters safe and come to terms with her own past in this story about forgiveness and redemption.

'Magic Hour'

Amazon

"Magic Hour," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.26

After a sudden tragedy ruined her career as a child psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Cates returned to her hometown to quietly recover. When she meets a peculiar six-year-old girl who seems to have emerged from the nearby woods, Julia dedicates herself to saving the child — even if it means asking for help.

'Home Front'

Amazon

"Home Front," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.89

Defense attorney Michael and soldier Jolene have been married for 12 years and are already struggling through everyday life when Jolene is sent on a dangerous deployment and Michael is left caring for their daughters back home. In this story of love, loss, war, and duty, Jolene tries to quell her family's fears from the other side of the world until tragedy strikes and leaves Michael living his worst nightmare.

'True Colors'

Amazon

"True Colors," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.39

"True Colors" is a heartfelt family story that follows the Grey sisters, whose bond strengthened as they leaned on each other when their mother passed away. After a devastating event threatens to tear their sisterhood apart, the girls must fight through the tension to forgive each other in this compelling and emotional story loved for its romantic and dramatic elements.

'Between Sisters'

Amazon

"Between Sisters," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.49

When Meg was 16 and Claire was nine, a misunderstanding led the sisters to an estrangement that it seemed would last a lifetime. But as Claire's wedding day quickly approaches, Meg decides to take time off from her successful law career to help Claire and try to reignite their bond, hoping to become the family they always wanted.

'On Mystic Lake'

Amazon

"On Mystic Lake," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.19

When Annie Colwater's husband tells her that he's in love with a younger woman, she returns to her hometown to heal and is reunited with her first love, Nick Delacrox. As Nick recovers from his own loss and tries to help his daughter do the same, the three find comfort in each other — until a shocking twist forces Annie to make an impossible choice.

'Summer Island'

Amazon

"Summer Island," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.35

Ruby hasn't spoken to her famous talk show-host mother in more than a decade, resentful after Nora chose to walk out of their home, leaving her husband and daughters behind. So when a shocking scandal from Nora's past is exposed, Ruby is offered a small fortune to write a tell-all book. Returning to her family home, Ruby confronts her mother's past and her own in this exhilarating Kristin Hannah read.

'The Things We Do for Love'

Amazon

"The Things We Do for Love," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.27

Angela DeSaria Malone thought her life would unfold perfectly just as it had for her sisters and cousins: High school, college, marriage, motherhood. But when Angela and her husband divorce after she repeatedly fails to get pregnant, she moves back to her hometown and meets a teenage girl who will change her life forever.

'Angel Falls'

Amazon

"Angel Falls," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.98

"Angel Falls" is an inspirational romance novel about Liam Campbell, who sits at his wife's bedside every day despite the doctor's warning that she may never wake from her coma. When Liam discovers a painful secret from his wife's past — a previous marriage — he knows he must solicit the help of her ex-husband in the desperate hope for her recovery.

'Distant Shores'

Amazon

"Distant Shores," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99

Elizabeth and Jackson Shore appeared to live a beautiful and happy life but when their daughters leave home, the couple finds themselves slowly drifting apart. When Jack gets an amazing job opportunity, Elizabeth decides to follow him — until a horrible tragedy forces her to question everything about her life and decide who she wants to be.

'Home Again'

Amazon

"Home Again," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99

Dr. Madeline Hillyard is a famous heart surgeon whose teenage daughter feels more like a stranger to her every day: Angry, resentful, and desperate to find the father that abandoned her so many years ago. When her father, Angel DeMarco, comes back into their lives despite his devastating betrayal, it's in search of help as a patient.

'Comfort & Joy'

Amazon

"Comfort & Joy," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.36

In this holiday-themed story, Joy Candellaro is struggling to find her Christmas spirit after her divorce and spontaneously buys a ticket to the Pacific Northwest, hoping for an adventure that will reignite her enthusiasm for life. In a small town, Joy meets six-year-old Bobby who, along with his father, is struggling to celebrate the holidays after losing his mom. Together, Joy, Bobby, and Daniel help each other heal and find the courage to believe in love and family once again. 

'If You Believe'

Amazon

"If You Believe," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.27

"If You Believe" is a demonstration of the emotional intensity Kristin Hannah is able to convey in a novel. When professional fighter Mad Dog Stone answers an ad to live and help on an apple farm before his next fight, he meets Mariah Throckmorton, self-exiled and hiding from a scandalous past. Against all odds, the two begin to fall for each other. As they confront their pasts, they must decide if they should stay in each other's lives or let their love fade with the season. 

'Waiting for the Moon'

Amazon

"Waiting for the Moon," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.69

Selena can't remember who she is or how she came to be in a beautiful mansion on the Maine coast, but she finds comfort in a strange physician-turned-recluse she meets nearby. Ian Carrick is haunted by a telepathic gift that destroyed his career but when he meets Selena, he finds she's the only one whose thoughts he can't hear. Selena and Ian bring light into each other's dark lives and help each other heal, even as a figure from the past threatens to end their fantasy romance.

'Once in Every Life'

Amazon

"Once in Every Life," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.99

When brilliant research scientist Tess Gregory suddenly dies before she can fulfill her longings for a husband and child, an angel allows her to choose the life into which she'd be reincarnated. Waking in a hospital bed, Tess finds herself in the body of a post-Civil War woman with a husband, children, and plenty of family and marital problems that she must conquer if she wants to find her magical love story after all.

'When Lightning Strikes'

Amazon

"When Lightning Strikes," available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99

In this time-travel romance, Alaina Costanza, a romance writer, is thrust straight into the wild west of her most recent novel during a peculiar storm. When she's kidnapped by her own character, the handsome outlaw Killian, the two fall into a whirlwind romance that they know must end if Alaina has any chance of reaching her child, left behind in the present.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried Abbott's BinaxNOW rapid antigen test.

Andrea Michelson

• I tested myself for COVID-19 from the comfort of my bedroom.
• I had never taken a rapid test before, but the instructions were easy to follow.
• Rapid antigen tests are convenient, but they're not as sensitive as PCR tests.

I made it through 2020 and most of 2021 without taking a rapid COVID-19 test. I've been careful about masking up and socializing outside, so I haven't had many COVID scares.

Andrea Michelson

I got a couple PCR tests last year when I wanted to be sure I was healthy — after coming home from college to visit my family, for instance. I trusted the gold-standard test wouldn't steer me wrong, especially if I quarantined before taking it.

Since then, rapid antigen tests have become more widespread. Antigen tests quickly scan for fragments of the virus' genetic material, which is a good way to know if you're infectious or not. But they don't detect the virus with as much sensitivity as PCR tests, so there's a greater chance of getting a false negative.

The convenience of getting a result in 15 minutes appealed to me, but I knew I would have to take it with a grain of salt. Experts say rapid tests are most helpful if used for frequent screening, like testing every three days.

I picked up a BinaxNow test from Walgreens to have on hand. The Walgreens by me had plenty of rapid tests, but other drugstores have sold out.

Andrea Michelson

A few weeks ago, I bought a BinaxNOW self-administered antigen test kit for $23.99. Walgreens had plenty of the two-test packs, and I heard they were hard to find.

A colleague told me they were capped at one test kit when ordering online from Walgreens. Other pharmacies also limit how many tests you can buy due to high demand. CVS allows four tests per customer in stores, or six per purchase online.

I opened the test kit to find two swabs and one dropper. I was skeptical of the tiny dropper at first.

Andrea Michelson

I wondered how someone would make the tiny vial of reagent liquid — the juice that mixes with your sample to produce a result — last for two test cards, but soon found another dropper hiding in the box.

The test kit also came with two wrapped test cards, a fact sheet about antigen testing, and detailed instructions in both English and Spanish.

Following step one in the instructions, I washed my hands before getting started.

I unwrapped the test card and lay it on my desk. The instructions included lots of diagrams and tips for minimizing human error.

Andrea Michelson

Careful not to touch the test strip, I placed the card atop the instruction manual. 

I had a bit of trouble getting the card to lie open, but bending the spine back (as suggested in the instructions) did the trick.

I can see how the process has room for human error. The bubbles worried me at first, but they subsided before I inserted the swab.

Andrea Michelson

The next step was a little trickier. I had to drop some reagent liquid in the correct hole on the test card.

The instructions said to hold the bottle straight, not at an angle, and to make sure to get six drops in. A false negative can occur if there's not enough liquid in the hole.

I tried my best to use enough of the solution, but the dropper spit out several air bubbles along with it. I added an extra drop for good measure, and there was not enough liquid left for a second test when I was done.

I swabbed myself while taking a selfie, which was harder than it looks. Swabbing my own nose was a bit unpleasant, but no worse than getting a test at a clinic.

Andrea Michelson

Then came the dreaded swab. The kit was pretty well-designed for minimizing human error on this step: I removed the swab at the stick end, and inserted the soft tip into my nostril.

The instructions say to make at least five big circles per nostril, or swab for 15 seconds on each side. I counted to 15, eyes watering, and then repeated on the other side.

I inserted the swab into the test card, closed it, and waited. Turning the swab ensures that it's coated in the reagent liquid.

Andrea Michelson

I slid the snotty swab tip though the two holes in the test card as instructed. I'm glad the directions included a diagram for this step.

Before closing the card, I made sure to turn the swab to the right three times to mix my sample with the reagent drops.

I feel pretty confident I'm COVID-free after seeing my negative result. The final product reminded me of a wrapped lollipop.

Andrea Michelson

The test kit advertises results in 15 minutes, but I waited 25 just to be safe.

My test card was identical to the negative result diagram, with a single pink line where it said "control." There wasn't even a hint of a second line, which would indicate a positive result.

If I had reason to believe I was exposed to the coronavirus, I would take a couple more rapid tests this week to be sure I was negative. But given that I'm fully vaccinated and haven't come into contact with any sick people to my knowledge, I feel good about my result.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Good afternoon. Here are the top stories so far today.

For more daily and weekly briefings, sign up for our newsletters here.

What happened today:

• Steve Bannon could face charges. The bipartisan committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot hopes to pursue criminal contempt charges against former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who defied its subpoena to sit for a deposition. The investigation is also a backdrop for a legal showdown between Trump and Biden over executive privilege.
• FDA panel backs Moderna boosters. A panel of independent experts convened by the FDA supported offering an extra dose of the Moderna shot to adults 65 years and older, as well as younger adults who are at high risk of severe COVID-19. The recommendation, backed by a 19-0 vote by the committee, clears the way for the FDA to authorize a booster of Moderna's vaccine for more people.
• Bill Cosby served with another lawsuit. A woman who alleges Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her multiple times, including drugging and raping her on a trip to Atlantic City in 1990, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday. She is among dozens of women who've accused Cosby of sexual misconduct over the years. Cosby was released from prison in June when another conviction was vacated.
• LinkedIn is shuttering in China. LinkedIn will close its local version in China this year after coming under fire for censoring accounts that shared content considered offensive to China's government. "While we've found success in helping Chinese members find jobs and economic opportunity, we have not found that same level of success in the more social aspects of sharing and staying informed," said Microsoft, which owns the platform.
• Wendy Williams takes a break. Wendy Williams will not return to her show next week as she is dealing with "serious" health complications. She's "experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves' Disease and her thyroid condition," according to the show's Instagram.

That's all for now. See you Friday.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Though you can't use PayPal to pay for Amazon purchases directly, there are a few things you can do instead.

Marko Geber/Getty Images

• Amazon doesn't let you pay with PayPal when making purchases.
• However, you can use the PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Key to make purchases on Amazon.
• You can also use PayPal to buy an Amazon gift card, and then make purchases on Amazon.
• Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

In the world of online shopping, Amazon and PayPal are widely used. However, if you've tried to use your PayPal balance to purchase something on Amazon, you'll already know that PayPal is not an accepted payment method.

Of course, you can transfer your PayPal balance to your bank account to use those funds however you please, but if you're set on using it to buy things on Amazon, there are some workarounds to make it happen.

Can you use PayPal on Amazon?

Amazon doesn't let you pay with PayPal directly, but you can use the PayPal Cash Card or PayPal Key to make purchases. You can also use PayPal to buy Amazon gift cards.

Here's how to do it all.

Pay with the PayPal Cash Card

PayPal Cash Card is a debit card that draws funds from your PayPal account, and it works anywhere (online and physical stores) that accepts Mastercard payments (like Amazon). Since it's a debit card, not a credit card, you need to have a balance on your PayPal account to use a PayPal Cash Card.

To apply for a PayPal Cash Card, simply go to this link, log in to your PayPal account, and follow the on-screen prompts. While there isn't a credit check involved in the application process, note that PayPal charges fees for adding money to your account.

Click "Get the Card" to start the process of applying for a PayPal Cash Card.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Once approved for a PayPal Cash Card, you can use it as a payment method on Amazon the way you would with any other credit or debit card.

Use PayPal Key

PayPal Key is a virtual card that gives you access to your PayPal account when shopping online from vendors that accept Mastercard. It's similar to the PayPal Cash Card with the key difference being that there's no physical card; just a card number, expiration date, and security code. Essentially, it's a virtual card number that lets you use your PayPal balance with online merchants that don't directly accept PayPal as a payment method.

To apply for PayPal Key, log in to your PayPal account and look for the PayPal Key option. Since this is a new product, it's not currently available to everyone just yet.

This user's account summary page does not show an option for PayPal Key.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Once approved for PayPal Key, you can use it to buy things on Amazon as if it were any other credit or debit card.

Buy Amazon gift cards

One of the easiest ways to use PayPal to buy from Amazon is to purchase Amazon gift cards with your PayPal account. You can buy an Amazon gift card from a site like eGifter.com using a PayPal balance and then use that gift card to shop normally on Amazon.

Just be sure you verify that the site from which you're buying a gift card is safe and secure.

Quick tip: For more places to buy an Amazon gift card, see our article here.

Why doesn't Amazon accept PayPal directly?

There are two major reasons that Amazon does not work with PayPal. First, historically PayPal was a part of eBay, one of Amazon's direct competitors. From 2002 to 2015, PayPal and eBay were linked together. PayPal has since split into an independent brand, but their partnership with eBay remains strong.

Second, PayPal is a direct competitor to Amazon's own payment service, the rather bluntly named Amazon Pay. Just as with PayPal, Amazon Pay is accepted by numerous third-party retailers, letting you use Amazon payment methods beyond the immediate orbit of Amazon itself.

What is Amazon Prime? The benefits of Amazon's popular membership program, and whether it's worth the costHow to cancel your Amazon Prime Video subscription through Amazon's websiteHow to set up a PayPal account and link a bank account or credit cardRead the original article on Business Insider

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price testifies during his confirmation hearing on January 18, 2017.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

• Former HHS Secretary Tom Price still has $1.4 million left in his old congressional campaign account.
• The FEC recently sent a letter to the committee asking what it intends to do with the funds.
• Price spent over $450k in taxpayer money on charter flights during his time as Trump's health secretary.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price still has $1.4 million left in his old congressional campaign account, and the Federal Election Commission wants to know what he'll do with it.

Price represented Georgia's 6th congressional district from 2005 to 2017, when he was selected by former President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services. He resigned less than a year later amid criticism for using taxpayer money to travel on charter flights around the country.

"Your most recent report discloses a significant amount of residual cash on hand," reads the letter from the commission, referring to the leftover campaign cash. "Please explain the committee's intended use of the residual campaign funds. If the candidate intends to terminate the committee, redesignate the committee as a principal campaign committee for a future election or convert it to a multicandidate political committee, please note this for the public record."

Myles Martin, a spokesman for the FEC, told Insider that the commission sends letters to campaign accounts that appear to be largely dormant but have above a certain threshold of cash left on hand. The FEC began sending these kinds of letters to campaigns in July 2018 as part of an effort to ensure better compliance with federal law.

The letter gives Price's campaign 35 days to respond. If they don't, the commission could potentially move towards compelling Price to close down the old account, Martin said.

"Be aware that committee assets, including cash-on-hand, may not be converted to personal use," the letter warns.

The committee has been fairly active, spending roughly $500,000 altogether in the 4 and 1/2 years since Price left Congress. More recently, Price donated $500 in June to Turning Point USA, a conservative group active on college campuses. He also sent $2,500 to the George Republican Party in April and $2,000 to Rep. Adam Kinzinger - an anti-Trump Republican from Illinois - in March.

Price's campaign also contributed $100,000 to the "Keep America America Action Fund," a super PAC that supported the doomed campaigns and former Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue of Georgia ahead of the January 2021 runoffs. Other contributions in the last few years include $35,000 sent to Senate Republicans' campaign arm in 2019, 2 payments of $2,000 to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Republican primary opponent, and a variety of charitable causes.

Reached by phone, the committee's treasurer Paul Kilgore said he was unable to answer any questions about what the committee might do in the future. "I'm just the treasurer, I don't speak for the committee itself," he said before hanging up. A request for comment sent to the campaign's email did not receive an immediate response.

The use of leftover cash is notable for Price, who gained notoriety for spending $456,000 in taxpayer funds on charter flights during his brief tenure in the Trump White House. The Washington Post recently revealed new details of Price's use of charter flights via a recent release of government documents. Price later paid nearly $60,000 to the government to compensate for his travel costs.

Ultimately, provided that he's responsive to the commission, Price can choose to keep the old campaign account active indefinitely, spending the sum of old political contributions on various candidates and causes in a practice that has been labelled "zombie campaigning."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky

• Every household should have an accurate digital thermometer and know how and when to use it.
• The CDC recommends checking your temperature before heading to work, school, or other public places.
• Our top pick, iProven's DMT-511, reads accurately in 1 second and can be used in-ear or on forehead.
• This article was medically reviewed by Benjamin Hoffman, MD, professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University.

Having an accurate thermometer on hand can help tell you how severely the body is in distress - whether it's confirming that you or your baby is ill enough to need a doctor or the hospital, or if your systems are safe after being exposed to dangerous weather.

A fever also one of the key symptoms of COVID-19, and many businesses, school, gyms, and other public places as you to confirm you don't have one before entering. (It's worth noting that influenza usually produces higher fevers than common colds, and not everyone with COVID19 even spikes a fever.)

Luckily, getting a quick temperature reading is remarkably easy and safe these days. But the biggest variable among thermometers you can buy is really just: Is it accurate? That's why I tested 10 leading thermometers, in addition to speaking with many experts and parents on which type of home thermometer is best and other FAQs on therometers and fevers.

Here are the best thermometers to check for a fever:

• Best thermometer overall: iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer DMT-511
• Best thermometer on a budget: Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer
• Best infrared non-contact thermometer: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3
• Best thermometer for daily testing: Kinsa Quick Care Smart Thermometer
• Best thermometer for kids: Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Smart Glow

How we tested thermometers

Molly Hebda/Insider

I reached out to a number of pediatricians for their expert opinion on thermometers and read journal articles, "Consumer Reports," customer reviews, and even spoke with 20 parents about their temperature-taking experiences.

I narrowed it down to the top 10 thermometers and tested each myself nine times over the course of three days on myself and my two kids, as well as a handful of times on my sister and two of my nieces, one of whom is an infant. I also handed off two of the infrared thermometers to Cindy Mrotek, owner of A.C.E Behavior Solutions, an essential business screening adults and children with special health care needs upon entry, for testing over the course of one week.

I looked at each product's speed, size of display, mute options, memory recall, batteries, warranty options, and storage containers. I also looked hard look at:

• Accuracy, precision, and readability of thermometer instructions: You have to use a thermometer correctly for an accurate reading, so I evaluated the information on each product's box and inside its user manual from a health literacy perspective, including how helpful and easy to read the instructions were. Models varied, with some having a quick guide with pictures (great), information in Spanish (big bonus), or a QR code for video instructions, while others had print so tiny you need a magnifying glass to read it.  
• Cost and availability: Since thermometers are an essential part of an at-home health kit, they need to be affordable. Some on our list are the price of two cups of coffee, while others are upwards of $30, but we also layout how you can save money on a thermometer by using your health savings account or flex spending account. 

Best thermometer overall

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

The iProven Forehead and Ear Thermometer DMT-511 is highly impressive with an accurate instant read in just one second, versatile use, and comprehensive instructions on quality packaging. 

Pros: User friendly, easy to read, nice storage pouch, precise, can be used either contactless or in-ear

Cons: Cap to change methods difficult to snap on, no probe covers 

The iProven DMT-511 infrared therometer is two-in-one, as it allows you to switch from reading via an in-ear probe or a forehead setting, the latter of which is safer for infants under 3 months old.

It was highly accurate in my tests, reading within 0.5-1.0 degrees again and again for forehead readings and within 0.5-0.8 degrees for ear mode. It also displays the temperature within one second.

There are separate buttons for "head" and "ear," and to change from one to the other, you need to snap on or off the top cap of the thermometer, which I found a little difficult but still doable.

To get an accurate ear temperature,  you have to insert and place the probe top correctly, so be sure to read the instructions thoroughly. It took me a couple of tries to feel confident taking my own temperature this way.

I liked that it has a fever alarm and color temperature indication to take the guesswork out of interpreting the readings. The manual also includes a very comprehensive comparison table on how to interpret measurements based on age and method. The thermometer can also store up to 20 past readings for easy comparison. 

The devices comes with two AA batteries, a soft pouch for storage (great for travel and diaper bags), and cleaning instructions. It also comes with a two-year limited warranty and the option of an extended year warranty for free.

Best budget thermometer

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

The Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer was the most affordable of the thermometers tested, easy to use, and has a large digital screen with color-coded readings to indicate fever.

Pros: Affordable, multiuse, precise, large digital display, comes with probe covers

Cons: Very loud beep, must turn off and on between readings, colored fever alerts misleading, coin cell battery is more annoying to replace 

The Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer is easy to use right out the box: There's only one button and you have the option to use the device orally, rectally, or under the arm. Its runs on an included coin cell button battery.

I found the large digital display to be the easiest to read of all the thermometers I tested. It also beeps the loudest of the group, which is especially helpful for seniors with visual and hearing impairments, but also could be a nuisance for some considering the beeping lasts a full eight seconds.

The LCD screen uses a color temperature indication alongside displaying the actual number, which is generally helpful but fever isn't the same for everyone so this could be alarmist if you run hot.

The precision and repeatability of the thermometer was quite good in my tests and only varied by about 0.5 degrees. Although the box says the Vicks Comfort Flex Thermometer takes 10-12 seconds to read your temperature, I found it was actually much quicker with a response time of 5 to 6 seconds orally and 6 to 7 seconds rectally. 

It is a little annoying that you have to turn it off and back on to take a second reading, and it is  only able to recall the last reading you took. But I did like that this model comes with 100 disposable probe covers and a protective holder, along with a one-year limited warranty and instructions in English and Spanish.

Best infrared non-contact thermometer

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

The iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 reads in just one second and makes it easy to accurately take anyone's temperature while being socially distant. 

Pros: Fast reading, precise, no beeping, helpful content in user manual  

Cons: Vibration may be missed, prone to user error, doesn't work well for kids that won't sit still

Prior to testing the iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 myself, I'd already seen it in action for pre-screening at both my dentist's office and my daughter's daycare. It seemed like a good product that offered quick readings.

When I tested it myself, I found that first impression held up. Instead of a beeping alarm, the device vibrates once it has a reading, which also lights up the LED display. This is nice if you don't want a loud noise, and upon testing, I found the precision and repeatability varied only by 0.5 degrees. 

I also had Cindy Mrotek, whose business A.C.E Behavior Solutions screens people upon entry, try it out and she said the iHealth was a faster read compared to other infrared thermometers. However, she added it was a bit difficult to use on kids that can't sit still. I myself found the device woudn't read if it was too far away from the skin.

The iHealth comes with a user manual in English and Spanish, a quick guide with pictures, two AAA batteries, and cleaning instructions. It also has a one-year limited warranty. 

Best thermometer for daily testing

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

If you're tech-savvy and looking for a great smart thermometer, the Kinsa Quick Care Smart Thermometer can be used three ways and even allows you to contribute to public health research. 

Pros: Diverse way to read temps, can support multiple family members and keep temperature records separate, has great app features, contributes to public health research  

Cons: Needs app to work, does not include probe covers,

Every morning, I have to self-certify that my kids are free of COVID-19 symptoms before sending them off to school. A smart thermometer like the Kinsa — which stores all the readings for each individual family member on my phone and helps me monitor their baseline temperature — makes that daily routine much easier to manage.

The Kinsa Quick Care Smart Thermometer connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses an app, which I found easy to set up. I then created profiles for each member of my family, which includes inputting their birthdays to help the app's algorithm provide appropriate care instructions person to person. You can also add notes, symptoms, and track medication doses within the app.

After each reading, the thermometer displays not only the temperature but a happy, neutral, or sad-face emoji corresponding with fever status.

You can check the temperature orally, under the armpit, or rectally (they also make a separate model specific for in-ear use). Although the box says the response time is 8 seconds, I found it to read a temperature between 2 to 3 seconds when used orally. The precision varies between 0.8 and 0.5 degrees.

Kinsa sits in a really unique space for both thermometers and smart equipment contributing to public health: As Hilary Brueck, Insider's Senior Health and Science reporter, has laid out, the smart thermometer has helped forecast outbreaks of both the coronavirus and the flu, including detecting fever spikes weeks before hospitals and clinics start to see an influx of patients. 

It's an added bonus that using this stellar, versatile, and accurate thermometer can help contribute to predicting COVID hotspots.

Best thermometer for kids

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Smart Glow was the most accurate and consistent out of all the thermometers I tested and has over 80 peer-reviewed clinical studies to back up its use on children. 

Pros: Most precise tested, suitable for all ages older than three months

Cons: Unintuitive, dim display, plastic cap to protect the sensor easy to lose 

Next to rectal thermometers, temporal artery thermometers are the most reliable way to get an accurate reading on children and babies over 3 months of age. (Use a rectal thermometer on infants under 3 months.) 

With the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, a gentle stroke across a child's forehead captures the naturally emitted heat waves coming from the skin over the temporal artery to give a reading in 2 to 3 seconds. It can store up to eight readings. 

When tested repeatedly, the Exergen thermometer delivered the most consistent and precise results of any model tested on myself and my kids — within 0.3 degrees.

However, unlike other models with backlight displays, the Exergen has a relatively small LCD display screen with a dim readout. It may be hard to see if you are in a dark room. 

However, unlike others, this thermometer wasn't as intuitive to use, despite having instructions printed directly on the back of the device, I wasn't sure if I was correctly stroking the top of the unit across the forehead. But the instruction manual had a QR code which led to videos demonstrating how to use it, which was helpful. 

The model comes with a 9V battery already installed, cleaning instructions, and a five-year limited product warranty.

Read our guide to the best thermometers for babies and children for additional options. What else we considered

Molly Hebda/Business Insider

What we recommend

Braun Thermoscan 7 Ear Thermometer ($38): This is a fantastic in-ear thermometer with much peer-reviewed research to back it up, and not only do we recommend it but many parents I spoke with already own it. The downsides are it takes 10 seconds to read a temp, and it's the most expensive option I tested — especially when you factor in the disposable lens filters that need replacing for accuracy and hygiene.

Dr. Talbot's Infrared Forehead Thermometer, Non-Contact ($19.89): This device has comparable precision and speed to the iHealth and is designed for contactless reading of infants over 3 months, including adults. I liked this device and it was easy to operate, but it's more expensive than the iHealth and was difficult to change the settings using only the trigger. 

Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer ($39.99): The Kinsa is super sleek and easy to use on yourself, which can be tricky for the ear. I also found the app to be tremendous in terms of content with very helpful instructions. Even though the readings only took a second, the precision tended to vary by 1.5 degrees.

What we don't recommend

CVS Health Flexible Tip Digital Thermometer ($18.49): This unit was disqualified because did not function at all. 

Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer with Fever InSight ($9.72): Despite being called "SpeedRead," this device took 8 seconds to deliver a reading — slower than its cousin, the Vicks Comfort Flex, our best budget thermometer. Plus, I found the SpeedRead to have a metallic taste. 

What we're looking forward to trying

Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer Original ($42.99): We were unable to test this due to an inventory shortage at the time we were evaluating thermometers for this guide.

Which type of at-home thermometer is best?

Your basic digital thermometer options to choose from are: 

• Single-use stick thermometer (marketed for rectal only) 
• Multiuse stick thermometer (rectum, mouth, or armpit)  
• Tympanic thermometer (ear) 
• Temporal artery thermometer (forehead)
• Tympanic and temporal thermometer (ear and forehead) 
• Infrared non-contact thermometer (forehead)  

Though there's plenty of apprehension about no-contact thermometers, a column in Ask a Pediatrician by Dr. Elizabeth Murray, an official spokesperson for the AAP, addresses those concerns directly. Murray says that "the claims about their danger are false … It is the infrared energy coming from the person that is being gathered by the thermometer, not infrared light being projected to the person."

All thermometers sold in the United States must meet federal standards and are already calibrated for home use at the time of purchase.

FAQs Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?

Dr. John Vann, a pediatrician in Omaha, told Insider that only a rectal temperature offers a true outpatient reading. "Everything else is an estimate," he said.

"Luckily, the exact number is not usually as important as how the patient looks," he adds. Which is to say, there are other indicators of how severe someone's illness or condition is other than an optimally-accurate temperature reading. There are also reliable methods for checking your temperature even if you don't have access to a thermometer.

No matter if you opt for an infrared thermometer or a strictly ear-based model, it's important to know fever isn't the same for everyone and that it varies by age, gender, and time of day, among other variables. Using a thermometer at various times of the day when you're feeling well gives you an idea of what's normal for you, or your baseline temperature. 

Which is the best thermometer for home use?

Among at-home thermometers, medical research hasn't determined an exact correlation between oral, rectal, ear, armpit, and forehead temperature measurements. But Kaiser Permanente notes that an ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5 to 1 degree higher than an oral temperature and a forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5 to 1 degree lower than an oral temperature. 

What is the best thermometer to use for COVID?

The best thermometer for COVID is really just one that is accurate and reliable. That means any of the thermometers on our list are great for checking for COVID symptoms. That being said, if you're using the thermometer on more than one person, it's best to use a contactless reader to not cross-contaminate. In that case, we highly recommend the iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer PT3 or the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Smart Glow, both of which proved to be accurate and reliable in my tests.

Can I use my HSA/FSA funds to buy a thermometer?

If you have an HSA or an FSA account, know that over-the-counter digital thermometers are eligible for reimbursement without a prescription. 

Here's how it works: 

• If you pay with cash or credit card in a store or online, you can request a reimbursement from your HSA/FSA account. Different plans have different requirements on what's needed for reimbursement but usually, a copy of your thermometer receipt will be enough.
• There are HSA and FSA-specific retailers, like the HSA Store and the FSA Store that make shopping for items that qualify for reimbursement really simple. According to both websites, when shoppers use an HSA or FSA card to pay, they typically don't have to submit receipts; purchases on these websites automatically substantiate. It is worth noting, however, that the thermometer options available on these websites are limited and cost more than other retailers. 

What counts as a fever?

Many Americans think anything over 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is a problem, but what constitutes a fever is actually different person to person.

Rik Heller, a biomedical engineer and thermographic expert, tells Insider, "Age, gender, and even time of day impact normal body temperatures." 

Some children's temperatures especially run higher than others, points out Dr. Jesse Hackell, a practicing pediatrician with New York-based Pomona Pediatrics. Any reading of 100.4 F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months is reason to call the pediatrician. "Another reason to call is if the fever persists for more than 24 hours in children younger than two and more than three days in a child 2 years of age or older," he said.

Meanwhile, older adults tend to have lower baseline temperatures than younger adults; sometimes fevers in the elderly are completely absent.

To figure out what's a fever for you, you want to find your baseline temperature (i.e., what's normal for you) by checking your temperature at various times of the day when you are feeling well. 

At the end of the day, how you or your child is acting and feeling is the best indicator of a fever over the number on a thermometer, multiple of our doctors say.

Our expert sources

• Jesse Hackell MD, FAAP, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine and a practicing pediatrician with New York-based Pomona Pediatrics, a division of Boston Children's Health Physicians
• John Vann, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Omaha Children's Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska
• Dr. Jenifer Johnson, a family medicine physician and internist at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, NY
• Rik Heller, a biomedical engineer and thermographic expert who founded the clinical-grade thermometer company, Wello
• Cindy Mrotek, business owner of ACE Behavior Solutions
• AP News. Infrared thermometers used for COVID-19 testing do not pose risk to pineal gland. July 28, 2020
• Consumer Reports. Thermometer Buying Guide. September 23, 2016
• NASA. Ingestible Thermometer Pill Helps Athletes Beat the Heat. January 8, 2007
• EPA. Mercury Thermometers. June 26, 2018
• CDC. How COVID19 Spreads. October 5, 2020
• Business Insider. Coronavirus temperature scans are nothing more than pandemic security theater. In some cases, they're dangerous.
• Mayo Clinic. Thermometers: Understand the options. September 15, 2018
• HealthyChildren.org. When to Call the Pediatrician: Fever. November 21, 2015
• HealthyChildren.org. How to Take Your Child's Temperature. October 12, 2020
• HealthyChildren.org. Are Infrared Thermometers Safe? October 15, 2020
• New York Times. Can Smart Thermometers Track the Spread of the Coronavirus? March 18, 2020
• Kaiser Permanente. Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison. June 26, 2019
• HSA Store website
• FSA Store website

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• Wireless carrier Visible confirmed reports of a data breach that gave hackers unauthorized access to customers' accounts.
• Customers reported changes of addresses, emails, and passwords, and iPhone purchases charged to their Visible accounts.
• Visible said as soon as it learned to the breach it took steps to "enable additional controls to further protect our customers."

Wireless carrier company Visible confirmed reports of a data breach that gave hackers unauthorized access to customers' accounts and payment information, but some customers say they are still waiting to get fraudulent charges reversed.

Customers first reported the breach over the weekend after noticing emails from Visible saying their emails, passwords and addresses had been changed, but they hadn't initiated the action. Some customers even had unauthorized charges from Visible placed on their PayPal, debit, or credit card accounts for costly purchases like an iPhone 12 or the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max that costs over $1,000.

Several Visible customers told Insider that they were then unable to reset their passwords because Visible's password reset feature appeared to be down and any reset emails were going to the changed emails of the bad actors, not their personal emails.

Visible, owned by Verizon, is an all-digital wireless carrier in the US. Visible is popular amongst its users for its price-- for as low as $25 a month, Visible users get unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot. Verizon is one of the largest wireless carriers in the US and services over 121.3 million total wireless customers.

Some customers have been upset about the lack of communication from the company, saying they found out about the breach through conversation on the internet. Customers have also complained that the carrier has been slow to act once fraud is detected in their accounts and that they are still unable to access their accounts several days after the initial breach.

"I'm livid-- not about the breach, it's 2021 and we all know that hacking is part of our reality-- but about the way Visible has handled the entire situation," a Visible customer who had been charged $763 for an unauthorized purchase of an iPhone 12 told Insider. "Instead of alerting all customers immediately or acknowledging the larger issue, they kept it under wraps for days and in doing so, probably compromised many of their customer's other accounts."

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, hacking activity has been on the rise. Last year, the FBI reported a 300% increase in the number of cyber crimes reported, warning people need to be extra cautious, according to The Hill. Wireless carrier T-Mobile was involved in a data breach last month that sold millions of customers' information to threat actors on the dark web. Last week, Syniverse, a major telecommunications company, said hackers had been in its system for years exposing billions of text messages and millions of cell phone users' data, Insider reported.

Visible first released a statement on Twitter on Wednesday stating that the bad actors were able to access customers' usernames and passwords from an "outside source."

-Visible (@Visible) October 13, 2021

"As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we immediately initiated a review and started deploying tools to mitigate the issue and enable additional controls to further protect our customers," a spokesperson from Visible told Insider in a statement. "If you use your Visible username and password across multiple accounts, including your bank or other financial accounts, we recommend updating your username/password with those services."

Three customers told Insider they are wary of the company's explanations because they had long and unique passphrases for their Visible accounts that were not used on any other website.

Visible does not offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) for its accounts which, according to cybersecurity experts, is important in preventing data breaches and hacks of this nature.

"Passwords, as a single means to authenticate, continue to be a primary target for attackers," Gary Brickhouse, the chief information security officer of the cybersecurity firm GuidePoint Security, told Insider in an email. "This is caused by the use of simple, easily guessed passwords and other malicious activity such as phishing emails."

80% of breaches like Visible involve brute force or the use of lost or stolen credentials, something that MFA can help prevent.

"Think of 2 factor authentication as the chain lock on your front door, while username and password are your keys to the lock, if that chain is in place, intruders aren't getting in," Adam Kujawa, director of Malwarebytes Labs told Insider.

Visible customers say they are waiting to see what steps the company takes.

"They've been great up to this point and there's nothing that provides the same service for near the same price," Visible customer Hailen Jackson told Insider. "If they don't provide a proper security roadmap/update I will definitely leave."

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Lucas Jackson/Reuters

• US stocks soared nearly 2% on Thursday as third-quarter earnings season started off strong.
• Earnings reports from banks including Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup were ahead of expectations.
• Weekly jobless claims fell to a pandemic-era low, also helping boost investor sentiment.
• Sign up here for our daily newsletter, 10 Things Before the Opening Bell.

US stocks jumped nearly 2% on Thursday as investors reacted positively to strong third-quarter earnings beats from banks including Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup.

The bank stocks soared as much a 4% as a continued drop in provisions for credit losses and strength in the investment banking and wealth management sectors drove growth.

Also boosting investor sentiments on Thursday was a strong weekly jobless claim reading of 293,000, representing a pandemic-era low and beating economist estimates. Continuing claims fell to 2.59 million, besting forecasts as well.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped over 500 points while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 led markets higher.

Here's where US indexes stood at the 4:00 p.m. ET close on Thursday:

• S&P 500: 4,438.25, up 1.71%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 34,912.56, up 1.56% (534.75 points)
• Nasdaq Composite: 14,823.43, up 1.73%

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest put its name behind a bitcoin futures ETF that was filed with the SEC on Wednesday, signalling that the futures-based crypto ETF may be eventually approved by the regulatory agency.

Coding platform GitHub soared more than 20% in its IPO debut on Thursday, sporting a valuation of more than $11 billion. The company, which has seen a surge in growth amid the work-from-home trend, priced its IPO at $77 per share.

Chinese brokerage firms fell sharply in Thursday trades as it became apparent that a new data privacy law in China will likely hamper the companies' ability to service mainland China investors unless they quickly adapt to the new rules.

Citigroup saw its profits surge 48% in the third-quarter following the release of loss reserves and a strong period for equity and fixed income trading.

Bank of America beat its earning estimates for the third-quarter, as record-high advisory fees and a $1.1 billion reserve release helped boost profits.

Morgan Stanley posted a strong third-quarter earnings report as growth in its investment banking and wealth management divisions bested estimates.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose as much as 1.16%, to $81.37 per barrel. Brent crude, oil's international benchmark, jumped 1.14%, to $84.13 per barrel.

Gold jumped as much as 0.23%, to $1,798.80 per ounce.

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Mike Novogratz is one of the most high-profile bitcoin investors.

Getty Images

• Cryptocurrency billionaire Mike Novogratz took to Twitter to seek advice on what tattoo he should get.
• The Galaxy Digital CEO said he is meeting with an artist to discuss how to turn her craft into NFTs.
• Novogratz has been consistent with his bullish views on NFTs.
• Sign up here for our daily newsletter, 10 Things Before the Opening Bell.

Cryptocurrency billionaire Mike Novogratz on Wednesday had a late-night thought that he shared with his 376,000 Twitter followers: If he were to get a tattoo, what should he get?

The CEO of Galaxy Digital took to the social media platform to tease an upcoming meeting he has about non-fungible tokens.

"I'm feeling a tattoo urge coming," Novogratz tweeted. "Meeting a bad ass artist on Friday to talk about turning her craft into NFTs. She said she would ink me. What should I get?"

Among the suggestions were tatoos of the bitcoin logo and a shogun samurai. MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor also chimed in though not with a design idea. The bitcoin bull simply commented: "#Bitcoin is forever..."

NFTs are digital representations of artwork, sports cards, or other collectibles tied to a blockchain. They have surged in popularity this year, with major players such as FTX and Coinbase launching their own marketplaces.

Novogratz has been consistent with his bullish views on NFTs. In April this year, the billionaire said NFTs could be worn like jewelry thanks to augmented reality. Passersby, he added, would be able to see it through their AR glasses.

Tattoos are also not new to Novogratz. On December 20, the entrepreneur-investor shared a photo of himself with a fresh tattoo, which commemorated bitcoin going "to the moon" when the digital asset, back then, broke record prices.

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