Insider Finance - Business - Inside a 57-hour train journey

View in browser

January 28, 2023

Hello, Insiders. Welcome to another Saturday edition — filled with fascinating reads for your weekend. Today we’re looking at an interesting new way to tell if there’s a recession (hint: check someone’s hair color), taking you inside a popular side-hustle trend, inviting you aboard a reporter’s 57-hour train journey, and exploring the hottest sport in Silicon Valley.

Plus, during our weekday editions, we’d been exploring the state of homeownership in this remote-work era — and asking you to tell us about your experiences. We’re sharing some of your notes below. But first, the news.

— Nicholas Carlson

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The latest

Memphis police released footage of five officers beating Tyre Nichols. Protesters gathered Friday evening, chanting "no justice, no peace." Follow our live coverage.
US consumers may have to deal with high prices for longer — and a falling dollar could be to blame. What to know.
Ukraine says Russia's putting inflatable tanks on the battlefield, but the decoys deflated. Read the story.

Weekend reads

Paramount

For your weekend viewing: We ranked the 10 best-picture Oscar nominees in order of how likely they are to win, from “Top Gun: Maverick” to the leaders of the pack, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and "The Banshees of Inisherin." Plan your viewing binge with our list.
Pickleball is the hottest sport in Silicon Valley. Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming America's fastest-growing sport — and now VCs have swapped out tennis rackets and golf clubs for its paddles. Inside the obsession here.
“I spent $800 for a roomette on a 57-hour Amtrak trip.” Our reporter’s train journey from Montana to New York was about seven times longer and twice as expensive as flying — but she said it was a far better, more luxurious experience. Take a look.
The UK royal family has a luxurious private cruise ship. The Royal Yacht Britannia is now open as a museum, but it was used by the family from 1953 to 1997. Our reporter toured the Queen's bedroom, state rooms used for entertaining, and crew bunks. Here’s our photo tour.
The ultimate guide to starting a vending-machine business. It’s one of the hottest side hustles around, requiring minimal investment and low maintenance. Here’s how to start one from scratch.
Here are 20 states that are better than Florida for retirees. Even though retirees have historically flocked to Florida, our analysis showed that a bunch of states ranked higher in terms of average temperatures and cost of living. From Rhode Island to Arkansas, see our list.
“I just sailed on Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas.” Our reporter has also sailed Norwegian, Celebrity, and Margaritaville's newer ships. From the staterooms to food-and-beverage programs, here’s how it compares.
Inside the “Teegate” controversy that's engrossing golf. Rory McIlroy rejected a handshake from his competitor Patrick Reed — so Reed threw a tee at him. New details are emerging from the scandal, including a funny transcript and cheap shots fired by both major-championship winners. Get the details.
Want to know how to tell if a recession is coming? Try looking at people’s hair. If your friend has ditched their blonde locks and returned to their natural brunette, it might be time to worry. Here’s why.
“I'm a Cirque du Soleil performer.” Estefani Evans, a trapeze artist and fifth-generation circus performer, said her job allows her to travel the world with her husband and kids. "It's definitely a beautiful life." Here’s what circus life is really like.

Take a look

Taylor Rains/Insider

Inside a Boeing 787 flight simulator. Insider toured one of Singapore Airlines’ two Dreamliner flight simulators to learn more about the pilot-training process. Aviators spend 100 to 200 hours in the machine before flying for the carrier. See inside.

Watch this

Why tiny cactus bugs are a $35 billion industry. Cochineals are tiny bugs that live on prickly-pear cactuses. They’re used to make a vibrant red dye that’s found in everything from M&Ms and Yoplait yogurt to priceless paintings and the robes of kings. Find out more.

Letters to the editor

We’ve already compiled your letters about Florida’s rise as the No. 1 state people are moving to — see the roundup here, if you missed it — so today we’re highlighting some of your other thoughts on homeownership:

On the short-term rental market: “It's definitely rough out there right now, I'm not sure if it's due to competition (there isn't much in my area) so perhaps it's due to families not wanting to travel as much and spend money due to such high inflation.” - Anna
No homebuying regrets here: “We could not possibly be happier with the home real estate market and where it continues to go today. Our current home is Zillow estimated to be $130,000 more than the purchase price one year ago.” - Ralph
On people flooding into other states: “I live in Georgia, we had an increase ... in 2022. It made it very difficult for me to buy a home for myself because it was gone/sold in a minute!” - Edie

Can't get enough of Insider?

Compare salaries with our Salary Database
Build better pitch decks with our Pitch Deck Library
Get even more of Insider delivered to your inbox
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up here
Download Insider's app for news on the go

This edition was curated by Nicholas Carlson, and edited by Hallam Bullock, Lisa Ryan, Dave Smith, Nathan Rennolds, and Jordan Parker Erb. Get in touch: insidertoday@insider.com.

Insider Finance - Business - Inside a 57-hour train journey

Older messages

Inside an FBI spy hunter’s double life

Wall Street: Won’t get fooled again

Reverse aging may be real

Wall Street: PE recruiting is a mess

Cities where home prices could crash

You Might Also Like

After inauguration, it's time to talk taxes

Harry's Take 1-15-25 Stocks Look to Break Lower: Another Sign of a Top on December 16

🇺🇸 America's tariff future

It’s a new year, get a new savings account

Private Equity Is Coming for Your 401(k)

This Skateboarding Economist Suggests We Need More Skateparks And Less Capitalism

Elon Musk Dreams, Mode Mobile Delivers

Shaping inflation expectations: the effects of monetary policy

🌎 Another hottest year

Have you seen the Best Cars & Trucks of 2025?