How the world's most expensive color is made

Tech Insider : Business, Style

Ultramarine blue, or "true blue," was once more valuable than gold. In 1824, a synthetic version called French ultramarine made the color more accessible. But ultramarine blue made from real lapis lazuli can sell for over $60 an ounce today.

I've worked at Costco for 20 years. Here are 7 of the best holiday gifts I'm seeing on shelves right now.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A four-piece gift set with holiday-themed mugs, ornaments, and chocolates.
As an employee, I've found some great things to get at Costco for the holidays.

Veronica Thatcher

Will Amazon and Walmart's push for 30-minute delivery actually pay off? We debate.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
An employee picks orders for customers at an Amazon Fresh grocery store on December 12, 2024 in Federal Way, Washington.
Many companies have tried to offer ultrafast delivery. Can Amazon and Walmart succeed where others have failed?

David Ryder/Getty Images

I tried chicken tenders from 14 fast-food chains and ranked them from worst to best

Tech Insider : Business
chick fil a chicken tender meal
I tried chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains and ranked them based on taste and value.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I finally bought something on Temu, and I'm not sure the discounts justify the chaotic app

Tech Insider : Business
A man shops on Temu, a Chinese e-commerce platform, during the Eid al-Adha holiday, in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, June 7, 2025
Shopping on Temu feels more like gaming than commerce.

Asad/Xinhua via Getty Images

The maker of the Yankees' 'official' clock files for bankruptcy after smartwatch bet backfires

Tech Insider : Business
Yankee Stadium

Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The era of the pickle is upon us

Tech Insider : Business
A grocery store display of pickle jars
Pickle-flavored foods have been on the rise in recent years — but McDonald's adoption of a dill-flavored seasoning for its iconic fries shows the trend has reached new heights.

: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

I've worked at Costco for 20 years. Here are 8 of the best things I'm seeing on shelves right now.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A composite image of a hand holding a container of Kirkland Signature peppermint bark, and boxes of Mikasa candle warmers on display at Costco.
As a longtime employee, I think the Kirkland Signature peppermint bark and Mikasa Home Accents candle warmer are two of the best things to get at Costco right now.

Veronica Thatcher

Retailers are offering extreme last-minute delivery on Christmas Eve

Tech Insider : Business
Postal workers wearing Santa hats, sort through mail and packages during a media tour hosted by the US Postal Service at the Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center on November 30, 2023.
The race is on to see who can deliver the cheer like Saint Nick.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Ulta Beauty says its bet on K-beauty is paying off

Tech Insider : Business
A view of an Ulta Beauty store on August 28, 2025 in Novato, California. Beauty products retailer Ulta Beauty will report second-quarter earnings today after the closing bell.
Ulta Beauty's bet on K-beauty is paying off.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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