Day: May 17, 2024

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Eetu Luostarinen #27 of the Florida Panthers skates for possession against Danton Heinen #43 of the Boston Bruins in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images

The Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers will face off in Game 6 of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight, which could send one of the teams home for the year. We’ll show you how to watch the Bruins vs. Panthers Game 6, including cable and live streaming options.

The Florida Panthers lead 3-2 over the Boston Bruins in Round 2 of the Playoffs, so a win tonight for the Panthers could send the Bruins packing. The Bruins managed to stave off elimination on Tuesday night when they pulled ahead with a 2-1 win. The Panthers led the Atlantic Division in this year’s regular season and knocked out the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games during Round 1. The Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Round 1 match-up made it to Game 7, where the Bruins narrowly knocked out the Maple Leafs.

Whether you’re rooting for the Panthers or the Bruins, we’ll show you how to watch the game live. You can also bookmark our NHL Playoffs hub for information on future games. 

• See also: How to watch NBA Playoffs | Where to watch Formula 1 | How to watch WNBA games

Bruins vs. Panthers quick links

• US: Max ($9.99), Sling TV (half-off first month)
• Access subscriptions from anywhere via ExpressVPN (30-day money-back guarantee)
• When: Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV

Where to watch Bruins vs. Panthers in the US

The Bruins vs. Panthers game will air on TNT and truTV on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m. ET. For those without cable, there are a couple of live streaming options that can help you out. The cheapest will be subscribing to Max, which carries TNT, TBS, and truTV live games through its B/R Sports Add-on. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 a month. The add-on currently comes free with all subscriptions, but it will eventually cost an additional monthly fee of $9.99.

You can also watch TNT with a live TV streaming package like Sling TV, which will give you access to a minimum of 32 channels. Subscriptions start at $40 a month, but Sling currently offers a promo for half-off your first month. Both Sling Orange and Sling Blue carry TNT. Sling Orange offers a range of ESPN channels, while Sling Blue carries entertainment channels like FX and USA. You can also combine the two plans for $55 a month ($27.50 in your first month).

How to watch Bruins vs. Panthers from anywhere

For those who might be traveling outside the US for the game, you can try keeping up with your subscriptions using a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs allow you to change your electronic device’s virtual location so that you can use your usual apps and websites from anywhere in the world. They’re also strong ways to boost your privacy on the internet. Since the services we’ve outlined today require US forms of payment, this recommendation will be best for Americans who are traveling abroad and looking to access their existing subscriptions.

Our go-to suggestion is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN review for more information, and keep reading to learn how to use a VPN. 

How to watch Bruins vs. Panthers with a VPN

• Sign up for a VPN if you don’t already have one.
• Install it on the device you’re planning to watch on.
• Turn it on and set it to a US location. 
• Sign up for a live TV streaming service mentioned above with a US form of payment.
• Navigate to the correct channel or page and enjoy the game.

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

Reuters

• US stocks traded mostly higher on Friday, with all 3 major indices sitting just below record highs.
• A cool April CPI report buoyed hopes of Fed interest rate cuts later this year.
• Investors will look to see if the gains can spill over into next week, which is set to be a busy one for AI developments.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 40,000 for the first time on Friday, closing out a strong week of gains fueled by upbeat inflation data midweek. 

The index secured the closing milestone after briefly crossing it earlier in the week before sinking back down. Rate cut optimism fueled the gains for the week, with April’s consumer price index data providing the first positive news on the inflation front all year.  

The S&P 500 rose about 1.5% for the week, buoyed by solid earnings results from consumer giant Walmart and an April CPI report that showed cooling inflation. That CPI report boosted investor hopes that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this year.

Investors will look to see if the stock market records can extend into next week, which is set to be a busy one for AI developments.

Microsoft will host multiple AI events, showcasing its newest hardware and software products, while Nvidia is set to report its first-quarter earnings results after the market close on Wednesday.

Fundstrat’s Tom Lee said investors should keep buying stocks even with the recent record highs in stocks, as he expects more AI developments to push stock prices higher.

“Overall, we expect these events/earnings to reinforce the improving visibility and capabilities of AI and the related spending. And as a consequence, will be an overall positive for Technology stocks and the broader market,” Lee said in a note on Friday. 

Here’s where US indexes stood at the 4:00 p.m. closing bell on Friday: 

• S&P 500: 5,303.30, up 0.12% 
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 40,004.35, up 0.34% (
• Nasdaq composite: 16,685.97 up 0.07%

Here’s what else happened today:

• JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that inflation is worse than people think and that the stock market is too optimistic about a soft landing.
• BlackRock’s global chief investment officer Rick Rieder said that in order to tame inflation further, the Fed might actually want to cut interest rates. 
• Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller slashed his Nvidia stake by 72% last quarter and made a massive bet on small cap stocks. 
• The world’s top golfer Scottie Scheffler was detained by police Friday morning outside of the Louisville golf course that is hosting the PGA Championship. 
• A top OpenAI executive resigned from the company and warned about the importance of preventing the development of dangerous AI technologies. 
• GameStop stock plunged on Friday after the company said it would sell up to 45 million shares to raise cash and warned about a big drop in its first-quarter revenue.

In commodities, bonds, and crypto: 

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil jumped 1.04% to $79.56 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 0.84% to $83.97 a barrel. 
• Gold edged higher by 1.48% to $2,420.70 per ounce. 
• The 10-year Treasury yield rose 4 basis points to 4.42%. 
• Bitcoin jumped 2.60% to $66,945. 

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The best bread knives are versatile kitchen tools that make quick work of bread, plus tough fruits and vegetables.

M8nshot Media

If you’ve ever tried to slice open a loaf of sourdough with a dull kitchen knife, you know the struggle. With its serrated blade and sharp edge, a dedicated bread knife makes cutting through crusts almost effortless. Sure, you can get by without it, but having this kitchen essential is like having any of the best kitchen knives: a game-changer.

To find out which bread knives are worth the dough, we consulted with professional chefs and tested several popular models. Our top pick is the HexClad Damascus Steel Serrated Bread Knife because it has a balanced feel and cuts through tender fruits and tough bread loaves with ease. For a more budget-friendly alternative, we like the Mercer Culinary Millenia Bread Knife. It’s lightweight, has a rounded tip for a smooth slice, and a quarter of the price of our top pick.

Here are our top picks for the best bread knife:

Best overall: HexClad Damascus Steel Serrated Bread Knife — See at Amazon

Best budget: Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife — See at Amazon

Best upgrade: Steelport Bread Knife and Sheath — See at Sur La Table

Best for sourdough: Made In Bread Knife — See at Amazon

Best Japanese: Shun Classic Bread Knife — See at Amazon

Best overall

We chose the HexClad Damascus Steel Serrated Bread Knife as our best overall pick because it hit the mark for quality, value, and performance. This knife’s performance surprised us by feeling just as balanced and cutting just as well as the more expensive options we tested. And that’s likely all thanks to its 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel.

Instead of the typical wide serrations found on most bread knife blades, HexClad opted for finer, pointer teeth to create a faster, smoother cut. Celebrity chef Gocha Hawkins told us that if you want to test a knife’s sharpness, you should see how it cuts through a tomato. If it slides right through without crushing the fruit, it’s a winner. The HexClad passed this test with flying colors.

The HexClad knife’s has sharp teeth and medium troughs that slices through bread crust and delicate fruit.

M8nshot Media

Though we do wish it came with a sheath for safety purposes, considering its affordability, impressive blade performance, and nicely balanced Pakkawood handle, we can’t complain too much. Plus, its 60 Rockwell Hardness Rating indicates decent durability and sharpness retention, which are necessary two qualities for a long-lasting bread knife. We’re big fans of the HexClad brand: read our guide to the best nonstick cookware (featuring a HexClad set) if you need to upgrade your cookware.

Best budget

We love all the knives on this list, but you don’t need to spend $100 to get a reliable bread knife. Mercer Culinary has a few budget-friendly lines (like the Millennia and Renaissance collections) that outperform pricier alternatives. Straight out of the box, this knife cuts just as well as any of our top picks. You can even match this knife to kitchen tools you already have: there are five available handle colors.

The Millenia Bread Knife is lightweight, in part thanks to the Santoprene handle. We sliced through fragile tomatoes and ripe strawberries without crushing the delicate flesh, and we weren’t foiled by stale, crusty bread. The Millenia Bread Knife has a rounded tip, which helps create a smooth slice, but leaves you unable to pierce tough skins or rinds. 

With an HRC of 54, the Millenia knives are on the lower end of edge retention and wear resistance. Essentially, you’ll probably have to sharpen this knife more frequently than one of the tougher knives we highlight. The Millenia Bread knife isn’t a legacy piece that you’ll hand down to future generations of breadbakers, but it’s the best bread knife for today’s budget-minded sandwich eaters. — Lily Alig, Kitchen Editor

Best upgrade

The Steelport Bread Knife is truly a cut above the rest. Most blades of this kind have a traditional pointed serration that catches the bread’s crust to slice it, but the Steelport’s blade is wavy. Out of all the knives we tested, we found that this distinctive serration made for the nicest pull, cutting even the most well-stocked sandwiches as smoothly as butter.

Also helping its slicing abilities is the ergonomic handle made with locally sourced Oregon big-leaf maple burl wood. We thought it felt heavy without being cumbersome, resulting in a comfortable grip that requires minimal force to slice through the crustiest of loaves. The handle even has a built-in notch for your index finger to rest in while you’re making quick cuts. This level of attention to detail shows how much thought was put into this knife’s design.

Did we mention the Steelport Bread Knife can can be engraved? Not only does this make for a great personalized gift, but it also adds to the elegance of the overall design.

M8nshot Media

Perhaps the most impressive feature is this knife’s 65 Rockwell Hardness Rating (HRC). According to Elizabeth Mehditach, an executive chef and founder of a Mediterranean catering company in L.A., HRC is a method of determining a knife’s hardness and how long it will maintain its sharp edge. She says that most kitchen knives range between 50 and 65 HRC, so having an HRC of 65 means this knife is incredibly durable and will stay sharp for longer. Of course, if you’re in need of a knife tune-up, we tested the best knife sharpeners to keep your tools in good shape.

Best for sourdough

As delicious as it is, sourdough is notoriously difficult to cut. So if your pandemic hobby was perfecting your boules, you’ll want to invest in a the best bread knife to handle its crust. The Made In Bread Knife’s stainless steel, medium-sized teeth — which Hawkins advises is best for cutting bread without changing the structure of the loaf — offer a sharp tip for piercing through thick crusts that the other knives we tested just didn’t match.

While sourdough is no match for that sharpness, the tip does result in a less-than-smooth slice. No sandwich guts or tomato skins were crushed, but we found that the HexClad created a cleaner cut in those cases for a similar price point.

Made In’s knife has a sharp tip that helps to pierce stubborn crusts or the thick skin of a pineapple.

M8nshot Media

We appreciate the hearty handle on Made In’s knife, which felt substantial in our hands, and the colorful handle options. It’s not as professional looking as, say, the Shun or the Steelport, but you can match the handle to your other kitchen gadgets. There’s a little room to be desired in the HRC department (clocking in at 58), but it should suffice for most home cooks.

Best Japanese

Japanese-style knives are known for having some of the best blades in the world, and the Shun Classic Bread Knife is no exception. We found that the wide serrations on this blade — which is made of 34 layers of stainless Damascus steel — cut much easier and with far less pressure than others we tested. While Mehditach says that this kind of shallow blade with slightly rounded edges will offer more kitchen versatility, it likely won’t be sharp enough for those tough, crusty loaves. But for softer breads, pastries, and even tomatoes, this knife cuts like a dream.

The Shun Classic Bread Knife also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is always a plus when investing in high-quality kitchen tools.

M8nshot Media

We also appreciate this knife’s weight. It felt nice and heavy in our hands, with a comfortable ebony-finished Pakkawood handle that looks as good as it feels and doesn’t harbor bacteria. However, some users may find that the weight distribution where the handle meets the blade is too uneven for their liking. Though not a dealbreaker (and definitely something you can get used to over time) it’s worth noting for those who prefer a more balanced knife.

While we wish there was more info regarding its HRC, overall, this knife is a solid option for those who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship and sleek design. Shun also makes a set of the best steak knives we’ve used, perfect for a wedding gift or treating a lucky meat eater.

Other bread knives we tested

We also tested the Quince Essential Japanese Damascus Steel 9″ Serrated Bread Knife and the Material Serrated 6″ Knife. Even though they’re both fairly priced, we found these knives to be too light. They also didn’t do a good job of cutting through bread or tomatoes.

What to look for in a bread knife

Grip: As with any kitchen utensil, a comfortable grip is essential. We noted the weight of each knife — too heavy can tire your hand, but too light may not give you enough control — and how it felt in our hands. A balanced knife makes all the difference when it comes to ease of use and precision, so Hawkins advises looking for the best bread knife that’s also ergonomically designed and has an anti-slip surface.

Sharpness: You want your bread knife to be sharp enough to slice through crusty loaves without crushing them. A serrated or scalloped edge is best for this type of cutting, as it helps grip the surface of the food better. We put each one through Hawkins’ tomato test and noted whether or not it slid directly through the fruit.

High HRC: The Rockwell Hardness Rating (HRC) is a measure of how hard and durable the blade is. A high HRC rating means it’s less likely to dull quickly and will retain its sharpness for longer. Look for a rating of 55 and above for the best bread knives.

How we tested

We analyzed the weight and how each knife felt in our hands, checking to see if it was overly heavy, cheaply made, or balanced and comfortable.

M8nshot Media

After wading through dozens of the best bread knives, we narrowed it down to the top ten. Then we put each one through three tests to see how well they cut.

Bread test: We used each knife to cut through a loaf of bread, noting how many strokes it took and how much pressure we had to put on the knife. We also paid attention to how cleanly it cut through the crust and if it left any torn or jagged edges.

Tomato test: Like bread, tomatoes can be tough to cut through with a dull knife. We sliced a ripe tomato with each knife, taking note of how easily it pierced the skin and how cleanly it cut through without squishing the fruit.

Sandwich test: Finally, we made sandwiches with each bread knife to see how well it handled the combination of bread and fillings like tomatoes, lettuce, and meats. We noted if the cut was clean and easy or if it tore through the ingredients, making a huge mess.

Bread knife FAQs

Are bread knives and serrated knives the same?

While there are some similarities, Hawkins says that bread knives tend to have longer blades than serrated knives. A longer blade can cover the width of large, oval shaped loaves instead of requiring multiple initial cuts. 

What should you use a serrated knife for?

Hawkins likes to use serrated knives for not just slicing sandwiches, but also tough-to-cut fruit like pineapples. She also says they’re great for cutting other starchy meals like burritos. 

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Pluto customizes its pillows to your sleep preferences based off a sleep questionnaire.

Pluto

Sleep products are rarely a one-size-fits-all experience, and for those after the best pillow, the solution may just be in customization. 

Adjustable pillows have exploded in popularity and help limit returns from the trial and error of which firmness or loft to seek out, but pillow specialty brand Pluto takes it even further with a pillow tailored to your needs. Launched in March 2018, it offers a personalized shopping experience that yields over 40 pillow variations to suit sleepers of all types. Founder Susana Saeliu says, “The only innovative pillows I found online were ‘smart’ pillows or ‘adjustable’ pillows — I just wanted a simple, high-quality pillow at a fair price.”

The final pillow you receive at your doorstep is based on an online questionnaire that asks about your body statistics, current pillow and mattress satisfaction (or more likely, dissatisfaction), sleeping positions, and pillow feel preferences, plus additional space to detail your specific needs or concerns. The $125 pillow comes with a 125-night risk-free trial and a one-year warranty. Due to the personalized nature of the pillow, it can take up to three weeks to receive your pillow, and couples will want to fill out their forms individually. 

DesignPluto has developed more than 40 variations, and growing.

Pluto

The Pluto Pillow has three parts: an outer cover, a pocket layer of hypoallergenic down-alternative fibers, and a high-performance inner foam core that varies in height and density. Each answer in the questionnaire weights certain combinations of these elements. The pillow’s construction isn’t necessarily simple, but Saeliu’s reference to simplicity has more to do with your interaction with it. You don’t need to tinker with any mobile apps, unzip and physically add in or remove layers, or do anything else that makes you do more work than necessary.

Differences in the factors below create over 40 variations, but Saeliu says that the number can change as the company gathers more customer feedback and develops more materials. For instance, you can choose between a smooth, temperature-regulating eucalyptus lyocell or lightly quilted, cool-to-the-touch, plush fibers for your cover. 

The pillow’s inner core is made of high-performance CertiPUR-US-certified foams, which vary in height, density, and firmness, while the surrounding fibers vary in thickness and quantity. Pluto does not offer down fill or latex cores, though they do have foams that can mimic the feel if you’re after a latex design. 

What the Pluto Pillow is like to sleep with

The Pluto Pillow has a hybrid design with a foam core and a plush fill, with two cover options to choose from.

Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider

I had a chance to take the quiz and try a Pluto Pillow and what struck me the most about mine was how remarkably light it was. Having tested a variety of pillows in the past, I could tell immediately that no other pillow comes close. Though fluffy and lightweight, it still provided the right amount of structure and support for a back sleeper like me who tends to go to sleep and wake up in the same position.

Though your pillow will likely feel very different from mine, my satisfaction with my Pluto Pillow is a good indication that the company stays true to its word of personalized comfort.

For instance, another editor who has owned the pillow for two years refers to the Pluto as her “perfect pillow,” and well-suited for sleeping on her back or side. Her pillow combination is comprised of a temperature-regulating cover with plush fill and a 2.5-inch foam core. 

What are your alternatives?

The Pluto Pillow is more affordable than the luxury pillows offered by mattress-first brand Saatva or bedding-first brand Boll & Branch. Still, it is more expensive than our best pillow overall, an adjustable style from Coop Sleep Goods, and many of the other pillows we recommend in our best pillow guide. The added strengths of Pluto are its sole focus on the pillow business and of course, the personalization feature. Pluto has also since introduced a body pillow, dubbed the Puff, which is one of our best body pillows, and a travel pillow, the Pod 2.0. 

The bottom line

The Pluto Pillow takes the guesswork out of trying to find the right pillow.

Pluto

Though I’ve tried many other pillows, they were all one-size-fits-all solutions, and I could tell the difference upon trying my Pluto Pillow. The Pluto Pillow takes the guesswork out of finding the right pillow; the short questionnaire is both easy and engaging to fill out. The final result is a pillow custom-tailored to your individual needs and preferences that sleeps cool and stays supportive for back, stomach, and side sleepers. 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.

Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence for David DePape, 44, whom jurors found guilty last November of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Prosecutors had asked for a 40-year prison term.

DePape was given 20 years for one count and 30 years for another count. The sentences will run concurrently. He was also given credit for the 18 months that he’s been in custody.

DePape stood silently as Judge Corley handed the sentence and looked down at times. His public defense attorneys had asked the judge to sentence him to 14 years, pointing out that he was going through a difficult time in his life and had no prior criminal history.

Corley said she took into account when giving DePape’s sentence the fact that he broke into the home of a public official, an unprecedented act in the history of the country.

“He actually went to the home, that is completely, completely unprecedented,” she said.

Before sentencing, Christine Pelosi read victim statements on behalf of her father and mother, explaining how the violent attack changed their lives.

“The Pelosi family couldn’t be prouder of their Pop and his tremendous courage in saving his own life on the night of the attack and in testifying in this case,” Aaron Bennett, a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement. “Speaker Pelosi and her family are immensely grateful to all who have sent love and prayers over the last eighteen months, as Mr. Pelosi continues his recovery.”

DePape admitted during trial testimony that he broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home Oct. 28, 2022, intending to hold the speaker hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she lied to him. He also admitted to bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer after police showed up, saying his plan to end what he viewed as government corruption was unraveling.

The attack on Paul Pelosi, who was 82 at the time, was captured on police body camera video just days before the midterm elections and sent shockwaves through the political world.

Defense attorneys argued DePape was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with Nancy Pelosi’s official duties as a member of Congress, making the charges against him invalid.

One of his attorneys, Angela Chuang, said during closing arguments that DePape was caught up in conspiracy theories.

At trial DePape, a Canadian who moved to the U.S. more than 20 years ago, testified that he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about former President Donald Trump. In rants posted on a blog and online forum that were taken down after his arrest, DePape echoed the baseless, right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory that claims a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles runs the U.S. government.

DePape also told jurors he had planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and record his interrogation of the Democratic speaker, who was not at the home at the time of the attack, to upload it online.

Prosecutors said he had rope and zip ties with him, and detectives found body cameras, a computer and a tablet.

Paul Pelosi also testified at the trial, recalling how he was awakened by a large man bursting into the bedroom and asking, “Where’s Nancy?” He said that when he responded that his wife was in Washington, DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her.

“It was a tremendous sense of shock to recognize that somebody had broken into the house, and looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognized that I was in serious danger, so I tried to stay as calm as possible,” Pelosi told jurors.

DePape is also charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies. Jury selection in that trial is expected to start Wednesday.

Paul Pelosi suffered two head wounds in the attack, including a skull fracture that was mended with plates and screws he will have for the rest of his life. His right arm and hand were also injured.