Descending into the desert for Burning Man? Don’t forget these items.

Welcome back! What would you do if your kid brought their college girlfriend home and they slept in the same room? Well, one “cool mom” didn’t mind. Find out why.

On the agenda:

• An Alzheimer’s researcher shared what he’s doing to preserve his brain health.
• Las Vegas is stuck in a Sin City slowdown.
• Why people are shelling out $2,100 for a trendy jacket.
• New drink on the links: Golfers can’t get enough of the Water Hazard.

But first: All eyes on Burning Man.

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This week’s dispatch

It’s time for some desert fun

Burning Man, the arts festival that attracts well-known tech bros, billionaires, and Hollywood’s A-list, kicks off on Sunday.

And for those leaving their corporate world-cares behind to attend the magical desert party in Black Rock City, Nevada, there are a few must-pack items you can’t leave behind.

Business Insider’s Anneta Konstantinides is no newbie to the playa or the dry lake bed where Burning Man takes place. After attending in 2023, she writes she learned that the most important part of her planning was the packing — especially since thousands of festivalgoers bring nearly everything with them, including living accommodations.

Here are some of the 91 items Konstantinides can’t leave behind:

• Don’t wear anything “with loose feathers, glitter, or sequins — anything that can litter the playa is known as ‘MOOP’ and is looked down on by Burners.”
• “Many, many pairs of socks. We’d wear these even with our sandals to protect ourselves from the alkaline dust — no one wants Playa Foot!”
• Body wipes since many people attending Burning Man don’t shower while spending a week in the desert.
• Konstantides also advises bringing toiletries to protect you from the sun and dust, including sunglasses, chapstick with SPF, saline nasal spray, and cuticle cream.

Boosting your brain health

When it comes to brain aging, nothing helps more than healthy habits, according to Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a brain aging researcher. He created the acronym “SHIELD” to encourage good brain health and potentially reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Tanzi also takes omega-3 supplements, which can lower inflammation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Mounting evidence suggests those effects can also have antiaging benefits.

Reducing the chances of cognitive decline.

Leaving Las Vegas

For years, two of Sin City’s main draws were that it was one of only two places to legally gamble in the US and that it was relatively cheap to visit. Now, though, as sports betting has expanded to other cities, Las Vegas has started to lose its special appeal.

Plus, Vegas has gotten expensive. Resort economics have changed, tourists have begun to expect more luxury goods and services, and some establishments now charge New York City prices for drinks.

Still, it’s not dead — just sleepy.

A customized luxury piece

Luxury fashion brand Bode is all the rage right now, with its one-of-a-kind $2,100 Senior Cord Side Tab jacket becoming a fan-favorite investment piece. While most luxury brands are known for their rare pieces, Bode runs its business differently.

After purchasing the customizable jacket, Bode emails the customer an extensive questionnaire about their hobbies, favorite movies, lucky numbers, and more. Customer Marc Bass said the brand has achieved something few others have: It’s created a line of conversation-starting garments that are truly unique and accessible.

Worth the splurge.

Meet the Water Hazard

Many golfers have long preferred the Transfusion as their cocktail of choice while out on the green. The vodka-based drink features ginger ale, grape juice, and lime juice. But a new drink is taking over, according to golf course workers.

The Water Hazard mixes vodka with blue Gatorade, lemonade, and Sprite. The Gatorade’s electrolytes add a hydration twist to the refreshing drink, although it’s unlikely you’ll get the electrolyte benefits since the Gatorade is mixed with alcohol.

Plus, the aesthetic is nice.

What we’re watching this weekend

• “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox”: This Hulu miniseries delves into the 2007 wrongful conviction of American student Amanda Knox (played by Grace Van Patten), which became a headline-grabbing international incident.
• “Peacemaker”: In season 2 of HBO Max’s hilarious DC Comics series, expect more outlandish adventures from this disturbed superhero played by John Cena.
• “F1: The Movie”: Now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, check out one of the summer’s best movies as Brad Pitt plays a washed-up Formula 1 driver who seeks glory against the greatest racers in the world.

What to shop

• Pack light, look sharp: We found a bunch of comfy, stylish pants that are perfect for travel. They’re easy to pack and easy to wear. Check out our guide to the best women’s travel pants for looking polished without sacrificing comfort on the go.
• Ticket buyer protection for a price: Our deep dive has verified that StubHub is a legit spot for buying and selling event tickets with valid, on-time delivery or refunds if anything goes wrong. Just beware: you’ll pay extra for that peace of mind with clearly shown fees.
• Saatva’s Labor Day sale: Saatva is offering up to $400 off its luxury mattresses during its Labor Day sale, along with perks like white-glove delivery. It’s one of your best chances this year for serious savings on high-end comfort.

More of this week’s top reads:

• What Disney adults fear the most.
• I’ve visited Portugal over a dozen times. There’s one underrated region I keep going back to.
• My experience on “Survivor” made me want to live among nature. So I moved to Mexico.
• Nine ways you’re making your wedding look cheap, according to a luxury planner.
• I was burned out at work, so I quit my job, sold my home, and moved to Spain. It was the best decision of my life.
• Spike Lee says he won’t shop around his scrapped ESPN Colin Kaepernick doc: “That thing fell apart a year ago.”
• Inside a matcha rave, where Gen Zers go wild for ice-cold brews, sober partying, and getting home at a reasonable hour.
• Coach Deion Sanders says athletes should stop choosing colleges that offer a short-term payday.

Chipotle wants to turn dorm rooms into burrito bowls.

The BI Today team: Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.

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