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A guide to taking a California coast road trip

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Big Sur Bixby Bridge

A stay in California wouldn’t be complete without a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway.

The iconic Hwy 1 continues along most of the California coast through to Oregon and Washington and can be enjoyed at any pace… whether it’s over the course of 1 day or 2 weeks.

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel, and of course I love my Southern California home, so I couldn’t think of a better girl’s getaway than taking this coastal road trip!

Stop 1: Los Angeles

Depending on where you start your road trip, you may want to get through LA quickly to avoid traffic during rush hours, however if you want to spend some time in the city I recommend checking outSanta Monica and Venice Beach!

With its manmade canals, strewn about with imported gondolas straight from Italy, Venice Beach evokes a classy yet laid-back vibe.

Venice is the ultimate place to chill with the “in-crowd,” whether you’re sunbathing, shopping, or sightseeing- and you’ll find everything from an amusement pier, miniature steam railroad, boutiques, coffee bars, art galleries and more.



Stop 2: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is California’s answer to the Riviera. This is where you’ll find stylish Spanish colonial buildings and upscale boutiques set against the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains.

Be sure to stop by Seven Bar & Kitchen, a tasty roadside bar. Early plates include succulent buttermilk fried chicken, house waffles, fresh egg scrambles, and sausage gravy-stuffed biscuits.

Afterward, the simple, level roads and coastal breezes invite you to explore the town a la bicyclette. Find a retailer on the beachfront and cycle down the Cabrillo Bike Path on the Waterfront.

You’ll find your way to historical State Street, a charming walkway in the heart of Santa Barbara with eclectic adobes and red-tiled roofs. This is the perfect place for a stroll or window-shopping with your girlfriends among unique boutiques, showrooms, souvenir places, cafés, bars, and restaurants.

 



Stop 3: Solvang

Solvang was settled by Danish farmers, and all of downtown has a sort of faux-Danish vibe—this means lots of cute bakeries and gift shops! Be sure to stop by Mortensen’s Danish Bakery for the freshest pastries and cookies around.

At the Old Danish Fudge Kitchen you can grab goodies to your heart’s delight—caramels, caramel apples, homemade soft pretzels, and fudge in a variety of flavors: Oreo, chocolate with pecans, rocky road, vanilla pecan, and more.

Solvang is also home to several fine wineries, such as the popular Sevtap Winery Tasting Room. Even the locals go here, so you know it’s top notch! Try a sample of merlot, chardonnay, or petit verdot—or take a few bottles home as gifts!

One of my favorite tasting rooms was Sort This Out, with its vintage, pin up theme throughout the shop and wines. Be sure to check it out and chat with the friendly winemakers!

 



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Expiration dates are bogus — here's the best way to tell if a food's gone bad

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Expiration dates are a scam.

The "sell by" dates on food products aren't a reliable means of telling whether a food is safe to eat, according to the National Resource Defense Council.

Instead, expiration dates merely indicate when a food will reach its limits for something called "optimal quality," which is based only on a rough estimate.

Fortunately, determining whether a food has gone bad is fairly straightforward and requires just a small amount of know-how.

Read on to find out if you should eat it or toss it.

SEE ALSO: Here's what a standard serving size of each of your favorite foods looks like

UP NEXT: We talked to a Harvard geneticist who thinks this unlikely ingredient could end one of the longest-raging food wars once and for all

Bread: It's moldy — even if the mold is just on one piece.

If you spot mold on one slice of bread, it's not safe to eat another slice— even if there's no visible mold on the rest of the loaf. Toss it.

Because bread is porous, mold can spread easily throughout the loaf, so while a piece might look safe to eat, it could contain tiny mold spores.

If a bread has become hard and dry but has no mold, it can probably still be used as bread crumbs or croutons, since mold needs moisture to grow.



Eggs: They float.

If an egg is bad, it floats in fresh, cold water. If an egg is good, it sinks.

You may have dismissed this tip as nonsense, but there's some solid science behind it, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

While egg shells seem solid, they're actually slightly porous. As an egg ages, a sac of air begins to form inside around the inside of the shell. The older it is, the more air becomes trapped inside. Once so much air is inside the egg that it floats, chances are it's gone bad. (Of course, an old egg can still be OK to eat, but better safe than sorry!) Fresh eggs, on the other hand, will sink to the bottom of a bowl of water.



Fresh fruit: Its texture has changed.

If your fruit has become mushy or grainy, it's probably a sign that you shouldn't eat it, according to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Other warning signs that a fruit has gone bad include extreme discoloring, foul odors, or wrinkly skin that's peeling away.



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Get a great pair of noise cancelling-headphones for £40 off — and more of the best deals on Amazon UK

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

AmazonWe rounded up some of the best deals on Amazon UK, from an amazing Scottish whisky to wireless headphones and speakers to bring along to your summer barbecues.

Save 39% on this highly rated single malt

This single malt was made in the highest and coldest distillery in Scotland. Created in the cold, it's also served straight out of the freezer. While this would be sacrilege for most single malts, serving it cold accentuates the fresh apple, honey, and toffee notes of this whisky. It also makes for a great sipping whisky in the hot summer months. 

Dalwhinnie Winter's Gold Whisky, £25 (usually £40.99), available at Amazon UK



Get a new smartphone for just £90

If you're in the market for a budget smartphone, this one will get you the most bang for your buck. Although budget, it looks rather high-end with its aluminum housing, vivid display, and great optical performance. For those who want a budget Android phone that looks great, and feels amazing in-hand, the BLU will do the trick rather nicely. 

BLU Studio One UK 4G Smartphone, £89.99 (usually £129.99), available at Amazon UK



Pick up these noise cancelling-headphones for £40 off

Listen to your favourite music with White Label's wireless headphones, which also have noise-cancelling functionality to block out the crowds during long commutes. With up to 12 hours of juice in them, you'll easily be able to get through several working days, and listen to music on your commute, use them for Skype conferences, and even for some gaming. 

White Label AncStudio Bluetooth Headphones with Noise Cancellation, £59.99 (usually £99.99), available at Amazon UK



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It's clear that one city is becoming a booming innovation hub, and it could change the world

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China has long been known for its exports, for manufacturing items quickly and cheaply for sale abroad. 

But the culture of mass production and copycatting technology has changed as the world's most populous nation has grown. 

China is now turning into a force for innovation in its own right. 

Citi's latest report on Disruptive Innovations includes a bunch of charts and tables on the world's most innovative cities.

It's striking that China is rising up the rankings, and Shenzhen is becoming a patent-filing powerhouse. The emergence of Shenzhen, and China more broadly, as an innovation hub, has broad implications.

China is trying to transition its economy from an investment-based economy to a consumption-led economy. Chinese companies having been buying up tech companies around the world. A rising urban middle class that is tech savvy and mobile friendly, are gaining more prosperity and demanding more convenience. The population is aging, making healthcare and robotic technology more important.

In short, the Chinese market is huge, and its giving the West a run for its funding. 

Let's look at the charts:

Silicon Valley leads the way in VC investment, but Beijing is closing in.

Silicon Valley, of course, comes out on top as the most famous innovation cluster with the most VC investment through the years. It's home to computer software, social media giants, and a hit TV show poking fun at the tech savvy nature of this city. 

But Beijing increased its VC investment from just $0.9 billion in 2007 to a whopping $7.7 billion in 2014 and was catapulted into second place.



China ranks second in fintech investment too.

When it comes to fintech, China comes second, only behind California, in fintech investment by region and Hong Kong actually beats the sunshine state in the number of fintech hubs it harbors.



China has also vaulted up the rankings for patents filed, with Shenzhen-Guangdong ranking second, behind Tokyo and ahead of San Francisco.

China's sudden rise as an innovation hub is thanks in part to support from the government's plans and policies and increases in the number of internet and mobile users.

China's government has given significant support to innovation through favorable land and tax policies, improvements in local infrastructure, and the establishment of important research centers and industrial parks.

In the Hangzhou Yuhang Economic and Technological Development area, for example, 100% of taxes can be refunded to eligible companies in the first two years after starting a business.  



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This legendary Silicon Valley VC firm had a chance to invest in Apple, Google and Facebook early on but never did

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Bessemer Venture Partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is one of the oldest venture capital firms in Silicon Valley.

Through its 105-year history, BVP has made a series of great investments in companies like LinkedIn, Yelp, and Skype that have brought in tons of cash in return.

But it's also had its fair share of "screw ups" through the years, passing on opportunities to invest in some of the most successful tech companies ever, such as Apple, Google, and Facebook.

To keep itself motivated, BVP runs "The Anti-Portfolio," a page that lists some of its worst missed opportunities and why it passed on them. Take a look:

SEE ALSO: This Instagram star quit her corporate job after a breakup, and now she makes 6 figures with her own fitness business

BVP traces its roots back to Henry Phipps, cofounder of Carnegie Steel. After selling the company, Phipps launched an investment firm named after Sir Henry Bessemer, the man who created the industrial process used by Carnegie Steel.



BVP is now one of the most successful VC firms in Silicon Valley. It currently manages more than $4 billion across 6 offices around the world. Its biggest exits include LinkedIn, Yelp, and Skype.



But BVP has also had epic failures, passing on startups that ended up becoming some of the biggest tech companies in the world. "If we had invested in any of these companies, we might not still be working," BVP writes jokingly on its site.

"Our reasons for passing on these investments varied. In some cases, we were making a conscious act of generosity to another, younger venture firm, down on their luck, who we felt could really use a billion dollars in gains. In other cases, our partners had already run out of spaces on the year's Schedule D and feared that another entry would require them to attach a separate sheet," BVP writes on its website.



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10 fascinating natural phenomena and why they happen every summer

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Summer is usually one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. After all, there is no better time to enjoy the outdoors and the sunshine.

But summer also brings about a number of changes to our planet, from warming temperatures to dangerous thunderstorms to fireflies that flash in unison.

Here are some of the most interesting and intriguing annual summer phenomena and a quick look at why they happen:

SEE ALSO: These are 13 of the hottest places on earth

Temperatures get warmer — and heatwaves are more common.

Nothing says summer like warm weather. This rise in temperatures is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Our planet doesn't sit perfectly straight as it spins — it has a slight lean of approximately 23.5 degrees with respect to the sun, called the axial tilt. So throughout the year, this axial tilt causes the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to bask in different levels of sunlight, giving rise to the seasons.

In the summer, the sun's rays hit the Earth at a steep angle, and the light doesn't spread as much, so any one spot receives more energy from the sun, increasing temperatures. This effect is amplified by the longer summer days.

Heatwaves are most common in summer when high-pressure systems develop across an area, trapping the heat. And, as climate change continues to increase temperatures, scientists predict there will be more frequent and severe heat waves in summer.



The Arctic Circle enjoys 24 hours of light.

North of the Arctic Circle, or roughly above 66 degrees in latitude, the sun is visible for 24 hours a day for a given time frame depending on how far north you are. And at the North Pole, it will be daylight from March 21 to September 23.

This phenomenon is popularly called the "Midnight Sun," and it, too, is a result of the axial tilt.

While at the equator the sun seems to rise straight into the sky and set straight down at the horizon, in the far north latitudes the sun appears to travel in a slanting 360-degree circle in the sky. So even when the sun is below the horizon, it isn't there for very long, nor is it very far below the horizon, keeping the sky alight all night long.

The Southern Hemisphere experiences this phenomenon, too, just on the other side of the calendar.



The stars that we see at night change.

As the earth orbits the sun, the part of the night sky in our view changes. What this means is that most of the star patterns, or constellations, that we see on a summer night are different from those that we see in the winter, according to Space.com.

In other words, in the summer we can see the stars that during the winter were in our daytime sky and thus were invisible to us.

This change doesn't happen all at once; it's subtle from night to night. But as the season progresses, Space.com reports, a given star sets about four minutes earlier each night, so over a month, it will set two hours earlier.

Gradually the stars that were low over the western horizon during the early evening hours disappear entirely from our view over a few weeks, and their places are taken by stars that were higher in the sky at sundown.

Since the planet completes a circle every year, patterns and constellations reemerge on schedule every season. For example, the summer is a great time to see the Big Dipper.



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11 mistakes standing between you and your first million

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I've been a millionaire three separate times in my life. The first time I saw $1,000,000 in my bank account, I almost fainted. Even though I knew it was hitting my account, it still caught me off guard.

Becoming a millionaire isn’t as far-fetched as you would believe. With dedication, patience and focus, becoming a millionaire is completely obtainable. If I can do it, anyone can.

The hardest part? Actually reaching your first million. After that, everything else falls in place. But why is it so difficult to reach your first million? I find that most people are pretty close, but hold themselves back with the following mentalities:

SEE ALSO: 7 signs you're rich, even if it doesn't feel like it

1. You’re not thinking the right way

As Napoleon Hill discovered in his landmark 1937 book “Think and Grow Rich,” wealthy individuals think differently than the average person. After interviewing 1,200 of the wealthiest individuals in the world, self-made millionaire Steve Siebold agrees with Hill’s findings. They include:

• The rich believe poverty is the root of all evil.
• Selfish can be a virtue.
• They have an action mentality.
• The rich acquire specific knowledge.
• They dream about the future.
• They follow their passion.
• The rich enjoy challenges.
• They use other people’s money.
• Millionaires focus on earning, not saving.
• They know when to take risks.

In short, if you want to become a millionaire, start changing the way you think about money and success.



2. Being too concerned about perfection

Here’s one of the most important and valuable lessons I’ve learned in life -- nothing is perfect. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can move forward, instead of being stuck in one place.

Related: 10 Ways You Can Model the Success of Millionaires

If you’re starting a business, the more time you spend perfecting your product or service, the more time your competitors have to tap into your market and take away potential customers. Don’t hesitate to experiment. Get to market as soon as you can. You can always work out the kinks later while you’re still making a profit.



3. Spending everything you make

You just received a fat six-figure check. It’s tempting to go out and buy a luxury car. The thing is, wealthy people know how to live below their means, as opposed to spending everything that they just made. Many wealthy people, like Warren Buffett, live in modest homes and drive practical cars.



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Over 70% of workers are unaware that the First Amendment doesn't protect them from getting fired over dumb social media posts

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We don't know much about our Constitutional freedoms — especially as they pertain to our ever-important social media profiles.

At least, that's what SEO reseller HubShout's recent study found.

The survey, which had a sample size of 525, revealed that 71.6% of respondents didn't know that the First Amendment couldn't protect them from getting fired for their social media activity.

"We thought it would be interesting to conduct a survey to find out how people are representing themselves on social media, because there is so much judgment happening, particularly by employers," HubShout CEO Chad Hill told Business Insider. "The survey revealed a lack of understanding of the far-reaching effects of social media, a false confidence in social media privacy settings, and an astonishing misinterpretation of the First Amendment."

In response to the question, "Do you believe that getting fired because of a social media post is an infringement of First Amendment rights?" 41.2% of respondents answered "yes" and 30.4% responded "not sure."

The right to free speech established in the First Amendment allows people to express themselves without interference from the government.

Private sector companies are a whole different story. Individuals technically cannot be fired for discussing "work related issues,"according to the National Law Review ("work related issues" include information about pay, benefits, and working conditions). Still, private companies are otherwise typically free to discipline employees for speech on social media. For public employees, the law is a bit more complicated, although not all speech and action is protected, according to Workplace Fairness

And all organizations are always free to pass on job candidates due to concerning social media posts.

Here are some of the other big takeaways from the survey. Read through them and remember to be careful of what you choose to post online, lest you be stripped of your post.

SEE ALSO: 60% of hiring managers look up candidates online — here's how to make sure your Facebook profile doesn't cost you a job

Most people understand not to bash their job on social media

Fortunately, most people are smart enough to not bash their boss, colleagues, or company on social media. 

Only 8.1% of people said they’ve posted criticisms of their coworkers or employers, while a minority of 15.7% have complained about their jobs at all. 



One in five people publish offensive posts

In this survey, 23.1% of respondents admitted to posting information or photos that might be considered offensive to others.

Additionally, 68.7% of participants revealed they shared content and posted comments about politics and religion — two pretty contentious topics. 



Most people don't post about drinking

There's good news when it comes to booze-soaked pics. 

When it came to HubShout's survey respondents, 31.6% said they only occasionally or rarely posted pictures of themselves drinking alcohol, while 26.9% claimed they never posted with such beverages.

Only 5.3% admitted to frequently posting party pictures.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Fast food has way more sugar than you'd think, but the worst offenders might surprise you

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We're eating too much sugar.

Americans consume 30% more sugar every day than we did three decades ago, according to the Obesity Society.

So where's it all coming from?

Turns out it's often hiding in the foods that we'd least expect — from burgers and barbecue to sandwiches and other seemingly healthy options.

So how well do you know your food? Guess which of the following options has the most sugar:

UP NEXT: 17 'healthy habits' you're better off giving up

SEE ALSO: 11 health benefits of caffeine, the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world

WHICH HAS MORE SUGAR: A Chipotle salad with veggie sofritas and guacamole or a Shake Shack SmokeShack burger?



ANSWER: The Chipotle salad.

Chipotle salad with sofritas and guac:

Total grams of sugar: 26.5

Percent of recommended daily intake: 106%

SmokeShack burger:

Total grams of sugar: 11

Percent of recommended daily intake: 44%



WHICH HAS MORE SUGAR: A 16-ounce Jamba Juice "Orange Dream Machine" smoothie or a 16-ounce Starbucks nonfat white chocolate mocha with no whipped cream?



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25 of the most luxurious homes you can stay at around the world

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With the rise of Airbnb and other home rental companies, evidence has shown that vacationers are increasingly opting to stay in private homes instead of hotels. 

And it's a trend that's ripe to continue: vacation rentals offer things that hotels can't always provide, like additional privacy, more space per person, and amenities such as kitchens and washing machines. They also are often less expensive than their hotel counterparts, and can make guests feel like they are having a more authentic experience, living more as the locals do. 

Compiled by HomeToGo — a vacation rental search engine that aggregates results from sites like HomeAway, VRBO, and TripAdvisor — this list of luxury rental homes around the world features jaw-dropping villas, stylish penthouses, and five-star amenities. They will make you want to head off immediately to experience their offerings for yourself, but be warned: once you arrive, you may want to move in permanently. 

Note: Prices per night are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to minor fluctuation. See the attached links for the most recent price information. 

SEE ALSO: 17 of the best under-the-radar islands in Europe

DON'T MISS: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on facebook!

Just south of Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain, Casa Paris sleeps 10 guests within walking distance of the ocean. The 6,000-square-foot house includes a living room, dining room, full kitchen, laundry room, sauna and gym, while the outdoor property features a large heated pool and pool house, manicured gardens, and a barbecue area. Supermarkets and restaurants are less than a mile away, making local living easy.

Price per night: $1,603

Find more information here »



Brione Sopra Miniusio in Locarno, Switzerland, accommodates four guests in loft-villa style with sweeping views of the lake, mountains, countryside, and nearby city. The modern interior offers all of the latest amenities, while the surrounding property features terraced gardens and an above-ground pool. In close proximity to hiking trails, golf, lake activities, and well-known ski resorts, this home is perfect for enjoying Switzerland at any time of year.

 Price per night: $287

Find more information here »



This luxurious villa in Split, Croatia, boasts room for 10 people split among five bedrooms. Just steps from the sea with its own pool and boat access, it features a library, full kitchen, furnished terraces, sauna, and fitness room. If that isn't enough, guests also have easy access to tennis, golf, and hiking nearby.

Price per night: $1,731

Find more information here »



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11 optical illusions your brain simply can't handle

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Real eyes realize real lies. Tell that to Japanese professor Kokichi Sugihara.

Sugihara is an award-winning illusionist and the creator of some of the most mind-blowing optical illusions we've ever seen. Seriously, these things have my brain questioning basic logic. 

Like when that thing goes there, isn't it supposed to go over there and not over there? Shouldn't the little balls be rolling to the right instead of the left? How did that thing do the thing? Huh?!

Check out some of Sugihara's best brain-bending illusions below:

Japanese professor Kokichi Sugihara created these optical illusion sculptures.

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We can all agree that the marble was NOT supposed to do that, right?

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This looks like it defies gravity.

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Finally, here are a lot of new photos from the 'Harry Potter' play in London

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We've seen the actors, and now we're getting a look at the stage production.

"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" stars Jack Thorne as Harry, Noma Dumezweni as Hermione, and Paul Thornley as Ron — 19 years after the end of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

It picks up after the last scene in the book, with Harry dropping his son off at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters for his first year at Hogwarts.

The play has been doing preview shows on stage at London's West End since June 7, with its official premiere this week. For people who can't make it to London to watch the show, we're getting a book version of the script that drops at midnight on July 31st. You'll just have to imagine Thorne, Dumezweni, and Thornley acting out the script. Here are some pictures from the production to help you out.

Here's Jamie Parker as Harry Potter. The lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead hasn't faded.



Harry's sitting down with his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter. He's played by Sam Clemmett.



Albus Severus is named after — you guessed it — Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.



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Here are all the different versions of the newer, slimmer Xbox One you can buy (MSFT)

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The new Xbox One S, which is 40% slimmer than the original Xbox One, is going to be available on August 2!

Xbox One S

Well, one version of the Xbox One S will be available on August 2, with other hard-drive configurations and bundles rolling out throughout the month of August.

If you want to get caught up on all the details of how the Xbox One S differs from the current Xbox One, we've got you covered. But what we're here to talk about today, dear readers, are the various bundle options you'll be able to get, how much they'll cost, and when you can get your hands on them.

Xbox One S 2 TB Console — Launch Edition

This version of the Xbox One S has the most storage at a whopping two terabytes, but there are no games that come bundled with it.

But, if you're dead set on getting the Xbox One S as soon as it launches on August 2, this is the only version you'll be able to buy.

Cost: $400

Release date: August 2



Xbox One S 500 GB Console — Halo Collection Bundle

This bundle comes with:

        - Xbox One S console with 500 GB of storage.

        - A physical disc copy of "Halo 5: Guardians."

        - A code for a digital download of "Halo: The Master Chief Collection."

Cost: $300

Release date: August 23



Xbox One S 1 TB Console — Madden NFL 17 Bundle

This bundle comes with:

        - Xbox One S 1 TB console.

        - A code for a digital download of "Madden NFL 17."

        - Seven Madden Ultimate Team Pro Packs. (These are download codes for booster packs that you can use to unlock special items in the game.)

Cost: $350

Release date: August 23



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11 healthy lunches you can make in less than 10 minutes

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If you’re trying to eat healthy, coming up with easy meals that will actually satisfy your cravings can be hard. These 11 recipes are exactly what you’ve been looking for since they’re fast, delicious, and totally healthy.

Preparing these meals in the morning and digging in at lunch will help you stay satisfied and on track all day.

Mason Jar Quinoa Salad

Preparing a quick lunch for at work or between classes is as easy as throwing some greens and your favorite salad toppings into a mason jar. A good rule of thumb for making healthy salads is to include one of each of the following: a dark leafy green, a grain, a protein, an extra veggie, and dressing.

For a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-style salad, try combining arugula, cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, feta, and a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.



Vegan Tomato Bisque

This dish looks, tastes, and sounds much more expensive and complicated than it actually is. If you’re craving something warm and creamy, but still healthy and fuss-free, you need to try this soup.

Throw a can of Campbell’s Condensed tomato soup (and a can-full of water) into a blender and add an avocado, some fresh basil, garlic powder if desired, and olive oil. Blend it up and heat in a saucepan for a thick, creamy, delicious soup that only takes 5 minutes to make. And did I mention it’s also vegan, low-carb, and full of healthy fats and vitamins?



Black Bean Butternut Squash Tacos

Just about anything can go into a taco if it’s seasoned correctly, and squash is no exception. Heating squash and sweet potatoes until tender takes just a few minutes in the microwave, and when you add avocado, taco seasoning, and black means, you have a yummy taco lunch that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Check out the full recipe here.



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Fascinating photos of the NYC Sanitation Department's secret trash collection

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On the second floor of a nondescript warehouse owned by New York City's Sanitation Department in East Harlem is a treasure trove—filled with other people's trash.

Most of the building is used as a depot for garbage trucks, but there's a secret collection that takes over an entire floor. The space is populated by a mind-bogglingly wide array of items: a bestiary of Tamagotchis, Furbies; dozens of Pez dispensers; female weight lifting trophies; 8-track tapes; plates, paintings, sporting equipment and much more.

This is the Treasures in the Trash collection, created entirely out of objects found by Nelson Molina, a now-retired sanitation worker, who began by decorating his locker. Collected over 30 years, it is a visual explosion, organized by type, color, and size. Recently, Atlas Obscura had the chance to visit the collection with the New York Adventure Club, take some photos, and revel in the vast creative possibilities of trash.

Unfortunately, this isn't a collection that keeps regular hours; drop-ins are not allowed. For more information on the occasional organized tours, email tours@dsny.nyc.gov.

Guitars, including an original Fender, surround the Michael Jackson shrine.



New Yorkers would seem to hate pewter tableware considering how much of it they put in the trash.



Art is a particular specialty of the collection. Nelson Molina grabbed any piece that caught his eye.



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This woman's incredible photos show why Ecuador is becoming the world's most popular backpacking spot

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Ecuador, which is home to stunning waterfalls, jungle land, and idyllic nature trails, is fast becoming the most popular backpacking destination on earth.

Internet searches for hostels in Ecuador rose by 556% between January 2015 and June 2016, compared to the same period the previous year, according to recent data from the hostel booking site Dorms.com.

Travel blogger Jessica Festa, the founder of Jessie on a Journey, shared a selection of photos from her trip to Ecuador with Business Insider to show what the country has to offer.

Here's a glimpse into Festa's experience of Ecuador, with her own quotes. 

The travel blogger began her trip in Vilcabamba, a picturesque village in the south of the country that's known as the "Valley of Longevity." It is home to "one of the longest living populations in the world," Festa said, thanks to its "natural mineral water and fresh mountain air." There are also plenty of "budget-friendly spas, meditation and yoga centres, and healthy eateries in town."



An active traveller, Festa did plenty of hiking and cycling on her trip. On a hiking trip in Cajas National Park, near the city of Cuenca, she learned about Quinoa Forest, which is the world's tallest forest, perched at 13,124 feet. As well as beautiful scenery, the park is rife with myths. "Because many [people] have died here from getting lost or altitude sickness the woodland is also believed to be haunted," Festa said.



The nearby city of Cuenca, in the Andes Mountains, is known for its culture. "It's an extremely walkable city and is full of musicians playing in ambient squares, interesting museums and restaurants."



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All the 'Avengers' and Marvel fans who nailed their cosplay at Comic-Con

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Fans in cosplay from across the Marvel Universe converged at San Diego Comic-Con last week.

We saw a near screen-accurate Deadpool, tons of Spideys, and a Thor-meets-Ronald McDonald mash-up we won't soon forget.

These are our favorite photos of "Avengers,""X-Men," and Marvel cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con 2016.

Avengers, assemble!



An old-time favorite, Tony Stark looked slick as ever.



Another cosplayer brought the Iron Man suit, just in case of trouble. He's joined by Riri Willians, who will take over for Tony Stark in the comics.

Learn more about Marvel's new Iron Man »



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Albert Einstein’s mind-melting thought experiments that revolutionized how we understand time

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Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, forever changed the landscape of science by introducing revolutionary concepts that shook our understanding of the physical world.

One of Einstein's most defining qualities was his remarkable ability to conceptualize complex scientific ideas by imagining real-life scenarios. He called these scenarios Gedankenexperiments, which is German for thought experiments.

Here are a few thought experiments that demonstrate some of Einstein's most groundbreaking discoveries.

SEE ALSO: 15 Albert Einstein quotes that put you inside the mind of a true genius

DON'T MISS: This mind-melting thought experiment of Einstein's reveals how to manipulate time

Imagine you're chasing a beam of a light.

This is something Einstein started thinking about when he was just 16 years old. What would happen if you chased a beam of light as it moved through space?

If you could somehow catch up to the light, Einstein reasoned, you would be able to observe the light frozen in space. But light can't be frozen in space, otherwise it would cease to be light.

Eventually Einstein realized that light cannot be slowed down and must always be moving away from him at the speed of light. Therefore something else had to change. Einstein eventually realized that time itself had to change, which laid the groundwork for his special theory of relativity.



Imagine you're sitting on a train.

Imagine you're standing on a train while your friend is standing outside the train, watching it pass by. If lightning struck on both ends of the train, your friend would see both bolts of lightning strike at the same time.

But on the train, you are closer to the bolt of lightning that the train is moving toward. So you see this lightning first because the light has a shorter distance to travel.

This thought experiment showed that time moves differently for someone moving than for someone standing still, cementing Einstein's belief that time and space are relative and simultaneity doesn't exist. This is a cornerstone in Einstein's special theory of relativity.



Imagine you have a twin in a rocket ship.

This thought experiment is a well-known variation of Einstein's light-clock thought experiment, which has to do with the passage of time.

Imagine you have a twin, born at almost the exact same time as you.

But the moment your twin is born, he or she gets placed in a spaceship and launched into space to travel through the universe at nearly the speed of light. According to Einstein's special theory of relativity, you and your twin would age differently. Since time moves slower the closer that you get to the speed of light, your twin would age more slowly.

When the spaceship lands back on Earth, you might be trying to sort out your retirement, while your twin is just trying to get through puberty.



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23 things you should never say to your coworkers

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confused upset thinking talking boss employeeGetting along with your coworkers is a beautiful thing. It can make your workday less dreary, help you focus better, and make you more productive.

But according to Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, anetiquette and civility expert and the author of "Don't Burp in the Boardroom,"your chummy coworker relationship can become problematic when you don't keep it professional.

From things that make you sound unprofessional to awkward or impolite — and even harassing comments — there are a lot of things you shouldn't say that could turn a work relationship ugly or even get you fired.

"In conversation, use a little common sense and discretion, especially when there are others present," Randall suggests. "The general guideline is that if you wouldn't say it in front of your boss, don't say it."

Aside from the obvious — like profanity and insults — here are some words and phrases you should never utter to your coworkers:

SEE ALSO: 33 things you should never say to your boss

DON'T MISS: 19 things you should never say on your first day at work

'How much do you get paid?'

"This question is not only unprofessional, but awkward," Randall says. "Why do you want to know? Will you complain to your boss if you find it inequitable? Or will you speak to your boss on your coworker's behalf insisting they get a raise?"



'Can I borrow some cash?'

Most of us have forgotten to bring cash or our wallet to work once or twice, and, Randall says, in this rare occasion it might be OK to ask your understanding coworker to borrow some money for lunch.

"But if your wallet is always in your 'other purse,' don't be surprised if you're excluded from future lunches," she says.



'Honestly'

Barbara Pachter, an etiquette expert and author of "The Essentials of Business Etiquette," says that drawing attention to your honesty at that moment can lead people to wonder, "Aren't you always honest with me?"



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11 things Elon Musk just revealed about Tesla's plans for the future (TSLA)

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Elon Musk is betting big on the Gigafactory. 

The Gigafactory, of course, is Tesla's enormous battery manufacturing plant being constructed in Sparks, Nevada. 

Tesla is building the giant factory to help bring down the cost of batteries used in its electric cars. This cost savings will help reduce the cost of Tesla's vehicles, thus helping electric cars go mainstream. 

On Tuesday evening, Musk hosted a press conference and shared some interesting insights about the battery plant and his company's goals. We rounded up some of the most interesting bits of information he shared about the Gigafactory's progress and Tesla's future.

Musk said it will cost tens of billions of dollars to complete his master plan, which includes completing the Gigafactory.

Last week, Elon Musk revealed the second part of Tesla's master plan

The plan basically consists of four parts: 

1. Grow the energy storage business and expand into the business of energy generation.

2. Make more vehicles to address the rest of the consumer market (think pickup trucks and SUVs).

3. Make Tesla's autonomous tech 10 times safer than it currently is.

4. Launch a "shared fleet" service that lets Tesla owners make money off their cars by renting them out when they're not using them.

All of this will not come cheap. According to Bloomberg, Musk said the cost could reach into the tens of billions of dollars overtime. 

 

 

 



Tesla has dramatically ramped up construction at its Gigafactory to finish it way ahead of schedule.

Tesla has moved up its deadline for battery and car production considerably. 

Earlier this year, Tesla said it plans to produce some 500,000 vehicles in total by 2018, and one million vehicles by 2020.

Previously, Tesla had aimed to produce 500,000 cars by 2020.

To meet these ambitious timelines, Tesla aims to be making batteries by the end of this year at the factory. 

 



Tesla is on schedule to begin production of its Model 3 next summer.

According to Bloomberg, Musk said he is confident Tesla will be making the Model 3 by summer 2017.

However, production is expected to increase once the Gigfactory begins making batteries in late 2017. 

 



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