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A brand new 'Star Wars' game was just announced — here's everything we know (EA)

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When the second Death Star exploded in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," it's pretty likely that every living thing on the nearby forest moon Endor would've died. No Ewoks partying. No smiling Rebel Alliance soldiers. 

It's called the "Endor Holocaust" theory for a reason.

Star Wars Battlefront II

But in the "Star Wars" universe, everyone on Endor is fine. That explosion, seen above, is the plot point that the story arc of the new "Star Wars Battlefront II" is based upon: Revenge.

The new game — expected to launch on November 17 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC — stars a brand new heroine named Iden Versio. That's her above, turning around. Here she is without that dark helmet on:

Star Wars Battlefront II

You can't tell here, but she's pretty pissed off that the second Death Star just exploded. She'll seek revenge — on behalf of the sad, failing empire — throughout "Battlefront II." Here's what we know about the game so far!

SEE ALSO: The first trailer for the next 'Star Wars' movie is here!

As you've already learned, "Battlefront II" has a narrative-driven, single-player story campaign — that's a major addition from the first "Battlefront" game, which was primarily focused on multiplayer.



The story focuses on telling the story of "the other side"— that of the Galactic Federation (the bad guys) — after the events of "Return of the Jedi."



It's set in "the 30 years between the destruction of Death Star II and through the rise of the First Order," according to EA, which is to say "Between the events of 'Return of the Jedi' and 'The Force Awakens.'" As such, you'll come across some familiar faces.



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10 gut-wrenching pleas from astronauts to save planet Earth

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karen nyberg female astronaut international space station iss cupola windows expedition 37 nasa

Floating hundreds of miles above Earth, astronauts have an unparalleled and beautiful view of the planet.

But that view also lets them look down on the devastating effects of climate change, wildfires, war, pollution, and other troubling human-caused activity.

That's why astronauts from around (and above) the world contributed to a 2015 video titled "Call to Earth," which urged world leaders to take action ahead of the Paris Agreement.

The collection of pleas is not only inspiring, but also sobering: If we don't clean up our act, and fast, we could irreversibly destroy the only home we've got.

Here are the some of the most salient quotes from the video.

SEE ALSO: 25 photos that prove you're a stowaway on a tiny, fragile spaceship we call Earth

DON'T MISS: Apollo astronaut: 'You go to heaven when you are born'

It's amazing how fragile the atmosphere looks from space, said American astronaut Mary Cleave. All we have is a thin film of air to protect us.

"When you look at your planet from space, it's beautiful, fragile, and there's this little thin layer all the way around: our atmosphere. And that's the only thing that protects us from the really bad vacuum in outer space. This little fragile layer, the atmosphere, is part of our life support system. We need to be really careful with it."—Mary Cleave



That atmosphere is something we all share.

"Our atmosphere connects us all. What happens in Africa affects North America. What happens in North America affects Asia."—Dan Barry, American astronaut



Views from space show the destruction humans have caused since the dawn of the industrial age.

"Less than 550 humans have orbited the Earth. Those of us lucky enough to have done so more than once have not only heard about the negative impact that the industrial age has had on our planet, we've seen it with our own eyes."—Michael López-Alegría, American astronaut



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Unbelievable photos that show the creepy side of people's obsession with collecting objects

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collections star wars

The INSIDER Summary:

  • People around the world collect all sorts of unusual items, including dolls, shoes, bras, clocks, puzzles, and Star Wars merchandise.
  • Some are artists or craftsmen, but others are just really enthusiastic collectors.


From stuffed animals to Superman memorabilia, collectors around the world have stockpiled impressive quantities of whatever it is they find irresistible. Some have even turned it into a profession by opening museums or galleries in their homes.

Here are 17 photos of some of the world's most obsessed collectors, and their whimsical, sometimes creepy collections.

In Calamba Laguna, Philippines, Herbert Chavez (also known as Clark Kent) collects "Superman" memorabilia.



In Singapore, Jian Yang is the proud owner of 6,000 Barbie dolls.



Artist Etanis Gonzalez houses his army of creepy dolls on his balcony in Venezuela.



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19 foods you think are healthy but actually aren't

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Starbucks Oatmeal

The INSIDER Summary:

  • Social media, advertisements, and product labels all help to make certain unhealthy foods seem healthy.
  • For example, sugar-free foods often have artificial sweeteners, which are bad for you, and fat-free foods are usually high in sugar.
  • Other misleading foods include granola, trail mix, oatmeal, popcorn, smoothies, flavored yogurt, prepackaged salads, dried fruit, and meal replacement bars.


To be honest, there is a lot of false information out there when it comes to "healthy" foods.

We're constantly influenced by social media and advertisements that don't always provide accurate information and, therefore, change our perception of food.

Product labels provide some of the most misleading information because there is room for interpretation of what "all natural" and "100% whole wheat" actually mean.

Unfortunately, some of our favorite meals, snacks, and drinks — that we think are healthy — are in fact unhealthy.

I hate to burst your bubble, but I've got some bad news that you're probably not going to want to hear, but I'm just looking out for you and your health. To be fair, the majority of the foods on this list can be homemade and, therefore, healthier because you know the exact ingredients.

1. Granola

For those of you who didn't know, a serving size of granola is 1/4 cup. Chances are, you're not only eating a 1/4 cup of granola for breakfast so you're doubling or tripling the amount of sugar, calories, and carbohydrates and not getting enough fiber.

Stick to granola that has healthy nuts, and a little sugar, like the one Alton Brown makes.



2. Gluten-free products (if you're not gluten-free)

Gluten-free products contain a variety of rice flours, starches, and additional sugar that aren't benefiting you nutritionally. If you aren't gluten-free, you shouldn't be eating these products because they usually contain more sugar and calories than normal gluten-filled food.



3. Dried fruit

Say sayonara dried mango and pineapple because they're loaded with sugar. A serving of dried mango has 27g of sugar and contains unnecessary preservatives to extend the shelf life.

Check out the nutrition facts of dried fruits before you go grocery shopping.



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A wine expert shares the 5 things every wine drinker should have

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

wine decanterWine is great. We drink it to celebrate, to pair with a fine meal, or simply to unwind while watching Netflix. There are few things as satisfying as popping a cork and pouring a glass, knowing the hard part of the day is done.

Wine is also unique among alcohols in that there are tons of accessories that are also part of wine culture.

There are decanters, openers, stoppers, and tons of glasses to choose from while filling out the wine section of your kitchen.

We recently spoke with Birk O'Halloran, lead curator for the subscription service Wine Awesomeness. The company focuses on making wine accessible to everyone and eliminating some of the high-mindedness and intimidation that is sometimes associated with it.

Thus, we thought O'Halloran would be the perfect person to guide us through some of the essential wine accessories that you need in your kitchen. You can check out his picks below.

SEE ALSO: This subscription box is the perfect gift for wine lovers this Valentine's Day

DON'T MISS: This site sells some of the most useful and unexpected kitchen accessories we’ve seen

A quality set of wine glasses

Hopefully most of us are past the days of drinking red wine from a coffee mug or red Solo cap, and even if you’re not, this is a great place to start. Everyone needs a set of wine glasses, and this set is simple, reliable, and available at a great price.

Riedel Vivant Red Wine Glasses Set of 4, $39.99, available at Target



A corkscrew

This tool is familiar to everyone who has ever bartended or waited tables at a restaurant with wine service, and probably most everyone else as well. It is the gold standard of bottle openers. Back in my days as a waiter, I used this corkscrew on bottles ranging from $40 (incredibly easy) to $800 (absolutely terrifying). It’s a great tool that belongs in every kitchen.

Pulltap's Corkscrew, $9.40 available at Amazon



A decanter

Decanters help aerate your wine, letting it "breath," as they say. They also end up being some of the most beautiful pieces of glassware in your kitchen, with tons of different gorgeous designs available. This particular decanter is one such piece, with a shape that easily fits the entirety of a standard bottle and a wide base that provides maximum aeration.

Le Chateau Wine Decanter, $38.76, available at Amazon



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12 songs you had no idea were written by Prince

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prince

Prince died a year ago Friday, and he is still truly missed. His songs made an indelible mark on pop music and the industry behind it.

While he was making albums of his own, Prince, a prolific songwriter and musician, also wrote and produced songs for other artists. And some of them turned into major hits. There are also quite a few covers of Prince songs that became hits for other artists, like Cyndi Lauper and Alicia Keys. 

Prince often used a pen name in these collaborations with other artists to keep his own spotlight away from the songs.

Here are songs by other artists that were actually written by Prince:

SEE ALSO: 18 TV shows you're watching that are probably going to be canceled

"Manic Monday," The Bangles (1986)

Prince may have not worked a nine-to-five himself, but he sure understood what it was like. For this song, his pen name was just Christopher. 

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"Nothing Compares 2 U," Sinead O'Connor (1990)

 

 



"Stand Back," Stevie Nicks (1983)

Nicks cowrote this song with Prince, and credited his song "Little Red Corvette" as the inspiration for it. 

Youtube Embed:
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22 gifts your mom actually wants this Mother's Day

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

unnamedMother's Day is about showing Mom some extra love. Even if all you can afford is a nice card that spells out just how much you care about and appreciate her, that's totally fine. It's the thought that counts.

If you have the funds, but aren't sure what to get her this year, you've found the right guide. We picked 22 presents mothers will love — even yours. They run the gamut, from a pair of delicate rose-gold earrings to the perfect weekend baga fun monthly book subscription, or a beautiful bouquet of farm-fresh flowers.

These ideas are suited for every type of mom. Whether this is her very first Mother's Day or her 40th, whether she's a foodie or a fashionista, there's bound to be a gift she'll love in this list.

Have a look:

SEE ALSO: This is the work bag professional women everywhere have been looking for

DON'T MISS: A brand you wouldn't expect is behind my favorite pair of leggings — and they're on sale right now

A set of sheets she won't want to take off her bed

A set of high-quality sheets is a must-have for any bedroom, and I've gone so far as to call Brooklinen's the best value on the market. The company's Hardcore Sheet Bundle has everything she needs to completely makeover her bed. It includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and four pillowcases. 

Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Queen), $228

Brooklinen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Queen), $179.25



A bouquet of farm-fresh flowers

If you don't have a local florist to consult and you're ready to move on from 1-800-Flowers, have a look at The Bouqs Co. and BloomThat. I've used each service a handful of times, and while I can't vouch for every bouquet each company has ever shipped, all of my experiences with Bouqs and BloomThat have been positive ones so far.

BloomThat is offering Insider Picks readers an exclusive 15% off with the code "BUSINSIDER15" for orders delivered before May 14.

Check out BloomThat's and The Bouqs Co.'s Mother's Day flowers here. 

Pictured: BloomThat Lenni Bouquet, from $44 (normally $55)



A pair of earrings or a necklace

Get her a pair of earrings or an initial necklace she can wear every day. Mejuri's jewelry is a new favorite of mine, and I'm guessing a lot of moms will love the company's delicate collection of rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. You can check out all of Mejuri's jewelry here.

Mejuri Rose Gold Grace Studs, $180

Mejuri Yellow Gold Engravable Necklace,  $240

 

 



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Kroger has a game-changing new grocery service — and parents might never shop the old way again

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Kroger ClickList

Kroger is now delivering groceries to customers' homes using Uber.

The grocery chain already has a program called ClickList that lets customers order groceries online and pick them up at a store, where employees will load their food into their cars.

The delivery service is the newest extension of ClickList, and so far it's available in only two cities: Dallas and Richmond, Virginia.

We tried it, and it made us never want to drive to a grocery store again.

Here's how it worked:

SEE ALSO: Walmart has 2 huge advantages that should terrify Amazon

I logged into my Kroger account, and the website populated my most frequent purchases, which made it easy to build my grocery list.



After completing my list, I chose to have my items delivered to my home. The delivery fee was pretty steep at $11.95.



Then I chose a delivery date and time. Same-day delivery was available within four hours of the time of my order.



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The 15 best places to live in the US if you want to save money

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austin texas

Some cities offer higher-paying jobs, but if the cost of living is also higher, a big paycheck still might not go that far.

The best combination for your budget would be a city with plenty of high-wage employment opportunities and a low cost of living so you can have enough money after expenses to save for the future.

GOBankingRates' study breaks down essential cost-of-living factors to show you the best places to live if you want to save money — and which cities make it almost impossible to save.

The study looked at factors that affect people’s finances the most: median income, median home listing price, median rent, unemployment rate, average gas price and average cost of a basket of 15 common grocery items.

Most of the best places to save money on this list are in the South and Midwest. Cheaper housing costs in these places play a big role in why they rise to the top of the list, said Kristen Bonner, the GOBankingRates research lead for this study. "Gas prices are also relatively cheaper in the South and Midwest compared to the states on the West and East coasts," she said.

If you want to improve your finances, scroll down to check out the cost of living in the top 15 cities that are the best for saving money. You might find that you need to reevaluate your living situation along with your budget.

SEE ALSO: What the median rent in New York City buys you in 25 big US cities

15. Garland, Texas

Population: 235,501
Median income: $51,997
Unemployment rate: 3.7%
Median home listing price: $160,000
Median monthly rent: $1,350
Average gas price: $1.678
Average cost of groceries: $36.77
Sales tax: 8.25%

This suburb of Dallas is more affordable than its much larger neighbor, which is in the No. 49 spot in this ranking. Although the median income in Garland is slightly below the national median income of $53,482, housing costs are relatively low. Plus, Texas is one of seven states that doesn’t have an income tax, so residents can keep more of their paycheck and stash it in a savings account.



14. Colorado Springs, Colo.

Population: 445,830
Median income: $54,228
Unemployment rate: 4%
Median home listing price: $269,900
Median monthly rent: $1,325
Average gas price: $1.704
Average cost of groceries: $29.41
Sales tax: 7.63%

Colorado Springs ranks as one of the best places for lovers of the outdoors, but it’s also a great place for savers. Just 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs offers a more affordable alternative to Colorado’s capital, which is 69th on GOBankingRates' list of the best places for saving money. The median home list price and median rent in Denver are more than 35 percent higher than in Colorado Springs. That means residents of Colorado Springs have more room in their budgets to save.



13. Oklahoma City, Okla. 

Population: 620,602
Median income: $47,004
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Median home listing price: $195,000
Median monthly rent: $1,195
Average gas price: $1.687
Average cost of groceries: $33.99
Sales tax: 8.38%

Even though Oklahoma City is the largest city in Oklahoma — and the capital — it doesn’t have a big-city price tag. Relatively low housing, gas and grocery costs leave residents more room in their budgets to save.



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An artist created terrifying travel posters of national parks after they’ve been destroyed

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the new deal created agencies designed to put people to work on public projects during and after the great depression

There's something  inherently eye catching about a vintage travel posters.

During the 1940s, the Works Progress Administration — the New Deal agency that put Americans to work on infrastructure projects — created a series of advertisements for the country's national parks. The posters showcase the beauty and diversity of the US landscape, and urge Americans to visit the parks and preserve the wildlife therein.

But pollution, human interference, and climate change have since put unprecedented levels of stress on many ecosystems, and the Trump administration is reviewing rules that prohibit drilling and mining on public lands. If overturned, that may put many national parks at risk of degradation, according to Vox. 

With those threats in mind, artist Hannah Rothstein created new posters based on the WPA's old-school aesthetic. In her re-imagining, our parks have been wrecked. The forests of the Great Smoky Mountains are on fire, and instead of the "nature walks, all day hikes, and lectures" advertised on the original poster, Rothstein's remake boasts "extreme weather events, species die-off, and wildfires."

Rothstein created the project, called "National Parks 2050", as a way to make the risks of climate change seem more immediate. She is selling the posters and donating 25% of the proceeds to climate-related causes.

Check out some of the dystopian artworks below, alongside the original versions they're based on. You can view the full collection on Rothstein's website.

SEE ALSO: The 25 most dangerously polluted cities in the US

DON'T MISS: The EPA wants to know what you think about scrapping air-pollution and radiation rules

Everglades National Park (Florida)



Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)



Redwood National and State Parks (California)



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5 ways to make your next flight less stressful

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Passengers board their flight at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, November 23, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

I'm on record saying that air travel is an awful experience for the most part and has been for my entire life. I came to this conclusion long before United Airlines' recent dismaying experience with a passenger who was dragged off a plane by police, sustaining injuries in the process.

As negative as I can be about the miseries of flight, over the years I've come up with some hacks that make it bearable.

Here are my top five:

SEE ALSO: I've been flying for 40 years — and it's always been a terrible experience

1. Make a day of it.

Modern air travel is so much faster relative to what most people used to endure — long train, boat, or car rides — that we've come to believe that we'll be whisked from point A to point B with no deleterious effects.

This is foolish. Just because your flight is two hours doesn't mean that's all the time you'll be committing to the journey. You could get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. You could be delayed at check-in or security. The flight itself could leave late. You could get bumped! You could miss a connection. And on and on.

Add to that the stress you'll endure if you fly coach, with a cramped seat, and you're confronting an ordeal. 

My practice is to write off the travel day. Even if my flight is just a couple of hours, I plan to spend the day on the move and unless there's a business commitment mixed in, I devote myself to the journey.

I get to the airport with hours to spare, have a bite to eat and something to drink, do a bit of reading, board the plane, take my flight, and then I don't rush at the other end. In effect, I impose leisure on something that for most people isn't leisurely.

All bets are off, of course, if I'm flying with my family. But when I'm, solo, I make it all about me.



2. Use the lounges.

Some travelers have airport lounge access thanks to their ticket or relationship with the airline or lounge through a credit card. But if you don't, I think it's worth it to pay for daily access. In fact, I routinely now do this.

I usually spend around $50, and if you figure that I'm already saving a fair amount of money by flying coach and would have to feed myself in any case, I think it evens out and actually can be a money saving expenditure.

Even if it isn't, it's much more relaxing to hang out in the lounge than it is in the terminal or by the gate. I'll often spend a few hours doing this, becoming a sort of temporary citizen of the airport.



3. Stay overnight at an airport hotel.

This often isn't as expensive as you might think. On a recent layover in Lisbon, I decided to spend the night at a nice boutique hotel across the street from the airport, and I spend around $100. 

Again, you're taking care of yourself with this move, reducing the stress of getting the airport on time. For early flights, I think this a total no-brainer. You wake up, maybe enjoy a free breakfast, and you either stroll over to the airport or jump on a shuttle.

This works our best if the hotel is in the airport itself.



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14 stylish sunglasses women can buy for under $100

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

14334697_1804565869778781_1876554766_n

Unless you want to spend the next few months squinting, it's a good idea to pick up a pair of sunglasses.

Although they have a utilitarian purpose — blocking harsh UV rays — you don't need to sacrifice style when wearing them. The 14 sunglasses below are functional, stylish, and, all cost less than $100. 

SEE ALSO: 22 gifts your mom actually wants this Mother's Day

MVMT

When in doubt, tortoise sunglasses are always a safe choice.

MVMT Rio Sunglasses, $70



RAEN

RAEN's shades can add some color to your work outfits this season.

RAEN Maude Cat Eye Sunglasses, $49.97



Warby Parker

Warby Parker is known for making stylish, affordable frames — and its selection of sunglasses is no exception.

Warby Parker Banks Sunglasses, from $95



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Here's how much you need to earn to be in the top 1% for the 15 largest cities in the US

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The Bean Chicago

If you're in your hometown's top 1% of earners, there's no doubt that you're doing well for yourself.

But not all one-percenters are created equal.

The Economic Policy Institute calculated how much money puts a household in the top 1% of income earners in every metropolitan area in the US. For the US overall, the income threshold required to be in the 1% of earners is $389,436 pre-tax, but for populous places like San Francisco and Houston, that number rises to $785,946 and $606,286, respectively.

Below, we've highlighted the annual household income required to be in the top 1% for the 15 largest cities in the US, as determined by the Census Bureau. (But keep in mind that the income thresholds listed apply to the entire metropolitan areas.) We've also included median household income — in 2015 dollars — for comparison purposes.

How do you stack up?

SEE ALSO: The 25 most expensive housing markets in the US

DON'T MISS: Here's how much you need to earn to be in the top 1% of every US state

Columbus, Ohio

Population: 850,106

Income required to be in the top 1%: $379,250

Median household income: $45,659



Indianapolis

Population: 853,173

Income required to be in the top 1%: $405,486

Median household income: $41,987



San Francisco

Population: 864,816

Income required to be in the top 1%: $785,946

Median household income: $81,294



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7 life skills everyone should learn — and 13 books that teach them

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woman reading a book outisde

Take it from a former Stanford dean who's dealt with more than her fair share of bright-but-bumbling 20-somethings: Just reaching a particular birthday does not make you an adult.

"I was seeing more and more [students] who seemed less and less capable of doing the stuff of life. They were incredibly accomplished in the transcript and GPA sense but less with their own selves, evidenced by how frequently they communicated with a parent,"Julie Lythcott-Haims told the L.A. Times.

That might be news to some overprotective parents, but it's probably blindingly obvious to lots of 20-somethings who have recently smacked into the reality that, thanks to their loving but sheltered upbringings, they're woefully underprepared for adulthood. So what should you do if you've realized you're far from having this whole adulting thing down pat?

Read, suggest a bunch of folks who have recently been in your shoes. While there's sometimes no substitute for lived experience, there are also plenty of books that can save you a whole lot of heartache by teaching you basic skills that lots of young people end up learning way later than they should. Here are a few suggestions from newly minted adults who swear these books helped them leave adolescence behind.

SEE ALSO: 31 life skills every functioning adult should master

1. How not to have a perpetual quarter-life crisis

In theory, your 20s should be a blast--you're young, free, and experimenting with life--but ask anyone currently experiencing (or recently through) that decade and they'll correct your misapprehension. Not knowing your place in the world can be super stressful.

Bustle's Alex Weiss offers a couple of books that can help you start to see a stabler future through the fog of your perpetual quarter-life crisis. The first is "20-Something, 20-Everything: A Quarter-Life Woman's Guide to Balance and Direction" by Christine Hassler.

"If you're in need of some reassurance [because you're] completely lost and confused in life right now (like me), then this book is for you," she writes. "Hassler will introduce you to the 'Twenties Triangle,' which is made up of three questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I get it? She also includes journal exercises to help you write out, and eventually solve, big issues you might be facing." (Presumably, guys will find something of use in the book too.)

Or pick up "Don't Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething's (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood" by Alida Nugent. "Like so many new college graduates, Alida Nugent had a degree not getting her anywhere and tons of debt, which forced her to move back in with her parents. This gritty collection of essays on the current 20-something generation is critical in the funniest of ways. I couldn't put it down," raves Weiss.



2. How to eat like an adult

You move out and then, bam! All of a sudden, nutritious, tasty food stops magically appearing in your fridge or on your plate. This is a bummer, but the solution is obvious if not exactly dead simple — learn to cook. (I totally sympathize with this one. I finally learned to cook after college because I just couldn't stand one more meal of instant rice and beans or spaghetti.)

What you need isn't a fancy cookbook, but a simple straightforward guide to the basics. "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman does what it says on the tin," notes Book Riot's Raych Krueger.

If you're at the subsisting-entirely-on-ramen level of cooking amateurism, then Krueger further recommends "Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen" by Nancy Mills. For slightly more advanced advice that won't skyrocket your grocery bill, she suggests "The Working Class Foodies Cookbook" by Rebecca Lando.



3. How not to be broke

Coasting to the end of the month with $7.44 cents to your name is all sorts of no fun. Even if you have a less-than-impressive salary at this stage of life, it's preventable. And you don't have to grit your teeth through tedious personal finance tomes to improve the situation.

"'I Will Teach You to Be Rich' by Ramit Sethi is readable and comprehensive and smart and not scary," Krueger assures leery 20-somethings. Hassler's pick on this subject is "Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By" by Cary Siegel. Siegel "turns money talk into an understandable and easy topic," she writes.



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These are the 11 games iPhone owners buy most

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

guy touching iphoneI have never paid for an iPhone game.

I've played popular games on my phone, but I've always had the patience to wait for "freemium" games to give me more lives, instead of paying for them.

That said, mobile gaming is a huge industry — at one point in 2013, Candy Crush was reportedly making $850,000 a day.

People love playing games on their phones, which is why the App Store's best-sellers list is dominated by them. 

Candy Crush may not be the dominant force it was a few years ago, but there are still plenty of new games to play while waiting for an Uber or your subway train.

Below are the current best-selling games on the App Store. Take a look and see if any of them deserve a spot on your home screen.

SEE ALSO: My 5 favorite iPhone games to play during my commute

READ MORE: 10 must-have tech accessories under $10

DON'T MISS: 23 children's books that can change your life forever, according to my coworkers

Minecraft

The mobile version of this popular sandbox game is not cheap, but it retains the same open world and gameplay you'd find on other platforms.

Buy it: $6.99



Plague Inc.

Plague Inc. is one of the few games to put you in the role of the villain instead of the hero.

You're put in charge of a deadly pathogen that has just infected “Patient Zero,” and it's your job is to make sure the plague spreads throughout the world.

Good luck!

Buy it: $0.99



Bloons Tower Defense 5

I was so obsessed with the Bloons Tower Defense games in college that I'm afraid to play them again.

It doesn't surprise me that Bloons Tower Defense 5 is high on the list; the strategy game forces you to think quickly and act decisively.

Buy it: $2.99



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It's been more than 75 years since one of World War II's worst atrocities — the Bataan Death March

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Bataan death march prisoners of war world war two

After the surprise attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Japan turned its focus to elsewhere, sweeping through the Pacific.

In early January, Japanese forces landed in the Philippines, US territory where tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were stationed.

Allied forces put up a fight for 99 days, but Japanese pressure, plus a lack of supplies and illness, wore them down, and the 76,000 troops who surrendered — more than 20,000 Americans among them — on April 9, 1942, was the largest army under US command to ever surrender.

What followed was one of the most well-known atrocities of World War II: The Bataan Death March, when thousands of Filipinos and Americans died during a forced march to a collection point.

Japan's unpreparedness for the sheer number of soldiers who surrendered, coupled with disdain for surrendering troops and general frustration on the part of Japanese troops, led to shocking brutality during the march.

Many of those forced to walk over 60 miles to a prison camp suffered in the tropical heat, which exacerbated war wounds and illnesses. Stragglers, prisoners who broke ranks, or those who fell behind were bayoneted, shot, and, in some cases, beheaded. Japanese soldiers overseeing the march beat their captives mercilessly.

After the war, Japanese Lt. Gen. Homma Masaharu, who led the invasion, was charged with responsibility for abuses at Camp O'Donnell by a military commission in Manila. He was executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946.

The photos below give some idea of the horrors endured by the prisoners of war forced to make the days long march.

SEE ALSO: 72 years since the Battle for Remagen — 8 photos of the Allies' first toehold in the Nazi heartland

American and Filipino forces held out for 99 days, but the Japanese had anticipated a much longer resistance. An April 9 attack on the Bataan Peninsula cracked Allied resolve, and tens of thousands of soldiers surrendered to the Japanese.



"They called them the 'battling bastards of Bataan,' and they fought until they literally had no food, no ammunition," Mike Vigil, whose father was a coastal artilleryman in the Philippines, told Business Insider.



Starting on April 10 from Mariveles, on the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula, 70,000 POWs were force-marched to Camp O'Donnell, a new prison camp 65 miles away.



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NFL MOCK DRAFT: Here is what the experts are predicting for all 32 first-round picks

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Deshaun Watson

The NFL Draft is just one week away.

This year's draft is heavy with defensive backs, particularly cornerbacks and running backs. But as usual, as we get closer to the first round, teams begin getting interested in the quarterbacks, too.

To gauge what all 32 NFL teams may be considering in the first round, we weighed the opinions of seven experts based on their mock drafts. For picks without a consensus, we went with a compelling argument for a position of need. 

Our seven experts experts are: Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN; Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated; Pete Prisco of CBS Sports;  Lance Zierlein of NFL Network; Danny Kelly of The Ringer, and Pro Football Focus.

No. 1 Cleveland Browns — Myles Garrett, DE

Experts: 7 of 7

School: Texas A&M

Other possibilities: none

Key expert quote: McShay: "There's no reason to overthink this, Cleveland. Take the clear-cut best player in this draft."



No. 2 San Francisco 49ers — Solomon Thomas, DE

Experts: 4 of 7

School: Stanford

Other possibilities: Mitch Trubisky (QB), Derek Barnett (DE)

Key expert quote: Kelly: "San Francisco needs a true weak-side edge rusher for early downs. Thomas is an instant impact starter at that spot, and he’s got the Michael Bennett–esque ability to bring pressure from the interior on third downs."



No. 3 Chicago Bears — Jonathan Allen, DL

Experts: 3 of 7

School: Alabama

Other possibilities: Malik Hooker (S), Marshon Lattimore (CB), Gareon Conley (CB)

Key expert quote: McShay: "Allen's quickness and power help him constantly push the pocket as a pass-rusher, and he had 22.5 sacks in the past two seasons. The Bears could use a solidifying force along the interior."



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The best type of sunglasses for every face shape — and how to figure out which one you are

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Everyone wants a cool pair of sunglasses, but not everyone knows how to go about buying one.

There's lots of confusing information out there about face shapes and frames. We took the six most common face shapes and gave them our professional recommendation.

Most guys fit one of these shapes, so figuring out which one is most like yours should be easy with the help of this graphic.

SEE ALSO: 7 watches that are so classic, they'll never go out of style







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The 4 weirdest product pitches we didn’t write about this week

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Pause Pod

Each week, innovative and exciting new tech gadgets hit the market. But for every practical invention, there is also a totally outlandish, off-the-wall gizmo. 

Here at Business Insider, our inboxes get inundated every day with emails from startups and companies "pitching" their new, game-changing products.  

We can't write about everything, of course. And not all these products fit neatly into our tech coverage. 

But some of these products are so odd, unusual or just plain fun that it feels wrong to let them languish, unheralded, in the depths of our inboxes.

So we've compiled some of our favorites. And who knows, they might just change the world.

See for yourself:

SEE ALSO: Here’s how to play Blackbox, the infuriating iPhone puzzle game that’s rising to the top of the App Store

Jul, a heated smart mug

The Jul smart mug wants to be the Goldilocks of coffee cups: not to hot and not too cold. 

The mug will let you control your preferred drinking temperature, keeping your coffee, tea, or other hot beverage at the ideal temp "from the first sip to the last drop." By spinning the base of the mug, you can make your drink warmer or colder and an indicator light will tell you when the drink is ready for you. Jul comes with a coaster that also serves as a wireless charger. 

Jul says a pledge of $49 or more to its Kickstarter campaign will get you a mug and coaster. The company has already raised more than $158,000, well above its $50,000 goal. Check out the company's Kickstarter page here, but as always, pledge at your own risk. 



AquaGenie, a smart water bottle

Once you have your smart mug, you'll need a smart water bottle to complete the set. AquaGenie isn't for regulating temperature, however: It's aimed at helping you drink enough water throughout the day. 

AquaGenie will track how much water you're drinking and send the information to your health tracking app of choice. It will also gently remind you that you haven't taken a sip in a while, and shaking it will show an indicator light that lets you know if you're on track to meet your water consumption goals.

The company says pledging $55 will get you a water bottle plus a wireless charger. Check out the company's Kickstarter page here. 



OVi, a wood-brimmed baseball cap

If you love baseball caps but always wished for a stiffer brim, there's a new invention that can help: OVi, a wood-brimmed baseball cap. 

The cap is made of wool and acrylic with a bamboo brim and will be available if OVi meets its Kickstarter goal of $14,266. A pledge of $37 will get you a cap, which OVi says is $9 off the eventual retail price. The cap is available in red, green, and blue, and OVi will add more colors if it meets its stretch goals. 

Check out the company's Kickstarter page here.



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25 photos that prove you're a stowaway on a tiny, fragile spaceship we call Earth

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From the ground, Earth looks like a boundless fertile plain that beckons to be explored and exploited.

But astronauts would beg — and even plead — to differ.

"You realize that people often say, 'I hope to go to heaven when I die,'" Jim Lovell, an astronaut who flew on the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions to the moon, recently told Business Insider. "In reality, if you think about it, you go to heaven when you're born."

Lovell has seen first-hand that we live on a tiny rock hopelessly lost in the void. He's also quick to tell you it's the only one we've got — a fragile spaceship for 7 billion people and counting:

"You arrive on a planet that has the proper mass, has the gravity to contain water and an atmosphere, which are the very essentials for life. And you arrive on this planet that's orbiting a star just at the right distance — not too far to be too cold, or too close to be too hot — and just at the right distance to absorb that star's energy and then, with that energy, cause life to evolve here in the first place. In reality, you know, God has really given us a stage, just looking at where we were around the moon, a stage on which we perform. And how that play turns out is up to us, I guess." 

Humanity has recorded photos of Earth from hundreds, thousands, millions, and even billions of miles away, some of them taken by Lovell himself.

These images not only help scientists study our dynamic world, but also understand how a habitable planet looks from afar, which aids the search for more worlds. Most importantly, however, the images underscore our peculiar existence on a mote of cosmic dust

Take a moment to ponder 25 of the most arresting images of Earth that humankind has ever captured from space.

SEE ALSO: 8 terrifying ways the world could actually end

DON'T MISS: Apollo astronaut: 'You go to heaven when you are born'

A few rare satellites enjoy a full view of Earth from thousands or even a million miles away.

Taken by: Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) spacecraft

Date: April 9, 2015

NASA and NOAA created this composite image using photos taken by Suomi NPP, a weather satellite that orbits Earth 14 times a day. You can see the Joalane tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean (top right).

Source: NASA



Their unending gaze helps us monitor the health of our world while catching rare alignments of the sun, moon, and Earth.

Taken by: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16)

Date: January 15, 2017

GOES-16 launched on November 19, 2016, and orbits about 22,300 miles (35,900 kilometers) above Earth — a position called geostationary orbit. This allows the satellite to stay above the same spot and monitor changes in the atmosphere, ground, and ocean over time. The spacecraft regularly sees the moon and uses it to calibrate cameras.

Source: NOAA



They even catch the moon's drifting shadow during solar eclipses.

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Taken byDeep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR)

Date: March 9, 2016

Orbiting from a million miles away, NASA's DSCOVR satellite always views this sunlit half of our planet. This allowed it to take 13 images of the moon's shadow as it raced across Earth during the total solar eclipse of 2016. Together they make up one of the most complete views ever of the event.

Source: NASA



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