From the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to the colorful thermal geysers of Yellowstone, America has protected some of its most impressive natural wonders in its National Parks. 

But like with any precious landmarks, humans are bound to push the limits of respectful observation. Thanks to this Reddit thread, we've compiled 16 of the dumbest things people have done in our National Parks. 

Read on, get (un)inspired, and remember to never take a selfie with a bison.

Four men tried to walk into the 160-degree geothermal hot springs in Yellowstone National Park.

Four men behind the travel vlog High on Life were thrust under fire in early May for walking off the boardwalk area at Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring. The thermal spring is one of the largest in the United States, and its water hovers around 160 degrees. Danger to the tourists aside, it is also an extremely delicate ecosystem. After drawing ire from the public, the foursome issued an apology.

Source: The Oregonian

A woman graffitied her Instagram handle all over several National Parks.

An Instagram artist named Casey Nocket was banned from all National Parks for life after graffiti of her Instagram handle was documented in seven different parks in 2014. She posted the images of her "tags" on her own Instagram, so was understandably caught relatively quickly and plead guilty in 2016.

Source: Tech Insider

Two people decided to load up a bison calf into the back of their car. It later had to be killed.

In May, two visitors to Yellowstone saw what they thought was an abandoned bison calf. Instead of leaving wildlife alone or alerting a ranger, the tourists loaded the calf into the back of their SUV in a "rescue." The calf later had to be euthanized because it was rejected from its herd, likely due to its contact with humans. 

Source: National Geographic

LONDON — Britain is bracing for a shock result after Thursday's general election.

The official exit poll, published after polling stations closed at 10 p.m. BST, is predicting a hung parliament, with the incumbent Conservatives failing to win an overall majority as the left-wing Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn gains 34 seats.

Theresa May called the snap election from a position of apparent strength, to reinforce her party before the Brexit negotiations. But instead, the Conservatives may have hobbled themselves, and May's future looks uncertain. 

Corbyn, meanwhile, may have defied his critics — both inside and outside the party — to do what few mainstream commentators predicted. 

The national newspapers have already published their first front pages for Friday morning, and they underscore the sheer surprise felt by most of the political establishment at the result. 

Business Insider has rounded up some of the key newspapers that illustrate how the country is reacting.

And remember: These are likely to change as the papers put out second- and third-editions throughout the night as the official results come in. Stay tuned for more.

Keep reading to see them...

The Sun doesn't hold back. "MAYHEM," its headline shouts.

"May's big gamble fails," says The Times.

The Financial Times follows a similar thread, highlighting how May's attempt to strengthen her hand by holding a snap election may have been a mistake.

Former FBI Director James Comey delivered a bombshell testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, detailing many of his interactions with President Donald Trump over the last six months.

Among the biggest takeaways were that Comey believes Trump fired him last month due to the Russia investigation, and that Trump had repeatedly sought one-on-one conversations to demand Comey's loyalty or to ask him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser.

The testimony is likely to fuel more speculation over whether Trump obstructed justice in his interactions with Comey.

Here are some of the most significant quotes from Comey during his hearing:

SEE ALSO: Here's the biggest takeaway from James Comey's bombshell testimony to Congress

Comey had grown "increasingly concerned" by Trump's comments in the days after he was fired.

Comey was concerned about the way Trump was interacting with the FBI, and questioned whether Trump understood the value of an independent FBI.

Comey was not impressed by the initial explanation the Trump administration gave for his firing

Once a community staple in suburbs across America, the golf course is now a slowly dying breed.

According to new data from Foursquare, the location intelligence company, foot traffic to golf courses has gone down in the last year. While overall visits to golf courses were up 8% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2017, the number of unique visits also decreased by 11% in the same time period. 

This could mean that while regular golfers are continuing to enjoy the sport, the number of occasional or new players — who are trying it out for the first time — is going down. The Foursquare data was drawn from both implicit and explicit visits to golf courses, compared to the same period in 2016. 

Over 800 golf courses have shuttered across the US in the past decade, and data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association has shown that millennials between the age of 18 to 30 have a lack of interest in playing the game. From Las Vegas, Nevada, to Mahwah, New Jersey, many courses are being replaced with housing developments.

We recently explored two closed golf courses in northern New Jersey, both of which are being turned into housing developments, to see firsthand what courses across the country look like as they become abandoned.        

SEE ALSO: 10 eerie photos of drive-in theaters that have been abandoned across the US

The Apple Ridge Country Club, located in Mahwah, New Jersey, opened in 1966.

Clinton Carlough bought the property, which was originally an apple orchard, and built the country club. It was family-owned and operated by the Carloughs until it was sold in 2014.

Source: NorthJersey.com 

Complete with an event space, 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, and tennis courts, Apple Ridge was a place the whole community could enjoy.

In my line of work, I do a lot of listening to managers bickering about losing good employees. It's understandable — turnover is costly and disruptive.

So, many of them will point fingers somewhere, but the data I receive from exit interview reports, feedback instruments, and employee engagement surveys has fingers pointing back at them.

This is consistent with leading research by Gallup. In one study of 7,272 U.S. adults, it found that 50 percent of employees left their job "to get away from their manager to improve their overall life at some point in their career."

We've all heard this "tune" play like a broken record: People leave managers, not companies.

Gallup CEO Jim Clifton, however, takes the cake. He summarized in a succinct sentence the bottom line of why your company's employee turnover may be high. He said:

"The single biggest decision you make in your job — bigger than all the rest — is who you name manager. When you name the wrong person manager, nothing fixes that bad decision. Not compensation, not benefits — nothing."

That's what Clifton wrote in the summary accompanying Gallup's 2013 "State of the American Workplace" employee engagement study. That quote is the conclusion Gallup drew from decades of data and interviews with 25 million employees. But companies keep getting this decision wrong, over and over again.

Clifton says decision makers at the top of the food chain spend billions of dollars every year on everything but hiring the right managers. He writes, "They'll buy miserable employees latte machines for their offices, give them free lunch and sodas, or even worse — just let them all work at home, hailing an 'enlightened' policy of telecommuting."

If you're an executive concerned about low morale, employee satisfaction or engagement, or — at worst — a revolving door at your company, start by looking at who your current managers are. You have a choice to make: Develop their leadership skills or filter them out of their leadership roles.

In either scenario, you have something to shoot for as you identify current and future leaders. Here are four traits of managers that I can attest (and research will back up) will lead your employees to perform at the highest level.

SEE ALSO: 19 signs it's time to quit your job

DON'T MISS: 21 signs your best employee is about to quit

1. They are radically honest

When you're authentic and vulnerable with your employees, they are more than likely to reciprocate and gain your trust.

If you see hard times in the company, tell your employees. Let them know ahead of time that they will not be receiving Christmas bonuses, pay raises, or time off. But compensate for that by ensuring that if they perform and sales go up, they will see those things reenter the picture in the coming year. It holds everyone accountable and makes them feel like a team.

Radical honesty is about being transparent. The best leaders leverage this approach to influence and develop trust. It's always the best policy.

2. They are supportive

Great leaders support their people by showing an interest in their people's jobs and career aspirations. They look into the future to create learning and development opportunities. They find out what motivates their best people by getting to know each tribe member's desires that will drive them. This is about emotional engagement.

This means being supportive of employees who are up for promotions or job changes, or going through transitions or difficult circumstances in their personal lives. Remember this quote by John C. Maxwell? "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

When leaders show that they care about their employees as human beings and support their employees' future career choices, it helps employees feel more confident in their position and career path, whether it means moving up or moving on.

3. They recognize the talents and strengths of their tribe

Clifton states that "employees' strengths never stop growing throughout their career — particularly when they have talented managers who build unique development strategies around their individual, innate talents, and who make sure they are always in roles where they get to use those strengths every day."

People love to use their unique talents and gifts. The best leaders will leverage close relationships with employees by finding out what their strengths are, and bringing out the best in their employees.

In fact, when managers help employees develop through their strengths and natural talents, they are more than twice as likely to engage their team members.

LONDON — Theresa May's snap election spectacularly back-fired and members of her Conservative Party are asking for her to resign as party leader after they lost so many seats.

May is refusing. She is convinced that in these turbulent times she must try and form a minority government to stay in power, with the help of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

A Tory leadership contest seems unlikely even if May resigned as Prime Minister or is forced out of government by opponents like Jeremy Corbyn. That's because less than a year ago she was installed as Tory leader and prime minister after a failed party leadership contest, which followed David Cameron's resignation over the Brexit vote. The field for possible replacements in the Tory Party looks thin.

However, already there are reports that Tories such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson are sounding out a possible leadership bid.

As the largest minority in the House of Commons, any new Tory Party leader could find themselves the next Prime Minister if they can form a coalition or minority government. May herself is currently trying to form a minority government.

So who are the favourites to replace May as Tory leader right now? Here are the top 5, according to bookmaker Paddy Power. The betting odds and total returns — the initial bet, plus the winnings — are accurate as of June 9, 3 p.m. BST:

5. Philip Hammond

Odds: 16/1

£10 bet gives a total return:£170

Chancellor Hammond is in the running but not the most likely to succeed May if she stood down.

A government taking Britain into Brexit need someone with a command of numbers to make sure the economy is being managed well through a period of great uncertainty. Considering Hammond was nicknamed "Spreadsheet Phil" by colleagues it is more likely he'll stay in his Treasury than take control of the party.

But you never know, the party could ask him to step for stability. He managed to increase his vote share by 1.2% to 31,436 votes, while the rest of the party bled seats.

T=3. Amber Rudd

Odds: 6/1

£10 bet gives a return: £70

May was home secretary for six years before she became Prime Minister after David Cameron stepped down in June last year. Rudd is the current home secretary and is naturally a favourite to succeed her. Rudd was also widely seen to have done a good job when she took May's place in a televised election debate.

However, Rudd only retained her seat in this general election with a margin of just 346 votes — not exactly a ringing endorsement in what should have been a safe seat. Rudd is also seen as May's right-hand woman and this could damage her chances given May's standing in the party at the moment.

T=3. Ruth Davidson

Odds: 6/1

£10 bet gives a return: £70

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives showed her firepower for the Tories in this general election. She helped her party claim 13 seats in Scotland — a previously unthinkable feat in a country long dominated by the SNP and Labour.

To seal her popularity, she managed to do this while Tories lost marginal seats and previously Conservative-held seats across the country. A relative Westminster outsider, Davidson could be seen as a clean break by the party.

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.

The Insider Pick:

• A good computer mouse can seriously help improve your computer-using experience, and the best of the bunch is the Logitech MX Master, thanks to its excellent feature-set and ergonomic design.

Point, click, scroll – It's become a ubiquitous part of everyone's daily life. The computer has evolved a lot over the past few decades, but one thing that has largely stayed the same is how we control it — with the good old keyboard and mouse. The mouse has long been used as the best way to interact with different functions of the computer and has evolved a little with the times to keep up with new trends, too.

For example, many computer mice have embraced wireless technology like Bluetooth to increase convenience. Many feature ergonomic designs aimed at being more comfortable to use over long periods of time. And, some mice go beyond the simple two button setup to allow for more controls at the tip of your fingers.

So what should you consider when you’re looking for a new mouse? Well, for starters, you should think about whether you want a wired or wireless mouse. Many wireless computer mice use Bluetooth and can connect to your computer directly, while others come with a small dongle that you have to plug into your computer’s USB port.

You should also consider the overall size of the mouse. Looking for something to take with you on the road a lot? Perhaps a small mouse would be better. Or, if your mouse is simply going to sit on your desk at home, you can get a bigger, more ergonomic mouse.

There are hundreds of mouse models out there, but we’ve done our homework to help you find the best one for your needs.

Although the Logitech MX Master is our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider Razer DeathAdder Chroma, Microsoft mobile Mouse 3600, Logitech M705 Marathon Mouse, and the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4.

DON'T MISS: Laptop stands can make working at your desk more comfortable — here are the best ones

The best computer mouse overall

Why you'll love it: The Logitech MX Master doesn’t just look great – it’s ergonomically designed and features customizable buttons.

The Logitech MX Master came out a few years ago, and it has been hailed as one of the best computer mice ever to be released – and for good reason.

Logitech is a powerhouse in the computer peripheral world, and the MX Master is the company’s flagship mouse. The mouse can connect to your computer through its Bluetooth connection or through an included USB dongle, but the main selling point to the mouse is the fact that it comes with a number of different customizable buttons and wheels.

For example, you’ll get the main scrolling wheel in between the two main buttons, but you’ll also get another wheel on the side near where your thumb rests. That wheel can be used for side-scrolling, which can be very helpful in day-to-day use, as well as in specific industries, like music production. Right near that side-wheel, you’ll also find an extra two buttons, as well as another button underneath the thumb rest, which Logitech calls the “gesture button." It can be used on a Mac to switch desktops, for example. All of those buttons can be customized through the Logitech software.

Another great thing about this mouse is that it can last 40 days on a charge under normal use, and you can continue using it while it’s charging through the microUSB port on the front of the mouse. Next up, you can connect to up to three different devices, and you can switch between them using a button underneath the mouse.

Last but not least, the mouse features a super comfortable and ergonomic design, which makes it great for hours of use at a time.

Pros: Plenty of customizable buttons, ergonomic design, highly accurate

Cons: A little expensive

Buy the Logitech MX Master on Amazon for $59.99 - $69.99 (price varies)

The best computer mouse for gamers

Why you'll love it: The Razer DeathAdder Chroma features a great design for gaming, as well as five customizable buttons and super-accurate tracking.

The original Razer DeathAdder was hailed as one of the best gaming mice out there, but the company has since updated the mouse with Razer DeathAdder Chroma, and this mouse is even better.

The Razer DeathAdder Chroma looks a little basic, but in reality, it’s anything but. It’s quite an ergonomically-designed mouse, and it features rubberized textures on both the left and right of the mouse to ensure that it doesn’t slip from the hand, which is important when you're gaming.

The mouse, which is wired, comes with a total of five buttons. You’ll get the two standard mouse buttons, as well as one under the scroll wheel, and two others on the left in reach of the thumb. Those buttons can be customized using the Razer Synapse software, which also lets you set the lighting profile and make your mouse change colors. You can also calibrate the mouse to the surface you’re using it on, which helps make it a little more accurate.

Perhaps the best thing about the mouse is under the hood. The mouse is equipped with a 10,000dpi optical sensor, which is extremely accurate, and it is capable of mouse movements of up to 200 inches per second. That’s probably a lot more than you’ll ever need.

The mouse may be great, but it isn’t perfect. Some reviews, like PCWorld’s, argue that the buttons can feel a little like a toy at times. That review ended up with a score of 4/5 stars, so it can't have been too annoying. Meanwhile, IGN gave the mouse 9/10.

Pros: Ergonomic, five buttons, included grip, comfortable

Cons: Buttons can feel cheap, slightly expensive

Buy the Razer DeathAdder Chroma Multi-Color Ergonomic Gaming Mouse on Amazon for $55.29 (price varies)

The best portable computer mouse

Why you'll love it: The Microsoft Mobile Mouse 3600 isn’t just cheap, it’s also small and connects to a wide range of devices, making it a perfect choice for those on the go.

Microsoft may be best known for its software, but it’s a growing force in the hardware world, too. The company has been making computer mice for some time, and the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is one of its most-loved.

The mouse is designed for portability, and as such, you would expect it to connect to multiple devices, and it does. You can use this mouse on a Windows computer, Mac computer, and Android device – though be warned that it is not compatible with Windows 7. It connects to all those devices through its Bluetooth 4.0/4.1.

The best thing about this mouse, however, is the fact that it’s quite compact and light, making it a great choice for those who need to take their mouse on the go. The mouse comes in at only 3.2-ounces, which really quite light. It’s also relatively cheap, starting at only $20 for the black version.

Pros: Compact and light, cheap, connects to a wide range of devices.

Cons: Somewhat basic design, no Windows 7

Buy the Microsoft Mobile Mouse 3600 on Amazon for $18.99 - $23.99 (price varies)

Buy the Microsoft Mobile Mouse 3600 from Microsoft for $29.95

With summer nearly here, it's time to get serious about your warm-weather grooming habits.

Though most of your routine will stay unchanged — you're still going to get haircuts every month and apply moisturizer every day— some are important to adjust.

Here are the biggest grooming mistakes you're making each summer, and how to avoid them.

SEE ALSO: 13 things guys can buy once and wear forever

Neglecting sunscreen.

If there is one thing keeping dermatologists up at night, it's the consistent and steadfast refusal of men to wear sunscreen.

Despite their increased risk of developing melanoma, many men just aren't willing to use a sunscreen every day. Still, it's a necessary tool to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

In the warm, sun-drenched months, that danger only becomes more pronounced.

Washing your face too much.

Dr. Terrence Keaney, a dermatologist working with Dove Men+Care, recommends his male patients wash their face twice a day — and only twice a day.

"When you wash your face, the soap or cleanser that you're using not only strips away the oil and sweat, but also strips away some of the natural lipids in the skin, so it can be potentially irritating," Keaney told Business Insider.

So, even if you get sweaty, try to limit the times the times you wash your face in a single day. And always moisturize afterwards to replace the lost moisture.

Not taking the proper underarm precautions.

The worst part about summer is sweat, especially in sweat-prone areas like the underarms. Many men don't know the proper way to prevent sweat in the underarms: it's all in when you apply the antiperspirant.

It takes time for your antiperspirant to work its magic and close your armpit's sweat ducts. After this process happens, good antiperspirants and deodorants usually last 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, the best time to apply antiperspirant is at night, before you go to bed.

Your white shirts will thank you.

If you've got the writing bug, you don't necessarily have to bank on being a starving writer for the rest of your career.

In fact, there are plenty of well-paid jobs in a range of fields that require excellent writing skills.

We checked out the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs, and looked at salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' website to find positions with a median annual salary of more than $55,000 that require writing skills.

O*NET ranks how important "the ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand" is in any job, assigning each a "writing importance level" between 1 and 100, where a higher score indicates more writing skills are required. It also breaks down each occupation's projected growth from 2014 to 2024.

Here are 14 well-paying positions with a writing-importance level of 81 or higher and a projected growth of at least 2%:

SEE ALSO: 16 high-paying jobs for people who love history

14. Historians

Writing importance level: 81

Median salary: $55,110

Projected growth from 2014 to 2024: 2% to 4%

Historians research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources.

13. Copy writers

Writing importance level: 81

Median salary: $61,240

Projected growth from 2014 to 2024: 2% to 4%

Copy writers write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.

12. Instructional coordinators

Writing importance level: 81

Median salary: $62,460

Projected growth from 2014 to 2024: 5% to 8%

Instructional coordinators develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology in specialized fields.

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.

The Insider Pick:

• Cats need lots of protein and fat in their diets to be healthy, so it's important that you feed them the best cat food you can buy: ZiwiPeak's wet food. Packed with premium ingredients that are ethically farmed and locally sourced, ZiwiPeak sets a new standard for quality when it comes to nutrient-rich cat food. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they have a biological need for meat. Your cat may be able to digest certain plant products in limited amounts, but protein should be the focus of his diet and it needs to come from premium animal sources. A high-quality cat food will always list a source of animal protein as the first ingredient with plenty of healthy animal fats and limited carbohydrates. Never purchase a cat food that is made with corn, wheat, or soy ingredients, or one that uses artificial additives like colors, flavors, and artificial preservatives.

Shopping for cat food can be a challenge because there are so many options to choose from. Unless you have a thorough understanding of your cat’s nutritional needs and knowledge of how to read a pet food label, you might find the task a bit overwhelming. You’ll be glad to know, then, that we’re done the hard work for you. We’ve scoured the reviews and taken a deeper look into the best pet food brands on the market to bring you our top five picks for high-quality cat food brands.

If you have a cat, you'll also want to check out our buying guides for the best cat toys, the best cat beds, the best cat fountains, and the best cat collars.

Although the ZiwiPeak wet cat food is our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider Acana's dry cat food, Nature’s Variety wet cat food, Wellness grain-free cat food, and Castor & Pollux's organic cat food.

SEE ALSO: The best cat toys you can buy

The best cat food overall

Why you'll love it: ZiwiPeak is setting a new standard for cat food with its moisture-rich canned foods and nutrient-dense kibble.

A premium pet food company will not only use high-quality ingredients, but its manufacturing processes will be safe as well. ZiwiPeak is our top choice for cat food brands because it is a trustworthy company that makes every effort to produce the best cat food products on the market.

The company's formulas are made with 95 percent fresh meat, organs, bone, and seafood ingredients that are 100 percent sourced from New Zealand using ethical farming practices. Furthermore, ZiwiPeak's products are all-natural, grain-free, and made without fillers and artificial additives.

The ZiwiPeak brand makes it onto the top ten cat food lists for Reviews.com and Heavy. It also receives excellent ratings from independent pet food review sites. Although this company may be based in New Zealand, all of its ingredients are of the highest quality for both its wet and dry food. Its kibble is air-dried to retain the maximum nutritional quality while still offering pet owners the convenience of dry food. ZiwiPeak canned foods are moisture-rich, packed with protein, and full of natural flavor.

The Conscious Cat describes ZiwiPeak cat food as, “the equivalent of a wild prey diet,” which is exactly why this brand is our top choice. Not only is ZiwiPeak cat food made with more than 95 percent raw meat and organs, but it is carbohydrate limited and free from grains, by-products, fillers, and artificial additives. This brand offers excellent digestibility as well as complete and balanced nutrition without the need for a long list of synthetic supplements. Simply put, ZiwiPeak cat food contains all of the healthy nutrients your cat needs with nothing he doesn’t.

Not only is the quality of the ZiwiPeak brand undeniable, but its products are made with novel proteins like venison, mackerel, and lamb to minimize the risk for triggering food allergies or sensitivities. Every recipe is naturally grain-free and the air-dried recipes are so nutrient-dense that you can actually feed your cat less without compromising his nutrition.

Pros: Air-dried recipes are similar in nutritional quality to raw food, many recipes feature novel proteins, all formulas are grain-free and carbohydrate-limited, recipes are made with at least 95 percent meat ingredients, formulas are designed to mimic a wild prey diet for cats, no carrageenan in canned foods

Cons: Limited selection of product choices, very expensive, not readily available in all locations, some cats may not like the air-dried texture

Buy the 12-pack ZiwiPeak Canned Cat Cuisine on Amazon for $38.64 and up

Buy the 14oz. ZiwiPeak Air-dried Cat Food on Amazon for $17.80 and up

The best dry cat food

Why you'll love it: Protein-rich and limited in carbohydrates, Acana dry cat food features lots of real meat ingredients in formulas designed to mimic the natural evolutionary diet of wild cats. 

Some cat food brands offer a wide variety of products for every need, which can make it difficult to choose. The Acana brand of cat food offers just four dry cat food recipes, but all of them are made with fresh, regional ingredients and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats in all life stages. If you’re in the market for a premium dry cat food product that is loaded with real meat ingredients and limited in carbohydrates to mimic your cat’s natural diet, we recommend Acana.

The Acana brand creates what they call “biologically appropriate diets” for dogs and cats. These are protein-rich formulas made with high inclusions of fresh meat, including nutrient-rich organ meats, designed to nourish your cat’s body through the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Acana doesn’t rely on synthetic supplements as heavily as many cat food manufacturers, though every recipe contains probiotics to support your cat’s healthy digestion.

Named among their top 10 best dry cat food brands, The Cat Digest makes note of Acana’s use of high-quality ingredients which include premium animal proteins and digestible grain-free carbohydrates. This brand also topped the list of dry cat food brands as rated by Heavy – reviews mention the brand’s excellent reputation for quality as well as their focus on real meat ingredients. They also comment on the fact that the brand is made entirely in the US using regional ingredients. The brand also receives the approval of The Pet Health & Nutrition Center.

Choose from four dry cat food recipes in the Acana Regionals line of products – Meadowland, Wild Atlantic, Grasslands, and Appalachian Ranch. These recipes feature premium proteins like free-run chicken, nest-laid eggs, and wild-caught fish.

Pros: All recipes are protein-rich and carbohydrate-limited, ingredients are sourced regionally from trusted suppliers, all products made in company-owned kitchens in the United States, recipes designed to mimic the natural evolutionary diet of wild cats, all formulas supplemented with probiotics

Cons: Costs around $5 per pound, only four recipes to choose from, no kitten-specific formulas available, no canned food options for cats, some recipes contain common proteins that may trigger food allergies in some cats (like chicken and fish)

Buy the 12-pound bag of Acana Regionals Wild Atlantic Dry Cat Food on Amazon for $65.00 and up (price varies)

The best wet cat food

Why you'll love it: Made with 95 percent meat ingredients, Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free Wet Food offers the nutritional benefits of a raw food diet with the convenience of more traditional wet cat food. 

Wet cat food is moisture-rich to keep your cat hydrated. It also tends to be lower in carbohydrates than dry food and richer in flavor. The texture may also be more appealing to finicky eaters. If you’re looking for a premium brand of wet cat food that uses only the highest quality ingredients, we recommend Nature’s Variety, specifically the Instinct line of products. A privately-held, natural pet food company, Nature’s Variety has mastered the art of crafting nutritious and delicious wet foods for cats.

The Instinct line of products from Nature’s Variety is designed to provide the nutritional benefits of raw food with the convenience of traditional cat food. This brand seeks to make each recipe as pure and simple as possible, using only real meats, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Every recipe is also packed with natural flavor to satisfy your cat’s cravings for meat.

Nature’s Variety tops the list of recommended cat food brands offered by Purrfect Cat Diet and it is listed among the top ten wet food brands by The Cat Digest. Reviews for this brand speak to the simplicity of each recipe as well as the use of high-quality ingredients including real animal proteins, grain-free carbohydrates, and healthy supplements. A favorable review from Kitty Catter also notes that Nature’s Variety canned foods offer similar nutritional quality to a raw food diet but with the convenience of canned food.

When it comes to wet cat food, Nature’s Variety offers selections in three product lines – Instinct Originals, Instinct Ultimate Protein, and Instinct Limited Ingredient Diets. The Ultimate Protein line includes one formula made with 95 percent chicken and the Originals line features three 95 percent protein options – chicken, duck, and lamb. The Limited Ingredient Diets line includes three protein options as well and all of Nature’s Variety’s canned foods are grain-free.

Pros: Made with premium ingredients to mimic the quality of raw food, recipes made with 95 percent meat ingredients, recipes are complete and balanced for all life stages, all formulas are grain-free for digestibility, plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, high moisture levels

Cons: Limited number of protein options to choose from, some recipes contain common proteins that may trigger food allergies in some cats (like chicken and fish), expensive compared to other brands

Buy the 12-pack of Nature’s Variety Instinct 95 percent Chicken Formula Canned Food on Amazon for $22.68

Books move us.

They can be modes of escapism and fantasy; they can serve as therapy or education, catharsis or self-identification. They allow us to focus  —  they give permission to drift. Different and differing revelations can surge and mixed emotions can flood. That's the magic of words.

Here is the list of 14 bucket list books to read in your lifetime  —  as curated by the best of the best. It was an exhilarating post to put together as some of our nation's top cultural/pop cultural and historical icons and movers and shakers revealed what book has affected them the most in their lifetime.

Nothing says more about a person  —  and nothing serves as better advice to us than reading the book that inspired them.

I hope you checked out the 2017 LA Festival of Books last month. It's the Coachella for book nerds like me  —  a utopian setting where our world's best authors and all their disciples got to hang out.

And a huge thank you to all my incredible idols who contributed to this blog post. I have a lot of stuff on my to-do list now.

SEE ALSO: 11 books President Obama thinks everyone should read

'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin

"He was the first articulate person I understood who could explain why America was so screwed up in real terms that I could understand."
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, author, activist, Washington Post columnist, Founder and chairman of Skyhook Foundation, all time NBA leader scorer and six time NBA champion

"James Baldwin speaks powerfully, prophetically and with enduring relevance to both the folly and futility of crafting change strategies and proposed solutions to societal issues and problems that are not inclusive, that do not encompass the interests of all stakeholders  —  lest we risk yet again bringing to fruition that prophecy recreated from the Bible in a song by a slave: 'God gave Noah the rainbow sign, No more water, the fire next time!'"— Dr. Harry Edwards, Black Panther, spiritual adviser to the SF 49ers and Golden State Warriors, UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus, activist, grandfather

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'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius

As suggested by Arianna Huffington, NYT bestselling author, columnist, entrepreneur, founder of The Huffington Post, Thrive Global and a leader in the Sleep Revolution

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'Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman's Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream' by Diana Nyad

"At the age of 64, and on her fifth attempt, swimmer Diana Nyad finally completed her Cuba to Florida swim  —  it's a story about never giving up and that you are never too old to chase your dreams."
— Cindy Whitehead, pro skater immortalized at the Smithsonian and the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, TED TALK speaker, author

BUY IT HERE »

There's nothing wrong with announcing your pregnancy with a pair of teeny tiny baby shoes — it's an easy and adorable way to tell the world, but you can't deny that it's a bit overdone. With all the wonderful ideas out there, why not share your big news in a way that will surprise people?

Here are 12 creative ways to tell your family, friends, or coworkers that you're pregnant.

Have a barista help you announce your news with a Starbucks cup.

Order each of your family members' favorite drinks and write their new titles, i. e. "Grandma" or "Aunt," on their cup instead of their name. If the barista doesn't want to grant your request, buy a Sharpie and do it yourself.

Buy a big box of doughnuts and write a clever message inside.

There is nothing coworkers love more than someone bringing in food. Surprise them with a box of doughnuts or a pizza and on the inside write a note that says "I don't want the only big belly around here!" 

Write it on a plate — and then pile that plate high with food.

Use a safe marker or buy a custom ceramic plate with "We're pregnant!" or "You're going to be a dad!" written on it and pile it high with food. Once they've eaten everything they'll have a very sweet surprise waiting for them. 

JPMorgan has released its 18th annual summer reading list.

The books includes titles such as "Rethink: The Surprising History of New Ideas" and "Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World," as well as authors such as Sheryl Sandberg and Michael Bloomberg.

“This year’s selections are diverse and thought-provoking non-fiction titles, reflecting the passions and causes our global client base care about most,” said Darin Oduyoye, Chief Communications Officer for JPMorgan Asset & Wealth Management.

We've included a roundup of the books along with brief descriptions from JPMorgan.

Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet

Authors: Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope

Description: Noted philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and renowned environmentalist Carl Pope team up to share insights and solutions they believe will address the impact of climate change, from how we manage our cities to how we invest. While urging immediate action, they remain optimistic that people and policy can come together to confront what might be civilization's greatest challenge.

Find here on Amazon

Source: JPMorgan

Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction

Authors: Derek Thompson

Description: In the Internet age, popularity often seems attainable by anyone, even on a global scale. In Hit Makers, Derek Thompson offers an alternative explanation: Hits are rarely flukes. Instead, hits are meticulously, almost scientifically crafted to be both familiar and new. From popular songs to blockbuster movies, the author explores how “the science of popularity” shapes our culture and our lives.

Find here on Amazon

Source: JPMorgan

Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Authors: Helene Cooper

Description: As Africa's first elected female president and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has blazed a trail of equality and empowerment for women everywhere. Helene Cooper, herself born in Monrovia, Liberia, details Sirleaf’s amazing path from mother of four boys and survivor of war and violence to leader of a fragile nation–an inspiring and memorable story.

Find here on Amazon

Source: JPMorgan

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.

It never ceases to amaze us how you can buy virtually anything at Amazon, whether you need one of its signature gadgets, a blender for your kitchen, or a set of pens to bring to the office.

In addition to all the cool perks Amazon Prime members can enjoy, the site is filled with several useful, albeit lesser-known, sections that will simplify your next shopping experience.

Below, eight under-the-radar sections that prove Amazon really is "the everything store."

DON'T MISS: This little-known Amazon service turns stuff you want to get rid of into store credit

Interesting Finds

You may have noticed the "New and Interesting Finds on Amazon" banner at the top of Amazon's homepage. Click the banner and you'll be brought to a high specialized store.

In this section you'll find affordable home decor, cute knickknacks for your desk, and much, much more. Interesting Finds expertly curates the newest, coolest, and most interesting things you can buy on the site into fun-to-scroll-through, collage-style lists that are updated daily.

"Fun,""Mid-Century,""Plush," and "Smart Home" are just a few of the lists Amazon updates every day that you can peruse. "Fun" is the default list Amazon brings you to from its homepage.

If you want a list of products specially selected for you, click the heart button on the top left corner of your favorite products and Interesting Finds will generate a list of things it thinks you'll like.

Shop here >>

Handmade

Amazon's "Handmade" section has everything from customizable jewelry, to one-of-kind vases, to artisanal cosmetics. Though some of the section's custom orders will take a few days or weeks to create and ship, many items are available with Prime shipping — perfect for chronic procrastinators.

Sifting through hundreds — if not, thousands — of handmade products can be daunting, but Amazon makes the entire process surprisingly easy. In addition to sub-categories like "Beauty and Grooming,""Wedding," and "Artwork," you can search by the artisan's location.

With artisans across the United States and in over 85 countries, you can discover pieces from around the world from a single browser tab. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, many artisans are open to creating custom pieces — just click on their profile page to check. 

Shop here >>

Wedding Registry

Your wedding day is one of the biggest events in your life, but it's also among the most stressful. The last thing you should have to worry about is your wedding registry — and Amazon's version is one of the easiest registries to use.

Not only can you add anything from the Echo Dot to a nice set of sheets to your wish list, you can download Amazon's Universal Registry widget to your browser and easily add items to your registry as you surf the web. 

If there's something you really want, you can add comments to your registry and even prioritize certain items. After the wedding, Amazon gives a one-time coupon for 10% or 20% off to non-Prime and Prime couples, respectively. 

Shop here >>

Sometimes, a dip into some nice cold freshwater can be way more refreshing than a trip to the beach.

Mix up this summer's vacation by packing your bags and heading to one of the many awesome lake towns in the US instead. Who likes sand in their bathing suit anyway?

Here are 11 of the best lake towns in the country.

South Lake Tahoe, California

Located on the Californian side of the lake (the lake straddles the border of California and Nevada), picturesque South Lake Tahoe offers year-round fun including waterfalls to explore, hiking trails to climb, mountain biking, and plenty of parties on the water. The Sierra Nevada mountains nearby make for great skiing in the winter, and should you have the urge to gamble, Nevada is just a stone's throw away.

Bigfork, Montana

This small town, located in northwest Montana, is next to one of the most scenic lakes in the state: the 27-mile freshwater Flathead Lake. When you're not fly fishing there or keeping an eye out for "The Flathead Lake Monster," you can explore the Great Outdoors at the nearby Glacier National Park or Yellowstone. Summer here also features the Riverbend Concert series, and the Bigfork Festival of the Arts.

Lake Ozark, Missouri

Located in central Missouri, Lake Ozark has more than 1,100 miles of shoreline. As its name suggests, this town borders the Lake of the Ozarks (one of the largest man-made lakes in the US), which is known for its famous lake parties, where hundreds of boats gather on "Party Cove" for some heavy day drinking.

The New York Times even deemed Lake of the Ozarks "the Hamptons" of Missouri.

Google Street View turned 10 years old in 2017. The technology allows people from anywhere in the world to explore landmarks, natural wonders, and even their own front yards.

Over the years, Google Street View has captured some spectacular public-space makeovers: A parking lot became a park, a crosswalk got the cobblestone treatment, a sidewalk was stretched out. In the life of a pedestrian, these changes — big and small — make a big difference.

In 2015, a Brazilian urban planning collective called Urb-i (shorthand for Urban Ideas) set out to show examples of these transformations with an inspiring before-and-after gallery of Google Street View images. The gallery has racked up 3,000 images from over 50 countries.

SEE ALSO: This man built a bedroom 'pod' because San Francisco housing was too expensive

We are a society "addicted to cars," according to the four young founders of Urb-i.

Yuval Fogelson, Carolina Guido, Fernanda Mercês, and Rodolfo Macedo founded Urb-i in 2015.

Traffic lanes and parking take precedent over green spaces and outdoor seating. People traveling on foot are quarantined to tiny sidewalks.

It just doesn't seem fair. Fortunately, the founders of Urb-i have an addiction of their own ...

Does your boss think you're competent?

It's an important question. Getting along with your boss is a pretty crucial part of succeeding at work. Your manager likely controls whether or not you get promoted, demoted, or fired, after all. Your job is in their hands.

Some bosses make it clear if they adore you — non-romantically, of course. They heap on the praise, give positive and detailed feedback, and make you feel like you're an integral part of the success of the organization.

But not all managers are so open.

It's always good to ask for honest feedback. Before you make inquiries, though, here are 13 signs that your boss probably is pretty impressed with your work:

SEE ALSO: 22 signs your boss secretly hates you

They give you tough love

Suzanne Bates, CEO of Bates Communications and author of "All the Leader You Can Be," tells Business Insider that it can be difficult to figure out whether or not your boss likes you.

"A boss who sees you as promising may give you a lot of feedback, not all of it positive — some of it might be 'tough love' because he or she sees you as someone who can handle it and is ready for more responsibility," she says.

They challenge you

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed at times, then that might not be a terrible thing.

"The boss will probably give you more than you feel you can handle at times, not because he or she is trying to punish you, but because they want to test you on tough assignments," says Bates, who has worked with senior executives as a CEO for 17 years.

They share your priorities

"Ask your boss what his or her top priorities are and put up your hand for challenging assignments," Bates says. "Give the boss a chance to see you in action, especially on a project important to him or her, so that they can see what you're made of."

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

As long as we value utility backpacks will probably never go out of style.

Briefcases, weekender bags, and purses will never be able to provide the exact level of comfort, functionality, and efficiency.

Being a recent graduate from college and a commuter, I find myself turning to backpacks every day, which makes finding the best option for my needs very important.

As part of my job as a commerce reporter here at Business Insider, I’ve been fortunate enough to have tried and reviewed quite a few backpacks. For me personally, these are the ones I turn to most frequently.

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

For commutes

The Incase ICON Lite is my go-to backpack for commuting. My commute is a triathlon of walking (sometimes running), sitting on the train, and being packed in with many other people on the subway for over an hour each way. If you don't want to always think about whether or not your backpack is annoying your fellow commuters, this is going to be a great option for you. 

It's one of the best iterations I've seen of a bag that's compact, spacious, and minimal enough to let you by with it in any office setting. I can fit everything I'll need for the day into one slim silhouette. The breathable mesh on the back means I don't arrive sweaty to work after the walk or the forced mosh pit of other strangers on the subway.

The design is thoughtful, with two pockets built in for smaller items--one for whatever, and another that's faux-fur lined to keep your smaller gadgets from scratching. The inside pocket for your laptop is similarly protected. For the price, I got much more than I asked for out of a commuting bag: attractive but not flashy, thoughtful composition, and most importantly the ability to hold all of my things in as compact and unobtrusive fashion I've found.

Our detailed team review is here. 

Get the Incase ICON Lite Backpack here or on Amazon for $79 - $99.95 

For trips to the airport

The Everlane Nylon Commuter Backpack is great for commuting, but I find myself most often turning to it for each of my trips to the airport. I have enough self-awareness to know that I perpetually overpack my carry-on and/or checked bag. This minimal but useful backpack is almost weightless and my way of enforcing at least some efficiency in my travel process. It's also very affordable.

Instead of being packed with pockets that I might not use, it's designed with a large, wide pocket that's perfect for holding a book, wallet, and maybe a water bottle. I only fill it with things I want to be able to find quickly, and the water-resistant material means I never check the weather before leaving the house or before getting to my destination. 

The side pockets are great for easy-access to my flight itinerary and a snack, but perhaps the most subtle helpful feature is a vertical pocket at the front rather than horizontal. When I get to the gate and swing my backpack over my shoulder to grab my driver's license or passport, it's one motion to unzip and stick my hand in--no awkward wrist contortion necessary. 

Our detailed team review is here. 

Get the Everlane Nylon Commuter Backpack here for $68 

For the everyday

This is one of my favorite accessories because the design is so unique and so well executed. If I'm heading out for the day, and don't want to feel an ache in my shoulder from my over-loaded, black hole of a purse, this is my go-to.

It looks especially stylish in person, so carrying it on the boardwalk or out to a museum and then lunch never makes me feel frumpy. The material looks almost like scuba gear up close — a solid spongy material that makes the entire pack feel high-end and unique while still maintaining a minimalist design in a neutral color. In essence, it feels modern in a great way.

The backpack's design is similarly innovative, as most of the Dagne Dover products are. One of my all-time favorite life hacks is found in this bag: two zippered pockets at the bottom of the back of the pack that mean I don't have to go into the main compartment or take it all the way off in order to grab my house keys or another small, frequently needed item. There are many more small innovations like that in the interior, as well. With smart design and a mastering of simplicity, while also still feeling different enough, I've found the Dakota to be at a reasonable price point.

Whenever I want the ease of a backpack without the strict utilitarian look, I use the Dakota backpack almost every time.

Get the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack for $175 

Money is a feminist issue — and yet, women are still reluctant to talk about it. According to a recent Bustle survey of more than 1,000 Millennial women, more than 50 percent of people said they never discuss personal finances with friends, even though 28 percent reported feeling stressed out about money every single day.

That's why Bustle launched Grown-A$$ Finances, a series that gets real about what Millennial women are doing with their money, and why — because managing your money should feel empowering, not intimidating.               

A lot of people have side jobs in addition to their full-time ones, and there's even a #sidehustle hashtag on Twitter. Because, truth be told, oftentimes, one job is not enough — whether you need the extra money to pay off student loan debt or to put towards your emergency or vacation fund.

In fact, according to research by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, wherein they surveyed 3,200 full-time workers in the private sector across all industries and company sizes, a LOT of Millennials have side gigs. The findings included 39 percent of workers ages 18-24 and 44 percent of workers ages 25-34. So, it may be more popular than you think. What were these supplemental jobs that their research discovered? They ranged from blogging and website design to bartending and childcare.

Side hustles have many purposes, from extra cash to exploring new passions

"Whether the extra cash helps you spring for lunch on Taco Tuesday or start plumping your cash cushion for emergencies, it not only comes in handy but also eases money stress at certain times of the month (think: rent is due)," Beth Kobliner, author of the New York Times bestsellers "Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" and "Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not)," tells Bustle. "And there are perks of a second gig besides the paycheck," she says. "The biggest plus is the networking opportunities in fields other than your current day job. For instance, being a staff writer at a food magazine is tough to near-impossible, but contributing a couple blog posts to a cooking site you love is attainable (though the pay may not be much) — and can open doors in the biz. Exploring passions is another benefit of a side job, like fulfilling a love of photography by shooting kids' parties on weekends. Who knows? A part-time or freelance gig could produce not just some extra cash, but a whole new chapter in your life."

Exactly! All that said, here's what 12 Millennial women do as side jobs. Not only are these women impressive, but also inspirational.

SEE ALSO: A woman who left her $500,000-a-year job to work for herself says a side hustle can't be successful without 3 factors

Stephanie Troiano, 32, FoxWood Provisions

"My 'side hustle,' as they say, started with bookbinding leather journals, and has since expanded into handbags and small leather accessories, like wallets and keychains. I've kept each entity separate with its own name or 'brand,' but all are housed under my main shop, FoxWood Provisions.

"Starting a small business on the side when you have a full-time job is challenging. I just love creating things. If I see something I like, I want to make it myself, make it better, make it different, and make it my own. I've always had a love and eye for designing, so this is my creative outlet where I get to do that. The fact that someone is willing to pay me for it is just an incredible and extremely humbling bonus!" 

Danielle YB Vason, 31, She Makes Cents

"I think Millennials represent the 'side hustle' generation, which is interesting to me because of the lazy stereotype also associated with our generation. Since my first job out of college, I always had a side job that filled a passion or supplemented income that I wasn't completely getting in my 9-to-5 environment. As I progressed in my career, having side jobs has helped pay for my wedding, save for travel experiences, and pay down debt.

"I believe that no one should have only one source of income, and that is especially true for women. It is important to diversify your money just in case one of your sources goes away. I am an Atlanta personal finance and lifestyle blogger for She Makes Cents (which I also founded), a landlord, and I also handle social media content for private clients in various industries. One nugget of advice: Make sure your side job/hustle does not create a conflict of interest that could compromise your main income stream."

Allie Decker, 22, Ivory Consignment

"Last year, I started a local business called Ivory Consignment. We host pop-up events at which women and buy and sell their gently used, name-brand clothes, shoes, and accessories — think a consignment store filled with your favorite brands packed into a weekend-long, pop-up market.

"I started this to 1) create a place where I could sell my clothes and actually make money; 2) build relationships in my local community; and 3) put my copywriting and marketing skills to work for myself. I have loved learning so many firsthand lessons from the experience, and feel even more empowered as a Millennial business owner and female."

When it comes to the best ways to forge a successful, lasting relationship, it seems everyone has a secret to success to share — and while we certainly want all the help we can get in order to avoid being one of the many adults who divorce, the seemingly endless stream of tips and tricks can often feel overwhelming.

Plus, as amazing as your friends and family are (and we’re sure they are), they aren’t professionals! To help you keep your eye on that wedded-bliss prize, we’ve sought out expert advice on how to keep your marriage happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn the details behind these seven proven suggestions.

SEE ALSO: 6 experts share the worst piece of relationship advice they've ever heard

1. Keep dating

Just because you’ve put a ring on it doesn’t mean that you should give up dating forever… as long as it happens with your spouse! David Ezell, CEO and Clinical Director of counseling and mental wellness group Darien Wellness, urges marrieds to keep that spark alive with regular, intentional quality time.

“When couples come to my clinic for help, I always ask when is the last time they had a date,” Ezell reveals. “Dates aren’t with other couples and dates are never with kids in tow.” Research shows that making a routine of focused, one-on-one time is the best way to sustain the kind of connection that is bound to keep a marriage going strong.

2. Set shared goals

Signing up to run a race together or committing to a collective monthly saving plan that will allow you to take the vacation you’ve been dreaming of is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your partner.

In particular, certified counselor Jonathan Bennett cites an academic study that demonstrates the romantic benefits of training for endurance events (e.g., a marathon, triathlon, or bike race) with a loved one. “Shared goals that a couple can work toward help give a relationship greater purpose,” Bennett notes. “Also, the time spent achieving those goals helps the couple strengthen their bond.”

3. Practice daily acts of kindness

“Past studies have shown that people who take the time to consistently give and support someone actually care for this person more,” shares Steve McGough, director of research and development at Women & Couples Wellness.

Make it your personal mission to do something special or unexpected for your spouse every day (or at least almost every day). Establishing a kindness habit will make you fall in love with your S.O. even more — and we bet you didn’t even think that was possible, right?