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The all-new Rolls-Royce Phantom is a modern private jet for the road

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Rolls Royce PHANTOM VIII DO NOT USE

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the oldest names in the car business. For nearly 100 years, the Phantom has been a byword for luxury, exclusivity, and world-class engineering.

After remaining dormant for a decade, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched the seventh generation Phantom in 2003. It was the first new Rolls-Royce introduced after BMW assumed control of the brand from Volkswagen Group in what was one of the most bizarre business deals in recent memory.

For 13 years, the Phantom VII served Rolls-Royce with distinction as its flagship model while also becoming a catalyst for the brand's recent renaissance. With annual sales topping 4,000 cars, the past few years have been happy times for the rarefied luxury automaker.

Now, there's an all-new Phantom.

On Thursday, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Phantom VIII.

"The Phantom is the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce brand in its truest sense," CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told Business Insider in an interview. "It embodies all of the qualities Rolls-Royce is well known for. It starts with the magic carpet ride, the quality, the precision design, and engineering."

"It embodies what (company founder) Sir Henry Royce said, 'Take the best that exists and make it even better,' and that is exactly what the Phantom is in every single detail,"Müller-Ötvös added.

Rolls-Royce is expected to commence customer deliveries of the Phantom VIII in early 2018. The standard wheelbase Phantom starts at around $450,000. However, company data shows Phantom VIII customers are adding around $150,000 in bespoke options to their cars for an average order price of $600,000.

Here's a closer look at Rolls-Royce's new flagship.

SEE ALSO: Check out Bombardier's next generation $73 million Global 7000 private jet

Since 2003, the Phantom VII has embodied the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce luxury.



Now, there's a new flagship Phantom in town. It's the first car to be built on Rolls-Royce's new all-aluminum platform, called the Architecture of Luxury. It will underpin all of the brand's upcoming models including the Cullinan SUV.



Under the hood, the Phantom is powered by a 563 horsepower, 6.75 liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine paired with an 8-speed, satellite aided, 8-speed, ZF automatic transmission.



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The most dangerous risks to your health this summer — and how to prevent them

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sun tanning

Ticks and mosquitoes and sunburn, oh my!

Summer might be the time when most of us try to take it easy, but there are a few nasty health hazards that can ruin your fun in the sun.

We're not talking about things like sharks, which might seem scary but pose almost zero risk to the average person.

These are the real hazards that can cause injury, illness, or death. Preventing them can sometimes be as simple as drinking water and wearing sunscreen and insect repellant.

So practice caution — your life may depend on it.

SEE ALSO: Science says happier people have these 9 things in common

Tick bites can give people Lyme disease, red meat allergies, and other illnesses.

This year is particularly bad for ticks, which are spreading and bringing the diseases they carry along with them.

Lone Star ticks, originally found in the South, have been expanding their normal range farther north and west. Something in the bites of some of these creatures causes what's known as alpha-gal allergy, which makes people allergic to red meat.

Blacklegged or deer ticks, common in the Northeast, South, and Midwest, can carry at least six different diseases. These include the very rare Powassan virus, which can cause permanent neurological damage or death; babesiosis, which damages blood cells and is a problem for the blood supply; and Lyme disease, which infects about 300,000 Americans a year and can cause meningitis or partial paralysis if it's not treated.

Experts recommend regular tick checks, wearing long clothes when hiking through the woods, using DEET to protect skin, and treating clothing with permethrin.



Not drinking enough water can make you feel fatigued and increase your risk for kidney stones.

Despite the prevailing assumption, there's no definitive evidence that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day. Depending on what you are doing and what else you consume, you might need more or less.

Mild dehydration can be serious, impairing memory and mood, making people feel faint, and causing fatigue and weakness. At more severe levels, dehydration increases the risk of kidney stones and can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

In the summer, you should make sure you drink water whenever you feel thirsty.



Heatstroke can kill.

In a typical year in the US, heat waves kill more people than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or freezing. 

When the heat index creeps above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes dangerous for the very young, the very old, and the infirm. This weather is also known for striking down young athletes in their prime.

As the body overheats, it can quickly cause damage to the kidneys, muscles, heart, and brain. Physical exertion, alcohol consumption, and dehydration can all make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.

When it's particularly hot out, stay hydrated and try to stay out of the sun.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

26 stunning natural wonders everyone should see in their lifetime

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ha long bay

The INSIDER Summary:

  • From waterfalls to mountains, there are plenty of beautiful places to enjoy nature all over the world.
  • Peyto Lake in Banff National Park in Canada is known for its bright turquoise water.
  • El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico is the most biologically diverse forest out of all the US' national forests.
  • Spencer Lake in Australia is naturally bright pink.


There may only be seven official natural wonders of the world, but there are plenty more breathtaking natural sights all over the globe worth exploring. From the rushing waters of Niagara Falls in New York and Canada to the snowy peak of the Matterhorn in Switzerland, it's hard to narrow down the list of bucket list destinations. 

Keep scrolling for 26 beautiful sights worth seeing all over the world.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Whether observed day or night, from a viewing platform or from a boat, the 3,160 tons of water that flow over Niagara Falls every second are a sight to be seen.



The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, and, at its widest point, 18 miles across. You can explore various areas of the massive canyon at the Grand Canyon National Park



Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Canada

It's hard to believe that Peyto Lake's sparkling turquoise water is natural, but the color actually comes from significant amounts of glacial flour (tiny rock particles that result from glacial erosion) that are deposited into the water.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We went to a glamorous poker event where billionaires, athletes, and poker pros face off

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Poker Night

Hundreds of Wall Streeters packed a Manhattan venue this week to play poker and raise money for an education nonprofit.

The crowd included a who's-who of financiers, politicians, athletes and show biz folks, including Kase Capital's Whitney Tilson, one of the event's chairs; Greenlight's David Einhorn; Avenue Capital's Marc Lasry; New York Senator Jeff Klein; and Brian Koppelman, executive producer of Showtime's "Billions."

There were also pro poker players, like Vanessa Selbst, the highest earning female poker player of all time.

The July 26 event, called the Take ‘Em to School Poker Tournament & Casino Night, raised money for Education Reform Now. It's an annual event with familiar faces, and we've covered it before.

Different hedge funds sponsored the poker tables, including Mudrick Capital Management.

Take a look inside.

The event was held at Gotham Hall in Manhattan.



You could play blackjack on the side.



There were several tables to choose from.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

21 countries that are highly likely to poach skilled workers from the US

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sad woman US flag America upset

Have you set your sights on living and working abroad lately?

In the US, conversations about moving abroad tend to spike during contentious political times — though it's mostly talk.

But if you currently live in the US and you're serious about leaving, you'd be in good company if you made the move.

While the US doesn't track how many Americans live and work overseas exactly, estimates range from 2.2 million to 6.8 million, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Engineering consulting firm KDM Engineering compiled an infographic using data from the 2015 UN International Migration Report and the 2017 Global Talent Competitiveness Index to figure out which countries are the best at attracting highly skilled talent.

The list took market landscape, ability to attract companies and people, access to education and training, and quality of life into account.

Of the countries considered to be the best at attracting highly skilled talent, Business Insider singled out all the countries that listed the US as one of their top five "feeder countries" when it comes to talent. A nation's "feeder countries" are the countries that contribute some the most immigrants to that nation.

Here are 21 countries that are great at poaching talent from the US:

SEE ALSO: How to find a job and a home outside of the US

DON'T MISS: The Trump administration delayed a rule meant to help people launch businesses in the US — here's what that means for foreign entrepreneurs

Israel

Total migrants in 2015: 2,011,727

Where the US ranks as a feeder country into Israel: No. 1

Why this country is likely to poach talent: Its beneficial market landscape



Czech Republic

Total migrants in 2015: 405,093

Where the US ranks as a feeder country into the Czech Republic: No. 2

Why this country is likely to poach talentIts high quality of life



Japan

Total migrants in 2015: 2,043,877

Where the US ranks as a feeder country into Japan: No. 1

Why this country is likely to poach talentIts beneficial market landscape



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How J.K. Rowling went from struggling single mom to the world's most successful author

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rowling harry potter deathly hallows book

J.K. Rowling's life is a classic rags-to-riches story. Her parents never received a college education, she lived for years with government assistance as a single mother, and overcame a dozen rejections from publishers to become, almost overnight, one of the most successful and widely read authors in the history of the world.

After a couple of decades of "Harry Potter," Rowling has turned the boy wizard into an entertainment franchise including books, movies, a play, a theme park, and more. Here's how the author found her path to success.

J.K. Rowling — born Joanne Rowling — grew up in Gloucestershire, England, and always knew she wanted to be an author.

Rowling was constantly writing and telling stories to her younger sister, Dianne.

"Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit,"Rowling said in a 1998 interview. "He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee. And ever since Rabbit and Miss Bee, I have wanted to be a writer, though I rarely told anyone so."

When she was nine, Rowling moved near the Forest of Dean, which figures prominently in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and spent the rest of her childhood there.

Her parents married when they were 20, and neither attended college: Her father was an aircraft engineer at Rolls Royce and her mother was a high school science technician.

"I was convinced that the only thing I wanted to do, ever, was to write novels,"Rowling said in her 2008 Harvard University commencement speech. "However, my parents, both of whom came from impoverished backgrounds and neither of whom had been to college, took the view that my overactive imagination was an amusing personal quirk that would never pay a mortgage, or secure a pension.



Rowling had difficult years when she was younger.

Rowling never had it as bad as Harry living with the Dursleys, but she described her teenage years as being filled with difficulty.

"I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life,"she told the New Yorker.

When Rowling was 15, her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She died a decade later, before Rowling became a published author. Later on, one of her philanthropic projects was founding the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh with a gift of $16 million.



After graduating from college, she had a stint working for Amnesty International.

The author studied French at the University of Exeter, graduating in 1986. According to her official biography, she "read so widely outside her French and Classics syllabus that she clocked up a fine of £50 for overdue books at the University library." Her Classics knowledge was later used when she came up with the names for spells in the "Harry Potter" series.

After graduating, Rowling worked at the research desk for Amnesty International, doing translation work. She found the work important — "I read hastily scribbled letters smuggled out of totalitarian regimes by men and women who were risking imprisonment to inform the outside world of what was happening to them,"she said— but it didn't suit her, as she said in a later interview.

"I am one of the most disorganized people in the world and, as I later proved, the worst secretary ever," she said. "All I ever liked about working in offices was being able to type up stories on the computer when no-one was looking. I was never paying much attention in meetings because I was usually scribbling bits of my latest stories in the margins of the pad, or choosing excellent names for the characters."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 19 most heated celebrity feuds of all time

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KimKanyeTaylor

Celebrity rivalries are as much a part of Hollywood as red carpets and the Oscars.

The late night feud between David Letterman and Jay Leno lasted for years. There were Katherine Heigl's diva antics with her "Grey's Anatomy" coworkers. Then, of course, there was an epic chicken grease fight between Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere that came to blows. 

Whether it's backstabbing, man-stealing, or social-media hating, some of the squabbles between these stars have been explosive and very public.

Here's a look at the 20 most heated celebrity feuds of all time.

Paris Hilton vs. Nicole Richie

Childhood best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie dominated reality TV when they both starred together on Fox's "The Simple Life" in 2003. But at the height of their fame, the two were suddenly at war.

“It’s no big secret that Nicole and I are no longer friends,” Hilton said in a statement to press in April 2005. “Nicole knows what she did and that’s all I’m ever going to say about it.”

According to People Magazine, Richie was jealous of the attention Hilton was getting from the media, angry that she wasn't invited to some of Hilton's events, and that she wasn't included in Hilton's appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in February 2005. So Richie reportedly had a party to celebrate Hilton's appearance on the sketch show, followed by a screening of Hilton's notorious 2003 sex tape.  

“Paris was very hurt,” said People's source. “She loves Nicole, but believes she is owed an apology.” 

Since then, the two have made up and even filmed two more seasons of "The Simple Life."Richie told Andy Cohen on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live"in 2014 that even though she and Hilton don't talk everyday, she considers her one of her very good friends. 

"The short answer is I haven't spoken to her in awhile," Richie said. "But we are very good friends and I love her and love her family and have a lot of respect for her."



Sylvester Stallone vs. Richard Gere

Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere were set to star together in the 1974 film "The Lords of Flatbush" until the two didn't get along on-set. Gere's role would later be re-cast. 

"We never hit it off,"Sylvester said in 2006. "He would strut around in his oversized motorcycle jacket like he was the baddest knight at the round table."

The drama would get increasingly messy – literally. The two actors apparently also got into a physical fight over spilled chicken grease. 

"I was eating a hot dog and [Richard] climbs in with a half a chicken covered in mustard with grease nearly dripping out of the aluminum wrapper," Sylvester said in the same interview. "I said, 'That thing is going to drip all over the place.' He said, 'Don’t worry about it.' I said, 'If it gets on my pants. you’re gonna know about it.' He proceeds to bite into the chicken and a small, greasy river of mustard lands on my thigh. I elbowed him in the side of the head and basically pushed him out of the car."



Martha Stewart vs. Gwyneth Paltrow

These lifestyle gurus have been going at it ever since 2014. It all started when Martha Stewart slammed Gwyneth Paltrow for starting her own lifestyle business, Goop.

"She's a movie star. If she were confident in her acting, she wouldn't be trying to be Martha Stewart," she told Porter magazine.

The drama didn't seem to slow down when Stewart posted a pie recipe called "conscious coupling," which was featured in Martha Stewart's Living Magazine shortly after Paltrow filed for divorce from Chris Martin, calling the break a "conscious uncoupling." A month later, Paltrow posted a similar recipe for "jailbird cake,"  presumably mocking Stewart's time spent in prison back in 2004 for fraud charges. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A coffee expert shares the 6 things every coffee 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.

A woman holding a cup of coffeeBesides breathing and sleeping, there are few things I do with as much regularity as my morning cup of coffee. Before my first cup of Joe in the morning, I am walking through the day like a zombie, and I feel pretty confident in saying I’m not alone in this.

I do my best to make my morning mug at home when I can, but most days I’m scrambling for a train, and then scrambling through sidewalks with only time for a quick moment of reprieve at my morning food cart. It is not the ideal coffee scenario, but it gets the job done for me.

There are better ways to start your morning with a cup of coffee all your own, but since my daily routine is a bit chaotic, we decided to call in an expert. I recently spoke with Paul Toscano, connoisseur of all things coffee and chief marketing officer of Joyride Coffee, a company that specializes in cold brew kegs. I asked him to take me through some items he thinks avid coffee drinkers might be missing in their cupboards. 

Below you can find Toscano’s recommendations, along with his reasoning as to why any aspiring barista should consider adding a bit more to their collection of coffee tools. Take a look if you’re interested in learning to make your morning cup like the pros.

DON'T MISS: The best milk frothers you can buy

A Chemex

I think the best home setup is the pour-over. Unless you're routinely hosting larger groups of people at your home, it's really the best, most consistent and honestly most rewarding way to brew coffee.

My personal favorite is the Chemex, which is a tried-and-true brew method going back to the 1940s when it was invented by a German chemist. It's not only an extremely functional brew method, it's also beautiful. And that's not just my opinion...the Chemex is part of the MOMA's permanent collection.

Toscano's pick: Chemex 8-Cup Classic Series Glass Coffee Maker, $43.20




A gooseneck kettle

This is key for any pour-over or hand-crafted brew method. This allows for precise pour control, which is necessary when you're following brewing instructions carefully. A normal pour spout on a regular tea kettle is far too wide and imprecise for delicate coffee brewing.

Toscano's picks:

Hario Buono Pouring Kettle, $34.38

Fellow Stagg Pour Over Kettle, Polished, $69

 



An Aeropress

Aside from the Chemex, having a smaller format brew method, like the V60 or Aeropress, is great when you only want to make one cup of coffee at a time. For any of these brew methods, just be sure to pick up a box or two of filters and brush up on your brew methods!

Toscano's picks:

AeroPress Coffee Maker, $29.95

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, $19.48






See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What school looks like in 20 countries around the world

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school india

The INSIDER Summary:

  • Education is a crucial resource for kids all over the world.
  • Here's what schools look like in 20 different countries.


Nobel Prize winner and author Malala Yousafzai wrote that "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

In some parts of the world, students have to overcome challenging circumstances to even get to class amid war, political unrest, and poverty, while others simply hop on a yellow school bus that stops on their suburban corner.

Despite the differences between cramped classrooms without electricity and private institutions with pressed uniforms, the power of learning can help kids all over the world reach their full potential. 

Here's what it's like to go to school in 20 different countries. 

Iraq

Pupils are dismissed from their classroom at an elementary school in eastern Mosul.



China

A biology teacher live broadcasts her course in a classroom to students at home during a polluted day.



India

At this school assembly, students offer prayers to their parents during an event called Matru-Pitru Puja, or Parents Worship.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's where Texans in Congress stand on Trump's proposed transgender military ban

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump set off even more confusion and chaos than usual at the U.S. Capitol this week with a series of tweets announcing he would ban transgender people from serving in the military. 

"After consultation with my generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow ... transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military," Trump tweeted. "Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming ... victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption."

Texas Democrats in Congress were predictably outraged: "The president’s harmful and hate-filled policy announced via Twitter to ban transgender Americans from military service represents a new and disturbing low," U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston said in a statement.

Texas Republicans were a mix of muted, supportive and — in the case of U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of Helotes — deeply opposed. 

Republican U.S. Reps. Brian Babin of Woodville, Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi and Louie Gohmert of Tyler focused on the costs to the military of covering sex reassignment surgeries, rather than the outright ban on military participation. 

Two of their GOP colleagues, U.S. Reps. Lamar Smith of San Antonio and Pete Olson of Sugar Land, praised the president for listening to his military advisers on the matter — a point Trump made in his tweets before a series of reports stating that the Pentagon had been blindsided by the move

Hurd was the lone Texas Republican who vocally opposed Trump on the matter, saying, "anybody who meets all military requirements should have the opportunity to put on a uniform and serve our great country."

But mostly, there was confusion: On Trump's motivations. On whether the ban would actually happen. The president's own top military advisers have promised to "treat all of our personnel with respect" until Trump issues a directive on exactly how to implement the policy.

Take it from U.S. House Armed Services Chairman — and Texas Republican — Mac Thornberry of Clarendon.

"It was a surprise to me, and I think the Pentagon is referring questions to the White House because it was a surprise to them too," he told the  Dallas Morning News. "I don't know what to think." 

"Now what?" he added.

Here's what: Take a look at how Texans in Congress are responding to Trump's latest order. 

 

SEE ALSO: White House press secretary threatens to end briefing amid grilling over Trump's transgender ban

Supports the president's action:

Sen. John Cornyn — Republican

“There are those who’d like to use the military to experiment or to try different ideas out, including ones like this. But what I always do is rely upon the experts, and I’m confident that’s what the president has done…And I believe that that’s the correct course of action.” — Cornyn to KFYO radio host Chad Hasty

Rep. Louie Gohmert — Republican

"I really appreciate the president taking initiative because it will save a lot of money, because if somebody wants to gender reassign, it ought to be done before," Gohmert said. — Dallas Morning News

Rep. Joe Barton — Republican

"Congressman Barton supports the president’s decision. Our military leaders know best how to protect and defend the United States."

Rep. Lamar Smith — Republican

“I support the recommendation of the administration’s military advisors.”

Rep. Pete Olson — Republican

“As a former Navy pilot, I fully trust our military generals to make the best decision for military readiness and the defense of America. I’m pleased President Trump is listening to his generals and making decisions based on the safety and security of our nation.”

Rep. Roger Williams — Republican

"We need to focus on military readiness without distractions," Williams said. "National security is a top priority for our nation and our military must remain focused on keeping our country safe and protected at all times."—Dallas Morning News

Rep. Blake Farenthold — Republican

“The purpose of the military is to defend our country and the expenditures appropriated to the military should be spent on that.”

Rep. Brian Babin — Republican

"It's just common sense that we wouldn't spend over a billion dollars for a very few individuals who suddenly decide they want to change sex," Babin told local affiliate KBMT. "Again, I applaud Mr. Trump. It's common sense, the military is there for one reason and one reason only, and that is national defense, to keep us free."— Facebook


Opposes the president's action:

Rep. Al Green — Democrat

“The president seems to be saying that only certain people can be patriotic Americans. This is very serious. People who want to serve and want to give their all to their country should be allowed to do so."— Twitter

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez — Democrat

"I call on the president and our nation’s military leaders to re-focus their efforts on improving health care and other services for our service members and veterans and ensuring the security, freedom, and prosperity of the United States and its allies. I stand on the side of equality for all."

Rep. Beto O'Rourke — Democrat

"Never mind that transgender Americans are today putting their lives on the line, serving w honor, earning praise from their commanders," O'Rourke tweeted. "... Every time we've made the military more reflective of America, it's been made stronger."— Twitter

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee — Democrat

“The president’s harmful and hate-filled policy announced via Twitter to ban transgender Americans from military service represents a new and disturbing low. Mr. Trump’s blatant discrimination against those who wish to serve runs counter to the ideals and principals espoused by our founding fathers and articulated in the United States Constitution."

Rep. Joaquin Castro — Democrat

“America’s armed forces need every patriotic person willing to serve and defend our country. The president’s policy announcement today is gratuitously discriminatory and will damage our national security."

Rep. Will Hurd — Republican

"I served alongside many heroic individuals in the United States Armed Services during my time in the CIA and believe anybody who meets all military requirements should have the opportunity to put on a uniform and serve our great country."

Rep. Henry Cuellar — Democrat

If transgender service members are "performing their duty and military folks are fine with that, why are we going to interfere?"— Dallas Morning News

Rep. Gene Green — Democrat

“Every American should have the opportunity to serve if they want to serve. There are thousands of servicemembers who identify as transgender in our military and they have all made sacrifices to protect our national security. Military service is about loyalty, respect, and honor – not sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson — Democrat

"As a granddaughter, daughter, niece, wife and sister of a veteran, I find it shameful for the president to deem a certain group of people as unqualified to serve in our military ... A person should not be deemed unfit to lay down their life for their country based on their gender identity."

Rep. Marc Veasey — Democrat

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I am appalled that the president of the United States would blatantly abandon any American who is willing to lay down their life to defend their fellow citizens.”

Rep. Filemon Vela — Democrat

"Shame on @POTUS for banning #transgender individuals from serving in our military and protecting our freedom."— Twiiter

Rep. Lloyd Doggett — Democrat

"The master of distraction is at it again. Caught up in the swirl of misconduct surrounding the Trump family, he issues yet another ban to change the subject ... We should honor and protect all, no matter their gender, who risk their lives to defend our freedoms."


Position unclear:

Sen. Ted Cruz — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Ted Poe — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Sam Johnson — Republican

No comment.

Rep. John Ratcliffe — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling — Republican

No comment.

Rep. John Culberson R

No comment.

Rep. Kevin Brady — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Michael McCaul — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Mike Conaway — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Kay Granger — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Mac Thornberry — Republican

“This tweet was a complete surprise to the Department of Defense and to the Congress,” the House Armed Services Chairman said. “The standard should be to uphold the high standards of the military as warfighters – that’s what matters. If an individual can meet those standards, that’s great. If not, that person should probably look to serve elsewhere. The military cannot be a social program for some other agendas.” — Dallas Morning News

Rep. Randy Weber — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Bill Flores — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Jodey Arrington — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Kenny Marchant — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Michael Burgess — Republican

No comment.

Rep. John Carter — Republican

No comment.

Rep. Pete Sessions — Republican

No comment.


See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Some of Europe's biggest banks reported their latest results on Friday — here's how they did

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HSBC Canary Wharf

LONDON — It's Q2 earnings season for Europe's biggest banks.

Over the course of the next week or so, lenders from all across the continent will give investors, clients, and the media an update of how they got on during the first half of 2017.

On Thursday, Lloyds was the first major British lender to report, showing an increase in underlying profits of 8% to £4.49 billion, while statutory profits picked up 4% to £2.54 billion. That included the hit taken from one-off charges, including more than £1 billion in charges related to the misselling of PPI in the past.

However, on Friday morning, things ramped up a little with major lenders from the UK, France, Ireland, and Switzerland (as well as Japan), dropping their latest updates.

Earnings were somewhat mixed, so check out Business Insider's round-up below:

Barclays — Big losses thanks to PPI repayments

Barclays made an attributable loss of £1.4 billion in the second quarter, hit by increased PPI costs and losses resulting from the sale of its Africa unit.

Revenue fell 15% to £5.06 billion, while the bank's cost to income ratio rose to 72%, up from 71% in the same period last year. 

In a statement, CEO Jess Staley said: "Our business is now radically simplified, the restructuring is complete, our capital ratio is within our end-state target range, and while we are also working to put conduct issues behind us, we can now focus on what matters most to our shareholders: improving Group returns."

Barclays' stock has hardly moved on the day, gaining around 0.4%.



BNP Paribas — Revenues and profits decline, but beat expectations

BNP Paribas, France's largest bank, beat forecasts on both the top and bottom line, despite seeing declines in both revenues and profits during the quarter.

Income was roughly €2.4 billion — a fall of 6.4% — but had been forecast by analysts at around €1.9 billion. Revenues fell 3% to €10.9 billion, having been expected to drop to €10.8 billion.

"BNP Paribas again delivered a very good performance this quarter. The revenues of the operating divisions were up thanks to the good business drive and operating expenses were down as a result of the implementation of the transformation plan. The cost of risk is under control and was down significantly," CEO Jean-Laurent Bonnafé said in a statement.



Credit Suisse — Rising profits in line with expectations

Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse reported on Friday that its second-quarter profit rose from a year earlier, as revenues increased slightly.

 The bank posted net revenues of 10.7 billion Swiss francs in the first half of 2017, up 9% year on year. "We are now midway through the execution of our three-year strategic plan and our strategy is working: we are making good progress against our key objectives," CEO Tidjane Thiam said.

Investors reacted positively to the news, and CS' Zurich-traded shares have climbed strongly in early trade.



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The 6 UK cities that will suffer most from a 'hard' Brexit

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LONDON – Wealthy Southern cities are predicted to be hardest hit by Brexit, according to a new report.

The study, by the Centre for Cities and the Centre for Economic performance at the London School of Economics, found that cities with large high-skilled service sectors, such as business and financial services, are expected to be worst hit by potential tariff changes.

More prosperous places in the North, the Midlands and Wales, which have low numbers of highly skilled workers and smaller knowledge-intensive private sectors, will be least directly impacted by any form of Brexit.

But, it says, this makes them less well equipped to respond to the economic shocks ahead.

A 'hard' Brexit is also likely to double the economic impact of leaving the EU: the average drop in economic output across all UK cities is estimated to be 2.3% in the event of a 'hard' Brexit, and 1.2% in the event of a 'soft' Brexit.

These estimates are based solely on expected increases in trade costs.

"All UK cities face significant economic challenges after we leave the EU, but the impact of both 'hard' or 'soft' Brexit will be felt very differently across the country," said Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities.

"Contrary to much of the received wisdom on Brexit, it is the most prosperous UK cities which will be hit hardest by the downturn ahead — but poorer places across the North and Midlands will find it tougher to adapt," he said.

Carter said the government should ensure post-Brexit trading arrangements remain as close to the current agreements as possible, and that cities receive enough investment to help them weather the combined challenges of Brexit, globalisation and automation.

"This research shows that focusing on the likely local economic impacts of Brexit will be a critical ingredient for policymakers when thinking about how to offset the negative economic effects that loss of trade due to Brexit will bring," said Stephen Machin, from the Centre for Economic Performance.

Keep scrolling for a list of the six cities predicted to be most affected by a 'hard' Brexit.

6. Edinburgh: -2.7% (reduction in economic output)

Population (2011 census): 495,360

Voted: Remain 

Reading, London and Edinburgh have the largest high-skilled service sectors in the UK. A decrease in economic activity in knowledge-intensive sectors, which include business and finance, may have knock on effects for other sectors, given their "multiplier effect" in local economies.

Business and financial services will be among those worst hit industries by Brexit.

In joint seventh place, with a predicted drop in economic output of 2.6%, come London, Aldershot, Leeds and Ipswitch.



5. Slough: -2.8% (reduction in economic output)

Population (2011 census): 140,200 

Voted: Leave 

Unemployment in Slough is low and the Centre for Cities released research earlier this year showing the city is second only to London in terms of productivity.

But the town's economic success has been built with the help of a large population of migrant workers. Meanwhile, the town's white British population has decreased substantially since 2000.

 



4. Swindon: -2.8% (reduction in economic output)

Population (2011 census): 209,156 

Voted: Leave 

Swindon has a high population of migrant workers in low-paid and low-skilled jobs. Meanwhile, the local Conservative council has implemented £20 million-worth of cuts.

Car manufacturers Honda and BMW, tech company Intel and bank Nationwide are major employers in the town. But these international companies will need to secure favourable trading agreements to continue to employ so many in Swindon.



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The 17 best action movies you can stream on Netflix right now

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There's never a bad time to sit back and watch a good action movie. 

The nonexistent (or besides-the-point) plot, the constant explosions, the muscular heroes doing what needs doing: What better way to take time out from the daily grind?

And with the release of the Charlize Theron's "Atomic Blonde" this weekend, we're really in the mood for more butt-kicking fun.

Thankfully, Netflix has a great collection of action movies right now, including the first "Star Wars" standalone movie, "Rogue One," and the classic "Hellboy."

Here are 17 action movies we highly recommend that you can stream on Netflix:

SEE ALSO: Al Gore explains our chances against climate change, and his fateful meeting with Donald Trump

“Armageddon” (1998)

Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck go to space to save the world from a hurtling asteroid. With "Bad Boys" and "The Rock" already under his belt, director Michael Bay became the top action director going into the 2000s with this film.



"Captain America: Civil War" (2016)

The blockbuster features one of the greatest comic-book battles (though everyone is pulling their punches) and a pretty intense fight at the end between Cap, Iron Man, and Bucky.  



"Doctor Strange" (2016)

If trippy mystical action is more your thing, this is the movie for you. The origin story of Dr. Stephen Strange has some unique action sequences, topped by some A+ CGI.



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Disney parks have Starbucks stores hidden in plain sight — see what they're like inside

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Disney World is home to magical treats, from the iconic Dole Whip to dozens of Mickey-shaped foods. But if you're ever in one of the four parks and really just want a frappucino or iced coffee, Starbucks is probably the spot for you.

Each park has a Starbucks location, but the store fronts are cleverly hidden to look like any other Disney shop.

Keep reading for a look inside three of the Disney World Starbucks locations, including all the special treats.

In Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the Starbucks is inside the "Main Street Bakery."

You can't even see the Starbucks sign when you face the store front. When I first walked past, I assumed it was just another Disney store for treats and baked goods.



From the side, the Starbucks sign is more clear.

The Main Street Bakery/Starbucks has its employees dress in blue stripes with white aprons and handkerchiefs — a totally different look compared to the standard Starbucks uniform.



Once you step inside, the signage and displays are very similar to a regular Starbucks.

Since Starbucks is such a popular stop in the crowded Disney World park, there's a whole line system in place in order to manage crowds.



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Millennials are paying up to $3,400 per month to live in this Hong Kong 'Skypark' — take a look inside

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As millennials continue to migrate to high-priced urban areas, some are choosing to live in co-living spaces: dorm-style residential buildings in which they rent a single room and get access to shared amenities.

In Hong Kong, Dutch architecture firm Concrete has designed a luxury complex for millennials with that co-living model in mind.

Called Skypark, the building opened in March 2017. Residents rent traditional apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, rather than individual rooms. But according to the Skypark designers, their goal was to fill the building with communal spaces, including a swanky rooftop lounge and indoor pool, where residents can get to know their neighbors and escape city life.

Take a look inside the building, where residents pay up to $3,400 per month.

SEE ALSO: 8 billion-dollar mega-projects that will transform the world's greatest cities by 2030

Skypark is located in central Kowloon, a neighborhood in northern Hong Kong.



Its name refers to the building's rooftop garden, called the Lawn, which features greenery and views of the city's skyline. Recycled rainwater is used to water the plants.



The rooftop's steps have amphitheater-style seating where residents can hang out.

Source: New World Development



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We visited the regional Southern chain that loyal fans say is better than In-N-Out and Shake Shack — here's what it's like

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New Yorkers love Shake Shack. The West Coast swears by In-N-Out.

But North Carolinians say that there's one burger chain that trumps them all. 

Cook Out is a North Carolina-based fast-food chain serving up burgers, barbecue, and milkshakes, and it's renowned in the South for its low prices and high quality. 

But if you don't live in one of the 10 states the chain calls home, you might have never heard of this cult restaurant and its fervent following. 

So, we went to Richmond, Virginia, to sample the much-hyped chain and see how it measured up to the coastal titans of the burger business. 

SEE ALSO: We tried two cult chicken chains that are quickly taking over the nation — and the winner was clear

DON'T MISS: Southerners swear by this regional chicken chain's breakfast menu — we went to see if it lives up to the hype

While Cook Out is known for its classic drive-thru locations with outdoor seating, the chain has recently been opening more sit-down restaurants.



As we walked into the rustic-themed restaurant, gentle strains of Christian rock piped endlessly over the speakers — the kind of songs where you can't quite tell if the lyrics are describing a romantic love or a more spiritual suitor.



The menu is wide-ranging, and the best way to sample it is by ordering a Cook Out Tray. The food is outrageously inexpensive when compared to what we typically see in New York City, and where else can you get a quesadilla and a corn dog as sides in addition to your entree?



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26 things under $20 we use every 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.

desk humidifier

Life is expensive. Student loans, rent, phone bills, groceries — it's no wonder we spend our hard-earned paychecks so quickly. And then there are those little splurges on Ubers, dining out, and new clothes and shoes for work.

In an effort to talk about purchases that are decidedly more budget-friendly, I asked my Business Insider colleagues to share the best things they’ve bought for less than $20, and I got some interesting responses.

Some are seemingly random (a lemon squeezer), some are convenient (an extra-long charging cable for your phone), and some you probably didn't realize you needed (a mini humidifier for your desk).

Check out our favorite affordable picks below.

SEE ALSO: 10 must-have tech accessories under $10

DON'T MISS: 22 awesome and weird things we bought using Amazon Prime

A car mount for your phone

I don't own a car in New York, but this air-vent phone mount is worth the $8. I keep it in my suitcase so that I have it when I travel and I'm driving around a rental car. It works everywhere and holds my phone securely in place while driving. — Reuben Ingber

TechMatte MagGrip Air Vent Magnetic Universal Car Mount Holder, $7.99



An egg cooker

No one likes to be the girl in the office who goes to crack her hard-boiled egg during this month's health kick and end up with a yolky mess. Not cool. 

After more failed attempts than I would like to admit at the perfect hard-boiled egg, I discovered this little beauty — perfect every time and you never end up with egg on your face ... or your desk. — Caitlin Gallaher

Dash Go Rapid Egg Cooker, $14.99



A miniature desk humidifier

This little doodad has changed my life by making winter in a hot, dry New York office bearable without taking up much space. — Margaret Bowani

Deneve V2 Cool Mist Humidifier Stick, $18.95



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11 signs you could be dating a narcissist

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Everyone has moment when they're a little full of themselves. But if you notice your partner takes a little too much of an interest in their own needs more often than not, you may be dating a narcissist. 

Like all personality types, narcissists come in many different forms, but INSIDER talked to some experts about the typical traits of your friendly neighborhood narcissist. 

They're overly complimentary at first.

Narcissists will start out by "love bombing" you, meaning they'll start out by being weirdly nice and complimentary, David Bennett, counselor and co-author of the site "The Popular Man," told INSIDER. But that will quickly change. 

Bennett recommends looking at how they treat others and talk about the people in their life. If they're a narcissist, you'll see some bad patterns emerge. 

"Look for clues as to how they treat others," he said. "If the person you're dating brags about manipulating others, or people they have dated in the past, I guarantee you'll be the next to be manipulated and mistreated."



They never shut up.

Narcissists love to hear the sound of their own voice — and their favorite topic is themselves. If they ignore your concerns or never ask about your life, they may be a narcissist.

"You could be talking to your partner about a health scare you had and the conversation drifts to their stress at work,"therapist Kimberly Hershenson told INSIDER. "If you find that the discussion always becomes about your partner this could be a sign they are a narcissist."



They feel they're owed something.

Narcissists have an overwhelming feeling that the world owes them something. They believe that the world is here to serve their whims and that everyone should read their mind. It's not pretty when something reminds them that's not how the world works. 

"If they tend to feel like they are misunderstood or not valued, this may be a sign of narcissism," said Hershenson. 



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Tour a $42 million mansion that comes with its own vineyard and spa

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Whitehall Vineyard

If you've ever dreamt of owning your own vineyard, now's your chance.

This seven-bedroom property listed with Sotheby's International Realty is in the heart of California's wine country and costs $42 million. 

The home is decked out with a spa, infinity pool, and guest house. It also comes fully furnished and with a winery license that allows for a 10,000-gallon-per-year production. 

If the property sells for the hefty price it's asking, it will be the most expensive property ever sold in the area. It's located in St. Helena, a beautiful city in Napa Valley.

Take a look around inside:

SEE ALSO: A Florida-based entrepreneur is selling his enormous home — complete with 'Star Trek' room — for just shy of $30 million

The estate known as Whitehall first came onto the market for $38 million in 2014, and at that point, it was not fully constructed.

Source: Sotheby's



Three years later, it's now a fully furnished property with its own commercial winery license and a vineyard that will soon be ready for harvest. It has a new listing price of $42 million.

Source: Sotheby's



The house is surrounded by 20 acres of wine land.



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These amazing colorized photographs bring World War I to life

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One month after a Bosnian-Serb assassinated Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, on a street corner in Sarajevo, the Austro-Hungarian Empire on July 28, 1914 declared war on Serbia, effectively beginning World War I.

Ferdinand's murder sent the Great Powers into a war that would last five years and cost the lives of 10 million troops.

Thought of as the "war to end all wars," World War I marked a number of firsts in military conflict, including the use of planes, tanks, and chemical weapons. 

On June 28, 1919, the victorious Allied leaders signed the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I and spurring German nationalism, which in turn gave Nazi leader Adolf Hitler a political platform.

Here's a few colorized photographs published by The Open University showing life during World War I.

SEE ALSO: Haunting visions of World War I live on in these overlay photos

Trench warfare was one of the hallmarks of World War I.



Soldiers could spend the majority of their deployments in the trenches. Here, a soldier receives a haircut from a barber on the Albanian front.



Here, a German Field Artillery crew poses with its gun at the start of the war in 1914.



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