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10 celebrities who were in each others' weddings

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Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth

The INSIDER Summary: 

  • Several celebrities have been bridesmaids and groomsmen to their fellow celebrity friends.
  • Stars like Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz have formed a close Hollywood bond.
  • Adam Levine took it up a notch by asking his friend Jonah Hill to officiate his wedding.

Let’s admit it: Whether we’ve discussed it with them or not, we all know who the front-runners are for our own wedding’s bridesmaids and groomsmen, whenever that may be. Yeah, the whole “marrying the love of your life thing” is cool and all, but what we’re really excited about is dancing the night away with our BFFs to our favorite ’90s tracks.

Judging from the wedding photos of stars like Julianne Hough and Ashley Tisdale, A-listers are equally psyched to recruit their besties for their nuptials—and those bestie bridesmaids tend to be from Hollywood’s pool as well. From boy-banders to Disney costars, here are 10 celebrities who were bridesmaids, groomsmen, and even officiators for other celebrities.

Julianne Hough and Nina Dobrev

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Nina Dobrev was a first-time bridesmaid at her best friend and "Dancing With the Stars" judge Julianne Hough's wedding to NHL star Brooks Laich in July. As part of her bridesmaids duty, "The Vampire Diaries" star helped choreograph a surprise performance to one of Hough's favorite songs, "The Greatest" by Sia, at the reception. Though Hough's wedding had a few bumps in the road, including Dobrev's bridesmaids' bus breaking down, the actress deemed the soiree the "most fun wedding" she's ever been too.



Chris Kirkpatrick and *NSYNC

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At Chris Kirkpatrick's wedding to Karly Skladany in November 2013, the former *NSYNC member tapped all four of old bandmates, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Justin Timberlake as groomsmen to help him say bye, bye, bye to his bachelor days. Also in attendance was Timberlake's wife, Jessica Biel.



Ciara and Kelly Rowland

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In July 2016, Ciara had a fairytale wedding to NFL star Russell Wilson at Peckforton Castle in the United Kingdom. To help her celebrate, the "Goodies" singer tapped Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland as a bridesmaid. However, Rowland wasn't the only A-list member of Ciara's bridal party. Total Request Live host La La Anthony was also a part of the nuptials.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

There’s a bi-national beach on the US-Mexico border where separated families meet — here’s what it looks like

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friendship parkThis past week, the Trump administration took two more steps toward its campaign promise to keep undocumented immigrants out of the US.

On Friday, it revealed the four construction companies that will build a prototype of the border wall. On Tuesday morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program starting March 2018. Instituted in 2012, the Obama-era policy protects nearly 800,000 young immigrants who came to the country as children, some without their parents, from deportation.

Steel fencing with razor wire, sensors, and surveillance cameras line most of the 2,000-mile US-Mexico border today. But in 1971, the US fundamentally changed a section of the barrier: The Nixon administration built Friendship Park, the only federally designated bi-national meeting place along the US southern border.

Until 1994, the park between San Diego and Tijuana did not include any fencing. Anyone could spend time there during the day, monitored by the US Border Patrol. But border security tightened over time, and today families can barely touch fingertips through Friendship Park's thick steel fence.

Friends of Friendship Park, a local community organization formed in 2006, is now attempting to work with the San Diego Border Patrol to allow unrestricted access to the park again.

"Every weekend dozens of families travel long distances to visit the park, and in almost every instance, they do so because they have no other recourse for seeing their loved ones," a reverend and the coalition's leader, John Fanestil, told Business Insider.

Take a look at the park's history below:

SEE ALSO: 26 photos that show the US-Mexico border's evolution over 100 years

First Lady Pat Nixon inaugurated Friendship Park on August 18, 1971, when it was declared a national monument. Over 100 years prior, in 1848, the US built a pyramid-shaped statue on the San Diego beach to mark the end of the Mexican-American War.

Source: NBC News



“May there never be a wall between these two great nations,” the first lady said. “Only friendship.”

Source: The Washington Post



Today, there are 276 such monuments to the war along the border; the one in Friendship Park was the first.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to prepare for a hurricane like Irma — which could soon hit the US and Caribbean

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hurricane irma sept 5 2017 cira rammb

This year’s hurricane season is shaping up to be unusually active. The fourth hurricane of 2017, Irma, is now a Category 5 storm, and is heading towards the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Although it’s not yet known whether Irma will make landfall in the continental US, officials in the Florida Keys are already issuing evacuation recommendations and closing schools. The storm comes on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, which devastated parts of Texas, including Houston.

Several forecasting groups — including the Weather Company, which is behind the Weather Channel and Weather Underground — predicted a busier-than-normal hurricane season for 2017. Irma is already the fourth hurricane of 2017.

The peak of the season is around September 10, which means more hurricanes are likely. On Tuesday, a tropical storm named Jose formed in the Atlantic east of Irma, though it’s too early to say where it will go.

The prevalence and severity of storms so far this year caught many people by surprise, however, and has left many others scrambling to prepare. If you’re wondering what to do in the face of hurricane threats, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have resources to help people get ready. Here are some of their recommendations.

SEE ALSO: Here are all the areas in Hurricane Irma's path, and when the storm could arrive

Gather supplies in advance.

FEMA recommends keeping an emergency supply kit on hand at all times — especially when the threat of a severe weather event arises. The kit should include:

- At least one gallon of water per person in the household per day for three days 

- A three-day supply of non-perishable food, and a can opener if necessary (including for your pet)

- Any important family documents (insurance policy statements, bank account information, passports, birth certificates, etc.)

- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

- A flashlight with extra batteries

- A first-aid kit

- A week’s supply of any prescription medications, and an extra pair of glasses

- Cash

- A complete change of clothing

- Local maps

- A whistle in case you need to signal for help

- A dust mask

- Duct tape

- Moist towelettes

- Garbage bags

- A wrench or pair of pliers

- Infant formula and diapers if you have young children

The most essential items on this list — whatever can be carried — should be packed in advance in a go-bag that can be grabbed quickly if an evacuation becomes necessary. Since grocery stores empty out and prices get gouged in an emergency situation, stocking up ahead of time is best. 

Here are FEMA's full emergency supply list guidelines.



Create an emergency plan for your family.

FEMA and the DHS say it’s essential to come up with an emergency plan for your family long before a disaster arrives. This plan should include packing your emergency supply kit and go-bag. It should also cover what you’ll do in the event of a mandatory evacuation — which routes are safest in hurricanes, where all members of a household should try to go, etc.

Additionally, you should pick an out-of-state contact that everyone will get in touch with in the event that your family gets separated. Each person should carry a sheet in their wallet with that person's contact information, as well as other important numbers and information. (Phones can always die, and most of us no longer memorize phone numbers or addresses the way we used to.)

In an ideal scenario, families should practice these plans ahead of time to work out any kinks and gain comfort with them before encountering stressful conditions.

To keep track of a developing storm, you can also sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



Evacuate only if it's recommended or mandatory.

The most common reason for mandatory evacuation orders is a storm surge warning — that’s the crest of water that forms from a storm’s powerful winds. If you live in an area that could face such a threat, make an evacuation plan with your family that includes which roads you’ll take and where you’ll go. Generally, emergency shelters are set up in the days ahead of a storm, so you can consult FEMA or your local city government to determine where those will be.

However, some cities have good reason to avoid issuing evacuation orders. When Harvey hit Houston, officials didn't tell residents to leave in order to avoid clogging highways and other roads. Those drivers could have found themselves getting into accidents or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic as waters overtook roadways. When Hurricane Rita barreled toward Texas in 2005, an exodus of about 3 million people contributed to at least 73 deaths before the storm arrived.

So if there’s no voluntary or mandatory evacuation in place for your area, stay put and keep your car in good working condition with a full gas tank in case a late evacuation order does come. Once a mandatory evacuation is put in place, however, you should leave immediately. That’s why it’s important to have a go-bag prepared.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

14 brainteasers and riddles only smart people can solve

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woman thinking notebook

Who doesn't love the feeling of satisfaction you get after you solve a brainteaser? While intellectual jokes can be understood in seconds, riddles take a bit longer to unpack, which makes the payoff even better.

INSIDER combed through Reddit to compile a list of challenging logic problems, word puzzles, and more.

You'll see the answers to most of these brainteasers in the caption below each picture. Scroll down slowly to avoid seeing the solution too soon. Don't worry — we've also included explanations in case you get stumped on any of these puzzles.

Here are 14 riddles that may take you some time to solve:

1. If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you don't have me. What am I?

Source:RhinoBarbarian, Reddit

 



2. You're escaping a labyrinth, and there are three doors in front of you. The door on the left leads to a raging inferno. The door in the center leads to a deadly assassin. The door on the right leads to a lion that hasn't eaten in three months. Which door do you choose?

Explanation: The lion would be dead after not eating for three months.

SourceAntmanIV, Reddit



3. If I am holding a bee, what do I have in my eye?

Explanation: This riddle is a play on the proverb, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." In this case, you are the "bee-holder." Thus, beauty is in your eye.

Source: lipwiggler, Reddit



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

29 photos that show the US-Mexico border's evolution over 100 years

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us mexico border  1950s

A central promise of Donald Trump's presidential campaign was a 55-foot-tall,2,000-mile-long wall that he pledged to build along the US-Mexico border. Now, eight months into his presidency, the Trump administration is trying to figure out how to pay for it.

In early September, the US Customs and Border Protection announced the four construction companies that will build 30-foot tall concrete prototypes of the wall. A few days earlier, Trump insisted that Mexico will foot the barrier's estimated $21.6 billion bill "one way or the other," despite the country's vow that it will never pay for it.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the US will further secure the border by eliminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows nearly 800,000 young immigrants who came to the US as children to stay and work in the country. The Trump administration is calling on Congress for a replacement of DACA, which will be phased out starting March 2018.

But the goal of establishing a firm physical boundary to separate the US from Mexico is nothing new. In the country that has the world's largest immigrant population, American presidential administrations have tried tightening security along the border for around a century.

Though the divide was formally established in 1824, the US didn't launch its official Border Patrol until 1924. Inspection and holding stations were created after that, followed by the construction of miles of fences with barbed wire and steel barriers over the next few decades.

Take a look back at the history of the US-Mexico border below.

SEE ALSO: A group of engineers just submitted this incredible proposal for Trump's border 'wall' that's actually a $15 billion hyperloop

The US established an official border patrol in 1924 with the goal of securing the US-Mexico border. In the photo below, American guards are patting down Mexicans who wish to enter the US.



The Mexicali border station (pictured below in 1929) was surrounded by a tall fence. Cars lined up to cross into California.



Much like today, people coming from Mexico were required to open their bags and suitcases at the border. In this 1937 photo, an agent inspects the possessions of shoppers going from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso, Texas.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Hurricane categories only tell part of the story — here's what kind of damage storms like Irma and Harvey can do

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hurricane irma

Hurricanes Irma and Harvey are two very different storms.

While Harvey's record rains drenched southeastern Texas and western Louisiana, flooding Houston in over 4 feet of rainfall, Irma's winds — if they stay as strong as they were on Tuesday evening— could flatten buildings, trees, and power lines on the Caribbean islands it's threatening to devour.

At its peak, Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, but its weakened winds downgraded it to a tropical storm the day after it made landfall. Irma, meanwhile, is a Category 5 monster that's already one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded — and it's still strengthening.

Hal Needham, a hurricane scientist at Louisiana State University, argued on the weather site WXshift that a storm's category doesn't fully convey how much damage it could cause.

"Hurricanes and tropical storms throw three hazards at us: wind, rainfall, and storm surge," he wrote. "Think of the impacts separately. Storms with weaker winds are more likely to stall and dump heavier rainfall. This shocks people, as it would seem intuitive that a Category 5 hurricane would tend to dump more rain than a Category 1 hurricane. But the opposite is true."

Here's a closer look at the type of damage storms like Irma and Harvey can cause:

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Irma is now a Category 5 storm and could make landfall in Florida

DON'T MISS: Here are all the areas in Hurricane Irma's path and when the storm could arrive

The Saffir-Simpson scale used to distinguish a hurricane from a tropical storm is based solely on maximum sustained wind.



Once a tropical storm crosses the wind threshold above 39 mph, it gets a name. Most storms that make landfall in the US are tropical storms, not "major" hurricanes of Category 3 and above.



But "storms are too complex to define by one number," Needham explained. While Harvey's strong winds on the Texas Gulf Coast caused widespread destruction, most of the devastation came when it turned into a tropical storm dumping feet of water on Texas and Louisiana.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

PHOTOS: A mysterious self-driving Toyota with a stealthy paint job was spotted cruising around San Francisco (NVDA, TM)

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Self Driving

Self-driving cars are running wild in the streets of San Francisco.

Residents of the city are likely to encounter a robo-car prototype at any moment. UberGM, and Google spinoff Waymo are the companies behind the most frequently sighted autonomous cars. There have also been scattered reports of vehicles presumed to be tied to Apple.

But that's just a small sampling of all the self-driving cars motoring around. There are now 39 companies testing autonomous vehicles on California roads. Among them: Samsung, Mercedes Benz, Baidu, and AutoX. 

On Sunday, after spotting what seemed to be a new kind of self-driving vehicle, we followed it. The customized Toyota Highlander (model year 2014 or later, according to resident car expert Bryan Logan) was brimming with sensors and other gear. And it sported a custom paint job that seemed designed to keep it under the radar (at least, as much as that's possible for an autonomous vehicle). 

Check out the pictures below for a closer look at this mysterious vehicle:

SEE ALSO: The amazing life of Uber's new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi — from refugee to tech superstar

We spotted the vehicle on Sunday afternoon in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, which is near the Mission.



We hit the gas and pulled up close behind so we could get a better look.

We noticed a few curious things right away. The vehicle appears to be a Toyota Highlander, yet the Toyota insignia has been removed from the oval-shaped space above the license plate. The entire body of the vehicle was painted a matte black that gave the vehicle an intriguing and stealthy profile. 



Notice the four, puck-like gizmos.

These appear to be LiDARs— the laser sensors used to create high-resolution maps and to let cars "see" and navigate their surroundings autonomously. There were four more of these LiDARs mounted on the front of the car, for a total of 8.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Walmart says these will the 25 toys every kid wants this holiday (WMT)

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walmart holiday

The holidays are closer than you think.

Walmart, the largest toy retailer in the US, did research to identify the top 25 toys of the holiday.

The company enlisted hundreds of kids from 18 months to 12-years-old to act as testers so the store could see what resonated.

Walmart will have 1,000 new toys this holiday season, and a quarter of them will be exclusive to the retailer, according to Anne Marie Kehoe, Walmart's vice president of toys. This year, Kehoe said the retailer is focused on buying enough product so that it will have the most popular toys in stock throughout the season.

SEE ALSO: America is facing a 'retail refugee crisis' as thousands of stores shut down and millions of people become the 'blacksmiths of their era'

Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty

Price:$40



Disney Frozen 12-Volt Ride-On Sleigh

Price:$298

Walmart exclusive



Monster Jam Grave Digger 24-Volt Battery Powered Ride-On

Price:$398

Walmart exclusive



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 7 most charming and chaotic moments on the latest ‘Great British Bake Off’ episode

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The Great British Bake Off

Now the fuss about "The Great British Bake Off" changing channels is over, we can actually focus on what matters: the show's blissfully brilliant baking. And handily for fans of the letter B, this week was all about biscuits.

Keep reading for a look at the seven most charming and chaotic moments from Biscuit Week.

1. The genius that is Flo.



We were shown the 71-year-old getting juiced up on cocktails with her pals and dancing to Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass."

 



And then letting out her fury on a bag of hazelnuts during the fortune cookie technical bake.

 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 30 countries that are best for your money, according to expats

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vietnam travel guy swinging beach palm tree

Moving abroad may sound like a grand adventure, but most people who do it are after one thing: a paycheck.

The majority of global expats — 41% — relocated because of their career or their partner's career, whether by choice or out of necessity, according to the Expat Insider 2017 report from expatriate network and global guide InterNations. To compile the data, InterNations surveyed 12,519 expats, representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries around the world.

Love was the second most commonly cited catalyst, motivating 12% of moves overseas. Other reasons included wanting a better quality of life (8%), to have an adventure (7%), or simply because they enjoy living abroad (3%).

Although money may be a major motivating factor, the report found expats' satisfaction with their personal finances varied greatly depending on where they live.

InterNations developed its 2017 personal finance index by ranking 65 countries based on how survey respondents felt about their financial situation, and whether their disposable income was sufficient to cover their expenses.

In Greece, which ranked last on the personal finance index, half of expats reported not having enough household income to keep up with daily expenses, and 27% said they didn't have enough money to make ends meet. That's in sharp contrast to Vietnam, which took the top spot on the index, where 93% of expats said they have enough or more than they need to cover their cost of living.

For each country on the list, we compiled the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of town, utilities, and commuting, as well as the price of a cappuccino and a pint of domestic beer, according to global cost of living database Numbeo. All amounts are in US dollars and are current as of September 2017.

Below, check out what it costs on average to live in the top 30 countries on InterNations personal finance index.

SEE ALSO: I stopped working at 34 and I'm convinced early retirement isn't about money — it's about lifestyle

DON'T MISS: Meet the world's 10 richest black billionaires

30. Poland

Cost of living compared to US: 41% lower

Monthly:

Rent: $481.85

Utilities: $174.62

Commuter pass: $28.07

Cappuccino: $2.13

Domestic beer: $1.96



29. Oman

Cost of living compared to US: 32% lower

Monthly:

Rent: $615.60

Utilities: $57.48

Commuter pass: $25.97

Cappuccino: $4.49

Domestic beer: $7.79



28. Portugal

Cost of living compared to US: 26% lower

Monthly:

Rent: $588.11

Utilities: $103.61

Commuter pass: $42.44

Cappuccino: $1.39

Domestic beer: $1.79



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

After 5 hours with 'Destiny 2,' the most-anticipated game of 2017, I'm anxious to play more

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Rise of Iron Destiny gear

The first "Destiny" game, for me, is associated with deep disappointment.

As a long-time "Halo" fan, I was excited to be there for the launch of the next big series from Bungie Studios. The beloved studio even entered into a 10-year deal with mega-publisher Activision, ensuring that its next big franchise would be exactly that: big

Expectations were high and, after a series of chances to play early versions of the game ahead of launch, I was cautiously optimistic. "The shooting is fun!" I said to myself. "Assuredly the story is just bare bones because I'm playing a beta version of the final game; there must be other areas to explore that are bursting with life."

Obviously I was wrong. 

When the original "Destiny" launched three years ago, it felt rushed and messy. The story was incoherent, its world was small and empty, and enemy encounters were cookie-cutter — my interest in continuing to play fell off a cliff around halfway through.

On Wednesday, "Destiny 2" arrives. In my brief time with it thus far, "Destiny 2" seems like a vast improvement.

Destiny 2

After spending around five hours with it, I have a very different reaction than I did last time: hope.

It is — dare I say it — a beautiful, thoughtfully designed, well-paced game. At least so far.

SEE ALSO: Attending Bungie's 'Destiny 2' event with my older brother was a precious memory I will never forget

Allow me to be clear that this isn't a review of "Destiny 2." It's a large game and I've only spent five-ish hours playing it (as of this writing) on PlayStation 4.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Destiny 2," including story and gameplay.

It probably goes without saying, but I'm going to speak explicitly about the first few hours of "Destiny 2"— beyond where the beta's intro mission ended. If you don't want any of that spoiled, turn back!



In "Destiny 2," you're facing a new foe named Ghaul. He's got a real Alexander the Great vibe about him. If you played the beta for "Destiny 2," you already met him at the end of the intro mission.

Ghaul isn't a particularly complex enemy — he wants to be the emperor of the stars. He's come to Earth to take control of "The Traveler" (the orb that usually floats above Earth in "Destiny"). And by the end of the introduction, he's well on his way to doing that.

You may recall him pushing your character's face with his boot at the end of the beta's intro mission.

Destiny 2

Indeed, him. Soon after he knocks you out and sacks The Last City, you're left to pick up the pieces.



And this is where "Destiny 2"— thankfully — continues to demonstrate how different it is from its predecessor. Your first mission is to slink around the destroyed remnants of The Last City, clinging to life and completely unarmed.

This kind of story-setting, quiet moment was completely missing from the first "Destiny," and it's refreshing to see it front-and-center in "Destiny 2." You can see the outline of the rest of the game's plot stretching out before you, and that's tremendously meaningful considering how much of a mess the first game's structure was.

It sounds simple, but slowly walking through the ruins of The Last City is the kind of scene that lends gravity to the rest of the game. You see first hand how devastated the city is from the attack, how enemy troops are patrolling the ruins — it's a rare peek at the civilization you're supposedly fighting for in the "Destiny" franchise, and how it has just fallen.

You also get to experience how weak a "Guardian" is without the magical powers they're usually imbued with by The Traveler. No double jumps. No power weapons. No weapons at all, actually.

And yes, in case that wasn't clear — "Destiny 2" does the classic gaming trope of starting you with loads of powers and subsequently taking them away, forcing you to build yourself up once again. It's blessedly quick, and smartly handled. There are no moments you can't handle, even though you're unarmed.

It isn't until (in-game) days later when you find a camp of slaughtered Guardians that you get ammo for your pistol. 

Destiny 2

Revenge is certainly on the cards.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The top 3 destinations for American expats reveal why they aren't moving abroad for the money

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woman travel vacation mexico

In today's global society, living outside your home country, whether for work or pleasure, is increasingly common.

The US State Department estimates that about 8.7 million US citizens are living in other countries, though the exact number is difficult to pin down.

Germany, Mexico, and Costa Rica are the top three destinations for American expats, according to a new annual report from InterNations, which surveyed more than 12,500 expats living in 188 countries.

Unlike for many Europeans, Americans say leaving home isn't about earning more money.

In fact, nearly half (48%) of US expats reported earning a lower income than at home — a direct contrast to citizens of Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, and the UK, who all reported higher incomes as expats.

That said, one-fifth of US expats are retirees, according to the report, presumably living off savings rather than income from a current job. Both Mexico and Costa Rica were among the top five on International Living's 2017 best places to retire list, in part because of their low cost of living.

For those who are working abroad, a higher income may not be necessary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in a country with a lower cost of living than the US, which ranked No. 41 on InterNations' cost-of-living index.

Ultimately, the report suggests that perhaps what US expats aren't earning in dollars they're making up for in culture and new experiences for an altogether better quality of life.

Scroll through to learn more about expat life in Germany, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

SEE ALSO: A couple who have been traveling the world for 4 years explain how they built a business on the road

DON'T MISS: The 30 countries that are best for your money, according to expats

1. Germany

• 20% of expats living in Germany are American, 11% are British, and 5% are Indian. 

• Engineering and manufacturing is the top industry.

• 46% of expats report earning between $25,000 and $75,000. 

• Nearly 80% of expats feel their household income is sufficient.

• The average age of expats in Germany is 38 years old.

 



2. Mexico

• Mexico made the top five in three rankings: ease of settling in, personal finance, and cost of living.

• Mexico ranked No. 1 in the personal happiness subcategory and No. 3 in leisure options.

• Fourteen percent of expats in Mexico said they moved there for a better quality of life. 

• Eighty percent of expats said they considered the cost of living a potential benefit before moving to Mexico, and 74% say they were generally satisfied with their financial situation.

 

 



3. Costa Rica

• Costa Rica made the top 10 for three of the indexes: quality of life, ease of settling in, and family life.

• It ranks No. 1 in the finding-friends category; 19% of expats say their social circle is mostly locals.

• 68% of expats in Costa Rica are generally satisfied with their financial situation, and nearly 80% say they have enough money to cover their daily expenses.

• Almost one-third of expats describe themselves as retired. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 retired teachers share the biggest lessons students have taught them

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teacher

Kids may spend the better part of 12 years inside a classroom as students, but teachers can spend three times as long in those classrooms over their careers.

It shouldn't be a surprise that a great deal of learning takes place at the head of the class.

Business Insider spoke with a handful of retired teachers from across the country to better understand what lessons students have passed on to them over the years.

Here are their responses.

SEE ALSO: Schools around the US are finally pushing back their start times — and it's working

Franklin Schargel, 70, taught for 33 years

Schargel taught at New York City high schools. He said he spent eight of those years teaching in high-poverty, high-minority schools.

One of the biggest lessons he learned was that kids could persevere in spite of some pretty overwhelming circumstances.

"They are survivors," Schargel told Business Insider, "surviving obstacles like drugs, violence, alcoholic parents that I could not. They are adaptable. They are creative. They are flexible learning how to go around barriers rather than crashing into them."



Sandra Wozniak, 62, taught for 33 years

Growing up, Wozniak said her approach to learning new things was to read the directions and follow orders. But her middle schoolers in Flanders, New Jersey often reminded her that exploration can work just as well.

"I did not grow up with technology," Wozniak told Business Insider. "The kids taught me that you will learn faster and it is more enjoyable to just dig in with curiosity and experimentation. There is nothing to fear!"

She said the kids' natural drive to ask questions was a trait all educators should stoke in their students.



Jim Baumann, 62, taught for nine years

As a history teacher in Westport, Connecticut, Baumann said he learned the importance of collaborating with students instead of being an authoritarian. The lesson came from watching students interact with one another, which he said helped him become better at teaching and interacting with colleagues.

"[The students] underscored the power and significance of human connections and how critical positive and productive professional relationships are for learning to thrive," he told Business Insider.

He also said the variety of aptitudes and skillsets among his students taught him that intelligence isn't a black-or-white issue; certain kids are merely better suited to certain kinds of instruction.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The surprising natural hair color of 24 celebrities

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Sophie Turner

Some celebrities have rocked certain hair colors for years that it's hard to remember what their natural color is. 

Gwen Stefani dyes her hair weekly to keep it platinum and Mandy Moore hasn't gone back to her natural blonde in years.

Here are 24 celebrities and their natural hair color.  

Emma Stone is known for her red hair, but the actress sometimes goes back to her natural blonde.

She's known for transforming her hair often, but the actress told Refinery29 that red is her favorite.

"My hair grows out blonde, but my coloring is similar to that of a redhead," she said. "So... I really like having red hair. I'm a natural blonde, but I really like the red."



Kristen Stewart is no stranger to changing her hair — from shaving it off to dyeing it different colors — but though she often rocks brown locks, she's a natural dirty blonde.

Of all her styles, her latest buzz cut is for a role in her next movie. 



Scarlett Johansson is known for her blonde hair, but she's naturally a bit darker brown.

Johansson has shown off a number of looks over the years, but has most recently rocked short hair. 

When she first cut her hair short back in 2014, she told Refinery29, "I think I just got tired of wearing a ponytail all the time. I [was] always stuffing it under a wig, so I just cut it off. Everybody kept saying, 'Don't cut your hair! You might hate it!' But, then I thought, 'Why am I letting other people tell me what to do?'"



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The 6 largest guns ever used in combat

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Military designers and the countries they work for have always sought to outdo one another on the battlefield, and creating massive artillery pieces has been no exception.

Though there have been many extremely large artillery pieces manufactured, and some that are even larger than the ones listed here, these are the only ones that were actually used in combat.

SEE ALSO: 15 photos of the MiG-31, the Russian fighter jet that can chase away SR-71 Blackbirds

1. Schwerer Gustav and Dora

The Schwerer Gustav and its sister gun Dora were the two largest artillery pieces every constructed in terms of overall weight (1350 tonnes) and weight of projectiles (15,700 pounds), while it’s 800mm rounds are the largest ever fired in combat. The guns also had a range of over 24 miles. The guns were originally designed to be deployed against the French Maginot Line though the Blitzkrieg rendered that mission obsolete. Instead, the guns were deployed to the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. The Schwerer Gustav entered combat during the German siege of Sevastopol in June 1942. The gun was manned by a crew of over 1400 men, 250 to assemble the weapon, two anti-aircraft battalions to protect it, and the rest to load and fire the weapon. Dora was set up to be deployed against Stalingrad, though it cannot be confirmed whether it fired against its target or not. Both guns remained on the Eastern Front but were not used in combat again. They were destroyed in Germany to avoid capture by the advancing allied armies.



2. Karl-Gerät

Another product of Germany, the Karl-Gerät was a massive self-propelled mortar. Though it was capable of its own propulsion, its massive size made this an inconvenience, so it was usually disassembled and reassembled when it arrived at its firing position. The Karl-Gerät was designed as a siege weapon in particular to attack the Maginot Line. Its 21 man crew could fire a 600mm heavy bunker-busting shell nearly 3 miles at a rate of about 6 per hour. A total of 7 of these weapons were produced, one test piece and 6 others that saw extensive combat on both fronts. The Karl-Gerät made its combat debut when a 3 gun battery shelled the fortress at Brest-Litovsk during the opening phase of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941. The following year, a battery of Karl-Geräts took part in the siege of Sevastopol in June and July of 1942. Though it was planned for use in other operations on the Eastern Front, the threat of being captured by Soviet forces kept it out of the fight until 1944 when in August, one and then several other guns were sent to Warsaw to assist in quelling an on-going uprising against the German occupiers. The Karl-Gerät fired its last shots of the war during the Battle of Remagen in an attempt to destroy the Ludendorff Bridge.



3. Obusier de 520 modèle 1916

The Obusier de 520 was a railroad gun developed by the French during World War I. However, due to a delayed procurement process, the first gun did not reach trails until late 1917 during which a round exploded prematurely and destroyed it. The second gun was completed in 1918 but did not finish trails before the war ended after which it was put in storage. The Obusier de 520 modèle 1916 fired a 520mm round weighing over 3600 pounds to a range of over 8 miles. When Germany invaded France in 1940, the remaining gun was being renovated for battle where it was captured, still in the workshop, by the Germans. Germany, with a penchant for enormous artillery, pressed the Obusier de 520 into their own service where it participated in the siege of Leningrad in 1942 before also being destroyed by a round prematurely exploding in the barrel in January 1943.



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I just flew JetBlue across the country, and I never want to fly on another airline

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JetBlue flight attendant

I have a United Airlines credit card, so I try to fly United whenever I can.

But on a recent trip from New York City to Las Vegas, all of my friends were flying JetBlue and I decided to join them.

I'm glad I did.

From the legroom to the snacks, to the hot towels that were passed out just before landing, I felt like I was being treated like a first class customer at a coach price.

 

 

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SEE ALSO: A new super-airline wants to dominate South America — here's what it's like to fly on its new planes

Let's start with the legroom. JetBlue claims that it has the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline at 32-33 inches.

Source: JetBlue



And the amount of legroom was the first thing I noticed when I sat down. I was even able to comfortably cross my legs.



Up next: Free wifi. At first I thought I had to be a TrueBlue member to get online for free, but even guests don't pay to check Instagram throughout the flight.



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The 30 highest-paid players in the NFL

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Matthew Stafford

On the eve of the regular season there is talk of the New England Patriots going 19-0, the New York Jets tanking, Kirk Cousins in unprecedented territory with his contract, and Harry Kane pondering a future in American football.

The NFL is back!

In the NFL, the standard for large contracts is to forgo long-term security in exchange for huge signing bonuses up front. As a result, many of the players who will earn the most money this year signed new contracts since the end of the 2016 season.

The players who will make the most money this year include ten quarterbacks, four cornerbacks, and no Mannings. 

Here are the 30 players who will make at least $16.7 million this season.

30. Trumaine Johnson — $16,742,400

Team: Los Angeles Rams

Position: Cornerback

2016 earnings breakdown: $16,742,400 million salary

One thing to know: Johnson, a third-round pick in 2012, is in his sixth NFL season and his second straight season under the NFL's franchise tag. The Rams will need to work out a long-term deal with Johnson soon or they risk losing him for nothing. They could use the franchise tag again in 2018, but it would come with a salary of $24.1 million.



29. Corey Davis — $17,073,864

Team: Tennessee Titans

Position: Wide Receiver

2016 earnings breakdown: $465,000 salary, $16.6 million signing bonus

One thing to know: Davis is the first of five rookies on this year's list. The fifth pick in the draft received 65% of his four-year, $25.4 million contract before he ever played a down in the NFL.



28. Riley Reiff — $17,300,000

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Position: Left Tackle

2016 earnings breakdown: $6.2 million salary, $11.0 million signing bonus, and $100,000 in other bonuses.

One thing to know: Reiff signed with the Vikings this offseason after five years with the Detroit Lions. Reiff is part of a $90 million overhaul of the Vikings' offensive tackles. In addition to his $59 million contract, the Vikings also gave a $30 million contract to Mike Remmers to be the right tackle.



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7 signs it's time to quit and look for a new job

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  • Everyone has bad days at work, but the bad days shouldn't outweigh the good.
  • There are seven major signs that you aren't achieving sustained happiness and you should consider a new job.
  • These signs range from no longer learning to experiencing negative team dynamics.

At one point or another we've all dreamt about changing jobs. The reasons vary. For some, it's about money.

For others, it's about doing something with meaning or maybe the chance to create their own business.

As someone who's lived in 11 countries, worked in 10+ different companies and started a few others over the last 20 years I know the feeling all too well. I also know that although change 'can' be good, it can also be bad if you don't think things through properly.

Everyone one of us faces frustrations with our careers and jobs. There will be good times and bad times. However, in today's age of "instant gratification" making job changes too quickly or without knowing where you're going next can literally be a career killer. So the question is: When should you make a change? What signs should you look for?  

Over the past few years, I discovered a powerful yet simple formula which I now apply to my work life and to assess how I'm doing where I'm working. The formula is this:

"When negative energy tasks (NET) > positive energy tasks (PET) over a prolonged period of time (T), then = Burnout (B)".  

Put differently, the formula for sustained happiness at work is simply:

mad mork

So now when the formula is tipping towards "burn-out" I know I need to rebalance the way I'm working and focus on doing more positive tasks and reduce the amount of time spent on negative ones.  

The reality is none of us is happy at work all the time. There will always be days, weeks or even months when we're working flat out and some of the work we're doing is sucking positive energy out of us. That's normal. But when negative energy is constantly outweighing positive energy over a significant period of time you simply have to stop and say: "Why is this happening? When is this going to change? How much more am I willing to endure?"

Even today, running my own business, there are days when I'm working on things I dislike doing. There will always be tasks I enjoy less but the key is that they are outweighed by the tasks I enjoy doing more.  

Aside from the formula above, I've found that there are clear signs to pay attention to that might suggest your personal equation is out of balance and that you either have to find a way to redress it or look for other career options. Let's visit my top 7: 

SEE ALSO: 5 signs your coworkers are toxic

1. Growth and learning

Part of what kills many jobs is simply the same old routine day after day. As human beings, were innately curious and many of us enjoy learning new things. Learning new tools, new skills, languages, or about new industries keeps us sharp and keeps us motivated. More importantly, the job market is changing incredibly rapidly and it's estimated that 47% of jobs won't even be around in 25 years time according to this article in Big Think.

So what does that mean for us? It means, we constantly have to be learning new skills, tools, and techniques to stay ahead of the job market and increase our market value. In my experience the onus is on you to start thinking of what you'd like to learn and where you want your career to go. Once you have an idea you need to ensure you discuss this proactively with your manager or HR person.

However, if, after repeated attempts, you're not being heard or can't get the training or support for how you would like to develop professionally, you may have to start thinking about other options for career growth. Be aware that this type of approach is really for those working in larger organizations. If you're working in a startup with limited resources, it's really up to you to craft your own role, take ownership, and ensure you're getting your own work done before starting to take on additional responsibility.  



2. Appreciation

If you're at all familiar with Mazlow's hierarchy of needs you'll know that once your basic needs are met (food, shelter, security) the next most important needs are purely psychological. Self esteem is important to people. Although appreciation by your manager or others may vary and will be more important for some people compared to others, a lack of appreciation may demotivate people, leave them feeling empty, and not provide them with guidance on where they are doing well and where they could be improving.

According to this article in Harvard Business Review, a study by Towers Perin (a recruiting firm) showed that the single highest driver of employee engagement at work was whether an employee felt that their manager really cared about their well being or not. If you're not feeling appreciated by your manager or team/organization for a prolonged period of time, you might want to investigate other options either on a different team, in a different role, or in a different company. Appreciation is a perfectly normal thing to expect at work but it's often a skill that's overlooked particularly by inexperienced managers.



3. Inability to leverage core strengths

Although growth and learning are important, research shows that we're more likely to be motivated, do well, and feel appreciated when we're working on tasks where we leverage our strengths to produce the best work (Strengthfinder is a great book that talks about this). Naturally, you won't always be working on things that you like or have a core competence in but the reverse is also true: If you're spending most of your time working on things that don't leverage your core skills/strengths, you won't be as successful or feel as satisfied.

It's more likely that you also won't be building the kind of "positive" energy we discussed earlier and may even be working on things that are producing more negative energy then positive energy (thereby unbalancing your personal equation). If you go too long without leveraging your strengths it may actually damage your self confidence which in turn makes creating new job opportunities harder. It might be time to consider a change.  



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Aerial photos of abandoned developments show what happens when cities grow too fast

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Cities don't usually pop up out of nowhere. For centuries, urban areas grew in incremental steps as populations blossomed and the economic climate steadily got better. That's changing.

Speculative urbanization refers to the phenomenon where developments form at a rapid rate — not in response to demand, but in anticipation of it. In places like China and India, suburban housing compounds, vanity infrastructure projects, and office parks are constructed to generate economic gains, attract urbanites, and project an image of influence and competitiveness.

Over the last decade, architect and urban designer Christopher Marcinkoski has investigated the cultural and economic triggers responsible for speculative urbanization. His book, "The City That Never Was," shows what happens when urban developers fall out of touch with reality.

SEE ALSO: Stunning photos of Hong Kong high-rises from below reveal the hidden beauty of skyscrapers

Speculative urbanization is, essentially, the embodiment of the "build it, and they will come" mentality. You might think this suggests a forward-thinking approach to growth.



But speculative urbanization is a dangerous instrument. Cities may throw multi-million dollars at infrastructure that will never be used.



The projects come in all shapes and sizes. Opened in 2006 and bankrupt by 2012, the Autopista AP-41 turnpike stretches from Madrid to Toledo, Spain.



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The best dog treats you can buy

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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.

dog treats 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • Whether you are looking for a bite-sized indulgence or a healthy treat for training your dog, our top picks for dog treats will please your pup. Loaded with real meat and irresistible flavor, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are the perfect choice for any dog. 

Dogs love to eat — There is no denying it. They scarf down their dinner in a matter of seconds then stare at you imploringly, asking for another. Though your dog should get most of his nutrition from a healthy dog food formula, there is no harm in giving him a few treats now and then. You need to be mindful, however, that not all dog treats are created equal.

Some dog treats are designed for training purposes — they are small but flavorful and aromatic to make them an enticing reward for good behavior. There are dog treats that provide dental benefits and others that serve as nutritional supplements. There is also a wide variety of regular treats that are soft, crunchy, freeze-dried, or jerky.

Because the options are nearly limitless, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of picking just one or two types of dog treats. If this sounds like you, you’ll be glad to know that we’ve done all of the comparisons for you to bring you our top picks for the best dog treats.

Although Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats, the Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones, the Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch Treats, the Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks, and the BLUE Wilderness Trail Treats Dog Biscuits.

The best dog treats overall

Why you'll love it: Made with real meat as the first ingredient and perfectly bite-sized, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are our top pick overall for the best dog treat.

All you have to do is walk into the dog section of your local pet store to realize just how many different dog treats are out there. Though individual preferences may vary, the ideal dog treat would be one made with high-quality ingredients that supports rather than detracts from your dog’s health and nutrition. It should be full of natural flavor but low in calories. It wouldn’t hurt if it were small enough for training, too. Our top pick for the best dog treat that fulfills all of these requirements is Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats.  

Available in six different flavors, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are a deliciously moist dog treat made from premium natural ingredients. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for training and because they contain just 3.5 calories each, they are the perfect treat for dogs that need to lose a little weight. These treats are free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as artificial additives. Simply put, they are a healthy snack that both you and your dog will love.

Top Dog Tips describes Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats as a gourmet treat made with real meat and full of irresistible flavor. The site highlights the fact that these treats are all-natural and the resealable bag keeps them fresh and moist for a long time. Labrador Training HQ names this treat its top pick for training purposes and Reviews.com calls it the best semi-moist treat.

In addition to having nearly 5,000 reviews on Amazon, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats also have a 4.5-star rating. Buyers love that these treats are small and low in calories, while their dogs enjoy the meaty flavor and chewy texture. Some dogs seem to prefer a crunchy treat and some owners found the smell too strong, but these treats generally get good reviews.

Pros: Made from natural ingredients, supplemented with added minerals, free from low-quality fillers, no artificial additives, comes in a small size for training, less than 3.5 calories per pound, full of natural flavor and aroma, available in six different flavors

Cons: Aroma may be too strong for some, price is fairly high compared to other treats, some dogs simply didn’t like the flavor or texture

Buy Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats on Amazon for $10.07 (originally $11.17)



The best dog treats for training your pup

Why you'll love it: Rich in flavor and made with all-natural ingredients, Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats are perfect for training. 

As a dog owner, training your dog is one of your biggest responsibilities. Professional trainers agree that positive reinforcement is the best type of dog training and it involves giving your dog praise and food rewards when he exhibits desired behavior to encourage him to repeat it in the future. Because you don’t want to give your dog too many extra calories, training treats should be small. They should also be flavorful and aromatic to make them a desirable reward. Our top pick for dog training treats is Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats.

These Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats are not your average training treat. They don’t just give your dog a bite of flavor, they also contribute to his overall nutrition. Made with wholesome natural ingredients like premium animal proteins and whole grains, these training treats come in numerous flavor options, all of which your dog is sure to love. These treats are all-natural, completely free from corn, wheat, and soy as well as artificial additives. 

Labrador Training HQ names Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats a great all-around training treat. Not only are they reasonably priced, but they are healthy and irresistibly delicious. Heavy includes these treats in its top ten list for the best natural dog treats, praising the fact that they are free from corn, wheat, and soy. Stop That Dog highlights the quality of the ingredients and the abundance of flavor options.

With more than 350 customer reviews on Amazon, Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats receive a 4.5-star rating. Customers love that the treats are rich in nutrients while their dogs love the natural flavor. Some customers find the aroma too strong and some dogs simply didn’t show any interest in the treats, but the majority of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Pros: Made with wholesome natural ingredients, features at least one high-quality animal protein, free from corn and wheat ingredients, no by-products or fillers, no artificial additives, available in several flavors, small size good for training, quality nutrition not empty calories

Cons: Aroma may be too strong for some, some dogs simply don’t like them, some batches may be dry rather than semi-moist and soft, not grain-free

Buy Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats on Amazon for $6.70 and up (originally $8.99)



The best dental dog treats

Why you'll love it: Made with all-natural ingredients, these Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones will help to freshen your dog’s breath, massage his gums, and clean his teeth.

The Blue Buffalo company is one of the most widely respected pet food brands on the market and it offers a wide variety of product choices, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see two Blue Buffalo products on our list. Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones are our top pick for dental treats for dogs because they are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and designed to clean teeth, freshen breath, and improve gum health. They’re a much healthier option than other popular dental treats like Greenies and Dentastix.

Made with wholesome, natural ingredients these Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones aren’t your average dental dog treat. These dental bones come in four different sizes and they feature a unique texture that helps to clean teeth, freshen breath, and improve gum and teeth health. It also doesn’t hurt that they are free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients or that they are easy to digest. Your dog will enjoy them so much that he won’t even realize it’s good for him.

K9 of Mine notes that even dogs who don’t typically go for dental treats seemed to like these Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones. The site also notes that the treats are made in the USA from all-natural ingredients with supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Canine Journal comments that, in addition to keeping a dog’s teeth clean, the texture of these bones may soothe sore gums, making them a great choice for teething puppies.

These Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones have more than 800 customer reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating. Some customers found the aroma too powerful, but most dogs seemed to enjoy the flavor. There is some mention of the treats not lasting very long, but that is generally the case for most dental chews.

Pros: Made with all-natural ingredients in the USA, enhanced with added minerals, unique texture that massages gums and cleans teeth, may help to freshen breath, available in four sizes, free from low-quality fillers and artificial additives

Cons: Aroma may be too strong for some, treat may not last long with heavy chewers

Buy Blue Buffalo BLUE Dental Bones on Amazon for $22.49 and up (price varies by size)



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