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10 places you shouldn't visit in 2018

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honduras

  • There are some beautiful destinations that are best to avoid traveling to in 2018.
  • Some, like Machu Picchu, have been negatively impacted by the large amount of tourists who have visited. 
  • Others, like Honduras, have high rates of crime and abuses of power.


Sometimes you have to say no to the ones you love.

The editors at Fodor's have a deep belief that this world is worth exploring, and we do our best to recommend destinations of wonder based on more than personal taste. We believe that we're not only passengers on this trip, but are stewards of this land. This planet offers an abundance of majestic vistas and fascinating culture that we recommend you seek out often. But this world is also more than a static viewing point — as travelers, we are witness to the many misfortunes that happen upon it. Travelers must decide how and where we can concern our efforts to observe and preserve the splendor of life around us, and we do that with everything from our currency to our presence.

Fodor’s No List is a reflection of those considerations: where should we go — or not go — that best reflects our courtesy and concern for this wonderful world. Because sometimes you have to say no to the ones you love in hopes that they can recover, reconsider, or reform. A "no" in 2018 is resolved with faith for 2019. See you then, hopefully.

SEE ALSO: 10 massive New Year's Eve parties that are worth traveling for

The Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are unlike anyplace else in the world. They're home to species of flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. But the centuries of extreme isolation that resulted in the archipelago's many unique species have left them very vulnerable to outside factors. The Ecuadorian government has instated incredibly strict laws in order to preserve the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems from human and, more specifically, tourist interference. It's not even enough for the government to instate said laws and regulations if visitors are consisting flouting them (some people can't even be trusted not to steal four whole iguanas from the islands, let alone follow basic "leave no trace" ethos). Even if you follow the rules to a tee, seeds or tiny insects still find a way to reaching the islands and wreaking havoc on endemic populations.

So be very careful when considering the Galápagos as a destination because once the things that make it such a magical place are gone — the fearless animals, the unique species, the otherworldly environments — we'll never get them back.



The places that don't want you to visit

Sometimes, the economic boon brought in by tourist dollars just isn't worth the strain it puts on the destinations themselves. Venice recently banned the docking of cruise ships because of the damage they do to the lagoon's ecosystem. Peru has limited the amount of time people are allowed to visit the site of Machu Picchu. Amsterdam's population of 800,000 is pummeled by over 5 million tourists a year.

And while it may be tempting to think, "Well, what's the worst that can happen? How much damage can little old me really cause in a sea of millions?" Well, the high numbers of tourists on Thailand's Koh Tachai up and put a ban on all tourist activities for months because the island’s natural beauty was so marred by discourteous visitors. The residents of these destinations, humans or otherwise, need a staycation — from the rest of us — in 2018.



The Taj Mahal

Anyone who's taken the time to craft a bucket list has probably placed the Taj Mahal pretty close to the top. The 17th-century mausoleum is a work of unquestionable beauty that's endured for centuries. But as with any great beauty, there’s upkeep involved. And, as it turns out, mud masks aren't just good for people — they're good for iconic Indian structures.

The Archaeological Survey of India determined that the Taj Mahal's dome (as well as four minarets) would undergo mud-pack therapy in order to correct the surface’s yellowing. Originally, this was to be wrapped up by March of 2018 but now officials are saying that work won’t begin until March of 2018. So unless your dream Taj Mahal visit involves being photographed standing in front of a mud-caked and be-scaffolded dome, maybe give it until 2019 at the earliest.

And while mud masks are always great for self-care, New Dehli might appreciate the time to take a deeper cleanse, as its air quality in the previous year reached toxic levels. Because the beauty of the Taj should be what takes your breath away — not the haze.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 29 best games on the PlayStation 4

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There are almost too many games on the PlayStation 4. If you're a new owner, or even an early adopter, it's hard to know where to start.That's why we put together the list below, full of only the greatest bangers worth spending your time and money on.

Of note: The list is not ranked. There is one exception, as "Horizon Zero Dawn" is clearly the best game on the PlayStation 4 — thus, it's in the first spot. Otherwise, these are the 29 best games on the PlayStation 4 (in no particular order).

 

 

 

 

 

SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is the hottest game system of the year — here are its 15 best games

29. "Rocket League"

What is "Rocket League?" It's a madman's vision for future soccer. It's soccer with rocket cars, played three vs three or four vs four. Yes!

You can make your car jump, and flip, and you've got rockets that offer a massive speed boost for limited periods of time. It's simple to pick up and play, surprisingly deep to master, and always a tremendous amount of fun. Will you get to the ball fast enough to beat out the competition, and ultimately get the ball away from your goal and toward theirs? This is the basest level question you seek to answer at any given second in "Rocket League." Good luck!

Read our full review of "Rocket League" right here. 



28. "Final Fantasy XV"

If you've never played a massive Japanese role-playing game, this is a good place to start.

"Final Fantasy XV" is a gigantic, gorgeous, sprawling role-playing game set in a futuristic/fantasy world. It's kind of a road story, kind of a hero story, and entirely bizarre. When you're not rolling around in the sweet ride above, you're cavorting around on massive birds (chocobos) and defeating bizarre monsters. 

Read more about "Final Fantasy XV" right here.



27. "Grand Theft Auto V"

"Grand Theft Auto" has never been better than the latest entry: "Grand Theft Auto V". 

In "GTA V" you can play as one of three different main characters, carrying off major heists and doing all manner of other madness. Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you already know what you're getting into with "GTA V." It's a satire of modern American life set in an enormous open-world. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

If Trump's tax plan passes, wealthy Americans will benefit in 7 major ways

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  • The GOP's proposed tax reform bill will give a boost to the wealthiest in the country.
  • Repealing the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax (AMT) are just two of the ways rich Americans could benefit. 
  • Meanwhile, the typical American family will get a tax cut of $1,182. 

 

The House voted to pass their 429-page GOP tax plan, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the Senate will soon vote on their version.

Since the plan was first presented, House Republican leaders have said that tax reform is for middle-income earners, highlighting the fact that a typical American family will get a tax cut of $1,182.

But the GOP's tax reform proposal also gives a few boosts to the wealthiest in the country, including the proposed repeals of the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Business Insider outlined seven different perks for the wealthy from the House Republicans' bill below.

SEE ALSO: If Trump's new tax plan passes and you make $500,000 a year, you're about to get screwed

DON'T MISS: How your tax bracket could change in 2018 under Trump's tax plan, in 2 charts

Higher-income taxpayers will get the largest tax cuts.

The House GOP's legislation would reduce taxes on average for all income groups in 2018 as well as ten years from now, but higher-income households would get the largest cuts — both in terms of dollar amounts and as a percentage of after-tax income, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

Taxpayers in the top 1% — defined as those making over $730,000 — would receive 20% of the total tax cut, the think tank found. They'd get an average cut of $37,000, which translates to about 2.4% of their after-tax income.



The estate tax, which benefits about 5,500 taxpayers a year, will be eliminated.

The House GOP plan would eliminate the estate tax, under which people who give money or assets such as real estate or stocks to their children or other heir when they die have to pay a 40% tax. Currently, the tax only applies to estates larger than $5.49 million, but the House plan would double that threshold to over $10 million. Then, the plan would phase out the tax completely after six years.

Trump has touted the repeal as a perk for farmers and small businesses owners. An analysis by The Washington Post, however, found that only 5,500 estates out of about 3 million will pay any estate tax in 2017. And within that 5,500, only about 80 are farms or small businesses.



The AMT, which increased Trump's leaked 2005 tax bill from $5.3 million to $36.5 million, will be repealed.

The alternative minimum tax (AMT), which was enacted in 1969 to "prevent taxpayers from escaping their fair share of tax liability through tax breaks," would be eliminated.

Most of the people affected by the AMT earn over $500,000, according to Tax Policy Center. It is more likely to affect those who are married, have large families, or live in high-tax states.

Trump's leaked tax bill from 2005 has been shown to have increased to $36.5 million from $5.3 million because of AMT.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 signs you're good at your job — even if it doesn't feel like it

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  • It's hard to gauge your own performance at work — especially if your boss doesn't dole out praise so easily.
  • But there are some key behaviors of employees who are excelling. Those behaviors include knowing how to prioritize, setting lofty goals, and helping others effectively.
  • We rounded up 11 indicators that you're succeeding at the office — even if it feels otherwise.


It's not always easy to be objective about your job performance. And not every boss is so forthcoming with feedback — positive or negative.

But there are certain reliable indicators of success at work, no matter what role or industry you're in. Below, find 11 key signs that you're a star performer — or at least on the path to becoming one.

SEE ALSO: 11 things you can do today to be more respected, productive, and impressive at work

You come to meetings with solutions — not problems

As Business Insider's Aine Cain reported, bosses don't love it when you deposit a problem in their lap and scamper off. Instead, they want to hear your ideas about how to solve it.

For example, Weebly CFO Kim Jabal recommends telling your boss: "We have a huge opportunity to fix something that has gone wrong. Here are a few ideas. I'd love your input."

In fact, Leon Shimkin, a general manager at publishing house Simon and Schuster who later became the company's owner, had a rule that you couldn't present a problem at the meeting unless you'd first tried solving it on your own. Apparently, the rule helped cut meeting times by 75%.

So save your boss time and aggravation: Be a problem-solver, not a complainer.



You know how to prioritize your responsibilities

In the modern workplace, everyone's overwhelmed with demands and responsibilities. Employees who do a good job of prioritizing will stand out.

Amy Jen Su, co-founder and managing partner of Paravis Partners, uses a four-quadrant chart to illustrate the best way to organize all your tasks— especially when your boss isn't willing or able to do it for you.

The X-axis represents your contributions: How much of an impact are you making on the organization when you do this task? The Y-axis represents your passion: How much do you care about this particular task?

Plot your responsibilities based on your answers to those two questions. Where each one falls indicates how you should prioritize it during your day.



You make time to learn

Beth Comstock, former vice chair of General Electric, says she allots 10% of her working hours to what she calls "discovery."

In an interview with LinkedIn's editor in chief Daniel Roth, Comstock said: "Can I spend 10% of my time a week reading, going to sites like Singularity, TED, talking to people, going to industry events, asking people: What trends are you seeing? What are you nervous about? What are you excited about?"

That way, you ensure that you're staying creative and that you won't be caught off-guard when your industry inevitably evolves.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 beauty products everyone will be buying in 2018

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2017 has been a huge year for makeup. The launch of Fenty Beauty was a major event that took a more inclusive approach to cosmetics, while several makeup artists went viral for their head-turning and impressive looks.

It looks like 2018 is gearing up to be even more exciting. Several brands are finally releasing some hotly anticipated products, while some trends are making a comeback.

To get ahead of the trends, we reached out to Pinterest, Reddit users, and beauty blogger Isabella Muse to find out what products everyone will be buying in 2018.

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

Cost: $5

This pick from NYX is the most popular concealer on Pinterest, so expect to see everyone picking up a tube as we head into the new year. It's been hyped for providing great coverage at a budget-friendly price.

Find out more about NYX HD Photogenic Concealer here >



Colourpop Feelin' Fine Lip Gloss Trio

Cost: $18

Beauty blogger Isabella Muse from Musings of Muse predicts that metallic lips will be all the rage next spring, and this newly released set from Sephora is her pick for the best kit to achieve the trendy look.

Find out more about Colourpop Feelin' Fine Lip Gloss Trio here >



Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Cost: $24

Muse also predicts that metallic eyeshadow will be back in style for spring, and she thinks the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows from Stila are "incredible."

Find out more about Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow here >



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 tricks for how painters get a perfectly smooth paint job every time

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  • Painters share a dozen different hacks to use in order to get the best results.
  • Keeping a clean room is key, which means lots of dusting and vacuuming. 
  • Do the trim first before painting the walls.

Paint the trim first, then the ceilings and walls

Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. And you certainly don't want to tape them both off!

When painting the trim, you don't have to be neat. Just concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the wood. Don't worry if the trim paint gets slopped onto the walls. You'll cover it later when painting the walls. Once the trim is completely painted and dry (at least 24 hours), tape it off (using an 'easy release' painter's tape), then paint the ceiling, then the walls.



To avoid lap marks ...

To avoid lap marks, roll the full height of the wall and keep a wet edge. Lap marks are those ugly stripes caused by uneven layers of paint buildup. They occur when you roll over paint that's already partly dry. (In warm, dry conditions, latex paint can begin to stiffen in less than a minute!) The key to avoiding lap marks is to maintain a "wet edge," so each stroke of your roller overlaps the previous stroke before the paint can begin to dry.

To maintain a wet edge, paint an entire wall all at once. Start at one end, running the roller up and down the full height of the wall, moving over slightly with each stroke. Move backward where necessary to even out thick spots or runs. Don't let the roller become nearly dry; reload it often so that it's always at least half loaded. Keep the open side of the roller frame facing the area that's already painted. That puts less pressure on the open side of the roller, so you're less likely to leave paint ridges.



Clear the entire room before painting

If something is too big to take out, move it to the center of the room and cover it with plastic. Use canvas drop cloths. Unlike plastic, they stay put without tape and aren't slippery.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 details you may have missed in the 'Avengers: Infinity War' trailer

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The first official trailer for "Avengers: Infinity War" is here, and you may have a lot of questions. 

What's going on with Vision? Why does Black Widow have blonde hair? Who are these bad guys working with Thanos? And will we get a proper "Sherlock" reunion?

If you haven't watched the trailer, you can catch it here first. All good? Keep reading to see what you may have missed in the trailer. 

1. The Hulk crash landed in New York, and is separated from Thor.

At the end of "Thor: Ragnarok," Thor, Loki, the Hulk, and most of Asgard were on their way to Earth. Their trip was halted by the appearance of a massive ship.

If we're right to believe that's Thanos — the main villain of "Avengers: Infinity War"— then it looks like he may have separated the Revengers. Did Thanos throw the Hulk so far that he crash landed in New York City? Or was Hulk already on Earth and did he land at Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum some other way?



2. Black Widow has blonde hair — and there's an important reason why.

Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow isn't swapping out her red locks for fashion. It's most likely because she's on the run from the law

At the end of "Captain America: Civil War" Tony Stark told Romanoff that the US Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross is coming for her. Romanoff went behind Stark's back to help out Captain America make an escape while he was a fugitive.

We wouldn't be surprised if Black Widow's going by an alias in addition to rocking a new look. 



3. Tony might be on the run, too.

It seems a little weird for the billionaire to appear to have a burner phone. Is he laying low or is he using that phone to keep in contact with fugitives like Black Widow and Steve Rogers?



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NFL WEEK 13: Our official predictions for who wins this weekend

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Eagles

NFL action is heating up as teams race to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Week 13 offers plenty of great games that will likely have huge postseason implications.

Last week was a solid one for our picks against the spread. After a rough 1-2 run on the Thanksgiving Day games, we got hot on Sunday to finish the weekend with a very satisfying 10-5-1 record.

This week we'll do our best to keep the magic rolling with a few home underdogs and one bet that makes me feel sick to my stomach.

You can check out our best bets for Week 13 of the NFL season below.

All lines courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.

LAST WEEK: 10-5-1
OVERALL: 91-78-7

Washington Redskins (-1.5) at Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

The pick: Redskins -1.5

The logic: Over the past four weeks the Redskins are 2-2, with wins over the Giants and Seahawks and close losses to the Vikings and Saints. Part of me wants to fade them after such a tough stretch, but the Cowboys have been in free fall as of late, failing to score 10 points in all three games since Ezekiel Elliott began his suspension.

Kirk Cousins is still playing for his job, apparently, so he'll have no reason to let up here. Plus the Redskins made news by reportedly defying the NFL and saying that they will not wear their designated "Color Rush" uniforms, opting instead for their burgundy look. That's a flex if I've ever seen one.



Minnesota Vikings (+3) at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET)

The pick: Falcons -3

The logic: The Vikings have beaten the Rams and Lions the past two weeks, and this just feels like a rough spot for them. They're as hot as any team in the NFL right now, and Case Keenum has cost me more money than I care to count this year. But the Falcons finally look like they're getting their act together, and need every win they can get to keep pace with the Saints and Panthers in the NFC South.



New England Patriots (-8.5) at Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET)

The pick: Patriots -8.5

The logic: I hate this pick. Every rule in my gambling rulebook tells me to pick the Bills here. They are home underdogs in a division rivalry, and everyone is betting the Patriots, with New England currently taking 80% of bets according to SportsInsights. The Bills looked rejuvenated with Tyrod Taylor back under center, and Tom Brady got beat up pretty badly last week. And over the past five meetings between these teams, the Pats have only won three times, and only covered 8.5-points once.

But I am tired of trying to look smart betting against the Patriots while casual bettors that take them week after week make money hand over fist. I want the easy money! I want to be happy when the Patriots score six plays into their opening drive, force a three-and-out, and score again. I am tired of being down 17-0 after the first quarter and needing a mediocre guy to outscore the greatest quarterback in the history of football by a touchdown to hit a backdoor cover. Before their win last week Bills have given up point totals of 34, 47, and 54 to their previous three opponents.

I'm taking the Pats.

The Bills will likely win outright.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

8 times Matt Lauer made headlines for his controversial on-air behavior

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Following claims of "inappropriate sexual behavior," Wednesday morning’s news that "Today Show" host Matt Lauer had been terminated from his position shocked the internet.

But Lauer has been accused of making some feel uncomfortable during interviews quite a few times in the past. From film stars to political novas, a search into Lauer’s past shows that he has had his fair share of awkward and controversial remarks towards show guests and co-hosts.

He brought up Anne Hathaway's "up-skirt" paparazzi photos

While promoting the 2012 release of Tom Hooper’s film adaptation of the musical blockbuster "Les Misérables," Oscar winner Anne Hathaway stopped by "Today" to speak with Lauer. The conversation quickly changed from her star-turning role as Fantine to recent paparazzi "up-skirt" photos of Hathaway exiting a vehicle when not wearing underwear. 

"Let’s just get it out of the way. You had a little wardrobe malfunction the other night. What’s the lesson learned from something like that? Other than that you keep smiling, which you’ll always do," he asked at the start of the interview.

Hathaway responded by explaining how sad the situation made her, then returning the conversation back to "Les Misérables."

"I’m sorry that we live in a culture that commodifies sexuality of unwilling participants," she said, "which brings us back to 'Les Mis' because that’s what [my] character is. She is someone who is forced to sell sex to benefit her child because she has nothing and there’s no social safety net, so yeah—let’s get back to 'Les Mis.'"



Katie Couric claimed Lauer pinched her “on the ass”

Also in 2012, news anchor Katie Couric stopped by Andy Cohen’s "Watch What Happens Live" on Bravo to play everyone’s favorite segment: "Plead the Fifth." Couric and Lauer worked together on "Today" for 15 years until she left the network in 2006. Among the questions, Cohen asked Couric what Lauer’s most annoying habit was. Seemed like an innocent question, right? Well, Couric did not hold back.

"He pinches me on the ass a lot," she said after hesitating for a second. She alleged it happened "a lot." Cohen laughed it off by saying "Wow, I wouldn’t have a problem with that!"



He took a controversial tone with Hillary Clinton

Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton had one awkward and often talked about 2016 interview with Lauer.

During the 30-minute town hall, Lauer interrupted Clinton while she attempted to answer his questions. Supporters took issue with Lauer's demeanor and attitude towards Clinton, especially given the fact that when interviewing fellow nominee, and now President, Donald Trump, Lauer appeared to let him talk more freely.

Supporters were outraged about the way they felt Clinton was treated during the interview. Clinton even discussed the matter in her recent book, "What Happened," dedicating a handful of pages to the situation. She wrote, "I watched Lauer soft-pedal Trump’s interview … Then he failed to call Trump out on his lies about Iraq. I was almost physically sick."
  



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These were the most Instagrammed cities in the world in 2017

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After seven years in business, Instagram's global community of 800 million users are still snapping and posting away.

On Wednesday, the company released their 2017 Year in Review, which takes a look at what content floated above the rest, including the most-liked posts, top hashtags, and most-used filters.

Below, take a look at the cities that Instagram users were visiting — and geotagging — the most this year.

SEE ALSO: 50 stunning moments captured by the award-winning Reuters photography team in 2017

10. Barcelona, Spain

Instagram Embed:
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Width: 658px

 



9. Istanbul, Turkey

Instagram Embed:
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8. Jakarta, Indonesia

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A female-founded startup is behind the last shovel you will ever need to buy — it's indestructible and collapsible

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

DMOS Collective

  • DMOS Collective shovels are made out of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for durability, have serrated teeth for strength, and a collapsible handle for compact storage.
  • Its small size makes it easy to store under your sink, or in the trunk of your car.
  • Because of its durable materials and good design, this is going to be the last shovel you ever need to buy.

Shopping for shovels during the winter is usually done in a hurry; most people check the weather, see snow in tomorrow's forecast, and run to the store to buy a cheap plastic one. If you're not one of the first people to show up, your choices are slim.

More than likely, the shovel you get will break later this season because of its inferior materials and design, or if you're lucky, it'll last a few seasons before finally giving out. Either way, you'll find yourself running to the store again somewhere down the line. There is a solution to weak, flimsy shovels that aren't built to last: DMOS Collective

Founded in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2015 by Harvard MBA alumna Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective was started after she observed her son using plastic shovels to build snow jumps in her backyard. The plastic shovels he used would break so often, they began to pile up. After teaming up with former colleague Tom Bennett, the two set out to reinvent the shovel for snowboarders.

Susan’s research into tools revealed that emergency and camping shovels were too small, military shovels were strong but short-shafted and not comfortable for everyday use, and hardware store shovel tools had become plastic and dumbed down. To fill the void in the market, DMOS created the Kicker Tool (now known as the Stealth Shovel).

The Stealth Shovel is made in the USA using 2.5mm thick aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and includes serrated teeth for breaking ice and compacted snow and a collapsible handle that makes it easy to carry. Its materials are designed to be indestructible without being overly heavy. While its lightweight, strong, and compact design was ideal for snowboarders who wanted to carry a shovel on the slopes, it also worked wonders for people looking to clean their driveways or sidewalks.

After seeing the success the product had outside of snowboarders, Pieper quickly realized that DMOS was more than just a tool for a small market. To adapt do a wider audience, the startup launched the bigger Alpha Shovel. Using the same materials, serrated edge, and handle, the Alpha can carry a much larger load and without weighing too much more.

What makes DMOS so great, in addition to its superb quality, is its versatility.

Snowboarders can keep fit it in their backpack, apartment dwellers can keep it under their sink, and anyone who drives in winter should keep one in their trunk. Even if you never plan to collapse the handle, a DMOS Collective Shovel will live in your garage forever.

Don't settle for a cheap plastic shovel at the last minute this winter. Buy a DMOS Collective Shovel and never buy have to buy one again.

DMOS Blackout Alpha

DMOS Collective Blackout Stealth Shovel, $89 

DMOS Collective Blackout Alpha Shovel, $109

Take a closer look at DMOS Collective's shovel options, below:

SEE ALSO: 32 thoughtful gifts for dads under $50

The Stealth Shovel

DMOS Collective Blackout Stealth Shovel, $89 



The Alpha Shovel

DMOS Collective Blackout Alpha Shovel, $109



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The 20 best TV shows of all time, according to fans

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With prestige television on the rise and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu creating more TV shows than people have time to watch, it can be hard to parse the good series from the great ones. INSIDER used voter data from Metacritic to see which TV shows regular people believe are the greatest of all time.

Keep reading for a look at the 20 series you need to watch in your lifetime.

"Sherlock" (BBC)

Stories of Sherlock Holmes have been retold through countless mediums since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first published his mystery novels in the late 1800s. But Benedict Cumberbatch's incarnation of the witty detective has captivated millions in a way no other remake has before. 

BBC has produced 13 total episodes of "Sherlock," with the possibility of more still to come.



"Lost" (ABC)

The early seasons of "Lost" are considered some of the best-produced network television in history by fans. "Lost" charts the dramatic and sometimes supernatural story of plane-crash survivors stuck on a mysterious island. 

Though the final seasons left a sour taste in some fans' mouths, there's no denying the compelling storytelling of "Lost."



"Deadwood" (HBO)

Ian McShane co-starred on HBO's semi-historical western drama "Deadwood." The show received wide critical acclaim, but was canceled after three seasons. 

Now dedicated fans may get a more rounded conclusion to the series with a movie, though no official announcement has been made by HBO.



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18 outlandish conspiracy theories Donald Trump has floated on the campaign trail and in the White House

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bi graphics_Trump conspiracy

In May 2011, reporters swarmed now-President Donald Trump as he exited the Hyatt in Washington, DC, after the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Many wanted a response from Trump, who had just watched President Obama deliver jokes that night about Trump's constant questioning of the legitimacy of Obama's birth certificate.

Over six years later, Trump is still not convinced of the legitimacy of Obama's birth certificate. But this was perhaps the first of numerous debunked or unverified conspiracy theories that Trump has entertained during his time in the political spotlight.

Throughout the 2016 campaign and while in the White House, Trump has floated theories fueled by the conspiratorial-minded corners of supermarket tabloids and the internet, something unprecedented in modern politics. He's often used them as weapons against his opponents.

Here are 18 of the most notable conspiracy theories Trump has entertained:

SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders just won an unusual concession from the Democratic Party amid rising tensions

Questions about Ted Cruz's father's potential ties to President John F. Kennedy's assassin.

On the eve of the Indiana primary, Trump attempted to undermine former Republican presidential rival Ted Cruz's father's legitimacy by parroting an unverified National Enquirer story.

It claimed Rafael Cruz was photographed in the early 1960s handing out pro-Fidel Castro leaflets with President John F. Kennedy's assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald.

The Cruz campaign denounced the piece as "garbage."



Questions about President Obama's birth certificate.

While mulling a potential 2012 presidential bid, Trump became the most high-profile figure to promote the rumors suggesting that President Obama was not born in the US.

Trump claimed he'd deployed private investigators who "could not believe what they're finding" about Obama's place of birth.

He also repeatedly clashed with reporters who pushed him on the issue. During one contentious interview, he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that he'd been "co-opted" by "Obama and his minions" when the anchor tried to push back on Trump's claims.

When Obama eventually released his long-form birth certificate, Trump questioned the document's authenticity

Trump has since continued to push the conspiracy theory in recent months during his presidency, according to advisors who spoke with the New York Times. One sitting US senator echoed these reports.

"[Trump] has had a hard time letting go of his claim that Mr. Obama was not born in the United States," the senator told the Times.



Questions about a former Bill Clinton aide's suicide.

After Vince Foster, a former aide to President Bill Clinton, was found dead in 1993, various law-enforcement agencies and independent counsels determined he committed suicide.

But Foster's death spawned conspiracy theorists who questioned whether the Clintons themselves were involved in Foster's death.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Trump suggested Foster's death was "very fishy."

"He had intimate knowledge of what was going on," Trump said of Foster's role in the White House. "He knew everything that was going on, and then all of a sudden he committed suicide."

He added: "I don’t bring [Foster’s death] up because I don’t know enough to really discuss it. I will say there are people who continue to bring it up because they think it was absolutely a murder. I don’t do that because I don’t think it’s fair."



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THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Love Actually' 14 years later

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Olivia Olson Love Actually and 2016

"Love Actually" hit theaters just in time for 2003's holiday season, and audiences deemed it an instant Christmas classic. Though the movie has a problematic treatment of women, "Love Actually" remains a holiday staple for many.

Keep reading for a look at how the star-studded cast looked then, what they look like now, and what they've been up to in between.

We all remember Liam Neeson as the heartbreaking character of Daniel — a man whose wife recently died after battling an illness.



Neeson went on to portray a man with a very special set of skills in "Taken" (and in its two sequels), as well as dozens of other notable roles.



In "Love Actually," Neeson's character had a young stepson named Sam, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster.



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REVIEW: The new Razer Phone looks out of place in 2017, but it has one great feature that no other phone has

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Although the smartphone market has long been dominated by two big players — Apple and Samsung — this year has seen a succession of startups attempt to edge their way into the business.

This summer, Essential, which is headed up by Android creator Andy Rubin, entered the market with its Phone. Now, Razer, a company best known for its gaming computers and accessories, has jumped in with its own Phone.

Much like the company's other products, Razer's Phone is marketed towards gamers. Indeed, it has a feature PC and console gamers clamor for — smooth gameplay.

As it turns out, there are reasons why even non-gamers can appreciate that feature. And it's one the big smartphone makers may want to take a good look at for their own future models. 

Check out the Razer Phone:

SEE ALSO: REVIEW: The OnePlus 5T is not only a bargain — it's the best Android phone you can buy at any price

The Razer Phone's design might seem dated.

For some, the huge top and bottom borders around the Phone's screen will stand out in a bad way. Many of the phones released this year, including the OnePlus 5T, Google's Pixel 2 XL, Apple's iPhone X, and Samsung's Galaxy Note 8, offer much narrower borders around their displays.

 



But its all-metal case and squared off design give it an incredibly solid feel.

The Phone's sharply squared-off edges and metal case give it a unique design that's a welcome change in this age of rounded, ultrasleek looking phones.



The Phone's stereo speakers are the loudest smartphone speakers I've heard

The large areas above and below the Phone's screen house its speakers. The sound they produce isn't much better in quality than that of other smartphones, and the Phone's built-in speakers aren't a good replacement for an external speaker. But they can get astonishingly loud without distorting the sound.



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The 9 characters most likely to die in the next 'Avengers' movie

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"Avengers: Infinity War" will bring together over a dozen of your favorite Marvel superheroes.

While it will be exciting to see Tony Stark interacting with the likes of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man again, it should also cause a bit of concern. Let's be real. Everyone's not making it out of this movie alive. There are just too many good guys in it. 

So we decided to put together the ultimate guide of which Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more may not make it out of the great "Infinity War" alive.

9. The Collector — 35%

The Collector was previously given the red gem stone to protect. If Thanos has already collected it from him, he may not be alive anymore. This would be a real shame though if we never get to see him on screen with his brother, The Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).



8. War Machine — 40%

Look, we're thrilled to see Rhodey back in action after he took a tumble in "Captain America: Civil War." Maybe he has some plot armor after his near-death experience, but it's tough to see how all of the mortals without real powers have a shot against aliens. 

Unless he plans to take over as the next full Iron Man, he's out. 

 



7. Tony Stark/Iron Man — 50%

If Hugh Jackman can play Wolverine for 17 years, then certainly Robert Downey Jr. has a few more years left in him for Tony Stark, right? 

Maybe.

Everything's going way too well for Stark at the moment. He's engaged to Pepper Potts and is mentoring Peter Parker/Tom Holland as Spider-Man. Now's the perfect time for tragedy to strike. Or, hey, maybe Stark just sacrifices himself to save his mentee.



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NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where all 32 teams stand going into Week 13

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Week 13 of the NFL season feels as though it may have some real consequences.

The Cowboys and Redskins face off in a game that could determine if either team has a real shot at a playoff push. Top NFC teams square off in the Vikings and Falcons, Saints and Panthers, and Eagles and Seahawks.

And in the AFC, we'll see if the Jaguars or Titans can take control of the AFC South, and if the Bengals can upset the Steelers to make the AFC North push a little more interesting.

The playoff picture is still fairly wide open, but, finally, we're getting separation between the contenders and pretenders.

See where each team ranks going into Week 13.

 

32. Cleveland Browns

Record: 0-11

Last week: Lost to the Bengals, 30-16

This week: at Los Angeles Chargers

One thing to know: Josh Gordon may finally return to the field in Week 13, giving the Browns some needed receiver help and beginning a fascinating reclamation project.



31. Denver Broncos

Record: 3-8

Last week: Lost to the Raiders, 21-14

This week: at Miami Dolphins

One thing to know: Paxton Lynch went down with an injury after an ugly start to his game, leading the Broncos to send Trevor Siemian in, who fared slightly better. Between the two of them and Brock Osweiler, Denver finds itself in the undesirable position of paying three quarterbacks and still needing a starter.



30. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 1-10

Last week: Lost to the Seahawks, 24-13

This week: at Chicago Bears

One thing to know: Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start for the 49ers in Week 13. His one minute of play in Week 12 was promising, delivering a Tom Brady-esque 10-yard touchdown as time expired.



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The 28 happiest, richest, most advanced, and healthiest countries in the world

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The Legatum Institute released its 11th annual global Prosperity Index, a huge survey that ranks the most prosperous countries in the world.

The amount of money a country has is one factor of prosperity, but the Legatum Institute considers much more than that in its ranking.

The organisation compared 104 variables to come up with its list. These variables include traditional indicators like per-capita gross domestic product and the number of people in full-time work, but also more interesting figures such as the number of secure internet servers a country has, and how well-rested people feel on a day-to-day basis.

The variables are then split into nine subindexes: economic quality, business environment, governance, personal freedom, social capital, safety and security, education, health, and natural environment.

The index looked at the 149 countries in the world that have the most available data. After seven years of Norway topping the rankings, it was dethroned in 2016 by New Zealand. Can Norway take the top spot back in 2017?

Find out the results below.

28. Uruguay — Uruguay scored solidly across all of the Legatum Institute's categories, but excelled in the personal freedom sub-index, ranking 7th of all countries surveyed.



27. Estonia — Despite being known as one of the world's most digitally savvy nations, Estonia's top individual sub-index score was in natural environment, where it was 7th overall.



26. Czech Republic — Although the Czech Republic, now officially called Czechia, didn't excel in any sub-index, it did finish in the top 30 in six of nine categories.



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Here's what Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and 13 more of the busiest people in the world eat for breakfast

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• Scientists aren't necessarily convinced breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Tech Insider reported.

• Still, many successful people take the time to eat a balanced breakfast.

• Others, however, like Bill Gates and Donald Trump typically abandon the meal altogether.



What goes into a breakfast of champions?

Well, the science isn't exactly settled on whether or not breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast doesn't necessarily even help you lose weight, according to Tech Insider.

Still, tons of successful people opt to make breakfast a part of their busy schedules, with a few notable exceptions.

Here's a look at some of the typical breakfast routines of successful people:

SEE ALSO: A Marine veteran says a morning ritual he picked up in boot camp primes him for success every day

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson prefers to dig into fruit salad and muesli in the morning while spending time with his family.

Source: CNBC, Business Insider

 



Popeyes CEO Cheryl Bachelder's morning meal depends on whether she's traveling or not. She has said she prefers steel-cut oatmeal when she's at home, and bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast when she's on the go. But either way, she always reaches for some coffee, too.

Source: Business Insider



Singer and actor Justin Timberlake told Bon Appetit he goes for a scrambled egg along with flax-seed waffles spread with almond butter before his morning workout.

Source: CNBCBon Appetit



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Target is attracting guys to its stores with a trendy new clothing brand — here's what I thought of it (TGT)

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  • Target launched a new private-label brand of men's clothing earlier this year.
  • It's off to a roaring start, with higher sales than Target's earlier men's clothing brands.
  • I thought it was a good value, stylish, and on-trend, even if it was a bit directionless.

 

Target is courting men — and it seems to be working.

When comparing its new men's clothing line, Goodfellow, which launched earlier this year, to its previous offerings for men, sales are up more than 10%.

"The market has changed and so has the guest," Target's chief merchandising officer, Mark Tritton, told Bloomberg. "More men are purchasing clothes and they are more discerning. So it was time for us to do something new."

Earlier this year, I judged Goodfellow for myself. I visited a Target in New York City to see if the retailer could lure these discerning, budget-oriented guys with the promise of cheap, on-trend fashion — and maybe convince them to pick up a razor or package of muffins on the way out. 

SEE ALSO: 12 gifts the modern gentleman actually wants this year

After wandering around the store for an embarrassing length of time, I finally found it: the men's clothing section, all decked out with its new Goodfellow line.



The assortment, quite frankly, surprised me. It seems Target has done its market research here, and it's crammed in everything that could be considered a current trend. There are T-shirts, jackets, casual pants, dress pants, outerwear, and a whole assortment of accessories.



There's also an assortment of shoes, which I made the decision to ignore completely. Though the designs looked nice, cheap shoes are generally best avoided, in my opinion.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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