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WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Trump's first 10 big-name endorsements

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trump during campaign

President Donald Trump values loyalty above most other qualities.

"Loyalty is extremely important to me," Trump wrote in his 2015 book, "Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America.""My family and close friends will say that I am loyal to a fault."

When Trump delivered a speech in Salt Lake City about shrinking national monuments on December 4, he called out Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and state Rep. Greg Hughes for their backing.

"An original supporter of mine. You know, you always remember those original supporters," Trump said of Reyes. "Greg, thank you. He was an original right at the beginning. Thank you, Greg. He had a feeling."

For the earliest big-name supporters, their loyalty often paid off in the form of job offers, media attention, and exposure in the national spotlight.

Here's where 10 of Trump's "original supporters" are now:

SEE ALSO: Omarosa Manigault in wild interview about White House exit: I saw 'a lot of things' that upset me in the Trump administration

DON'T MISS: Trump reportedly told aides to think of his presidency as a TV show where he 'vanquishes' rivals

Jeff Sessions

In February 2016, Sessions became first US senator to endorse Trump, who didn't clinch the Republican nomination until months later.

"This election is our last chance to save US sovereignty and to end the domination of the political establishment over the interests of working Americans,"Sessions said at the time. "I am pleased to endorse Donald Trump for the presidency of the United States."

Sessions was awarded mightily for his early endorsement. Fewer than two weeks after defeating Hillary Clinton in the general election, Trump picked Sessions to be his attorney general.



Rep. Chris Collins of New York

Sessions was the first senator to officially back Trump, but the first House Republican to endorse him was Collins.

"Donald Trump has clearly demonstrated that he has both the guts and the fortitude to return our nation’s jobs stolen by China, take on our enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and most importantly, re-establish the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to attain the American Dream," Collins said in his endorsement in February 2016.

Collins is a two-term congressman representing the Buffalo area. He's running for reelection in 2018.



Rudy Giuliani

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been one of Trump's most ardent supporters.

In April 2016, he threw his support behind Trump, falling just short of an official endorsement because he didn't want to be perceived as an official member of the campaign.

"Donald's a very, very good friend. I believe he'd be the best candidate. I think he'd be the person I would like to see win,"Giuliani said.

During the GOP Convention, he gave a fiery speech backing up many of Trump's most controversial campaign positions.

Today, Giuliani remains a fervent Trump supporter. Over the summer, he was even reportedly being considered to replace Sessions as attorney general.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best Fitbits 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.

fitbit 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • Fitbit is the best-known name in fitness tracking with its wide array of trackers. We did the research and testing to bring you the best Fitbits you can buy. Our top pick is the Fitbit Charge 2 because it offers the most features for a reasonable price.

With its wide selection of high-quality fitness trackers, Fitbit is a reputable brand that has undeniably made a name for itself with its user-friendly app, many style options, and fitness features that can meet the needs of everyone, no matter their activity level. When you think of fitness tracking, it’s likely one of the first names that come to mind. 

However, Fitbit has a wide range of trackers now that run the gamut from a very basic activity tracker to a smart fitness watch that can do all kinds of things. We've tested most of Fitbit's wearables to see which ones are best for different styles and use cases. To determine which Fitbit is best for your needs, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you read about what each device offers.

  • Pricing: Fitbit has a tracker in every price range from $60 to $270. For the most advanced features, you will pay a higher price. If you’re looking for a simple fitness tracker that covers the bases and won’t break the bank, the Fitbit Zip or the Flex 2 are both good options. If you want something mid-range with a heart rate monitor and more advanced workout tracking, the Alta HR or the Charge 2 won’t disappoint. Finally, the Fitbit Ionic doesn’t come cheap, but it does offer a lot of fitness and smartwatch features.
  • Design: Arguably one of the biggest advantages Fitbit has over competitors is the variety of different designs and accessories it offers. The Fitbit Zip offers the least number of choices when it comes to style, but all the other Fitbits come in many colors and offer different bands. Keep in mind, even though you do have the option to switch out bands, the extra accessories do come at an additional cost. If you’re just diving into the fitness tracker world, it’s best to make sure you like the band that comes with the device you’re looking at first, and then go for the extras later.
  • Features: Fitbit doesn’t skimp on features either. Even its simplest devices will give you step tracking and good battery life, as well as wireless syncing and access to Fitbit’s user-friendly app. Consider what features matter most to you to help you decide which device will best suit your needs. For example, if working out is important to you and you want to see how exercising affects your daily activity, you’ll likely want a device with a heart rate monitor.

We’ll break down each product on this list so you can weigh out your options and decide which Fitbit device will benefit you the most.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Fitbit Charge 2 is our top pick and why you might prefer the Alta HR, the Flex 2, the Ionic, or the Fitbit Zip, depending on your fitness tracking needs and style preferences.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers you can buy

The best Fitbit overall

Why you'll love it: The Fitbit Charge 2 lets you track your workout in real time on its bright, easy-to-read screen, plus, it has a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking. 

Fitbit's best fitness tracker is the Charge 2 with its bevy of activity tracking features, good-sized screen, and decent price point. 

The Charge 2 has dedicated functions for recording a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, cardio, and strength training. Its large display is perfect for tracking your results in real time while working out. I could quickly check my heart rate to make sure I was within the range I wanted to be, and see how far I was into my workout with the timer. You can also use the button on the side to go through menu options. 

When I’m not running, I’m a big fan of interval training and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts, so I was happy to see that the Charge 2 has an interval timer option. It also lets you pause and resume workouts, and if you do forget to start an activity or workout it can automatically detect an activity session and start monitoring it.

The Charge 2 does offer connected GPS via your smartphone for walking, running, and hiking while you’re outdoors so you have the option to track your distance in more than just steps. While there were times that the connected GPS wasn’t 100% accurate, it was nice to have the option at least — especially as a runner. It should be noted that while the Charge 2 is water resistant, it isn’t waterproof, so this won’t be going in the pool with you.

If you’re looking for built-in GPS, a waterproof device, or even more advanced features, you’ll want to look at the Ionic, but if not, the Charge 2 is a great all-around fitness tracker that covers the necessary bases. In addition to tracking steps, the Charge 2 also measures stairs climbed, calories burned, resting and active heart rate, and offers in-depth sleep tracking.

With the sleep tracking, it was interesting to see where I stood on average with other women around my age within the app. If you’re feeling stressed, this tracker also offers breathing exercises to help you relax.

The battery life of the Charge 2 lasted me about 6 days, even when I had notifications for texts and calls activated.

Although it has a bigger screen, this tracker still manages not to be overly bulky, even on my small wrist. I found the wristband to be extremely comfortable, and love that Fitbit offers a ton of different colors and interchangeable band options.

Most reviewers love the Charge 2, especially those who upgraded from the original Charge HR. This reviewer also notes how easy the app is to use, and appreciates both the feedback and motivation that the device itself gives. 

Pros: Comfortable design, lots of color and band options, large display, built-in heart rate monitor, in-depth sleep tracking, advanced workout features, real-time workout tracking on screen, long battery life

Cons: No built-in GPS, not waterproof

Buy the Fitbit Charge 2 on Amazon for $129 and up



The best-looking Fitbit

Why you'll love it: If you’re looking for a fitness tracker with a super slim, sleek design, but don’t want to give up the ability to track your heart rate, the Fitbit Alta HR is perfect for you.

I tested the Alta HR myself, and I can confidently say that its slim design makes it the best-looking Fitbit I've tried. It's a nice option for women with smaller wrists who want to track activity in style.

While you do give up some more advanced features like being able to track workouts in real time on a larger screen, you still have access to your basic stats like steps, heart rate, and calories burned on the smaller screen. It also has a decent battery life and lasted me almost a week before I had to charge it.

Fitbit offers an impressive number of colors and different styles of bands to choose from with the Alta, so you can easily go from a more casual look to one that’s better suited to going out for the evening. It’s slim design also makes it possible to wear other bracelets on the same wrist. Even by itself, it isn’t overly obvious that you’re wearing a fitness tracker.

If you choose to change up the band, it can be snapped on and off easily. I tested one of the leather bands and was impressed with both the comfort and the quality. The Alta HR comes in three sizes: Small, Large, and Extra Large so you can find your perfect fit.

While it does have plenty of features to offer, this tracker doesn’t have some of the more advanced features found in the Charge 2 or the Ionic. It lacks GPS capabilities and the ability to track workouts in real time. However, it will automatically record activities like running, and workout information can also be logged into the app. If you do want more advanced stats for workouts or specific activities like running or cycling, you won’t find those features here.

It should also be noted that the Alta HR is water and sweat resistant, but not waterproof. This won’t be a tracker that you’ll be showering or swimming with.

Despite some of the features it lacks, this fitness tracker still offers plenty. Steps, heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, and calories burned are all here. The Alta HR will also receive smartphone notifications so you’ll know when you’re getting a text or call.

I was especially glad that the accurate sleep tracking is still present in the Alta HR. I like that you can see specific percentages of the sleep stages you were in, including deep, light, and REM sleep throughout the night, as well as the time spent awake. 

As with all other Fitbits, the Alta HR syncs with the Fitbit app, so you can keep all your information in one place and view your progress over time. 

The reviews for the Alta HR are positive overall. Users who liked the original Fitbit Alta loved the addition of the heart rate monitor to the original sleek design, and others liked the slim fit for all-day comfort as well as the accurate sleep tracking.

Pros: Ultra-sleek design, comfortable fit, built in heart-rate, accurate sleep tracking, ability to receive smartphone notifications

Cons: Smaller screen, no on-screen workout tracking, no GPS capabilities, not waterproof

Buy the Alta HR on Amazon for $129 and up (originally $149.95)



The best super slim Fitbit

Why you'll love it: The Flex 2 is waterproof and can be worn in multiple ways, giving it versatility and making it ideal for swimmers looking for a tracker that covers the basics. 

If you don’t like the idea of always wearing your fitness tracker on your wrist, the Fitbit Flex 2 offers the most versatility of all the Fitbit trackers in how it can be worn. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. The tracker itself can be removed from its traditional wristband to be worn in a pendant or in a bangle.

The Flex 2 is also completely waterproof, making it ideal for swimmers looking for a basic tracker. While the waterproof feature is a plus, when it comes to this device, you are giving up the screen found on Fitbit’s other devices. The Flex 2 doesn’t have a heart rate monitor either.

While it doesn’t have some of the more advanced tracking features, the Flex 2 does cover the basics, offering step tracking, distance, and calories burned. It also tracks sleep, and it will automatically sense exercise activities like running, swimming, and cardio workouts, and start tracking them.

It doesn’t have any type of screen, but instead has a set of LED lights that will light up to show you the progress you’ve made towards hitting your activity goal for the day. While this suited some reviewers just fine, others who tested the device found these to be confusing at times. It’s all about personal preference here.

Despite the lack of a screen, you can still receive call and text notifications and reminders to move if you’ve been inactive for an extended period. The battery life is decent, with the ability to last up to 5 days, but without heart rate monitoring and more advanced capabilities, it is surprising that it doesn’t last even longer.

The Flex 2 syncs up with the Fitbit app, where you’ll be able to see all your stats. With no screen, you won’t want to go without the app, but the app itself is easy to navigate and will provide you with more insights into your day (and night since the Flex 2 tracks sleep).

Most reviewers found this to be a great all-around device, and others loved the slim design and the secure feeling wristband. Though it is lacking in some of the more advanced features like heart rate monitoring, being able to wear this tracker in multiple ways and the features it does offer make it a great basic fitness tracker. This is especially the case if you’re just diving into the wearable world and you don’t mind not having a screen to look at, or you plan on wearing this tracker with a normal watch like this reviewer.

Pros: Can be worn in multiple ways, waterproof, tracks sleep, offers text and call notifications, will automatically track exercise

Cons: No screen, battery life could be longer, no heart rate monitoring

Buy the Fitbit Flex 2 on Amazon for $59.95



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Here are the 18 biggest bankruptcies of the 'retail apocalypse' of 2017

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Toys R Us

This hasn't been an easy year for the retail industry. 

More than 8,053 store closures were announced this year. Mall traffic has dropped, and retailers such as Payless, Rue21, and Toys R Us have struggled to compete with ecommerce rivals. 

For some companies, the pressure became too much. A growing list of retailers have declared bankruptcy.

Here are the most notable retail bankruptcies to happen in 2017: 

SEE ALSO: More than 6,400 stores are shutting down — here's the full list

DON'T MISS: We went to a Toys R Us store the day after the bankruptcy announcement — and we were surprised by what we found

Charming Charlie

The accessories retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December. Charming Charlie is seeking court approval to close 100 stores across the US, The Chicago Tribune reported. 



Styles for Less

In November, the budget teen apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company said in a filing at the time it had already closed 55 stores, USA Today reported. 



Toys R Us

The toy retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-September. 

Since it was taken private in 2005, Toys R Us has struggled to compete with both its ecommerce and its brick-and-mortar competitors, like Target and Walmart, that have built up their online business.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We ate at dozens of fast-food chains in 2017 — here are the 9 absolute worst things we tried

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worst of 2017

  • We ate at dozens of fast-food restaurants in 2017.
  • Some highly hyped new menu items were duds.
  • Other chains clearly need to clean up their act, as some iconic items have lost their luster.


A lot of bad things happened in 2017.

Riots broke out over the lack of Szechuan sauce at McDonald's. When Chipotle needed a savior most, its queso condemned the chain to further derision. We discovered our president's diet is disconcertingly dominated by fast food.

As these horrors played out in headlines throughout the year, we choked down meals at restaurants across the country. Dozens of trips to fast-food chains later, we've distilled these meals down to the worst of the worst.

Here are the worst things we ate — or imbibed — in 2017.

SEE ALSO: We ate dozens of meals at restaurant chains in 2017 — here are the 9 best things to try right now

Starbucks' Unicorn Frappuccino

A unicorn is one in a million — and the horridly sour, mouth-puckering taste of this limited-time drink was similarly unique in the worst possible way.

Starbucks introduced the frappuccino in April for just a few days. Taste testers hated it and baristas loathed it, but Instagrammers couldn't get enough.



Starbucks' Zombie Frappuccino

The Unicorn Frappuccino birthed a sad, saccharine trend for Starbucks as it began peddling sugary and disturbing drinks to attract Instagram-obsessed customers. 

The Zombie Frappuccino had a similar lifespan, and it was just as grotesquely flavored. Here's hoping it stays dead. 



Bojangles' Bo-Berry Biscuit

This bold and brash biscuit is a gilded folly of sugary icing and suspicious blueberries. It's sickly sweet and ostentatious. It should be banned from breakfast and seriously reconsidered as a dessert. Eat it with the utmost caution and disregard for your health. 

Kate has abstained from this opinion as she needs to return to North Carolina to celebrate the holidays with her family and does not wish to be detained by angry Bo-Berry fans at the airport. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best knife blocks 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.

knife block 4x3

The Insider Pick:

In our younger foolish days, we may have scoffed at knife blocks as completely unnecessary. “Why would I put my knives in a wood block when I can just toss them in a drawer with the other silverware?” The wise person may get cut once reaching for a spoon before realizing a knife holder may not be such a bad idea after all. If you’re slow like me, it takes quite a few scars before this realization hits.

Protecting your digits is not the only reason to invest in a separate home for your cutting tools. Quality blocks will also protect your knife from becoming dull or scratched. Newer models are also bacteria resistant. If you take pride in your cutlery, there are a variety of units that will put your best pieces on display in an elegant manner.

When you think of a knife block, you may envision the traditional, slanted wood block that sits on your counter. There are many excellent blocks in this style, but none of them made our list. The main problems we have with the classic block is that it is difficult to clean and you can’t readily view the type of knife you are grabbing for. There are plenty of modern styles that sufficiently address these issues.

We spent hours looking closely at the many different styles and researching the customer and expert reviews and ratings of the models that were best in their class. For this buying guide, we chose the knife blocks that did the best job of capturing the positive characteristics of their particular style. The blocks in the following slides were included because they are durable, have a history of quality performance, and keep your knives easy to access and sanitary.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Kuhn Rikon Vision Clear Slotted Easy-to-Clean Knife Stand is our top pick and why you might prefer the In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives, the Böker Wood Magnetic Knife Block, the Premio Universal Knife Holder, or the Wüsthof Under-Cabinet-Swinger Knife Block.

SEE ALSO: The best knife sets you can buy

The best knife block overall

Why you'll love it: If you are looking for a knife block that is a piece of cake to wash and makes locating the knife you need effortless, look no further than the Kuhn Rikon Vision Clear Slotted Easy-to-Clean Knife Stand.

The Kuhn Rikon Vision Clear Knife Stand holds knives in place using a series of flexible sleeves that widen as needed for larger blades. Up to 18 knives can be safely stored in this block, and the longest blade it will accommodate is eight inches. It's big enough for most types of knives, excluding the occasional bread knife or cleaver.

The dimensions of the block are 10 by 4 by 10 inches, and it weighs about one pound. We didn’t find any reports of the block falling over. Unlike traditional wooden knife blocks, this Kuhn Rikon block is not tilted. You remove the knife by pulling straight up. This might make accessing your cutting tools annoying if you store your block under a cabinet with low clearance. However, this type of holder is more sanitary and keeps your knives sharper since they do not rest in wood slots.

Rantings of an Amateur Chef tested the Kuhn Rikon Knife Stand and loved that the clear block made it easy to identify the knife you are looking for. The reviewer was also impressed with how many knives the flexible sleeves could hold in place. Kitchen Byte approves of this block because it is simple to clean, well-balanced, has a slim fit, and is see-through. The writer does mention that smaller knives may not stay in the slots. 

Around 90% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Kuhn Rikon Vision Clear Knife Stand gave it four- or five-star ratings. Buyers are impressed with how many knives it can hold, and some say it can store as many as 15 knives. There are reports that smaller, unbalanced knives do not stay in too well, though, so be sure to consider which knives you have in your collection before you buy this one.

On the plus side, the block does not take up much counter space and cleaning the plastic tray is effortless compared to traditional knife blocks that have several hard-to-reach slots.

Pros: Easy to clean, clear view of the knife blades, compact footprint, relatively affordable

Cons: Small knives may not fit well

Buy the Kuhn Rikon Vision Clear Slotted Easy-to-Clean Knife Stand on Amazon for $36.25



The best in-drawer knife block

Why you'll love it: The In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives is an excellent option when you have limited counter space.

The In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives has slots to fit up to 15 small knives or 10 larger knives. The dimensions are 17 by 5.5 by 2 inches, which is small enough for most drawers with some clearance in all directions. The entire block is made from bamboo, which is more sustainable than the hardwoods generally used for in-drawer knife blocks. Bamboo continues to grow after it is cut and can be harvested each year. 

In its review, Mama Testa Taqueria liked that the grooves can fit large and small knives well, the holder has sufficient capacity, and it fits most drawers. However, you may want to add non-slip grips or a shelf liner since the block tends to slide inside your drawer. Kitchen Byte says it's a great option because you can store larger knives and it’s easy to access all of your cutting tools. 

Buyers love this Shenzhen Knife Block, too. It has more than 1,100 five-star reviews on Amazon. Buyers like that the In-Drawer Knife Block frees up space on counters. They also noted that the block is large enough to hold cleavers. Users caution that you should make sure that your drawer has a standard 3-inch depth. The block itself is 2 inches high, but you need additional clearance for the knife handles.

Pros: Frees up counter space, fits knives of all sizes, bacteria-resistant, affordable

Cons: Doesn’t have grips to keep it from sliding around in your drawer

Buy the In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block by Shenzhen Knives on Amazon for $19.99



The best magnetic knife block

Why you'll love it: If you would like to display your best cutting tools in a visually stunning way, the Böker Wood Magnetic Knife Block fits the bill.

The Böker Wood Magnetic Knife Block is 11.25 inches high by 10 inches wide by 6 inches deep and weighs just shy of three pounds. It can hold seven knives of any size, though you may have difficulties fitting cleavers with wider blades. Rather than keeping knives in place with slots, this block uses magnets, which makes it easier to find the knife you want and to clean the unit. Böker has manufactured knives in Solingen, Germany since 1869, and the company stands behind the craftsmanship with a lifetime limited warranty.

Foodal liked the stylish, unique presentation of the knives on this knife block and found the magnet to be strong and construction sturdy. The Böker Knife Block topped Ezvid’s list of “The 10 Best Knife Blocks” because of its appearance and center panel that accommodates larger knives. The block is rated highly by Kitchen Byte due to its one-of-a-kind look, strong magnet, color varieties, and easy visibility. However, the reviewer didn’t like that it only holds seven knives.

Around 91% of the customers who reviewed the Böker Wood Magnetic Knife Block on Amazon gave it a positive rating. Buyers comment that the magnet is incredibly strong, almost too strong. You need to twist and pull to remove the knife. If you just pull, the entire block may slide forward. The magnet is centered in each wood slat so you need to make a conscious effort to align the blade with the center of the slat or it will fall. Other than that, buyers appreciate that they can show off their nicer knives with this piece.

Pros: Attractive design, strong magnet, accommodates larger knives, limited lifetime warranty

Cons: Takes up a lot of counter space for how many knives it holds, expensive

Buy the Böker 30400 Wood Magnetic Knife Block on Amazon for $97.40 and up



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15 ways to make friends with your coworkers

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coworkers friends

  • It can be intimidating at a new office but making friends with your coworkers is the quickest way to be satisfied with a job.
  • Introducing yourself and engaging in small talk is a great way to make friends.
  • Resist the urge to eat lunch at your desk and opt to grab lunch with your team.
  • Be your genuine self and aware of your body language.

 

Starting a new job can be pretty overwhelming; you're managing new priorities, a new workload, and a new boss (and their expectations). Not to mention, you have to get to know—and befriend—a whole new group of co-workers.

Having friends at work is important (just read this article to understand why)—and chances are you chose this new role in the hopes of getting along with your teammates—but who has time to think about that when there's already so much on your plate?

To ease the transition, here are 15 tips that'll help you get off on the right foot with your new colleagues—without having to put in too much effort.

Yup, it's that easy.

SEE ALSO: I'm a psychologist, and I've found one of the biggest relationship problems people have always boils down to the same thing

1. Introduce yourself (and participate in small talk)

First, make sure you’re introducing yourself to everyone you meet—take advantage of downtime spent with co-workers in the kitchen, before a meeting, at the water cooler, or in the elevator. Ask them what team they’re on, their favorite part of working at the company, their weekend plans—anything!

Small talk can be intimidating, so here are some topics you can prepare to help the conversation go well.



2. Learn people’s names (and use them in conversation)

As Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, said, "A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language." Learn co-workers' names, use them when speaking to them, and you'll leave a more positive impression from the start.



3. Eat lunch away from your desk

It's an easy way to meet and speak with people outside of your team—and a good excuse to take a real break (which is good for you and your productivity).



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Insane photos show how US and South Korean Marines train in the middle of winter

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South Korean uS Marines winter drill 11

US and South Korean Marines conducted their annual winter exercises this week in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Pyeongchang will soon host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The drills included winter patrols on foot and on skis, physical conditioning, and team building exercises in the snow — and mostly without shirts. 

We put together the best shots taken of the event: 

SEE ALSO: These are the most incredible photos of the US Marines in 2017

DON'T MISS: We took a rare tour of one of the US Navy's most dangerous warships — nicknamed the 'Sledgehammer of Freedom'

South Korean and US Marines practiced how to conduct patrols and covert strikes in winter conditions.



South Korean soldiers can be recognized by the winter camouflage on their faces, while US Marines can be recognized by their M4s and woodland/winter MARPAT camouflage kit.



Here's a closer look at a South Korean soldier's face paint.



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These photos of 'Star Wars' scenes made with LEGOs are totally incredible

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Bad to the Bone, Vesa Lehtimaki,

Vesa Lehtimäki has loved "Star Wars" since he was 10 years old. He saw the original movie in its first theater run back in 1977.

"For my generation, that's like Woodstock," Lehtimäki told Business Insider. "I should get a T-shirt with [the] text 'Star Wars 1977 theater run: I was there.'"

In 2015, the Finnish photographer released a book, "Small Scenes from a Big Galaxy," that depicts iconic movie moments from the "Star Wars" universe — in LEGO form.

Lehtimäki shared some of his breathtaking images with us. Follow him on Instagram for more.

SEE ALSO: These photos of 'Star Wars' ships on Earth are mesmerizing

Vesa Lehtimäki said he has no idea how much money he's dropped on LEGO toys — and he prefers to keep it that way. (It's a lot, according to the Finnish photographer and father.)



He began shooting his kid's toys in 2009, reigniting his love of the "Star Wars" franchise.



Eventually, Lehtimäki started buying duplicate sets of the "Star Wars" ships and fighter aircrafts so he wouldn't have to rebuild them after playtime.



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Trump's tax plan could bring $250 billion into the US — here are the companies set to benefit most

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fake money Donald Trump dollar bill

President Donald Trump's new tax plan could cause a tidal wave of internationally held cash to flood back into the US.

The repatriation tax holiday outlined in the plan, which has officially passed both chambers of Congress and is awaiting Trump's signature, is designed to incentivize US-based companies that do big business overseas to bring those profits back home.

By Goldman Sachs' calculation, S&P 500 companies hold $920 billion of untaxed overseas cash, and the firm estimates that $250 billion of that would be repatriated. Looking at all US-based companies, Citigroup says there's a whopping $2.5 trillion of capital stashed internationally.

Once a company brings that money back to the US, it has a few options for how to use it. The first is reinvestment into core businesses — this is most likely the avenue policymakers would prefer, as it holds the most direct bearing on economic expansion.

Another option is for a company to repurchase its shares — this would be beneficial to stock prices and, by extension, the market as a whole. Buybacks are a good way to achieve immediate share appreciation and signal to investors that a stock is viewed as undervalued.

And regardless of how the cash is used, a tax break for multinational companies at least partially addresses what a recent World Economic Forum survey identified as the most problematic factor for doing business: tax rates.

So with that established, which companies stand to benefit most? Goldman says it's those holdings the most post-tax cash overseas relative to their market cap — a group heavily concentrated in the tech and healthcare sectors.

Back in late September, after the initial tax plan framework was released, the firm put together a handy list of the stocks that fit the bill. Here are the ones it has identified as the top 13 beneficiaries.

13. General Electric

Ticker: GE

Sector: Industrials

Total return year to date: -19%

Overseas cash: $35 billion

Overseas cash as % of market cap: 14%



12. Foot Locker

Ticker: FL

Sector: Consumer discretionary

Total return year to date: -52%

Overseas cash: $1 billion

Overseas cash as % of market cap: 15%



11. Citrix Systems

Ticker: CTXS

Sector: Tech

Total return year to date: 7%

Overseas cash: $2 billion

Overseas cash as % of market cap: 16%



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20 celebrity siblings who have worked together

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dave franco james franco

Sometimes it's not all about a sibling rivalry. 

Growing up with a relative in the spotlight can lead some family members to follow in each other's footsteps. While some family members try to avoid working together, like brothers Dave and James Franco for a while, others, like John and Joan Cusack, have teamed up multiple times. 

Here are 20 sets of celebrity siblings who have worked together. 

Twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse won teen hearts as the leads on Disney Channel's "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and subsequent spin-off "The Suite Life on Deck."

The 25-year-old twins started their acting careers as babies when the played the same character on "Grace Under Fire." They made their film debuts as the same kid in "Big Daddy." While the actors continued to play some of the same characters or star alongside each other throughout the years, they also pursued separate projects.

Both Sprouse brothers took a break from acting and attended New York University. Dylan studied video game design and is opening All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, with two business partners, in 2018. Cole studied archaeology and went back into acting after graduating. He currently stars on "Riverdale."



Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal have been in a couple of projects together since they were children.

As kids, the two siblings starred in "A Dangerous Woman," which was directed by their father. With their mom, the pair were on two episodes of "Molto Mario," an Italian cooking show on the Food Network.

But perhaps their best known collaboration was in "Donnie Darko," where they play siblings. Director Richard Kelly told Vox they had to convince Maggie that the role was meant for her. 

"Immediately, she was like, Richard, you're only offering this to me because I'm Jake's big sister. You should be finding the best actress for the role," Kelly said. "So she was already trying to talk me out of casting her, in a very selfless way. And I was just really impressed by that...So I was really determined to convince her to do it after that."

He added that casting her helped cement the sibling dynamic on-screen. 

"Maggie was really an essential piece of the puzzle that makes that family dynamic work in the film," he said. "I'm grateful that she agreed to do the role."



Twins Tia and Tamera Mowry starred on "Sister, Sister" together, but their brother Tahj appeared on a couple of episodes, too.

The sisters were in a singing group and have appeared in various projects together. 

From playing long-lost twins on "Sister, Sister" to siblings in "Twitches" and "Twitches Too" to starring on their own reality show, these sisters have built up similar resumes. But they have also held pursued their individual careers. 

Tamera is currently a host on the talk show "The Real" and Tia recently starred on "Mistresses" and "Me, Myself, and I." 

After appearing on his sister's show, Tahj got his own show, "Smart Guy," in which he played a child genius. He recently starred on "Baby Daddy." 



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12 tech trends that will define 2018

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Elon Musk

No one can predict how the future will shake out, but we can make some educated guesses.

Global design and strategy firm frog has shared with Business Insider its forecasts for the technologies that will define the upcoming year. Last year, the firm correctly predicted that buildings would harness the power of nature and that businesses would continue using artificially-intelligent bots to run efficiently.

Get ready to step into the future.

SEE ALSO: Bill Gates and Steve Jobs raised their kids tech-free — and it should've been a red flag

Artificial intelligence will inspire how products are designed

Companies like Airbnb and Netflix already infuse AI into their products in a host of ways, generally to the customer's benefit.

Senior strategist Viral Shah and technology director Matteo Penzo believe 2018 will see far more companies centering their product design around the best use of AI.

"As AI becomes embedded into our products and services," they wrote, "designers are tasked not just with creating machines for humans, but creating machines that are human-like."



Other companies will join Google in the 'Algorithm Hall of Fame'

Google's PageRank feature — the search engine's ability to display the optimal results consistently at the top — may be the company's greatest achievement using algorithms.

Frog's principal solutions architect, Gonzalo Garcia-Perate, expects other companies to make similar leaps in 2018. They will join Google in the "Algorithm Hall of Fame," he wrote.

He said likely candidates include the first company to achieve full vehicle autonomy or create platforms to make universal basic income a possibility.



Virtual and augmented reality will become communal experiences

Right now, virtual reality is a pretty isolating experience. You put on a headset and immerse yourself in a world that only you inhabit.

Going forward, says frog visual designer Seth Mach, VR (and its cousin, augmented reality, or AR) will allow people to explore untold worlds together. They'll get to play, work, and explore communally — in alternate realities.

"Soon, instead of being lone travelers on our augmented and virtual journeys, we'll have friends along for the ride," he wrote.



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Here are the 8 ships the US Navy commissioned in 2017

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US Navy Little Rock

The United States Navy saw some big leaps forward over the last year. A total of eight ships were commissioned in 2017, including the first of a new class of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, an expeditionary support base, and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. That’s an increase from the five commissioned in 2016.

These are the new ships:

SEE ALSO: The Coast Guard is asking for help responding to a 'mini arms buildup' with Russia in the Arctic

8. USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10)

This Independence-class littoral combat ship was commissioned on June 10, 2017. Armed with a 57mm gun, the SeaRAM point-defense system, and some .50-caliber machine guns, this vessel primarily brings speed to the table, but still packs a punch.



7. USS John Finn (DDG 113)

Named after a sailor who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the first of the restarted Arleigh Burke-class destroyers was commissioned on July 15, 2017. The U.S. Navy decided to begin production on this class of vessel after the decision was made to stop the Zumwalt class at three hulls.



6. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

This nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the first in her class, entered service on July 22, 2017. This ship was supposed to replace USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in 2015, but was delayed. She is slated to make her first deployment in 2020.



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The 31-year-old Koch heir who is suing his ex-fiancee over a $250,000 ring is known as 'king of the wild pants' and plays tennis at Mar-a-Lago

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Wyatt Ingraham Koch

• Koch heir Wyatt Koch is suing his former fiancee Ivie Gabrielle Slocumb in order to retrieve a $250,000 engagement ring, The Daily Mail reported.

• Koch is the son of billionaire William Koch.

• He runs his own fashion brand in Palm Beach.



A broken engagement is almost always a source of pain, disappointment and turmoil for those involved.

But for one formerly betrothed couple in Florida, there's also a huge rock worth thousands of dollars on the line, too.

The Daily Mail reported Wyatt Koch filed suit against his ex-fiancee Ivie Gabrielle Slocumb after she failed to return her $250,000 engagement ring once their relationship ended. According to The Palm Beach Daily News, Koch bought the ring for $180,000 at Manufacturing Jewelers on Madison Avenue in March 2017.

Koch is the 31-year-old son of billionaire William Koch, who broke away from his brothers in the 1990s and hosted fundraisers for US President Donald Trump during the 2016 election, according to Fortune. Wyatt Koch lives in Florida, where he runs his own fashion line — Wyatt Ingraham.

Here's a look at the life and career of this Koch heir:

SEE ALSO: Brothers share what it was like quitting their corporate jobs to sell ties on the beach and cofound Vineyard Vines, a company worth nearly $1 billion

Koch's parents William Koch and Joan Granlund divorced when he was young. He was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut and New York City, and told Palm Beach Illustrated he has fond childhood memories of spending time on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, too.

Source: Palm Beach Illustrated, Tampa Bay Times, The Washington Post, Wyatt Ingraham, The Palm Beach Daily News



Koch's love of fashion began early, from where he first donned a "Yves Saint Laurent black with white pinstripes ensemble" at the age of 15, according to Palm Beach Magazine. He told The Palm Beach Record that he was voted "most fashionable" in high school.

Source: Palm Beach Magazine, The Palm Beach Record



In 2006, he moved to Palm Beach, where both of his parents live. Koch also owns a 450-acre ranch called Wonderland in Okeechobee, Florida.

Source: Palm Beach Magazine, Variety, Palm Beach Daily News



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4 effective acne treatments that you can find in your kitchen

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princes diaries cucumber

As much as we’d all like to believe that acne is a uniquely-teenage problem, many adults still struggle with the occasional (or not-so-occasional) breakout. But the high-octane ingredients in prescription acne creams can easily zap moisture from post-pubescent skin, resulting in a dull and arid complexion. Luckily, you don’t have to resort to chemical-heavy (and budget-heavy) topical medicines … not when you have a whole suite of acne-fighting ingredients already in your kitchen cabinets.

Loaded with antioxidants and skin-soothing properties, these DIY treatments will banish your acne the all-natural way.

Honey

A kitchen workhorse that’s also a time-honored natural acne weapon, honey can be particularly effective in reducing the size and redness of a sudden blemish.

"Raw honey is antibacterial; [when] slathered on the face for ten minutes, [it can] be helpful for stubborn pimples," Dr. Rhonda Klein of Connecticut Dermatology Group told INSIDER.



Yogurt

When it comes to making a top-quality face mask from kitchen ingredients, Dr. Klein recommended plain yogurt as your base.

"Yogurt is rich in probiotics, B vitamins, calcium, lactic acid, and zinc," she told INSIDER, citing these qualities as beneficial for acne relief.

Don’t just start spreading berry-flavored yogurt on your face, though; Dr. Klein specifically advised the use of "plain, unflavored and unsweetened yogurt with live cultures". She also emphasized the importance of using full-fat yogurt for your mask, as low-fat versions "may cause irritation or aggravation of your acne."

Yogurt can also double as an anti-acne cleanser. According to Dr. Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist and RealSelf contributor, the yogurt should be massaged into dampened skin and left on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

"Yogurt contains lactic acid — an alpha-hydroxy acid — which exfoliates the skin to reduce and prevent clogged pores," Dr. Shah explained to INSIDER. He cautioned the impatient among us that yogurt-based acne treatments take a few days to show results.

"It usually takes 4-7 days, but some may notice results earlier," he said.



Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar’s got a definite (and, possibly, undeserved) reputation as a cure-all, supposedly beneficial for weight loss, blood-sugar regulation, and gut health. But can it help combat an acne attack? According to Caleb Backe, Health & Wellness Expert for Maple Holistics, it absolutely can.

"[Apple cider vinegar] can help to cleanse your skin and strip it of any dirt or grime. It penetrates the skin and cleans it from the inside out, making your face an inhospitable environment for bacteria and oil build-up," Backe told INSIDER.

He recommended diluting the apple cider vinegar with water (in a 1:3 ratio) before applying it to the skin.



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Too many people make the same mistake on their resume — and it makes finding a job much harder

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resume, job interview

  • Your resume needs to clearly convey what skills you can provide employers.
  • Read the job posting thoroughly and align your skills and past experience with the necessary qualifications.
  • Identify the keywords in the posting and make sure you mention them at least once in your resume and cover letter.
  • Quantify your achievements with numbers that show your successes.
  • Leave off cliched terms like 'team player' and 'people person' — these are overused and hiring managers are tired of seeing them.


Your resume is not about you. Sure, it has your name at the top and it traces your career progression. But to serve its true purpose — securing you a great job — it can't be a mere autobiography.

Instead, experts say, your resume should be a mirror, one designed to reflect the ideal candidate for the open position you seek.

What hiring managers are looking for is evidence that applicants' skills will help meet the company's goals. So when considering what to include on a resume, don't just list a summary of qualifications like job titles, dates and duties.

"A resume needs to clearly convey what you can do for employers," says Katherine Akbar, president of Your Edge for Success, a writing and career services company based in the District of Columbia. "The biggest mistake that people make is only talking about what they have done and failing to show the benefit they have provided."

Here's how to turn your resume into an irresistible reflection by packing it with direct explanations and subtle clues about your career skills.

SEE ALSO: 10 jobs everyone under 40 wants to get

Do your homework

It's fussy and time-consuming, but the secret to job-hunting success is tailoring your resume to every single position you apply for, says Heather Barker, director of human resources for oil and gas company TGS.

Each employer looks for a unique combination of skills and experience, and you should do your best to align your resume with the profile of each company's ideal candidate (while remaining honest, of course). To figure out this profile, read the job advertisement thoroughly.

Additionally, employers want to hire people who understand the company culture and share its values. To discern these details, check out the company's website and social media accounts and talk to current or former employees.



Include keywords in your skills section

Many companies run job seekers' resumes through applicant tracking systems designed to search for specific keywords. Resumes that don't contain these magic words are automatically discarded.

Keywords often are present in job advertisements, so be sure to read each one carefully to identify phrases that will ensure your resume makes the cut. After you've picked the keywords out, "make sure those appear at least once and preferably more than once in a resume and cover letter," Akbar says.

Additionally, she recommends saving space on your resume for a "separate section of core competencies," or a list of skills. These should contain probable keywords and mirror the requirements of the job you're seeking, plus include anything else relevant to the industry in general. On a resume for a position in computer science, for example, list the coding languages and software you know how to use that the job will require.

Employers look for people whose career experience closely matches the responsibilities of the job for which they're hiring, which means that a specific job title might be a keyword. If you've never held a position with the exact title of the one for which you're applying, but your responsibilities were a match, explain that with a brief phrase in parentheses, Akbar says: Associate People Coordinator (human resources associate).



Skills to put on a resume

Even though every employer has unique needs, most share a few common goals, Akbar says. Her list of skills for resumes includes these abilities:

· Increase revenue

· Save time

· Make processes more efficient

· Solve problems

· Improve the company's reputation

· Prevent liabilities

· Cut costs

If you have job skills that can help meet these needs, include them on your resume. Explain how you've used them in previous jobs in a way that makes it immediately clear to a hiring manager how you will use them at his or her company.

Other skills for resumes include proficiency or fluency in languages other than English, which are assets in the increasingly global economy. Make sure to include those, too.



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The best gaming keyboards 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.

gaming keyboard 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • A great gaming keyboard can be the difference between first and second place, and the Corsair K95 Platinum is the best of the bunch, thanks to its beautiful mechanical feel, RGB color profiles, and comfortable layout.

When it comes to buying computer peripherals, gamers often need something a little higher quality than everyone else. After all, when you’re gaming, every millisecond counts, and the feel of a keyboard and mouse can have a pretty major effect on a gamer’s performance.

There are quite a few things to consider when buying a gaming keyboard. While most gamers would argue that a wired keyboard is the right way to go, some still might prefer the convenience of a wireless keyboard.

You’ll also want to think about whether or not you want a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards often feel better and are a little more responsive than membrane keyboards, which are often featured on cheaper all-in-one computers or in cheap laptops. Mechanical keyboards also often last longer than membrane keyboards.

There are a few other features to think about, too. For example, you could get a keyboard with RGB lighting, which allows you to customize the backlighting color of your keyboard for cool visual effects.

Of course, there are a ton of gaming keyboard out there — and not all of them are good choices to buy. That’s why we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line keyboard with the best performance possible, or simply a great keyboard to fit your budget, we’ve put together a guide to the best gaming keyboards you can buy.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Corsair K95 Platinum Keyboard is our top pick and why you might prefer the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 Keyboard, the Logitech G Pro Keyboard, the Logitech G613 Keyboard, or the Corsair K55 RGB Keyboard.

The best gaming keyboard overall

Why you'll love it: If you’re looking for a keyboard with all the bells and whistles – like RGB color profiles and a wrist rest – then the Corsair K95 Platinum is the keyboard for you.

If you’re looking for a keyboard with lost of fun, special features, then the Corsair K95 Platinum is the keyboard for you. Not only is it well-designed and beautiful to look at, it also works like a dream.

The keyboard features everything you would want from a high-end keyboard. It boasts full RGB color-profiles and it even has 8MB of storage so you can store and those profiles and switch between them effortlessly. It’s also a fully mechanical keyboard, so those of you who are looking for that tactile mechanical feel and the durability that comes with it will enjoy the keys.

Not only is the Corsair K95 a beast, its design is comfortable, too. The keyboard features a nice rubberized wrist rest that can be flipped over for either a textured or a smooth feel. It’s full-sized, with a number pad, and it offers six programmable buttons on the left, which could be very helpful to gamers who are willing to dive into the included software.

Most reviewers agree that this is the keyboard to beat, and as such, most have given it pretty spectacular reviews. PCGamer gave the keyboard 9.5/10, while IGN went a step further to give it 9.6. Whether it’s 9.5 or 9.6, however, the consensus is that the Corsair K95 Platinum is about as good as a gaming keyboard can get.

Pros: Well-designed, customizable, mechanical, RGB color profiles

Cons: Expensive, large

Buy the Corsair K95 Keyboard on Amazon for $199.99



The best mechanical gaming keyboard

Why you'll love it: The Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 offers a super satisfying mechanical motion that’s perfect for lovers of mechanical keyboards, plus, it's super cool looking.

The Corsair K95 Platinum may well be the best gaming keyboard out there, but if you’re looking for a great keyboard that places a heavy emphasis on the mechanical aspect of the keyboard, then the Razer BlackWidow Chroma may be the one for you.

The original BlackWidow Chroma is a few years old now, but now there’s the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2, which offers many of the same features as the original keyboard, with slightly improved software. It also brings wrist rests for a more comfortable overall experience. 

The keyboard boasts colorful RGB profiles, excellent accompanying software, and customizable buttons. Most important of all, though, is the keyboard's super satisfying typing experience. It also boasts ports for headphones and microphones, which is perfect for gamers.

We aren’t the only ones that liked the Razer BlackWidow Chrome V2. It’s been consistently well-reviewed by all the major tech reviewers. Tom’s Guide and Trusted Reviews both gave the keyboard 8/10, which is a very respectable score. The only downside to the keyboard? It’s still a little expensive, and the RGB lighting isn’t the most well put together.  

Pros: Excellent design, palm rests, customizable buttons

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 on Amazon for $139.99 (originally $169.99)



The best compact gaming keyboard

Why you'll love it: The Logitech G Pro keyboard does away with the rarely-used number pad to offer a much more compact footprint.

The Logitech G Pro series has been pretty well-reviewed, and while the G Pro mouse is probably better-known, the keyboard has a lot to offer, too. For starters, it’s ultra-compact, which is great news for gamers on the go, or those of you who simply want to save a little desk space.

There’s always a trade-off when it comes to cutting down on space, and in this case, that trade-off is the number pad. Now, number pads are a little dated at this point, but many gamers still swear by them, and if that’s you, you should probably avoid this keyboard. If, however, you’re fine with doing away with the number pad, then this is the gaming keyboard for you.

Logitech has put a lot of attention to detail into this keyboard. For example, the keyboard offers a so-called “game mode,” which shuts down buttons like the Windows button, which would close down a game if accidentally pressed while playing. It also offers lit keys, a nice, braided Micro USB cable, and more. That cable is detachable, which is great for those who need to take the keyboard on the go.

There are some downsides to this keyboard, apart from the lack of a number pad. The keyboard is also pretty expensive, and it doesn’t come with a carry case — an extra you should have for a device that's built to be portable. Those downsides, however, aren’t enough to dissuade reviewers. Tom’s Guide gave the keyboard 8/10, and IGN gave it an even better 9/10.

Pros: Small, well-designed, detachable cable

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Logitech G Pro Keyboard on Amazon for $94.99 (originally $129.99)



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A relationship therapist breaks down the 10 most common fights couples have

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ross rachel friends negotiation

When I asked Rachel Sussman, a a relationship expert and marriage counselor in New York City, about the most common fights couples have, she started mentioning things like chores and social media. I was skeptical. These issues seemed relatively trivial, especially compared to infidelity or a clash in parenting styles.

But Sussman explained that the fight isn't so much about the issue itself as it is about a lack of communication. "If you're someone who has really poor communication skills," she told me, "that might mean that the minute your partner brings something up, you get very defensive, or you start with the 'tit for tat.'" Which means that "no matter what you're arguing about, that could escalate into a really big fight."

Sussman described 10 of the most common sources of conflict among the couples she sees — and importantly, she said, working on your communication skills is the key to resolving them all. "If you can communicate well, you can get through these issues in a way that can actually bring you closer together," she said. "And if you can't communicate well, it makes it so much worse and can actually tear you apart."

SEE ALSO: 7 common reasons people say they got divorced

Commitment

When unmarried couples come to see Sussman, they often want to talk about commitment. Typically, Sussman said, one partner feels like they're more committed than the other. Or, one partner wants to "move the relationship forward" by moving in together or getting engaged and is encountering some resistance.



Chores

If couples are fighting about household chores, Sussman said, it's probably because "one person feels like they're taking the lion's share of the work."

In Sussman's experience working with heterosexual couples, that person is usually the woman. Meanwhile, she added, "I often hear the men feeling that they're doing a lot but they don't get credit for it. They get picked on a lot."

Indeed, according to a 2007 Pew Research poll, sharing household chores is the third most important factor in a successful marriage. (The first two are faithfulness and a happy sexual relationship).

And in an excerpt from "Fast-Forward Family" published 2013 in The Atlantic, three researchers write that even today, women still tend to shoulder the brunt of their family's housework.



Social media

Sussman said she's seen a spike in the number of complaints about a partner's social media habits in the last five years. Typically, couples with these kinds of problems are in their 20s and 30s.

One person might complain, for example, "that their life is plastered all over social media or they think their partner is addicted to their phone." Sussman's also heard from people who are worried that their partner is following a ton of models on Instagram.

Another common issue? Staying in touch with an ex on social media.



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There's an enormous park in Moscow that rivals Central Park — here's what it's like to visit

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russia walking tour

First opened in 1939 as an agricultural exhibition, Moscow’s Vystavka Dostinzheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva — you can call it VDNH— has grown into something much more than that.

After several name changes and renovations, the park is now a major hub of the Russian capital, even boasting its own eponymous metro stop. With more than two million square meters of territory to explore, VDNH is stuffed with museums, shops, cultural displays, amusement park rides, a functioning farm, and the largest ice skating rink in Europe.

Bring comfortable walking shoes.

As the full name of the park translates to “Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy of the USSR,” there are displays of Soviet might everywhere. Figuring prominently into the park’s geography are a number of ornate pavilions dedicated to former Soviet republics, each one containing displays (and gift shops) hawking that country’s wares.

VDNH simultaneously serves as a place to commemorate Soviet achievement as well as a place to enjoy a sunny Moscow afternoon. We visited in December, which is quite the frozen off-season, but there was still no shortage of things to see.

To get to VDNH, we had to first ride the metro to the stop of the same name.



Before even entering the park, the foreboding “Monument to the Conquerors of Space” loomed high over everything. Built in 1964, this 351-foot statue depicts a rocket in flight, a tip of the hat to Soviet aviation ingenuity. But there’s much more inside the park.



A short walk away from the metro, we found the main entrance to VDNH.

You’ll notice there’s a construction platform around the plaza for restoration work. More on that soon.



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Google’s new premium Pixelbook costs an eye-watering $1,600 — here are the pros and cons to consider before buying it

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pixelbook

  • Google is now offering the high-end model of its 2017 Pixelbook. 
  • The Core i7 model is now available for sale at the Google Play Store, B&H Video and Best Buy. It starts at $1,549.
  • Google has bundled the netbook with several perks. 

 

Google is now offering the high-end model of its 2017 Pixelbook, which features the Intel Core i7 processor. The netbook line has gotten many positive reviews, but with a hefty price tag, consumers may need some convincing that the premium version is favorable, even over the significantly cheaper Core i5 models. 

Here are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing the latest Google Pixelbook:

SEE ALSO: 6 potential iPhone X upgrades to look forward to in 2018

DON'T MISS: Samsung might be using its new Galaxy A8 smartphone as a testbed for a rumored Galaxy S9 feature

Pro: A $100 discount is currently available

The Core i7 Google Pixelbook originally sells for $1,649, but it is currently selling for $1,549.

 



Con: It's too late to order it online for Christmas

The Core i7 Google Pixelbook available at the Google Play Store will ship January 3, 2018.

 



Pro: This Pixelbook model is also available at brick-and-mortar stores.

If you don't want to buy it online, the Core i7 Google Pixelbook is also available at B&H and Best Buy. Consumers can purchase the netbook online from those vendors, but will likely face the same shipping times as Google. Stop by a physical location for faster access. 

 



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10 things most people probably don't realize about bitcoin

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bitcoin

Unless you completely avoid the internet (which clearly you don't if you're on this site), you've probably heard about bitcoin. We've even written about it before.

With all the hype around bitcoin, we think there are a few extra important pieces of information you should know.

Here are 10 interesting facts about bitcoin:

 

SEE ALSO: 4 ways to start investing, even if you're worried about the stock market

1. It's not really anonymous

Trying to explain the entirety of why bitcoin isn't anonymous would take forever, and even I don't understand it as well as hackers and other technology junkies.

I covered this point in my previous bitcoin guide, but it bears repeating.

Bitcoin isn't completely anonymous.

Hackers and government agencies have the means to track pretty much anything, including bitcoin. If someone can connect multiple nodes to the bitcoin network, the combined data collected from these different nodes might be enough to determine where a transaction originated.

For a more complete explanation of bitcoin's anonymity, check out this article.



2. Different countries regard bitcoin differently

Typically, bitcoin is not regulated by national governments—which is part of the reason it's so popular. But the laws around bitcoin range from it being recognized as legal currency to being "discouraged" by governments.

Australia and Japan, for example, treat bitcoin like any other form of currency. While Jordan and Lebanon have issued official statements saying they don't support the use of bitcoin. This doesn't prevent citizens of these countries from using bitcoin, however.

Here's a list of how a number of countries treat bitcoin around the world.



3. There's a limited amount

When bitcoin was founded—the creator (see number six below) only made a limited amount. 21 million to be exact. Currently, over 16 million are in circulation, but more are being mined every day.

 



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