At 2017's worst, it didn't just feel like everything was on fire. Parts of the world literally were — and still are — burning.

There were fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, droughts, and volcanic eruptions.

Some of the photos of those events gave the past year a very "end of the world" sort of feel.

These are some of the most apocalyptic images we spotted.

SEE ALSO: The most stunning science photos of 2017

As the Thomas Fire blazed in California, it filled the sky with so much smoke that the sun peeking through took on an orange hue.

A five-year drought in Brazil left cracked ground where water used to fill the Boqueirao reservoir in Paraiba state.

This was just one of at least 41 humpback whales to wash ashore dead on the Eastern Seaboard of the US in an "unusual mortality event" that stretched back to 2016.

Meghan Markle is a jetsetter.

Long before she was taking couple's trips with fiancé Prince Harry, she was already a frequent flyer, writing about her journeys on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig.

From girls trips to Spain and Italy, to attending weddings in Greece, to plenty of beach destinations, below is where she's vacationed over the past few years.

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have surprisingly affordable style — and it's a brilliant political strategy

DON'T MISS: We compared Meghan Markle's and Kate Middleton's fashion choices — and the winner is clear

Markle took a girls trip to Ibiza, Spain, last August.

Instagram Embed:
http://instagram.com/p/BI2mpIEDaBW/embed/
Width: 800px

She also stopped in Madrid, Spain, during the same trip.

Instagram Embed:
http://instagram.com/p/BJAdnwXgj0Y/embed/
Width: 800px

She traveled to the white-sand beaches of St. Barts in 2014.

Instagram Embed:
http://instagram.com/p/sOl7_lGBOW/embed/
Width: 800px

Contrary to popular belief, menswear doesn't have to be boring.

This year, celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Cole Sprouse, and DJ Khaled proved that having a great sense of style means not only nailing a classic suit-and-tie look, but also deviating from the norm and experimenting with colors and patterns.

Keep reading to see INSIDER's list of the best-dressed men of 2017.

Eddie Redmayne has a suave aesthetic. In January, the actor wore a sleek, double-breasted tux to a Golden Globes after-party in Los Angeles, California.

Redmayne often keeps his outfits simple and polished, proving that sometimes less is more.

Mahershala Ali often sticks to classic silhouettes and patterns, making for timeless outfits. In February, the actor wore a sleek, all-black tux to the Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.

It was a big year for the "Moonlight" actor, who constantly wore dapper looks to red carpet events.

Ryan Gosling uses clothing to show off his personality. The "La La Land" star wore a '70s-inspired shirt underneath his tux when he attended the Oscars in February.

Gosling often wears patterned shirts and outfits that err on the side of casual on the red carpet. His style is a direct reflection of his quirky personality.

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.

• Most people have a Flexible Spending Account through their employer, but completely forget it exists.
• Money from that fund can be spent on many everyday items, but it doesn't roll over so you have to act soon.
• We rounded up 20 unexpected items to buy with FSA dollars to help you best spend yours before the end of the year.

With the holiday season underway, you're probably spending more than you normally would. You still need to get everyone on your list a gift, but at the same time you should be looking to save money any way possible. Beyond using Insider Picks' 2017 Holiday Gift Guides to make every dollar count, you can get many everyday items you need with money you may have completely forgot about.

If you're a working professional, there's a good chance you've set up a Flexible Savings Account through your employer to use on certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. While many people take that to mean copayments at doctor visits, FSA dollars are good for much more than that. Expensive necessities like glasses, contacts, first aid kits, heating pads, bandages, acne treatments, sunscreens, heating pads, and family planning products are just some of the many items FSA dollars can be used on.

Using FSA dollars on items you need regardless of a sale or special occasion can free up some of your hard-earned cash, but there is one catch. Flexible Savings Accounts operate on a "use it or lose it" basis, meaning you must spend it or it will expire at the end of the year. With 2017 coming to an end very soon, now is the best time to spend your leftover FSA bucks.

Whether you want to treat yourself to prescription sunglasses, or decide to stock up on useful healthcare products, we rounded up some of the best choices below.

Spend FSA dollars all glasses at GlassesUSA now.

Shop all FSA-approved items at Walgreens now.

Check out the best items to spend your FSA dollars on before 2017 ends, below:

SEE ALSO: 20 brilliantly simple and cheap upgrades that improve your everyday life

Glasses

Buy one pair of glasses and get one free by using the promo code "ellen" at checkout. 

Shop all glasses at GlassesUSA now.

Band-Aids

Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Bandages, $8.79

Heatwraps

ThermaCare Air-Activated Heatwraps, $7.49

Seth Meyers will be hosting the 2018 Golden Globes, to be held on January 7 on NBC.

He'll probably do a great job. But there are other options.

For the most part, the hosts for major awards shows are the same people who host late night comedy talk shows. Meyers is handling the Globes, Jimmy Kimmel will emcee next year's Oscars, as he did this year, and James Corden will host the Grammys again in January. Next year's Emmys host hasn't been announced yet, but this year Stephen Colbert took the duty.

It makes sense. Hosting a major awards show is a tough job. They seem perpetually at risk of becoming stale, solemn affairs. It's up to the host to keep it energetic, manage egos of big stars, and honor the TV shows, movies, or songs at the same time. This is pretty much what late-night talk show hosts do on a smaller scale every night.

But in a balkanized media landscape, where there are so many different kinds of shows, movies, and types of music on so many different kinds of platforms, there's also something to be said for ejecting the standard trope of having a white male late-night funnyman host the show.

There's plenty of talent in all corners of the industry. Take Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, two "Saturday Night Live" alumni who made the Golden Globes ceremonies a blast when they hosted. And while Anne Hathaway and James Franco flopped the year they hosted the Oscars, it doesn't mean the show should do away with having a pair of actors try it again.

Here are 17 different ideas for Golden Globes hosts. Heck, come to think of it, they could work for the Oscars, Grammys, or Emmys as well.

Issa Rae

The showrunner, actress, and writer is best known for HBO's "Insecure," but she's ready for a bigger spotlight. Rae is charming and hilarious in every interview she gives, and she has the chops to put on a good show and give every star their due.

Samantha Bee

Give a female late-night talk show host a chance! The Jimmys are fine, but Bee's TBS show "Full Frontal" is just as funny and much, much sharper — particularly when it comes to the position of women in society, which is currently plaguing Hollywood. She could do a lot with a stage like the Golden Globes or Oscars.

Ellen DeGeneres and Jon Stewart

Ellen did a great job at the Oscars in 2014. Give her another go! In the past few years, her star has only risen as she's figured out how to grab viral moments from the web and translate them to everyone, or cause viral moments herself.

Jon Stewart is a little musty, but he's due for a return. His dry, cutting humor is a perfect compliment to Ellen's shrewd, bubbly approach. Pairing them together would be perfect.

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

The Insider Pick:

• The best woks are nonstick, provide even and consistent heat distribution, are easy to clean, and are built to last a lifetime. This description fits the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Wok to a T, plus, it's oven-safe and made in the USA.

A stir fry is a healthy meal alternative that even the pickiest of vegetable eaters can warm up to. This simple and tasty dish is best made in a wok because of the cookware’s quick frying abilities and the fabulous flavors it produces.

But, stir-fries are not all that woks are good for. Used in China for millennia, the wok is ideal for a broad array of Chinese cuisine that requires high heat searing. Today's woks are versatile enough to replace your standard frying pans as you cook fried potatoes, eggs, burgers, steamed vegetables, and even popcorn. And, if you are interested in using your wok for deep frying or smoking, there are woks that come with lids.

Woks are made from a wide range of materials and each has strengths and weaknesses. Carbon steel is traditionally a favorite material for woks because it reacts quickly to heat adjustments and has a natural nonstick finish. However, they can be quite expensive, and we could not find a model that was worth recommending.

Cast iron woks are much more affordable and also have a nonstick finish from their cooking oil seasoning. Cast iron is a heavy material, and it does not cool quickly. Some users may find the cleaning, drying, and oil seasoning process tedious.

Stainless steel woks have grown in popularity in recent years because of the buyer demand for nonstick (without a need for seasoning), dishwasher-safe alternatives. Stainless steel is also durable and not prone to rust. Aluminum is also used to make woks because of how lightweight and heat conductive it is. Many models use stainless steel with an aluminum core to take advantage of the positives of both of these materials.

We thoroughly researched the expert and consumer experiences with dozens of wok styles and models before picking the best woks. In order for a wok to be included in our guide, it needed a strong history of durability, even heat transfer, and ease of use and maintenance.

Although we chose the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Wok as the best wok overall, there are several reasons why you might prefer the Cooks Standard 13-Inch Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Wok, the T-fal Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok, the TeChef - Art Pan Wok, and the Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Flat-Bottom Wok. Read on in the slides below to find out more.

SEE ALSO: The best cast iron skillets and pans you can buy

The best wok overall

Why you'll love it: The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Wok is ideal for home chefs who want a wok that is versatile and durable.

The Lodge Wok is made entirely of cast iron, which is celebrated by foodies the world over for its heat retention properties. The pan is 14 inches in diameter at the top and has a 5.5-inch flat base that works on most cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, and induction stovetops. This product comes seasoned with oil, which gives it nonstick properties that improve with use.

If you are unfamiliar with cast iron, you should understand that it requires special cleaning. First of all, never put it in the dishwasher. Instead, hand wash with a non-abrasive cloth and water. Next, dry it immediately. I use heat to evaporate absolutely all of the water. Lastly, apply oil to the interior of the pan using a paper towel.

Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes included the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Wok on its list of the best woks because of the design and size. Specifically, the reviewer liked that the flat bottom was ideal for electric and gas stoves and the handles on both sides allowed for a firm grip.

SacredRice lauded the Lodge wok because the cast iron construction allowed for optimal heat retention and transfer. However, the reviewer noted that the heft of the pan (it weighs more than 10 pounds) limits its maneuverability. 

More than 950 Amazon customers have given the Lodge wok a five-star rating. Buyers like that they can cook just about anything in it and not just Asian cuisine. Buyers appreciate that Lodge clearly put much effort into constructing a quality wok. The inside surface is smooth and curved, the exterior is flat on the bottom, and it comes seasoned.

There don’t appear to be any major complaints other than warnings that this product is quite heavy, and therefore, you should be careful when handling it since it could cause damage if dropped.

Pros: Retains heat, durable construction, designed for even cooking

Cons: Heavy, requires oven mitts to hold handles

Buy the Lodge P14W3 Seasoned Cast Iron Wok on Amazon for $49.96

The best stainless steel wok

Why you'll love it: With its large lid, cool handles, and stainless-steel construction, the Cooks Standard 13-Inch Stainless Steel Wok is a pleasure to use and easy to clean.

The Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Wok is not made out of solid stainless steel. It features an aluminum core with 18/10 stainless steel on the cooking surfaces. This allows for more heat control and makes the wok slightly lighter, but with the lid, it still weighs almost eight pounds.

The handles are solid stainless steel and remain cool throughout the cooking process. The pan measures about 5-inches deep with steep sides tapering to a gentle slope near the bottom. Cooks Standard stands behind this product with a lifetime limited warranty.

In its in-depth look at the best woks, Foodal rated the Cooks Standard wok highly because it is dishwasher safe, oven safe (up to 500 degrees), and is useful on all types of stovetops. BestReviews calls it the best wok because it comes with a lid, has stay-cool handles, and the stainless steel design causes the heat to spread evenly. However, the reviewers were critical of how heavy the pan is. 

Around 80% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed the Cooks Standard wok gave it five stars. Customers like how large the pan is and that it heats food evenly throughout. Buyers report that they have achieved excellent results even when using oil sparingly. And, despite treating the wok harshly, any debris or burnt-on carbon comes off easily after a short soak.

There were few complaints about this model. All we could find was one verified purchaser who was upset it was made in China and not the United States.

Pros: Includes a lid, easy to clean, stay-cool handles

Cons: Heavy, takes up a lot of space with its lid

Buy the Cooks Standard 13-Inch Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Wok on Amazon for $57.24

The best wok on a budget

Why you'll love it: If you are looking for a multi-use wok that cleans up effortlessly and is easy on the wallet, you should consider purchasing the T-fal Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok.

The T-fal Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok is 14 inches in diameter and made of durable aluminum for precise and quick heating. The aluminum is covered with a nonstick coating both outside and in. The handle is silicone, which is comfortable and keeps your hands away from the heat.

The pan is dishwasher safe, though we recommend hand washing, and oven safe but only up to 350 degrees. Lastly, the entire wok has a lifetime limited warranty.

On a personal note, I use several T-fal pans in my kitchen on a daily basis. They have the same nonstick coating found on this wok. We have not had any issues with the nonstick coating rubbing away despite years of use and inattentive family members putting the pans in the dishwasher or using metal utensils on them.

Heavy ranked the T-fal Jumbo Wok highly on its list of the best woks because it is oven safe up to 350 degrees, has a nonstick exterior and interior, and features a large 14-inch surface. However, reviewers found the surface scratches easily, and it slides easily on cooking surfaces. BestReviews found this wok provided the “best bang for the buck” thanks to the lightweight design and fast, even heat distribution, but it lost points because of durability concerns. 

Around 87% of the Amazon customers who reviewed the T-fal wok gave it four or five stars. Buyers liked that it is surprisingly light for how large the pan is. Several people mentioned that they replaced some of their sauté pans with this versatile wok. There were a few concerns though.

One verified purchaser’s wok arrived with a curved rim to the pan, clearly a defect. Also, many buyers would have preferred if a lid were included with this setup. Lastly, if you cook daily with the wok, the nonstick coating may start to wear off after one or more years of use.

Pros: Lightweight design, easy to clean, even heat distribution, lifetime limited warranty

Cons: Durability and scratching concerns, no lid

Buy the T-fal A80789 Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok on Amazon for $20.24 (originally $44.99)

In all of its branches, the US military had an incredibly active 2017.

Luckily, photographers were often on hand to capture the training, combat, and downtime of the men and women in uniform.

We've broken out the best photos of each of the military's five branches — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Now, we want to highlight the best of the best, 50 images that show the wide range of what military life entails.

Check the amazing photos out below:

SEE ALSO: We took a rare tour of one of the US Navy's most dangerous warships — nicknamed the 'Sledgehammer of Freedom'

NAVY:

See more photos of the US Navy in 2017 here >>

Sailors create snow angels on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on January 7 after returning home from a deployment.

A member of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 traverses a mud-filled pit while participating in the endurance course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan, on February 17.

• Body language is a major part of how we communicate.

• It's important to cultivate positive body language habits and avoid other behaviors that diminish how you appear to others.

• Slouching, shuffling, and aggressive eye contact are all body language habits that are best to drop.

It's not what you say, it's how you say it.

It's a cliché, but it's true. Body language is a crucial part of communicating. The way you act can warp the entire meaning of what you're saying.

That being said, bad body language habits are the often hardest habits to break. We become so accustomed to slouching, averting our eyes, or folding our arms that we barely even notice what we're doing.

Here are several body language mistakes that are going to be tough to ditch. Still, if you're able to quit them, you'll definitely thank yourself later.

SEE ALSO: 6 body language tricks that are hard to master but will pay off forever

DON'T MISS: You can tell someone's lying to you by watching their face — here are 12 dead giveaways

Fidgeting

If you've gotten into the habit of fidgeting, it can be difficult to snap out of it. But it's important to take steps to reigning in this nervous habit.

Fidgeting demonstrates nervousness and a lack of power, as body-language expert and "The Power of Body Language" author Tonya Reiman previously told Business Insider.

Playing with your hair

Leave your hair alone. Constantly running your hands across your scalp and twirling your locks is pretty distracting. Plus, as ABC reported, it can damage your hair overtime. It can be hard to quit, so try playing around a stress ball instead of your hair.

Adopting a defensive pose

Many people naturally cross their arms or hunch over a bit just because they don't know what to do with their hands.

However, this posture can make you look uncomfortable, defensive, or untrustworthy.

"You should always keep your hands in view when you are talking," Patti Wood, a body- language expert and author of "SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions Body Language and Charisma," previously told Business Insider. When a listener can't see your hands, they wonder what you are hiding."

It was an incredible year in sports for women, with some of the biggest names in all sports achieving some incredible feats.

ESPNW has named the top plays of the year, including moments from Serena Williams, Katie Ledecky, and the jump shot that ended one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Here are the top plays according to ESPNW, via ESPN.

10. Sloane Stephens' match point to win the US Open

Youtube Embed:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/luhfwXTvozM
Width: 560px
Height: 315px

9. Maya Moore clinches WNBA championship with a jumper in final 30 seconds of Game 5.

8. Katie Ledecky won the NCAA championship in the 1650-yard freestyle by 21 seconds.

Youtube Embed:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/6M_aPd0HH58?start=915
Width: 560px
Height: 315px

With nationalism and authoritarianism sweeping the globe, 2017 saw protests and marches break out from India to Kenya to the United States.

The massive political gatherings that have taken place across the world this year featured incredible scenes of human resilience and perseverance, and reporters have been there to cover every one.

Here are 17 of the most inspiring photos from protests this year:

SEE ALSO: JOHN LEGEND: Why the NFL protests are patriotic

DON'T MISS: Incredible photos inside International Women's Day marches, rallies, and protests around the world

January 21: The day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who once bragged about being able to grab women "by the p---y" on tape, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington, DC for the massive Women's March. Many more participated in sister marches in cities around the world.

Source: Business Insider

February 22: The protest camp on the Standing Rock Reservation burns down as protesters are evacuated after Trump's administration reversed a decision by former President Barack Obama on to shut down the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Source: Business Insider

March 8: A Muslim woman got arrested at the "Day Without a Woman" protest in New York City, which was organized as a followup to January's Women's March.

Source: Business Insider

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.

A few weeks after I moved into my apartment in Brooklyn, I gave video tours of the space to my groups of friends back home. Someone always inevitably noticed our dining table. "Hey that table's from IKEA, isn't it?" they would say.

I get the implication: The home goods in my apartment are virtually indistinguishable from any other young working professional's. I would love to come home to an apartment with nice, luxurious goods, but I shop at the big retailers because high-end boutiques, while great for beautiful inspiration, aren't so friendly on the wallet. 

Rachel Cohen and Andrés Modak were two recent Wharton MBA grads who moved to New York. They, too, struggled to make their apartment their own with unique, inexpensive home goods. Shopping at traditional retailers was also overwhelming and confusing — a classic example of the paradox of choice, when more options actually paralyze decision-making.

This experience led to an idea: creating an exceptional home can be refreshingly simple. 

Cohen and Modak started Snowe in 2015, which offers simple and accessible luxury goods that bring a little something extra to your home, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just carrying about your daily activities. Unlike our parents' generation, who brought out the coveted dinnerware and drinkware only once or twice a year for special occasions, the cofounders believe in the power of everyday luxury.

In an interview with Bond Street, they said, "We believe your nicest products should be used on a daily basis. That glass of wine at the end of the day, that cup of coffee you have in the morning. You want those small moments to feel luxurious." It's like the feeling of wearing a really nice but simple piece of jewelry. It makes a difference in how you carry yourself, and you actually care for that gold ring or necklace instead of throwing it around like the piece of jewelry you could've gotten anywhere. 

Cohen and Modak didn't want to settle when it came to building their home, and you don't have to either. 

Learn more about Snowe and why it's a favorite among millennial home shoppers, below.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best purchases I've made to save space in my small apartment

The shop is divided into five categories.

Eat: Dinnerware, flatware, table linens, sets, and accessories

Drink: Drinkware, serveware, sets, and accessories

Sleep: Sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvets, shams, comforters, sets, and accessories

Bathe: Towels, sets, and accessories 

Clean: Candles and diffusers 

As you browse products and images, you'll notice that Snowe's aesthetic is clean and pleasant to look at.

It gives you a taste of the look and feeling you can bring to your own home. Since all of Snowe's products come in neutral colors, they're easy to incorporate into your dining room, bedroom, and bathroom setups. 

The quality of design and craftsmanship is apparent, but the prices are actually reasonable.

Snowe's dinnerware is made from lightweight but durable porcelain and is oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. You can grab an 18-piece Dine and Serve Set, which includes plates, bowls, and serving platters, for $295. Its dishwasher-safe glassware is made from lead-free crystallized glass, and individual pieces cost $12 to $15. 

For the bedroom, Snowe offers crisp yet breathable percale and sateen sheets, duvet covers, and shams, as well as down pillows for $38 to $228. 

Its soft and quick-drying towels are made with 100% long-staple cotton and cost $8 to $48 per piece. 

2017 was undoubtedly a wild year. 

President Donald Trump was inaugurated, which has led to a seemingly never ending string of debates and controversies: the crowd size at his inauguration, the travel ban, his war of words with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, and so on. 

But there were many other events not necessarily related to Trump that unfolded as well: the Rohingya genocide, multiple mass shootings and terror attacks, hurricanes, the Mayweather/McGregor fight, and more. 

As 2017 comes to a close, we rounded up 50 of the most incredible photos from the year. 

Check them out below. 

SEE ALSO: The 50 most incredible photos of the US military in 2017

DON'T MISS: These are the most incredible photos of the US Navy in 2017

President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago, Illinois, on January 10.

Watch Obama's speech here. 

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is escorted by soldiers in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, as he is extradited to New York on January 19.

Read more about Chapo's extradition here. 

Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the US at the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 20.

Read more about the controversy over the crowd size here. 

• Mall traffic across the country has declined by as much as 50% in recent years.
• We visited Seattle's Northgate Mall, which is considered the first modern shopping mall in America.
• Northgate is competing with online retail and adding amenities like couches and virtual reality experiences.

The holiday shopping season was a big win for retailers.

But it wasn't because Americans headed out to the mall in droves. Online sales were up 18.1% this year, driving much of the growth in consumer spending.

Visits to the mall, meanwhile, have declined by as much as 50% in recent years, according to an estimate from real estate research firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Like all malls today, America's first modern shopping mall, Northgate Mall, faces tremendous headwinds as American consumers shift their spending patterns. Northgate opened in 1950 in the outer neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington, and has so far survived for nearly 70 years as a hub of commerce.

Simon Property Group, Northgate's owner, has added amenities like couches, phone charging stations, virtual reality experiences, and massage chairs to draw shoppers to the mall — and keep them there.

We visited recently to see how one mall is trying to buck the "retail apocalypse."

SEE ALSO: America's first shopping mall is making drastic changes to avoid the 'retail apocalypse' — but it may have made a costly mistake

Designed by architect John Graham Jr., Northgate Mall pioneered the dumbbell, big-box shape for malls, in which two rows of stores face each other and a department store anchors each end.

Source: Seattle PI

For nearly 70 years, the mall has been a hub of commerce for the area. But as American consumers' desires have changed, and amidst the boom in online retail, Northgate has begun to reinvent itself.

Northgate underwent significant remodeling in 2006, when the space was renovated to add new anchor stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Barnes & Noble.

Renters in America spent a record amount of money on housing in 2017.

They paid $485.6 billion to landlords, about 1% more than they did in 2016, according to Zillow. This was the slowest pace in recent years because more renters transitioned into homeownership. 

But tight supply and strong demand from buyers are likely to keep the cost of housing on the rise in 2018. "Despite recent changes to federal tax laws that have historically made homeownership financially attractive, the long-term dynamics pushing up home values and rents are unlikely to change significantly in 2018," said Aaron Terrazas, a senior economist at Zillow, in a release on Thursday.

The total value of America's housing market rose this year to $31.8 trillion. It was a 6.5% increase and the fastest pace in four years.

Here are the cities where rents increased the most in 2017, ranked in ascending order:

SEE ALSO: The GOP's big tax break for landlords could make America’s housing crisis worse

17. Indianapolis, Indiana

Total rent paid: $2.4 billion

Annual change in rent paid: 2%

16. Boston, Massachusetts

Total rent paid: $10.7 billion

Annual change in rent paid: 2.4%

15. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Total rent paid: $11.8 billion

Annual change in rent paid: 2.4%

In so many ways, 2017 was not normal. That's true for the world at large, and of course in the media and advertising business.

Consider that at the start of this year, no company on the planet was hotter than Snapchat. Now every few months it's as if the media world braces for its earnings.

Similarly, YouTube opened the year poised to steal ad money from TV. Then came ads next to PewDiePie Hitler jokes and exploitive kids videos. 

Meanwhile, three years ago 21st Century Fox tried to buy Time Warner. Just a few weeks ago, the media conglomerate sold a bunch of pieces to Disney!

Speaking of mergers, if there was one sure bet of 2017 it would be that AT&T would complete its acquisition of Time Warner. But alas, the US government suddenly doesn't love that deal (hint, like Jaws 4, this time it's personal). 

It's increasingly clear that every sector of these industries is being upended and uncertain. And everyone's afraid of the Facebook-Google duopoly. 

Other than that, no one knows anything. Happy New Year.

Brands aren't going to take it anymore. They want to know where their digital ads are running and what ad tech companies they are paying.

Everyone was mad at Facebook, whether it was for funding fake news, or for letting Russian operatives buy ads, or for ad measurement problems. But advertisers kept spending.

TV networks complained louder than ever that Nielsen can't track how many people watch shows on digital devices.

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.

Technology can get expensive, but even the most useful tech doesn't have to cost that much.

Strip away a bunch of bells and whistles and you have products that can provide a tremendous amount of value without breaking the bank.

These 10 products will keep your devices charged and safe, while also keeping you entertained and free from clutter.

If you have $20 or $50 to spend, your options open up dramatically, but you'd be surprised at what you can get for less than $10.

DON'T MISS: 26 things under $20 we can't live without

SEE ALSO: 8 must-have iPhone accessories under $20

A USB hub

If you use a lot of accessories, chances are you'll probably run out of USB ports. This is especially true with notebooks, which have fewer USB ports to begin with. If you don't want to go all out and get a dock for your computer, this 4-port USB hub will probably do the trick. I like this hub because these are USB 3.0 ports, which are significantly faster than older USB 2.0 ports. You'll notice that difference the most if you connect an external hard drive to this hub for backups.

Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub, $9.99, available at Amazon

A USB phone charger for your car

Because Apple has removed the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, this multiport car charger is next on my to-buy list. It's great if you want to charge multiple devices at once, but I'm going to use it to keep my phone and Bluetooth audio adapter charged. That way I can listen to music through my car's stereo, and make sure my iPhone has enough juice to get me to my destination.

Anker 24W Dual USB Car Charger PowerDrive 2, $9.99, available at Amazon

A multiport USB adapter

If you argue with roommates or family members about who gets to charge their phone next, save yourself the aggravation and pick up one of these power adapters. Two people can charge their devices at once, and each USB port supplies 2.4 amps of power, which is great if your device supports fast charging. 

AUKEY USB Wall Charger, $9.99, available at Amazon

Building wealth is all about planning for the long run.

That's why small, simple decisions you make today — like where you stash your savings or how much of your income you're spending on rent — are so important.

Below, we've rounded up eight things you can do right now to put more money in your bank account next year.

SEE ALSO: Here are the ages you financially peak at everything throughout life — from salary to net worth

DON'T MISS: 7 things people think are terrible for their finances that actually aren't

Set up automatic savings.

You can take the biggest step toward building wealth in 10 minutes at your computer. Setting up auto savings takes the effort and thought out of saving money.

If you set up a 401(k) through your employer, your contribution will typically be automatic, so that's a great place to start. If you want to save a portion of your after-tax income, you can connect multiple accounts to your direct deposit and designate how much money from every paycheck will move into each account.

"By saving off the top, an amazing thing will happen,"said the Money Wizard, a 27-year-old blogger who's saved over $200,000. "You won't even notice all the missed money, and you won't even have to adjust your lifestyle to meet your savings goals. Your spending will instead mold around what's left, leaving you feeling like you're living just as great of a lifestyle, all while saving a fortune."

Ask for a raise — or change jobs.

Hourly wages for US workers have risen just 2.4% in the past year, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And despite the average American believing they deserve a raise, more than 70% aren't asking for one.

Negotiating your starting salary — and continuing to negotiate every few years or when you start a new job — could make a $1 million difference in your lifetime earnings.

The key to earning more money may be switching jobs, according to an analysis from financial services company Nomura. Employees who changed jobs earned about 1% more year-over-year than those who stayed with the same employer.

Job switchers likely experience stronger bargaining power and greater salary increases when more opportunities are available or they find a new higher-paid role that better matches their talents, according to the report.

Put your money in a high-yield savings account.

Having too much money in your checking account could hold you back from building wealth.

Keep about a month's salary in your checking account so you can easily pay your bills each month. Once you have that, start building up at least three months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund.

Allowing your checking account to overflow beyond what's necessary means you're missing out on the benefit of compound interest, which is the snowball effect applied to your money.

Store your savings in a high-yield savings account, where you could be earning 1% interest on your money, rather than the 0.01% earned in a traditional checking or savings account.

Mariah Carey is an icon. 

The 47-year-old pop star has never shied away from her diva reputation. In a 2017 interview with Paper magazine, the singer explained that being a diva runs in her blood.

"I have had diva moments, and then people can't handle it," she said.

After her 2016 New Year's performance was marred by technical difficulties, the singer has decided to return to the stage where it happened and perform once again for "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve." 

"We can all agree that last year didn't go exactly as planned," Carey and Dick Clark Productions said in a joint statement, according to the Los Angeles Times. "And we are thrilled to move forward together to provide America with an incredible night of music and celebration on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2018.' See you in Times Square!"

That kind of fearlessness is what makes her Mariah.

And whether she's bringing her own lighting crew to a radio show or making up words on the Home Shopping Network, there is never a dull moment with the superstar singer. 

Here are 14 of her wildest moments.

When she subtly dissed Madonna.

Carey proved she was the queen of reactions back in 1995 when she was asked about Madonna saying she'd "rather kill myself" than sing pop songs like Carey.

The singer responded: "I really haven't paid attention to Madonna since I was in, like, seventh or eighth grade when she used to be popular, so I didn't hear that."

Watch the video. 

When she made a surprise appearance on "Total Request Live."

Strutting out in a large T-shirt with "loverboy" written on it, singing into a microphone, and pushing an ice cream cart, Carey surprised guests and host Carson Daly during a taping of "TRL" in 2001. She then preceded to take the shirt off, told Daly he was her "therapy session," and spoke about random things. Daly repeatedly said he didn't know what she was doing there and then told the camera directly, "Mariah Carey's lost her mind." She checked herself into a hospital a few days later, citing"extreme exhaustion."

Watch the video.

When she got into her full tub while wearing a towel on "Cribs."

On a 2002 episode of MTV's "Cribs," Carey showed off her massive and stunning New York apartment, complete with fish tank and a full room serving as a closet. But the best moment was the bathroom tour, where she put on a towel and climbed into a full bathtub.

Watch the video.

There was a lot of TV this year, and thankfully, a lot of it was great. 

In fact, there was so much great TV in 2017 that putting together a list of the best shows was tough — and a bit stressful. So many new shows were worth including, like "American Vandal" and "Big Little Lies," and so many returning shows broke ground like "The Good Place" and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

One of the best things about TV in 2017 was the number of shows with female-driven stories (that women liked), from Hulu's Emmy-winning "The Handmaid's Tale" to Freeform's "The Bold Type."

And there were many shows that didn't make the list that are still worth noting. For example, Comedy Central's "Nathan For You" went places you'd never be able to imagine in its fourth season. Netflix, which dominated this list both in new shows and returning shows, also delivered some notable shows that didn't make the cut, like "Alias Grace" and "Big Mouth."

Here are the best TV shows of 2017, categorized into new shows and returning shows:

SEE ALSO: The worst new TV shows of 2017, ranked from bad to completely unwatchable

New shows: "American Vandal"— Netflix

"American Vandal" is a poignant and funny reflection on true-crime entertainment (specifically "Making a Murderer" and the podcast "Serial"), social media, and teen culture. The show is a fictional documentary about a high school student who is trying to uncover whether or not his classmate Dylan spray-painted a bunch of penises on a teachers' cars.

"Glow"— Netflix

"Glow," based on the 1980s show "Gorgeous Female Ladies of Wrestling," is a fictionalized story of the casting and making that show. "Glow" debuted on Netflix in June, and has been the biggest surprise of 2017. It's hilarious, heartfelt (but not in a cheesy way), and filled with complicated women from many backgrounds. It's like a ten-episode, female-centric sports movie that's also about friendship and forgiveness. Wresting is just a bonus. Alison Brie (who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance), Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron work so well because they fit perfectly into the world of 80s Los Angeles. 

"Big Little Lies"— HBO

"Big Little Lies" didn't have a great start. The show was basically marketed as "True Detective," but with women, which didn't seem particularly appealing. And the first few episodes leave a bit to be desired. But the story quickly turns into a compelling look at strong friendships between women, as well as domestic abuse and its psychological effects. Other shows and films have covered domestic abuse, but never in the way "Big Little Lies" did, and the way Nicole Kidman's Emmy-winning performance did.

As President Barack Obama reflected on his time in office, he had a way of acknowledging his waning time in the position: A joke about his graying hair.

"Right now, we are waging war under authorities provided by Congress over 15 years ago — 15 years ago," he said during a speech reflecting on his administration's counterterrorism strategy.

"I had no gray hair 15 years ago."

Indeed, despite his close-cut hairstyle, it was impossible not to notice the trademark presidential graying, as the president’s short black hair has become more of a salt-and-pepper color.

And though some dermatologists maintain that Obama is the latest victim of the expedited presidential aging process, appearing to age faster due to the stress of the office, others say that it’s more attributable to natural aging than stress.

Other studies, including a comprehensive analysis of elections dating back to the 1700s, have found that heading a nation can take years off a leader's life. That analysis, from the Harvard Medical School, found that elected heads of government, on average, have lives almost three years shorter than the candidates they defeat.

Here’s how the country's past presidents have looked near the beginnings and ends of their respective terms.

SEE ALSO: POWER RANKINGS: Here's who has the best chance at being the next US president

Obama takes the oath of office on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009.

Obama speaks during his year-end 2016 news conference at the White House.

Former President George W. Bush makes a phone call shortly after the 2000 election.