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The best sports bar in every state

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The Garage Burgers and Beer

There are plenty of incredible bars all over the world.

For those looking for something a little more local and a little more casual, we rounded up the best sports bars in the US.

Yelp provided us with this data, which is based on an algorithm that takes reviews and star ratings into account. Each bar that made the ranking is listed under Yelp's sports bar category.

Keep scrolling to see the places that are most ideal for grabbing a beer and a burger while watching your favorite team.

ALABAMA: Hunt Club Burgers N Grill, Madison

Click here to learn more about Hunt Club >



ALASKA: Lavelle's Taphouse, Fairbanks

Click here to learn more about Lavelle's Taphouse >



ARIZONA: Fox Cigar Bar, Scottsdale

Click here to learn more about Fox Cigar Bar >



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

AI-powered smartphones and the features that will make you want to buy them

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iPhone X

  • Many devices makers made a push to introduce artificial intelligence as a highlight feature on smartphones in 2017.  
  • Companies have begun creating special hardware and software dedicated to AI functionality. 
  • Most AI features appear to be centered around imaging and photography, power efficiency and security. 


Artificial intelligence is slowly making its way onto smartphones — and may be a staple feature on devices in 2018.

Many smartphones released in the past year have included AI-focused hardware and software, from Google's Pixel phones to Apple's iPhones to Huawei's Mate line. These phones use AI in all sorts of clever ways, from imaging and photography, to power efficiency, to security. 

There have been AI developments from pretty much all of the major tech companies. Those who have not been in the AI game are expected to soon introduce smartphones with special functions.

Here's a rundown of the current and coming AI-powered smartphones and the features that make them interesting. 

SEE ALSO: A ton of new smartphones were announced last week at CES — here are the 11 to keep an eye on

Apple

Artificial intelligence features on Apple's iPhone X primarily focus on imaging and animation. The smartphone includes a dedicated "neural engine" chip, which processes certain functions on the iPhone X without taking power away from other, more standard processes on the device.

Alongside its neural engine, Apple released the iPhone X with its Face ID facial recognition system. Its "TrueDepth" front-facing camera is able to create a 3D map of a person's face and use that to identify the person, which is used to log into the device and authenticate apps and services like Apple Pay. This information is stored on neural engine chip for power efficiency and security. 

With this 3D facial-mapping information, Apple also created "Animoji," or animated avatars, which mimic a person's motions and voice as a fun demonstration of what AI can do. The neural engine similarly stores the animated images and allows Animoji to move in real time with minimal lag, to be as close as possible to a person's true motions. 

The iPhone X also uses its updated, AI-focused hardware to improve graphics on its augmented-reality features, which are powered by Apple's ARKit software. 



Samsung

Samsung began to dabble in the AI space by introducing its own assistant software called Bixby. The feature is currently on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 smartphones. Rumors also suggest Samsung will introduce updates to Bixby on the upcoming Galaxy S9.

Unlike Apple's Siri assistant, which is basically a voice-activated search engine, Bixby includes functions that let users identify items through the camera app on a Samsung smartphone. With Bixby Vision, users can learn details about objects and locations, find out how to purchase items they see in the real world, and translate languages, among many other tasks. Users can launch the voice-assistant function, Bixby Voice, which can not only pull information but can also perform hands-free functions, such as opening an application or setting an alarm clock. 

Rumors also suggest the Galaxy S9 may include chips that introduce features to the device similar to Apple's Face ID and Animoji. These features, however, are yet to be confirmed. 



Google

AI features on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are understated, but similarly focused on imaging. While several competing smartphones have introduced new hardware to complement the AI, like how several smartphones now use dual-camera setups to support Portrait Mode features, Google's devices have the same function, but are powered strictly by software. 

Portrait Mode on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have been hailed by many tech reviewers as one of the best iterations of the feature — and many have figured out how to port the software on to older Google smartphones, as well as to devices by other manufacturers. 

Google's software also allows for smart organization and sharing of photos. Google's popular photos app for iOS and Android is powered by artificial intelligence, to help you find groups of photos with the same person, or find all of the photos you own that have "cats" in them, or "trees," or any other object you can think of.

Google's own Google Assistant, which includes a number of voice-activated functions, is also used to power Google's visual search engine called "Lens." Similar to Bixby Vision, Google Lens uses the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL cameras as identification tools. A highlighted feature is the software's ability to identify phone numbers and web addresses and allow users to save the details on their handsets. 

Google's AI features are interesting in that they are available, not only for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL but also for several Android-based devices, especially those running Android Oreo, and even iOS devices. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

23 Oscar-nominated movies you didn't watch but now you should

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mollys game oscar 2018

Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday for the 90th Academy Awards, so you know what that means. It's time to catch up on all of the movies you didn't see last year to make yourself sound like you're in the know around your film-loving friends for the next two months.

We're not talking about the movies with wide releases that mainstream audiences have seen like "Get Out" and "Coco." Many of the following are flicks that film aficionados sought out when they were playing in a handful of theaters and before they had any Oscar buzz.

From foreign films and documentaries to limited releases that will be drawing crowds, here are the movies you'll want to watch before the Oscars are awarded on March 4.

"Abacus: Small Enough to Jail"

What it's about: The documentary follows a Chinese immigrant family who were accused of mortgage fraud and their five-year legal battle to clear their name of wrongdoing.

What it's nominated for: Best documentary feature

Where you can see it: Amazon Video, iTunes, VUDU, YouTube, and Google Play.



"All the Money in the World"

What it's about: The crime thriller follows the kidnapping of J. Paul Getty's grandson in the 1970s and Getty's refusal to agree with ransom demands.

After allegations of sexual assault, Kevin Spacey was quickly replaced as one of the film's leads with Christopher Plummer.

What it's nominated for: Best supporting actor (Christopher Plummer)

Where you can see it: In theaters; pre-order on Amazon Video



"The Breadwinner"

What it's about: An Afghanistan girl disguises herself as a boy to make money for her family after her father is arrested. It's executive produced by Mimi Polk Gitlin and Angelina Jolie.

What it's nominated for:Best animated feature

Where you can see it: Pre-order on YouTube and Google Play.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 50 best jobs in America right now

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woman phone happy work computer laptop

Every January, Glassdoor publishes its list of the best jobs in America. For the third year in a row, the top spot goes to data scientist. 

According to the report, the best jobs in 2018 are highly-skilled; can be found in almost every industry; have high earning potential, hiring demand, and job satisfaction; and are staying ahead of the growing trend toward workplace automation.

"The key skills that are helping workers stay ahead of automation are creativity, judgment, and flexibility," Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, Glassdoor's chief economist, said. "Those are aspects of work that are extremely difficult to automate, and having them allows workers to team up with technology to become more productive — rather than simply being replaced by it."

"Many of the jobs on this list require proficiency in these 'soft' skills," he said.

Glassdoor's 50 Best Jobs in America report identifies careers with the highest overall "job score," which is determined by weighing three factors equally: earning potential (median annual base salary), job satisfaction rating, and number of job openings. 

For a job title to be considered, it had to receive at least 100 salary reports and 100 job satisfaction ratings shared by US-based employees over the past year. The number of job openings per job title represents active job listings on Glassdoor as of January 1, 2018. 

Below are the 50 best jobs in America right now.

SEE ALSO: The 50 best places to work in 2018, according to employees

DON'T MISS: 22 signs it's time to quit your job

50. HR generalist

Overall job score (out of 5.0): 4.1

Job satisfaction rating (out of 5.0): 3.9

Number of job openings: 2,705

Median base salary: $57,120



49. Nurse practitioner

Overall job score (out of 5.0): 4.1

Job satisfaction rating (out of 5.0): 3.5

Number of job openings: 8,510

Median base salary: $100,000



48. Project manager

Overall job score (out of 5.0): 4.1

Job satisfaction rating (out of 5.0): 3.5

Number of job openings: 23,274

Median base salary: $80,000



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The 50 best little luxuries in life that we often take for granted — and most of them are free

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tea unsplash kira auf der Heide

January is a notoriously gloomy month.

With Christmas debts looming, weather that leaves something to be desired, and the never-ending torment that is Dry January inflicting itself on many of us, it can feel like there's no joy left in anything we once loved.

To combat the January blues, Small Luxury Hotels of the World asked 2,000 Brits to pick their favourite "little luxuries"— small things that help to make their day feel a little brighter — from a list curated by the survey team.

And their choices prove that you don't have to max out your credit card or head to the pub in order to treat yourself. In fact, many of them are free.

The list contains everything from a long soak in the bath to more surprising additions, including buying a posh loaf of bread or receiving handwritten mail.

Even something as trivial as a proper cup of tea is seen as a special treat that brightens up the afternoon for many of the individuals surveyed.

Scroll down to discover life's top 50 little luxuries as chosen by Brits, ranked in descending order by popularity:

SEE ALSO: 30 mind-expanding life experiences you should get done before you turn 30

1. Freshly laundered bed linen.



2. Time to read a good book.



3. Getting a takeaway.



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The best travel wallets to hold your passport, boarding pass, and other documents

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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.

passport 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • When you travel, you need a practical wallet that can hold your passport, boarding pass, and all your credit cards and cash. The Bellroy Travel Wallet fits the bill with its super smart design that holds everything easily without adding bulk.

I never used to be a fan of passport holders and cases. Passports are thin, light, and just the right size to slip into a jeans pocket, or maybe the small front pocket or quick-access compartment of a carry-on backpack.

Then my passport started to get battered, and I took a few international flights where I couldn’t use mobile boarding passes and had to carry paper ones. I remembered what a pain it can be to keep track of your passport, boarding pass, and landing cards, plus other notes and documents you might need when you’re throwing everything loose into a backpack pocket.

I decided to look into travel wallets and passport covers. My thinking was that it would be easier to streamline everything if I could keep all the travel documents for a given flight in one holder, plus I’d be able to protect my passport. I knew that money belts and travel wallets that go around the neck are popular, but I had no interest in one of those. I wanted a sleek clean wallet.

I spent some time researching different options, trying a handful of different ones, and I’m happy to say that I found my favorite and new go-to: the Bellroy Travel Wallet. I've also found a number of other great travel wallet options if Bellroy's wares aren't for you. Read on to see which of put picks is the best for your travel wallet needs.

Updated on 01/24/2018 by Malarie Gokey: Added the Cuyana Classic Passport Holder as the best travel wallet for women based on testing. Updated prices and added the Lewis N. Clark Travel Wallet as a replacement for an out-of-stock model.

Although the Bellroy Travel Wallet is the best one I've used, there are other great options out there. If you decide it isn’t for you, we also recommend looking at the Tumi Alpha Passport Case, the Mr. Lentz Slim Passport Wallet, the Fjällräven Passport Wallet, the Lewis N. Clark Travel Wallet, and the Cuyana Classic Passport Holder in the slides below.

SEE ALSO: The best men's wallets you can buy

The best travel wallet overall

Why you'll love it: The Bellroy Travel Wallet keeps your passport, boarding passes, landing cards, and more in a compact, organized package.

If you’re a regular reader of Insider Picks Guides, chances are you’re already familiar with Bellroy — after all, the company makes our favorite wallets. The young Australian brand has a smart, minimalist and functional design philosophy. It also uses ethically-sourced materials and has a great manufacturing process to produce high-quality gear.

What I love about Bellroy’s travel wallet is that it holds everything — It has room for all of the travel documents you might need over the course of a multi-stop international trip, plus cash, credit cards, a SIM card, and even a pen.

At first glance, the wallet looks like an oversized bifold, opening just like an everyday wallet. One side has room for your passport, with a dedicated pocket that takes up that whole side. The other side has credit card slots — either two or four, depending on which edition of the wallet you choose — positioned vertically so you just drop the cards in. The wallet also has an open top pocket like a traditional bill compartment, but it’s divided into two sections.

There are a few more “hidden” card slots and a sim card holder within the inner cash compartment, as well as my favorite feature of this wallet: a tiny pen, which is kept tucked away right in the middle so that you can fill out landing cards and jot any quick notes you need.

The wallet is big enough to hold just about any currency, and I like to keep a little bit in one of the sections of the large cash/document pocket. The other section is great for holding boarding passes, custom cards and any other travel documents you might need to have handy. I prefer putting these in the outermost section so that they don’t crease when folded. I use the inside part for cash — You can put cash in both sections, using the divider to keep different currencies separated.

In theory, Bellroy intends the travel wallet to be your everyday wallet on the road, something you can carry with your cards, cash, passport and everything else you need for a day of exploring.

I think it’s a little big for that. I can certainly fit in in a back pocket or jacket when I’m in the airport, but it’s big enough that I would be worried about theft walking around a city with it. It’s great to keep everything handy in the airport and during transit, but once I reach my destination, I’d probably carry my daily cash, credit cards and ID in a regular wallet and leave the travel wallet behind in a hotel safe. 

The wallet is available in a few different colors, plus, there's a RFID-blocking version and a new “designer’s edition.” The designer’s edition is meant for the luxury market and has a softer leather with a few design tweaks. It also only has two credit card slots on the main part of the wallet, rather than four. Other than that, it’s basically the same product as the original. Whether you choose the regular or the designer’s edition, you can’t go wrong.

Pros: Keeps everything you need handy while traveling, easy to navigate, great organization, includes a pen, small enough to carry in a pocket in the airport

Cons: Too big to use as a daily wallet during trips

Buy the Bellroy Travel Wallet on Amazon for $119.99 and up (price varies by color) Currently available from third-party sellers only



The best travel wallet with RFID blocking

Why you'll love it: The Tumi Alpha Passport Case is stylish, plus it keeps your passport and cards safe — in more ways than one.

Did you know that passports, Global Entry cards, and some credit cards include a small RFID, or radio frequency identification chip, used to help prevent fraud or make it easier to pay for things? A small electronic chip is embedded in the card or document and emits a certain radio signal, which can be interpreted when the chip is near a reader. In the case of a passport, this radio signal verifies all the information on your photo page.

While RFID technology adds to security and convenience, the major downside is that anyone can use a portable scanner and steal information just by walking next to someone with a RFID-equipped passport or credit card. There’s some debate about how real of a threat this is, as most credit cards don’t include these chips anymore and the information a thief can get by “skimming” a passport is fairly innocuous. However, if you want to reduce the risk of identity theft as much as possible, you may want to keep your passport and credit cards in a RFID-blocking wallet.

The Tumi Alpha Passport Case is one of the best RFID-blocking wallets out there. It can be hard to strike a balance between blocking RFID signals and keeping the wallet slim and stylish, and the Tumi Alpha does it well. The wallet is made from Tumi’s signature woven ballistic nylon, with a leather interior and trim. The RFID-blocking material is woven in with the rest of the fabric so that it’s virtually unnoticeable. The wallet is also extremely lightweight.

The wallet is a regular bifold, though because it’s taller than it is wide it opens along the longer edge, like a book. The passport sleeve is on the left side when the wallet is open and sits upright. There’s an ID window right under that, perfect for a driver’s license. The right side of the wallet has eight credit card slots. There’s also an extra sleeve between the credit card slots, which can hold folded travel documents. The note sleeve is at the top of the wallet and is fairly deep.

The wallet is clean, simple and sharp-looking. The layout is easy and feels natural, like any regular wallet. While the wallet is sized a bit awkwardly and might not be easy to fit in your pocket, it should be comfortable enough in a pocket for quick storage while you’re heading through the airport.

Pros: Great RFID protection, sleek and stylish

Cons: A little large, travel documents need to be folded, can be hard to pull bills out of the deep pocket

Buy the Tumi Alpha Passport Case on Amazon for $88



The best travel wallet made from rugged leather

Why you'll love it: The Mr. Lentz Slim Passport Wallet is rugged, old-school, handmade, and built to last.

The Mr. Lentz brand is run by one person — Evan Lentz — who makes all of his products by hand in his own workshop. Lentz built the brand with a “modern cowboy” feel, designed to evoke days of hard work on the windswept plains, and his online shops reflect that with old-west images and icons.

Mr. Lentz makes wallets, bags and other accessories using durable, rugged and time-proven materials like full-grain leather, brass, and wood. Lentz’s passport wallet is a typical example of this style.

The wallet is simple, much more scaled down than the Bellroy Travel Wallet. A solid piece of leather makes a bifold that opens like a book. The right-side has a pocket for your passport, which is a little tight and only meant to fit the back cover of the passport. That way, the passport can be read without removing it from the wallet. You can just hand the whole package to the customs agent. Once the wallet breaks in a bit, you can fit the whole closed passport in that pocket.

The other side of the wallet has two card slots that can hold 4-6 cards. There’s a larger pocket right behind the card slots that is perfect for holding a bit of spare cash. You can also fit travel documents, like boarding passes, in this sleeve.

Aesthetically, the Mr. Lentz Passport Wallet looks rugged and hardy. The thick full-grain leather holds up well and develops a nice patina as you use it and break it in. Solid brass rivets line the outsides of the wallet, holding it together. The wallet also ships with a free tin of proprietary leather conditioner to help keep it soft as it ages and breaks in.

Thin enough to fit in a front pocket, this wallet is a perfect option for those looking for something that will last a long time and hold just the essentials. You can also choose to engrave the wallet, using any of a few different methods.

Pros: Slim, rugged, hand-made and built to last, holds the essentials

Cons: Needs to be broken in, brass rivets may not be everyone’s favorite look

Buy the Mr. Lentz Passport Wallet on Etsy for $68



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These photos of empty stores reveal why people are going crazy over a wild Mattress Firm conspiracy theory

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Mattress Firm

  • On Tuesday, a comment on Reddit that suggested Mattress Firm was laundering money went viral – it has since been removed.
  • Reddit users said that the company was overstored in the US, given that it stocks a product that people typically buy every seven to 10 years, and suggested that this was a sign of something more dubious. 
  • These photos show why this wild conspiracy theory even came into question.

 

Mattress Firm stores are everywhere — and a wacky conspiracy theory suggests a crazy reason why. 

A wild conspiracy theory has been making the rounds on the internet after a Reddit thread, which claimed that the company was money laundering, went viral. The comment was subsequently deleted, The Next Web reported.

"Mattress Firm is some sort of giant money laundering scheme," a Reddit user wrote, adding: "I remember seeing 4 mattress firms all on each corner of an intersection once, and there is no way there is such a demand for mattresses."

Mattress Firm is the largest specialty retailer in the US. It has 3,500 stores in total. This number jumped in 2015 when it acquired the second largest chain, Sleepy's.

These photos reveal why this conspiracy theory came into question:

SEE ALSO: A wildly popular conspiracy theory about why there are so many Mattress Firm stores is starting to sound less crazy

Social media users claim that Mattress Firm is completely overstored in the US...

 



...and are posting maps of their local area to show how concentrated its stores are.



Some are opposite each other on a street.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We stacked Shake Shack's new Chick-fil-A copycat against the real thing — and the winner is clear

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Shake Shack Chicken Club Sandwich dual

  • Shake Shack's new grilled chicken club sandwich debuts nationally on January 26.
  • It's similar to Chick-fil-A's popular Deluxe Grilled Chicken Club — but it's not as good.
  • The sandwich is a valiant effort, but the quality of the chicken just doesn't stand a chance against Chick-fil-A's.


Shake Shack — the famed burger and milkshake chain — has a new grilled chicken sandwich.

Available starting on January 26 for a limited time, the Griddled Chick'n Club is a starkly healthy addition to a menu studded with bacon cheese fries, hot dogs, and double cheeseburgers. In fact, it feels a little out of place — grilled chicken at Shake Shack?

Shake Shack's delightfully successful and decidedly unhealthy fried chicken sandwich stole our hearts— and stomachs — when it debuted in early 2016. It was a warning shot across the bow of the most revered chicken chain out there: Chick-fil-A.

The fact that Shake Shack could do fried chicken so well should worry Chick-fil-A. While the Atlanta-based chain's locations vastly outnumber Shake Shack, they're roughly on the same level of national recognition. 

But grilled chicken is another beast entirely. While fried chicken can be mediocre and still taste good, grilled chicken is all too easy to mess up. Everything must align perfectly: seasoning, quality, cooking, toppings. Chick-fil-A does this extremely well with nearly every sandwich on the menu, so the onus is on Shake Shack to meet or exceed expectations where it has never stepped foot before: the grilled chicken arena.

Can Shake Shack's iteration compare to Chick-fil-A's version, the Grilled Chicken Club?

SEE ALSO: We taste-tested grilled-chicken sandwiches from all the major fast-food chains — and the winner is unmistakable

These sandwiches are pretty similar on first glance — but there are some glaring differences.



Let's start with what we know: first, Chick-fil-A's Grilled Chicken Club.



It's a beautiful sandwich: a plump, pillowy multigrain bun atop bacon strips, Colby Jack cheese, a grilled chicken breast, tomato, and lettuce.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Take a look inside the largest Lamborghini dealership in the world

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Lamborghini Dubai

  • Lamborghini Dubai is the Italian supercar maker's largest dealership.
  • The 30,000 square foot facility opened in April 2017.
  • The three-story build showroom is designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott.


Dubai is world famous for its sizable population of supercars. Even the Dubai Police operates a fleet of high-priced exotics for promotional purposes. So it's only reasonable that Lamborghini would establish its largest dealership in the United Arab Emirates.

Opened in April 2017, Lamborghini Dubai features 30,000 square feet of showroom and shop space inside a stylish three-story building designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott. The structure features a glass facade connected to the building with steel cables.

Lamborghini Dubai is owned and operated by Al Jaziri Motors.

Recently, Business Insider had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.

SEE ALSO: Inside the $350 million Emirates complex designed to fix the Airbus A380 superjumbo

FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more car and transportation content!

Lamborghini Dubai is located on the emirate's main thoroughfare Sheikh Zayed Road not far from the Mall of the Emirates.



Step inside the glass doors and you'll find yourself in the main showroom.



Here's a row of Lambos in the showroom. Two Aventadors and one Huracan.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Meet Elle Darby, the 22-year-old social media influencer who was 'exposed' after she asked for a free 5-night stay at a hotel

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elle darby youtube instagram influencer free hotel stay

Social media influencer Elle Darby recently made headlines after she asked for a free hotel stay in return for publicity.

But Darby, who currently has over 97,000 subscribers on YouTube and 90,000 followers on Instagram, is no stranger to the spotlight. The 22-year-old first made a name for herself in 2015, when she started documenting her year-long transformation into a fitness vlogger.

Below, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the young social media star.

Darby is a self-described "beauty, lifestyle, and fitness YouTuber" from the UK.

Instagram Embed:
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She got her start on YouTube in 2015, when she first started documenting her transformation into a fitness vlogger.

Instagram Embed:
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According to her Instagram, Darby has received a "personal training qualification."

Instagram Embed:
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The best gear to keep your dog warm on cold winter walks

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

dog winter 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • Winter can be a tough season for dogs. The ice melt can hurt their paws and some dogs need winter jackets or sweaters to go for a walk on the snowy streets. We've rounded up the best winter gear for your pup, including everything from dog boots and a sweater vest to a nice thermal bed.

Many dogs are blessed with a thick fur coat, but it isn’t always enough to keep them warm during the winter, and dogs with short or thin coats may need a little help. There are all kinds of cold weather products for dogs ranging from waterproof coats and booties to headed dog beds and more. We’ve scoured the reviews to bring you our top picks for the best cold weather products for dogs in six different categories.

To keep your dog warm and comfortable this year, we recommend the following products: My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes, the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket, the Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest, Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax, K&H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper, and the Akoma Heat-n-Breeze Dog House Heater.

Read on in the slides below to learn more about the best gear to keep your dog safe and warm all winter long.

The best winter boots for dogs

Why you'll love them: Water-resistant and durable enough for any terrain or weather conditions, My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes are our top pick for winter dog boots.

Whether you’re walking your dog through the neighborhood or heading out for a wintry hike, a good pair of dog boots is a must-have for winter. A set of high-quality booties will keep your dog’s feet clean and dry while also protecting them from the elements and from corrosive rock salt and ice melt products. The ideal pair of dog boots would be durable, comfortable, and tight-fitting. Our top pick for dog boots that meet these criteria is My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes.

Durably constructed from rugged materials that are water-resistant, the boots also have a treaded rubber sole. These My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes come in eight different sizes with adjustable Velcro straps to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for any dog. The boots are water-resistant to keep your dog’s feet clean and dry, while the anti-slip sole provides stability and traction. They also have reflective strips for visibility.

TopDogTips likes the water-resistant materials, durable design, and anti-slip rubber sole. Reviewers do note that the cuff may be a little short for some dogs. Pet Life Today also recommends these boots.

In addition to receiving the “Amazon’s Choice” award, these water-resistant dog shoes also have more than 1,200 buyer reviews with a solid four-star rating. Reviewers love the sturdy design and treaded rubber sole, though some had trouble fitting the boots for dogs with dew claws.

Pros: Durable construction ensures long-lasting function, water-resistant for maximum protection, treaded rubber waterproof sole, reflective Velcro straps to adjust size, available in 8 sizes for a snug fit

Cons: Cuff height may be a little short for optimal security, fit may be somewhat off for dogs with dewclaws intact, will not stand up to heavy chewing

Buy My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes on Amazon for $35.99



The best waterproof winter coat for dogs

Why you'll love it: The Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket offers a reversible design, reflective piping, and five bright colors.

Some dog breeds were developed to withstand harsh weather conditions, but not all dogs have a double coat or a thick layer of fat to protect them from the cold. Short-haired breeds, older dogs, and dogs used to warmer climates may need a coat during the winter and, if you’re going to buy one anyway, you might as well buy one that is waterproof for an added layer of protection against the elements. Our top pick for the best waterproof winter coat for dogs is the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket.

Made from lightweight but waterproof Microtomic ripstop quilted material and padded with Polytech fill, this Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket will keep your dog warm and dry all winter long. Not only is it very warm and comfortable, but it is reversible and features reflective piping for nighttime visibility. This coat comes in five sizes to ensure a snug fit and you can choose between five bright colors. It is also protected by a lifetime warranty.

Canine Journal loves the convenience of its machine-washable design and waterproof protection. K9 of Mine also gives the coat top marks, noting that while it may be lighter than some jackets, it is still warm enough to keep your dog warm and dry during the coldest winter months. The reviewers also comment that it is easy to put on and take off.

With nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon, the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket is a favorite among pet owners. Buyers love the lightweight but waterproof design and the bright colors, though some comment that the coat could be thicker and that the sizing chart is a little off.

Pros: Lightweight and waterproof, completely reversible, velcro closures for snug fit, machine-washable, made from quilted material filled with Polytech for warmth, zipper opening for use with leash or harness, comes in 5 sizes and colors, comes with lifetime warranty

Cons: Not as heavy as some dog jackets, sizing may be somewhat tricky, Velcro closures may wear out before the rest of the jacket, some dogs don’t like the Velcro sound

Buy the Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Jacket on Amazon for $31.49



The best sweater for dogs

Why you'll love it: Made from lightweight but durable fleece, the Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest offers the perfect degree of warmth and comfort for everyday use.

During the cold winter months, some dogs need a little help when it comes to staying warm. Senior dogs and dogs with a low body fat percentage have trouble regulating their body temperature, as do smaller dogs and dogs with short coats. If you are looking for something to keep your dog comfortable without going so far as a winter jacket, a dog sweater might be a good option. Our top pick for the best sweater for dogs is Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest.

Made from 100% machine-washable fleece, the Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest is lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday use. Available in five sizes ranging from x-small to x-large, this vest is great for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It also comes over a dozen different colors. The Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest features a small hood for both fashion and warmth as well as a built-in D-ring for convenience.

The Dog Clinic gives the Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest its highest rating, commenting that the fleece materials provide both warmth and comfort without being too heavy. The reviewers do note that the vest works best for smaller dogs, but it is still available in larger sizes. The American Kennel Club notes that the vest is easy to take on or off and that the hood keeps your dog’s neck, head, and ears warm.

The Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest has more than 2,800 reviews on Amazon and a solid 4-star rating. Customers love the simple but functional design as well as the low price point, though some had trouble with the sizing of the product. Overall, however, most reviews are very positive.

Pros: Lightweight and comfortable for everyday use, five sizes and over a dozen color options, made from 100% fleece materials, included D-ring for use with leash, machine-washable, durable

Cons: May not be thick enough for outdoor use in extreme temperatures, sizing can be awkward for larger dogs, some dogs do not like the hood

Buy the Gooby Everyday Fleece Vest on Amazon for $11.80



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The 7 most extravagant car interiors in the world

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Bentley Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner

  • Automotive companies are working harder than ever to appeal to an exclusive, wealthy clientele.
  • They are pushing the boundaries of what "luxury" means.
  • Some features include hot stone massage chairs, top-of-the-line entertainment systems, and even art gallery spaces.


While there seem to be an endless amount of exciting, over-the-top car exteriors, we rarely see any of the extreme interiors to match. Besides custom leather and heated seats, most luxury car interiors don't have anything new and exciting to offer. 

Some cars, however, take the idea of a luxury ride to the next level. We rounded up some of the cars with the most insane interiors to see just how over-the-top these luxury cars can get.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz stole BMW's crown in US luxury-car sales for 2 consecutive years — now BMW is planning a comeback

1. The Bentley Bentayga Falconry is an SUV specifically designed for Falconry.



It comes with everything you may need for the sport, including a perch for your falcon on the center console!



The master flight station of the car has individual compartments, which can hold your GPS bird tracking unit, binoculars and hand-crafted leather bird hoods.

Next to the master flight station is another perch for your falcon to sit on as well as a customizable refreshments station!



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9 science-backed books that could change your life for the better in 2018

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woman reading relax

  • Professional and well-researched advice is helpful tool for self-care.
  • Writer Dan Harris encourages the practice of meditation in order to enhance emotional intelligence. 
  • Spending more time outdoors and surrounded by greenery can have powerful healing and mood-boosting effects, according to Florence Williams' 'The Nature Fix.' 


This year, like every year, most of us are trying to get more done, be happier, and have better relationships. Given the high levels of 
burnout across professions (50% by some accounts), we all could use some tools for higher efficiency and better self-care. The good news is that these 9 books provide valuable science-backed information for how to have the best year yet.

SEE ALSO: How to stop spending so much time in your own head — and why you should

'When' by Dan Pink

Reach your peak efficiency.

Do you ever feel like you sit at your desk for hours and still don't get anything done? There's a reason: Most of us haven't understood how to capitalize on our moments of peak energy and creativity. In his new book, 'WHEN', New York Times best-selling author Dan Pink distills thousands of research studies to help us hack time. This highly entertaining and practical book may just help you get more done faster so we have time to do what we really want to do.



'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics' by Dan Harris

Become emotionally intelligent.

Thousands of studies now show that meditation can help make us be more emotionally intelligent by reducing our negative emotions and helping us make better decisions. Popular Good Morning America anchor Dan Harris (also a number 1 New York Times bestselling author) just released a brand new book, 'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics', making meditation practical, accessible and highly entertaining (Dan is hilarious!). Download a meditation app onto your phone like Dan’s 10 percent Happier app or the Sattva app.



'The Power of Meaning' by Emily Esfahani Smith

Create meaning in your life. 

Even if we have all the stuff we want (or the fame, money, or power), research shows that if we don't have meaning or purpose, we still may not really be happy. People who live meaningful and purposeful lives are not just happier, they are truly fulfilled. Check out Emily Esfahani Smith's beautiful book, 'The Power of Meaning'. 



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17 women share the one compliment that they'll remember forever

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group women

Sometimes we're just too hard on ourselves.

Whether that's because of constant pressure from social media or other outside factors, it's easy to forget how amazing each of us truly are.

Recently, INSIDER asked women to share the compliment that made them feel amazing. Here are a few of the most empowering responses they offered.

 

"You're more like your mother every time I see you."

"'You're more like your mother every time I see you.' My mother is an amazing, hard-working, beautiful woman, and I aspire to be just like her, so hearing that was just reaffirming that my life is on track."— Katherine M., 19, Seattle, WA, @kathemijal



"I love when [people] compliment my personality, hair, and style!"

"I love when [people] compliment my personality, hair, and style! Puts me on cloud 9! ☁️✨"— Janée B., 24, Jacksonville, FL, @janeebarbre



"When I walk in the room I make people feel comfortable about themselves."

"When I walk in the room I make people feel comfortable about themselves." — Ausha W., 19, Houston, TX, @aushawallace 

 



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17 people who would be way better Grammy hosts than the same old late-night TV stars

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grammy hosts

While people tend to make a fuss over the Golden Globes, Oscars, and Emmy hosts, the Grammy hosts are downright bizarre by comparison.

After having a run of delightful comedy hosts in the 1990s and early 2000s — people like Paul Reiser, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, and Jon Stewart — the producers seem to have given up between 2003 and 2011, having no hosts at all (the sole exception is Queen Latifah, who hosted in 2005).

Then in 2012, the Grammys decided it needed hosts again. It picked LL Cool J for the job, who for some reason did it for five years in a row. The strangeness of it all probably helps explain why the Grammys are held in such low regard.

Last year, the Grammys attempted normalcy by picking late-night host James Corden for the ceremonies. He's resuming the duties this year — and he'll probably do a great job — but picking late-night hosts to helm awards shows has become a lazy crutch for both the networks and the awards organizations.

Unlike other awards shows, the looser nature of the Grammys means it can choose hosts from Hollywood and the music industry.

With that in mind, here are 17 potential future Grammy hosts that would be way more fun than the late-night TV comedians.

Drake

Drake's music may be moody, but in person, he's hilarious. Look no further than his terrific "Saturday Night Live" sketches.



Rachel Bloom

The "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" can sing, dance, and tell great jokes. What more do we need? The woman who made a video called "I Don't Care About Award Shows" would be perfect for hosting one.



The Rock

No, he's not a music figure, but Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a world-class entertainer and can get along with pretty much everyone onstage.



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The story of how 'Flip or Flop' stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa met, built a TV empire, and imploded in a very public divorce

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Tarek and Christina

At this point, it's hard to say you haven't heard anything about the relationship between Tarek and Christina El Moussa, the couple behind the wildly successful HGTV show "Flip or Flop." Tarek and Christina first officially announced their separation in 2016, and the road to divorce has been tumultuous and highly publicized.

Amidst rumors, speculation, and even some perceived social media fights, it's been hard to keep up with what exactly has been going on between these two. We've rounded up everything you need to know about Tarek and Christina's relationship and subsequent divorce.

2008: Tarek and Christina joined forces.

In the early 2000s, Tarek and Christina met through work, at a real estate office— Tarek got his real estate license when he was just 21-years-old. They joined forces both professionally and personally, and in 2008, the crash of the housing market hit them hard. They had to move to a cheaper home before "Flip or Flop" started, according to the OC Register.



2009: The couple got married.

In 2009, Tarek and Christina tied the knot in Coronado Island in San Diego



2010: Christina gave birth for the first time.

Shortly after getting married, Christina gave birth to the couple's first child, a girl named Taylor Reese. She once talked about how easy her first birth was, saying labor only lasted three hours.



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A body double, CGI skull, and secret filming sessions all helped 'Blade Runner 2049' earn a VFX Oscar nomination

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BF 2049 lead final

  • John Nelson, the Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor on "Blade Runner 2049," walks through how he made a CGI version of the franchise's memorable Rachael character for the movie.
  • The process took a year of trial and error, which was all done under secret shooting sessions and a code name.
  • Sean Young, who played the character in the original movie, was also brought on to supervise.


With a total of 1,200 visual effects shots in “Blade Runner 2049” — that comes out to 1:45 of the movie’s total running time of 2:43 — Oscar-winning VFX supervisor John Nelson and his team logged in major hours to go a step beyond the 1982 original movie’s legendary sci-fi look.

But there was a particular scene in the movie that Nelson and director Denis Villeneuve paid special attention to — and it has led to Oscar nominations for the movie.

Toward the end of the movie when Deckard (Harrison Ford) meets Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), he is offered something very near and dear to him in exchange for information on where Wallace can find the only known child replicant. From the shadows appears Rachael, played by actress Sean Young, the beautiful replicant who is also Deckard’s love interest in the original movie. For the “2049” scene, Rachael looks like she hasn’t aged a day from when we saw her in the original movie, and that’s because Nelson and his team pulled off a flawless CGI version of Young to bring back the character for the sequel.

This is just the latest example of recent major blockbuster movies using computer graphics to de-age an actor. We’ve seen it with Kurt Russell in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” Robert Downey Jr. in “Captain America: Civil War,” and Michael Douglas in “Ant-Man.” That's not even counting “Rogue One,” in which a younger version of deceased actress Carrie Fisher appears in her Princess Leia role and Peter Cushing, who had been dead for 22 years at the time of the movie’s release, shows up in CGI form reprising his Governor Tarkin role from “Star Wars: A New Hope.”

Nelson and Villeneuve were aware of most of these past VFX landmarks, but felt they could go a step beyond those. Nelson was tasked to make the best CGI human ever put on screen yet.

“I looked at all the digital human work and for the most part I could see where it all falls down,” Nelson told Business Insider. “We tried to build on the shoulders of everything that had been done before us.”

What Nelson found was that it’s not enough to use motion capture to create the face you want to portray. There are small details to include that can’t be ignored to pull off the task. But it took him a year of trial and error to realize that.

Here’s how CGI Rachael was achieved:

Creating the digital skull

Rachael was given the code name “Rita” during filming, and the scene was done often with a very small crew to ensure that what was being done would not get out to the public.

Nelson and his team started by creating a digital skull of the Rachael character. They scanned Young’s head and then were able to find a life cast of her that was done a few years after the original “Blade Runner." By combining both they created a CGI skull of her. Nelson and his team than began de-aging the CGI head using footage from the original “Blade Runner” as a guide.



Shooting the scene with a body double and Sean Young’s guidance

While all of that was going on, back on set Villeneuve shot the “Rita” scene with Ford and Leto. Actress Loren Peta was brought on as the Rachael body double. With Nelson and Young also on hand, the scene was done with dots all over Peta’s face, which would be needed when the footage went through the motion-capture phase. Peta’s face would be erased, and CGI Sean Young would be inserted.

“Sean would be sitting with Denis and they’d be talking about Loren’s performance as Rachael,” Nelson said. “She would advise him on the movements and the looks of Rachael. ‘I would have done it this way or that way,’ she would tell Denis.”



Back to the drawing board

At this point Nelson took the footage shot and inserted what they had done with CGI Rachael, and showed what they had to Villeneuve and the producers. But no one was that impressed.

“They were like, ‘Well, it really looks like a woman that looks a lot like Sean Young, but it doesn’t look like Sean Young,’” Nelson recalled. “So I went back to the drawing board.”

Nelson went even deeper, and that’s where he found pay dirt.

“What I found is it's her imperfections that make her beautiful,” he said. “Her eyes are not symmetrical, her eyes actually stick out of her head a little more than most people. We studied how makeup was done when 'Blade Runner' was made. In fact, we went to every woman on the crew and asked about how makeup was done in the 1980s. We learned about the right shade of lip stick. Just subtle things from the first movie that we could put into our Rachael.”

Nelson went back to Denis and the producers with four scenes from the original “Blade Runner” and inserted CGI Rachael into a single shot in each scene. But he didn’t tell them what he did.

“The producers and Denis were like, ‘John, this is great but why are we looking at the first movie?’ and I told them what I did and they couldn’t tell, they actually got upset,” Nelson said. “They were like, ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ And I was like, ‘Isn’t that the point? It’s supposed to be like the real thing.’”



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Incredible images of Washington, DC before it was a city

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LOC Easter at White House 1926

Before Washington, DC became the capital city of the United States, it was a sprawling, 100-square-mile plot of plantations, forests, and hills.

The city's urban plan was the brainchild of French immigrant and architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, who envisioned an egalitarian design for the District — a vision that was a physical manifestation of the American dream. In the 18th century, L’Enfant filled DC with plenty of public space, including parks, plazas, and wide sidewalks.

Over time, DC transformed from a modest Native American settlement into the dense metropolis it is today.

Let's take a look at this journey:

SEE ALSO: The ugliest building in every US state, according to people who live there

In the early 17th century, several native tribes of the Piscataway people lived on the land that is DC today.

Conflicts with European colonists forced the Piscataway to form a new home in Maryland in 1699.



In 1790, Congress established Washington, District of Columbia, a 100-square-mile district along the Potomac River.

A year later, three commissioners managing the capital’s construction named it in honor of President George Washington. The district was named Columbia, a fond name for the US at the time.



Washington enlisted Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French immigrant and engineer for the US military, to plan the city in 1791.

Source: Smithsonian



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The best diaper bags for dads to carry around

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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.

diaper bag 4x3

The Insider Pick:

  • A great diaper bag helps a parent create a mobile baby care command station anywhere, from the plane or park to a friend's house or the mall. The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack is our top pick because its intuitive design features make feeding, cleaning, changing, and generally caring for your little one easy when you're on the go.

When you have a crying infant in one hand, a loaded diaper in the other, and a line forming outside the bathroom, every second counts. With the right diaper bag at your disposal, it will only take a minute to have that changing pad laid out, baby wipes retrieved, a clean diaper lined up, the soiled one bagged, and a soothing bottle there to top it all off.

Being something of a gear guy, I first began testing out my new diaper bag (which was from the brand Diaper Dude) months before our son was born. While different than the type of supplies and hardware to which I was accustomed, the process of trying out different item placements within the bag allowed me to start planning for and even enjoying the hands-on process of parenting while still an expectant father. By the time the boy arrived, I was quite familiar with the diaper bag, though perhaps still less than a master of the mobile diaper change. It just takes practice, something for which newborns offer plenty of opportunities.

When you carefully curate the items you carry in your diaper bag, you can greatly reduce the stress that often accompanies going out with a baby. It's important to designate this or that pocket for wipes, this pouch for the clean bottle and that for the empty, to know where a change of clothes is stashed and where you can find a soothing toy. A well-stocked diaper bag will contain everything you need to feed, clean, re-clothe, and entertain your baby. A well-arranged diaper bag will make accomplishing each of these tasks easy.

Our list includes diaper bags that come in a range of styles and that will be more or less suitable for dads (or moms, really) for different reasons, but all of these great diaper bags for men offer plenty of storage space and allow for the versatility and customization that will help each dad handle parenting on the go in his own way.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack is our top pick and why you might prefer the Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag, the Diaper Dude Messenger Bag Diaper Bag, the Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag, and the HapTim Large Diaper Bag Backpack.

SEE ALSO: The best diaper bags you can buy

The best men's diaper bag overall

Why you'll love it: The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack was clearly designed by actual parents with its intuitive pocket placement and ingenious features.

The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack is like a tactical baby management system. The bag features no fewer than 14 pockets, which might at first seem like overkill. But it's not. First, keep in mind that your diaper bag will be loaded with several items you will hopefully hardly ever need, such as spare clothes. Thus a few pockets will be permanently stocked but seldom opened.

Second, you have to reserve a few pockets for yourself — places to put a snack, your phone or wallet, or a flask of whiskey (just kidding but also sort of not). In other words, all those pockets will fill up fast, and once you have your system down, you'll appreciate them.

Thanks to its adjustable padded shoulder straps, the backpack is comfortable even when fully loaded with baby gear. It can also be hooked onto a stroller with dedicated loops located just behind the shoulder straps, just note that not only can a heavy bag pose a risk of toppling a stroller, but that some strollers can be damaged or broken by the chronic weight of a bag.

Did my wife and I inadvertently break an expensive stroller by way of years of hanging bags off its handle? Yes. Yes we did.

The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack features insulated pockets for bottles and comes with a changing pad, and that's all great but not unique. But now we come to the design element that truly sets this bag apart and above from others: There is a dedicated baby wipe pocket with ready exterior access built onto the side of the backpack.

Grabbing a clean wipe will take you all of about two seconds, which is a thing of beauty. The new parent quickly learns that baby wipes are used for so much more than baby butts, but also for hands, tables, toys, chins, shirts, and about ten thousand other things, too.

Not surprisingly, the Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack has a stellar 4.8-star average rating on Amazon with thousands of happy customers having weighed in. One parent who reports frequent travel speaks for many when saying: "This backpack is wonderful" and noting its modest weight, generous storage capacity, and intuitive pocket placement.

A reviewer with The Baby Swag notes that this diaper bag backpack is "made with high-quality, water-resistant twill polyester that has strong stitching." A writer from MomLovesBest.com loves that it has "enough pockets to keep everything clean and organized."

Pros: Brilliant baby wipe pouch, multiple pockets, water-resistant twill exterior

Cons: Too large and bulky for some users

Buy the Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack on Amazon for $60



The best men's diaper bag for travel

Why you'll love it: The Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag allows you to carry all that baby stuff with your hands free and easily fits under an airplane seat or in a train's luggage rack when you and junior are traveling far afield.

The Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag doesn't look much like a diaper bag at all, at least to the untrained eye. That alone makes it a good choice for use while traveling when a father might not want to call any extra attention himself when passing through the train station or airport or visiting a foreign city. Once you start to explore within the bag, though, it quickly becomes apparent to a parent that, yep, it's a diaper bag.

Inside the Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag you will find an insulated pocket large enough for three bottles, pouches sized perfectly for packets of baby wipes and changing pads, and a large main storage area large enough for blankets, toys, a change of clothing, and more.

That compartment is also a perfect size for most laptops, allowing a dad to bring his computer along with the baby food and spare diapers or even to continue using the bag long after his youngster has outgrown its primary purpose.

The relatively trim size of the bag allows it to fit in a luggage compartment or under a plane's seat with ease, and its pleasing, understated gray, black, and leather-accented design complements any man's personal sense of style.

The Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag has a 4.4 out of five-star average rating online. A dad named John calls it a "great backpack [that's] very sturdy," while a mother who bought one for her son-in-law happily reported that: "Both mom and dad LOVE this diaper bag!"

A product tester from BabyAdvisor.net praised the Ferlin's "stunning design" that "is suitable for both men and women." In its review, MyBackpackBag.org called the backpack "high quality and comfortable."

Pros: Crisp and stylish design, great size for travel, good for use after early childhood years

Cons: Wipe pocket too small

Buy the Ferlin Multi-Function Diaper Bag on Amazon for $57



The best messenger-style diaper bag

Why you'll love it: The Diaper Dude Messenger Bag Diaper Bag is perfect for the father who likes to keep things casual while still keeping stuff organized.

As mentioned above, my first diaper bag was from the Diaper Dude brand. I loved that bag, though eventually I shelved it because it just didn't make sense for my wife and I to use different diaper bags. The redundancy of packing two bags didn't make sense when the parent leaving with the kid could just grab the diaper bag from the door. Also, frankly we were all together most of the time when away from home anyway.

First, a few minor issues: This diaper bag has fewer pockets than most, which makes organizing all the sundries that come with early childhood care a bit of a challenge. Second, while the messenger style bag looks great, when loaded to the brim, it puts a lot more strain on your body than a more ergonomic backpack. Aside from those issues, this bag is a winner. And for use on shorter outings, such as a trip the stores, a play date, a zoo visit, and so forth, the more limited pocket count isn't really much of an issue.

The Diaper Dude Messenger Bag has three prominent exterior pockets, each of which is the perfect size for some of the most important stuff, such as spare diapers, wipe packets, snacks, and so forth. There's also a bottle pocket on the side of the bag, and all together these four pouches make it easy to access the stuff you'll be reaching for most often. The large interior compartment has a zippered inner pocket ideal for your wallet, phone, and other such items.

The Diaper Dude Messenger Bag Diaper Bag has a commendable 4.6-star rating on Amazon. One dude reports using his Diaper Dude bag for "eight years and three additional kids," meaning the thing helped him as he cared for four children in total. Another dad loves that "this bag doesn't even look like a diaper bag" when he is wearing it.

A writer from TheAbsoluteParent.com appreciated that the Diaper Dude Messenger Bag allows easy access to essentials "without ever taking off the bag." A MomLovesBest.com noted how the bag "wipes clean easily."

Pros: 3 large exterior pockets, casual style, durable materials

Cons: Limited pockets, not comfortable for long-term wear when filled

Buy the Diaper Dude Messenger Bag Diaper Bag on Amazon for $50



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The most popular diet trend from the year you were born

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Rachel McAdams Diet cranberry juice

Throughout the years, people have been inundated with books and infomercials about diets that lower your weight, increase your energy, get you pregnant, and a number of other promises that can not be guaranteed from food and food alone. 

Although one or two of these diets have stood the test of time, many fall into the fad category: they are popular for a minute, but become obsolete the minute they are proven to be ineffective and — in some cases — dangerous. 

From elimination plans to juice cleanses, here are some of the most popular diets over the last 50-plus years. 

SEE ALSO: Everything I wish I'd known about yoga and exercise when I started practicing

DON'T MISS: Americans have been making a huge diet mistake for 100 years — here's what they should do instead

1963 — Weight Watchers

According to its official website, Weight Watchers started as a small group of friends meeting at founder Jean Nidetch's home to discuss their weight loss struggles and successes. Today, the program boasts an impressive 1.1 million members, including celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Hudson, and Oprah Winfrey. 

The program uses a science-backed points system, which emphasizes fruits, veggies, and lean protein. Members track their foods and stay within a certain point range, which is assigned based off their needs and goals. 

Though the program has made adjustments to keep up with the times, the concept has always remained the same. In fact, according to Fast Company, the program's flexibility and focus on lifestyle rather than weight has made it one of the most successful "diets" to date. 



1971 — The Grapefruit Diet

This citrus saw a rise in popularity in the '70s due to a diet that promised quick weight loss. According to Healthline, the premise of the Grapefruit Diet was to eat a grapefruit with every meal. The thought was that the grapefruit contained a special enzyme that burns fat fast. 

Although the diet may lead to weight loss, it isn't because of the fruit. 

"Grapefruit has no special properties when it comes to weight loss," Elisabetta Politi, nutrition manager of the Duke University's Diet and Fitness Center, tells Health. She adds that the reason people may lose weight on this diet is that they are consuming less calories. 



1975 - The Cookie Diet

Created by Dr. Sanford Siegal in 1975, the Cookie Diet required people to snack on low-calorie cookies throughout the day, according to US News. The cookies were reportedly made with a secret "hunger-controlling" formula to keep your appetite at bay and your calorie count in check.

The diet made a resurgence in 2009, according to the New York Times, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Kelly Clarkson giving it a try. 

 



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