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• In the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, dog sled teams race about 1,000 miles across Alaska. 
• Racers brave blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and harsh winds.
• The event harkens back to Alaska's history of transportation via dog sled.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race separates the puppies from the pros.

Every March, mushers come from all over the world to compete in the historic race, traversing 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness with their devoted teams of dogs.

The trail is treacherous, the weather unpredictable. Mushers brave sub-zero temperatures while directing their 16 dogs, who each require between 10,000 and 12,000 calories per day to maintain their strength.

They don't call it "The Last Great Race" for nothing.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race covers around 1,000 miles of Alaskan terrain.

It began in 1973.

The trail began as a mail and supply route.

It also served as a life-saving highway for deliveries of diphtheria antitoxin to the town of Nome in 1925. Known as the Great Race of Mercy, it was led by 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs over the course of around five and a half days.

The current record was set by Mitch Seavey in 2017.

It's eight days, three hours, and 40 minutes.

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.

In recent years, sneaker trends have shifted away from performance basketball and retro shoes to more modern runners. Some people choose to wear running shoes strictly for fashion, while others use them for actual sport. Whether you're the former or the latter, there's no question that athletic brands are aiming to reach both types of buyers and are all in direct competition for the number one spot.

As two of the world's biggest sportswear retailers, Adidas and Nike are the top contenders and their best running sneakers have been subject much comparison — the Adidas Ultra Boost and Nike Air VaporMax.

To save you from shelling out close to $400 on both pairs of sneakers, I did exactly that for the sake of comparing the two. In short, you can't go wrong with either pair, but I've compared the specifics to better point you to the sneaker that's right for you.

Shop Adidas Ultra Boost sneakers here, $180

Shop Nike Air VaporMax sneakers here, $190

Learn more about both sneakers below:

Overview: The basics of each sneaker

Both characterized by their lightweight knit materials, innovative cushioning systems, and overall comfort, the Ultra Boost and VaporMax are often thought of as similar shoes, but in many ways, are very different from one another.

The Adidas Ultra Boost debuted in 2015 as an entirely new running silhouette that used then two-year-old Boost technology in the midsole. The design was complemented by a Primeknit upper and a plastic cage lacing system. 

On the other hand, the Nike Air VaporMax launched in March 2017 in celebration of Air Max technology's 30th anniversary. While Air technology itself isn't new, the brand's innovative take on the design resulted in the most Air in any Nike sneaker ever. Using a design intended to strip away all unnecessary elements of a shoe, the VaporMax doesn't have a midsole. Its Flyknit upper sits right on top of large sectional Air units that make up the outsole. 

Knit uppers: Adidas Primeknit vs. Nike Flyknit

The Ultra Boost and VaporMax both use knit materials from their respective brands that are designed to be lightweight, breathable and form fitting. Both can be described as a sock-like fit, but the Nike Air VaporMax is more true to that description. Its seamless Flyknit upper is thinner, lighter in weight, and allows the foot to move as it would if you were wearing a sock. The Flywire lacing system used also lends to the super lightweight and free motion of the design. 

Primeknit is a bit thicker and features more padding, most noticeably around tongue, ankle collar, and heel. Its plastic cage lacing system doubles as the Three Stripes logo and provides added foot support. While this makes it slightly heavier than the VaporMax, it's beneficial for those looking for a locked-in feeling when running. 

As long as you're not concerned with the exact weight of your sneakers, both uppers are equally good for day-long comfort.

Cushioning: Boost vs. Air VaporMax

If you've owned Nikes in the last 30 years, there's a good chance you've experienced Air technology, but the VaporMax is completely different. While previous designs integrated Air units into the sole, the Air unit is the sole on the VaporMax. I found the VaporMax soles to be somewhat stiff at first, but once broken, in they had a bouncy feeling that kept my feet from becoming fatigued.

To make Boost technology, Adidas partnered with leading chemical company BASF to develop a solid granular material that’s essentially blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules. When put together to form the distinct Boost midsole, the capsules store and release more energy than any other design on the market. The way energy is stored and released in Boost makes for a soft, cushioned ride. I would describe it as walking on clouds and there's no break-in time needed.

I'm by no means a sprinter or a marathon runner, but the bounce provided by the VaporMax felt better for running faster, while the cloud-like cushioning of the Ultra Boosts felt better for running longer distances.

• Creating a trendy, stylish house takes a lot of work, and you should be aware of what the trends are saying.
• Your home decor should reflect your age, so that means saying goodbye to the neon lights, inspirational sayings, and other adolescent styles.
• Find ways to spruce up your house that don't entail mason jars or fake fruits and plants. 

Everyone wants a Pinterest-worthy home. And to get such a look, you may swap out your couch for a sumptuous sofa, or your floor lamps for tasteful sconces. But most people don’t realize that upgrading your abode — especially when you turn 30 — has less to do with what you don’t have and more to do with what you do.

For instance, getting rid of your vertical blinds is a far more chic move than simply covering them up with trendy curtains. Or that pulling down all of your unframed posters — even if it results in stark, barren walls — is an instant way to boost your home’s style. So read on, and learn what décor pitfalls you should purge from your home, stat. You’ll be gracing the pages (or likely just the social media feeds) of "Architectural Digest" before you know it. And for more super savvy décor advice, learn the 20 Things No Woman Over 40 Should Have In Her Home.

Plastic fruit

A tiny rubber grape that someone could mistake for the real deal is never acceptable. You know what else also isn’t? An oversized, totally fake peach that will serve as nothing more than a functionally useless dust magnet. And for more great decorating advice, learn How the One and Only Nate Berkus Decorates His Walls.

Anything macramé

It seems that, every few years, the powers that be insist upon the incipient comeback of macramé. Don’t believe it for a second. Best case, this frilly fabric will be cool for one more year, maximum, before it’s labeled as a serious faux pas (beginning the cycle anew).

Big fake plants

A small fake flower can be charming. But please leave the large fake plants to doctor’s offices and bank waiting rooms. Not only are they ugly, they literally only exist to gather dust. And if you’re looking to upgrade your own pad, but you’re short on dough, check out these 52 Ways to Be Smarter With Money in 2018. 

• UPS announced on Thursday it will be deploying plug-in electric vehicles that will rival the costs of traditional fuel vehicles. 
• The company is collaborating with Workhorse Group, Inc. to design vehicles
  from the ground up that will have zero emissions.
• This isn't the first time UPS has used electric delivery trucks — these nostalgic photos of the original electric UPS trucks show the evolution of the vehicles since the 1930s.

UPS announced Tuesday its plans to deploy 50 electric delivery trucks that will rival the costs of traditional fuel vehicles. Working in collaboration with Workhorse Group, the goal of the fleet is to run with zero emissions. Workhorse said that each truck will be able to drive nearly 100 miles before needing to charge, and will optimize the driver compartment and cargo area in efforts to increase efficiency and reduce vehicle weight.

Surprisingly, this isn't the first time UPS has used electric trucks in its delivery routes. Keep scrolling to see photos as early as the 1930's showing some of the original electric trucks: 

SEE ALSO: The fascinating evolution of the electric car

1930: A UPS employee publication published an article about some of the vehicles the company acquired when it opened for business in NYC, including electric cars. The article ran in the July 14, 1930 Los Angeles edition of the publication.

1935: The company's first electric package car was made by Walker, a manufacturer of electric vehicles.

1935: Another look at the Walker electric package car.

• A new study analyzes the fastest and slowest drive-thru service at 15 major chains. 
• The speediest service can be found at Wendy's, Dunkin' Donuts, and Raising Cane's. 
• Carl's Jr., Hardee's, and Starbucks lagged behind.

Speed is key to winning in the fast-food industry. 

QSR Magazine has released its annual drive-thru performance study, investigating 15 major fast-food and fast-casual chains with the fastest and slowest service in the industry. 

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's lagged behind the competition, with the two slowest times: 288 and 270 seconds, respectively. Starbucks also needs to work on its drive-thru speed, with customers waiting an average of 266 seconds, or four minutes and 26 seconds, from when they pull up to order to when they receive their food. 

The winners of the list are able to get customers their food in nearly half that time. Here are the seven chains that are speedier than any others in the industry:

SEE ALSO: A cult chicken chain that's taking over America just gained another key advantage

7. Zaxby's

Wait time: 213 seconds, or three minutes and 33 seconds

6. Taco Bell

Wait time: 213 seconds, or three minutes and 33 seconds

5. Tim Hortons

Wait time: 203 seconds, or three minutes and 23 seconds

• Your personality often depends on your zodiac sign, and fragrances have the ability to affect your moods.
• A French lavender candle is soothing for Virgos, who are prone to anxiety.
• Cinnamon and vanilla is the perfect scent to get Leos' creative juices flowing.

Scent is a powerful thing. Research has shown that fragrances can change a person’s mood, work performance, and behavior, so it’s important to make sure you’re surrounding yourself with the right aromas — especially when it comes to your home. Luckily, you don’t have to fret over what to pick up on your next candle run, since we’ve already selected the perfect scent for you based on your zodiac sign. Read on to see which sweet smell should soon be filling the air in your abode!

Aries

Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Home Candle ($65): The uplifting, vibrant throws of this orange blossom flower with clementine flower and water lily will give the adventurous Aries all the energy they need to embark on their next big excursion.

Taurus

Voluspa Japonica Baltic Amber Large Glass Jar Candle ($28): The warm-hearted Taurus craves security, and warm amber scents are perfect for creating a cozy safe haven. This particular candle also pairs sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla blossom “to warm your heart and home.”

Gemini

Paddywax William Shakespeare Library Candle ($8+): Surely the intellectual Gemini will appreciate the Library Collection from Paddywax, which includes quotes from literary greats such as John Steinbeck and William Shakespeare on the packaging. Breathe in eucalyptus, sweet lime, cardamom, and more as you contemplate The Bard.

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.

Whenever I suddenly come down with a fever or allergy season sneaks up on me, it seems like I never have the proper medicine on hand and I'm forced to stop by my local pharmacy to pick up the appropriate products. They're usually more expensive than I'd expect, but I have little choice other than to shop the aisles of overpriced over-the-counter medicines if I want to ease my pain.

Amazon's latest venture, its own line of over-the-counter medicine called Basic Care, aims to change this experience and make buying basic medicine more affordable and convenient. 

There are currently 60 Basic Care options across a range of categories: allergy/cough/cold, digestive, pain, stop smoking, hair regrowth, children's, and feminine hygiene. These generic medicines are meant to help people address their basic health needs. Amazon says, "It's basic. In a good way."

Generic medicines are reviewed by the FDA and are identical to already marketed brand-name drugs in dosage, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. According to the FDA, they work in the exact same way and provide the same clinical benefits as their brand-name counterparts. Thus, there's no reason why you should buy a shiny pack of Tylenol over acetaminophen.  

To see how Amazon's new Basic Care offerings stacked up to its competitors, we compared their prices to those of the generic over-the-counter brands at Walgreens, Target, CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid. Available tablet counts sometimes varied, so we tried to find the closest equivalent and any differences are noted below. In each slide, competitor prices are arranged from lowest to highest. 

Generic medicines are already cheaper than name brand ones, but we found that many of the Basic Care products are even more affordable than those at large pharmacies. Sometimes the price differences are minimal (Walmart is usually the closest match), while others are significant — a 300-count Basic Care allergy tablets are $13.72 while Walgreens' version is $45.99. 

Given the cheap prices and fast two-day Prime shipping, it'd be wise to stock up on your basic medicine essentials from Amazon ahead of time so you never have to overpay for medicine from a pharmacy again. Keep scrolling to see some of the Basic Care options that are cheaper than anywhere else. 

Shop all Basic Care medicine on Amazon here.

Naproxen Sodium — the generic form of Aleve

Basic Care Naproxen Sodium (220 mg) Tablets, 300 Count, $10.87

Compared to Walmart: $11.98 | Target: $5.49 (100-ct) | Rite Aid: $13.99 (200-ct) | CVS: $8.79 (100-ct) | Walgreens: $8.99 (100-ct) 

Acetaminophen — the generic form of Tylenol

Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen (500 mg) Caplets, 500 Count, $6.98

Compared to Walmart: $6.98 | Target: $6.99 | Rite Aid: $13.99 | Walgreens: $14.99 | CVS: $20.99 (400-ct) 

Cetirizine Hydrochloride — the generic form of Zyrtec

Basic Care All Day Allergy Cetirizine HCl (10 mg) Tablets, 300 Count, $13.72

Compared to Walmart: $15.44-$18.57 (90-ct) | CVS: $34.99 (240-ct) | Rite Aid: $32.99 (120-ct) | Target: $36.99 | Walgreens: $45.99  

• IHOP is famous for its fluffy pancakes but it turns out the chain has a lot more to offer.
• The pancake chain serves steak tartare and a roquefort and pear soufflé.
• Insider secret: You don't have to be under 12 to order off the kid's menu.

Just like the vasty majority of mainstream food chains,the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) features a secret menu. Despite its pancakes being some of the best around, IHOP does more than just fluffy flapjacks. This secret menu contains some pretty surprising additions, actually. That being said, the next time you find yourself at the breakfast chain, here's what you should be ordering off the IHOP secret menu.

Red velvet white chocolate cheesecake macarons

Can you say yum? These delicious cookies act as the perfect end to any IHOP dining experience. They melt in your mouth. They're sweet. They're even topped with a delicate gold foil. Just ask for the macarons; they're not on the menu, but they are available. What could possibly be better?

Steak tartare

Seems like a pretty fancy dish for a joint like IHOP, but people seem to like it. IHOP seasons this rare meat dish with egg yolks, capers, and onions, very similar to the preparation of the Philly Cheese Steak. Next time you find yourself at IHOP, upgrade to this dish if you're feeling ballsy by asking for the tartare preparation of the Philly Cheese Steak.

Spinach and asparagus risotto

IHOP definitely does more than make stellar pancakes. The secret menu even includes this classic Italian dish. Cooked in a lemon broth, the risotto is a somewhat healthy alternative to the sugary treats at IHOP. All you have to do is ask! 

The US Army and US Marine Corps infantrymen pride themselves on being some of the biggest badasses on every block they roll into. They have more similarities than differences, but they’re unique forces. Here are 5 ways you can tell Marine and Army infantry apart:

Note: For this comparison we are predominantly pulling from the Army’s Infantry and Rifle Platoon and Squad field manual and the Marine Corps’ Introduction to Rifle Platoon Operations and Marine Rifle Squad. Not every unit in each branch works as described in doctrine. Every infantry unit will have its own idiosyncrasies and units commonly change small details to deal with battlefield realities.

SEE ALSO: The Marines have their eyes on a new rifle, but the Army says it's forging ahead with a totally new, next-generation weapon

1. Platoon organization

Army and Marine Corps rifle platoons share many elements. They are both organized into larger companies, both contain subordinate squads organized into fire teams, and both employ the rifleman as their primary asset. The Army platoon has a radiotelephone operator and a medic. The Marine platoon has a radio transmitter operator and a corpsman who fulfill the same functions.

The Marine Corps rifle platoon contains three rifle squads. Each squad is led by a sergeant who has three fire teams working for him, each led by a corporal. The fire team leader typically carries the M203 grenade launcher slung under his M16. Operating under him are the automatic rifleman, assistant automatic rifleman, and rifleman.

The Army platoons contain smaller squads. An Army rifle squad leader is typically a sergeant or staff sergeant who leads two four-man fire teams. Each Army fire team consists of a team leader, an automatic rifleman, a grenadier, and a rifleman. Note that the Army squad is using a dedicated grenadier in place of an assistant automatic rifleman. Typically, one rifleman in each squad will be a squad designated marksman, a specially trained shooter who engages targets at long range. Also, the Army has an additional squad in each platoon, the infantry weapons squad. This squad has teams dedicated to the M240B machine gun and the Javelin missile system.

Both Marine Corps and Army infantry platoons operate under company and battalion commanders who may add capabilities such as rockets or mortars when needed.

2. Weapons

The Army typically gets new weapons before the Marine Corps. It moved to the M4 before the Marine Corps did, and soldiers are more likely than Marines to have the newest weapons add-ons like optical sights, lasers, and hand grips. Marines will get all the fancy add-ons. They just typically get them a few years later.

The Army is quickly adopting the M320 as its primary grenade launcher while the Marine Corps is using the M203. The M320 can be fired as a stand-alone weapon. Either the M320 or M203 can be mounted under an M16 or M4.

3. Fires support

Obviously, infantry units aren’t on their own on the battlefield. Marine and Army rifle units call for assistance from other assets when they get bogged down in a fight. Both the Marine Corps and the Army companies can get mortar, heavy machine gun, and missile/rocket support from their battalion when it isn’t available in the company. For stronger assets such as artillery and close air support, the services differ.

Marines in an Marine Expeditionary Unit, an air-ground task force of about 2,200 Marines, will typically have artillery, air, and naval assets within the MEU. Soldiers in a brigade combat team would typically have artillery support ready to go but would need to call outside the BCT for air or naval support. Air support would come from an Army combat aviation brigade or the Navy or Air Force. Receiving naval fire support is rare for the Army.

When it comes to children, the only certain things about them is that they’ll cry, they’ll poop and repeat.

Handling that is the easy part. Everything else is a minefield waiting to be stepped on. 

It doesn’t matter how many books you read, videos you watch, classes you take or parents you talk to, raising your own child and the affects it will have on you will only become known once you’re in the trenches.

While it may sometimes sound like war, having a kid is truly incredible. There are a few things, however, I wish I knew before my son arrived. 

SEE ALSO: 10 hard truths no one tells you about buying a house

SEE ALSO: 9 things I wish I knew before I got married

You're on your own

The baby’s born. Family comes to visit you at the hospital, friends send you text messages and your social media blows up with good wishes from the kid you sat next to in third grade. Then after 48 hours, at which point your insurance company strong-arms the hospital to discharge you, you're figuring out how to install a car seat.

No matter how many books you read, other babies you hold, or advice you half-listen to from your in-laws, when you have your first child, it's the first time you're a parent and you're going to have to figure everything our for yourself. 

We wanted to breast feed, but my wife couldn’t. Our son wasn’t eating. We didn’t wait for the first-week checkup. We were at the pediatrician’s office on day 3 to find out what kind of bombshell news we were going to be hit with. It’s scary. You and your partner need to hang on tight like Thelma & Louise because if you’re not in this together, you will drive each other off a cliff.

They really, really, really like sleeping in your bed

Me, my wife and my newborn son all lived in the same bedroom for the first year of his life.  It wasn't always ideal, but it was easy to roll over and pick him up from his crib and bring him into our bed. He'd call for us, and we'd go get him. 

Eventually when he was in a toddler bed, he could simply get out of bed on his own and climb into ours, parting my wife and I like the Red Sea, sometimes not even feeling he was in between us. Well, I would, because he’d kick mercilessly, which may explain my lower back issues and my affinity for sleeping on couches.

It's incredibly hard to break habits

Once you start letting your child do something it becomes a pattern. Some people may object to welcoming their child into their bed, for example, like we did. Sure, doing so sometimes put a damper on personal time with my wife, but all my son ever wanted when climbing into bed with us was to snuggle and feel comfortable. 

Sharing our bed with my son really allowed my wife and I to build our relationship with him, but to this day he still likes to fall asleep in our bed every night before I pick him up and transfer him to his own bedroom. Although it's not necessarily a bad habit, my wife and I are looking forward to upgrading to a king sized mattress. 

The INSIDER Summary:

• Celebrities and members of the royal family run in similar circles.
• Even famous people get starstruck sometimes.
• Here are adorable photos of them meeting each other.

Celebrities and British royals rub shoulders from time to time, considering that members of the royal family are world-famous celebrities, themselves.

When they do meet, it turns out that even the biggest names get flustered around people they look up to.

While members of the royal family can't sign autographs for security reasons, they can (and do!) pose for pictures when they cross paths.

Here are 12 adorable photos of royals and red carpet stars fangirling over each other.

Queen Elizabeth and Anna Wintour sat next to each other at a runway show.

Queen Elizabeth II sat next to Anna Wintour as they viewed Richard Quinn's runway show before presenting him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at London Fashion Week's BFC Show Space on February 20, 2018, in London, United Kingdom.

Kate Middleton and Harry Styles shared a moment that Simon Cowell gleefully witnessed.

Kate Middleton met Harry Styles of One Direction as Simon Cowell looked on at the end of The Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium on November 13, 2014, in London, England.

Cara Delevingne had a laugh with Prince Charles at a charity event.

Cara Delevingne met Prince Charles at a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, a charity working to save the Asian Elephant from extinction in the wild, at Clarence House on July 09, 2013 in London, England.

• There are a number of terms that have one meaning in America and another in the United Kingdom. 
• The British refer to a pencil eraser as a 'rubber', whereas in the United States it's another term for a condom.
• It is helpful to learn these phrases before traveling between the U.S. and the U.K., so to avoid miscommunication and potential embarrassment. 

English is English, right? Not exactly. Even though Americans share the same language as those in Great Britain, words that commonly mean one thing here can mean something completely different across the pond — and vice-versa. Avoid potential embarrassment by getting a handle on these tricky linguistic twists.

SEE ALSO: 7 tough lessons people often learn too late in life

Bird

In the United States a bird is, well, an animal with feathers that tweets. In England, however, a bird is often used to describe a young female, similar to the way young women are referred to as "chicks" in the America. Be wary of calling your boss's daughter a bird, however; some Britons consider the term to be derogatory.

Geezer

Here in America the word "geezer" is a derogatory term often paired with "old" to describe an elderly (and often eccentric) old man. In Great Britain, the word "geezer" is a slang term given to a regular man, and is often used the same way Americans refer to young guys as "dudes."

Boot

If a Londoner tells you he locked something in his boot, you may look at him quizzically. Yet, don't be alarmed: While in America a boot is a type of footwear, in England, the term is used to refer to a trunk of a car. 

When Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux started dating a few years ago, they were a couple that fans couldn't help but root for. Both actors just seemed so happy together, and always spoke fondly of each other during interviews. 

Aniston and Theroux's split seemingly came out of nowhere and took people by surprise. Even though they hadn't recently been photographed together, people didn't guess that the reason behind it was because they separated. 

Keep reading to find out how their relationship evolved, from their early meetings to their final public appearances together as a happy couple.

2007: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux met on the set of the movie "Tropic Thunder."

Theroux co-wrote the screenplay and story for the 2008 comedy, which starred Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. Aniston is close friends with Stiller, which explains why she visited the set. Stiller also guest-starred on an episode of "Friends" during season three and played Aniston's on-screen boyfriend.

August 2011: It was reported that Aniston and Theroux moved in together.

The exact time in 2011 when they started dating is unclear. According to People, the two actors rented a home in the Hollywood Hills in August.

February 22, 2012: Aniston received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Theroux was in the audience to offer support.

As interest rates rise, investors everywhere are wondering what it means for stocks.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch has identified S&P 500 stocks that are best helped by a higher nominal 10-year yield, based on how the stocks have historically responded to changes in rates.

The screening is "based on a regression of stocks' monthly excess returns vs. monthly changes in the nominal 10yr yield from 1972-12/2017," Savita Subramanian, BAML's head of US equity and quant strategy, said in a recent note.

On Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year note rose to a four-year high as the Federal Reserve sent more signals of its willingness to continue raising interest rates. Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee meeting showed an upbeat view of the economy that would warrant further rate hikes.

Nineteen stocks from the list are ranked in ascending order of their nominal interest rate beta, or how responsive their prices are to changes in the 10-year yield; the higher the beta, the more sensitive a stock historically has been:

SEE ALSO: Bank of America strategists shatter a widespread myth about interest rates and stocks after being bombarded with questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated

Ticker: ADBE

Sector: Information technology

Nominal interest rate beta: 7.2

Invesco

Ticker: IVZ

Sector: Financials

Nominal interest rate beta: 7.4

Seagate Technology

Ticker: STX

Sector: Information technology

Nominal interest rate beta: 7.5

Tacos are one of the most popular foods in America, whether you like yours from a trendy new Mexican restaurant, Taco Bell, or a taco truck parked at a gas station.

But if you're looking to snag the best of the best, look no further.

We teamed up with Yelp to find the very best taco in every state, plus DC, by looking at user reviews on businesses in both the "Mexican" and "tacos" categories.

Keep reading to find out where you can get the best taco in your state.

ALABAMA: Los Dos Hermanos Taco Truck in Birmingham

"I love this BIG RED TRUCK!!! My heart skips a beat when I see it, because I know I am about to eat some really good food."— Yelp user Brandon P.

Learn more about Los Dos Hermanos Taco Truck here.

ALASKA: Lane's Quickie Tacos in Fairbanks

"Absolutely delicious! Can't believe I found such amazing tacos in AK."  — Yelp user Melissa B.

Learn more about Lane's Quickie Tacos here.

ARIZONA: Mucha Lucha Taco Shop in Scottsdale

"Best tacos ever!!  5 street tacos combo was the best!  You get to try a little bit of everything.  Multiple toppings!  Clean, friendly, and quick service!  I'll be back again!  I'm never disappointed!"— Yelp user Patty B.

Learn more about Mucha Lucha Taco Shop here.

I was prepared to love the Skagen Falster smartwatch. 

When I first saw the watch at CES — the tech industry trade show in Las Vegas last month — it blew me away. The watch was easily the best-looking wearable I saw there, and certainly the best-looking smartwatch I've seen in months. 

The Falster watch features activity tracking, customizable watch faces, and voice commands powered by Google Assistant. Skagen has made hybrid watches in the past, but the Falster is the brand's first true smartwatch. It starts at $275 and is available now. 

I tested out the Falster watch over the course of a few weeks. While I quickly fell in love with its gorgeous design, I found one surprising shortcoming. 

SEE ALSO: This beautiful $300 security camera can recognize faces and keep track of your kids — and it's backed by some of the biggest names in tech

Skagen is a Danish-inspired watch brand owned by Fossil Group, which also makes Michael Kors- and Kate Spade-branded watches.

Skagen has set itself apart from other brands by making chic, minimalist watches. Their watches are mostly rendered in neutral leathers and gold, rose gold, and silver metallics with mother of pearl and marble faces.

In short, Skagen's watches are historically stunning, and the Falster is no different. It comes in black, silver, and rose gold, with either steel or leather bands.

Before iOS 7 launched in 2013, iPhone and iPad users would have to manually download any and all software updates for apps once they became available.

An aggressive red badge on the App Store icon would show you the number of apps that needed updating.

There was no automatic downloading for software updates. It was pretty annoying.

These days, since iOS app updates download automatically, there's rarely a reason to visit the "Updates" tab in the App Store — and most app developers seem to be aware of this.

For many apps, an update will simply include a boilerplate explanation for any software update along the lines of "we update the app regularly to make it faster and more reliable."

Usually, developers don't bother detailing new features, or which bugs were fixed, since so few people ever look there.

Still, many app makers still make an extra effort to explain all their software updates — and it's worth noting those that do this, if only to highlight developers that are transparent with their users.

Take a look:

SEE ALSO: 9 reasons you should buy an iPhone 8 instead of an iPhone X

DON'T MISS: I've owned an Amazon Echo for over two years now — here are my 19 favorite features

Great example: Medium doesn't settle for a simple description, instead turning the update into a song (to the tune of "Dayman," from "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia").

Snapchat also does a good job at being transparent. Bullet points are better than nothing!

Amazon Kindle similarly keeps its users in the know.

Spring Break is fast approaching: that magical time of year when countless destinations become inundated by tourists and anything-but-sober college students.

Unfortunately, the photos you see of these destinations aren't always an accurate representation of what you'll encounter once you arrive.

Keep scrolling for a much-needed reality check before you embark on your vacation.

Texas might not be the first place you think of when you think of Spring Break destinations, but the tranquil beaches of South Padre Island are perfect for dipping your toes in the sand...

...as well as for daytime ragers.

This empty resort pool in Punta Cana looks very inviting.

About 11 years ago, I read about slaughterhouses in a book called ”Skinny Bitch” (by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin) and promptly gave up eating meat. I haven't looked back since. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll say that I'm a pescetarian: I eat seafood (a little) and I still eat dairy. As a picky eater, I will say that I had never been a huge fan of chicken, turkey or a lot of different red meat, so going without it completely seemed almost natural to me.

That said, switching up your diet in such a big way is always going to be tough, especially if you do it completely out of the blue like I did. As much as I enjoy how I eat, there are some things I wish I knew before cutting meat out of my diet that probably would have made the process a lot easier.

Some of the things that happen after giving up meat are pretty expected, but others are a lot more surprising. It's always worth knowing what you're getting yourself into, and I wish I knew more before I picked up that book. Here are a few examples:

Finding other meal options will be tough at first.

From the very beginning, I was enthusiastic about giving up meat. I said to myself, ”I love vegetables, I can still eat carbs, and there are tons of other options out there. How hard could this be?” The answer? Hard! Finding substantial alternatives for meat can be trickier than it seems. As much as I love veggies, even I have to admit that they sometimes don't fill you up quite the same way as, say, a piece of chicken or a hamburger. You can't just eat carbs instead of protein — it's unhealthy.

You have to experiment with different foods to find what keeps you full, healthy, and satisfied. It's a process that can take a few years to nail down since it's so personal.

Tofu and other meat alternatives aren't for everyone.

When I first gave up meat, I dove into the world of meat alternatives head first. I bought tofu, I tried frozen foods like ”soy chicken” and ”veggie sausage.” I wanted to eat these things, because they do make the transition easier, and they can serve as a good source of protein. Unfortunately, I hated them. I couldn't tolerate them and , i eating them made me practically gag. Not eating meat and not being a fan of meat alternatives means you have to get extra creative.

Unless you're in a major city, going out to a restaurant will never be super simple again.

As giving up meat becomes more popular, so wil vegetarian and vegan menu options. Unfortunately, most restaurants have a long way to go on that front. When it comes to veggie options, there's usually one of three things: pasta with vegetables, a very basic salad or quinoa and vegetables. That's fine, sometimes, but when you consider the variety of delicious vegetarian meals out there, it's frustrating.

And if the chef isn't great with veggies, the meals can easily be lackluster and kind of boring. I've found that big cities offer lots of veg options, while smaller towns often stick to the meat and potatoes deal.

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:

• Trail running shoes keep your feet protected against the rocks, roots, and ever-changing terrain you'll find on those backwoods jogs, giving you the traction and support you need to log the distance. The Columbia Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoes are our top pick because they're comfortable the first time you slip them on and durable enough to last for hundreds of miles.

I know you're thinking about it, so let's start with the most common question: What is the difference between trail running shoes and hiking shoes? The primary difference is simple. Hiking shoes are designed for use while you're carrying a pack and covering long distances, while trail runners are ideal for the unladen user out for a few hours at a time. The presumed user of a hiking shoe has weight on his or her back and will be logging many miles over the course of multiple consecutive days. Hiking shoes tend to be heavier than trail runners due to added cushioning in the sole and the extra support needed to prevent a rolled ankle, exacerbated by pack weight and/or the rugged terrain that comes with trekking both off the trail.

OK, now what's the difference between a trail running shoe and a running shoe more generally? There are two design elements that separate trail runners from road running shoes: The type of traction and the sole thickness (e.g. level of cushioning). On paved roads, sidewalks, or other prepared surfaces, you don't really need much additional traction, and you can generally count on a consistency of terrain, thus there's no need for extreme tread patterns or extra cushioning. Out on the trail, however, one step might fall on hard packed dirt while the next might see you cruising over a scree field filled with loose stones and fallen brambles.

The traction and cushioning offered by a good trail running shoe keep you prepared to meet and conquer all sorts of ground and in myriad weather conditions. They weigh a bit more than regular running shoes, so when you're training for the Boston Marathon, stick with road shoes. They don't necessarily offer the proper support for the hiker carrying a 50-pound pack and enduring the heel strikes of a granite boulder field, either. That's why hiking boots are a thing.

But for the runner out for a morning run on the mountain trails, trail running shoes are the ideal footwear. Go ahead and use them for any casual hike, too. They can handle it. And so can you. Read on to see which of our top picks are best for your needs.

Updated on 02/23/2018 by Steven John: Replaced our former top pick with a new pair of shoes from Columbia and added a pair of Adidas trail running shoes as our top pick for trail running in bad weather.

Although the Columbia Sportswear Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoe is our top pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the ASICS GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe, the Salomon Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe, the New Balance Minimus Trail 10v1 Trail Running Shoe, and the Tesla Bare Trek BK31 Minimalist Barefoot Trail Running Shoe, and the Adidas outdoor Kanadia 7 Trail GTX.

SEE ALSO: The best running shoes for men

DON'T MISS: The best men's hiking boots you can buy

The best trail running shoes overall

Why you'll love them: The Columbia Sportswear Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoes seamlessly transition from road to trail, so they're a perfect choice for runs that start in the city but lead far afield.

Sometimes your runs start at your front door and take you up and down city streets or along suburban sidewalks. At other times, your runs start at the trailhead and lead off into the wilderness at once. But if you're anything like me and a lot of other people, many of your runs will start on pavement, lead onto a park or woodland trail, and end up right back in urban or suburban environs. For those hybrid trail runs, you need a hybrid trail running shoe. Into that unique gap steps the Columbia Sportswear Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoe.

The tread pattern of the Variant X.S.R. isn't as aggressive as you'll find on some trail runners, so the shoes won't feel clunky or unstable on solid, even surfaces like a sidewalk or street. But the sole is stiff and rugged enough to keep you supported when you're jogging over roots and rocks, too, and the lugs are deep enough to give you some grip on loose or slick terrain.

Columbia is using a new cushioning system in this shoe called PearlFoam. What that is, basically, is more cushioning added in the midsole in the form of thermoplastic polyurethane pellets that help absorb impact and increase the return profile of the shoe. Still a bit unclear? It puts more spring in your step.

The Columbia Sportswear Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoe has a weather-resistant upper that allows for decent breathability and that's seamless on the inside, so you will experience minimal chafing even during long trail runs. Which is a good thing, because any good trail run is a long one.

As this is a pretty new shoe, you won't find a lot of reviews out there yet. But full disclosure, I own and use a pair of these shoes. And yes, you should, too. They really do fill a niche between a dedicated trail runner and a road running shoe without sacrificing quality or performance for either activity.

The reviewers with IRunFar are also fans of these new Montrails, calling them an "all-arounder package" ideal for "cross-surface running." A RunAppeal writer said the Variant X.S.R. shoes have the "cushioning and support to [help you] get the most out of every mile."

Pros: Suitable for use on road or trail, excellent midsole cushioning, comfortable seamless upper

Cons: Expensive option

Buy the Columbia Sportswear Variant X.S.R. Montrail Running Shoes from Columbia for $150

The best trail running shoes on a budget

Why you'll love them: A pair of ASICS GEL-Venture 5 trail runners costs less than fifty bucks, but they offer plenty of support and excellent protection against those punishing heel strikes you encounter on downhill stretches.

The Japanese company ASICS gets its name from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano which essentially means "a strong mind in a strong body." The GEL-Venture 5 trail running shoes can't necessarily do anything to help your mental state (though the great outdoors sure can) but they do a whole lot for those feet despite a low price tag.

These trail runners feature "Rearfoot GEL cushioning" that greatly reduces the severity of the impact your heel experiences even as you pound your way over stone or down steps. As most trail running injuries occur on the downhill portions — both acute and chronic injuries, for the record — shoes that can minimize the stresses caused by downhill running on rough terrain are a smart move.

The tread pattern on these shoes is minimal, though, so they are best used on graded, well-maintained trails or on fields and meadows. These probably aren't the best choice for blazing your own path through the deep woods.

That qualification noted, more than 7,700 reviews are currently logged on Amazon, and the GEL-Venture 5s enjoy a 4.5-star rating overall. One very satisfied customer said he "bought another two pairs of them to replace [his] old pair."

A write-up with Runrepeat.com highlighted the ASICS GEL-Venture 5 trail running shoe's "grip of the outsole" and lack of "discomfort when striking" the ground. A review from Runnerclick.com praised them as "highly durable" and noted their breathability.

Pros: Affordable price point, great heel cushioning, good breathability

Cons: Too narrow for some users, long break-in period for many feet

Buy the ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe on Amazon for $37.99 - $79.95

The best trail running shoes for hot weather

Why you'll love them: The New Balance Minimus Trail 10v1 trail runners are lightweight and well-ventilated, keeping your feet cool and dry even during long runs on hot days.

One of the leading complaints people have about trail runners is that they leave the feet hot and sweaty. Warmth and dampness can be annoying and uncomfortable, and can also make feet more prone to blisters and abrasions. Having hot, clammy feet certainly doesn't help with odors. In certain conditions, such as rain, snow, or on muddy trails or paths that traverse streams and marshes, waterproof trail shoes are ideal. When it's hot and muggy out (or if your feet are prone to heavy sweating), it's a good idea to trade in those water-resistant shoes for a pair that lets your feet breathe.

The New Balance 10v1 trail runners have an exterior made largely of mesh that allows heat to radiate away from your foot. The sides and top of the shoe are relatively thin, meaning reduced insulation, and their low-rise leaves much of your foot and ankle exposed to the air.

The soles of the 10v1s are thick enough to absorb hard strikes and to keep your foot protected against bruising even when you step on loose stones or sharp roots, though I do wish the tread pattern was a bit more aggressive. These shoes won't help you kick steps into a snowy hillside, certainly, but no one will be complaining about the odor-reducing antimicrobial treatment each pair gets.

Buyers almost universally love these shoes, with more than two-thirds of the review sporting five stars and the rest mostly four-star ratings. One customer named Jay called them "quite well ventilated," while an owner named Juan called the 10v1 train runners "great all around."

A gear writer with Irunfar.com said the 10v1s "conform to the contours of your feet," while in a YouTube video review, runner Aaron Dye pointed out the Minimus 10v1's excellent flexibility and cushioning.

Pros: Superb breathability, snug foot conformity, lightweight

Cons: Not water-resistant at all, many users will require added inserts

Buy the New Balance Minimus Trail 10v1 shoes on Amazon for $99.56 - $120.69