You might think a major new game in the long-running "Metal Gear" franchise would elicit a ton of hype.

The last major "Metal Gear" game, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain," was a blockbuster phenomenon — just like every major "Metal Gear" release before it.

But things are quite the contrary in the case of "Metal Gear Survive," the latest major "Metal Gear" game. 

Though I personally enjoyed the game, much of the talk surrounding it has been focused on "Metal Gear" franchise creator Hideo Kojima, who either left Konami or was forced out of the company, depending on who you ask. Is he or isn't he officially thanked in the game's credits? Does this image from the game contain a secret message from employees loyal to Kojima?

So, what in the world is going on with "Metal Gear Survive"? Here's the deal:

SEE ALSO: No one is talking about the latest game in the blockbuster ‘Metal Gear’ franchise — but it’s actually pretty great

First and foremost: What is "Metal Gear Survive"?

"Metal Gear Survive" is a super, super weird game.

It's set in the same timeline as the last major "Metal Gear" game, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain." But instead of continuing that game's story, it branches into an alternate, paranormal version of events.

The game's main character — one you've molded in the game's character creation tool, and named something silly — is one of dozens of random soldiers involved in a paranormal incident. A wormhole in the sky opens over the base you're stationed at, and you're swept into an alternate dimension: a bizarro version of Earth named "Dite" (dee-tay) that's full of horrific, zombie-like creatures.

And thus your journey begins: You're a soldier trying to survive in a parallel dimension that's full of zombies.

"Metal Gear" is a franchise with seriously passionate, loyal fans. And those fans are mad as hell that franchise creator and longtime director Hideo Kojima left/was forced out of his role at Japanese game company Konami.

Since "Survive" is the first "Metal Gear" game without Kojima, fans of the series and of Kojima himself are looking at "Metal Gear Survive" with extra scrutiny. And so is Kojima himself.

When asked about the game, Kojima noted that he had nothing to do with its creation.

"That’s nothing to do with me," he told an audience at the 2016 Tokyo Game Show, reports IGN. "The 'Metal Gear' games are about political fiction and espionage. Where do zombies fit in with that?"

Since Kojima is so deeply entwined with the "Metal Gear" franchise, many fans see "Metal Gear Survive" as a trick of sorts from the game's publisher, Konami — slapping the "Metal Gear" name on something that isn't truly a "Metal Gear" game (whatever that means).

Kojima was treated terribly by Konami, according to reports.

It's not clear exactly what caused the rift between Konami and Kojima — Kojima worked at the Japanese game publisher for over 20 years — but it's resulted in some seriously scorched earth.

The origin of the issues apparently goes all the way back to 2010, according to Nikkei, when a Konami game named "Dragon Collection" became a hit. The game was big in the mobile game market, and Konami reportedly had a strong reaction to seeing a game earn loads of cash that cost little to make.

As the company's corporate overlords shifted interest toward mobile and social games — games that often cost little to make and can reap massive profits — Konami began looking more shrewdly at its division that made massive, expensive, blockbuster games: specifically, Kojima Productions.

To put an even finer point on it, Kojima is known for being an auteur. His games are routinely delayed while he labors over every detail. This, among other things, leads to his games often costing tens of millions of dollars to make. Though they're often wildly successful, the production process is a scary and risky one.

But, instead of firing Kojima and moving toward mobile development, Konami reportedly instituted bizarre oversight methods to Kojima's production team. Those methods reportedly included cutting off the internet and installing cameras to watch staffers closely. Since Kojima's fans are so loyal, Konami has become a villain in the ongoing controversy.

• Bott and Co compiled a list of the cities with the most diverse food scenes in the world.
• New York nabbed the number one spot with 94 different national cuisines.
• London was a close second with 89 national cuisines.

While many cities around the world attract foodies with their delicious local fare, some have even more than that to offer.

Bott and Co analyzed Google Map's restaurant data to determine which of the world's cities (that have a population of over one million) feature the most culinarily diverse food scenes. 

Keep scrolling to see which cities boast the most national cuisines.

28. Milan, Italy

Milan is considered one of the premiere fashion capitals of the world, but the city also has a vibrant food scene, with 45 national cuisines.

27. Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt has some love-it-or-hate-it local dishes of its own — such as "apfelwein," a drink made from fermented apples, and "schweinshaxen," which are pig knuckles — but even if those aren't for you, the city offers 46 national cuisines.

26. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's gastronomic offerings are vast and varied — the city has 48 national cuisines.

Not reading online reviews

Not checking the fine print of rental cars

Not asking for an upgrade in person

Chicago is a beautiful, vibrant, complex city. We have our issues but we also have our individuals that shape our powerful communities. Our culture is deeper than our pizza and our perceived systemic issues. Our city is more than what you hear about cops and gun violence— our city is multi-layered, multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional.

Here are some things that you need to know about Chicago from a proud resident.

We have influenced culture with our people, our music, and our food.

From Chance the Rapper to Chaka Khan, COMMON, Kanye West just to name a few prominent figures in today's culture who came from the Windy City. Our food also has a legacy of its own as well. Our signature deep-dish pizza, whether you are a Giordano's fan or a Lou Malnati's fan, is too distinctive to forget when it hits your tastebuds.

As a proud Southsider, I would be remiss if I did not talk about my hometown favorite a Harold's pizza puff with lemon puff and mild sauce.

We are offended when people call our beloved hometown “ChiRaq” or collectively claim Chicago is the most violent city in the world.

That isn't exactly true. Although it may look like a higher number of gun-related deaths The Trace found that in gun violence per capita, Chicago does not even crack the top 15.

In fact, the report found that Chicago is actually number 18 on the list of gun violence per capita. The report points out that although it may have the most gun-related homicides in the US, its murder rate per capita is low.

Of course, it's easy to judge us by these numbers, but when you look at them more closely, you'll see there's much more to the city. 

Chicagoans go hard for their city, especially sports.

We were ranked as the seventh-largest gathering in the world when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. Whether you are a Soxsider or a Cubbie, we defend our city on all fronts.

• Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank is selling his Washington, DC mansion for $29.5 million.
• It's the most expensive home for sale in the city, according to the Wall Street Journal. 
• Plank bought the mansion for $7.85 million in 2013 and is now selling it because he and his family don't spend as much time there as they thought they would.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank has put his 12,200-square-foot Georgetown mansion on the market for $29.5 million, a spokesperson for his investment company, Plank Industries, confirmed to Business Insider.

He had purchased it for $7.85 million in 2013, according to the Wall Street Journal. The listing price, which makes the home the most expensive currently listed in Washington, DC, includes many of the pieces the mansion is furnished with.

The home is historic and was built around 200 years ago in the Federal style. It sits on a third of an acre of land and features some grassy areas. Plank extensively renovated the home during his five years of ownership and added modern amenities to the property.

There are seven bedrooms in the house, plus a lap pool, a separate building with gym equipment, and a gated parking area for multiple cars.

"While the property in DC was never meant to be the family’s primary residence, they wanted to use the home to host friends, family and guests. Following a major renovation, the Planks realized they weren't using it as often as they had hoped and have decided to sell the property," Tom Geddes, CEO of Plank Industries, said in a statement to Business Insider.

Plank primarily lives outside of Baltimore, where Under Armour is headquartered. Nancy Taylor Bubes, Cailin Monahan, and Jamie Peva of Washington Fine Properties have the listing.

SEE ALSO: Under Armour and Nike are stealing a page out of Adidas' playbook — and it's a brilliant move

Plank's home is an example of classic brick in the Georgetown section of DC. Its historic good looks are immediately visible curbside.

Plank extensively renovated the home. One of the most notable additions is this 22,000-pound marble staircase.

Each bedroom is decorated in accordance with a famous American political figure. For example, the master bedroom is called The George Washington Suite and has a portrait of America's first president.

Every year, celebrities bring their fashion A-game to the Oscars red carpet. Sometimes, they nail it. For example, Audrey Hepburn wore an instantly iconic ivory Givenchy gown in 1954. Then, in 2017, Taraji P. Henson stunned on the red carpet in a classic off-the-shoulder gown.

But not quite everyone has mastered red carpet style. Over the years, there have been a number of fashion blunders on the Academy Awards red carpet.

Some of them have been lighthearted, and others have had more troubling undertones. From Björk's infamous swan dress to Charlize Theron's backless dress, keep scrolling to see 15 of the most controversial Oscars outfits of all time.

In 1969, Barbra Streisand wore a sparkling pantsuit to the Academy Awards — but she didn't know it was sheer until she got there.

Streisand discovered that her outfit was see-through "when the lights hit," Vanity Fair reported.

Cher wore a cutout crop top, sheer pants, and a feathery headpiece to the Oscars in 1986.

In 2017, Cher told Vogue that she has some regrets about the outfit.

"I knew some people in the Academy didn't think that I was a serious actress," she recalled. "I always felt a bit sad that I presented Don Ameche with his Best Supporting Actor Award in that outfit. It seemed to make him a little nervous."

In 1995, Lizzy Gardiner designed and wore a dress made out of American Express Gold Cards.

The costume designer initially wanted to make a similar dress for "The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert," but the credit card company denied her request, according to Yahoo Entertainment. Instead, American Express sent Gardiner 300 cards, which she used to create a statement-making gown for herself.

No matter how prolific you are in the kitchen, experiencing weeknight dinner burnout is inevitable, especially if you’re having an especially draining week. Forget toying around with that last recipe in your meal kit or attempting the fancily plated salmon dinner you’ve been fantasizing about posting on Instagram all night, cut yourself a break with a boil, drain and stir night.

That is, make a pot of pasta, stir in some jarred sauce, and just call it. Chefs have a reputation for being anti pre-prepared-anything, but when real life comes into play, a backup jar of pasta sauce is a necessary and yes, tasty, pantry staple to help whip up dinner when you’re just not feeling like a prolific dinner genius.

Tuck in your napkin bib, because chefs shared the sauces they most highly recommend for lazy nights in.  

Colavita

"I'm a fan of Colavita pasta sauce. I like its smooth texture and robust tomato flavor without all the additional dried herbs and spice that often are heavy-handed in some other brands," Claudia Sidoti, head chef and recipe developer at HelloFresh, told INSIDER. "It's a great base and makes it easy to jazz up with some fresh basil or a little kick from chili flakes."

Rao's

"Rao's jarred sauce is always my favorite when putting together a quick meal at home," chef Christian Petroni of Fortina told INSIDER. "I always keep homemade stuffed shells in my freezer. One of my favorite things is whipping those baby's up with a jar of Rao's sauce. Throw it in the oven, comes out delicious and beautiful. It is too good!"

Patsy's

"Patsy's sauces are made from the freshest, most mouth-watering ingredients in small batches to ensure quality, and slowly simmered to perfection in the traditional family way," said Chef Sal Scognamillo of Patsy's Italian Restaurant (yes, he may be a little biased, but he says this jar really is his go-to when he's not making the sauces himself in the restaurant.) "The sauces are 100% natural with no preservatives or sugar added.  The sauce in the pot is exactly the same as the sauce in the jar."

Rome wasn't built in a day, and it wasn't built for snow, either. 

In fact, the Italian capital had seen white powder only once in the past 33 years, until Monday.

That's when thermostats at the Vatican dipped below freezing, shocking priests and nuns who got stuck in the snow. Even the army had to be called in to help clear the Roman streets, Reuters reported. 

But the Romans aren't the only ones shaking in their bitterly-cold boots. Across Europe, people are dealing with a blast of cold air this week, as a so-called "Beast from the East" moves across Europe, bringing chilly, extreme weather in from Siberia.

Scientists are pointing out that it's all part of a disturbing trend: the polar jet stream has been acting weird lately, and the North Pole is actually warmer than parts of Europe this week. 

Meteorologist Eric Holthaus called it a "shocking sign of our Earth's accelerating planetary fever."

Take a look at how Italy looks in the snow:

SEE ALSO: The heart of Paris is underwater — and the images are a shocking reminder that the city is unprepared

Roman temperatures normally never dip below zero.

The average low temperature for February should be 3.5 degrees Celsius or 38 Fahrenheit, while the high is typically near 13 Celsius or 55 Fahrenheit, according to the World Meteorological Association.

But on Monday, the temperature in the city dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or -7 Celsius.

More than four inches of snow fell in four hours at the airport, Reuters reported. 

The city ground to a halt, closing schools and urging residents to stay home.

Roman city officials asked places more used to seeing snow if they could borrow snow plows, according to Reuters.

• Dehydration can lead to urinary tract and kidney problems.
• We often conflate thirst with hunger.
• Sagging skin and headaches are also symptoms of dehydration.

Dehydration shows itself in a variety of ways: headache, constipation, dizziness and muscle cramps, just to name a few.

It can also send you to the hospital.

"We commonly ignore the early warning signs of dehydration, but it's something to take seriously because it can affect the whole body," Grace Derocha, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, told INSIDER. "Dehydration can lead to urinary tract and kidney problems or even in severe cases, seizures."

Here are the 10 signs to look out for:

Headaches

"When your hydration levels drop, a chemical reaction occurs in your blood which your brain is highly sensitive to. Your brain reacts by triggering a headache," Jennifer Fitzgibbon, registered oncology dietitian at Stony Brook Cancer Center in New York, told INSIDER.

Drinking water, along with popping an ibuprofen pill or two, will help diminish your headache.

Constipation

Like a water slide, your food waste won't move as quickly without a constant stream of water.

"If you don't have enough water in your system, it won't be able to move your food waste efficiently, resulting in constipation," Fitzgibbon said.

Carrying a water bottle will help you stay hydrated. You should also keep almonds, which are high in fiber, and a few fiber packets in your backpack or purse, which will help keep things moving.  

Dizziness

An increased heart rate or a sudden change in blood pressure upon standing can cause dizziness, which is likely caused by not drinking enough water, Derocha said.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that women drink about 2.7 liters of water a day, while men should drink 3.7 liters, but that number can vary based on a variety of factors.

• Staying at a nice hotel doesn't have to break the bank.
• We spoke to experts to find out 22 simple strategies you can use to find the best hotel prices for your next trip.
• The tips include knowing the best time to book a hotel room, booking at newly opened hotels, checking in near the end of the day, and booking your flight and hotel together.

You don't have to overpay for a hotel room.

There are tricks and tips you can use to find the best room rates so you can enjoy your trip guilt-free.

We spoke to Jeanette Pavini, a savings expert at Coupons.com, Josh Belkin, the vice president and general manager of Hotels.com's North America branch, Cheryl Rosner, the CEO of Stayful, and Ivy Chou, the content and marketing director for DealsPlus.com, to get their best tips for booking a room.

From when to book to how to find hidden discounts, this list can save you bundles the next time you plan to stay at a hotel.

SEE ALSO: 20 tricks you can use to score a cheap flight

DON'T MISS: 12 things Europeans think are weird about the US

Look into business hotels.

According to Pavini, business hotels can provide great deals, especially when traveling within Europe.

The reason is that business can often be slow during summer months and on weekends at hotels that cater to business travelers, which can lead to lower prices.

Ask for a corner room.

Pavini also recommends opting for a corner room, since you'll typically get more square footage for the same price.

If you're looking to upgrade to a corner room, Pavini suggests that you be discreet and avoid asking at times when there are several guests waiting to be assisted. 

Check in near the end of the day.

If you're hoping to snag an upgrade, checking in toward the end of the day might be your answer.

According to Pavini, since hotels have a better sense of occupancy by that point, they are more likely to offer upgrades that are still available.

• Gun-control activists are organizing boycotts and calling for companies to cut ties with the National Rifle Association.
• The NRA has partnerships with companies that offer members special deals, such as discounts on car rentals or hotel bookings.
• The car-rental giant Enterprise and the First National Bank of Omaha are among the companies that have cut since ties with the NRA.

Gun-control activists are organizing boycotts of companies with ties to the National Rifle Association — and they're already producing results.

People on social media are calling for boycotts of companies that offer or have offered special deals to NRA members who, as part of their membership, receive discounts on things like car rentals and prescription drugs.

While companies such as FedEx still offer such discounts, other companies have cut ties.

The NRA, in a statement, said, "some corporations have decided to punish NRA membership in a shameful display of political and civic cowardice. In time, these brands will be replaced."

Here are all the brands that have cut ties with the gun-rights group after the recent boycotts as well as past efforts by gun-control activists.

SEE ALSO: Two major hotel chains have cut ties with the NRA — and as boycotts loom, they want everyone to know

Delta Airlines

On Saturday, the airline tweeted that it is"reaching out to the NRA to let them know we will be ending their contract for discounted rates through our group travel program. We will be requesting that the NRA remove our information from their website."

United Airlines

The airline announced on Saturday that it is cutting ties to the NRA. 

"United is notifying the NRA that we will no longer offer a discounted rate to their annual meeting and we are asking that the NRA remove our information from their website," the company tweeted. 

Hertz

On Friday, Hertz tweeted, "We have notified the NRA that we are ending the NRA’s rental car discount program with Hertz."

The reasons the Olympics enthrall viewers — the atmosphere, the joy of winning, the agony of defeat, the spectacle of sport — are the same reasons they produce some of the best photos.

The Winter Olympics have now come to a close, but for over two weeks photographers captured stunning images from the games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Though there's too many great photos to count, we used Getty to compile some of our favorites.

Take a look below.

Figure skating is an exhausting sport, both physically and emotionally.

But when you get a gold medal, it's all worth it.

Lydia Lassila of Australia floats upside down, as freestyle skiers do.

• Household injuries are the number one reason young children are brought to the ER each year.
• Taking extra precautions like bolting furniture to the wall or covering electrical sockets can save a child’s life.
• Sharp and hazardous products should be kept far out of reach of children.
• Always keep a close watch on babies while in the bath.
• Putting your child’s name on backpacks or other items that strangers can see, is dangerous.

Back in 2002, Wisconsin mom, Nicci Walla was filming her children playing when she caught her 4-year-old son, Gavin, in trouble. He had gotten his neck tangled in the window blind cords and lost consciousness. Luckily, Nicci acted fast and Gavin survived. But not all of these types of stories have happy endings.

We all think our children are,"smarter than that" or "would never play with that." It’s usually not until an accident occurs that many parents realize the potential dangers that are around their homes. Household injuries are the main cause of ER visits from young children each year, so don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your home as safe as possible. With a bit of childproofing, many of these accidents can be easily avoided.

Here are nine mistakes parents may make that could pose a risk to children.

Not bolting furniture to walls

This may seem like an added nuisance, but it can save your child’s life. Falling furniture and TVs accounted for more than 30,000 ER visits over a two-year period.

Children under the age of 10 are especially at risk of having furniture or a TV topple over on them as they are most likely the ones to be climbing on things.

So, although a watchful eye over a rambunctious child is important, ensure heavy objects never become a problem by bolstering them into the wall.

Forgetting to block electrical sockets

For some reason, adults may never know, small children find electrical sockets fascinating. Maybe it’s the tiny holes that seem so inviting to their small fingers, or the fact that they can so easily stick toys into them.

Regardless, open electrically sockets are a real hazard. All it takes is for a child to try poking around one with a metal fork and serious injury can occur. Always keep electrical sockets covered with plastic caps or child-proof boxes.

Keeping knives or sharp objects out on the counter

A stylish wooden knife block may seem like the perfect addition to your kitchen counter, but if you have small children you may want to reconsider.

Kids under the age of three are curious creatures who will mimic your every move and grab a knife or scissor not realizing how sharp it actually is. Keeping these items in a childproof drawer is best.

• Dealing with mental illness at work can be tolling.
• Taking a walk at work can help clear your head.
• Try not to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to your coworkers.
• Understand that mental health should always be treated as a priority.

If you're someone who deals with mental illness, it can be hard to cope with its impact publicly. Work is not only a public place but one that requires professionalism. When your mental illness is triggered at work, knowing how to react can be extremely challenging.

While it's difficult, being prepared with coping techniques can go a long way.

Keep reading for some strategies for dealing with your mental illness at the office.

Take walks as often as you can.

In 2015, researchers announced that if you work eight hours a day, two of those should be spent doing something other than sitting. Sitting for extended periods of time certainly isn't good for your physical health, and it's no better for your mental health. A standing desk or treadmill desk can help, but the impact isn't the same mentally as it is physically.

If your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, try taking walks as frequently as you can. If it's nice out, take a walk around the block or to a local park. If the weather isn't great, walk through the hallways. The latter might not be as soothing as fresh air, but getting up and moving in any form can do your mental health wonders.

Make a list of your priorities.

When you get to work and are faced with a daunting pile of emails and assignments, your mental illness can kick into high gear. Taking the time to write down what your top priorities are, and when each needs to be done, can make facing it all much easier.

If you feel comfortable, talk to your employer about your mental illness.

Although your mental illness is none of your employer's business, and you by no means have any responsibility to tell them about it, leveling with your boss — if you feel comfortable doing so — can be helpful.

In an accommodating workplace this can allow for your employer to learn about your workplace triggers and what kind of projects you excel at.

If the thought of having sex after giving birth makes you cringe in pain, you're not alone. In fact, a study published inBJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 85.7% of women who had resumed sex by 12 months postpartum experienced pain during their first vaginal sex after childbirth.

Plus, the highest numbers (44.7%) were seen in women who had sex three months postpartum, which comes as no surprise to anyone who has given birth. After all, having a baby is a big deal and one that often comes with a lot of physical changes to your body.

And whether those changes resulted from a C-section, an episiotomy or just the usual overhaul that comes with childbirth, getting intimate with your partner may need to look different until you feel yourself again.

When can you start having sex again?

Let’s face it: the decision to kick up the romance a notch belongs to you and your partner. But before you decide to get busy again, there are a few guidelines you should consider.

Even though theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that there is no set "waiting period" before a woman can have sex again after giving birth, it’s not uncommon for some doctors to recommend waiting four to six weeks after giving birth.

But why the wait? Well, for some women, there could be a chance of infection or bleeding. But this typically decreases two weeks postpartum. That’s why theACOG also recommends being cautious if you’ve had an episiotomy or a tear during birth.

If you’ve experienced either of these, you know how incredibly painful they are. Not only do you hurt immediately after giving birth, but quite often, the pain continues for weeks or sometimes even months.

Until the site is completely healed, it’s best to avoid having sex. But even if the site has healed and you're still finding it painful to do anything, take some extra time before you decide to get intimate.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to wait until you are physically and emotionally ready.

Tips to make sex less painful after pregnancy

Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to get back in the game, there are a few things you can try to help minimize any pain you may experience from postpartum sex. Be sure to talk with your partner beforehand about any anxiety you’re feeling. You will need their support and patience in order to make this a pleasurable experience.

Manage the pain at home.

If you were taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with any postpartum pain, you might want totake some prior to having sex. Also, a warm bath beforehand can help relax your body. If the pain and burning come after having sex, you can apply ice wrapped in a towel to the area help relieve some of the discomforts.

"Black Panther" is officially a box office and cultural phenomenon. 

The Afro-futurist blockbuster takes place in Wakanda, a fictional African nation that is generations ahead of the rest of the world technologically, but chooses to hide its innovations in order to protect its people.

Since there were some clear connections between the fantasies of "Black Panther" and actual innovation happening in the real world, we took a closer look at a some of the most exciting technologies featured in "Black Panther," and tried to figure out how close these technologies are to becoming reality. (Warning: Massive spoilers ahead.)

SEE ALSO: How to use the new-look Snapchat like a pro, whether you're new to the app or you've been using it for years

"Black Panther": Shuri's magnet-powered subway

There are several references to futuristic vehicles in the film, but none got more screen time than the high-speed magnetic levitation subway that runs through Wakanda's famous vibranium mine.

Like most of the tech in Wakanda, the magnetic levitation (or maglev) rail system was designed by Shuri, King T'Challa's teenage sister and Wakanda's very own Tony Stark equivalent.

"Black Panther" director Ryan Cooler, a native of Oakland, California, has said in interviews that the Bay Area Rapid Transit (or BART) offered some inspiration for the design of the fictional subway, but you wouldn't be able to tell by simply comparing the speed, efficiency and innovation of the two rail systems.

Real Life: Elon Musk's Hyperloop

Shuri's maglev may be years ahead of any current transit rail systems, but as with most conceivably achievable sci-fi tropes, Elon Musk is working on it. 

Just last week, SpaceX got a permit to begin excavations in Washington, DC for building the Hyperloop, a high-speed, vacuum-powered railway that Musk says will someday be able to carry passengers from New York to the capitol in under 30 minutes.

The technology is still in its infancy and the permit to dig does not mean it will be ready to ride anytime soon, but SpaceX has been hosting student prototype competitions at its headquarters in California to speed up the research process, according to the SpaceX website.

With any luck, someone young and innovative like Shuri will win the next competition and lead the charge into the future of high-speed rail. 

"Black Panther": Remote piloting

In the movie, both Shuri and CIA Agent Everett Ross are shown driving a car and flying a plane, respectively, from a remote location. 

Using a recurring piece of Wakandan technology, called a Kimoyo bead, they are able to see the view out of each vehicle, as well as touch and manipulate the controls, as if they were really in the driver's seat. 

Cape Town, South Africa — a city that is home to more than 4 million people — is close to running out of water after three years of a persistent drought.

"Day Zero," or the day when the city will be forced to turn off most of its taps, was originally set for April but the date has been pushed to July. By then, if the city doesn't get enough rain, thousands of residents will be forced to collect water rations from central collection points.

If the city runs out of water, it will be the first major city in the world to do so. But the World Wildlife Fund estimates that by 2025, two-thirds of the world could be dealing with water shortages.

We went to Cape Town to open Business Insider's new South Africa edition and explored the city as tourists. We found a divide between the tourism industry and the rest of the country. 

SEE ALSO: Cape Town is fighting its 'Day Zero' water crisis with an album of 2-minute songs to help people take quicker showers

Cape Town is a coastal city and popular tourist destination known for its hiking, beaches, and wineries.

NASA greyed out these aerial satellite images that stretch back four years to show just how bad things have gotten there after three years of drought.

Before we traveled to Cape Town, news reports showed people lining up with jugs to collect drinking water at taps that were open to the public.

The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team has been wrecked with scandal recently, and even had to vacate its most recent title.

The good news for the Cardinals, however, is they are still the richest men's college basketball program in the country. Based on the most recent data, the Cardinals have the highest revenue of any program in the country, and it is not even that close.

But Louisville isn't the only scandal-ridden program raking in the money.

The Arizona Wildcats are also near the top. Their head coach, Sean Miller, was reportedly caught on an FBI wire tap discussing the $100,000 payment to secure the commitment from a top recruit.

Below is a closer look at the 25 richest programs in college basketball. Data comes courtesy of the Department of Education and USA Today.

25. University of Dayton — $14,031,059

3-year average men's basketball revenue: $13,171,557

1-year change: +4.1%

5-year change: +30.2%

Total athlete department donations: Not available 

Athletics licensing/rights fees: Not available 

2016 expenses: $1,861,323

2016 profit: $12,169,736

24. University of Minnesota — $14,172,048

3-year avg. men's basketball revenue: $13,216,981 

1-year change: +12.6%

5-year change: -12.3%

Total athlete department donations: $15,250,676 

Athletics licensing/rights fees: $51,849,920

2016 expenses: $2,048,303

2016 profit: $12,123,745

23. University of Florida — $14,200,425

3-year avg. men's basketball revenue: $12,632,784

1-year change: +6.8%

5-year change: +39.4%

Total athlete department donations: $43,146,263

Athletics licensing/rights fees: $62,151,216 

2016 expenses: $1,917,690

2016 profit: $12,282,735

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:

• Every man needs at least one good white dress shirt. Fine Italian-woven cotton, old-school American craftsmanship, and a great trim fit make the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece shirt a must-have for the modern gentleman. Its versatile spread collar looks great with or without a tie, so you can pair this timeless staple with almost any outfit.

There are few menswear staples that are as timeless and essential as a crisp white dress shirt. Men have been reaching for white dress shirts for as long as they’ve been wearing suits, although the clean, classic look of this garment works with just about any outfit, making it one of the best and most versatile pieces of clothing a guy can have in his wardrobe.

There’s a good chance you’re already fairly familiar with dress shirts, and you probably already have a few. There’s also a good chance, however, that there’s a lot more to a quality dress shirt than you’re aware of. Here’s a quick run-down of things to look for in your next dress shirt:

Choosing the right fabric is key

Cotton is the standard material used for dress shirting, but it’s not all made the same way. Natural shirt fabrics are generally classified according to the weave:

• Poplin (or broadcloth) is a soft weave that is light, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.
• Oxford is a medium-bodied basket-woven cotton with a slightly rough texture.
• Twill has a tight diagonal weave that results in a thick, substantial cloth.
• Pinpoint is similar to Oxford but woven with thinner threads for a smoother hand.
• End-on-end features contrasting warp and weft threads that create a heathered look.

Synthetic materials like polyester permeate the field of men’s dress shirts today owing to their low cost, but these fabrics simply do not look, feel, or breathe as well as quality cotton, so keep it natural. You might see some shirtmakers use terms like “yarn number” (referring to the thickness of the yarn) or “ply” (meaning the number of threads comprising the yarn, e.g. “two-ply”). These aren’t necessarily indicators of quality so don’t sweat about them too much.

The fit should be trim and tailored

Dress shirts should be fairly trim. The important thing here is to avoid the big, baggy, blousy over-sized shirts many men are wearing. Also important is collar fit. There should be no visible gap between the collar and your neck, but you want to be able to comfortably insert two fingers inside the collar. If you can’t, it’s too tight.

A proper dress shirt’s size will be labeled by two numbers which indicate collar size and sleeve length – dress shirts shouldn’t be labeled with generic garment sizes like “medium.” A 15/34 shirt, for example, has a 15-inch collar circumference and a 34-inch sleeve length measured from the back of the neck down to the cuff. To suss out your ideal size, use a flexible tape measure to measure your body or find a shirt you already have that fits perfectly and measure that. And find a good tailor.

Cuff and collar construction matter

Dress shirt styles mostly boil down to the collar and cuffs. Cuffs typically come in two flavors: Barrel cuffs, which feature a button closure, and French cuffs, which are folded back on themselves and held closed with cufflinks. Collars are a bit more varied and are classified by the cut with spread, cutaway, point, tab, club, and button-down being the most common. Your collar choice depends on the ties you want to wear with your shirt and whether or not you plan to wear the dress shirt without a necktie.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece dress shirt is our top pick and why you should also consider the T. M. Lewin cotton/linen dress shirt, the Charles Tyrwhitt French cuff dress shirt, the Brooks Brothers Oxford cloth button-down, and the budget-friendly Tie Bar pinpoint dress shirt.

SEE ALSO: The best ties you can buy to look dapper in your new suit

The best white dress shirt overall

Why you'll love it: If you’re only going to get one white dress shirt, then this luxurious, stylish, and versatile Brooks Brothers’ Golden Fleece Shirt is the one you want.

It doesn’t get much more versatile than the classic spread collar for your go-to dress shirt. This style works with most neckties and knots, although a spread collar is especially well-suited for the wider Windsor and mid-sized half-Winsdor. If you only plan to have one white dress shirt in your rotation, then the versatility of the spread collar makes it a tough act to beat.

However, a spread collar is also a fine choice for going tieless, whether you’re pairing your white dress shirt with a light-colored summer suit – a perfect excuse to ditch the neckwear altogether – or wearing it with a crisp pair of chinos or jeans for a casual evening out. As one of the oldest and most respected menswear brands in the world, it’s only fitting that our top pick for a white dress shirt comes from Brooks Brothers.

This dress shirt is part of the Golden Fleece Collection, one of Brooks Brothers’ high-end lines. The cotton is woven in Italy in a durable twill that gives the shirt a thick body and a nice smooth hand.

The spread collar lends the shirt a classic English-style flair and works with just about any tie, while the double-button barrel cuffs with rounded edges offer a classic American look. The "Regent" fit is suitably slim and modern without being too fashion-forward or constricting.

Sadly, many of the garment factories in the United States and Europe have shut down, and most shirtmakers – Brooks Brothers included – now manufacture most of their stuff overseas. Golden Fleece shirts, however, are cut and stitched right in Brooks Brothers’ shirtmaking facility in Garland, North Carolina, so you’re getting old-school American craftsmanship from the old-school American menswear label.

That, in my opinion, puts this shirt above the rest and makes it more than worth the money considering it’ll be your go-to white dress shirt for decades with proper care. If you’re a “buy once, cry once” kinda guy, and you only need one solid white dress shirt in your rotation, then the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece spread-collar is the one for you.

Pros: Fine American craftsmanship, a slim but not constricting fit, sturdy Italian-woven twill, and a classic spread collar that works with most ties and outfits

Cons: It’s fairly expensive

Buy the Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece dress shirt for $225

The best lightweight summer shirt

Why you'll love it: This crisp white dress shirt from T. M. Lewin uses a cotton and linen blend that's just what the tailor ordered when you want to look sharp and beat the heat.

Almost all quality dress shirts are made from 100% cotton, but as men are wearing suits more, cotton/linen blends have become a popular choice of shirting material for those hot summer months. Cotton by itself is not the most breathable cloth, and while linen is very light and airy, it wrinkles about as easily as wrapping paper. A nice blended fabric, on the other hand, combines the body of cotton with the coolness of linen, presenting a near-perfect hot-weather alternative to all-cotton garments.

Founded in 1898, T. M. Lewin is a famous English shirtmaker hailing from Jermyn Street in London, the capital of traditional menswear (sorry, Italy). With more than a century of experience, you can expect that T. M. Lewin knows a thing or two about shirting, and this crisp white cotton and linen number is the one you want to reach for when the sun comes out and it’s time to retire the twill.

M. Lewin delivers, in our opinion, a lot of value when it comes to traditional shirtmaking. And while this Jermyn Street brand may be old-school, it’s kept up with the times, offering clean-looking slim cuts that outclass the blousy, billowy shirts of past decades. The 71% cotton/29% linen fabric breathes and moves nicely. It will get more wrinkly than plain cotton, but as a well-dressed man, you surely already know your way around an iron.

The classic point collar hits the sweet spot between size and spread, allowing it to work well with most ties and tie knots. I recommend sticking with a four-in-hand or half-Windsor for this one, especially considering you’re probably not going to be wearing thick, chunky neckties in the summer heat. However, point collars like this are also great for going tieless, and the subtle light blue styling on the inside of the collar and placket looks great with a button or two undone.

This light blue accent is also present on the button threads and the lining inside the single-button cuffs, while the second forearm button lets you roll up those sleeves if you want to go for a super-casual look. Go ahead and roll ‘em. In hot weather, you want to look as good as you feel, and the T. M. Lewin cotton/linen dress shirt is just the ticket. The cut corners on the shirt’s mitered cuff do lend the shirt a bit of extra formality, however, so it pairs just as beautifully with any light-colored spring or summer suit.

Pros: Cool yet crisp cotton/linen blend fabric, a flattering slim fit, and a classic point collar that works with or without a tie

Cons: The cotton/linen fabric is more prone to wrinkling than 100 percent cotton

Buy the T. M. Lewin cotton/linen dress shirt for $99

The best French cuff dress shirt

Why you'll love it: Every man should have at least one French cuff dress shirt in his closet, and this slim-fit twill spread-collar from Charles Tyrwhitt is an excellent choice.

For your first white dress shirt, it’s probably best to stick with more versatile button cuffs. Nonetheless, it behooves the well-dressed man to have at least one or two French cuff shirts in his rotation, and since you’re likely to have a few white dress shirts, a high-quality double-cuffed example should be among them.

The French cuff, also called the double cuff, is cut longer than a standard barrel cuff so that it may fold back over itself. In lieu of buttons, the cuff is held together at the wrist via cufflinks. This results in a larger, more substantial cuff and a very sharp and old-school look.

Charles Tyrwhitt, like T. M. Lewin, is another famous Jermyn Street brand and one of our favorite shirtmakers. It’s not as old as some other English menswear labels but has nonetheless built a strong name for itself with its excellent (not to mention high-value) shirting options. This spread collar twill dress shirt is our pick for your first pair of French cuffs given its excellent price-to-quality ratio, especially if you’re not yet sure this style is for you and aren’t ready to drop a Benjamin or two.

French cuff shirts are generally more formal than barrel cuffs and you’re not likely to be wearing one without a jacket or suit and a tie. Studier, thicker fabrics work best for double cuffs, which explains our choice of Charles Tyrwhitt’s substantial-yet-soft twill weave for this one. A traditional shirt like this calls for a spread collar, too, as the conservative cuff style pairs best with a medium-to-wide necktie and a half-Windsor or Windsor knot.

Keep your outfit conservative with this shirt – overly colorful socks, ties, or pocket squares, as well as too many other accessories like jewelry or large watches, will leave your ensemble looking costumey and garish with French cuffs and cufflinks. “Simple and sophisticated” is the rule here: Rock the Charles Tyrwhitt double cuff shirt with a dark suit, a striped repp or solid-colored tie, and a nice pair of sleek cufflinks for a stylish yet no-nonsense business ensemble.

Pros: A substantial yet soft cotton twill, a classic and versatile spread collar, it comes with a pair of brass collar stays, and it’s an excellent value

Cons: The corporate look of French cuffs limits the possibilities of wearing this shirt without a suit or jacket

Buy the Charles Tyrwhitt French cuff dress shirt for $69

Hope Hicks is President Donald Trump's 29-year-old White House communications director. But before joining Trump's 2016 campaign, she had no political experience.

Hicks was born in Greenwich, a town of 60,000 on the southwest tip of Connecticut that's a favorite spot for hedge-fund headquarters.

She was a model, actress, and lacrosse player as a child, before getting her English degree at Southern Methodist University.

Hicks didn't intend on playing such a large role in a presidential campaign, instead falling into the gig through a job at the Trump Organization.

Now she's the youngest White House communications director in history.

And Hicks has been with Trump — to use his words — "from the beginning." White House staffers may even called her his "real daughter."

Recently, Hicks has become ensnared in two high-profile White House controversies: the special counsel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and her role in crafting the White House's response to abuse allegations against staff secretary Rob Porter.

Here's what we know about Hicks.

SEE ALSO: Inside the strange relationship between Trump and Hope Hicks, his right-hand woman and the youngest White House communications director in history

DON'T MISS: MEET THE NEW EXECUTIVE BRANCH: Here's who Trump has appointed to senior leadership positions

Hicks and her sister, Mary Grace, were successful teen models. Hicks posed for Ralph Lauren and appeared on the cover of "It Girl," a spin-off of the best-selling "Gossip Girl" book and TV series.

Source: New York Times

Hicks' first brush with the Trumps came in 2012 when she was at the public-relations firm Hiltzik Strategies working on Ivanka Trump's fashion line. Trump's eldest daughter hired Hicks away in 2014 and she became an employee of the Trump Organization.

Tweet Embed:
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/816768567517581312
Congrats to my brilliant, kind & wickedly funny friend Hope Hicks on being named to the @Forbes#30Under30 list! https://t.co/s3YO9Eq83Z

Sources: New York Times, GQ, NYMag

Hicks met patriarch Trump and quickly "earned his trust," Ivanka Trump told The New York Times for a June 2016 profile on the spokeswoman.

Source: New York Times