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32 crazy photos of micro-apartments from around the world

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mumbai dharavi slum

The population of the world's major cities is booming.

From New York to Shanghai, more people are moving into dense, urban areas than ever before. And all these people need somewhere to live.

As property values in the core areas of cities increase around the world, the rise of micro-apartments, or living spaces well under 300 square feet, can provide relatively cheap places to live. 

Depending on your viewpoint, they are either terribly small or an ingenious strategy for coping with housing shortages. 

Check out the photos below of some nice — and not-so-nice — micro-apartments around the world. 

Chris Weller contributed to an earlier version of this post. 

SEE ALSO: Photos of Chinese micro-apartments reveal the terrifying scope of a housing crisis

On the relatively luxurious side of things, development firms in China rent "youth" apartments to students and early-career workers in Shenzen. Here, a student demonstrates a unit with a coveted loft space.



This is demonstration unit, built by the Chinese developer Mofang Apartment in Shenzen, comes with an in-unit washer/dryer.



Students check out a display micro-apartment at the Pearl River Delta Real Estate Fair in Guangzhou, China.



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I've been to Tokyo twice and it feels like New York in an alternate universe — here are 6 of the coolest things Americans will find surprising

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Tokyo Japan

  • I traveled to Tokyo for the second time in December.
  • Tokyo runs like clockwork — but for a city that's so efficient, they also know how to have fun.
  • Despite Tokyo's modernity, traditional culture isn't far away.

I sometimes describe Tokyo as New York in an alternate universe.

There are skyscrapers, a subway packed with commuters, busy sidewalks, bright lights, and buzzing energy. Many things about Tokyo feel familiar to the city-dweller.

And yet, for all its similarities, something at the very foundation of the city feels completely different.

I love traveling to Tokyo because it makes me feel like a kid. Even on my second trip, I was pressed up against the window, pointing at all things that astound and confound me. The city is challenging and enlightening, and the locals' incredible hospitality makes bumbling through it all feel safe and comfortable.

Here are a few of the many things that amaze me about Tokyo.

The city runs like clockwork.

I had heard tales of Japan's blazing efficiency, but even then I wasn't prepared. Everything seems to function perfectly. When we first landed, the immigration line was ushered through at a stunning speed. At baggage claim, luggage came out on the belt in a perfect row, with each bag beside the next like a neat shelf of books.

Employees in all careers really put their all into their work, which makes normal transactions so pleasant. Crossing guards wear a full uniform, taxi drivers wear white gloves, and staff at a humble noodle spot deliver swift and polite service.

It's of little surprise, then, that the subway is also impeccably clean, on time and easy to navigate. Commuters wait in line to board. Even when the car is packed, no one yells or shoves or tries to play an accordion or bring a sofa on the train. It's wild.



Tokyo has a hidden dimension.

When you're looking for a particular restaurant or bar, you can star it on Google Maps all you want. But once you arrive, odds are good that you won't see it until you look up.

In Tokyo, it's normal for businesses to be situated on any floor of a building. And not just boring businesses like doctor's offices. Restaurants, cafes, karaoke bars and boutiques can all be on the 10th floor of a random walk-up building. I do not know how these places stay in business without being seen from the ground level, but locals seem to find them just fine.



Somehow, the food exceeds all expectations.

Tokyo has the most Michelin stars of any city on earth, but it's not just the haute cuisine that will impress. Discerning locals might disagree, but I think it's hard to have a bad meal in Tokyo. Even at a mid-range sushi restaurant, I've found that the chef will be highly skilled and the quality can match or exceed a top-tier sushi restaurant in the States. Fish comes fresh daily from Tsukiji Market, which also supplies the best sushi restaurants around the world.

At the lower end, the food at convenience stores is guaranteed to amaze. The prepared food section at 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart offers a variety of bento boxes, sandwiches and noodles that are quite good. They're sure to make the hot dogs spinning at your local convenience store look even sadder than they already do.

The refrigerated section is home to a stunning array of bottled beverages, but what's particularly neat is the heated section. It looks just like the cold aisle, but the bottles of tea and coffee are kept hot. Allegedly, there's a hot sake one can buy in this section, but I never found it.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 horror stories that will scare you out of getting a tattoo or piercing

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Woman Getting Tattoo

Getting a tattoo or piercing is a big deal. Surprisingly, though, many people don't give it all that much thought.

Advanced Dermatology surveyed 600 people who have at least one tattoo they regret and found that over 70% of respondents spent only a few weeks or less planning their tattoo. As many as 28% made the decision to get their regretful tattoo in a few hours or less. With such little planning time, the risk of ending up with a design you regret is pretty high.

From questionable hygienic practices to unexpected physical reactions, Redditors share their worst experiences getting a piercing or a tattoo.

My tattoo is a copy of a known gang tattoo.

"At 18 years old, I asked the artist for a tattoo of a phoenix. Years later I found out that the tattoo I got is an exact copy of a known gang tattoo. After lots of cover up work and some dented pride, I no longer look like a total contradiction of myself. Lesson of the year: Run a reverse google image search on that 'original' tattoo design the artist says he designed for you just to make sure." - Redditor psbear64



I passed out while getting a piercing.

"I passed out and potentially had a seizure while getting my lip pierced. The chair was in front of a wall length mirror. I decided to look at myself while the needle was in my lip (while the piercer turned to pick up the jewelry) and then I woke up with three people going 'Are you OK? Seriously, are you OK? Do you want some water?'  The receptionist said I was jerking around like I was having a seizure." - Redditor ChrissiTea



I didn't end up with the design I asked for.

"Asked for a rose, got a cabbage." - Redditor WonderWeeble

"I got the head of a cobra on my shoulder that ended up looking more like a pickle." - Anonymous Redditor



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

You can obtain birth control without a doctor's visit — here's how

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Depending on where you live in the world, some types of birth control are more easy to obtain without a prescription than others.

Currently, oral, injectable, patch, ring, and implant methods of birth control require prescriptions in most US states — but not all. Other methods including condoms and spermicides are almost as widely available across the US as milk and bread.

We rounded up all the ways you can protect yourself without a doctor's visit.

Live in Oregon, California, or Colorado

If you’re interested in obtaining birth control pills without a prescription and you live in the US, you’ll need to live in one of the only three states where birth control pills can be sold without a prescription.

As of February 2018, that means you must live in California, Oregon, or Colorado. In all three states, pharmacists may sell birth control over the counter after they complete additional training — no doctor’s prescription required.

In Colorado and Oregon, pharmacists may also sell the birth control patch, and both the patch and the pill may be sold to patients for up to three years before patients must see a doctor.

California’s rules allow pharmacists to also supply the birth control ring and injection in addition to the pill and patch, and all these methods may legally be provided to patients with no time limit.



Live in a large number of countries outside the US

If you travel internationally or have friends and family who do, you may already know that many countries outside the US allow birth control pill sales over the counter. Different rules exist, including the need for preliminary health screenings prior to your purchase.

For information on specific countries, check out this global map of oral contraception availability.



Get a low-key prescription with an app.

Though it's still obtaining a prescription, there are several apps — including Lemonaid and Nurx— that allow you to answer a few questions online to obtain a digital birth control prescription that you can then pick up at the pharmacy or, in some cases, have delivered to your door. 

These also have some state restrictions, however, so be sure to do some research if you're thinking about going this route. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 10 best Taco Bell menu items, ranked

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Taco Bell

  • The sugary Taco Bell Freeze is the perfect dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. 
  • Doritos Locos Tacos and Crunchwrap Supremes are fan favorites. 
  • The Nacho Fries Box comes with a drink, a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a nacho cheese Doritos Locos Taco, seasoned fries, and cheese dip, making it number one on this list. 

Whether you like to admit it or not, Taco Bell is DANG good and endlessly satisfying to your tastebuds and to your wallet. Having ridden shotgun to many a Taco Bell fanatic and become one along the way myself, these are some of the absolute best items on the menu. In this blatantly indulgent journey through the best Taco Bell Items, prepare to find yourself in need of one of these crave-worthy entrees immediately. 

10. Cinnamon Twists

Cinnamon twists are cinnamon- sugar dusted nostalgia. Before there were fries or chips, the Taco Bell side to have were these cinnamon twists. Accompanying most meals, whether you wanted them or not, the cinnamon twists are synonymous to the entire experience. Love 'em or hate 'em, you'll probably find yourself mindlessly chowing down on one whilst wishing you had another taco left in the bag. 



9. Chicken Quesadilla

Don't roll your eyes! It's simple, it's plain, it's delicious! In my more reluctant years, my go-to was always the chicken and cheese quesadilla, and old habits die hard. No matter the newest cheesy taco goodness that gets added to the menu, this will always be a staple of the Taco Bell experience. It can be a snack, a meal, or even a side to another taco—the possibilities are endless! Make sure to include the jalapeño sauce too; it adds another creamy, spicy dimension that kicks the chicken quesadilla up to the coveted spot on this list!



8. The Meximelt

While the Meximelt is admittedly a glorified beef taco, it feels like the hidden treasure of the drive-thru that makes my inner- foodie squeal. This beef and cheese combo inside a warm soft taco is the ooey gooey goodness that makes me wonder why it's not a more popular find on the menu. This Mexican comfort food may seem overpriced to some at $2+, but it can easily be duplicated by ordering a "beefy mini quesadilla with meat and cheese only" for only $.99! That alone gets major props in my books!



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Tesla's Model 3 isn't an SUV — but you can almost use it like one (TSLA)

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Tesla Model 3

  • The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan, not an SUV.
  • A selling point of SUVs is cargo capacity.
  • But the Tesla Model 3 has extra space that can add to its gear-hauling credibility.

In some respects, the new Tesla Model 3 sedan is the wrong car for the current SUV-mad market in the US.

Americans are buying lots of compact SUVs. In fact, some automakers now think that a structural change has occurred and that SUVs have completely displaced passenger cars. If you want to buy or lease, you can start with a small SUV and never look back.

Tesla plans to roll out a compact SUV, the Model Y, but until then, we have to content ourselves with the four-door.

The Model 3 has a conventional, manually operated truck that is reasonably roomy. But compared with the cargo hatch of a compact SUV, the Model 3 looks a bit meager. That is until you get the Tesla's secret cargo weapon: the frunk!

Read on.

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The Model 3! It's smaller than the Model S sedan, to be sure. But ...



It has a decent-size truck that could swallow up a lot of video equipment.



And of course a front trunk, or "frunk."

The total cargo capacity for the Model 3 is 15 cubic feet.

Tesla's can have the extra space up front because all-electric cars don't have a engine under the hood.



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12 of the smartest things Elon Musk has said about the future of our planet

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elon musk

Business Insider covers Elon Musk quite a lot, because let's face it — he's a visionary.

From making electric cars the standard with Tesla to making space travel affordable with SpaceX, Musk is the Thomas Edison of our time.

Here are 12 of our favorite things that he's said about the future of the planet.

SEE ALSO: A look at the demanding schedule of Elon Musk, who works in 5-minute slots, skips breakfast, and largely avoids emails

DON'T MISS: I watched SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket thunder into space for the first time — here's what it was like on the ground

On flying cars:



On SpaceX:



On invention:



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Here's what 'American Idol' runner-ups are up to today

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clay aiken then and now

"American Idol" was, in its heyday, one of the most popular shows in America, inspiring dozens of spin-offs around the world. It did drop off in popularity towards the end of its run (it aired from 2002 to 2016), so hopefully the ABC reboot airing in March will replicate the magic of its earlier seasons.

Some of its appeal was based in its high stakes: the show's winner was guaranteed a record contract. However, as viewers have come to realize, a record contract doesn't always translate into fame.

Sometimes  losers outshone winners, especially in the case of runner-ups like Katharine McPhee and Adam Lambert.

We rounded up all the second place finishers from "American Idol" and took a look at what they're up to today.

Justin Guarini has the distinction of being the first "American Idol" runner-up ever. Since then he's released music, performed on Broadway, and become a popular presence on Twitter.

In 2002, Justin Guarini came in second to Kelly Clarkson, one of the most successful "Idol" contestants in the history of the franchise. After the show, Guarini's career was a little shaky, but he has since hit his stride.

His two post-show albums, "Justin Guarini" and "Stranger Things Have Happened," both did not perform well on the charts. He then pivoted towards acting, where he didn't fare much better: "From to Justin to Kelly," a film he starred in with Kelly Clarkson, has been called the worst movie of all time,

Focusing on theater seems to have been the right decision. Since his 2010 Broadway debut in "Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," he has starred in successful musicals such as "Wicked,""Rent," and "American Idiot."

He also loves clapping back on Twitter.



Clay Aiken has had a diverse career since losing to Ruben Studdard in 2003 — he's released music, acted on TV, and even run for office.

Clay Aiken has released six studio albums since his second-place finish on the second season of "American Idol." His first album, "Measure of a Man," debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and his first single, "This is the Night,"debuted at number one — ahead of season winner Ruben Studdard's single "Flying Without Wings."

He made his Broadway debut in 2008 in "Spamalot." He's also appeared on successful TV shows such as "The Office,""30 Rock," and "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," and placed second (again) on "The Celebrity Apprentice" in 2012. 

In a bid to unseat Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers in North Carolina's 2nd District, Aiken won the Democratic Party's nomination — but ended up being the runner-up once again.



Diana DeGarmo was just 17 when she placed second behind Fantasia Barrino. Recently, she's acted in multiple successful Broadway shows.

Diana DeGarmo, one of the youngest runner-ups in "Idol" history, released an album post-show called "Blue Skies." She also had a song on the soundtrack of Michelle Trachtenberg movie"Ice Princess."

DeGarmo has had more success in musical theater. She made her Broadway debut as Penny in "Hairspray," and has since appeared in many other theatrical productions both on and off Broadway.

She's also had roles on "The Young and the Restless," and "Sing It," and has a movie coming out this April called "After the Sun Fell."

DeGarmo married fellow "Idol" alum Ace Young (a contestant on the fifth season) in 2013.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What your favorite foods say about your personality

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Are you an extrovert? A risk taker? A traditionalist? These 17 crave-worthy foods can tell you some surprisingly intimate things about yourself.

If you put hot sauce on your hot sauce

If your motto is "it's not a meal if your lips aren't burning," then chances are you like to live on the edge, according to a study presented at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo. Spicy foods set off pain receptors, which you'd think would be a deterrent to eating them, yet for some people, that's the allure. (Check out this chart to see exactly how spicy your favorite hot sauce is.) The researchers found that people who love their food spicy hot are also adrenaline junkies, desiring novel and intense stimulation. Burrito bungee jumping anyone?



If you love sour gummy worms so much you even lick the crystals out of the empty bag

Who doesn't love a good sweet/sour combo? Yet there's something particularly crave-worthy about those sour fruity candies, especially if you often feel conflicted or frustrated with your life, says Alanna Kessler, RD, a certified dietitian nutritionist in New York City and founder of Be Well. "Sweets in general are often used as comfort foods while people seek out sour foods when they're on-edge, restless, or anxious," she explains. If you constantly crave the two flavors together it may indicate that you get overwhelmed easily but you're also good at bringing balance back to your life.



If you're always first in line at the newest food truck

When deciding where to eat out, do you suggest the new fusion restaurant? Do you buy random foods at the store even if you don't know what they are because they look fun? Did you serve a Turducken at Thanksgiving? If you answered a rousing yes, you're likely a risk taker who also loves things like bungee jumping or the stock market, according to Kessler. A new food is a new adventure waiting to happen, and you're not going to miss a minute (or taste) of it, she adds. Check out these gourmet food trucks totally worth following.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We compared the Roku Streaming Stick and the Amazon Fire TV Stick — and there's a clear winner

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Fire Stick vs Roku Stick

  • The easiest and cheapest way to make a TV smarter is to buy a media streamer, and two of the best options are Amazon's Fire TV Stick and Roku's Streaming Stick.
  • Both are fine choices, and have their own set of pros and cons, but the Fire TV Stick won out overall.
  • The biggest deciding factors were that it can be used for non-video activities and has Alexa.

Whether you're looking to make an older TV smart, or want to stop using the built-in streaming apps that came bundled with your current set, you're going to want a media streaming stick.

They're small, relatively inexpensive, packed with features, and pretty easy to understand and set up. But that begs the question: Which one should you get? Two of the most popular options are Amazon's Fire TV Stick and Roku's Streaming Stick, and we've compared them below to help you make the best choice. 

Some of it will come down to the other tech in your life, but the good news is there's no real bad choice. That said, read on to figure out the right streaming stick for you.

Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, $39.99, available at Amazon

Roku Streaming Stick, $46.50, available at Amazon

SEE ALSO: 50 must-have tech accessories under $50

The basic tech specs

Winner: This round goes to Amazon, since the Fire TV Stick has more memory and internal storage.

At first glance, the Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick seem to be very similar, but that's not the case under the hood. 

They do both connect to your TV via HDMI, support the latest Wi-Fi standard (802.11AC), tap out at 1080P video output, and get their power via a Micro USB cable, but that's where the similarities end. 

The Fire TV Stick has 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of memory, whereas Roku's Streaming Stick only has 256MB of storage and 512MB of memory. If you're only going to stream video from a couple of sources, the internal storage won't be a major issue, but having less memory is a distinct disadvantage for Roku.

I can't directly compare the processors in both because Roku doesn't list the clock speed or number of cores for the Streaming Stick, but the startup has been pretty good at keeping up with the pace of technology with its hardware revisions. 

That said, this round goes to Amazon, since the additional storage and memory make it more adaptable should your needs change.



Content

Winner: If you're only looking to stream video, either streaming stick will work, but games and Alexa skills give the Fire TV Stick the edge.

Roku has built its reputation on being the top platform for streaming video. Because it doesn't focus any resources on making content, the startup has charged full force into making sure everybody else's videos are available on its platform. With over 500,000 "channels," you're bound to find everything from top-tier streaming services to niche broadcasting. 

On the other hand, the Fire TV Stick has access to fewer video services — though every one I searched for was available — but can play games and use other apps, like Facebook. To be fair, I don't think the Facebook experience would be exceptional on a TV, but it's nice that the option is there if you want it.

In both cases, you'll get access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, YouTube, Vimeo, HBO Go, and Spotify, so really it'll come down to non-media apps.

Games made the bigger difference here, since it makes the Fire TV Stick a little more versatile. You may be able to get away with using this as a game system for casual players or kids. On top of that, you can use thousands of Alexa skills, since it's built right into the remote.

 



The interface

Winner: Roku won this round thanks to its more fun and approachable interface.

I have some experience with both interfaces, and this round is going to the Roku Streaming Stick. The Fire TV Stick's interface isn't bad, but it's a little clunkier to navigate and easier to get a little lost in. 

Roku's look is distinctly more "fun," which might be off putting to people who take their media very seriously, but is ultimately a win for less tech-savvy folks. I know this first-hand, since my mom has been using a Roku TV for nearly two years and hasn't complained about how it works once. 

If you're more tech-focused, you may appreciated the sleek look of the Fire TV Stick's interface, but it's a bit unfriendly. Roku's, on the other hand, is just as powerful and a little more inviting, which is what made the difference this round.



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The evidence is piling up that Amazon will choose Washington, DC, for its HQ2 (AMZN)

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  • There is now some compelling evidence that Amazon is looking very closely at the Washington, DC, area for its second headquarters, called HQ2.
  • Hints the company has dropped — both on purpose and inadvertently — are starting to add up.
  • There are other reasons the company may want to place its headquarters in Washington.

The race for Amazon's second headquarters is heating up, and Washington, DC, just might be in the lead.

The evidence is now piling up that Amazon is looking seriously at the nation's capital for its HQ2. After all, it may be the only place large enough to capture the company's growing ambitions across multiple sectors with its high-profile colleges, strong transportation system, and high concentration of powerful people.

Here are all of the reasons it's looking likely that Washington will be chosen for Amazon's HQ2:

SEE ALSO: Amazon might soon send you a photo of your own front door — here's why

An article on a local news site in Arlington, Virginia, blew up overnight, and the site says the views came mostly from what appears to be an internal Amazon.com page.

A local news site called ARLnow.com said it recently saw an unusual spike in traffic to an article from December titled "County Wins Top Environmental Award from US Green Building Council" explaining how Arlington County was the first in the US to be selected for an environmental award.



Amazon has drastically increased its lobbying efforts.

Amazon has rapidly expanded its Washington lobbying efforts in the past five years, according to Bloomberg.

The company has increased its lobbying spending by more than 400% over that time. It has also widely expanded both the number of issues and the number of entities it lobbies, according to Bloomberg. To do this, it has nearly doubled the number of lobbyists it employs.

The company is reportedly fighting to be seen as a job creator rather than a job taker. It's working to have more influence in Washington as it expands and moves rapidly into areas like drone aviation, cloud computing, and grocery.

In 2015, Amazon hired Jay Carney — the former press secretary under President Barack Obama — to oversee corporate affairs, and he now oversees the Washington policy office, which opened in 2014.

These moves are also powerful signifiers of a desire to have more influence in Washington. One way Amazon could have more influence is by relocating some of its corporate operations in or near the city. It could do that with its HQ2 project, which promises to bring significant investment to the chosen area.



Three of the 20 remaining HQ2 contenders are in the DC metro area.

Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, which border Washington, DC, are the only proposals under consideration that are not from a major city.

Additionally, Washington is the only metro area with three separate locations appearing on the short list.

That may indicate that Amazon has selected the area as the most desirable for HQ2.

The battle among the three locations is likely to be the fiercest, as they won't be able to point to the region as a differentiating factor and must throw in their best incentives. No other locations on the company's list are as close to one another.



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20 places you can get a great tech job outside of Silicon Valley

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  • Job prospects in the contemporary tech industry are spreading from Silicon Valley to cities across the country. 
  • Huntsville, Alabama has seen the largest surge in opportunities, with growth of over 300% between 2016 and 2017. 
  • Tech companies are attracted to these locations due to tax breaks and a low cost of living.

A diaspora of tech talent, driven by Silicon Valley's tumbling job market and sky-high rents, has pushed tech job seekers to some surprising places.

Job search site ZipRecruiter recently analyzed its database of more than 8 million active jobs, and ranked the 20 fastest-growing tech markets based on year-over-year data. Job growth for engineering, software, and IT roles may be losing steam in the Bay Area, but smaller cities are picking up the slack, the company says,

Huntsville, Ala. topped the list, with over 300% tech job growth from 2016 to 2017. Thousand Oaks, Calif. (200%) came in second, followed by Phoenix, Ariz. (188%).

"The tech industry is no longer bound to the coast," says ZipRecruiter's Chief Economic Adviser, Cathy Barrera. "As a result, we're seeing the tech industry expand out of the major metropolis areas, and into smaller regional cities that have since flown largely under the radar."

Many of the cities on ZipRecruiter's list are in the Midwest — Kansas City, Kan., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Ind. are three standouts. The South also had a strong showing, with Nashville, Tenn. and three cities in Florida (Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa) all making the cut.

Barrera credits government policies, like tax breaks that attract entrepreneurs and business startups for much of this growth. But the main impetus, she says, is the skyrocketing cost of living in coastal tech hubs like San Francisco and New York.

The median home price of a home in Huntsville hovers around $150,000, according to the report — a fraction of the $1.5 million it costs to buy a home in the Bay Area.

"Big cities can only grow so much — and at a certain point, the skyrocketing living costs make it nearly impossible to find a job with a salary you can live off," Barrera says.

Here's the full list, complete with average salary (as per PayScale), rent, and home costs:

SEE ALSO: Americans have differing ideas of what's 'inappropriate' at work — and it largely varies by age

1. Huntsville, AL

Top tech jobs:

  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Specialist
  • Help Desk Support
  • Information Technology Specialist

Growth in tech jobs YoY: 309%

Early career median pay: $59,500

Mid career median pay: $96,400

Median rent: $950

Median home price: $152,170



2. Thousand Oaks, CA

Top tech jobs:

  • Project Manager
  • Network Engineer
  • Project Manager Coordinator
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Software Test Engineer

Growth in tech jobs YoY: 200%

Early career median pay: $59,500

Mid career median pay: $105,000

Median rent: $3,200

Median home price: $673,000



3. Phoenix, AZ

Top tech jobs:

  • Project Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Data Analyst
  • SQL Developer

Growth in tech jobs YoY: 188%

Early career median pay: $58,400

Mid career median pay: $96,800

Median rent: $1,345

Median home price: $216,000



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How a modern-day James Bond went from uncovering political assassinations to penning the Trump dossier that's enraging Republicans

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  • President Donald Trump's first year in office has been plagued by parallel Russia investigations — one led by special counsel Robert Mueller and the other led by the House Intelligence Committee.
  • Behind both of these investigations stands British spy Christopher Steele, and the dossier he authored during the 2016 election about Trump's ties to Russia.
  • The elusive MI6 agent has a fascinating life, from his time uncovering political assassinations to his current role as a defining figure in the Russia probes.


Sign up for the latest Russia investigation updates here.

The life of Christopher Steele reads like the script of an international spy thriller.

From the shores of Yemen to MI6 offices in Moscow and London, the British spy amassed an impressive career before he compiled the infamous yet seminal dossier about then-US presidential candidate Donald Trump's ties to Russia in 2016.

The elusive agent's credibility and expertise have come under increasing scrutiny over the last several months.

While the explosive claims about Trump's collusion with Russia that Steele makes in his dossier have yet to be independently corroborated, little by little, investigators are confirming bits and pieces of the document. Now, a second dossier has emerged that reportedly came to many of the same conclusions Steele did.

Although he has been maligned as a political operative who compiled the dossier for partisan gain, it is clear from his activities that over time, the dossier became a deeply personal matter for Steele. One of his college friends said politics did not play a huge role in Steele's work.

"He's got his political views, but he's a pragmatic thinker," he told the New Yorker. "Fairness, integrity, and truth, for him, trump any ideology."

Here's a look at how Steele became a vital intelligence source on both sides of the Atlantic — and a defining figure in the Russia investigation in the process:

SEE ALSO: Congress just declassified a letter that offers critical clues about the Steele dossier and the Nunes memo

DON'T MISS: Top Democrat offers a simple explanation that undercuts Republicans' central argument that the FBI acted illegally

Steele's story begins in an unlikely location — on a colonial army base in the port of Aden, Yemen, on the Arabian Sea, where he was born in 1964.

Source: The Guardian



Steele's father was a weather forecaster for the British military, which meant that he spent much of his childhood in far-flung locations around the world.

Source: The Guardian



In addition to Yemen, he spent time in Cyprus and in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, where he developed a passion for bird-watching.

Source: The Guardian



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16 high-paying jobs for artistic people

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woman artist painter

• Jobs for artists are often depicted as low-paying.

• Data from the US Department of Labor database O*NET disputes that stereotype.

• There are a number of jobs geared toward creatives that pay over $55,000 a year.



Jobs for artists aren't known for being particularly lucrative.

The common narrative is that you can pursue your creative passion, or you can bring home the bacon. You can't do both.

But there are actually a handful of jobs for artists and creative thinkers that come with a decent salary — you just need to know where to look.

We searched through US Department of Labor database O*NET, the Occupational Information Network, for high-paying jobs that might appeal to artistic people. O*Net designates these jobs a "primary interest" of "artistic."

O*NET defines artistic occupations as jobs that "frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules."

Here are 15 high-paying jobs for artistic and creative people that pay on average more than $55,000 a year in a range of industries and fields:

SEE ALSO: 16 high-paying jobs for people who love history

DON'T MISS: The 40 highest-paying jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree

Editors

Editors plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication.

Median annual salary: $57,210

Projected growth from 2016 to 2026: -1% to 1%



Makeup artists

Makeup artists apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Median annual salary: $60,970

Projected growth from 2016 to 2026: 10% to 14%



Film and video editors

Film and video editors edit moving images on film, video, or other media.

Median annual salary: $62,760

Projected growth from 2016 to 2026: 15% or higher



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10 apps every new parent needs on their phone right now

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parents kids technology ipad family

Becoming a parent is one of life's greatest joys.

But taking care of a tiny human also comes with lots of responsibility and an ample amount of stress. Even if you have loved ones to help share the load, there are tons of mobile apps out there designed to make your life easier, especially when weird and worrisome things crop up (like anal worms).

Here are 10 free apps that every new parent should download ASAP.

Glow Baby Newborn Tracker App

With all the tasks involved in keeping a newborn healthy and happy, it's easy to feel stressed out. Glow Baby helps you track everything from feeding, sleeping, diaper changes, and medication as well as logging developmental milestones and growth.

Plus, thanks to the app's partnership with the "Baby 411" book, users have access to daily educational articles.



MyMedela

This breastfeeding companion takes all the guesswork out of the process and helps make for a successful experience for mother and baby. MyMedela's personalized content includes feeding tracking and pumping progress. The app also provides proactive guidance and tips for when troubles — like pain or latching issues — arise.



Sound Sleeper: White Noise

Things that go bump in the night won't wake up your little one thanks to Sound Sleeper: White Noise. The app offers three modes. Play Mode provides various ambient sounds – such as rain, womb, and even vacuum cleaner – to lull your baby to sleep. With Listen Mode, the app will turn on when your baby cries in order to soothe him or her back to dreamland. Sleep Tracking Mode generates sleep graphs so you can observe your child's sleep patterns.



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12 amazing jobs that don't even sound real

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bridesmaids

  • Some of us just weren't meant for that 9 to 5 work life.
  • Luckily, there are plenty of job titles that aren't the norm and will stay pay you.
  • Ice-cream taster is a perfect position for anyone with a major sweet tooth.
  • Ariel-wannabes can sign up to be a professional mermaid in real life. 
  • If you're looking to switch career paths, then look no further to these unusual job titles.

To most of us, the phrase "fun job" sounds like a glaring oxymoron. After all, as my parents are so fond of saying, "If it was fun they wouldn't call it work." 

Even those of us who have built careers around what we love (like, say, writing) sometimes we crave a vacation to do little more than eat ice-cream and sleep for days at a time on our own private island. It sounds idyllic, impossible even – but all three of the recreational activities in the previous sentence (eating ice-cream, sleeping, living on a private island) are real jobs that exist. Seriously.

We have compiled some of the most unusual jobs in the world, jobs that sound too extraordinary, too entertaining, too outright pleasurable to even be real – and it will have you googling "how to quit my job to become a mermaid" in five seconds flat.

Ice-cream taster

Not only can you get paid to eat ice-cream, but you can make a decent living doing it. According to Forbes, "food scientists"– in other words, ice-cream tasters – can earn up to $56,000 a year.



Disney princess

Okay, so the pay isn't great: professional Disney princesses reportedly don't earn much more than $30,000 a year. But the perks include 50% off cruises, 40% off food, and free passes to the parks – not to mention dressing up and acting like a literal princess for a job.



Netflix tagger

Netflix hires part-time employees to watch TV shows and movies and "tag" them with genres. It's an elusive job to get – Netflix keeps the amount of taggers on their team small – but for those lucky enough to be selected, it's a dream. "This is absolutely the best job out there," tagger Josh Garrell told the Washington Post in 2015. We're not surprised.



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Volkswagen reveals a stunning self-driving concept car that doesn't have a dashboard, steering wheel, or pedals

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vw id vizzion

  • Volkswagen revealed the I.D. Vizzion concept at the Geneva International Motor Show on Monday.
  • The car has Level 5 autonomy, which means it is capable of driving itself in all situations without any human assistance.
  • The I.D. Vizzion also has a 111 kWh lithium-ion battery and a two-motor, all-wheel drive system that packs 302 horsepower and has a range of 413 miles per charge under the European testing system (which can produce inflated results).


As Volkswagen prepares to launch its I.D. series of electric cars in 2020, the company unveiled the I.D. Vizzion concept at the Geneva International Motor Show on Monday. While Volkswagen has not announced concrete plans to make a production version of the I.D. Vizzion, its electric drivetrain and self-driving technology point toward the automotive industry's future.

The car features a 111 kWh lithium-ion battery and a two-motor, all-wheel-drive system that packs 302 horsepower and has a range of 413 miles per charge under the European testing system (which can produce inflated results).

The I.D. Vizzion's most striking feature is its Level 5 autonomy, the highest level of autonomy in a self-driving car, which means the car is capable of driving itself in all situations without any human assistance. As a result, it doesn't have a dashboard, pedals, or a steering wheel. Instead, passengers would control it through voice and gesture control systems, and would have the option to use Microsoft's Hololens augmented reality glasses if they own a pair.

AI technology allows the car to learn its passengers' preferences on climate, entertainment, lighting, and seating preferences. Volkswagen also indicated that passengers can control scents that are pumped through the car's interior.

In a press release, Volkswagen says the I.D. Vizzion is "a vision of what may be possible by the year 2030," so don't expect to see this exact version on the road anytime soon. But the company does plan to release a production version of the vehicle by 2022, and also plans on production versions of the I.D. compact car, I.D. Crozz crossover, and the I.D. Buzz, which is a reboot of the company's iconic minibus, in the next five years.

Take a look at Volkswagen's renderings for the I.D. Vizzion and its features below.

SEE ALSO: Here are 19 hot cars we can't wait to see at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

The I.D. Vizzion concept is part of Volkswagen's I.D. series of electric cars.



The car features a 111 kWh lithium-ion battery and a two-motor, an all-wheel-drive system that packs 302 horsepower and has a range of 413 miles per charge under the European testing system (which can produce inflated results).



It has Level 5 autonomy, which means the car is capable of driving itself in all situations without any human assistance.



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7 workout essentials that make it easier to stick to your fitness goals while traveling

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aaptivConsistency is key in any fitness regimen, but is often difficult to attain, especially when you're traveling. You can't attend your usual classes, it's hard to squeeze a workout in after a long day of business meetings or fun tourist outings, or you can't fit the extra gear in your small carry-on suitcase. Given all these hassles and barriers, you might justify taking a break from your exercise routine. 

One startup that wants to help you get over the lack-of-workout-gear excuse is Routinely, which delivers premium rental workout clothes and athletic shoes, starting at $10 per kit and $3 for additional accessories like yoga mats or protein bars, to travelers right at their hotel. Cofounder Will Tso started the company after his own struggles with staying active when traveling for work, with the goal of creating a convenient solution for fellow road warriors.

Having experienced the limited fitness options, poor quality hotel equipment, and packing inconveniences himself, Tso has honed his on-the-go workout strategy over the years and recommends the following travel-friendly workout essentials and apps. They'll barely take up any space in your carry-on but will keep you active throughout your travels, so you never have an excuse for not working out again. 

See some of his picks for workout products and apps that will help you stay active while traveling below.

Nike Free RN Flyknits

Lightweight, flexible, and almost sock-like, these shoes are a favorite among runners. Since they're easily packable but also lend casual style, they're great for travelers who are looking for both convenience and versatility. 

Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017, $104.97, available at Nike 



Tribe resistance bands

This affordable set has five bands ranging in resistance from five to 35 pounds, two soft grip handles, one door anchor, two ankle straps, and a carrying bag. The bands can be used to work out all parts of your body in the comfort of your own hotel room. Use one at a time, or combine them for increased intensity.

Tribe 11-Piece Resistance Band Set, $23.98, available at Amazon



RXBAR protein bars

Packed with 12 grams of protein and made with only all-natural ingredients, RXBAR is the pre- or post-workout snack that you don't have to second-guess. It comes in a variety of flavors that actually taste good, like blueberry and chocolate sea salt, and are made for snacking on the go. 

RXBAR Protein Bar Variety Pack, All Flavors (12 Bars), $29.75, available at Amazon



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We put In-N-Out and Five Guys to the test in a battle of the burger chains — and the winner surprised us

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in n out versus five guys 2x1

In a battle of the burgers, Five Guys is winning. The East Coast burger sensation claimed the top spot in a 2017 brand report from Harris Poll, based on input from over 100,000 consumers.

In-N-Out, a cult favorite on the West Coast, held the title for the previous two years and has long been considered Five Guys' top rival. The burger chain recently announced it's opening a distribution center in Colorado, which could allow it to expand further east. All stores must be located close to these hubs because of the company's strict policy of serving its food fresh.

Five Guys has grown its footprint along with its fandom. It has over 1,500 locations worldwide, while In-N-Out has about 300 stores across soon-to-be seven states.

With the rivalry heating up between these East Coast and West Coast chains, my colleague Rob Price and I decided to give them both a try in a back-to-back taste-test. Here's what we thought.

SEE ALSO: In-N-Out has added its first new menu item in 15 years — here's our review

The San Francisco Bay Area is a burger-lover's paradise, in part because it's home to Five Guys and In-N-Out locations. We tried the home team, In-N-Out, first.



When we arrived, nearly every table had been claimed.



The West Coast burger chain has a noticeably slimmer menu than fast-food giants like McDonald's and Burger King, with few options beyond burgers, fries, and shakes.



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Here are 19 hot cars we can't wait to see at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

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Ferrari 488 Pista

  • The Geneva Motor Show is the first major European car show of 2018.
  • It will be packed with the latest offerings from Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Ferrari, Porsche, Volvo, VW, and Hyundai.
  • The show will be open to the public from March 8 to the 18 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2018 Geneva Motor Show is the first major European car show of the year. Usually, Geneva is a big to do. Car makers pull out all the stops to show off their latest and greatest.

Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer offered up a spot on description of the show when he said, "Geneva is a highlight of the industry calendar and a motor show with a rich history and great atmosphere."

And what rich atmosphere it will be.

The world's top brands will be there. From Ferrari to McLaren and Aston Martin to Bentley, Geneva will be packed with the next generation of exotics. In addition, there will be a host of production-ready models from mass-market luxury brands, such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW.

The 2018 Geneva Motor Show will be open to the public from March 8-18 at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva, Switzerland.

Here's a closer look at the 19 hot cars we can't wait to see:

SEE ALSO: These are the best cars, trucks, and SUVs to buy in 2018

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

Geneva will mark the auto show debut of Aston Martin's new Vantage sports car.



Aston CEO Dr. Andy Palmer hinted at a big surprise. It's possible this surprise may be a production DBX crossover.



Bentley is expected to unveil a new plug-in hybrid model and that could come in the form of a hybrid Bentayga.



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