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8 stylish men's boat shoes to wear this spring and summer

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

sperry

The spring season is officially here. As the lingering cold weather dissipates, it's almost time to put away those thick wool socks and heavy winter boots.

Boat shoes are one of the best styles for guys to invest in this time of year. They're comfortable, stylish, and extremely versatile. 

While their name might lead you to believe that they should only be worn on a boat or by the water, boat shoes are also great for casual and business casual looks during the warm seasons.

Brands like Sperry, New Republic, Dockers, and Allen Edmonds all have stylish options that are perfect for spring. To help you pick out a pair that's just right for you, we rounded up some of the best boat shoes on the market.

Check them out, below:

Sperry Authentic Original

$94.95, available in nine colorways

Best known for its boat shoes, Sperry is one brand that can't go unmentioned. The Authentic Original uses genuine leather, hand-sewn moccasin construction, and the signature 360° lacing system with leather laces. 



New Republic Edward

$60 (Originally $80), available in two colorways [You save $20]

The New Republic's Edward style is the perfect boat shoe for guys looking for something that's not so conventional. They feature a combination of off-white and navy leather set on top of a crepe outsole. You'll also find them in an equally unique camouflage colorway.



Dockers Vargas

$85, available in two colorways

Dockers is practically synonymous with business casual. Coming in raisin and rust colorways, the Vargas boat shoe is exactly that. They feature hand-sewn leather uppers with rope laces.



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The next TV show you should binge-watch, according to your zodiac sign

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abc once upon a time returning shows 2015

  • If you're a Capricorn, get ready to catch up on "Call the Midwife" on Netflix.
  • "Doctor Who" will satisfy the wanderlust that often comes with Sagittarius.
  • Cancer, the most emotional zodiac sign, will cry their eyes out at "Six Feet Under."

Welcome, all, to the start of a new year. We're sure your resolution list is already piled high with noble endeavors, like eating more leafy greens and keeping a diary. We of the Refinery29 entertainment team wholeheartedly believe that completing the entirety of a long, culturally important TV show is an equally noble endeavor, and belongs right up there on your resolutions list.

But which TV show to tackle first? That's where the zodiac comes in. We've matched up each of the 12 astrological signs with a gripping and easily streamable show that spans enough seasons to keep you on the couch for at least a few months. In no time, the characters on these shows will become your close, personal friends. Their highs will be your highs. Their lows will be your lows.

So, let the stars divine your binge-watching future. And since the year is long, we've provided more than one option for each sign.

If you're an Aries, you should watch "Homeland" (2011-present)

Intrepid and energetic, Aries are born to be leaders on the front lines of extraordinary events. That brings us to CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), the protagonist of the long-running show "Homeland." For her job at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, Carrie has to maintain her composure even when she’s in immediate danger. She’s an Aries icon for us all. Fittingly, Carrie was born on April 5, 1979, which makes her an actual Aries.

Other options: "Empire,""Elementary,""Nurse Jackie"



If you're a Taurus, you should watch "Jane the Virgin" (2014-present)

Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) stuck by her principle of waiting to have sex until marriage with the tenacity of a true Taurus. But due to a medical mixup, Jane becomes pregnant with her ex's child — and decides to raise the baby. "Jane the Virgin" is structured like a telenovela, with twists, turns, and improbable plotlines galore. Through it all, Jane remains grounded, practical, and uncompromising, as well as an optimistic delight. Tauruses will see themselves in her.

Other options: "Grey's Anatomy,""The Great British Baking Show,""Parks and Recreation"



If you're a Gemini, you should watch "Orphan Black" (2013-2017)

For Geminis, one personality isn’t enough. Geminis contain multitudes. Imagine, then, how orphan and outsider Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) must have felt when she discovered she was but one in a series of clones, each of whom had a completely different disposition. She and her 12 clones are Geminis, cubed. Sarah discovers her mysterious origins after she witnesses someone who looks just like her (a clone) throw herself in front of a train. Sarah steals this woman’s identity and finds herself in the middle of an overwhelming conspiracy that her clone had been trying to solve.

Other options: "Documentary Now,""Black Mirror,""30 Rock"


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How to qualify for the Masters, the world's most prestigious golf tournament

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The Masters

The Masters is the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, and most golfers yearn for an invitation, and with 87 golfers, this year's field will be the smallest in 21 years.

As it turns out, there are 19 different ways in which a golfer can come to receive an invitation. Many players qualify under multiple criteria, including Jordan Spieth, who qualifies under seven of the categories.

The qualifications are also always changing. For example, the USGA no longer holds the US public links championship where the winner used to receive an invite to the Masters. On the flip side, the Latin American amateur champ is a recent addition, and the reigning Olympic gold medalist is now an automatic qualifier in the year after the Olympics.

Below we take a look at the 19 different ways a golfer can qualify for the Masters and which of this year's 87 golfers qualified under each. We have listed the golfers only under their first qualification.

1. Winners of a previous Masters receive a lifetime invitation. There are 20 players in this year's tournament who have already won at least one green jacket, including last year's champ, Sergio Garcia.

Angel Cabrera
Fred Couples
Sergio Garcia (17, 18)
Trevor Immelman
Zach Johnson (3, 18)
Bernhard Langer
Sandy Lyle
Phil Mickelson (3, 16, 18)
Larry Mize
Mark O’Meara
Jose Maria Olazabal
Charl Schwartzel (12, 18)
Adam Scott (12, 18)
Vijay Singh
Jordan Spieth (2, 3, 12, 16, 17, 18)
Bubba Watson (16)
Mike Weir
Danny Willett
Tiger Woods
Ian Woosnam

If a player qualifies under more than one category, they are only listed in the first category with additional categories in parentheses.



Because of the qualifications, the Masters' field does not have a set size. This is important because it means older players with lifetime invitations are not taking spots from somebody who may have a better chance to compete.



Notable past champions who are still eligible to play but are not in the field include Ben Crenshaw, Fuzzy Zoeller, Nick Faldo, Craig Stadler, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, and Raymond Floyd.



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The race to be the US Navy's first carrier-based drone is heating up

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General Atomics MQ 25A

  • Boeing, General Atomics, and Lockheed Martin have all released images of their candidates for the US Navy's MQ-25 Stingray carrier-based drone competition.
  • The drone will conduct aerial refueling operations, significantly extending the range and flight time for the US Navy's air wing.
  • The contract is expected to be awarded sometime between August and October 2018. 


The race to get the contract for the US Navy's first carrier-based drone is heating up.

All three competitors — Boeing, General Atomics, and Lockheed Martin — have released images of what their drones look like, and the announcement of the winner is expected sometime between August and October 2018.

The program, officially known as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System, or CBARS, is an attempt by the Navy to increase the operational range of carrier-based aircraft with a drone that can perform aerial refueling duties.

The program was originally called the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike, or UCLASS, and was intended to field a carrier-based drone that could conduct air strikes and perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, known as ISR.

But after delays over the main focus of the MQ-25's role (strike or ISR), the Pentagon decided to repurpose the program to aerial refueling, in order to help deal with its shortage of pilots and the rise of longer range anti-ship defenses. 

Northrup Grumman, once considered the most likely to be awarded the contract because of the success of its X-47B demonstrator, announced that it was pulling out from the competition in October 2017, leaving Boeing, General Atomics, and Lockheed Martin as the only competitors.

Here's what you need to know about each submission:

SEE ALSO: Chinese drones may soon swarm the market — and that could be very bad for the US

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin's design is loosely based on its RQ-170 Sentinel and the overall design does not appear much different from Lockheed Martin's UCLASS offer, the Sea Ghost. That drone was supposed to feature stealth technology to help it conduct strike and ISR missions. 

But when the Pentagon shifted the program to aerial refueling, the stealth requirements were dropped. Despite this, Lockheed Martin has decided to keep its flying wing design.

A flying wing design is aerodynamically efficient because it requires less thrust and fuel to fly, and its spot factor is small when its wingtips are folded up.

A flying wing design for a tanker also has the added benefit of having more space than conventional designs, which allows it to carry more fuel. The Navy wants its new drone to be able to hold over 14,000 lbs of fuel.

From a mechanical standpoint, flying wing aircraft are considered slightly easier to maintain as well because they tend to have a lower number of parts.

The drone will also be equipped with sensors and cameras that enable it to carry out limited ISR missions.



Boeing

Boeing's design is based on its Phantom Ray stealth UAV demonstrator. Boeing has the most experience in aerial refueling, as well as naval aviation as a whole — the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler dominate the current naval air fleet.

Like Lockheed Martin's design, the drone has a massive fuel tank, meaning it will have no difficulty meeting the Navy's 14,000lbs of fuel and 500 nautical mile range requirements. 

Boeing's design is the only one that has a working prototype, though it has not yet flown. The drone has been tested in St. Louis on Lambert Field.

The drone was operating on a painted outline of an aircraft carrier flight deck to test if it could function well in the limited space.

Deborah VanNierop, a spokeswoman for Boeing, said that they had "successfully controlled the aircraft through all of the most challenging flight deck scenarios, including day and night operations," in tests that were "designed to show how the aircraft can be taxied and operated within the tight confines of the carrier flight deck."

Boeing's candidate was also adapted from the original UCLASS program.



General Atomics

General Atomics' design is based on their Sea Avenger, a carrier-based version of their Avenger UAV, a strike aircraft that was intended to succeed its MQ-9 Reaper.

The Sea Avenger was re-adapted for refueling operations after the Pentagon cancelled the UCLASS program. 

General Atomics and Boeing are working on the proposal together, and this drone would be among the largest projects General Atomics has pursued.

The drone will be equipped with electromagnetic technology that will enable it to fit in seamlessly with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System on board Ford-class carriers.

It will also be powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815 turbofan engines, one of the most efficient and modern engines currently used. 

The design is still heavily based on the Avenger, which was designed for strike and ISR missions.

The company has already announced that it will not build a flyable prototype, choosing instead to use its Avenger prototypes for things like ground tests. General Atomics provides the US military with more drones than any other company.



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18 things every oldest sibling knows to be true

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kourtney kardashian

Being the oldest child in a family can sound like a pretty good gig in theory: you're given a few younger siblings you can boss around whenever you want, you can pull the seniority card as needed, and you get the added bonus of knowing you had at least one year where you were given every single bit of attention your parents had. Sure, there are positives, but there are also a whole bunch of negatives. These are the things you can't really understand unless you're the oldest sibling.

Growing up as the oldest with a younger brother and younger sister, I have personally experienced every single one of the instances described below. There are times when I wish I could trade places with one of them, and times when I thank whatever higher power put me at the top.

Here are a few things every oldest sibling knows to be true:

 

You've had to hide every single thing you've ever owned.

Growing up, you had to learn how to be sneaky with your things out of necessity, because your younger siblings were always around your stuff. They were always trying to steal something personal, like your diary or cell phone, or just "borrowing" clothes, accessories, and books (or any number of things).

As a woman with a younger sister, I had to find tricky hiding spots for my favorite clothes, because my sister wore anything of mine she could find. Younger siblings, for some reason, feel entitled to all of your stuff. And even worse? Your parents probably did nothing about it.



Your parents were much more strict with you than they have been with your siblings.

As the oldest kid, you were the guinea pig by default. Your parents were learning how to parent with you, and so you were given tons of rules and guidelines, and you were expected to always follow them.

You, like me, probably suffered as your parents forced you to be home at a certain time every night — then watched in horror as they dropped any sense of a curfew for your younger siblings. Most parents get less strict with their younger children, and that will always feel incredibly unfair.



You've always been expected to be the responsible one.

As the oldest, you are supposed to "know better" than your younger siblings. When you guys get in a fight, you will get yelled at for not being the more mature one. You are the built-in babysitter, and you've always watched your younger siblings for free. You are always supposed to set a good example, meaning that your parents have probably always been harder on you than anyone else.



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11 photos of the J-20, China's first stealth fighter jet that 'could soon surpass' the F-22 Raptor

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J-20 stealth fighter china

China announced in February that its new J-20 stealth fighter jet is going into combat service, with the hopes that the aircraft will narrow the military gap with the US. 

First shown to the public at the Zhuhai airshow in late 2016, the J-20 is an advanced multirole fighter expected to carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat roles, according to CSIS.

The J-20's capabilities are still not fully known, but it's often compared to the US' F-22 Raptor and Russia's Su-57. 

While most analysts agree that the F-22 is, at the moment, still superior, the chief editor of Military Watch Magazine, Abraham Ait, recently wrote in The Diplomat that it "could soon surpass the US F-22 Raptor."

Here's what we know:

SEE ALSO: We asked a military analyst how the F-22, Su-57, and J-20 stealth planes match up

SEE ALSO: 13 photos of the Su-57, Russia's first stealth fighter that can outmaneuver the F-22 Raptor

First spotted by Chinese observers in 2010, the J-20 was later shown to the public for the first time in 2016.



The J-20 was initially equipped with fourth-generation WS-10G engines, which were based off Russian AL-31s. But it has reportedly since been equipped with true fifth generation WS-15 Emei engines comparable to the F-22's F119 engines.

Several reports even suggested that the J-20 had been equipped with WS-15 Emei engines during military drills at the Zhurihe base in 2017.

Source: The Diplomat, AsiaTimes



The WS-15 engine is rumored to have a maximum thrust of 44,000 lbs, compared to the Raptor's 35,000 lbs of thrust.

Source: The Diplomat, Business InsiderAsiaTimes



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The 17 best photos from the 2018 Masters so far

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Tiger tee

This weekend, the best golfers in the world have gathered at Augusta National to compete in the Masters.

Augusta National is one of the most incredible courses on the planet, with pristine conditions, gorgeous views, and years of tradition. While there are plenty of quirks to Augusta National— from its low prices on food and beer to its arcane rules for patrons— it undoubtedly offers golfers and fans alike a once in a lifetime opportunity to take in an unbelievably beautiful space.

Below you can take a look at some of the best shots taken at the Masters.

The Masters began with the Par 3 contest on Wednesday, where golfers can relax and enjoy the course with their families before the competition begins in earnest. Here, Jhonattan Vegas walks the course with his wife and child.

Read moreHow and when to watch one of the most charming events in sports, the Masters Par 3 contest



Golfers let loose a bit during the Par 3 contest, with players skipping their balls across the water and onto the green, much to the delight of the gathered spectators.



The Wednesday before the Masters is also a great day to get some autographs — it's not often you can get this close to Jack Nicklaus.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Nordstrom Rack is selling new arrivals from Nordstrom at up to 60% off for a limited time — here are the best deals

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

Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom is one of the best places to shop for name brand clothes, shoes, accessories, and more. While the department store is known for having big sales only occasionally (like the upcoming Anniversary Sale), Nordstrom Rack is home to many of its best deals year round.

Typically, the merchandise at Nordstrom Rack is from past seasons or items that were overstocked, but for a limited time, the discount site is offering brand new arrivals at truly amazing prices.

Now through April 8, Nordstrom Rack is taking a select few of Nordstrom's new arrivals and marking them down up to 60%.

Instead of the limited, slightly off-season items you'd typically find on Nordstrom Rack, you'll find plenty of new spring styles at low prices up to 60% off.

The sale includes many fashionable styles for women, men, and kids, so the entire family can get in on the deal. You'll want to shop immediately, as items are selling out quickly.

Shop new arrivals on Nordstrom Rack now.

Check out some of the best deals included in the sale, below:

Vince Camuto Bell Sleeve Blazer

$54.97 (Originally $139), available in two colors [You save $84.03]

Shop all women's apparel here.



Women's Tory Burch Adeline Boot

$299.97 (Originally $498), available in two colors [You save $198.03]

Shop all women's shoes here.



Men's AG Matchbox Slim Straight Leg Jeans

$119.97 (Originally $235), available in three washes [You save $115.03]

Shop all men's apparel here.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 of the best home makeover shows ever made, ranked

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queer eye season1

  • A massively-popular TV genre for over 2 decades, home-makeover shows remain as beloved as ever, and we have some strong opinions on the best, the worst, and everything in between.
  • With its controversial aftermaths and super-shady financial repercussions, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" ranks dead last.
  • The early-aughts OG of home-makeover shows — which is due for a revamp this year "Trading Spaces" tops our list.

We millennials may not be big on buying our own houses quite yet, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy an afternoon-on-the-couch marathon of home improvement shows.

But with the constant influx of new house-related reality shows, how can you tell which ones are worth your time?

INSIDER's got you covered with a ranking of 12 popular home makeover shows, both past and present. Here's what you need to see (and what you can probably skip).

12. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" had an impressive run. With nine seasons and 200 episodes, the show achieved high ratings and snagged a prime Sunday night network slot. But although individual episodes still have the ability to tug at the heartstrings, the show's overall legacy is far from positive.

Between rampant foreclosure reports and sordid family dramas, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's" tarnished reputation makes it tough to watch after the fact. 



11. "Flip or Flop"

The central premise of "Flip or Flop"— Orange County couple totally redesigns unattractive Orange County homes and increases their value — is an appealing one for those of us who love a good Cinderella-style upgrade story.

However, this home improvement show is hard to watch in retrospect knowing that hosts Tarek and Christina El Moussa ultimately divorced. It makes their personality clashes sad to see and takes the fun out of watching the house-flipping process.



10. "Flipping Out"

On Bravo's "Flipping Out," host Jeff Lewis spent 10 seasons flipping houses in the Los Angeles area, and he generally did a beautiful job. But his successful remodeling ventures came with a lot of drama as Lewis was notoriously difficult to work for, and could appear especially cruel to his long-time assistant, Jenni Pulos, on the show.

Bravo knew exactly how to spin the dramatic moments into addictive TV.



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10 cereals you probably didn't realize have an absurd amount of sugar

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Various types of Kellogg's cereals are pictured at a Ralphs grocery store in Pasadena, California in this August 3, 2015 file photo.  REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/Files

  • Some of your favorite cereal brands might be a lot unhealthier than you realize.
  • Fruit Loops have 12 grams of sugar per serving, which equates to 44% sugar by weight.
  • Raisin Bran is high in calories and contains high-fructose corn syrup.

I'm a major cereal enthusiast. Every morning, I kick off my day with a hearty bowl of Golden Grahams or Lucky Charms. This morning, however, as I munched on my delicious cereal, I wondered if I was actually getting the nutrition I needed to take on the day from this sugary bowl of cereal. With some serious questions forming in my head, I needed to investigate. The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for females or 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for males. 

Most of the cereals in the supermarket contain more than half the recommended daily sugar intake for women in just one serving. Unfortunately, some of my favorites made the list of the most unhealthy cereals. That being said, here are the worst cereals you can buy, based on their nutritional value and sugar content.

Honey Smacks

To kick off the list, one of the worst cereals that I discovered is Kellogg's Honey Smacks. One serving of this cereal may only be 110 calories, but there are a whopping 16 grams of sugar in it. Not to mention, there's only 1 gram of fiber and only 2 grams of protein. The cereal also contains trans fats, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Oh, and this cereal is 55% sugar in weight



Trix

I'm not sure which I liked more: the actual Trix cereal or those hilarious commercials featuring the beloved rabbit. Regardless, this cereal is loaded with 10 grams of sugar per 1 cup serving. Trix also contains high-fructose corn syrup, which is often linked to a higher risk of obesity.



Cinnamon Toast Crunch

A personal favorite of mine, Cinnamon Toast Crunch tops the list with 9 grams of sugar and 130 calories only 3/4 of a cup. This cereal also contains 3 grams of fat and very little protein or fiber.



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5 major differences between Japanese and American workplaces

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japan work

  • The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace. 
  • While Americans generally have to be self-motivated, Japanese employees embrace a group mentality and look to their superiors for approval before making big decisions.
  • However, both cultures work extremely long hours and take little vacation time during the year.

Many major companies, such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook, now have tens of thousands of employees around the world, and there are some lucrative opportunities overseas. Japan, for instance, is accepting more foreign workers.

But before you hop on a plane, know that office culture still varies greatly among countries. How many hours you are expected to work, how you dress, your relationship with your boss and coworkers, and more can vastly change depending on where you are.

I grew up in the U.S. and lived in Tokyo for half a year. These are the biggest differences I noticed between American and Japanese work culture:

SEE ALSO: A Chinese mother raising her son in the US reveals the biggest differences between American and Chinese parenting

Japanese workplaces are more formal

Americans are more casual in the office than in Japan, Noriyuki Matsuda, founder of consumer-facing software publisher SOURCENEXT, previously told Business Insider.

He said Japanese workers would be surprised that everyone calls each other by their first names at work. "This would be considered rude in Japan," he said.

When I was living in Tokyo, I lived just off Kasai Station in Edogawa, an area with a large population of professionals. I noticed that, as far as dress codes go, the idea of "business casual" does not appear to exist in Japan, and seeing commuters in bright colors is rare.

Most businessmen, called "salarymen" in Japan, wear gray, navy, or black suits and are almost always wearing ties, even in the summer. I saw several career women wearing the exact same outfit: a white button-down shirt with a navy or black blazer and a matching skirt, pantyhose, and black kitten heels with their hair tied back in a ponytail.



In Japanese companies, employees must get their superiors' approval whenever they make a decision

Many Japanese companies adhere to a mantra called ho-ren-so, according to a paper from Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. Ho-ren-so is a mnemonic device that combines the first syllables of three verbs: Houkoku (report), renraku (contact), soudan (consult).

This means that an employee in Japan must always keep their superiors informed about what they are doing. Every decision, no matter how small it may seem, should go through the chain of command and get the stamp of approval from the boss. Employees should immediately report any problems to their bosses before trying to take care of anything on their own.



American workplaces focus on the individual; Japanese workplaces focus on the group

In his book "When Cultures Collide," British linguist Richard Lewis charted the differences among leadership styles around the world. He found that American workplaces generally follow a system of "structured individualism."

"American managers … are capable of teamwork and corporate spirit, but they value individual freedom and their first interest is furthering their own career," he said.

East Asian countries, on the other hand, are more focused on the group. "[They] tend to have a Confucian hierarchy, where the group is sacred and leaders are seen as benevolent," Lewis said.



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6 grueling exercises you can only do with a battle buddy

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Marines Carrying

Not every service member has access to a fitness center where he or she can get their daily pump. Whether you're deployed on a small patrol base or out in the field training, not having access to workout facilities means troops have to get pretty clever in making up new exercises.

Many workouts are designed around using free weights, but, in their absence, you can to turn to an asset that you'll never be without: your battle buddy.

Using a battle buddy during PT will help boost morale, pump up your muscles, and get you ready to take the fight to the bad guys. Try these:

SEE ALSO: 7 of the most important survival skills you should know

1. Battle-buddy push-ups

We can all do push-ups on our own when we want to. However, to make the exercise more difficult, call for the services of one of your brothers or sisters. They can add more weight to the push-up load.

Youtube Embed:
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2. The human wheelbarrow

This exercise works out the same body parts as the push-up. One member of the team lifts up another (who is in the push-up position) by their legs and, in unison, they both begin walking forward.

One troop is simply walking as the other has to keep pace by quickly pumping their arms. After a while, this movement builds up those pectoral and shoulder muscles big-time.

This maneuver will also improve communication skills by helping troops practice relaying information during strenuous activity.

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3. Fireman squats

The military teaches us how to properly carry a wounded service member to safety on our backs. This process works your entire body hard as the wounded person's weight bears down on your shoulders.

To best prepare for this type of movement, we do fireman squats. If the time comes where you actually need to carry the wounded, it's best to be prepared.

This exercise is similar to the deadlifts and squats you do at the gym — except now have a person on your back.

Youtube Embed:
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A single shot on 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' has 15 different hidden references — here they are

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mrs bass classroom series of unfortunate events season 2

This post includes spoilers for the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" TV show and book series.

Netflix's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" has a lot of Easter eggs and hidden references.

The book series, by Daniel Handler, is filled with puns and allusions to other literary works. And the story itself has a lot to do with secret organizations and hard-to-crack codes.

But the TV series ups the ante with even more visual references. We counted 30 hidden references on the first season and 48 on the second one.

Showrunner Barry Sonnenfeld told INSIDER he snuck in 15 Easter eggs into a single shot in the show's second season. It's on the first episode, in the classroom of math teacher Mrs. Bass, who has an expanded presence on the TV adaptation. On the blackboard behind her in her classroom, there are numerous references to the Baudelaire orphans' lives.

"I think it’s fantastic and no one who worked on the show has ever noticed it," Sonnenfeld said. "I had to point it out to them."

We figured them out. Here they are.

1. On the upper-left, there's a helmet we'll see later on the series.

The Baudelaires and Olaf find a diving helmet in "The Grim Grotto," which will be part of the third season of the show. It contains Medusoid Mycelium, a deadly fungus Olaf wants to use as a biological weapon.



2. The Medusoid Mycelium is there as well.

It probably isn't a coincidence that she's measured a type of mushroom as well.



3. There's also a bag of flour.

On the next episode, the Baudelaires use a bag of flour as a decoy to make Count Olaf think it's Sunny, buying them some time to study for an important test at Prufrock.



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The author of one of Bill Gates' favorite books says the world isn’t as apocalyptic as you might think — here are five of his top reasons why

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hans rosling factfulness

Bill Gates' favorite Swedish doctor and statistician, Hans Rosling, died of pancreatic cancer last year at the age of 68. Rosling's new book, published posthumously, is now here to tell you life on Earth isn't as bad as it might seem. 

His new book, 'Factfulness,' was published Tuesday with the help of his son and daughter-in-law, who finished up the final chapters of the book. 

The non-fiction pick is already on Bill Gates' unofficial list of must-reads of 2018. Gates praised the title as “One of the most important books I’ve ever read ― an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world.”

Like any good statistician, Rosling uses the tools of his trade (namely, graphs, charts and lots of questionnaires) to argue we're doing too much feeling and not enough thinking when it comes to assessing the world.

He says our highly-emotional take is making us see the world in inaccurate and dire ways that don't reflect all the progress that's been made by modern improvements like vaccines, family planning, and widespread income and education gains for some of the world's poorest people. His global surveys show that we tend to see the world in fatalistic ways, overestimating how many people are in poverty, assuming violent crime rates are skyrocketing, and thinking that many more people are dying in natural disasters than is actually the case.

Rosling thinks there's one simple reason this is true: we're operating under perspective-distorting, emotion-fueled "instincts" about how the world works, causing us to pretty much always assume the worst.  

His goal is to change the way we see the world, by arming us with what he calls a "set of simple thinking tools."

Take a look at a few of the reasons that the Roslings say we're not actually barreling towards a terrible, horrible, apocalyptic future:

SEE ALSO: Bill Gates just revealed his 2 favorite books of 2018 so far

We've already reached peak baby-making levels, and the health of the world is on the up-and-up.

Rosling says what he calls our "negativity instinct" often makes us notice more of the bad than the good in the world.

But when it comes to procreating, he says we're doing OK. The United Nations estimates that the number of children in the world between the ages of zero and 15 will be exactly the same in 2100 as it is today: two billion. It's a promising sign that birth rates around the world are stabilizing, after centuries of exponential growth.

But just because we'll be popping out fewer (and likely also healthier) kids in the future doesn't mean there will be fewer mouths to feed.

There will be billions more adults in the world between the ages of 16 and 74 by 2100, and feeding them all could still be a challenge. Even though we technically have enough food to feed the world, more than 815 million go to bed hungry and under-nourished every night, according to the UN. 



Globally, we're living a lot longer than most people assume.

Average global life expectancy is around 70 years (though it's a bit higher for women and a bit lower for men).

That number is a lot better than what most people think, but it's important to remember the longevity numbers aren't universal.

Here in the US, where we spend more that double on health care than any other rich country per capita, we don't do nearly as well as most of them. At least 30 other countries around the world outlive Americans, and life expectancy in the US for both men and women is just shy of 80 years. 

And there are new signs that US life expectancy is getting worse. Death rates for white working-class men between the ages of 25 and 64 are on the rise in the US, even as more life-saving treatments become available. Scientists think the big killers here could be more deadly overdoses, suicides and liver problems from drinking alcohol. 

Rosling says there's another critically flawed fallacy at work here in the US health care system: the "single perspective instinct," or the idea that problems tend to stem from one single root cause and can likewise be solved with a single solution. He argues that Americans are ignoring key preventative measures while running up expensive and unnecessary hospital bills.



Over the past hundred years, deaths per year from natural disasters have plummeted to less than half of what they were.

Rosling says even though we're more protected than ever before, we still tend to rely on our primal "fear instinct" more than we need to.



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11 of the spiciest dishes in America

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Spicy food pain Herrine

America is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, so when it comes to spicy food, you can take your pick of everything from peppery curry to Nashville hot chicken.

To determine the spiciest meals in the US, we researched spicy food challenges and regional favorites.

Here are 11 of America's spiciest dishes, which you'll find in cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Charleston.

Eaters have to sign a waiver and wear gloves before chowing down on the Four Horsemen Burger at Chunky's in San Antonio, Texas.

The Four Horsemen Burger at Chunky's in San Antonio, Texas, is so spicy that eaters have to sign a waiver and wear gloves to chow down on the sandwich. 

Featured on Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food," the bold burger contains a potent combination of fresh jalapenos, serranos, and ghost peppers topped off with a habanero sauce. 

If they're up to the test, patrons can also attempt the Four Horsemen Challenge, in which they're given 25 minutes to finish the burger without bathroom breaks or the option of sharing or spitting out any of the meal. 



LA is home to Orochon Ramen, which might just serve the spiciest ramen in the US.

Los Angeles is home to Orochon Ramen, where you'll find one of the spiciest bowls of noodles in America.

The Special #2 Spicy Ramen Challenge entails finishing a bowl of piquant pork and veggie ramen in 30 minutes. Those who attempt the task can have their pick of broth (miso, salt pork, or soy sauce), but the exact blend of spices remains a trade secret. 

"I got through the noodles, veggies and meat in the first 3 minutes easy but drinking the broth was downright impossible," reported Yelp user Kai C."The bowl came out boiling with the bubbles still popping at the top."

If you succeed in slurping up the entirety of the soup, the restaurant will snap a Polaroid and stick it on the Wall of Bravery– an honor bestowed upon fewer than 40 patrons, judging by a photo of the wall on Yelp.

Click here to see us try the Special #2 Spicy Ramen Challenge.



The Inferno Soup at Nitally's in St. Petersburg, Florida, is so hot that diners have to sign a waiver before eating it.

Given that Mexico and Thailand boast some of the world's spiciest cuisines, it's a given that combining the two would yield a scorching melange.

At Nitally's, a Thai-Mex fusion restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida, the hottest dish on the menu is the Inferno Soup — another item with an accompanying challenge that requires guests to sign a waiver before digging in.

While the vegetable-filled broth appears innocuous at first, it's filled with ghost peppers (among other strong spices).



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RANKED: The 10 cheapest destinations for an all-inclusive holiday

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Bodrum, Turkey

There's nothing like having an entire week with nothing to worry about but which restaurant to eat at or pool to dip your toes in — especially when it's already paid for.

While a weekend break is always appealing, a week at an all-inclusive resort is more affordable than ever, with package down 13% on last summer, according to comparison site TravelSupermarket.

The company looked at three months of searches for seven-night holidays departing between May 1 and September 30 in order to find the best ones.

Scroll down to see the 10 cheapest countries for a seven-day all-inclusive holiday, ranked by average price in ascending order. We've also included an example trip on offer, showing that prices go much lower.

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 19 cheapest holiday destinations in Europe

10. Croatia — £636 per person.

The country with its coast on the Adriatic Sea, is the fastest-growing destination this summer, according to TravelSupermarket. Searches for seven-night holidays in the Dubrovnik area are up 405% year on year, while prices have dropped 5% on average.

You can head to the three-star Faraon in Trpanj from £293 per person from London Luton.



9. Cyprus — £596.

Prices of package holidays to Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, have dropped by an average of 12% since last year.

From London Stansted, seven nights all-inclusive resort start at around £375 per person at the three-star Hylatio Tourist Village in Pissouri.



8. Portugal — £596.

If you're headed to Portugal, you'll find the best all-inclusive value in the Algarve — where you can get deals starting from £273 per person from London Stansted. Or if you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to Alvor, known to be one of the best places in Europe for skydiving.



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Sharks, otters, and a man playing rugby: These are the most beautiful bank notes in the world right now

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New Canadian 10 dollar

For most of us, bank notes are simply a means of buying the goods and services we need to get through life. For others, however, the style and composition of bank notes is a serious matter.

There's even a global organisation, the International Bank Note Society, dedicated to cataloging and critiquing the world's notes. 

Every year, the IBNS holds a global competition to find the best bank note released in the last 12 months, with surprisingly fierce competition for the coveted title of "Bank Note of the Year"

The results of the 2017 awards were announced on Friday, with the IBNS describing the competition this year as the "closest vote ever," despite over 170 new designs of bank notes being released around the world last year.

Switzerland's new 10 franc note took home the prize, meaning a Swiss note won for a second consecutive year, while a further five notes were classed as runners-up. Take a look at the top notes below.

SEE ALSO: The Bank of England's cash chief tells us why the new £10 is the most secure note ever

Runner-up: Norway's 100 Kroner note

The new 100 kroner note (equivalent to roughly $13) celebrates the seafaring heritage of Norway, including an image of the Gokstad ship, the largest preserved viking ship in the country.

"As Norwegians we carry with us a long and rich history of surviving along the coast and out at sea to fish, trade and transport goods – from Saga Age merchants to today's international shipping companies," Norges Bank, which issues the notes, said at the time of its release.

On the reverse of the note, is an image of a container ship, paying tribute to the shipping industry, an important driver of the Norwegian economy.



Runner-up: Djibouti's 40 Franc note

 Djibouti, a tiny nation on the Horn of Africa, has a population of less than one million.

The country's newest bank note, however, is a worldbeater, paying tribute to the country's heritage and wildlife. The front features an image of a whale shark swimming in a coral reef, while the back focuses on Djibouti's shipping industry, a thriving business thanks to the nation's geographically important location on one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

40 Djibouti francs is equivalent to around $0.20.



Runner-up: Fiji's $7 Note



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The best camping cookware you can buy

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

best camping cookware

The Insider Pick:

  • A great set of camping cookware brings the comfort of the kitchen to the campsite.  The Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess Kit is our top pick because it contains 13 useful items that tuck together into one compact package weighing just 1.3 pounds.

A journey into the wilderness affords an escape from the hustle, clutter, and worries of our busy modern lives. But just because a camping trip means leaving behind the myriad gadgets and appliances most of us use on a daily basis, that doesn't mean your adventure has to be fraught with needless difficulties. With the right gear, time spent out in the field can be rustic yet still convenient when it comes to preparing food. In fact, with a good set of camping cookware, you can move beyond the basic need for nutrition and prepare meals that are truly tasty.

As happens with so many people who find themselves spending more and more time hiking and camping, I went through an evolutionary process with the gear I used. I started off with an older, heavier air mat and sleeping bag. My first tent was a cheap and flimsy model I found on eBay for the same price as a single tank of gas. My first boots were hand-me-downs. 

I bought my first set of camping cookware for five or six bucks at an army surplus store. It was made of thin, stamped aluminum, and after only a few uses, the metal tarnished with exposure to moisture, the pot and pan discolored from the flame of the stove, and all of the components became so warped and dented that the set no longer fit together properly.

Now having used several superior camping cookware sets, the poor quality of a set that cheap is no surprise to me. What might be a pleasant surprise to you, though, is how many high-quality camp cooking sets you can get for a modest price. There's a lot of great camp cookware out there for between $20 and $30 that will last for years of use with proper care.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess Kit is our top pick and why you should also consider the MalloMe 10-Piece Cookware Mess Kit, the HealthPro Titanium Camping Cookware Set, the Stansport 360 Stainless Steel Mess Kit, and the Terra Hiker Camping Cookware Set.

SEE ALSO: The best canteens you can buy

The best camping cookware set overall

Why you'll love it: The Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess Kit comes with everything you need to prepare and serve a fine meal for two, including a pot and pan, cups, bowls, and spoons.

There are three things about the Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess Kit that, when combined, make it a true standout. First, it's a comprehensive set, featuring a pot and pan, bowls, cups, cooking tools, and spoons for eating. Second, the kit costs less than $25 before tax and shipping. Third, all told, this 13-piece kit weighs only 1.3 pounds.

Now, it's not the lowest priced kit on our list, and it's not the lightest weight set, either. But when you combine a fair price with a low weight with a lot of components, you get a camp cooking kit that certainly deserves your consideration.

This kit comes with a 3.5-cup pot suitable for preparing a sizeable portion of pasta, soup, stew, and so forth, and a pan that measures six inches across and is ideal for frying eggs, preparing pancakes, and making other campout classics.

The cups each hold a modest six ounces, but they also pack down into discs less than an inch thick, so you can't really expect much more. The included bowls and spoons make it easy to enjoy your favorite camp cuisine, no added flatware or dinnerware needed.

Most campers who have used the Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess are thrilled with this "great little mess kit" that's "perfect for backpacking," in the words of one owner. Another satisfied customer calls it " everything you need in a compact [set]."

A writer with Sweet Kitchen noted the set's "durability" thanks to "hard-anodized aluminum construction," while a video unboxing on YouTube clearly demonstrated how small a package this comprehensive kit packs down into for travel or storage.

Pros: Lightweight and durable, compact when packed up, fair price point, comprehensive

Cons: Handles and rivets prone to rust, lid only fits frying pan

Buy the Gear4U Camping Cookware Mess Kit on Amazon for about $25



The best low-cost camping cookware

Why you'll love it: The MalloMe 10-Piece Cookware Mess Kit has all the lightweight but durable pot, pan, and cooking accessories you need for a great price.

There is a lot to like about the MalloMe 10-Piece Cookware Mess Kit, but let's be honest: The best part is the small price. At less than 22 bucks, this is one of the cheapest camp cooking sets you can buy that's not made of cheap, inferior materials.

The pot, pan, and lid are fabricated from FDA-approved anodized aluminum and have folding heat insulated nonslip grips. You get two BPA-free bowls, a folding spork made out stainless steel, a wooden cooking spatula, and a soup spoon.

Why the kit comes with two bowls yet only one spoon and one spork, I have to admit I don't really understand. Two spoons and two forks or two sporks would have made more sense to me, but as those are really just bonus accessories, let's give them a pass here. What counts are the one-liter pot and the nonstick pan, both of which are well made and lightweight. In fact, the whole kit weighs only 1.2 pounds.

Oh, and when you use the included sponge, this nonstick cookware cleans up easily, which you'll appreciate as you probably have to stow your pot and pan in your backpack next to your clothing and sleeping bag.

This set is beloved by thousands of campers, and it enjoys a glowing 4.7-star rating with nearly 3,000 reviews posted on Amazon.

One camper, a retired army vet, said of the MalloMe 10-Piece Cookware Mess Kit: "This little kit did exactly what it was supposed to do, it is light and strong, and well made." Another owner called it an "A+ set!"

In a comprehensive write up with Tents & Camp Gear, a gear tester called the set "compact and convenient" and "truly an all-in-one type of set." A video reviewer with It's All Relative Reviews appreciated how it "packs down light and small" into the included nylon sack.

Pros: Great low price, easy to clean, comes with multiple accessories

Cons: Pot and pan are too small for some meals/users

Buy the MalloMe 10-Piece Cookware Mess Kit on Amazon for $22



The best lightweight camping cookware

Why you'll love it: The HealthPro Titanium Camping Cookware Set cooking kit will only add 9.2 ounces of gear weight, but it has everything you need.

If you have a 12-ounce can of beer or soda nearby, go ahead and pick it up. Feel that weight? That's about 30% more than the entire weight of this three-piece camping cookware set from HealthPro. How can this set weigh so very little? Simple: It's made from titanium. And yes, in case you're wondering, that does drive up the price quite a bit.

The HealthPro Titanium Camping Cookware Set actually costs more than twice as much as many mess kits, and it comes without any of the accessories included with many sets. But for the person who's serious about reducing gear weight, its $48 price is money well spent. Not only is titanium very lightweight, but it's also durable, tasteless and odorless, and it conducts heat quickly and evenly for an efficient cooking session.

The kit comes with two pots and a pan; the latter can be inverted to use as a lid that helps keep in the heat and/or protect your food from rain, snow, or dust. The pots can be used separately or nestled together to create a double boiler. All three items are also suitable for use as dinnerware, standing in for a bowl or a large mug. You'll just need to provide your own spoon.

It's no surprise that of the dozens of positive reviews, most owners comment on this 4.5-star rated kit's weight. One user remarks that it's well designed and "ridiculously light," while another doesn't mind the price, noting that "considering it's made out of a material that is, for all practical purposes, nearly impossible to refine and fabricate, it's cheap."

The professionals in the gear review world are also fans of the HealthPro Titanium Camping Cookware Set. In a video review, a tester with Backpacking Gear Reviews appreciated the set's "sturdy rubber coated handles" and also noted that the components are dishwasher safe.

And a writer with BackPacking.net pointed out that titanium weighs only half as much as stainless steel while offering the same durability.

Pros: Fantastically lightweight, durable, even heat transfer

Cons: Quite expensive for category, no accessories included

Buy the HealthPro Titanium Camping Cookware Set cooking on Amazon for about $48



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14 of the reportedly worst-behaved 'Saturday Night Live' hosts and musical guests

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Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, Kanye West

"Saturday Night Live" has been part of NBC's programming since 1975, and the show has consistently featured notable actors, musicians, and comedians. But since the show tapes live, things don't always go as planned.

Sometimes people forget lines or break character. Other times, the show's host or musical guest reportedly ruin their appearance by performing jokes or songs that weren't approved, reportedly giving crew members attitude, or allegedly destroying parts of the stage.   

Former "SNL" cast members Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah recently said that Justin Bieber was the worst-behaved guest they encountered from their time on the show — but the singer isn't the only star who people say has misbehaved. 

Here are "SNL's" worst-behaved hosts and musical guests, according to former cast members, reports, and the celebrities themselves.

Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah said Justin Bieber's SNL appearance was "rough."

While appearing on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live,"Bill Hader and Jay Pharoah were asked who was the worst-behaved musical guest or host they encountered from their time on the show. Both comedians agreed that in their opinion, Bieber was the worst.

"Bieber, he was just in a bad place," Hader said. "Maybe he's in a better place, but then, it was rough."

Hader added that most guests are well-behaved, but Bieber "just seemed exhausted or at the end of a rope."

Bieber made his first "SNL" appearance in 2010 as the musical guest and acted as the host and musical guest in 2013. He also participated in a digital short for the show in 2012

It's also not the first time Hader has called out Bieber for his "SNL" behavior. In 2012, Hader said that he "really didn't enjoy having Justin Bieber around." In a 2013 interview, Hader added that Bieber had an entourage of "like, 20 guys," which was an inconvenience to the cast and crew. 

"He had a guy holding a slice of pizza, a guy holding a Diet Coke,"Hader told Howard Stern. "You're going around the stage and you're trying to fight through all of these people to get dressed."



Kanye West was recorded reportedly yelling at SNL staff.

When Hader and Pharoah appeared on "WWHL,"Pharoah also pointed out that Kanye West's behavior was far from perfect.   

According to Pharoah, he saw West tug someone and put them back in place.

"I saw Kanye yank somebody," Pharoah said. "That was pretty hilarious." 

West performed on "SNL" in 2016 and also made headlines when Page Six released audio of the rapper yelling at a crew member prior to the live show. According to Page Six, West was upset that the "SNL" staff disassembled part of his performance stage because it interfered with the lighting. 

He also reportedly threatened to leave the stage during the live taping, though he didn't actually do so. 



Tina Fey thought Paris Hilton couldn't take a joke.

Hilton hosted "SNL" in 2005. Based on an interview former cast member and head writer Tina Fey gave, Hilton's appearance didn't go smoothly. 

"She's a piece of s---,"Fey told Howard Stern. "The people at 'SNL' were like, 'Maybe she'll be fun, maybe she won't take herself so seriously.' She takes herself so seriously!"

Fey went on to call Hilton "unbelievably dumb and so proud of how dumb she is." She also added that Hilton was "awful" to work with.

In a later interview with Playboy magazine, Fey said that she regretted "sinking down to that level of discourse."

Even though she wasn't entirely proud of what she said, she stood by her opinion on Hilton, calling her "a terrible role model and a terrible young woman" who "needs to be ignored."

 

 



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All 53 movie and TV sequels or reboots coming out in 2018

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lando calrissian han solo movie

So many movies are reboots or sequels. And these days, that bleeds into the television world, too. 

From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to "Star Wars" to "Ocean's 8," a reboot or a sequel is coming to theaters pretty much every weekend for the rest of 2018.

There are some highly anticipated movies like "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" coming. But for every exciting one, there's another a spin-off of Michael Bay's "Transformers" series.

In TV, there are a handful of reboots and revivals, starting with ABC's "Roseanne," which premiered to huge ratings and a lot of controversy. Starz is expected to premiere its "John Wick" spin-off show "The Continental" by the end of the year. And we can expect "Heathers" from the Paramount Network to premiere soon.

Here are all the movie and TV reboots and sequels you can see (or avoid) in 2018:

SEE ALSO: The 5 most anticipated new TV shows premiering in April

MOVIES



"Insidious: The Last Key"— Released January 5



"Maze Runner: The Death Cure"— Released January 26



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