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The glass bridge across China's 'Grand Canyon' is a trippy architectural marvel that's all over Instagram — but in real life, it's a tourist's worst nightmare

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ZhangjiajieGlassBridge (25 of 35)

  • The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in China is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.
  • It gained widespread popularity after opening in 2016 and has been featured in numerous viral videos showing tourists having thrilling and terrifying experiences looking through the glass floor.
  • While the scenery was beautiful, the site was overrun with tourists and the glass was so scuffed it was hard to see to the floor below.
  • The entire experience was underwhelming given the price point and the numerous difficulties to visiting.

 

Like many millennial travelers, I sometimes pick my vacation destinations based on something I see on the internet. Such was the case with a recent trip to China.

After seeing viral video after viral video of terrified tourists crawling over a futuristic glass bridge spanning a verdant gorge, I decided I had to visit.

Opened in 2016, the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in Hunan, China is the tallest and longest glass bridge in the world. The walkway sits 980 feet above the canyon floor and is more than 1,400 feet long. 

It had been billed as both breathtakingly beautiful and thrilling — a place, some might say, to get the ultimate selfie. 

Soon after arriving, I learned a hard lesson in the difference between the glossy photos and videos of travel media and the reality for the average tourist. 

Here's what it was like:

SEE ALSO: China's 'Las Vegas' is leaving billionaires behind in favor of the rising middle class — see inside the $3.4 billion mega-casino leading the charge

SEE ALSO: See inside the world's largest Starbucks, where 'coffee is theater' and the line is always down the block

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is located in the mountainous province of Hunan in southern China. It's a 45-minute bus ride from Wulingyuan, a scenic town at the base of the stunning Wuling Mountain Range, where most tourists stay.



The Wuling Mountain Range is known for its 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars that look like floating mountains on a misty day. While I was excited to see that, I jumped at the chance to see the bridge. It looked like an architectural marvel on top of China's Grand Canyon.



We arrived at the bridge a little after noon to a very heavy security procedure —x-ray machine, metal detector, and pat-down. It was extremely lucky that I happened to have our passports, which were required for entry, in my backpack. What wasn't lucky was that the security person informed me (in Mandarin, which I don't speak), that I couldn't bring my backpack or my camera.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron keep dressing alike — and it's sending a strong style signal

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Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron

  • Political outsiders Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron share surprisingly similar style as first ladies.
  • Seen side-by-side at the state visit at the White House this week, their twin looks are sending a strong style message of unity between the two countries.

The French president and first lady arrived in D.C. on Monday for a state visit, giving Americans a chance to see first lady Melania Trump next to one of her closest style allies.

She and French first lady Brigitte Macron have a lot in common. Both women have husbands who became president by non-traditional paths, with Macron rising to prominence in banking and Trump in real estate.

Glamorous looks for extravagant dinners and galas are expected for former model Melania and former schoolteacher Macron, but everyday appearances count, too.

And the two first ladies have rolled out surprisingly similar style themes for their biggest moments in the spotlight:

SEE ALSO: The fashion differences between Ivanka and Melania Trump reveal the truth about their political missions

SEE ALSO: Melania Trump has finally found her fashion sweet spot — and it's very different from Michelle Obama's

They both approached the inauguration ceremony with tradition

For their official debuts as first ladies, both chose outfits that balanced muted color with striking silhouettes for memorable, but not aggressive looks.

Trump catered to the more conservative American audience and provoked widespread comparison to former first lady and style icon Jackie Kennedy for her husband's swearing in last January.

Brigitte's choice of a powder blue Louis Vuitton jacket is a nod to her French pride and an eye-catching twist on an otherwise classic skirt suit.



Embracing their national colors

For formal official appearances, the first ladies tend to fall back on the colors known nationwide — red, white, and blue.

Trump's ensemble for her visit to France last year and Macron's tailored dress for the 2017 Salzburg Summit are strong nods to the iconic national color French and Americans can immediately recognize.



Knowing when to go casual is key

It's easy to see the two have different national audiences to please and make choices accordingly, but several of their key patterns suggest their style choices are meant to to appeal to the people.

Trump, who has been criticized for looking out of touch in the past, has largely used her style choices to overcome her image as a Washington outsider and invoke iconic images of national pride and past first ladies.

But when the situation calls for it, she will dress down. Business Insider's Kate Taylor has called Trump's fashion sweet spot"aspirational but just barely within reach — and increasingly self-aware."

Being attached to administrations that push for reform and succeeded through people-first campaign messages adds extra pressure to appear as relatable arms of the administration.

Trump and Macron have both made a point to know when to keep their outfits simple and casual to avoid looking tone deaf at public events.



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Everything you need to know about the newest addition to the royal family

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kate middleton royal baby

  • A new prince has officially been welcomed into the British royal family.
  • Despite only being a day old, the newborn already has his entire life mapped out for him according to royal protocol. 
  • From his place in the line of succession to his schooling, here is everything you need to know about the third royal baby. 

Britain’s royal family have a new prince, who was born on Monday morning to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. He is only hours old, but his life is already mapped out according to tradition and princely protocol. Here are 14 fascinating facts about the latest addition to the House of Windsor. And for more coverage of the royal baby, see how this unsuspecting couple got swept up in the royal baby media frenzy.

The birth

The baby weighs 8-lbs 7-oz and was born at 11:01 am at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. His father was present for his birth. And more royal baby coverage, know that these are the good-luck charms Kate brought with her to the hospital.



It was an auspicious day

He was born on April 23, 2018—or St. George’s Day in England. He shares a birthday with William Shakespeare. And for more great royals coverage, see how Meghan Markle’s family just lashed out at her in a major way.



His place in the line of succession

The new prince is fifth in line to the throne, having bumped his uncle, Prince Harry, down a notch to sixth place. But for more on Prince Harry, check out 25 reasons why he’s the coolest royal.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 under-the-radar alternatives to popular travel destinations that will help you beat the crowds

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It's finally spring, which means summer is just around the corner.

We think it's never too early to start planning your summer holiday. In fact, research has shown that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation.

If you want to beat the crowds, save some dough, explore beautiful sights, and maybe brag to your friends about visiting an up-and-coming hot spot, here are some of our under-the-radar travel destinations:

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle once sold frozen yogurt — and 10 other odd jobs the soon-to-be-royal worked to make ends meet before her engagement

Instead of Bali, Visit Siargao in the Philippines

While Bali is (rightfully) called the "Island of the Gods," nowadays, it sometimes feels overrun with tourists and hawkers. If you're still trying to get your surf on, visit Siargo, located in the Philippines. Full of secluded beaches, crystal clear lagoons, great waves, fresh seafood, and friendly locals, you can't go wrong.



Must-visit in the Philippines: Bamboo Beach in Pacifico

Skip the hustle and bustle of General Luna and head to Pacifico to catch some waves at Bamboo Beach. If you rent a board from Wemar's Surf Shop, you'll also be supporting the local community.

The owner, Wemar, is the co-founder of  "The Sun Crew," an organization that works to ensure that the local children have the skills and opportunities to overcome poverty and play a key role in protecting their island and local communities. They provide free surf lessons and board use in exchange for children attending school and participating in education, sustainability and skills programs.



Instead of Prague, visit Budapest

Both Prague and Budapest have their charm and beauty, plus plenty to keep you occupied over a long weekend or more, but we're partial to Budapest.  

While Prague has just one UNESCO World Heritage site (the old town centre itself), Budapest has three, including the stunning Buda Castle Quarter, stylish Andrássy Avenue, and the gorgeous Danube River. After sightseeing, grab a drink and go dancing at one of the ruin bars that can be found in the abandoned buildings in the city's District VII neighborhood.



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Here are all the Japanese cars made in the USA

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Acura NSX 7

  • Dozens of Japanese vehicles are built at plants in the US.
  • The factories are in the southern US and have been in operation in some cases for decades.
  • They employ thousands of Americans.

President Donald Trump made some confusing statements about American and Japanese cars.

Last year, Trump argued that more American vehicles should be sold in Japan, where historically almost no American cars have been on the market. But he also seemed to misunderstand that Japanese automakers have been building vehicles in the US for decades, employing thousands of Americans in the process.

In fact, Toyota and Mazda have announced that they'll invest $1.6 billion and construct a new factory in Alabama, with the goal of hiring 4,000 workers.

We started to wonder if folks know just how many Japanese cars are actually made in the US. It's a lot. We added it up:

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

Acura NSX: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., Marysville Auto Plant, Marysville, Ohio.



Honda Accord: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. Marysville Auto Plant. Marysville, Ohio.



Acura ILX: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., Marysville Auto Plant, Marysville, Ohio.



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The 8 Marvel movies you should watch before 'Infinity War'

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Red SkullNot planning a two-day Marvel Cinematic Universe marathon right before seeing "Avengers: Infinity War?"

Nobody has time for that. 

To accommodate fans who want to freshen up their knowledge, we collected a list of the most essential MCU movies to watch right before you see "Infinity War," which is scheduled for release April 27.

From "Captain America: The First Avenger" to "Thor: Ragnarok," here are the 8 MCU movies you need to catch up on.

(To see where to watch, check our list of where to stream all 18 movies in the MCU.) 

Here's 8 MCU movies to watch before seeing "Infinity War":

SEE ALSO: Where you can watch all 18 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe before you see 'Infinity War'

"Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)

In addition to debuting Captain America, this movie introduces us to the Infinity Stones, setting up the story years before "Infinity War." The film's villain, Red Skull, is trying to gain the power of the Tesseract, which contains the blue Space Stone. 



"The Avengers" (2012)

In "The Avengers," Loki is working for Thanos. He makes a failed attempt to get the Tesseract and take over Earth. It's also an introduction to the Avengers team, and Mark Ruffalo's version of the Hulk. In 2012, this movie felt like the biggest movie of all time, but now it feels so small. 



"Captain America: Civil War" (2016)

"Civil War" is important because it divides the team right before "Infinity War." It's also essentially an Avengers movie. Captain America and his friends are now on the run from the law because of what happens in this movie, so it will be interesting to see how a team that is so divided sets aside their differences and comes together. 

"Civil War" is available to stream on Netflix. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here are the best photos from Macron and Trump's historic state visit

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emmanuel brigitte macron melania donald trump

French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron arrived Monday for President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump's first state visit.

Since their arrival, the heads of state have met to discuss Iran, trade, and other future policy plans. They've also planted a tree, witnessed a major Melania fashion moment, and reveled in their bromance.

We'll keep updating this slideshow as the tour continues, but here are the best photos from their trip so far:

SEE ALSO: Macron and Trump's bromance is big, but experts warn it might not be enough to get things done

SEE ALSO: The most surprising formal protocol presidents and first ladies have to follow during official state visits

AND THEN: Melania Trump and Brigitte Macron keep dressing alike — and it's sending a strong style signal

The Macrons arrived on Monday.



Macron may be the world leader Trump is closest to. Their bromance, as many have called it, has been on full display throughout the visit.

Source: Business Insider



Trump and Macron planted Macron's gift, a sapling, on the White House's South Lawn. The oak tree comes from a forest in France where US Marines fought a famous World War I battle.

Source: Reuters



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Trump and Macron just shared an over-the-top, 6-second handshake-bro hug-kiss to top their last awkward handshake

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Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron

  • French President Emmanuel Macron and President Donald Trump ended a joint press conference Tuesday with an awkward handshake.
  • The two world leaders have a history of awkward handshakes.
  • Trump and Macron's close relationship has been on full display during this week's state visit.

French president Emmanuel Macron and President Donald Trump met for a joint press conference Tuesday as part of Macron's state visit.

The leaders discussed plans for Iran, North Korea, and trade, but it was their handshake-turned side-hug that grabbed the internet's attention. What started as a handshake turned into a partial embrace and ended with Trump kissing Macron on the cheek, saying, "I like him a lot."

Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump embrace press conference

The handshake/hug comes after a day of Trump and Macron's close relationship was put on full display at the press-heavy state visit ceremonies and a year after they first made headlines for their awkward embraces.

Their friendship has blossomed since their white-knuckle handshake at last year's NATO Summit in Belgium, which also caught the internet's attention. Macron gripped Trump's hand for several seconds even after Trump tried to disengage, a move Macron later admitted he planned beforehand by studying videos of Trump's handshakes.

Here's what happened on Tuesday:

SEE ALSO: Here are the best photos from Macron and Trump's historic state visit

SEE ALSO: Macron and Trump's bromance is big, but experts warn it might not be enough to get things done

It all began during a joint press conference on the second day of Macron's state visit.



After discussing policy issues, Trump and Macron began a handshake ...



... that kept going ...



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

4 cheap accessories that can turn an old iPad into a perfectly good laptop

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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.

Anker Ultra Compact Slim Profile Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

Over the past few years there's been a debate in the tech world over whether an iPad can be a "real computer." Apple itself even fanned the flames by releasing an ad earlier this year that asked the question outright.

As someone who's used an iPad Pro like a traditional computer for years, I can tell you the transition is easier to make than you might think. The App Store is full of powerful software, and iPad hardware has been solid enough for people to make the leap for years. 

For example, the nearly five-year-old iPad Air 2 can still run the latest version of iOS and would make a great computer for anybody but the highest-end computer users. Don't believe me? Pair it with the keyboard, stand, case, and battery pack below and you'll be able to turn an old gadget into an incredibly useful, modern tool.

Better yet, all of these accessories work with the recently released 2018 iPad, and none cost more than $25, so you won't have to break the bank to make this change.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best iPhone and iPad accessories I use every day

SEE ALSO: 20 must-have tech accessories under $20

A portable stand

When it comes to productivity, one of the biggest differences between a laptop and an iPad comes down to a hinge. You can open a laptop up and be ready to go, but the iPad was designed to be held in your hand, or used flat on a table. 

The solution is to buy a cheap stand, and this one from UGREEN lets you adjust its foot to the angle that suits your eye line best. Just pop your iPad on the stand, and you're nearly ready to go.

Better yet, you can fold this stand up and take it with you whether you're going to a coffee shop for the afternoon or leaving for a two-week business trip.

UGREEN Tablet Stand Holder for iPad, $8.99, available at Amazon



A bluetooth keyboard

A keyboard is necessary for almost all professional work — at the very least it makes getting it done a lot easier. Anker's bluetooth keyboard is slim, wireless, and features a top row of function keys that make some of the iPad's best features — Spotlight search, Siri, and multi-tasking — at your fingertips.

Holding down the Command key in any app will show you a list of keyboard shortcuts you can use in it, some of which can seriously improve your productivity. The less often you have to take your fingers off the keyboard to touch the iPad's screen, the better.

Anker Ultra Slim Profile Bluetooth Keyboard, $21.99, available at Amazon



An external battery pack

If you've ever walked out of a cafè because the seats by the outlets were taken, moving to the iPad will be a game changer. Instead of relying on the room you're in for power, you can get away with stashing an external battery pack in your bag or pocket. 

This battery from RAVPower will be able to get you a few additional hours of use out of your iPad when it's fully charged. When you consider than an iPad has about 10 hours of battery life on its own, it's easily possible to get "all day battery life," which would be nearly unthinkable when using a traditional computer.

RAVPower 10000mAh Battery, $19.99, available at Amazon



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What the cast of 'Avengers: Infinity War' looks like in real life

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Marvel's "Avengers: Infinity War" is going to feature battles of epic proportions.

The latest installment of the franchise unites superheros from all over the Marvel Cinematic Universe to fight against Thanos. Early reviews are largely positive, and fans are gearing up for all the surprises in store.

"Infinity War" hits theaters April 27.

For now, see what the cast looks like in real life.

Tony Stark becoming Iron Man started everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The first "Iron Man" movie hit theaters in 2008.



Robert Downey Jr. looked handsome as ever at the premiere.

"Infinity War" is his ninth Marvel movie appearance. 



James "Rhodey" Rhodes is better known as War Machine.

He became paralyzed in "Civil War," but Stark gave him bionic support to help him walk again. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I took portraits of combat-tested soldiers at Fort Bliss — and they told me their incredible stories

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Fort Bliss army soldier

FORT BLISS, Texas — I wanted to ask the soldiers about their stories.

I wanted to ask them why they joined the service, if and where they had been deployed, what their experiences were like overseas, what it was like coming home, and more. 

But it was difficult.

I only had a few chances to speak to individual soldiers in-depth as I toured a number of different weapons systems during my trip to Fort Bliss.

The conversations were sometimes difficult. "I feel like a d--k for asking those questions," I told one of the public affairs officers after interviewing one officer who became emotional while describing an incident in Afghanistan. "But I think it's important for people to know these things."

"Yes, it is," the PAO said.

SEE ALSO: Soldiers don't believe this rare antelope-like animal is roaming around a Texas army base — but we saw one up-close

The first chance I got to speak to soldiers in-depth was when I met a couple of Abrams tank crews.



Name and rank: Sergeant T. Wilder.

Wilder, 27, of Athens, Tennessee, is an Abrams tank commander who said he's been in the service for eight years. 

"I joined right out of high school, like any typical high school kid does to get out of their hometown, pay for college, make something of themselves," Wilder told me. "I got about 12 more years, and I can retire."

Wilder said he deployed to Iraq in 2011 and 2012. 

"I was part of the initial drawdown," he said. "I was everywhere from Kalsu all the way down to Echo and K-Crossing."

"It was fun," he said. "I deployed in an infantry platoon so I was out doing route clearance patrols, patrols, convoy overwatch, and stuff like that."

Wilder said clearing IEDs was "slow, long, about 16 hours at about 20 mph," and that he saw all different kinds. "We saw several that were made out off 155 rounds, 105 rounds, saw one out of a propane tank, bunch of stuff stuck in water bottles and coke cans and stuff."

He said he took "a little bit [of contact], but nothing major."

When I asked him if he'd share any particular stories, he understandably shook his head no.



Name and rank: Specialist Christian Pena.

Pena, 22, told me he has been in the Army for two years.

"I'm originally from Mexico, but I moved to Arizona when I was 10," he said.

"I joined the Army 'cause this country has given me so many opportunities that I'm so grateful for — and it's my way of repaying it," he said.

He said he hasn't deployed yet, but that "it's definitely something I look forward to."

"Man of few words," the PAO said jokingly.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

14 celebrities you probably had no idea went to prom together

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Candace Cameron Bure and Scott Weinger

Next to graduation, prom is one of the highlights of just about every high schooler's experience. What's not to love about getting dressed up, taking lots of pictures, and dancing the night away with your crush or your BFFs?

Even some of Hollywood's biggest celebrities have their own prom night stories to tell. Before they got used to making real-life red carpet appearances, some of your favorite celebs went to prom — and their dates just happened to be budding stars as well.

From the adorable to the awkward, we've rounded up a star-studded gallery of prom pics that you have to see to believe.

Brandy and Kobe Bryant

What high school senior wouldn't want to go to prom with a Grammy-award winner who also happens to have her own hit TV show? Back in 1996, 17-year-old Kobe Bryant was able to make his teenage dreams come true. The future NBA star fanned out when he met Brandy at an award show and asked her to be his date. It turns out, Brandy had a pretty good time dancing with Bryant. She told TMZ that she kept her corsage as a souvenir.



Danielle Fishel and Lance Bass

Before the days when you could make your relationship social media official, "Boy Meets World" star Danielle Fishel and NSYNC alum Lance Bass were an adorably legitimate couple. Fishel looked gorgeous in a long, white gown with an open back, while Bass was dapper in a traditional black tux. Bass shared their throwback pre-prom pic on his Twitter feed.



Jon Hamm and Sarah Clarke

Long before he was sexy Don Draper, "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm was a normal high school student in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. His prom date was then-girlfriend, Sarah Clarke who "Twilight" fans will recognize as the actress who played Bella Swan's mom. The story gets even more interesting when Hamm gets some competition from actor, Paul Rudd, who was also crushing on Clarke, as Clarke's brother, who was also Rudd's college roommate, told Vanity Fair.



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8 couples that completely ruin amazing sitcoms

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  • Sitcoms are known for their will they/won't they couples, but not all of them bring out the best in their respective television shows.
  • Nick and Jess started off as the core couple of "New Girl," but over time it became clear that they might not be the best for each other.
  • Ross and Rachel are one of the most popular sitcom couples of all time and heads rolled when Rachel was paired up with Joey on "Friends."

A common feature of what makes a sitcom work so well is its depiction of the everyday lives of its larger than life characters.

Whether including bizarre co-workers, quirky families with more members than you can count, unlikely groups of friends, or high school students, sitcoms delight in showing the highs and lows of everyday life.

Some of them are more outlandish than others, and some may have dramatic elements to tilt them more toward dramedy than outright comedy.

However, regardless of their setting, and their specific genre, sitcoms prominently feature families, friendships, and romances.

Certain sitcoms prefer to focus on messy relationships and why they were doomed to fail from the start, and others chronicle addictive “will they, won’t they” couples from beginning to end.

However, whether the couples are meant to be given a happily ever after is sometimes beside the point. If the writing is poor, or the chemistry is off, no amount of attempted development can save a bad couple from tarnishing an otherwise enjoyable sitcom’s legacy.

Hurt: Haley and Andy ("Modern Family")

From the start, "Modern Family" was known for its unconventional but lovable couples and their many children.

Phil and Claire, Cameron and Mitchell, and Jay and Gloria all have adorable, often hilarious stories. Their personalities and differences complement one another perfectly, allowing for laughter-inducing scenarios one after another.

However, when eldest Dunphy child Haley came of age, the show decided to pair her with her first adult love interest, Jay and Gloria’s nanny, Andy.

While the two couldn’t have been any more different in terms of personality and preferences, while their predecessors’ differences worked wonderfully, their differences clashed quite sharply. 

Every scene between the two was steeped in awkwardness. This is only made worse by the fact that Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine shared absolutely no palpable chemistry whatsoever.

 

 



Saved: Jesse and Becky ("Full House")

From the moment Jesse Katsopolis and Rebecca Donaldson met at the start of "Full House" season 2, it was clear that their story was going to be a long, romantic one.

The couple had a traditional Hollywood meet cute, with Jesse coming home to find Becky in the Tanner living room and finding himself blown away by her beauty.

While there were a few speed bumps along the way — Becky initially denying her interest in Jesse, or the two being unable to decide what their future looked like — the couple were married in season 4, welcoming twins in the following season.

Throughout the entire series, the chemistry between John Stamos and Lori Loughlin was entirely effortless. This perhaps is owing to the actors’ own brief romantic history.

Even all these years later, the couple is going as strong as ever on spinoff series "Fuller House," now having adopted a young daughter, Pamela.



Hurt: Michael and Jan ("The Office")

"The Office's" Michael Scott is arguably one of the most out-of-this-world characters in sitcom history, thanks in large part to the amazing comedic timing and talent of Steve Carell.

It was therefore always going to be a bad idea to try and pair Michael in a relationship with anyone who was nowhere near his level of humor and zaniness.

However, it was perhaps the worst idea of all to pair Michael with a moody, domineering businesswoman — and his superior, at that.

Jan Levinson offered almost nothing to the show in terms of humor, save for the unintentional humor that came with the dissolution of her and Michael’s relationship.

The two lacked all compatibility, but perhaps the sole benefit of their ill-advised relationship was the fact that it led Michael to become even zanier, even more hilarious, and even more willing to be totally out of control in terms of his lack of a humor filter.



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11 signs you have a good sex life, even if you think you don't

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couple love kiss

  • Whether you're in a new relationship, playing the field, or in a long-term commitment, it's natural to wonder about the state of your sex life.
  • But the truth of the matter is, a 'good' sex life means something different for everyone.
  • If you're getting what you want and need, and you feel comfortable communicating your wants and needs with your partner, your sex life is probably pretty great.


With so much emphasis these days on hooking up, swiping right, and showing off those couples selfies on Instagram, it can honestly feel like everyone in the world is having
more (or better!) sex than you.

But whether you're in a new relationship, or well beyond the honeymoon stage of a long-term romance, or you're single and ready to mingle, there are some easy ways to know that you've got a pretty great sex life already.

A healthy sex life is important no matter what your relationship status is, but the good news is, feeling connected with your own body, as well as your partner's, is actually a pretty easy way to get in tune with your sex drive, no matter what your friends, neighbors, or friends on social media are up to.

You masturbate.

We're all busy, but whether you've been married for decades or flying solo, you should be taking some time on occasion to explore your own body and find out what feels good to you. Plenty of people think of sex as something that requires two (or more!) participants, but solo sex is an easy, healthy way to find out what you enjoy. Yes, even if you're partnered up.

As certified sex therapist Kat Van Kirk, PhD told Women's Health in 2016, "Masturbation is good for both of you. Sex begets sex, thanks to our biochemistry. That means more masturbation leads to more partnered sex. Win/win."



You feel comfortable in your own skin.

In a world where the cultural ideals of beauty are painfully narrow (for all genders), feeling comfortable in your own skin can feel like a seriously tall order. But when you have a positive body image and you feel good about yourself, you'll get more enjoyment out of your sexual encounters.

Most of us have had those moments during sex where we're concerned about what we look like from that angle or worry that our partner is fixating on one of our perceived ‘flaws,' but when you're secure in your own skin, you don't let those nagging thoughts stop you from enjoying sex.

Feeling confident is an important, but often challenging, part of having a healthy sex life. As sex therapist Jane Greer, PhD, told Women's Health in 2016, "Both of you have a good sense of your sexual esteem and feel attractive and desirable. Even if you miss a week, or one of you isn't in the mood, it doesn't define your entire intimate life. As a result, neither of you take these moods personally. The key to maintaining this confidence is staying proactive in expressing (and acting upon) your desires to sexually connect with your partner."



You feel empowered to ask for you what you want.

Great sex essentially boils down to one key element: communication. And when you feel comfortable expressing your wants and needs with your partner, you'll feel at ease and excited to try things out.

Certified sex therapist Aline Zoldbrod, PhD, told Prevention in 2015 that "good sex is all about finding your perfect recipe," which means talking it out, even when it feels awkward. Telling your partner what you want is important, but it's just as important to discuss what you don't want, whether it's something that doesn't feel good, or simply that you're just not into it today.



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5 signs you’re washing your hair too much — even if you don't think you are

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Hair Cut Reuters

Your hair should be washed much less frequently, than your skin — usually not on a  daily basis. It may be tempting to shampoo and condition each morning, especially if your hair easily becomes greasy, but doing so can cause many issues including stripping your scalp of many essential oils.

"There isn't an exact number of times you should wash your hair a week,"celebrity stylist Tonya Le told INSIDER. "It depends on your hair texture, your natural oil production, etc. But paying attention to the little signs your hair is giving you can help you come up with the best washing schedule."

Le added, "If you want to take care of your hair's integrity, remember that it can naturally take care of itself. Of course giving it a tiny little push of man-made products won't hurt a bit, just as long as you're using the correct products for your hair type and most importantly, using those products correctly as well."

Unsure if you're washing too often? INSIDER spoke to Le to determine five clear signs that you need to give your hair a shampooing-break.

Your color is fading too fast.

If you highlight or dye your hair, examining how long the color stays vibrant and strong will show if you're washing too much. It's also important to use a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for color-treated hair.

"Wash hair about three-four times a week with correct shampoo and conditioner/mask made for color-treated hair," Le told INSIDER. "And in-between washes, refresh your hair with a dry shampoo of your choice."



Your hair is dry and frizzy.

Washing your hair too often can also impact the texture of your hair.

"A total lack of moisture from stripping oils can also cause a dry, flaky scalp and as your scalp dries out so does your hair," she said.

Le added, "Hair becomes flatter and also begins to lack shine too, so [you should use] moisturizing styling products that will help restore the hair cuticles by making them more soft, manageable and, most important, luscious.



Your hair is full of split ends.

"If you seem to be getting more split ends than usual, this could also be a sign of over-washing. Wet hair is so extra susceptible to damage and breakage, so the more you wash it, the more opportunity it has to break," Le told INSIDER.



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The only Marvel movies you need to watch before seeing 'Avengers Infinity War'

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captain america infinity war

You don't need to binge all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's 18 movies before "Avengers: Infinity War" comes to theaters April 27.

But if you do catch up on some of the franchise's previous installments, it will certainly enhance your viewing experience. 

Don't have time to binge nearly two dozen Marvel movies? No problem.

If you only want to watch a few movies before checking out "Infinity War," INSIDER has rounded up the essential Marvel movies to marathon, from least important to most valuable.

7. "Doctor Strange" (2016)

You certainly don't need to watch all of 2016's "Doctor Strange." Skip the first 23 minutes until Strange shows up at Kamar-Taj.

The main thing you want to know more about is the green time stone Strange wears around his neck in the photo above. The stone gives the wielder the ability to control time. It also helps to know a little about the mirror dimension and the astral plane.

The film also provides a good introduction to the Cloak of Levitation who is a scene-stealer once again in "Infinity War."



6. "Black Panther"

By no means is it necessary to watch "Black Panther," but you'll have a greater appreciation for some of the movie's many characters who show up in Infinity War, including the Dora Milaje, led by Danai Gurira's humorous Okoye, the return of M'Baku, and T'Challa's brainy sister Shuri who may know more about tech than Tony Stark.

Plus, it definitely helps to be familiar with King T'Challa's (Chadwick Boseman) home of Wakanda, where one of the movie's biggest fight sequences takes place. That way, you won't be confused about why the entire African nation is enveloped in a bubble.



5. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015)

The second "Avengers" movie can be a bit of a slog to get through. You don't need to watch the farm scene with Hawkeye's kids and you can skip Tony Stark's fun party at the start. 

The important takeaways include the birth of Vision from Stark's AI Jarvis and the fact that he has an Infinity stone in his head. You'll also want to remember the damage the Avengers did in Sokovia all because Stark wanted to build a sentient AI. 



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The most surprising formal protocol presidents and first ladies have to follow during official state visits

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Trump Macron planting a tree

At the most powerful address in the country, receiving special visitors is not just part of the job, but a long-held diplomatic tradition.

State visits are the highest-ranking form of diplomatic visits — only heads of state qualify for the lavish public ceremony.

Every president since Calvin Coolidge has held at least one state dinner a year, except President Donald Trump, who waited until his second year to invite French President Emmanuel Macron.

Though each state visit varies to best accommodate the president and first lady's wishes, much of the walking, standing, and shaking hands is required as distinct ceremonial steps are planned months in advance.

The Office of the Chief of Protocol assists White House staff in making sure the event goes off without diplomatic faux pas or embarrassment.

Take a look at some of the carefully coordinated pomp and circumstance, step by step:

SEE ALSO: In a major departure from tradition, Trump will not invite Democrats or the media to his first state dinner

DON'T MISS: Inside the presidential guest house — the 'world's most exclusive hotel' that's bigger than the White House

AND THEN: Meet French first lady Brigitte Macron: President Emmanuel Macron's former schoolteacher turned wife who's visiting the Trumps with him

The first visit foreign head of state to visit the White House was King David Kalakua of the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), who former President Ulysses S. Grant hosted in 1874.

The leaders and their 36 guests enjoyed 29 courses, an impressive precursor to the event that would become a widely publicized expected duty of a president.



A state visit includes: a full-honors arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House with a 21-gun salute, a state luncheon at the US State Department, and a White House state dinner.

Only chiefs of state are invited to state visits, meaning the reigning monarch, ruler, or president of a country.



To kick off a state visit, the president and first lady receive the guest of honor at the South Lawn to demonstrate their role as hosts to their visitor.

Visiting leaders usually greet the president in their native language as they join the American leader outside the White House.

They are accompanied by military footmen before reaching a welcoming committee, then the leaders take the stage together.



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I've had the best sleep of my life on Casper's high-tech $2,000 mattress — and I could never go back to a regular mattress

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casper wave mattress

Earlier this year, I decided it was finally time to upgrade my mattress.

But I didn't just want a bigger mattress; I wanted a better mattress.

I'd heard many great things about Casper, which famously grew from a single person working on a single product to a team of over 30 people working out of an R&D lab in San Francisco. And after learning about Casper's first new mattress since 2014 — the high-tech Wave mattress, which starts at $1,095 — I knew I had to give it a try.

Casper was kind enough to send me a queen-sized review unit of the Casper Wave to try for myself, which retails for $1,995. In my experience so far, I've found it to be one of the best mattresses I've ever slept on, and well worth the investment if you care at all about getting good sleep at night.

Here's what it's like to use the $2,o00 Casper Wave:

SEE ALSO: Here's what's really going on in your brain when you experience 'FOMO' — the fear of missing out

Casper calls the Wave its "most innovative mattress." At $1,100 just to start, it's also the company's most expensive.

Whereas most mattresses out there are designed for the whole body — just uniform layers of material from head to toe — the new Casper Wave mattress considers every part of the body.

Compared to the traditional Casper mattress, which starts at $595, the $1,095-to-start Casper Wave is thicker, and features more layers in specific areas to target the important parts of the body, like the spine, shoulders, and hips.



This graphic from Casper breaks down the main differences between the Wave and the other two mattress types.

Compared to the traditional Casper's "Zoned Support," which is firmer under your hips but softer under your shoulders, the Casper Wave's "Hyper-Targeted Support" offers precise support for 36 different points all over your body to relieve pressure and help you sleep more soundly.



In building the Wave mattress, Casper's research and development team explored the details of different body types and how a mattress could provide just the right support where you need it.

"Your shoulders and your hips are the heaviest parts of your body, and if those parts aren't supported properly, you start to kink your spine," says Casper's design director Jesse Mayan.



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Pictures show high-profile titans of business and politics arrive for Trump's first state dinner as president

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trump state dinner

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump held their first state dinner on Tuesday night, honoring the French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, amid the swanky, gold-themed backdrop of the White House State Room. Luminaries from the worlds of business and politics were in attendance.

Trump broke with tradition by not holding a state dinner during his first year in office. At the time, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there was no "singular reason" for the decision.

Political observers searched for meaning in Trump's decision to host Macron, suggesting Trump found some measure of camaraderie in his French counterpart, who, like him, rose to the presidency on an insurgent campaign.

Here are some of the high-profile guests who attended the event:

Cherry blossoms adorned the halls and the dining room was decorated with white sweet-pea lilacs.



President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump prepare to greet French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron as they arrive at the White House.



The Trumps and the Macrons pose for a photo before the festivities begin.



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Google just revealed a huge update to Gmail — here's everything new (GOOG, GOOGL)

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Gmail's new web interface

Google's Gmail is getting its biggest refresh in years, the search giant announced in a blog post on Wednesday morning. You can try it all out by clicking "Try the new Gmail" under settings in your Gmail account.

That means a shiny new look, sure, but also some useful-sounding new features. And the updates are hitting Gmail on the web, as well as updates to Google's Gmail apps for smartphones and tablets. Some of those updates appear to be most useful for businesses, and some for consumers. 

We had an inkling that these updates were coming: Screenshots obtained earlier this month by The Verge and Android Authority hinted at today's news. Now, it's official, and we get our best look yet.

Here's a look at the new Gmail on web and mobile: 

 

A huge component of Google's redesign is Gmail's integration with other Google apps, like Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, which can now be accessed via a side panel in the web version.

When you click on an icon in the panel, it pulls out so that the screen is shared between Gmail and a preview of the selected app. No more switching tabs to access your Google Calendar.

The blog post says that the panel should also work with Gmail Add-ons, which are third-party business apps, like Trello, that are already available on Gmail.

We can also expect to see the panel show up in other apps in Google's G Suite in the coming months.



When you hover over one of your emails, options will appear to the left to archive, delete, mark as unread, or snooze. That last one is another new feature for the web version.



Snooze lets you decide when you want to be reminded about the email. Select how long to snooze it, and it removes the message from your inbox until the timer is done.

This feature might look familiar to Gmail app users, since it's been available on the mobile version of Gmail for some time now. 



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