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The 50 best superhero movies of all time, ranked

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"Avengers: Infinity War" is a box office phenomenon.

The latest from Marvel Studios broke the opening weekend record previously held by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with over $258 million.

With movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe already scheduled for the next few years, and the DC Extended Universe still pushing forward despite a rocky start ("Aquaman" hits theaters later this year), the genre is here to stay. That's not even mentioning the non-DC or Marvel films still to come (a "Hellboy" reboot is scheduled for next year).

The genre has produced some very bad movies, and some truly great ones. For every "Catwoman" there is a "Wonder Woman." As "Infinity War" blows away expectations, Business Insider reflected on the decades of superhero movies to determine the best. Is it too early to rank "Infinity War?" We don't think so.

This is a personal ranking, so we didn't determine it from critic or audience scores. But we did consider the critical acclaim, cultural relevance, and commercial success when ranking the movies, especially the top ones. Of course, personal preference also plays a part. 

Superhero movies can come in many shapes and sizes, and that's reflected in this list. Some may not be what people would consider typical superhero movies, but they don't always need to be based on a comic book or feature colorful costumes to be part of the genre.

The top 50 superhero movies of all time are below:

SEE ALSO: The 11 biggest 'Infinity War' questions that 'Avengers 4' must answer

50. "Ant-Man" (2015)

Directed by Peyton Reed

"Ant-Man" is one of the more forgettable entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (there's plenty more of those movies to come), but it packs a comedic punch that other superhero movies often fail to get right. The film went through some behind-the-scenes turmoil, as director Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver") left the project for creative differences. But Peyton Reed stepped up to the plate and delivered an enjoyable film where Paul Rudd is surprisingly heroic in the title role.



49. "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011)

Directed by Joe Johnston

Another Joe Johnston movie, this time with a hero a little more well-known — Captain America, in his first film since the 1990 disaster. Luckily, Marvel Studios has a reputation for reviving classic characters these days. The movie is pure camp, but it works for the alternate-World War II setting. Chris Evans was molded to play the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Steve Rogers, who, after a genetic experiment becomes a superpowered propaganda machine ... I mean, Captain America.



48. "Doctor Strange" (2016)

Directed by Scott Derrickson

"Doctor Strange" features some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's more negative qualities, such as a forgettable villain and one-dimensional love interest (Rachel McAdams is wasted). But what it lacks in that regard it makes up for in a trippy world of magic. And Benedict Cumberbatch was born for this role. 

 



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The 100 best movies on Hulu right now

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You probably head over to Hulu for all the TV it has to offer. But the streaming service also has a lot of great movies, too.

From classics like "A League of Their Own" and "Dirty Dancing" to modern favorites like "Zodiac" and "Creed."

Scroll down to check out the 100 best movies to watch on Hulu right now.

Note: Numerous Hulu titles drop off the streaming service monthly so the availability of titles below may change.

SEE ALSO: The 25 worst superhero movies of all time, ranked from bad to unwatchable

“10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)

If “The Cloverfield Paradox” on Netflix left you with a bad taste in your mouth, rewatch the best movie in the franchise (so far).



“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016)

Michael Bay turns serious for a sec as he looks back on the six members of a security team who fought to defend the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, during a terrorist attack in 2012.



“50 First Dates” (2004)

Following the box-office success of “The Wedding Singer,” Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore reteam for this cute romantic comedy.



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11 things you should know before traveling to Bangkok

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With 35 million tourists in 2017, Bangkok has become one of the most popular cities to visit in Thailand.

This modern metropolis is the perfect city for exploring, and has an attraction for every kind of traveller — from cultural monuments and temples, to bustling markets and canal rides.

But like any big city, there are also common scams to look out for, and insider tips to help you decide on where to go.

Here's my guide on how to stay safe while visiting Bangkok, and what sites to see to make the most out of your trip.

Avoid booking your stay through a third-party website.

I have a group of friends who used a third-party website to book their stay in Bangkok.
Upon arriving to their hostel they found out that they were much further away than
they had intended to be, and that their room had accidentally been double booked
by another group.

Although they got their money back, they spent the next four hours searching for a new hostel before they finally found a place. Booking through a third party can be more dangerous — as you won't have direct access to where you'll be staying — and easier for your booking information to get mishandled.

To save yourself from unneeded confusion and stress, book directly through a website. There are a ton of options for Airbnbs, hostels, and hotels, and if you book in advance you can get a good deal.



Be wary of the "tourist price" versus the "local price."

When I got a wax in Bangkok, I did my research and got one at Shewa Spa in Banglamphu for 500 THB, or about $16 at today's exchange rates. Later that day I walked past a salon in Asok (a more touristy area), that was advertising the same exact wax for triple the price.

The reason for this is both the location and the concept of "the tourist price" versus the "local price."Although you can't always avoid being given the tourist price, you can research where to go. By comparing a few places ahead of time, you could save yourself some money.



Watch out for pickpockets, and maybe invest in a fanny pack.

Just like in any big city, you should be extra careful of your belongings when you're in a crowded area, such as a market or a space that attracts a lot of people. A good move is to place your backpack in front of you, and to avoid putting anything important inside the front pockets.

If you're wearing a bag, try placing it in front of you rather than on your side. A common ploy in Bangkok is for motorcyclists to snatch bags from people as they ride by. If your bag is placed in front of you, it becomes harder for someone to grab.

Finally, if you don't need to carry much with you, consider opting for a fanny pack or money belt that you can wear underneath your clothing. And even when you're not in a crowded area, be aware of your surroundings, because crimes can happen anywhere.



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The next time you'll see Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is at their wedding — here are all their cutest moments as an engaged couple

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

The wedding event of the year is coming up on May 19, and all eyes have been on Meghan Markle as she adjusts to life in the royal spotlight. Much has been made about her potentially breaking royal protocol and how she differs from Kate Middleton, but it's easy to forget that she and Prince Harry seem to be having a wonderful time as an engaged couple.

We've seen them look totally in love while announcing their engagement back in November, then we quickly saw them reach peak couple goals while rocking perfectly coordinating outfits during their numerous public appearances.

The couple doesn't have any public appearances scheduled in the weeks leading up to the wedding, and we're already having major withdrawals. So while we wait for their highly anticipated wedding, we've compiled their cutest moments as an engaged couple so far.

The fascination with the royal couple started when they happily announced their engagement in November 2017.

Markle wore a stylish white wrap coat by Canadian brand LINE that became almost instantly iconic — so much so that it was renamed after her.



The couple made one of their first public appearances following the announcement at the Terrance Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair in December 2017.

They arrived wearing perfectly coordinated navy blue outfits that proved even their fashion sense was already in-sync.



Later that month the two arrived arm in arm to Christmas Day church service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.

Though they weren't quite as coordinated as they were for their previous outing, the two still looked adorable celebrating their first Christmas as an engaged couple.



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The most exciting place to live in every state — and the most boring hometown you can have

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Debates about "best" and "worst" cities elicit strong feelings. It's a tricky issue because such debates are largely subjective.

So Business Insider attempted to use data to definitively prove which are the most exciting and most boring cities in every state across America.

To do that, we took counts of the number of establishments for 66 different types of businesses — like breweries, art dealers, and museums — that can make a city more "interesting." We sourced data from the Census Bureau's 2015 County Business Patterns program and picked the metro areas with the highest and lowest count of these businesses for our interesting and boring cities.

For example, the New York City metro area has 62 breweries, 762 art dealers, and 305 museums, based on federal data. That ended up being the "most exciting" city in New York. Elmira, the "most boring" city in New York, has two breweries, zero art dealers, and four museums. Of course, this means that bigger cities tended to rank better as "exciting" cities, but that is a trend for most lists of this nature.

The list below breaks out cities by each of the 381 Metropolitan Statistical Areas recognized by the federal government. You will see that some of the metro areas span more than one state (e.g. New York City includes Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey). We have made it clear in the slides below which metro areas span more than one state.

And two states — Rhode Island and Vermont — are not included in the list because they don't have at least two metro areas as defined by the federal government.

Read below to see the most exciting and most boring city in every state in America.

SEE ALSO: Billionaires and royals are rushing to teach their kids Mandarin

Alabama

Most Exciting

Birmingham, Hoover, Alabama

Population: 1,144,857

Most Boring

Gadsden, Alabama

Population: 102,873



Alaska

Most Exciting

Anchorage, Alaska

Population: 399,432

Most Boring

Fairbanks, Alaska

Population: 99,639



Arizona

Most Exciting

Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Arizona

Population: 4,567,857

Most Boring

Sierra Vista-Douglas, Arizona

Population: 126,395



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12 health issues that you might think are just a stomachache

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Woman with Stomach ache

  • A stomachache could be just a stomachache or it could be something more serious.
  • We spoke to a few doctors about some of the conditions that could be causing your stomach pain.
  • You could be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome, some kind of food intolerance, or the stomach flu.
  • Other more serious health issues include ovarian cancer, kidney stones, and appendicitis.


Your stomach sends you subtle — and not so subtle — signals every day that could point to a potential problem with your health. Unfortunately, because of the busy lives we lead, some of those messages get filed away "to be considered later."

In other words, we ignore them and wait for the symptoms to become unbearable. But what if you tuned in to those signs sooner and addressed what's really going on with your stomach?

Well, according to the experts, it could make you a lot healthier.

"When you're dealing with stomach pain or nausea, your body is trying to send you a message about the problem behind the pain,"Dr. Tania Elliott, MD, told INSIDER. Knowing exactly what is causing your stomach pain can be tricky, but not impossible.

Here, the experts share 11 signs your stomach is trying to send you that you should pay attention to.

It could mean that you're constipated.

When was the last time you had a bowel movement? If it's been more than a few days, you might beconstipated.

Constipation can cause cramps and spasms — both signs your stomach is trying to send you that something is wrong. Eating more fiber, drinking more water and warm liquids, and exercising can help to get things moving, which can, in turn, provide relief from the pain you've been feeling.



You might have irritable bowl syndrome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) is a functional digestive disorder, which means that the digestive tract appears undamaged, but you'll still experience symptoms,Dr. Saurabh Sethi MD MPH, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Advanced Interventional Endoscopy, told INSIDER.

According to IrritableBowelSyndrome.net, stress is known to be a trigger for IBS attacks, so limiting your stress is the first step to take when managing IBS. The Mayo Clinic also recommends identifying and avoiding foods that trigger your IBS, eating foods high in fiber, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated. Probiotics can also serve as a more natural alternative to medicine that is prescribed to those dealing with IBS, according to the Mayo Clinic.



You may have eaten contaminated food.

If you've been following the news recently, a lot of romaine lettuce has been out on the "do not eat" list or recalled due to contamination. When you eat foods that are contaminated, you can experience an inflammation of the large intestine caused by infection, otherwise known as infectious colitis, according to Livestrong.

Sethi said this typically happens by consuming contaminated food or water that contains pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, or giardia. Symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, fever, bloating, gas, and cramps, according to Livestrong. Treatment usually includes medicine to help control pain and fever symptoms, and fluids to help with rehydration.



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The best online flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms this Mother's Day

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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.

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The Insider Pick:

  • A bouquet of freshly cut flowers is the perfect gift for your loved ones on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, a birthday, or any day of celebration. We've tested several online flower delivery services over the years to find the best ones. BloomThat is our top pick with its farm-fresh flowers that are sustainably harvested and beautifully packaged.

Nothing says, "I love you!" or "Happy Birthday!" quite like a bunch of flowers. Whether it's Mother's Day or some other special occasion, freshly cut flowers are always a hit. If you don't have the time or inclination to head over to your local florist and order a bouquet, you're in luck — online flower delivery services are positively booming.

We've researched and tested several online flower delivery services to find the best ones for different people's needs. All of our top picks offer same-day or next-day delivery on select flower arrangements and all of them are guaranteed to deliver perfect flowers every time.

If you want farm-fresh flowers that are sustainably harvested from well-regarded farms, BloomThat and The Bouqs Co. are our absolute favorites. However, if you want extras like teddy bears and chocolates, 1-800-Flowers and Florists' Transworld Delivery have the best options. These two more traditional flower delivery services also offer same-day delivery — even on holidays.

We highly recommend ordering flower arrangements well in advance of any holidays like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, because you will end up with slim pickings if you wait until the last minute.

For the record, Mother's Day 2018 is on May 13, so we recommend you order now. You might also want to grab some chocolate while you're at it.

If you're looking for Mother's Day gift ideas, we have you covered: 

Updated on 05/01/2018 by Malarie Gokey: Updated language for Mother's Day, added promo code for 1-800-Flowers, and checked prices.

Read on in the slides below to learn why BloomThat is our favorite flower delivery service and why The Bouqs Co. is perfect for eco-friendly shoppers, 1-800-Flowers is best for add-ons, and Florists' Transworld Delivery is ideal for classic bouquets.

The best online flower delivery service overall

Why you'll love it: BloomThat makes gorgeous bouquets with sustainably grown flowers and promises next-day delivery in the continental US.

BloomThat crafts exquisite bouquets from responsibly grown flowers that are harvested by farmers around the world. Each arrangement is carefully designed to be unique and beautiful. While many places have hundreds of different options, BloomThat focuses on making a limited number of simple, classy designs.

BloomThat packages the flowers in your choice of in recycled burlap or vase, so you know the end result will be presented on your recipient's doorstep in style. You can also get gift baskets with baked goods, succulents, spa products, and so on.

The company promises same-day delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area, LA, and NYC. If you're sending flowers to the rest of the continental US, you can get next-day delivery, which is really awesome, especially on holidays.

As with any flower delivery service, you should order as early as possible to avoid shipping delays. Luckily, BloomThat lets you order online or in a nifty iOS app.

We've sent and received BloomThat bouquets, so we can confidently say that this company truly offers the best flower arrangements.

Pros: Sustainable flowers, beautiful selection, same-day delivery in cities, next-day delivery across the continental US

Cons: Some may sell out

Shop BloomThat bouquets for $42 and up



The best online flower delivery service for farm-fresh flowers

Why you'll love it: Bouqs partners with eco-friendly farmers to ensure that every bouquet is made up of the best freshly cut flowers.

If you care about sustainable farming practices, you'll love The Bouqs Co. This florist partners with eco-friendly farmers around the world to bring only the best flowers to your door. We've sent many bouquets from The Bouqs Co to friends and family, and they have always been perfect.

If you order a Farm to Table bouquet, you can rest assured that the flowers were cut on the day you placed the order. The bouquets are also shipped directly from the farm instead of being re-routed to a middleman. You can even see a picture of the farmer, a map showing where the flowers are from, and a video of the farm. Bouqs also promises that it only cuts the flowers it sells, so there aren't any cut blooms going to waste.

In addition to supporting small farms, Bouqs also works with talented local florists to make the Hand Crafted bouquets. These bouquets can even be delivered on the same day, with some blooms arriving just two hours after your order is placed. Of course, on busy holidays like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, these bouquets may be sold out or impossible to get.

As with any flower delivery service, the more you plan ahead, the more likely your shipment will arrive on your loved one's doorstep on time. Bouqs makes it easy to see the earliest available ship date for its bouquets, too, so it's easier to figure out which bouquet will suit your timeframe.

If it's your first order, you can get 15% off when you sign in using your email address. 

Pros: Eco-friendly farmers, same-day delivery on some bouquets, local florists make many of the bouquets, gorgeous flowers, lots of options

Cons: Some bouquets sell out on holidays

Shop bouquets from The Bouqs Co. for $40 and up 



The best online flower delivery service for last-minute shoppers

Why you'll love it: You don't have to call 1-800-Flowers anymore to get gorgeous bouquets delivered to your loved ones on the same day you ordered them.

1-800-FLOWERS may sound like a retro throwback, but the venerable flower delivery service is still transporting beautiful flower arrangements to loved ones around the country. The 40-year-old company is family owned and takes pride in delivering beautiful bouquets.

Because it's a larger company, 1-800-Flowers has hundreds of different flower arrangements and you can also get bouquets along with teddy bears or chocolates, among other things. The flowers themselves are beautiful, of course, and you have tons of options.

If you want farm fresh flowers, there's a special selection of bouquets to suit your needs. 1-800-Flowers is also offering a lot of classic roses and succulents. Some arrangements offer same-day delivery, but your choices may be limited.

If you're aiming to send flowers for a special holiday like Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, it's best to order ahead. You can order online or in the company's mobile app.

Pros: Same-day delivery on some arrangements, many choices, mobile app

Cons: Some may sell out, not as eco-friendly as some options

Shop bouquets at 1-800-Flowers for $30 and up — Save 15% on orders with the code "BIZINSIDER" until 5/13



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The 50 worst TV shows in modern history, according to critics

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Many of the worst television shows originate from some highly questionable concepts that make you wonder how they ever got approved.

ABC's "Cavemen" series in 2007, for instance, was based on characters from a short-lived Geico commercial. And Fox's 2014 reality show "I Wanna Marry Harry" saw 12 women compete for the chance to marry a Prince Harry look-alike who they thought was the real Prince of Wales.

Both shows were critical disasters, and each lasted only one season — as many of the worst reality shows, dramas, and sitcoms have.

To find out which programs critics have hated the most, we turned to the review aggregator Metacritic for its list of the worst TV shows, which goes back to 1995. The list ranks show seasons by their composite critical reception.

Check out the 50 worst TV shows from least to most objectionable, according to critics:

SEE ALSO: All 65 of Netflix's notable original shows, ranked from worst to best

50. "Twenty Good Years" (NBC, Season 1)

Critic score: 29/100

User score: 5.9/10

What critics said: "It is a male version of 'The Golden Girls,' but with weaker writing." — The New York Times



49. "South Beach" (UPN, Season 1)

Critic score: 29/100

User score: 8.6/10

What critics said: "A preposterous and pretentious drama series."— The Washington Post



48. "Hidden Hills" (NBC, Season 1)

Critic score: 29/100

User score: Unavailable

What critics said: "This series reflects the way wealthy, neurotic, overly busy and sex-obsessed TV executives and producers think America lives, in other words, the way they live. They're wrong."— The Detroit News



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11 holidays celebrated around the world that Americans are totally missing out on

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May Pole

If you grew up in the United States, you may not have realized that there are a lot of holidays celebrated around the world that Americans aren't taking part in. Sure, there are the major holidays that are celebrated worldwide for religious reasons, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Easter. But there are also holidays that are more regional, that celebrate old battles won or independence gained. For example, the Fourth of July is an American celebration, and Halloween is not something every other country recognizes.

All of the other countries out there have their own versions of these holidays, ones that we, as Americans, are totally missing out on. And honestly? They sound kind of amazing. Here are a few holidays celebrated in other countries that you may have never heard of:

May Day: May 1

 Countries across Europe celebrate spring in full bloom with a day of festivals and dancing on "May Day." 

May Day is celebrated heavily in Britain, where it’s known as a three-day holiday weekend. But the holiday itself has more history than just that: it could be seen as a celebration of the spring season, or a celebration of labor rights, depending on where it’s happening. Because of its connection to labor rights, there have been protests on May Day in the past

The holiday has pagan roots and is most often celebrated with bright colors and dancing around a "maypole" or a colorful pole decorated with ribbons. 



Día de Muertos: November 1

Though death is often seen as a sad or somber event, in Mexico, relatives who have passed on are honored with celebrations of their lives. Día de Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is a celebration of family and of life. 

It's marked by bright colors, parades, face paint, and private remembrance. Families will often hang photos of their deceased loved ones with offerings of some of their favorite treats in an altar to show them how much they miss them. 

Those who celebrate also take this time to go to the graves of their loved ones and decorate them with sugar skulls and bright paper and flowers. The holiday is about happily celebrating the lives of those who are no longer with us, rather than sadly mourning their loss.



Burns' Night: January 25

Scotland is so proud of poet Robert Burns that they've turned his birthday — January 25 — into a holiday. Burns' Night is a night of eating traditional meals like haggis, drinking, and reading Burns' work. 



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Over 45 million people are playing a bizarre shooter that pits 100 players against each other in a fight to the death — here's what's going on

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Tired of hearing about the game "Fortnite" and having no idea what everyone is talking about? 

Here's the long and short: "Fortnite: Battle Royale" is a 100-person fight to the death set in a colorful, surreal world. It's a third-person shooter where you only have one life to live. If you survive, you win! 

Fortnite: Battle Royale

Best of all: "Fortnite" is completely free.

Moreover, it's available on nearly everything, from PlayStation 4 to Xbox One to PC, Mac, and even iPhone/iPad. It's no surprise that somewhere in the ballpark of 45 million people are playing the game. Even Drake's playing it! It's a straight up phenomenon.

So what gives? Why is this game blowing up? Let's dive in!

SEE ALSO: A record-breaking number of people watched Drake play a video game in the middle of the night — and it was an incredible cultural moment

"Fortnite: Battle Royale" takes something familiar — shooters — and twists it in a subtle way to make it fresh.

If you own a game console, chances are you're familiar with shooters — be they first-person (like "Call of Duty") or third-person (like "Gears of War"). "Fortnite: Battle Royale" falls into the latter category, with your character's avatar taking up prominent screen space.

The goal, in the broadest sense, is simple: You have one life, and winning means survival. 

But living through the cartoon violence of "Fortnite" is difficult — there are around 90 other players also trying to be the last person alive, and they've got weapons.

And like other "Battle Royale" shooters, "Fortnite: Battle Royale" is based on a single, large island with an ever-shrinking habitable area. If you're outside of that area, your health begins to drain until you're dead — in this way, players are forced together rather than able to hide. 

In that sense, it's important to aggressively go after the enemy. But also, watch your back!



There are major differences between "Fortnite: Battle Royale" and the game it's inspired by, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds."

The first thing you do in "Fortnite: Battle Royale" is jump out of a purple flying bus and parachute down to an island. The island is full of distinct regions, and it's littered with resources: Guns, explosives, med packs, shields, and various materials (wood, brick, metal).

With nothing other than a pick-axe, you desperately need resources to survive. This is a nearly direct mirror of the experience in another popular, Battle Royale-style shooter: "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds,"

But there are major differences right off the bat.

Fortnite: Battle Royale

Rather than simply picking up weapons and healing kits, "Fortnite: Battle Royale" also has a construction element to it. Thus why you're picking up materials — stuff like wood, brick, and metal. Alternatively, you can use your pick-axe to mine the materials yourself, like you would in "Minecraft" (as seen above).

The world is destructible, so with every swing of your pick-axe you'll wear down whatever object you're striking — whether it's a tree or a brick wall.

There are loads of parallels between the two games, but "Fortnite: Battle Royale" is immediately distinguished by this crucial difference.



I was skeptical of "Fortnite: Battle Royale," and it proved me wrong.

In 2017, when "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" was dominating the conversation and drawing millions of new players every day, the big question became, "Who is going to copy this format and do it bigger?"

Epic Games answered that question in September 2017 with "Fortnite: Battle Royale," a free mode for its "Fortnite" game based on the concept of "PUBG."

Better than just being free, "Fortnite: Battle Royale" was available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 months before "PUBG" could get there. Great for players, no doubt, but not a great look in terms of perception. Was Epic Games rushing out a copycat mode to beat out the competition? More awkwardly, the software that created "PUBG" is made by none other than Epic Games — the Unreal Engine. It looked like Epic Games might be undercutting its own client and copying the client's idea.

There was even a press release from Bluehole Studio, the company behind "PUBG," criticizing Epic Games. "We are concerned that 'Fortnite' may be replicating the experience for which 'PUBG' is known," Bluehole vice president and executive producer Chang Han Kim said.

But actually playing the game demonstrates relatively quickly why "Fortnite" is doing something different.



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Meet Queen Elizabeth's 6 great-grandchildren — half of whom are commoners

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queen elizabeth grandchildren


When Prince William was a child, he reportedly called Queen Elizabeth "Gary" because he couldn't say "Grandma." Now, his three children are forging their own special relationship with their great-grandmother.

The queen does have other great-grandchildren aside from Prince William and Kate's kids. She has six in all — three are royals and three are commoners.

Here's the who's who of Queen Elizabeth's extended royal family.

Savannah Phillips

Seven-year-old Savannah Phillips is the queen's oldest great-grandchild. She's the daughter of the queen's oldest grandchild, Peter Phillips, and his wife Autumn.

She is 15th in line for the throne, but doesn't have a royal title because her father doesn't have one. When Peter was born, his parents Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips declined the queen's offer to give him one. According to the Washington Post, they didn't want a title interfering with his future career. In turn, Savannah is also a commoner and reportedly lives a normal life in London.



Isla Phillips

Savannah's younger sister Isla is six years old. Her full name is Isla Elizabeth, likely a tribute to the queen. Like her sister, she doesn't have a royal title, but can be spotted at royal events like the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham and the Trooping the Colour parade. She's 16th in line for the throne.



Prince George

As the future king (he's third in line for the throne), Prince George is perhaps the most well-known of the queen's great-grandchildren. The four-year-old is the oldest of Prince William and Kate Middleton's three children. He attends Thomas's Battersea in London, where he goes by "George Cambridge." He's been known to make some humorous faces when accompanying his parents on royal engagements.



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Here's how 10 of the largest and most important tank battles in history played out

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Turkish tanks

The tank is one of the most important weapon systems on the battlefield. Few weapons strike enemy soldiers with the fear that a fully loaded tank rolling towards them does.

After their trial by fire on the fields of Europe in World War I, tanks have become a necessity for any army that wants to be considered a serious foe.

In the one hundred years since its invention, tanks have been the winning factor in a number of battles. Entire wars have depended on their successful use.

Take a look at how 10 of the biggest tank battles in history went:

SEE ALSO: Here's how 10 of the largest and most important naval battles in modern history played out

Battle of Cambrai: November 20 – December 8, 1917

The Battle of Cambrai was the first time tanks were used on a large scale for a military offensive. The objective was to take the commune of Cambrai, an important supply point for the Germans at the heart of the Hindenburg Line, in order to reduce the pressure on the French. 

Nineteen British divisions were assembled for the battle, including 476 tanks and five horsed cavalry divisions.

The initial attack on November 20th was met with huge success. The British had torn through four miles of German defenses and captured up to 7,500 prisoners with low casualties.

But by the end of the day, more than half of the tanks were out of action due to mechanical failure. The German Army launched a massive counterattack, and brutal trench warfare ensued.

By the end of the battle, almost all the British gains were lost, over 100 tanks were lost or destroyed, and both sides suffered around 40,000 casualties each.



Battle of Hannut: May 12 – 14, 1940

The Battle of Hannut was fought during the Battle of Belgium, Nazi Germany's invasion of the Low Countries. It was part of the Wehrmacht's thrust into the Ardennes region, and was meant to tie down the French First Army.

It was both the largest tank battle of the campaign, and the largest battle in armored warfare history at the time. Over 600 German tanks and 25,000 soldiers squared off against 600 French and Dutch armored vehicles and around 20,000 soldiers. 

The battle was technically inconclusive. Some of the French First Army was able to fight their way through the Germans to reunite with their British comrades at Dunkirk, but they had lost well over 100 of their tanks and armored vehicles. 

German losses were much lighter, with only around 50 tanks lost. While the French SOMUA S35 tank was considered as one of the best at the time, German tactics and communication technology made the Wehrmacht better.



Battle of Raseiniai: June 23 – 27, 1941

The Battle of Raseiniai was a large tank battle fought at the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union. The battle was fought in Lithuania, then part of the Soviet Union's Northwestern Front.

Some 240 German tanks from the 4th Panzer Group were tasked with destroying almost 750 Soviet tanks of the 3rd and 12th Mechanized Corps. 

Despite their numerical advantage over the Wehrmacht, the result of the battle was an utter catastrophe for the Soviets. Some 700 Soviet tanks and their crews — almost the entirety of the Soviet Union’s deployed mechanized units on the Northwestern Front — were destroyed, damaged, or captured. 

A large part of the German victory was due to their use of airpower. The Luftwaffe was unchallenged during the battle, and the close tank formations of the Soviets were easy targets for Ju 88 aircraft.



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5 small businesses Jet.com thinks are poised to have big breakthroughs in 2018

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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.

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Thanks to a new partnership with CircleUp, you can now find the small businesses poised for big things and the great products they make on Jet.com potentially way before they hit the mainstream in earnest.

CircleUp is an investment platform that coordinates funding for US small businesses in their early stages. According to the company, there are about 28 million small businesses in the country, and the overwhelming majority are hidden from investors; they're too small for private equity firms to take notice, but not right for a traditional bank loan either. Though they might have a great product or idea, the early stages can be make-or-break. CircleUp uses technology to connect those innovative, young consumer brands with capital markets. It allows small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive as well as encourage investors to participate in their growth.

Right now, CircleUp and many of its most promising 'breakthrough' small businesses are using the popular marketplace of Jet.com to gain visibility in a partnership aiming to bring to market “tomorrow’s best brands today.” The fit seems natural for Jet, considering their own dabbling with value-based innovation in a natural, eco-friendly cleaning line and the opportunity to tack on charitable donation at checkout.

Some of the labels with burgeoning fandoms that you might know already in the CircleUp x Jet lineup are Banza, Simple Mills, Nutpods, and REBBL.

You can also find new names to love for everything from turkey jerky to eco-friendly laundry detergent pods to almond flour crackers (a personal diehard favorite after taking a chance on the brand via ThriveMarket, a healthy eating discount store). These products are organized into these shopping categories: snacks, “On the Go”, pets, home & health, beverages, and pantry staples.

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It can take awhile for small businesses to move through the trajectory of an innovative idea to being stocked at your local grocery store shelves; For cult-favorite 'Nutpods' (dairy-free half & half alternatives), it took the company two years to go from Kickstarter to being stocked at a store. Jet x CircleUp is a great way for you to get the convenience of a fresh idea without waiting for it to make its way slowly but surely down the pipeline. 

Or, you might provide the financial support that ensures that favorite really does make its way to your local grocery store, instead of losing the battle of early-stage entrepreneurship despite having a great product.

All in all, this does what small businesses ideally do: offer you more (and potentially better) options — with the promise of more to come.

Check out all the CircleUp small businesses poised for big things available on Jet.com right here, or scroll to learn more about some of our favorites.

Grab Green

Shop Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent in Gardenia scent, 60 Loads, starting at $16.49

Grab Green makes simple cleaning products (meaning everything from laundry pods to bleach alternatives to automatic dishwashing pods) that are effective but free of phosphates, chlorine, phthalates, and dyes. Their laundry pods are safer, naturally-derived, and non-toxic, but still have great cleaning power. Plus, they're made in the US and don't test on animals. 

Shop all CircleUp picks >>



REBBL

Shop REBBL Organic Elixir Maca Cold-Brew, starting at $3.99

REBBL makes elixirs and protein drinks that combine herbal wisdom as its evolved over a millennia with everyday needs and tastes, like Cold Brew with Maca (the famous Andean superfood beloved by the Inca and known to promote energy and stamina). They curate diverse, ethically sourced roots, extracts, berries, and leaves into delicious drinks that fulfill many different daily nutritional needs. REBBL began as a partnership with Not For Sale, an organization working to end human trafficking. Today, REBBL donates 2.5% of all revenue to the group. 

Shop all CircleUp picks >>



Banza

Shop Banza Rotini Chickpea Pasta, 8 Oz, $4.56

Banza makes a delicious alternative to traditional pasta using chickpeas instead of wheat. In essence, they make guilt-free noodles that people really seem to love. It has four times the fiber and far more protein than wheat noodles and nearly half the net carbs. 

Shop all CircleUp picks >>



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6 snacks that will actually refuel you after a workout

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Woman Exhausted Workout CrossFit

  • After a workout, you must consume foods that will help restore your body.
  • INSIDER spoke with fitness trainers and nutritionists to find out what foods to eat post workout.
  • Consume protein and healthy carbohydrates after training to see the best results.


Whether you're
working out like Meghan Markle or training like an NFL player, the food you consume post-workout is extremely important. When you return home from the gym with that sweaty glow, you need the nutrients to replenish your body and rebuild your muscles.

INSIDER spoke to three trainers and three nutritionists to find out the best foods to munch on post workout.

They all agree you should time your workouts to finish right before mealtime. Working out before breakfast, lunch, or dinner helps you eat healthier and more nutritious meals. But, if you're going to just eat a snack, the experts agree protein and healthy carbohydrates are the best options.

Hard-boiled eggs and toast

"Eggs and toast help you recover quickly. It's a snack combined with protein (to rebuild muscles) and healthy carbs (to restock your energy stores)," nutritionist Beth Warren told INSIDER. "Consume it within 30 minutes after finishing [your workout]."



Peanut butter and apple

"Try anything to keep you going until your next meal," fitness trainer and YouTuber Carly Rowena told INSIDER. "Snacks like peanut butter and apple speed up the update of glycogen back into your muscles and initiate muscle building."



Nuts

"Nuts have protein," Katie Dunlop, personal trainer and creator of Love Sweat Fitness, explained. "It is quick-absorbing to provide the amino acids your body needs for muscle recovery and building."



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How much firefighters are paid in every US state

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  • Firefighters are a part of the bedrock of their communities.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on the salaries of firefighters.
  • Firefighter salaries vary widely across states.

Firefighters put their lives on the line for their communities every day.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Statistics program, Business Insider identified the median annual salaries of firefighters and the first-line supervisors of firefighters in almost every US state as of May 2017.

We also noted the overall range of firefighters' pay in each state, ranging from the low-end 10th percentile to the high-end 90th percentile of salaries.

SEE ALSO: The economies of the 40 biggest US cities, ranked from worst to best

Alabama

Firefighters

Median annual salary: $40,700

10th percentile salary: $25,030

90th percentile salary: $58,620

 

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

Median annual salary: $60,650

10th percentile salary: $40,870

90th percentile salary: $91,210



Alaska

Firefighters

Median annual salary: $60,790

10th percentile salary: $38,720

90th percentile salary: $82,740

 

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

Median annual salary: $84,530

10th percentile salary: $64,340

90th percentile salary: $107,820



Arizona

Firefighters

Median annual salary: $45,840

10th percentile salary: $23,980

90th percentile salary: $67,070

 

First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

Median annual salary: $66,670

10th percentile salary: $41,710

90th percentile salary: $106,320



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6 details you may have missed in the new 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' trailer

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Days after the release of "Avengers: Infinity War," Marvel debuted a new trailer for its next movie, "Ant-Man and the Wasp."

While it doesn't tell us anything about the aftermath of "Infinity War," there are some clues hinting at a new hero and more about the Quantum Realm which will almost definitely come into play in next year's superhero sequel.

If you haven't watched the trailer, see it here first. Then read on see the smaller moments you may have overlooked during your first watch.

The movie will take place after the events of "Captain America: Civil War."

No, this movie will not take place post-"Avengers: Infinity War."

Here's the film's official synopsis, courtesy of Disney and Marvel:

"In the aftermath of 'Captain America: Civil War,' Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past."



Michael Peña mentions the Quantum Realm.

"Doctor Pym, I actually heard what happened to you. You opened up the Quantum Realm," says Luis (Peña). 



Hank Pym mentioned that he lost his wife in it years ago.

Michelle Pfeiffer was cast to play Pym's wife and Hope's (Evangeline Lilly) mother, so we're sure we'll see someone (perhaps Ant-Man and the Wasp?) traveling into it during this movie to save her. If you watched the first movie closely, you can spot the original Wasp momentarily.

The realm, which Doctor Strange briefly visited in his 2016 movie, may come into play in next year's "Infinity War" sequel.



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8 unique 'something old' ideas that no one else will have at their wedding

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"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe."

This is an old rhyme from Victorian England, which dates back to 1898, and is still a big part of many wedding traditions and ceremonies today. That's why we still keep slipping in blue stitching in a dress or borrowing our mother's hair clip on our wedding.

According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, something old is meant to signify the best of the couple's previous, single lives before they make the decision to become one through marriage. It's also something that should hold meaning to remain with them in their new life as a married couple.

But it can be tough to think of the perfect thing to include for the "something old." Here's a list of some unique but sentimental ideas.

1. Keep a photo of a loved one in a locket.

A lot of people say that weddings aren't really for the couple, but for the people who you invite to celebrate your love with you. You might have someone who you want to celebrate with you, but who is no longer living, or who couldn’t physically be there. A touching way to have them there to celebrate with you is by putting a photo of that person in a locket, and attaching that locket to your bouquet. That way, they'll be close to you on your special day.



2. Get your photos printed with vintage filters.

This one is more old-school than something old. Pictures say a thousand words, and pictures from your wedding day make amazing trips down memory lane. Instead of using a film camera, see if your photographer can print your photos with vintage filters. Or, you can use a vintage-looking camera that produces digital prints for your photo booth at the reception.



3. Wear vintage shoes.

All eyes will be on you and your dress, so why spend so much money on shoes? Instead of buying new shoes, you can rock your favorite pair of heels, or even sneakers (if you're cool like that) as your "something old" to save a little extra money.



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The 23 strangest college degrees you can actually earn — and where to get them

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buffy graduation

Just because most of your friends opted for a standard business or law degree doesn't mean you need to limit yourself academically — it turns out, there's a slew of interesting and obscure degrees waiting to be explored just off the beaten path. 

From haunting paranormal science degrees to an in-depth citrus studies track, here are 23 of the most obscure college degrees you can actually earn — and where to enroll to obtain them.

Puppet Arts at The University of Connecticut in Hartford, Connecticut.

The University of Connecticut offers a BFA, an MA, and an MFA in Puppet Arts, a particular form of theater or performance art that involves puppetry. Students enroll in a variety of courses, including set design, vocal performance techniques, and computer drafting for theater.



Yodeling at The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Lucerne, Switzerland.

In January 2018, it was announced that The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Luasa) would offer both bachelor and master yodeling degrees to four lucky students in the 2018/2019 academic year.

"As well as having good vocal technique students must be taught about different styles and voices to expand their repertoire," Nadja Räss, a Swiss yodelling star and trained vocal teacher told the Tribune de Genève. "The whole yodelling scene will benefit from their new skills."



Popular Culture at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

According to Bowling Green State University's website, the university has the distinct accolade of being the sole institution in the nation to offer students a Department of Popular Culture, which has students analyzing national and international culture's influence on the majority of the population at both an undergraduate and graduate degree level.

A sample syllabus of a course called "Theories of Popular Culture" that was taught at Middlebury College in 2009 included books like "Using the Force: Creativity, Community and Star Wars Fans" by Will Brooker, and required the students to watch the television episode of The Simpsons, entitled "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy."



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Costco workers reveal 6 things they'd never buy from the store

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costco

  • Costco products are famous for being bulk-sized and cost-effective.
  • Business Insider reached out to Costco employees to find out what items they would never buy at the store.
  • Most workers cited the chain's bulk sizes as the reason they'd skip over certain products — especially perishables.


Costco products are known primarily for their bulk sizes.

The retail chain is also famous for selling just about everything, from giant teddy bears to enough pizza slices to qualify as the 14th largest pizza chain in the US. There are always a few surprises thrown in with the staples, too.

But Costco employees themselves know firsthand which deals are worth it — and which are best to skip.

That's why Business Insider spoke with 46 Costco employees to learn what products they never buy at the store. One of the most popular answers was the store's produce— due to its bulk quantities. But many told Business Insider that they buy everything at Costco.

Here's a look at which products other employees tend to skip:

SEE ALSO: Costco employees reveal the worst, grossest, and most bizarre things they've seen on the job

DON'T MISS: The best deals you can find at Costco, according to employees

DON'T FORGET: Why Costco food courts have charged $1.50 for hot dogs since 1985, according to employees

Produce

A number of employees told Business Insider that the bulk-sized produce orders at Costco didn't fit in with their household and lifestyle.

"While our produce department is one of the best in the business, I personally don't eat veggies fast enough to buy in bulk, so two thirds of it will spoil before I eat it," a Minnesota-based Costco worker told Business Insider.

A Costco manager that's worked all around the US said that buying produce was a "waste of money" for them, as they couldn't "eat the huge quantity fast enough."

Three additional employees from Utah, Idaho, and Hawaii agreed that they steered clear of buying produce from Costco for the same reason.

A California-based Costco employee said the large packages of meat were "too much for my household."

An employee from Florida added that Costco has to work hard to keep its fruits and vegetables fresh within the store, noting that quality control is hard but essential when dealing with such large quantities.

But not all of the Costco employees who Business Insider spoke with agreed. Three employees from Iowa, Arizona, and Minnesota, as well as one employee who just said they'd worked there "too long," said that they considered produce to be the best deal in the store.

"We get first pick before any other grocery store," an employee from Arizona told Business Insider.



Bakery products

A Costco worker from Iowa said that the "packaging is just too big" on the store's bakery items.

Another employee based in Pennsylvania added that they "don't have the necessary storage space" for the store's baked goods.



The gallon-sized mayonnaise jars

For one Costco employee from Minnesota, there's such a thing as too much mayonnaise.



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15 facts about space that will blow your mind

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Space exploration in real life is just as mind-blowing as it looks in the movies.

The universe's size and scope are incomprehensible even to the most advanced scientists, but we're learning more and more about the final frontier every day.

Keep reading to learn 15 facts you didn't know about outer space.

NASA has recorded eerie space "sounds."

NASA uses a technique called data sonification to take signals from radio waves, plasma waves, and magnetic fields and convert them into audio tracks to "hear" what's happening in space.

The sounds range from ambulance-like screeches to beeps reminiscent of an alien spaceship making its approach.



Sunsets on Mars are blue.

The Curiosity Mars rover's first color photograph of a sunset in 2015 revealed a surprising twist — sunsets on Mars are blue.

NASA said this is because "dust in the Martian atmosphere has fine particles that permit blue light to penetrate the atmosphere more efficiently than longer-wavelength colors" like yellow, orange, and red.



Launching things into space is wildly expensive.

If you divide the cost of a mission's launch by its cargo weight, you get some staggering numbers.

Payload specialist and space station engineer Ravi Margasahayam told Business Insider that each pound of cargo used to cost $10,000 to ship into space. Prices have skyrocketed since — Orbital Science's Cygnus spacecraft's cargo costs about $43,180 per pound, and SpaceX's new carriers about $27,000 per pound.

Business Insider determined that a 16-ounce bottle of water can cost anywhere between $9,100 to $43,180 to blast into space today.



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