Most people get married with the idea that their spouse will be their sole sex partner 'til death do they part. And whether they find it comforting or suffocating, monogamy is the norm in our culture.   

An open marriage introduces the idea that a couple can agree that sex, relationships, or something else with other people is acceptable. Of course, every situation looks different for every couple, though. The idea may be difficult for a lot of people to support, but it's becoming a more widely accepted practice.

OpenMinded.com launched in 2015, dedicated to connecting people who are seeking open or alternative relationships. Some advocates even believe that honesty about the desire to have an open marriage is more important than being faithful to their partner.

A March 2017 study published in the Sage Journals comparing couples engaging in consensual non-monogamy with those in monogamous relationships concluded that while satisfaction, commitment, and romantic love were relatively the same among both groups, levels of jealousy were measurably lower in consensual non-monogamous relationships.

You may think the practice of open marriage is commonplace in Hollywood. But the truth is only a handful of celebrity couples have actually been able to make it work — at least openly. Here are a few couples who've talked about open relationships and even a few who practice them. 

Tom Ford and Richard Buckley

When designer, Tom Ford met his husband, magazine editor, Richard Buckley over 30 years ago, it was love at first sight. The two have been happily married since 2014, though Ford admitted in an interview with New York magazine that he doesn't believe monogamy is something that comes naturally, though he didn't go so far as to say they have an open marriage.

"I think that monogamy is artificial. I do not think it's something that comes naturally to us," Ford said.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

The Hollywood heavy-hitters have dealt with more than their fair share of public scrutiny and rumors surrounding their marriage of over 20 years. And while the couple has never confirmed the specific parameters of their relationship, Pinkett-Smith has said that she gives her husband the freedom to make his own decisions when it comes to who he gets involved with.  

"I've always told Will, 'You can do whatever you want as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and be OK,'" Pinkett-Smith told HuffPost Live.

Ethan Hawke and Ryan Shawhughes

It's been reported that actor Ethan Hawke's marriage to actress Uma Thurman ended after Hawke had an affair with Shawhughes, who was the couple's nanny at the time. Hawke denied the reports but has been candid about his belief that monogamy is a lot more complex than most people think.

"People have such a childish view of monogamy and fidelity," Hawke saidin a 2013 interview with Mr. Porter. "'He's cheated so he's bad, she's cheated so she's bad,' as opposed to a recognition that our species is not monogamous."

Hawke admitted that he is happy with Shawhughes, but he acknowledges that anything can happen. "Sexual fidelity can't be the whole thing you hang your relationship on," Hawke said.

• INSIDER consulted Gabriella Risatti, owner of Gabriella New York, to find out what brides should be asking when picking a dress
• Start shopping 10 months to a year in advance
• Find out what type of gown is suitable for your figure
• Find out if the price fits within your budget. Search the website or call the store for more information.

Any woman who has ever thought about getting married probably has some idea of the dress she wants to walk down the aisle in. Maybe you've even bought a few bridal magazines over the years, just in case.

But, once it gets down with it, it can be downright daunting to narrow down what you want in a dress. INSIDER spoke with Gabriella Risatti, owner of Gabriella New York; a wedding dress shop in NYC. The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has helped thousands of brides all over the world say yes to the dress.

Risatti gave us the scoop on what women should be asking when searching for their dream wedding dress.

When should I start dress shopping?

How you approach dress shopping depends on your wedding date. If you’ve got some time to spare, Risatti suggested getting started at least 10 months to a year in advance based on her experience.

"It takes about three or four months to make the gown," she told INSIDER. "And then you’d like to have three to four months to alter the gown. So if you do that we’re talking six to eight months for the process. That’s not leaving you any room to really shop. So that’s why we say ten months to a year is ideal."

That’s not to say an expedited process isn’t possible but the sooner the better.

Is the store reputable?

Such a major purchase can't be taken lightly so you want to make sure your business is in good hands. Risatti suggested asking friends and family for their own recommendations. Also, it's important to look for reviews. Of course, take some with a grain of salt, but what are the majority saying? And if there is a bad review, what specifically is the reason? And if you call to make the appointment, what is the experience you have? Finally, look at the designers they have and whether they match your wedding day aesthetic and price points.

Do I need to make an appointment?

It's highly unlikely that a store is going to turn you away without an appointment but setting one up comes with added benefits.

"The good thing about having an appointment is that you know you're going to have someone dedicated to you and when you call you can get as much or as little information as you want," Risatti told us. "If you have a certain style or price point they can have that set up before the visit or you can start from scratch."

• Productivity advice relies on a static vision of our working selves—it doesn’t account for the human element.
• Increasing your productivity requires working with your natural tendencies, rather than fighting against them.
• Giving yourself time to do the things that make you happy is a valuable, and scientifically supported, productivity method.

I’ve always loved to try and combat the messiness of human existence with neatly organized spreadsheets, and I always hoped that work-life balance could be found in a carefully crafted Google calendar.

When I worked at a startup, productivity took a more prominent role in my life. Increasing my work efficiency became the ultimate goal lurking behind each new assignment.

To keep up with the rising expectations, I tried to implement every productivity tip I came across, from the Pomodoro technique of time management to getting up early to exercise before work. But when I put those into practice, they never seemed to work for me as well as I’d hoped. I couldn’t always stick to them, and that felt like a personal shortcoming.

That’s because a lot of productivity advice treats us like we’re static beings. It doesn’t account for the stresses of daily life. But we are human. We’re flawed, messy, and chaotic, and sometimes we just don’t feel like working. That’s normal — even if productivity gurus tell us it’s a failing. The key is working with those tendencies, instead of against them.

So if you hate most productivity tips as much as I do, here’s five that are actually worth trying:

SEE ALSO: 10 tricks extremely busy people use to stay productive

1. Do one thing at a time

One Stanford study found that people who multitask, "do not pay attention, control their memory or switch from one job to another as well as those who prefer to complete one task at a time,” and that this practice could make you more prone to distraction.

At a previous job, I found that blocking off chunks of time with a recurring calendar event (like, “No Meetings” or “Do not schedule”) helped me do more focused work.

2. Break down those awful tasks you never want to do into bite-sized tasks

If you’ve read as much about productivity as I have, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “eating your frog,” which refers to a Mark Twain quote. Twain said that if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, the rest of the day will be feel like a breeze because the worst is over.

The idea of “eating your frog” is that by completing the ugliest task on your to-do first, you can take comfort in the knowledge that the rest of your day will be better.

This is a classic productivity tip that frequently backfired on me because the "frog" was just too ugly — which led to procrastination. 

If your toughest task for the day is particularly painful, try breaking up it into slightly-less-terrible chunks.

3. Go with the flow

Schedule your day, as best you can, around your natural tendencies. For example, I’m usually more creative in the late evenings. And since I control my schedule, I allow myself to ease into the day by taking care of mindless or low-effort tasks in the morning. That way I can get into a creative headspace while I work through the rest of the day.

Remember: Things like dedication and creativity are not constants. They can change by the week, day, and hour. So it’s a good idea to leverage those times when you’re in you’re element.

• There has been recent speculation over when the stock market is expected to crash. 
• Some financial strategists anticipate such a crash could happen in the immediate future, even as soon as 2019.
• According to certain financial experts, the Federal Reserve will soon have to raise interest rates in order to keep inflation under control — thus adding to the threat of recession.

SEE ALSO: A financial expert shares the 3 most common mistakes millennials make when investing

The Bear: David Stockman

Who he is: Former budget director for the Reagan White House; former investment banker with Salomon Brothers; former private equity investor.

When to expect the worst: Imminent. "There is surely a doozy just around the bend."

His reasoning: Stockman expects "an epic monetary and fiscal (policy) collision," he told CNBC. On the one hand, the recent tax cuts enacted by Congress are likely to help push the federal budget deficit to nearly $1 trillion next year. At the exact same time, the Federal Reserve is starting to unwind its sizable bond portfolio— which it amassed in the aftermath of the financial crisis to keep bond yields low to juice economy activity.

The result of the Treasury Department and Fed both selling mountains of U.S. bonds in the open market? A monumental jump in market interest rates that will likely spook the historically frothy stock market.

Yet investors seem to be in denial, he said, adding that "the market is whistling past the graveyard."

The Bear: Scott Minerd

Who he is: Global chief investment officer and chairman of investments for Guggenheim Partners

When to expect the worst: 2019. "The markets are potentially on a collision course for disaster."

His reasoning: Strong fiscal stimulus at the end of this business cycle, at a time when the economy is already at so-called full employment, is likely to force the Federal Reserve to step in and be more aggressive with interest rate hikes to try to keep inflation in check, Minerd fears.

As market rates spike, it will be that much harder for financially weak companies to meet their obligations, especially after the initial impact from the Trump tax cuts subside.

Short-term rates only need to reach 3% to increase corporate defaults, according to Minerd, who expects the Fed to raise rates four times in 2018 and "probably four times next year." That implies short-term rates will hit 2.5% to 2.75% a year from now and will be 3.25% to 3.5% a year after that.

Over the next year, "equities will probably continue to go up as we have all these stock buybacks and free cash flow," Minerd told CNBC. But "ultimately, when the chickens come home to roost and we have a recession, we're going to see a lot of pressure on equities especially as defaults rise, and I think once we reach a peak that we'll probably see a 40% retracement in equities."

Minerd likens today's market to 1987, when stocks suffered a major collapse in October. That year, the market got off to a fast start before investors began to fear the Fed was too slow to address inflationary pressures. "Today, investors have the same sorts of concerns they had in 1987," he told clients earlier this year.

The Bear: Paul Tudor Jones

Who he is: Famed hedge fund manager and founder of The Tudor Group. He is credited for having called the October 1987 market crash.

When to expect the worst: As soon as next year. "We are replaying an age-old storyline of financial bubbles that has been played many times before."

His reasoning: "We have the strongest economy in 40 years, at full employment. The mood is euphoric. But it is unsustainable and comes with costs such as bubbles in stocks and credit," Jones said in an interview with Goldman Sachs.

The notoriously media shy hedge fund billionaire believes a recession is coming in the next year or so, because the Fed took too long to raise rates to keep the economy from overheating.

For the record, Japanese stocks slipped into an epic bear market at the beginning of 1990 and the tech bubble burst in the U.S. in March 2000.

"The events that have transpired so far this January make me feel more convinced than ever of this repeating history," Tudor said.

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.

• 80 billion plastic bottles from shampoo and conditioner alone enter our oceans every year. By 2050, scientists estimate there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
• Ethique, a beauty brand started by a female biologist from New Zealand, makes popular (and surprisingly mainstream) solid shampoos, conditioners, lotions, face washes, and even a fan-favorite sunless-tanning bar.
• The bars are cruelty-free, waste-free, made and packaged with biodegradable materials, and last 2-5 times longer than liquid options.
• You can shop the products on Amazon, Jet, and Walmart. You're also able to purchase 'samplers' for their best-selling hair, body, and face bars before committing to just one.
• After personally using Ethique, I plan to buy more from the company in the future.

Like most people aware of being semi-marooned on a speck of dust in space with the uniquely perfect conditions for life, I have grown concerned about our treatment of the environment.

News blips like “The giant garbage vortex in the Pacific Ocean is over twice the size of Texas” and “Scientists predict by 2025 the ocean will have more plastic than fish” will do that to you. 

However, I am not a perfect example of sustainable living. My trash exceeds a mason jar. And while I buy reusable straws, paper towels, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies and I've never littered at the Earth Day march, I am still budget-minded enough to only really swap out household items for "green" alternatives if those alternatives work as well or better than what I had before. I would not use Uniquely J dish soap if it didn't clean my dishes.

For this reason, totally eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner has been a hard sell. My hair is naturally temperamental and on an average day looks much the same as the mass that scientists attach to reconstructions of 9,000-year-old teens. I want to be a conscious consumer, but I also don't want to live the rest of my life with hair that looks like it came from a salon ad in the Mesolithic era. 

But a company founded by a female biologist in New Zealand has recently made my life and my quest to not be a hypocrite a lot easier. It's called Ethique, (French for "ethical"), and they make solid beauty bars that actually work. After learning she could make a super concentrated shampoo bar, founder Brianne West moved on to formulate a line of more than 30 solid beauty bars in the lab: shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, serums, self-tanners, pet shampoo, and body washes. 

Every bar is vegan, sustainably sourced, and naturally-derived. And thanks to Ethique's dedication to only using biodegradable ingredients and packaging, none of their bars leave a trace on the environment.

For the average person, Ethique bars are a win-win-win option if you're trying to save money or treat your body and the environment better without sacrificing on performance or convenience. 

Good for your body: Ethique bars contain little or no preservatives but are packed with fresh and natural ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, kiwifruit seed oil and essential oils. Your skin will feel softer without the harsh chemicals, and since your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you put on it, it pays off, in the long run, to make sure it's not eating the product equivalent of fast food five times a week.

Good for your budget: Solid bar lotions, face washes, shampoos, and conditioners last 2-5 times longer than liquid products (obviously depending on the product you currently use) because they're super-concentrated. Some customers have claimed to make a single bar last a year, but the company says it should last five months with regular use. 

Good for the environment: More than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year — of which include 80 billion plastic bottles just from shampoo and conditioner alone. As part of a proactive solution, Ethique is made with biodegradable ingredients and packaging so their solid bars leave no trace on the earth. There are zero bottles, jars, lids, or pump dispensers to clutter your apartment or landfills and oceans. To date, the company has prevented more than 150,000 plastic bottles from being made and disposed of.

Plus, you can try samples of their best-sellers without committing to a bar that's going to last you five months/seemingly outlive you. I had a chance to try the hair sampler and now regularly use the Frizz Wrangler shampoo and Guardian conditioner bars. When they run out, I plan to buy more.

The startup itself is certified climate-neutral, cruelty-free, and BCorp. They also donate 2% of revenue or 20% of profit (whichever is highest) to charity. 

In 2015, Ethique was recognized as New Zealand's most sustainable business with 'the Best in B' award. In its early stages, the company attracted the highest number of female investors in PledgeMe history. (PedgeMe is New Zealand's crowdfunding platform).

Thanks to their intentional marriage of natural ingredients and scientific application, the bars have become much more popular than you might expect for a startup that's challenging beauty norms, asking people to switch how they wash their hair, and proposing that they ditch the products they grew up with for something natural. But, by and by, reviews from customers have been consistently impressively positive (from myself included), and you can shop the beauty bars on Amazon, Walmart, and Jet. 

If you're looking for a way to introduce fewer chemicals to your skin or the water supply but don't want to compromise on the health of your hair or its appearance, I suggest picking up one of Ethique's hair samplers to figure out if one of their long-lasting (and waste-free) bars works for your life. 

Shop all Ethique products on Amazon, Walmart, and Jet, or browse some of their best-sellers below directly:

SEE ALSO: 10 stylish sneakers to buy that aren't going to sell out in seconds

Solid shampoo bar for mildly dry and/or damaged hair.

Ethique Eco-Friendly Damage Control Solid Shampoo Bar, $15

• Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream, Cocoa Butter and Peppermint soothe and smooth without weighing hair down. 
• The perfect shampoo for mildly dry or damaged hair.
• Equivalent to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
• 100% soap free, pH balanced and safe for color-treated hair.
• Minty fresh scent with real peppermint oil.
• Cruelty-free, eco-friendly, TSA-friendly, compostable.

Find all Ethique products on Amazon, Walmart, and Jet >>

Solid shampoo bar for dry or frizzy hair.

Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar (the equivalent of 3 liquid shampoo bottles), Frizz Wrangler, 3.88 oz, $15.50

• Samoan Coconut and Cocoa Butter make an appearance along with a host of other naturally nourishing ingredients. Best in tandem with the solid conditioner The Guardian.
• Perfect for very dry or frizzy hair, especially those who often use hot tools like hot irons, hair dryers, and curlers.
• Equivalent to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
• 100% soap free, pH balanced and safe for color-treated hair.
• Cruelty-free, eco-friendly, TSA-friendly, compostable.

Find all Ethique products on Amazon, Walmart, and Jet >>

Solid shampoo bar for normal hair.

Ethique Shampoo Bar, Pinkalicious, 3.88 oz, $15.50

• Samoan Coconut and Cocoa Butter work in tandem to nourish normal hair. Created for the company's 5th birthday but made permanent after becoming hugely popular with customers. Best paired with conditioner The Wonderbar.
• Smells like pink grapefruit and vanilla. 
• Perfect for normal hair types.
• Equivalent to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
• 100% soap- and palm-free, pH balanced and safe for color-treated hair.
• Cruelty-free, eco-friendly, TSA-friendly, compostable.

Find all Ethique products on Amazon, Walmart, and Jet >>

• Under Armour's store design and marketing have been criticized in the past for being very male-focused. 
• But Under Armour has been trying to shake its reputation of being a traditionally masculine store.
• "While store design, marketing, and products remain male-focused, Under Armour will continue to struggle with women. This is a lost opportunity as female sports and fitness remain a fast-growth part of the market," Neil Saunders, managing director of the retail consulting firm GlobalData Retail, wrote this week. 

Under Armour has been trying to reach women for years, but its efforts still appear to be falling short.

The sportswear company has long described the women's apparel market as a big opportunity for growth. As of July 2017, women's products represented $1 billion of Under Armour's $4.8 billion revenue, according to AdAge. 

That year, Under Armour launched an ad campaign that was perhaps its biggest attempt to reach women yet, featuring athletes like ballerina Misty Copeland, stuntwoman Jessie Graff, and sprinter Natasha Hastings. The hope was to make a bigger splash in the women's business and shift the perception that Under Armour's stores are typically more masculine.

But the company still seems to be falling behind competitors like Lululemon and Athleta, which many female consumers see as being more fashionable. 

"The final issue is the masculine nature of the brand, which has made it hard for Under Armour to expand its reach to women," Neil Saunders, managing director of the retail consulting firm GlobalData Retail, wrote this week. "While store design, marketing, and products remain male-focused, Under Armour will continue to struggle with women. This is a lost opportunity as female sports and fitness remain a fast-growth part of the market."

We visited an Under Armour store to see why it's still failing to win over women:  

SEE ALSO: We visited Bed Bath & Beyond and The Container Store — and one was clearly better than the other

I went to an Under Armour store in New York City's Financial District on a weekday afternoon. The store was dimly lit and felt very industrial. It was empty besides the two employees working, and music was blasting.

Men's clothing was on the left, and women's was displayed on the right. 

The mannequins in the men's section up front had on black t-shirts and shorts with gold accents. Behind them were more neutral-colored shirts and shorts.

The women's side had mannequins wearing sports bras and leggings, either in black or neon colors and patterns. Already, I was unimpressed by the lack of variety. The store carried women's sizes up to XXL, but there were far more smaller sizes in stock and on display.

Some universities don't just offer students an abundance of knowledge, they also give them a beautiful place to learn it in.

From having ancient libraries to boasting botanical gardens to being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, keep scrolling to see some of the most beautiful universities in the world.

University of Cambridge – Cambridge, England

Not only is Cambridge one of the best universities in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful. Each of the university's 29 undergraduate colleges has a unique design and architecture, making each stunning in its own way. Of course, the winding River Cam makes the university grounds even more dreamy.

National Autonomous University of Mexico – Mexico City, Mexico

The National Autonomous University of Mexico is so stunning that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. The school was designed by some of Mexico's best-known architects, and the murals on the main campus were painted by recognized Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

University of Coimbra – Coimbra, Portugal

The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal, dating back more than seven centuries. It's dotted with ancient statues, like the one of King João III pictured above, which stands outside an elaborate doorway to the Joanina Library — often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

• The Trump administration is reportedly close to securing the release of three US citizens who've been detained in North Korea.
• Pyongyang is seemingly open to agreeing to their release amid an impending summit between Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump regarding the rogue state's nuclear program. 
• The three individuals — Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang-duk — are the last Americans being held by the reclusive nation.

The Trump administration is reportedly close to securing the release of three US citizens who've been detained in North Korea.

Pyongyang is seemingly open to agreeing to their release in relation to an impending summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump regarding the rogue state's nuclear program. 

The three individuals – Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang-duk – are the last Americans being held by the reclusive nation. They have reportedly been held in a labor camp. 

On Wednesday, Trump took to Twitter to discuss this, telling Americans to "stay tuned" for more details. 

"As everybody is aware, the past Administration has long been asking for three hostages to be released from a North Korean Labor camp, but to no avail. Stay tuned!"Trump tweeted.

North Korea has detained a number of foreigners over the years, often for vague and dubious reasons.

The story of Otto Warmbier is perhaps the most infamous instance of an American being detained in North Korea. The 22-year-old American student was detained for 17 months in North Korea and was returned to the US with "severe brain damage and in a nonresponsive state" in June 2017. He died on June 19, 2017. 

Warmbier's parents recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the North Korean government, which could complicate recent diplomatic developments between the US and Kim's regime. 

Here are the three US citizens still detained.

SEE ALSO: Kim Jong Un made a revealing, out-of-character admission when discussing North Korea

Kim Dong-chul

Kim Dong-chul was reportedly arrested in October 2015 and has been held the longest of the three Americans.

He was convicted of espionage, after reportedly apologizing, during a press conference organized by North Korea, for attempting to steal military secrets for South Korea. He was sentenced to 10 years hard labor. 

Kim was born in South Korea but formerly lived in Fairfax, Virginia. At the time of his arrest, he was living in Rason, North Korea, running a trading and hotel services company.

Kim reportedly has a wife and two daughters living in China, but he's been unable to contact them while a prisoner in North Korea. He's in his early 60s, having identified himself as 62 in a CNN interview in January 2016. 

Kim Hak-song

Kim Hak-song was arrested in May 2017 and accused of committing "hostile acts" against the state.

Prior to his detention, he worked in agricultural development at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology.

Kim is ethnically Korean but was born in China near the North Korean border. He came to the US in the 1990s, studied in California, and eventually became a US citizen. Many details about Kim, including his age, remain elusive. 

Kim Sang-duk, also known as Tony Kim

Kim Sang-duk, also known as Tony Kim, was born in South Korea but became a naturalized US citizen. 

Kim, 59, was detained in North Korea in April 2017 while attempting to leave the country at the airport in the North Korean capital. He was accused of "hostile criminal acts with an aim to subvert the country." 

Prior to his arrest, Kim had spent a month working at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. He taught accounting at Yanbian University of Science and Technology in China before heading to Pyongyang. 

Kim had reportedly made multiple trips to North Korea in the past to do humanitarian work. 

A year-round resolution that many people make is to have healthier eating habits. Whether that means eating more fruits and veggies or cutting down on portions, changing your eating habits is a good start to having a healthier lifestyle. One of the first steps you can take to help is to cut down the amount of sugar you intake on a daily.

Though it wasn't easy at first, Paddy Spence, CEO of Zevia— a line of zero-calorie, naturally sweetened beverages — cut sugar out of his diet 18 years ago.

"My wife and I cut sugar out of our diets in an effort to improve the way we felt every day.  Through that process, I realized that with all of the supposedly 'healthy' products I had incorporated into my routine – items like protein smoothies, energy bars, and juice-based spritzers – I had been consuming 250 grams per day of sugar, totaling approximately 1,000 calories per day."

And though you may not be consuming quite that much sugar, the average American takes in a whopping 152 pounds of refined sugar a year, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. 

Though cutting sugar completely out of your diet may take a little time, here are eight ways that you can curb your cravings to set you off on the right track.

Start a sugar budget.

When you think of budgets, finances are the first things that probably come to mind. Spence said that you can actually create a budget to watch your sugar intake.

"A sugar budget, much like a financial one, allows you to use numbers to track how much sugar you’re actually consuming, and can help you limit the amount you eat," Spence said. "It would be almost impossible to have zero sugar in your diet, so we want to be realistic. I suggest keeping it to 50 grams a day. That counts for ALL sugars, too, not just added sugars. 50 grams comes to about 10% of your 2000 calorie-a-day diet (sugar has 4 calories per gram)."

Keep an eye on your cereal.

It's always been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and according to Spence, it's for more reasons than one.

"Most people these days know that colorful kids’ cereals are going to have a sizeable serving of sugar," he said. "Other choices that may appear 'healthy,' however — like a granola-based cereal for instance — could also be packing major sugar content. Be diligent and don’t be fooled!"

Try having some fresh fruit and always remember to check your labels.

Watch your condiments.

Do you think of sugar when you add ketchup to your hotdog? Or how about when you drench your fries in it? Spence said that sugar is in some of the most unexpected products.

"Many condiments, ketchup included, contain 'hidden sugars.' That's why kids love ketchup so much," he said. "Barbeque sauce is also a major culprit. One of the sneakiest sources of 'hidden sugar,' however, is salad dressing. Always keep an eye on the sugar content of your salad dressing. You'll be glad you did."

• Negotiation is not the same thing as conflict— you have to be willing to compromise and/or say no if you don’t like the offer.
• Though it's widely hated, being able to negotiate is a skill you need if you want to get ahead in your career.
• Being optimistic, prepared, and using active listening can boost your changes of success.

When I left the comfort of a steady paycheck to pursue full-time freelance work, I had no idea how difficult negotiating in the work world was going to be.

For the prior 20 years, I’d lived in the land of education. I worked in a system that pays a set amount of money based on two criteria: the number of years you’ve been working, and the amount of education you have.

As a result, I was poorly prepared for the world of freelance, where being successful requires you to be a master negotiator — something I’ve always hated doing.

I had to quickly get past the idea that negotiation equals conflict, and instead embrace the fact that it’s about communicating your needs to get what you deserve.

Here are some expert tips for negotiating, even for those who loathe the idea of it:

SEE ALSO: How much money to ask for in a salary negotiation

1. Negotiating is separate from conflict

If you think negotiating with another person feels like conflict, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons people avoid negotiations. “People often see negotiations as win-lose, and they fear the other side will win and they will lose,” Marianne Eby, a negotiation expert and CEO ofWatershed Associates, told Business Insider.

“Butnegotiating done well can be a win-win,” Eby said. All it really takes is “talking with a goal in mind.” She said that if you shift your idea of negotiating from conflict to conversation, you’ll realize there are more opportunities to develop solutions than reasons to be afraid.

2. Be optimistic

If you go into a negotiation doubting your worth, there’s a good chance you’re not going to get what you ask for. That’s why it’s important to be optimistic.

“Start from a positive posture, believe that you are going to succeed, and operate accordingly,” Joy Altimare, career expert andchief engagement and brand officer at EHE, told Business Insider.

3. Show up prepared

Preparing for a negotiation is no different than the work you would do for any other important meeting. “Prepare in advance for a challenging conversation so that you can anticipate the questions and navigate based on the facts — not emotion,” Altimare said.

“Do some homework about what is possible in this situation, and don’t second-guess yourself before you get your ask out of your mouth,” Eby said.

• For Business Insider's "Real Money" series, a 23-year-old journalist shares a week of spending on a $35,000 salary on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
• She usually eats at home and loves a good (free) workout, but this week spent money on bills and plane tickets to visit family.
• Want to share a week of your spending? Email yourmoney@businessinsider.com.

My dad taught me to live within my means.

I take that lesson pretty seriously and never spend more than I can afford. This can be challenging on my budget— I make $35,000 a year — but by spending carefully I make it work.

I live a pretty thrifty lifestyle and while my income doesn't allow for a lot of saving, I still try to save a couple hundred dollars and contribute to my 401k every month. I love traveling, so I also try to put aside some cash every month so I can buy plane tickets to go visit my friends and family and explore new cities. 

My boyfriend and I share the expense of living at our resort apartment on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, which keeps my rent affordable. The resort is extremely quiet in the winter and we get to enjoy the vacation amenities like hot tubs and tennis courts regularly, especially during the off season for tourism. On days when I don't spend any money, I'm still able to enjoy indoor workouts, swimming, or a friendly game of tennis, which is an added bonus.

Here's a closer look at what I spent over the course of a recent week: 

SEE ALSO: Silicon Valley is so expensive that people who make $400,000 think they're middle-class — here's what the middle class actually is in the 25 largest US cities

My boyfriend and I split our $1,150 rent evenly, and every month I pay gas, car insurance, and a gym membership.

It's hard to save money on my budget, but I try my best.

I take home $479 a week from my $35,000 salary, and I keep my spending within what I can afford.

Some days I don't spend any money at all. Other days, my purchases just seem to add up. Grocery shopping on Saturday, for example, took a toll on my budget, and my electric bill set me back $46 on Thursday.

On Friday, I woke up to a notification that $29.95 was charged to my Discover card by Blue Apron.

I've recently jumped on the meal subscription bandwagon and am loving it. Tip for all you frugal people out there: Try a company once to get their intro deal, which is usually $30 off your first box. So far I've tried Blue Apron, Home Chef, and HelloFresh.

After a quiet night with my boyfriend listening to records, I make a mental note: Tomorrow morning will have to start with a trip to the grocery store. I can only have so many pieces of toast and bowls of Cheerios in a single day.

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.

Because of the internet, more people than ever are getting the ability to either telecommute entirely, or work from home on a regular basis.

It's a great perk, but as someone who's taken advantage of it over the past five years, I can say from experience that learning how to stay productive outside of a traditional office can be tough. And I'm not alone in feeling that way.

There are some general tips I can offer to help: make an actual schedule or routine and stick with it, stay connected to your teammates online throughout the day, and cut down on distractions. But the biggest factor in determining my personal work-from-home success has been creating the right work environment. 

After years of trial and error (and a couple of moves), I've created a spot where I can hunker down and work comfortably for hours at a time. Space constraints will obviously limit the tools you're able to use, but I've been able to make working at home, well, actually work in a New York City studio apartment — which proves it's possible to pull off just about anywhere. 

SEE ALSO: 9 productivity tools and apps to maximize your time and energy

SEE ALSO: 15 tech gadgets under $100 that make it easier to do your job

An L-Shaped desk

It's possible to get work done from any desk, but starting my home office space with this relatively cheap L-shaped one is a decision that continues to pay off. I can keep my computer screen in front of me, with plenty of room to spare for other necessary gadgets and tools.

My favorite feature is the enclosed two-story bookshelf on the side, which is where I stash external hard drives and other tech that I rely on every day but don't require maintenance. It's an "out of sight, out of mind" style of decluttering that helps me focus on the work at hand.

Altra Dakota L-Shaped Desk with Bookshelf, $90.87, available at Amazon

A wireless charging pad

With one notable exception, I've turned to wireless tech to help me reduce my work space's cable clutter. I recently tried Anker's PowerWave wireless charging pad, and became an instant fan. It's sleek, relatively small, and charges my iPhone X quickly and consistently. 

The LED that lets you know your phone is still charging without having to wake its screen is my favorite little touch.

Anker PowerWave 7.5W Fast Wireless Charger, $45.99, available at Amazon

A multi-port hub

I work on a Mac, and for years now the most useful productivity accessory I've hooked up to it has been a Thunderbolt dock from OWC.  Its latest dock has five normal USB ports, an ethernet port, a DisplayPort, an additional Thunderbolt 3 port, a FireWire 800 port, an optical in port, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. 

The dock connects to your computer through one of its Thunderbolt 3 ports, enabling you to use accessories that are plugged into the dock. This is supremely useful if your primary computer is a current-generation MacBook Pro, which only has Thunderbolt 3 ports.

This dock will allow you to use all of your old accessories with your new computer while it's at your desk instead of replacing them. It might seem like overkill at first, but almost all of the ports on my dock are taken up on a daily basis.

OWC 13 Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock, $299, available at Amazon

Editors note: The dock above works with current generation Macs, if you have a machine released before 2016, you'll want this dock, which has similar functionality.

Sometimes you love an on-screen couple so much that you can't imagine a world in which the people in it are not actually together. But as we all know, just because actors have unbelievable chemistry in movies and TV, it doesn't mean they feel the same way about each other in real life.

In fact, some on-screen duos not only don't have a perfect relationship off-screen — they sometimes can't stand each other. Here are 13 celebrity pairs who played lovers on-screen but reportedly couldn't stand each other in real life.

Leonardo DiCaprio would play pranks on set during "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and Claire Danes reportedly couldn't stand him.

The two may have played the most famous star-crossed lovers of all time in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet but rumor has it that off-screen the actors did not get along. According to The Telegraph, Danes felt DiCaprio was too immature and she became very annoyed at the pranks he constantly played on the cast and crew.

DiCaprio, on the other hand, reportedly thought Danes was too reserved and uptight. It's reported that the two even avoided speaking to each other when they weren't filming a scene. The pair reportedly had a chance to work together again on "J.Edgar" in 2011 but Danes passed on the opportunity, allegedly to work on "Homeland."

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams did not always like each other while filming "The Notebook" (2004).

"The Notebook"may be one of the most romantic films in recent history but it wasn't all rosy on set. Though Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were totally in love on-screen and eventually had a real life romance of their own, they did not like each other while filming the movie.

In an interview, director Nick Cassavetes revealed there was so much tension that at one point Gosling asked for McAdams to be replaced, claiming, "I can't. I can't do it with her. I'm just not getting anything from this."

Luckily, after a mini intervention, the two were able to work together and complete the film, eventually even falling in love.

Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush got married — and divorced — while filming "One Tree Hill" (2003-2012).

In the case of these stars, the two initially loved each other — so much so that they got married shortly after meeting on the set of their show, "One Tree Hill."

However, the happiness was short-lived and the two divorced just five months after tying the knot. They then had to continue working together, and at times playing a couple, until Murray left the show in 2009.

Bush opened up later about their divorce, writing a piece in Us Weekly that described dealing with working with Murray and divorcing in the public eye was a type of "trauma" for her.

• Costco deals aren't too hard to find.
• But there are a few less-than-obvious hacks and tips to apply if you ever spring for a membership.
• From watching the price tags to shopping on Mondays, here's a look at some insider tips from employees that you should know if you're going to shop at Costco.

Costco deals are easy to come by.

The retail chain is famous for having just about everything. And certainly, some of its offerings stretch beyond what you'd expect from a big-box store — Costco sells cars, vacations, food kits for the apocalypse, cheap eats in the food court, and even caskets.

Given the breadth of Costco's selection, it pays to come in armed with as much information as you can get. That way, you can keep an eye out for the best possible deals and shopping strategies the next time you visit your local Costco.

Costco employees tend to have the most insider knowledge, like knowing how to shop without a membership, how to avoid annoying them, and how to know when buying in bulk isn't worth it.

Here's a look at some tips that only Costco employees and seasoned shoppers know about:

SEE ALSO: We ate at a Costco food court, and it was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had

DON'T MISS: 12 Costco deals that are well worth the money

You don't need a membership for everything

A standard Costco membership, which costs $60 a year, can help a customer rack up huge savings.

But you don't need a Costco membership to get an eye exam or grab a bite to eat at outdoor food courts.

A San Francisco-based employee added that you also don't need a membership to buy alcohol at the store. And a Costco employee in Illinois added that membership isn't required to buy gas at the chain, either.

The pharmacy's also open to non members, according to another Costco employee Business Insider spoke with.

If you need a flu shot or a shingles vaccination, you can show up with a signed immunization consent form and take care of it.

So if you're trying to shop at Costco without a membership, just tell the Costco employee at the door what you're there for, Eat This Not That recommends.

Start your hunt in the middle of the store

Many Costco employees place the store's biggest bargains in the "center court" of the store, Business Insider's Kate Taylor reported.

You're better off skipping the more expensive displays at the store's entrance and starting somewhere in the middle.

There's a reason stuff gets moved around so much

The displays employees set up at Costco are far from static.

The chain touts the flux as a sort of "treasure hunt"— and in a sense, it's right.

Costco typically moves items around in order to get shoppers to see — and buy — more.

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

The Insider Pick:

• With a great string trimmer, you can cut crisp lines near fences and trees, edge beds, and obliterate weeds. The DEWALT 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer is our top pick because it's as powerful as many gas-powered weed and yard trimmers but it's also lightweight, thanks to its battery.

If you take a quick look into my backyard, you'll see a generally well-maintained property with healthy grass, flowers blooming in the spring, tomatoes and cucumbers aplenty in the summer, and a few ugly black scuff marks marring the bottom of one panel of our otherwise lovely white fence. Those marks were caused by yours truly when I pushed the lawnmower too close to the fence in an attempt to save time while mowing last July. What should I have done instead? Yeah, you guessed it: Used a trimmer. The great irony here? At the time I did not own just one lawn and weed trimmer ... I had two.

Over the years, I've used more than a half dozen different brands of string trimmers, and I'm known as a pretty good edger in some parts. A bit of haste last summer notwithstanding, I know the primary value of a trimmer is the precision it offers. With a reliable weed- and lawn-trimming tool in your hands, you can make short work of all sorts of weeds and can even eradicate brambles, thorns, ivy, and other tougher types of flora.

You can also use your trimmer to mow swaths of lawn with ease, cutting near fences, around tree trunks and bushes, and even near flowers and edible plants, removing only the grass you want without damaging any other plant life or property around your yard. As for those crisp edges you'll create along the sidewalk, driveway, patio, and beds, why, they'll be the talk of the block. With some practice, anyway — initially, you'll probably cut some pretty funny looking lines. I know I did.

Whether you are already an old hand with a trimmer and are looking for an even more powerful tool or you are shopping for your first ever weed and lawn trimming device, we've got you covered. We've included different string trimmers that run on plug-in power, batteries, or gasoline, so you can choose which is best for your needs. One final bit of advice before you buy one of our picks: always wear safety glasses or some kind of protective eyewear when you use your string trimmer.

Read on in the slides below to learn why the DEWALT 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer is our top pick and why you might also like the Black + Decker 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer, the Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer, the GreenWorks 80V 16-Inch String Trimmer, and the Husqvarna 17-Inch Straight Shaft String Trimmer.

SEE ALSO: The best safety glasses you can buy to protect your eyes

The best string trimmer overall

Why you'll love it: The DEWALT 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer powers through thick, tough weeds and overgrown grass with as much force as many gasoline-fueled trimmers, but it has a battery and weighs less than nine pounds.

The sheer power of the DEWALT 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer is reason enough to buy this tool, but the fact that you can count on it to last for years sure helps justify the rather high price. I've had many DEWALT tools and they are still kicking to this day.

This trimmer is powered by a 20-volt, five-amp lithium-ion battery that packs plenty of punch, whirling the dual cutting lines around in a 13-inch swath that will easily clear grass, weeds, thorns, and more. The tool can be operated at a high-speed, full-power setting for cutting tougher materials or it can be run at a lower speed for lighter work and for better battery life. Yes, this trimmer costs four times more than other electric options, but it will outperform and outlast them, too.

With nearly 900 reviews posted on Amazon at the time of this review, the DEWALT 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer has a four-star average rating with customers. One owner said he was "thoroughly impressed" with the trimmer's capabilities and battery life, while another reported it being "easy to handle" and "working perfectly" for his residential landscaping needs.

A WorkShopAddict review said he was "amazed by the run time" of this trimmer between battery charges, and called it "very light at 8.5 lbs."

Pros: Light but powerful, dual speed operation, lasts for years

Cons: Rather expensive option

Buy a DEWALT DCST920P1 20V Max Lithium Ion XR String Trimmer on Amazon for $179.99 (originally $219)

The best low-cost string trimmer

Why you'll love it: The Black + Decker 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer might cost less than you'd pay for a meal at a fancy restaurant, but it's perfect for most residential trimming needs.

I've used a Black + Decker trimmer for years, and every time I have light to moderate trimming or edging needs that are within the reach of an extension cord, it's the tool I choose. Truth be told, it's not this exact trimmer, but that's the case only because my eight-year-old tool device has yet to break down.

While this trimmer isn't the best choice for seriously overgrown yards or for clearing dense underbrush, for edging lawns, clearing common weeds, and cutting grass near flowers, trees, fences, or in those patches the mower can't reach, it's a fine choice. It's also a trimmer that's amazingly affordable.

A plug-in trimmer has one distinct disadvantage, which is, of course, the simple fact that you need to be connected via an extension cord to a power outlet. That means less freedom of motion and less convenience of use, as you can't use the tool where you can't plug it in.

However, the fact that you don't need to lug around a battery or a gasoline motor significantly reduces the weight of the tool, making the 5-pound Black + Decker 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer a great choice for seniors, anyone with strength or mobility limited by injury or illness, or for anyone who just doesn't want to lug around a heavy trimmer. 

With dozens of reviews posted on Walmart, this plucky little trimmer has a fine 4.4-star average rating. One owner called it "lightweight and easy to use," while another gushed that "for the price of this item, you get more than what it cost."

In a write up from LivingHorticulturally, a reviewer called it a "featherweight tool" that is ideal for "trimming hard to reach areas" of a property that a mower can't access.

Pros: Great low price, lightweight and nimble, easily converts from trimmer to edger

Cons: Not suitable for tougher jobs

Buy a Black + Decker ST7700 2-N-1 Electric String Trimmer from Home Depot for $41.54

The best gas-powered string trimmer

Why you'll love it: The Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer is quite powerful and relatively affordable, which are both things most Do-It-Yourselfers will appreciate in a tool.

The Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer probably isn't the ideal trimming tool for a professional gardener or landscaper, but for the casual DIY property care guy or gal, it's an ideal choice. With a two-stroke, 25 cubic centimeter engine, this capable trimmer delivers more than enough power to slash through thick grass, pernicious weeds, and to cut edges down into turf, mulch, or packed soil.

A proprietary "zip start" carburetor makes firing up this tool quick and easy without a lot of repeated yanking on a starter line, and an easy-to-load head makes replacing broken trimmer line fast and simple, too. As for the line, it can accommodate a thick and durable 0.095-inch line thickness, whereas many similar tools max out at 0.08. This trimmer is pretty loud when operating, but it's also a reliable tool that's more than worth its price.

With nearly 1,200 reviews posted on Home Depot's website, the Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer has a commendable 4.2-star average. A gentleman named Steve said his Ryobi trimmer "ran like a Swiss watch," never once giving him any complications. Another user said he was "very impressed with the power and usability" of the trimmer.

A review from TopTenReviews called the Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer a "good choice for most yards" thanks to its "wide cutting path" and powerful motor.

Pros: Good price for good tool, plenty of power for most jobs, wide cutting swath

Cons: Heavy at more than 12 pounds

Buy a Ryobi 2-Cycle Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer from Home Depot for $119

To make choosing what movie to watch on Netflix easier, every week we go through Netflix's current catalog to deliver you a short list of movies that are worth staying inside to watch, no matter how nice it is outside. 

We select a few that have come onto Netflix recently, and mix in a couple of movies that have been streaming for a while that you might have missed.

From critically acclaimed historical dramas "Carol" and "Atonement," to Marvel standout "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," these are some great movies on Netflix right now that you can watch this weekend.

Here are 7 movies on Netflix you should definitely check out:

SEE ALSO: The top 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe superheroes, ranked from worst to best

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017)

Netflix description: The ragtag, wisecracking band of miscreants known as the Guardians of the Galaxy return to unravel the mystery of Peter "Star Lord" Quill's origins. 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 83%

Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 88%

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" isn't quite as endearing as the 2014 original, but it's quick-witted heroes, stunning visuals, and a surprising twist with Star-Lord's dad live up to expectations. Plus, there's Baby Groot. 

"Up in the Air" (2009)

Netflix description: Ryan Bingham flies around the country firing employees on behalf of companies, but he faces losing his job he savors to recent college grad Natalie. 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 91%

Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 79%

This cute and clever movie with great performances from George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and then-newcomer Anna Kendrick expertly balances laugh-out-loud comedy with heartache. 

"13 Going on 30" (2004)

Netflix description: When a geeky teen's birthday party goes awry and she makes a wish that she could be 30, she wakes up to discover she's flash-forwarded 17 years. 

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 64%

Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 70%

Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo star in this delightful romantic comedy that was a love letter to the 80s years before "Stranger Things" was a thing. The movie really showcases Garner's comedic chops, and features Ruffalo reluctantly doing the "Thriller" dance. It also stars rom-com queen Judy Greer and Andy Serkis.

• Nostradamus published a book in 1555 containing 942 quatrains that allegedly predict famous future events.
• Observers have come across a handful of predictions that due seem to reflect real world events.
• In reality, most of Nostradamus' prophecies are poorly translated — and vaguely worded enough to encourage tons of speculation.

Nostradamus' name is synonymous with predicting the future.

The alleged oracle began publishing his famous, cryptic quatrains in 1555. But these were no ordinary poems. Nostradamus was allegedly a diviner who was able predict future tidings.

The 16th century apothecary and astrologer's status as a reputed "seer" allowed him to solicit patronage from wealthy and prominent individuals like Catherine de' Medici, the queen of France.

Nostradamus' star didn't fade after his death in 1566. His works have continued to attract adherents who have connected his writings to earth-shattering events like the rise of Adolf Hitler and the 9/11 attacks.

But, like horoscopes, the predictions themselves tend to be vaguely worded, and therefore open to the reader's interpretations and biases.

In "Nostradamus, Bibliomancer: The Man, the Myth, the Truth," biographer Peter Lemesurier concludes that Nostradamus "believed that history repeats itself" and used the technique of projecting past events onto the future in order to make realistic-sounding claims. What's more, scholars have argued the modern translations of Nostradamus' writing are sloppy and unreliable.

With all that in mind, here's a look back at some of Nostradamus' most famous predictions:

SEE ALSO: Fake news is nothing new — here’s how it killed my ancestor over 300 years ago

The death of Henry II

Prediction:

The young lion will overcome the older one,
  On the field of combat in a single battle;
  He will pierce his eyes through a golden cage,
  Two wounds made one, then he dies a cruel death.

What happened:

In the summer of 1559 King Henry II of France (older one) lined up to joust Gabriel, Comte de Montgomery, (young lion), who was six years his junior. The tournament was held to celebrate the upcoming wedding of the king's daughter.

In their final pass, Montgomery's lance tilted up, burst through the king's poorly-secured visor (pierce his eyes through a golden cage), and splintered, according to "On the Death of Henry II."

In the Journal of Neurosurgery, Kamilah Dowling and James Goodrich write that the profusely-bleeding king remained conscious and was "able to walk up some steps with an unsteady gait."

But splinters from the lance had entered the king's eye, throat, and temple (two wounds made one). Despite the best efforts of royal surgeons, Henry II experienced agonizing pain, seizures, and partial paralysis (then he dies a cruel death) before dying in his bed 11 days later.

It all sounds pretty accurate, on the surface. But, according to "Nostradamus: The Illustrated Prophecies," the prophecy's veracity is in doubt because it didn't appear in print until 1614.

The Great Fire of London

Prediction:

The blood of the just will commit a fault at London,
Burnt through lightning of twenty threes the six:
The ancient lady will fall from her high place,
Several of the same sect will be killed.

What happened: This quatrain is often linked with the devastating Great Fire of London.

In regards to the date, 20 times three is 60. Add six to that, and you've got 66 — or the year '66. London's infamous three-day blaze began on September 2, 1666.

The fire wasn't set off by lightning, however. A hot, arid summer and a spark in the bakery of Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane set the stage for the inferno.

Peasant and middle class deaths were not recorded at the time, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, but it's likely that hundreds or even thousands of people perished in the flames.

In regards to the "same sect" portion of the quatrain, Londoners blamed the conflagration on Catholics and the Dutch, and a number of lynchings and attacks ensued as the city smoldered, the BBC reported. But the members of the "same sect" are also mentioned in conjunction with "the ancient lady," which could be interpreted to refer to London itself.

This prediction is one of the weaker prophecies, as it's often quite a stretch to link the historical events of the Great Fire of London with Nostradamus' words.

The French Revolution

Prediction:

From the enslaved populace, songs,
Chants and demands
While princes and lords are held captive in prisons.
These will in the future by headless idiots
Be received as divine prayers.

What happened: Starting with the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the French Revolution saw the overthrowal of the monarchy and the establishment of a new republic.

The Third Estate (enslaved populace) took control of Paris and forced their demands on royalty (princes and lords).

Ultimately, the revolution turned bloody. Nobles and commoners alike were declared traitors to the revolution and beheaded at the guillotine (headless idiots).

According to Britannica, 17,000 people were executed during the ensuing Reign of Terror, while 10,000 died in jail. Those figures account for all victims of the First French Republic, not just aristocrats.

Since its debut on the McDonald's menu in 1967, the Big Mac has become an American pop culture phenomenon, and one of the most famous items on the fast food franchise's menu.

People who order the iconic burger know exactly what they're getting — two beef patties on a sesame seed bun, topped with pickles, lettuce, and of course, that special secret sauce. They also probably know that with 540 calories and 28 grams of fat, the Big Mac is not the thing to order if you're counting your calories.

If you're looking for something on the lighter side, you may think a salad is the best choice. But don't be fooled — some of your favorite fast food restaurant salads have even more calories than the Big Mac.

Adding things like bacon, cheese, and of course, creamy dressings can really make the calories add up. And although calories aren't an exact indicator of an item's "healthiness," but these calorie counts are certainly surprising.

So before you hit the drive-thru, make sure you know exactly what you're sinking your teeth into. If you're thinking about any of the salads on this list, you might be better off going with a burger.

Burger King's Chicken Club Salad - 610 calories

The word "club" in the Chicken Club Salad at Burger King is a clue that it isn't one of the lighter options on the menu. The thick-cut smoked bacon and buttery garlic croutons may sound delicious, but they come with lots of calories. The salad has a total of 610 calories and 41 grams of fat.

Panera Bread's Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad With Chicken - 650 calories

The smoked pulled chicken and adobo corn blend give Panera Bread's Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad With Chicken a perfect blend of southwestern flavors. But this salad has a whopping 650 calories. You can make it a little lighter by holding the Chile Lime Rojo Ranch dressing, which has 70 calories. You can also opt for the half salad portion, which has 320 calories.

Panera Bread's Fuji Apple Salad With Chicken - 570 calories

The Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken at Panera Bread may sound like a lighter alternative to a burger and fries, but at 570 calories, you should at least get a little grease on your hands. Most of this salad's calories are found in the Greek dressing, which is 230 calories alone. If you want all of the flavors without the guilt, the half portion contains 260 calories.

A Russian Su-30SM multi-role fighter jet crashed in Syria on Thursday, killing both of its pilots, Russian news agencies reported.

The agencies, citing a defense ministry statement, said the jet had crashed after taking off from Russia's Hmeymim air base in northwest Syria. The RIA news agency said the crash may have been caused by a bird strike.

The Su-30SM is one of at least 11 known Russian aircraft operating in Syria. It's a versatile fighter, able to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks, and is often considered to be the F-15E Strike Eagle's counterpart.

Here's what the Su-30SM can do and how it compares to the F-15E:

SEE ALSO: 11 photos of the Su-25, the Russian aircraft that was shot down over Syria

SEE ALSO: These are the 11 types of Russian military jets and planes known to be stationed in Syria

The Su-30SM was developed by IRKUT, the conglomerate that owns Sukhoi, and made it's first flight in 2012.

The F-15E Strike Eagle was developed by McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing, and made it's first flight in 1986.

Sources: Airforce-Technology and Airforce-Technology

It's a derivative of the Su-30MKI, which Sukhoi made for India, and is the first Su-30 to have thrust vector control — which makes the jet more agile and able to turn faster. The original Su-30 design is also based off the Su-27 Flanker.

 The F-15E is the fifth and latest version of the F-15A, which made its first flight in July 1972.

Source: Sukhoi and US Air Force

The fighter also carries two crew members, just like the US' F-15E and F/A-18F Super Hornet, allowing it to better surveil a battlefield and find targets.

Source: The National Interest and Washington Post

This Saturday 20 horses will enter the gate at the 2018 Kentucky Derby, looking to win the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Often called "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is one of the most compelling events of the year, for both casual viewers and even more so for bettors.

Betting on horse racing can be intimidating — filled with insider language and with so many ways to bet, it's not surprising that some might be hesitant to head to the betting window. But you shouldn't be!

Gambling on horses is surprisingly easy, extremely fun, and offers bettors the rare option of winning a lot of money with a minimal bet, should they be lucky enough to have an eye for the right horses on a given day.

Below, we'll go through everything you need to know so you can head to the betting window with confidence and hopefully make some money on the "Run for the Roses" this Saturday.

Betting to Win, Place, and Show

The easiest way to bet a horse race is, unsurprisingly, merely picking a horse to win. Like I said, easy! You can do this on a whim wherever you happen to be watching the race as long as you have another person who's game to put something on the line.

You can bet on a horse to Win at the track and off-track betting parlors, but there are plenty of other ways to bet your favorite horse in the race while still keeping things simple. For instance, you can bet on a horse to Place, which is to come in first or second place, but your return on a winning bet will be a bit lower than on a bet to win. Similarly, you can bet on a horse to Show, meaning it finishes in the top three, with an even lower return.

Finally, you can elect to bet Across the Board on a horse, which is technically three different bets on the horse to win, place, and show. So, betting $2 Across the Board on a horse would cost you $6 — this is what is known as a "combo straight wager."

Depending on how much faith you have in your horse and how much return you're willing on your bet, picking a win, place, or show bet is a simple way to dip your toe in the waters of horse racing.

Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas

While these bets are harder to hit, they're where bettors can start to make big money on smaller investments.

An Exacta is a bet on two horses to come in first and second in the race in exact order. If you're confident in two horses racing, but aren't as sure on the order they'll come in, you can place an Exacta Box, which is essentially placing two bets — one exacta with one of your horses finishing first and the other second, and a second bet with their order reversed. Because both of these bets have multiple horses in play, they'll net you much more, but are also tougher to hit.

Taking this thinking to another level, gamblers can bet a Trifecta, picking three horses to finish first, second, and third (Win, Place, and Show) in order. These can deliver huge payouts to bettors, especially if a longshot that you have on your ticket sneaks into the top three — at the 2017 Kentucky Derby, a $2 winning trifecta bet on Always Dreaming, Looking at Lee, and Battle of Midway won bettors a whopping $8,207.20.

Since these bets are tough to hit, and worth so much money that you as a gambler would be extremely disappointed to have picked the correct top three horses in the incorrect order, many gamblers choose to bet a Trifecta Box. Like the exacta box, you're betting three horses as a trifecta in every possible order, technically resulting in six different bets. Thus, a $2 box trifecta will cost you $12 at the betting window.

And for the truly brave of heart, there is the Superfecta, which follows the same logic as the trifecta, but with the top four horses to finish. These feel all but impossible to hit, but if you have a vision on race-day morning, there's plenty of profit to be made.

How to place your bet

Placing your bet at the betting window is not as complicated as the insider language of horse racing makes it sound. Follow a simple formula, and you'll be set to go. Lead with the racetrack you are betting and the race number you are betting on — in the case of the Kentucky Derby, you can say that, but when off-track betting parlors are showing numerous races on days other than Kentucky Derby Saturday, you would have to clarify.

Then, state the amount you want to bet, the type of bet you want to make, and the numbers of the horses you're picking.

Example: "Churchill Downs, Race 12. $1 trifecta box — 6-7-14."

You would then hand the person behind the counter $6 for your bet — remember, a trifecta box is actually six bets — and take your ticket once it was printed out.

Also, always remember to tip your ticket-taker — in the world of picking ponies you can use all of the good karma you can get.