Quantcast
Channel: Features
Viewing all 61683 articles
Browse latest View live

13 tourist traps around the world that are actually worth visiting

$
0
0

Sacre Coeur Basilica Paris France

  • Despite how long the lines might be, Niagara Falls is a must-visit.
  • The Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower both came from the same man, and both landmarks are must-sees.
  • India's Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest achievement in Indo-Islamic architecture.

Acropolis

History and architecture buffs — particularly those with a penchant for ancient Greece — won't want to miss a trip to the Acropolis of Athens. Situated on a rocky hill above the city, the citadel complex contains an ensemble of significant classical structures, namely the Parthenon, which is regarded as the most important surviving monument from Greek Antiquity. Take a peek at these landmarks, including the Acropolis, zoomed out.



Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a must-see-before-you-die natural wonder. Sure, waiting in line, donning a bright blue poncho, and boarding a visitor-packed boat (aka the Maid of the Mist) is pretty much the definition of a touristy activity, but the chance to come so close to the gushing waters and powerful spray make it all worth it. Whether you're high energy or laid back, here's how to find the best vacation based on your personality type.



Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent white marble mausoleum, located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. Renowned for its arches, domes, relief work, and precious stone inlay, it's considered the greatest achievement in Indo-Islamic architecture. On a budget? India is one of the best affordable travel destinations.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Google added three cool new features to its 'Lens' tool: Here's what they do (GOOG, GOOGL)

$
0
0

Google lens

  • Google Lens, a visual search tool that uses a phone's camera to identify real world objects, can now perform a few new tricks.
  • Google unveiled three new improvements to Lens at its annual I/O conference on Tuesday.
  • Among them is the ability to identify your surroundings in real time.


Among the slew of new products and features announced at this week's Google I/O conference were three big additions to Google Lens, the company's visual search feature.

The Lens product was initially announced at last year's I/O event, at which point the feature was in more of a beta phase. Since then, Lens has rolled out to Google Pixel 2 users, as well as all Android and iPhone users through the Google Photos app as of this past March.

Google also announced at this year's Google I/O that the Lens will now be available through the camera app on supported devices from LG, Motorola, Ziaomi, Sony Mobile, HMD/Nokia, Transsion, TCL, OnePlus, BQ and Asus.

The three new Lens features will roll out to users in the next few weeks. Get a head start now and learn about how how they work:

SEE ALSO: Here's everything Google unveiled at its biggest conference of the year

1. The smart text selection allow you to highlight a word on a menu and quickly pull up relevant photos and information.

This works with anything according to Google: recipes, gift card codes, WiFi passwords. Like in the above example, if you're at a restaurant and you see an unfamiliar dish on the menu, you can highlight the name and Lens will pull up a description of it, along with a photo to help you decide if it's appealing to you. 



2. Google has jumped on the style match train.

Most features like this, such as Pinterest's which is also called Lens, identify an item and pull up similar matches, not exact ones. Google's Lens claims to do both. You can use Lens for outfit and home decor pieces to get more information on that specific item, such as reviews, where to buy it and its price. Lens will also pull up similar styles.



3. Lens has upped its "Shazam" qualities.

It now works in real time, meaning you can graze your phone over the room around you and Lens will automatically identify items and pull up information pertaining to them. This includes home decor, furniture and books, as seen above. 

In October when Lens became available on the Pixel 2, users could search similarly for things like artwork, landmarks, movies and even posted flyers you pass on the sidewalk. It had its downfalls though: the Lens struggled with identifying handwriting and searched information wasn't always on point or thorough.

As the feature rolls out steadily to users over the next few weeks, we'll have to wait and see how much the company has sharpened and refined the "smart" magnifying glass technology in the past year. 

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

'Avengers: Infinity War' directors answer 18 of the biggest questions from the movie

$
0
0

valkyrie

Avengers: Infinity War has left audiences with a lot of questions, but fortunately directors Joe and Anthony Russo are providing the answers. The modern blockbuster involves an unprecedented degree of contact between directors and their audiences, and Marvel knows how to use that to ensure their films receive a constant stream of publicity.

With so many characters to involve and so complex a plot, it’s no surprise that viewers have a lot of questions. The Russos, for their part, seem to be quite enjoying answering them – or, in some cases, offering hints. They’re refusing to give away anything that they believe would spoil Avengers 4, of course, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been treated to some fascinating insights into Infinity War.

Why were the trailers so different to the final film? What was the last thing Teen Groot said to Rocket? And why didn’t Thor take that head shot? They’ve tackled all this and more. In all these cases, the answers to fan questions add yet another layer of depth to the film, opening up entirely new thematic areas.

Why were the trailers so different from the final film?

There’s a marked difference between the trailers for Avengers: Infinity War and the theatrical cut. According to the Russos, that’s entirely deliberate; they view the trailers and movies as completely separate products.

"You have to be very smart about how you cast a trailer," Joe Russo explained, "’cause an audience can watch a trailer and basically tell you what’s gonna happen in the film." 

The Russos actually filmed some scenes specifically for the trailers – including the first trailer’s "money shot," with the Avengers charging towards the screen. Characters like the Hulk were then added using CG.

Other moments from the trailers were actually lifted from earlier cuts of scenes; that’s why some lines of dialogue have been changed. "Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe," Thanos declared in one trailer, "but this does put a smile on my face." This line was originally said by Thanos as he emerged from what the Russos call the "Reality Cloak," revealing to Gamora that he is still alive. The Russos switched it for dialogue that’s a little more "characterful," but retained the line for use in the trailer.



Why didn't we see Thanos acquire the power stone?

The crowded plot of Avengers: Infinity War had quite a few "tell, not show" moments – and Thanos’s acquisition of the Power Stone was one of them.

The Mad Titan had already taken the Power Stone from Xandar by the beginning of the film, and used its power to terrifying effect against the Asgardian refugees. But why did the Russos choose not to show the fall of Xandar in the movie?

Speaking at Iowa City High, Joe Russo explained that the directors thought it would be "one too many" – that it would cause the writers to "get into a trap," where the film just became repetitive and predictable. Given Guardians of the Galaxy had clearly established where the Power Stone was, it was "easy to deal with it off screen."



Why did we see so little of the Black Order?

Thanos is generally viewed as one of Marvel’s best villains, but the Black Order has been generally viewed as underwhelming. During his talk at Iowa City High, Joe Russo explained the film simply had too many characters to juggle.

"I think people have been waiting 10 years to have the Marvel heroes together in a 2 and half hour film. So If I started to go into the history of them- that’s a whole other movie altogether." In Joe Russo’s view, the Black Order served their purpose, and essentially provided mini-battles on the way to the biggest Boss Battle of them all. "Thanos is the true bad guy of the movie," he added, "you don’t want the sub-villains overshadowing the super-villain."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

13 things you should never say at work that most people don't know

$
0
0

work

  • Work etiquette varies from company to company, but there are some things you should never wear or say.  
  • While we all know not to say offensive, harassing, or profane things at work, there are some lesser-known business etiquette rules that are universal.
  • GQ editor and former business etiquette columnist Ross McCammon spoke to Business Insider about what not to say at work. 

 

Unless you’re Michael Scott from “The Office,” you know not to say offensive, harassing, or profane things at work. But there are some lesser-known verbal etiquette rules for the office that are just as universal.

Business Insider spoke with Ross McCammon, an editor at GQ, former business etiquette columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine, and author of “Works Well with Others: An Outsider's Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You.”

One of the major topics he tackles in his book is balance, he said. “Where is the line between the right thing to say and the wrong thing?”

McCammon stressed the importance of assuming authority at work, which he defines in his book as the ability to “claim knowledge of something, without apology” and “express yourself clearly and without hemming or hawing.”

You want to use your words to convey that you’re someone who takes action without losing sight of gratitude, self-awareness, groundedness, or warmth, he wrote.

With that goal in mind, here are 13 things you should never say at work (that most people don’t know):

SEE ALSO: 9 things you should never be afraid to say no to at work

1. 'I think you’re overthinking this.'

“I would like to ban ‘I think you’re overthinking this’ from the canon of common workplace expressions,” McCammon wrote in his book. “It punishes people for caring, for trying to make something great. I think that people who accuse other people of overthinking just don’t feel like thinking. Which is thoughtless.”



2. 'I’m sorry.'

“You can say, ‘I understand this was wrong, and it won’t happen again.’” he wrote. “But consider leaving the apologies to your personal life. Apologies are purely emotional. Acknowledging the problem and saying how you will correct it is a lot more professionally valuable.”

McCammon said his advice on this has changed a bit since 2016, when the book was published.

My thinking on this has evolved a little,” he told Business Insider. “Let’s say you interrupted someone in a meeting, derailing a big pitch to the boss. That’s something you should apologize for. I think men are waking up to the fact that we tend to do this in meetings — to women especially — and it’s not cool, and it requires an apology.”



3. 'Does that make any sense?'

“People like to ask this after making a point,” McCammon wrote. “If you have to ask this, then you either are not confident in what you just said or you don’t know what you just said and you are now asking the person listening to your nonsense to validate it.”

In short, it can make you sound wimpy. It’s better to be confident and avoid undermining or minimizing yourself and your work.

Instead, ask, “What are your thoughts?” career coach Sophia Mohr suggested.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 ways your body is telling you your relationship is doomed

$
0
0

shutterstock_640596736

It's not wise to seek out problems in a relationship. But sometimes, they present themselves in the form of you and your partner's body language.

INSIDER spoke with body language expert Tonya Reiman to see if your body language can raise some red flags for your relationship. 

Of course, nothing on this list serves as a conclusive sign of doom for any individual relationship. Everyone is different, so something that might indicate unrest in a relationship for one couple could be just another day for another couple. 

All the same, it can be useful to know which body language clues to look out for — you know, just in case. 

1. Lack of eye contact.

Has it been a while since you got a good look at your partner's eyes? If so, that could be a bad sign.

"Eye contact is incredibly intimate," Reiman told INSIDER. "Eye contact shows trust and emotional openness [and] tells the partner 'I am yours.' If your partner once offered up their eyes and suddenly stops, it's a red flag."

Obviously, this doesn't mean that you and your significant other have to spend hours gazing into one another's eyes. There may also be some legitimate reasons why your partner doesn't engage in intense eye contact. For example, some people on the autism spectrum have difficulty making eye contact, according to The Mighty.

But if your partner is making a pointedly avoiding eye contact, and they don't seem to have any good reason for doing so, you might want to have a talk with them.



2. Kissing without tongue.

"In a long-term relationship, [kissing] associates us with love and passion," Reiman told INSIDER.  

A good way to lose some of this love and passion is by moving from kisses with tongue to quick pecks on the lips. It's not that tongue-free kisses are bad, but if they are all that's happening, it's a sign that you and your partner may not be bonding as much as you should. 



3. Kissing with less enthusiasm.

Another kissing-related red flag: the amount of excitement — or lack thereof — you put into it. 

"Kissing is an emotional, biological, and psychological boost," Reiman told INSIDER. "If your partner kisses you with less enthusiasm [than before], it's a red flag." 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

16 online classes that teach the skills you need for the modern workforce — all for just $10 today

$
0
0

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.

Man Studying with Laptop on Bench

  • The job market has experienced accelerated change in the past two decades. As a recent graduate, this can make it disproportionately difficult to discern what skills will get you your first offer (or your best offer).
  • According to recent studies, employers want "hybrid employees" with both hard and soft skills.
  • Below are 17 Udemy classes (most of which are on sale) that can help fill out your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or just give you memorable talking points in interviews.

With each new year, the workforce and its needs look a little different from the year before. And for graduates looking for ways to get noticed by employers, (or those simply looking to optimize their first launch into the job market), the task can feel more opaque and challenging than ever before.

The job market constantly evolves, but the past two decades have been characterized by a much higher rate of technological and scientific advancements. As those advancements dramatically redesign the landscape, they incidentally alter the qualities and skills employers seek when hiring. Especially for those looking to join the ecosystem (but who are not yet a part of it), deciphering what is wanted from them can feel like continuously swimming upstream.

Some of the trends are easier to spot, and may have been reflected in your coursework: an emphasis on fluency in social media, coding, big data manipulation, and technical digital skills. But as LinkedIn's recent report on the skills most likely to get you hired in 2018 shows, hard skills are not enough to get you an offer. Especially when applying for entry-level positions, your employers will be looking for potential even more than prior experience. An emphasis on interpersonal and sociological skills doesn't lose its value as you age, either. Of the 2,000 business leaders surveyed by LinkedIn, 57% identified soft skills as most important.

This follows from a 2016 analysis that examined 24 million job listings in order to determine what key skills, across nine industries, employers were actively looking to find. The result was (and is) clear: hybrid employees. 

Employers want multifaceted employees who possess "hard" skills like technical digital skills as well as "soft" skills like the ability to work with a team and communicate effectively. If you're trying to nail your first job interview or secure a final offer, you should be able to demonstrate both.

One of the easiest and most tangible ways to show your ability in hard and soft skills to employers is by completing a class. It shows you took initiative, followed through, and provides you with key examples and source materials to reference in interviews. It's memorable. Thankfully, if you're looking for ways to fill out your résumé, it doesn't have to be expensive.

Right now, one of the largest online learning platforms in the world — Udemy— is having a Mother's Day sale. The site has slashed prices on its courses from $200 to $9.99 through May 14, and we've laid out some of the best you can take to become a hybrid employee. 

SEE ALSO: Scientists from MIT and NASA helped make this one of the most comfortable dress shirts you’ll ever wear

1. Learn how to really use Photoshop

You'll likely need to know how to use Photoshop in today's workforce, and if you don't know what you're doing it's an enormous waste of time. Even if knowledge of it isn't essential for your job, it's definitely a skill that sets you apart from peers. At the least, it won't be the reason another candidate gets a callback and you don't. 

This course will help you create Photoshop Effects from scratch and make popular photographic effects in Adobe Photoshop by doing practical projects.

Photoshop Effects - Create Stunning Photo Effects, $9.99 (originally $200)



2. An entire MBA in 1 course

Taught by a former Goldman Sachs employee, this #1 best-selling course on Udemy will teach students everything you need to know about business from startup to IPO. The content is all based upon his work experience at several firms such as Goldman Sachs and the hedge fund industry and venture capital sector. 

Think of this course as the "greatest hits" business summaries from an award winning business school professor's own MBA, undergraduate business degree, and work experience in equities, consulting, hedge funds, venture capital and starting a company on his own. 

An Entire MBA in 1 Course:Award Winning Business School Prof., $9.99 (originally $200)



3. Perfect your résumé, LinkedIn, and networking and interviewing skills

Taught by an award-winning MBA professor, this #1 best-selling career development course teaches students how to master networking and each step in the long hiring process. Interview do's and don'ts and practice questions to optimizing LinkedIn and Resume formatting. Especially for recent graduates, this might be the most valuable skill you pick up. 

The Complete Job, Interview, Resume/LinkedIn & Network Guide, $9.99 (originally $200)

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 of the wildest conspiracy theories behind Amelia Earhart's disappearance

$
0
0

amelia earhart and fred noonan

  • Amelia Earhart was one of the most famous aviators in the world when she vanished in 1937.
  • Her disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time.
  • From her being a spy to her having lived in New Jersey under an assumed identity, many conspiracy theories surround her disappearance.

Amelia Earhart was the first female to fly across the Atlantic.

However, 81 years ago the American aviatrix vanished over the Pacific Ocean during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe by plane. To this day, the mystery behind her disappearance remains unsolved.

Here's what we know: on July 2, 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, departed from Lae, New Guinea. They were heading for Howland Island, a small island located in the central Pacific Ocean, but they never arrived. By 1939, both Earhart and Noonan were declared dead.

While the case remains unsolved, conspiracy theories abound over the late pilot's fate. Here are five of the most compelling guesses behind what happened to them.

1. Earhart crashed her plane and drowned in the Pacific Ocean.

Crash-and-sink theorists postulate that Earhart ran out of fuel while trying to locate tiny Howard Island, and subsequently crashed into the open ocean and drowned.

This theory is supported by the fact that Earhart and Noonan put in a number of calls to the US Coast Guard ship "Itasca," communicating that they were low on fuel and having trouble finding Howard Island.

Despite the $4 million rescue authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to find the pilots, no trace of the aircraft, Earhart, or Noonan was ever found.



2. She landed safely — but on the wrong island.

We know that Earhart was aware that she was running low on fuel, which means one of two things — she either crashed somewhere, or landed successfully.

One theory suggests that Earhart managed to land her aircraft safely — just not on Howard Island, as anticipated. The International Historic Aircraft Recovery Group believe that Earhart ultimately landed on Gardner Island, a nearby deserted island that is now called Nikumaroro, when she couldn't locate Howard, and then perished as a castaway.

However, since her aircraft was never found this remains nothing but a theory.



3. She was captured and taken prisoner by the Japanese.

Last year a photo was discovered in the National Archives that depicts a woman who resembles Earhart sitting on a dock in the Marshall Islands near a man who resembles her navigator, Noonan.

The discovery of the photograph helps substantiate the theory that Earhart and Noonan didn't crash at all, but instead landed in the Marshall Islands, where they were taken prisoner by the Japanese.

Per INSIDER, retired government investigator Les Kinney told NBC News that the photo "clearly indicates that Earhart was captured by the Japanese," despite Japanese authorities' insistence that they have no record of Earhart ever being in their custody.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 things you should never buy at Trader Joe's

$
0
0

trader joe's grocery store supermarket

Tiki-themed grocery store chain Trader Joe's is beloved for its "Two-Buck Chuck" wine and its unique yet addictive snacks, among many other things.

But there are some items you should never buy at this grocery store if you're concerned about your budget and your health.

These are the 11 things you should skip putting in your cart next time you're shopping at Trader Joe's, from coconut oil to shredded cheese.

1. Shredded mozzarella

While the blocks of cheese are incredible quality for their price, you might want to skip the shredded versions. You'll shell out $3.79 for a 16-ounce bag of mozzarella at Trader Joe's, while the same costs just $2.18 at Walmart.



2. Lemonade

There's only a 30-cent price difference between TJ’s organic and original lemonades, making the organic version a steal. But costing at least $2.69, both options pale in comparison to the $1.76 you could pay elsewhere for your favorite summer sipper. Check out these other 11 things Trader Joe's employees wish you knew.



3. Burritos

At first glance, the nutrition facts on a Trader Joe's burrito don't look too terrible: 300 calories, nine grams of fat, and 790 milligrams of sodium in one pollo asado wrap. But take a closer look and you'll notice that's only for half a burrito. Unless you have incredible self-control, you're better off loading up corn tortillas with some homemade fillings to keep the stats down.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Step aboard the USS Zumwalt, the largest destroyer the US Navy has ever built

$
0
0

USS Zumwalt

The USS Zumwalt, the largest destroyer the US Navy has ever built, will fire its first missile in 2019, Warrior Maven reported in late April.

The Zumwalt will fire an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile and SM-2 from its Mk 57 Vertical Launch Systems, as the Navy continues to explore a new range of weapons for the ship, according to Warrior Maven.

The Navy has also been considering equipping the Zumwalt — the first of the Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers — with nuclear cruise missiles, Maritime Strike Tomahawks, SM-6 missiles, and even lasers.

But the $4 billion ship has been plagued with electrical problems, engineering malfunctions, and other issues prior to being commissioned in 2016 and in the years since.

Still, the sleek Zumwalt has been called a "technological marvel."

Take a closer look:

SEE ALSO: We took a rare tour of one of the US Navy's most dangerous warships that entered combat for the first time in Syria

Built by General Dynamics, the USS Zumwalt was launched in October 2013 and is designed to perform a range of deterrence, power-projection, sea-control, and command-and-control missions.

General Dynamics is one of the largest defense contractors and political donors in the US. 

Source: US Navy



It was commissioned in October 2016.



It's 610 feet long.

Source: US Navy



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

5 details you may have missed on the latest 'Riverdale' episode

$
0
0

archie riverdale

Warning: Spoilers ahead for season two, episode 21 of The CW's "Riverdale," titled "Judgment Night."

"Riverdale" was full of violent riots and shocking moments during Wednesday's episode. 

Some of the most wild moments included Cheryl going full superhero on the Black Hood, the serial killer's identity being revealed as Hal, Fangs dying, and Jughead being beaten and left for dead. It was an emotional roller coaster that featured some subtle details. 

INSIDER worked with Archie Comics to reveal six details you might have missed.

The episode's final shot of FP holding a bloodied Jughead was inspired by a Batman issue that featured the death of Robin (Jason Todd).

"Riverdale" creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa tweeted the image and said, "This is one of the most iconic images in modern comics. And an inspiration for tomorrow's episode of 'Riverdale.'"



Veronica makes another reference to DC Comics when she asks Hermione if the family is trying to turn Riverdale into Gotham City.

The characters on "Riverdale" have made other references to DC Comics before, and DC characters have made appearances in Archie Comics. A crossover comic called "Archie Meets Batman '66"will be released in July.



Cheryl mentions the "houses beyond the pines."

"The Place Beyond the Pines" is a 2012 crime movie starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Mahershala Ali, and Eva Mendes.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 36 richest musicians in Britain

$
0
0

Calvin Harris

The richest musicians in Britain have been revealed by The Sunday Times Rich List.

The full annual Rich List, which will be published on Sunday May 13, calculates the wealth of the 1,000 richest people in Britain based on "identifiable wealth," including land, property, assets such as art and racehorses, and significant shares in public companies. It does not, however, include money in private bank accounts.

In the music industry, Ed Sheeran made more money (£28 million) than any other British musician in the past year thanks to his album "÷," putting his overall wealth at £80 million and giving him a spot tied at 35th place.

According to the rich list, he is worth today what Sir Paul McCartney was worth in 1989 when the first list was published — and McCartney's wealth has since grown by 925%.

Scroll down to see the 36 richest musicians in Britain, ranked in ascending order by wealth.

SEE ALSO: The 21 richest Asians in the UK

=35. Ed Sheeran — £80 million.



=35. Gary Barlow (Take That) — £80 million.



=31. Pete Townshend (The Who) and Rachel Fuller — £82 million.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 11 richest musicians in Britain aged 30 or under

$
0
0

Zayn Malik

The Sunday Times Rich List calculates the wealth of the 1,000 richest people in Britain.

While the full list will be published on Sunday May 13, a list of the richest musicians has already been revealed — as well as the richest musicians under 30 years old.

The list is calculated by each star's "identifiable wealth," which includes land, property, assets like art and racehorses, and shares in public companies. It does not include the amount in any private bank accounts.

This year, the richest young musicians under 30 include members of bands as well as solo artists.

Scroll down to see the 11 richest young musicians under 30 in Britain, ranked in ascending order by wealth.

SEE ALSO: The 36 richest musicians in Britain

=11. Winston Marshall (Mumford & Sons) — £11 million.



10. Jessie J — £18 million.



9. Sam Smith — £24 million.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 gadgets and tech accessories that are perfect for the pool or beach

$
0
0

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.

JBL Flip 4

Summer is coming. For many, that means trips to lakes, beaches, pools, or even running through sprinklers — we don't judge. Unfortunately, humans love water way more than electronics do.

Nothing is worse than having a beautiful beach day ruined by an accidental drink spill or a pair of clumsy hands. I've seen the look of horror on friend's faces when they fall into a pool with a phone in their pocket, I'm well aware of how bad things can get when gadgets and water meet. 

Thankfully you can be spared a similar fate by stocking up on waterproof tech that won't have a problem surviving an accidental dip or two. The picks below are all are waterproof or water-resistant, and there's even an accessory to keep your non-waterproof electronics safe while you're having your fun in the sun. 

DON'T MISS: 8 stylish men's boat shoes to wear this spring and summer

SEE ALSO: This cult-favorite cooler is virtually indestructible and keeps your drinks cold for hours

A waterproof speaker

JBL Flip 4, $79.99, available at Amazon

I’ve tested several waterproof speakers, but JBL’s Flip 4 is still the one I recommend most often. I submerged it under water for a little over 10 minutes while testing it for my review and it continued to work perfectly.

Durability aside, the Flip 4 is also a great sounding speaker that comes in fun colors that’ll help it stand out in crowded places. The speaker also has a feature that lets two devices connect to it simultaneously, so you and a friend can take turns DJing instead of having to pass one person's phone around.



Waterproof headphones

Swimbuds SPORT Waterproof Headphones, $70, available at Amazon

Why should runners have all the fun? If you'd like to listen while you swim laps, a pair of waterproof headphones should be on your summer to-buy list. Thankfully, Swimbuds has you covered.

Now on their second generation, swimmers on Amazon have praised the Swimbuds for their snug fit and tight water seal. The Swimbuds come with four different types of headphone tips, so they can fit in as many differently shaped ears as possible. The air seal they create is powerful enough that, as long as they're in your ears before you make the plunge, you shouldn't get any water inside.

By default the Swimbuds have a short cord so they don't interfere with your swimming, but an extra three-foot cable is included if you'd like to clip your music device somewhere lower on your body.

Read on to learn about the best waterproof MP3 player to pair with these headphones.



A waterproof MP3 player

Underwater Audio Waterproof iPod Shuffle, $190, available at Amazon 

Modern phones are basically waterproof, but only for short periods of time. So how do you listen to music with your new waterproof earbuds? A waterproof MP3 player.

There's lingering leeriness about MP3 players, as they've largely been replaced by a streaming-music app on our phones, and for good reason — most of them were clunky. Underwater Audio has made the best of the situation by selling waterproofed versions of the iPod Shuffle. Sure, it doesn't have a lot of storage or a screen, but those likely won't be your priorities mid-backstroke. It's only 2GB, but that's enough for a couple hundred songs or a handful of audiobooks and podcasts.

The only complaint I've seen is people dislike the headphones that come bundled with the iPod, but that won't be a problem for those who have a pair of Swimbuds.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Meet Malia Obama's boyfriend, a prep school graduate rugby player who studies with her at Harvard

$
0
0

U.S. President Barack Obama and his daughter Malia

Malia Obama — the elder daughter of former president Barack Obama — reportedly has a boyfriend.

In fall 2017, footage of Obama smooching another Harvard student at a football game leaked to TMZ. The Daily Mail quickly identified the student as Rory Farquharson, a Harvard sophomore from the UK.

Then, early in 2018, reporters snapped photos of the couple shopping together in New York City.

Below, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Farquharson's life.

SEE ALSO: Barack Obama's daughter is reportedly dating an investment manager's son who was head boy at a £35,000-a-year private school in England

Rory Farquharson is 19 years old. He is a British student who joined the Harvard class of 2020 in 2017.

Source: Business Insider, Harvard



Malia Obama is also 19 years old and is currently in her second semester at Harvard. Her parents, Barack and Michelle Obama, are graduates of Harvard Law School.



Obama was caught on camera smooching Farquharson (The Daily Mail identified him) at the Harvard-Yale football game in November 2017. TMZ published the footage.

Source: The Daily Mail, TMZ



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to know if you or someone you know is a narcissist, according to a clinical psychologist

$
0
0

narcissist

  • Narcissists share certain key behaviors. 
  • One of the most common traits associated with narcissists is a lack of empathy, as well as an inability to relate to the emotions of others. 
  • While narcissists may appear to have an inflated sense of self-importance, this often stems from low self-esteem and insecurity. 

 

Sometimes it seems like we live in a world plagued by people with an inflated sense of self-importance — like that one Facebook friend who brags about every minute of her life, or the coworker who drones on and on about how wonderful he is.

But it can be hard to decipher whether these people simply lack self-awareness or if they suffer from a deeper problem, like narcissism.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles and a licensed clinical psychologist, shares some of the qualities that might make you, or someone you know, a narcissist.

SEE ALSO: 5 tips for making a long-distance relationship work, according to relationship experts

You blame others for your problems

Durvasula says one common quality of narcissists is never taking ownership when they make mistakes. They will blame anyone they can instead of admitting their wrongdoing.



You've been told you lack empathy

This is often recognized as the hallmark quality of narcissists. People with narcissistic personality disorder are often incapable of relating to the feelings of others.



If you do something kind for someone, you expect endless thanks

When narcissists buy someone a gift, they expect an inappropriate amount of gratitude. This quality applies in the workplace, too. "Let's say they help you, mentor you or advance you," Durvasula says. "They will expect you to thank them and be grateful for that for the rest of your life."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best gaming headsets you can buy

$
0
0

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

best gaming headset

The Insider Pick:

  • A great gaming headset is well-designed, very comfortable, and sounds great. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC gaming headset is our top pick because it checks all of the boxes with its hi-res audio, comfortable design, and smart features.

Gaming is often all about immersion. That’s why, in recent years, products like ultra-wide monitors and virtual reality headsets have become increasingly common and important in the gaming world. But immersion isn’t just about what you see — It’s also about what you hear, and as such, a great gaming headset can elevate the experience.

As you might expect, there are a ton of gaming headsets out there, and that number is growing all the time. However, not all gaming headsets are created equal. That's why we've put together a guide to the best gaming headsets at every price point from $350 to $50.

So what should you consider when buying a new gaming headset? Well, for starters you’ll need to decide whether you want a wired or wireless headset. Wired headsets generally produce a slightly higher fidelity sound, but obviously, you have to deal with a wire. Wireless headsets, on the other hand, free you up a little, but can introduce some latency — Luckily, these days it’s basically a non-issue. With wireless headsets, you’ll also want to think about battery life.

Gaming headsets often have a microphone built right into them, which can be important if you play multiplayer games that require communication with teammates. And, of course, comfort is an extremely important factor to consider. Some might argue that comfort is even the most important thing to consider when buying a gaming headset because gamers tend to wear headsets for hours on end while they play.

Last but not least, you’ll want to think about your budget, and how much you’re willing to spend on a headset. We've covered all price ranges in this guide, so no matter what your budget there should be something for you.

Here are our top picks for the best gaming headsets you can buy no matter your budget:

Read on in the slides below to check out all our favorite gaming headsets. 

SEE ALSO: The best gaming keyboards you can buy

The best gaming headset overall

Why you'll love it: The SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC offers top-level comfort and great design, plus hi-res audio that will make any game sound better.

SteelSeries has long been a leader in the gaming headset market, and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC is no exception to that rule. We think it’s the best gaming headset you can buy hands down.

There are a ton of things that make this wired gaming headset such a great option. First off, it has a really nice, sleek, black design. The headband is adjustable and the GameDAC, which is where you’ll control the headset’s audio, is very easy to use.

When you’re talking about gaming headsets, comfort is perhaps the most important thing to consider. Gamers tend to wear their headphones for longer periods of time than most people, and thankfully, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC headset is super comfortable. There’s ample padding in the ear cups, plus the elastic headband ensures the headset fits well around any head shape.

Of course, the most important thing to consider is how the headset sounds, and it sounds great. This is actually the first gaming headset to support hi-res audio, which helps deliver a much clearer sound than what you might be used to. Sure, there aren’t many games that offer hi-res audio just yet, but that should be coming.

When it comes to frequency response, there’s plenty of bass, while the mid-range is tuned very naturally. In the high-end, there’s a ton of clarity and sibilance, which will help things like gunshots sound much more realistic.

There are a few downsides to consider. For example, the headset is largely aimed at PC gamers because of its wired design, though we’ll talk about the wireless version in the next section. On top of that, it’s a little pricey. If you can afford it, however, most reviewers think it’s well worth it. Headphone Review gave the headset a nice 8.7/10, while PCMag settled for a still respectable 4/5.

Pros: Nicely designed, very comfortable, sounds excellent, hi-res audio support

Cons: Expensive, built for PC gaming

Buy the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC on Amazon for $249.99



The best wireless gaming headset

Why you'll love it: The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is super comfortable to wear while you game, and the lack of wires makes it even better.

Perhaps you’re not really interested in a wired gaming headset. If that’s you, then you need not worry: There’s also a wired version of the Arctis Pro, called the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless.

Like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC, the Arctis Pro Wireless boasts a great design and is very comfortable. It offers the same level of padding in the ear cups, plus the headband is adjustable, so you’ll be able to find a great fit depending on your head size.

Because the headset is wireless, it’s a little different from the Arctis Pro + GameDAC. For starters, it does not support hi-res audio, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sound good. Thankfully, it does. It still boasts plenty of bass with a very well-tuned mid-range. The high-end isn’t quite as clear as the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, but it’s still very well-tuned with plenty of extension for those who want it.

The trade-off to the slightly different sound quality is, of course, that the headset is wireless, so it’s a great option for console gamers or those who don’t want to deal with pesky wires at their desk. It’s been well-reviewed, too. Tom’s Guide gave it 8/10, TechRadar gave it 4.5/5, and Headphone Review gave it 8.4/10.

Pros: Great design, very comfortable, sounds great, wireless

Cons: Expensive, not quite as great-sounding as wired version

Buy the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless on Amazon for $329.99



The best surround sound gaming headset

Why you'll love it: The Astro A50 boasts a comfortable design and great battery life, but the best thing about it is the immersive sound you’ll get from its surround sound support.

Before SteelSeries launched the Arctis Pro headsets, Astro was considered the boss in town, with the Astro A50. In fact, it’s still among the best headsets out there, and in our opinion, it’s the best if you’re looking for surround sound features.

The Astro A50 features a nice design with sensibilities that should appeal to plenty of gamers. It’s also pretty lightweight, which is good news for those who don’t like heavy headsets. You also get plenty of padding to help make the headset super comfortable.

Of course, the most important thing to consider is how the headset sounds, and it sounds pretty good. As mentioned, the Astro A50 features surround sound, which, when used with compatible games, helps make gaming a whole lot more immersive than it otherwise would be. It also boasts 15 hours of battery life and it charges when you're not using it, thanks to the base station.

Not everything about the headset is perfect. The microphone on the headset isn’t the best, and the headset is a little pricey. Still, plenty of reviewers love the headset. Trusted Reviews gave it 8/10, while Headphone Review gave it an even better 8.4/10.

Pros: Comfortable, surround sound, long battery life

Cons: Microphone could be better, expensive

Buy the Astro A50 on Amazon for $299.99



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 things you're doing that are making your dog secretly hate you

$
0
0

dog

Dogs are one of the best things in the world, but owning them comes with a lot of challenges and a big learning curve. A dog is more than just a pet — they’re a family member whose life you're responsible for.

And no two dogs are exactly the same. They each have likes, dislikes, and fears just like any of us, and as their human, you’ll have to learn your dog’s preferences to make sure you aren’t doing things they secretly hate.

Of course, not every item on this list will apply to all dogs, and your dog may like or at least be able to deal with these things better than others. But it’s important to be aware of them so you can try to create the best possible life for your pup.

You hug them too tight.

There’s been some debate over whether or not dogs hate being hugged, but the consensus seems to be that, at the very least, they probably don’t love it. When they’re hugged, which is a behavior dogs don’t naturally do with each other, they show signs of stress like becoming tense, pinning their ears back, or moving away from you.

This doesn’t mean you can’t show your dog affection. They’re your best friend, after all. But find ways to show that affection in ways other than a full-blown hug, and pay attention to their body language to make sure the gesture isn’t making them uncomfortable.



You force them to be social.

Although dogs are, by nature, a social pack animal, it doesn’t mean all dogs want to be social all the time. Some develop phobias of men, strangers, or children that can lead to dangerous situations. And a friendly dog won’t necessarily be friendly with all other dogs. They’re still territorial and, just like us, meet people or dogs they simply don’t bond with.

If you notice your dog being aggressive with another on your walks or at the dog park, don’t keep forcing them together expecting them to “warm up” to each other, according to the Mother Nature News Network. Just take your dog home where they can relax.



Their walks are rushed.

Sometimes we’re all rushed and taking an hour-long walk isn’t an option. But for the sake of your dog, it’s important to make time. Not only do they need the daily exercise and routine, but they also need time built in to that walk to smell pretty much everything, according to the Animal Foundation.

Your dog’s sense of smell is heightened, and it’s one of the main ways they take in information about the world. As annoying as it might be, stopping to smell that grass or tree stump is actually an automatic behavior for the dog, and it’s a bad idea to try and train it out of them.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These are the US military's 6 favorite automatic weapons from the last 100 years

$
0
0

US Army soldier M249 automatic weapon rifle machine gun

Automatic weaponry has been a major asset to the United States Military for a long time now. There's been a lot of innovation since James Puckle patented his famous gun in 1718 — arguably the world's first "machine gun." It should come as no surprise that much of this innovation was spurned on by centuries of warfare.

In the form of machine guns, submachine guns, and automatic rifles, the United States has used a slew of automatic weaponry on battlefields across the globe since World War I. Many of these weapons hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the service members who employed them.

These are the favorites:

SEE ALSO: Here's every weapon the US Army gives to its soldiers

6. M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle.

This is the youngest item on the list, but it's certainly worth the mention — the M27 IAR began its service in the Marine Corps in 2010 after years of testing. A personal favorite of Marines all across the Corps (especially the one writing this article), this bad boy fires a 5.56x45mm NATO round and is magazine-fed (which is considered a major disadvantage to the automatic riflemen who employ it). It offers the option of semi-automatic fire for when fully automatic is not ideal.

Though there is plenty of debate surrounding the replacement of the M249, the M27's magazine-fed, closed-bolt system is what makes it ideal for use within a fire team. It requires only the person carrying it to operate it. The downside is that the operator will have to carry a ton of extra magazines.



5. M249 Squad Automatic Weapon

The M249 SAW was brought into service in 1984 and is still in use. The M249 was used by automatic riflemen in the Marine Corps and fires a 5.56x45mm NATO round. However, its weight and the fact that it takes two people to operate made it less than ideal within fire teams. Marines will still preach about the glory of the SAW and somehow recall its mechanical shortcomings with fondness.



4. M60

If you talk to Vietnam veterans about the weapons they used, the M60 will undoubtedly come up in conversation as one of their favorites. It first entered into service in 1957. "The Pig," as its known, fires a 7.62x51mm NATO round and was used as the Squad Automatic Weapon for plenty of infantry units until the introduction of the M249 SAW.

The M60 still finds use in the United States Military among Navy SEALS, Army helicopter door gunners, and on Coast Guard ships, but it's slowly being phased out.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I tried this fashion startup's 'capsule wardrobe' of 5 pieces that can be worn 30 different ways — and it made my morning routine much easier

$
0
0

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.

THP VETTA18 SELECT 0014_preview

  • VETTA creates capsules of 5 wardrobe staples designed to be mixed and matched to make 30 outfits. All pieces are made in complementary colors and styles. Items range from $49-$149.
  • The company also makes all its clothes in responsible factories and from sustainable fabrics. By design, VETTA helps cut down on textile waste and the negative impacts of fast fashion.
  • I tried the Relaxed Capsule, and I've rarely been so impressed at first blush. The 5 pieces were comfortable, flattering, made my morning routine much easier, and managed to actually look and feel good in 30 different outfits — something I’ve never found to be true with similar capsules.
  • You can get a discount on their latest release, the Casual Capsule, or shop separates from past and present 5-piece mini collections.

If you’ve ever spent the first 15 minutes of your day laying in bed trying to plan out an outfit for work — or 45 the night before trying to reorganize your closet so you can take inventory — then you’re going to like the sound of VETTA.

VETTA is a startup with a simple idea: make 5 pieces that can be worn 30 ways. It simplifies your morning routine with versatile staples that all work together (in similar colors and styles), reducing your spending for work clothes (either to help you save or to leave more room for fun after-hours wear), and making your life easier and better with a leaner closet. And if you’re trying to be greener, this also helps mitigate the waste produced by fast fashion and textiles in general.

Making good on its promises, VETTA answers the seemingly contradictory desire for simplicity without giving up many options. It’s the same eternal wish that inspires companies to create ‘work uniforms’. And it's probably one reason why VETTA struck such a chord when it launched on Kickstarter in 2016.

Co-founder Cara Bartlett told Business Insider she wasn't even sure if people would be interested in their idea. Inspired by the pervasive waste and abuse in the garment industry, the two founded VETTA in an attempt to create a solution that would help consumers and the industry with their own respective issues. After three days, they had achieved their goal of $30,000 dollars and, within a month's time, nearly tripled that. The same year, VETTA won the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue Emerging Designer competition and created an exclusive item for their stores in 2017.

THP VETTA18 SELECT 0003_preview

The startup has resonated deeply with its audience (and sold out nearly every capsule created). 

As Bartlett explained, "VETTA helps women simplify their wardrobes by offering versatile capsule collections - five items that can be mixed and matched to create a month’s worth of outfits. In addition, VETTA is committed to using responsible factories and sustainable fabrics. We help women build thoughtful wardrobes that lead to happier closets and a better world." 

Each VETTA capsule is designed for versatility, with most pieces having a quota of being able to be worn six different ways. Bartlett, a Parsons graduate, says designing 5 pieces that can make 30 wearable, attractive outfits as being essentially "like a puzzle."

"We start with an aesthetic, like 'romantic' or 'minimal' and imagine a woman with this style and what the go-to pieces in her wardrobe would be. Everything needs to be current but also timeless, essential but also interesting, and something that could be worn from work to weekend." From there, the team picks a fabric, which must be high quality and sustainable, with considerations for performance and care requirements. For instance, VETTA's last two collections have been entirely machine washable. 

And since VETTA's mission is to help you build a thoughtful wardrobe from the ground up, all woven clothing comes from a family-run factory in NYC which sees frequent visits from the team. Sweaters are knitted by a partner factory in LA that's audited annually for social and environmental compliance and sources 70% of its energy from solar power. Fabric is either deadstock (leftover and otherwise destined for landfills) or sustainable (think Tencel, which is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp and processed in a closed loop system that recycles its solvents). In other words, the entire collection is one big thesis statement: "you don't have to sacrifice sustainability for style."

THP VETTA18 SELECT 0013_preview

I had a chance to try the Relaxed Capsule, and you can find my thoughts below, or settle for a very enthusiastic "this is the real deal." I remain very impressed with the company's near-magical manipulation of silhouettes to create 30 outfits I actually want to wear out of 5 pieces that look and feel good to buy and wear.

We cover a lot of great workwear companies at Insider Picks, but VETTA has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. The idea of VETTA is essential, and the execution is superior. 

Based on how many of these "capsule wardrobe" options I’ve tried over the years, I have come to believe that the actualization of this idea is nigh impossible. And yet, VETTA accomplishes making a lean closet (and investment buys like 5 semi-pricey items for 30 possible outfits) make sense. I wore the pieces in many different constructions and none felt forced or unnatural, though some might not have been exactly my "look"— but each was somehow equally flattering on. 

Plus, I received a lot of nice comments from coworkers and strangers alike (which is not as much par for the course here in New York as elsewhere).

While I give VETTA kudos for their ethical production and perhaps solitary mastery of the '5 pieces worn 30 different ways' model, I may have enjoyed the simplicity it added to my mornings the most. It was so refreshing. It made getting ready for work seamless, easy, and quick. 'Systems' are a great idea for this reason, but few simplify your process with cohesion and versatility without likewise limiting how much you actually enjoy your clothes. 

The practical applications of VETTA extend far, too. It can be useful for the recent graduate looking to get the most use out of the fewest purchases all the way to a seasoned career woman who just wants more time to herself, more room in her closet, or more comfortable work clothes. 

All in all, I’ve rarely been so impressed with a company’s offerings on a first impression. As I’ve said, it seems from a consumer standpoint to be nigh on impossible to make a ‘mix and match’ capsule that really works. VETTA does work, and I enjoyed the pieces together and separately. But what I enjoyed even more, perhaps, was getting up in the morning and knowing the first step in my day would be seamless and simple, and that I would look and feel good for the rest of it going forward.

Below is the VETTA Relaxed Capsule, which I wore:

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

The Wrap Jumpsuit, available in Black and Sand Stripe, $149



The Relaxed Tunic, available in White, Black, and Sand, $109



The Wrap Top, available in Black and Sand Stripe, $89 [currently sold out]



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The real-life love story of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill — country music's reigning power couple

$
0
0

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

There are many power couples in the music industry but perhaps none as long-lasting and in love as Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Not only have the two been married for over 20 years, they've also toured together and collaborated on each other's music for most of their marriage.

Check out the complete timeline of their success as a couple and as artists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1994: McGraw and Hill met for the first time.

The two lovebirds first met back in 1994 at the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. As newcomers to the country music scene, both Hill and McGraw performed in the "New Faces" show during the seminar. While the two got on at the event, they now say nothing more than friendly chat occurred, Hill had just divorced her husband, Daniel Hill, and McGraw was dating Kristine Donahue.



1996: The two had major chemistry while they performed together.

Sparks flew between the two singers when Hill opened for McGraw during his appropriately named "Spontaneous Combustion Tour." While McGraw was newly-single after breaking off his engagement to Kristine Donahue, Hill was engaged to record producer, Scott Hicks, at the time. Despite this, Hill realized the chemistry between her and McGraw was too good to pass up and she decided to break it off with Hicks.  

"If someone is going to judge my character because I was engaged to somebody and then I left him for somebody else — ‘Oh, okay, now she's a slut and a bad person' — I can't control that. But I wasn't about to let Tim slip through my hands," she told People.



June 26, 1996: McGraw popped the question.

According to BRIDES , McGraw performed in Colorado during the couple's 19th anniversary and told his audience how he had proposed to his wife.

"We were in the dressing room, here, June 26, 1996, and it was raining and stuff and we'd been on tour for a while together, and I joked around with her about getting married. And so I said ... I looked at her, grabbed her by the hand, and dropped forward [on my knees] onstage. She had already done her show. And I said, 'I'm really serious. I want you to marry me.'" The songstress laughed in response. "She said, 'We're at a country music festival in a trailer house, and you're asking me to marry you? And I said, 'Yeah.'"

 McGraw then went on stage to perform his part of the set and when he came back he saw that Hill had written a special message on  the mirror of his fold-out armoire. According to McGraw, Hill had written "Yes, I'm gonna be your wife! I love you" in Sharpie and surrounded it with lipstick-kisses. He said he still has that mirror today.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Viewing all 61683 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images