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

13 things I wish someone had told me before I had a second baby

$
0
0

family

  • When you have a second baby, things are a bit different than the first time around.
  • You will less concerned about being the perfect parent.
  • Time alone with your partner and friends is even more important.

 

Everything changes once you become a parent. Your sleep is cut in half, you eat standing up, and you may be unsure which day of the week it is — and that's just after you have your first child.

Just when you think you have this whole parenting gig figured out, the second baby comes along and life gets a lot more interesting.

If you're getting ready to have your second child, you might be wondering how your life is going to change, or if it's going to change at all. When I was pregnant with number two, friends and family members gave me tons of tips on what to expect when a second child joined the family.

While some of the advice was helpful, most of it made no difference at all — especially when I was knee-deep in parenting a toddler and breastfeeding a new baby.

Here are the 13 things I wish someone had told me before I had a second baby.

SEE ALSO: There are 4 styles of parenting, but one raises more successful kids than the rest, according to a psychotherapist

1. It's actually easier than you think

To be honest, I was scared to death about how hard it was going to be with a second baby. My first was barely two years old, and I was still trying to figure her out.

During the first few months after I had my second child, I often felt like I was walking in a fog. But after I found a routine that worked for me, I started feeling less like a hot mess. In fact, it wasn't until I started getting out of the house and becoming more comfortable with being a mom to two kids that things got easier.



2. You will 'wing' it a lot more than you did with your first child

During your first pregnancy, you probably had every baby book under the sun lined up nice and neat on your bookshelf. You may have even read all of them cover to cover — I know I did.

Just when you think you've got everything figured out from your first baby, number two comes along and "mom intuition"— aka "winging it"— takes over.

Who has time to Google anything when you're feeding a baby and changing diapers on a toddler — both at the same time (probably something NOT recommended in the baby books).



3. Your firstborn might revert to baby behavior to get attention

I made the mistake of trying to cram potty-training my toddler into the last few weeks of my second pregnancy. While it worked initially, she quickly went back to using diapers after my son was born. I chalked it up as a parenting failure, when in fact, it's quite common for children to revert to baby-like behavior when a sibling joins the family.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

25 celebrities who look even better with a beard

$
0
0

John Krasinski beard

John Krasinski may have first become a father back in February 2014, but it wasn't until we spotted his beard in "A Quiet Place" that we thought, "wow, what a daddy."

Like all of the guys on this list, Kransinski still looks great without facial hair, but his beard adds a certain something that bumps his looks up a level. Other actors like him also experienced a similar upgrade after growing their facial hair, such as Drake and Chris Hemsworth.

Let's celebrate the wonders of facial hair by looking at 25 celebrities who look even better with a beard.

Chris Evans' beard is currently heating up the big screen in "Avengers: Infinity War."

The "Captain America" actor typically opts for a clean-shaven look, but his current beard gives Thanos some serious competition in the "thicc" department.



Chris Hemsworth gives his co-star Chris Evans a run for his money with his beard that is fit for a mythical god.

He sports the beard in the "Thor" and "Avengers" movies, though he sometimes hits the red carpet without any facial hair.



Much like his relationship with Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth has an on-again-off-again status with his beard.

The "Hunger Games" star has a slightly more distinguished look with his facial hair grown out.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The father of Android has reportedly cancelled his next big smartphone and might sell the company after raising $300 million (GOOG, AAPL)

$
0
0

Andy Rubin Essential Phone

  • Essential — the startup founded by Android creator Andy Rubin — plans to sell itself, according to a new Bloomberg report. 
  • The hardware company released its first product, the Essential Phone, last year. But plans have now been scrapped to release a second device. 
  • Essential has raised $300 million to date and has been valued at around $1 billion.

Essential — the hardware startup founded by Android creator Andy Rubin — has canceled its next smartphone and is now looking to sell itself, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Alex Barinka

The 3-year-old startup has hired Credit Suisse to advise it on a sale, and has received interest from at least one potential buyer, Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous sources.

Essential is part of Rubin's startup incubator, Playground Global, and has raised $300 million. Essential is valued at around $1 billion, according to Pitchbook data.

The startup launched its first product, the Essential Phone, in August of last year. While the phone has been lauded as beautifully designed, it faced shipping delays, poor sales, and stiff competition from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google. By October, Essential had already slashed the price of the phone by $200 amid reports of poor sales. 

Bloomberg reports that the company has sold about 150,000 Essential Phones to date. 

According to Bloomberg, Essential had started working on a second iteration of the device, but those plans have been scrapped and employees working on the phone have been shifted to Essential's upcoming smart home product. 

Essential did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Here's a look at the first Essential phone, which Business Insider reviewed in August 2017:

SEE ALSO: HTC's newest phone is see-through and squeezable, and has some of the most futuristic features of any high-end smartphone

The Phone's square edges, ceramic back and titanium frame give it a premium feel.

Its design makes the Phone heavier and less comfortable to hold than Apple's iPhone 7 or Samsung's Galaxy S8. But it also makes the device more substantial. Picking up the Phone is an occasion. The iPhone 7 and the Galaxy S8, by contrast, feel like mere objects that are just doing their jobs.



Its back is made of ceramic, which is gorgeous.



Like its back, the Phone's edges also have a mirror finish.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 books you should read before starting a business

$
0
0

shutterstock_1007588380

  • Books can be an affordable way to get professional advice before starting your own business.
  • Authors highlight the mistakes startups have made in the past, making it easier to avoid doing the same. 
  • The advice in these books can apply to anyone, whether you're an aspiring tech entrepreneur or an artist looking to tell your work.

 

If you want to start a business, you'll need advice on where to start, what pitfalls to anticipate, and how best to spend your time and money to get your idea off the ground.

While you may be tempted to spring for classes, seminars, and training sessions, books are the most accessible and affordable way to start learning.

Whether you're an aspiring tech entrepreneur or an artisan looking to sell your work, these are some of the most insightful books to read before you launch.

SEE ALSO: 9 books to read if you want to change careers

1. 'The Art of the Start 2.0: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything,' by Guy Kawasaki

Entrepreneur and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki breaks down important lessons for new business owners in an accessible, easy-to-follow guide.

He acknowledges that with the democratizing force of the internet, once-unassailable business lessons are now in question. But one key idea is timeless: The importance of focusing on key details in the beginning so mistakes don't trip you up as your business grows. The book contains Kawasaki's hard-won practical advice about all manner of topics, from marketing and social media to crowdfunding and cloud computing.

Amidst all this practical advice, Kawasaki helps readers internalize his advice that "entrepreneur is a state of mind, not a job title."



2. 'The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup,' by Noam Wasserman

You can learn a lot by studying the experiences of founders who have gone before you. Noam Wasserman, a professor of clinical entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California, takes a wide-ranging look at how founders succeed and fail.

Using real-world examples to make his points, Wasserman vividly illustrates why certain ways of approaching entrepreneurship are better than others. Throughout, he focuses his advice on figuring out when to maintain control and when to tap outside resources.



3. 'Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works,' by Melinda F. Emerson

Emerson, founder and CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, lays out how to get a business off the ground in a series of monthly steps.

This practical guide spells out the tasks you need to tackle to get your business off the ground, from reaching out to venture capitalists and planning a one-year marketing strategy to getting the right software and investing in graphic design.

If you are looking to go from 0 to 60 and want to know exactly how to make it work, this book is a great one to have on your shelf.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The 2005 Champion League-winning Liverpool team

$
0
0

Liverpool Champions League Final 2005

The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final is one of the best in the history of the tournament. 

It was a showdown between two of the most storied clubs in world soccer, A.C. Milan and Liverpool F.C., in Istanbul. Milan looked set for a route, going up 3-0 by halftime. 

But the Reds of Liverpool had an extraordinary six minutes of soccer in the second half, scoring three goals in six minutes to tie the match. 

The match would stay tied at 3-3 all the way through extra time, culminating in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, which also came down to the wire, with Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek saving a penalty from Andriy Shevchenko to secure for Liverpool a 3-2 win in the shoot-out. 

Now, Liverpool has ridden Jurgen Klopp and his high-octane gegenpressing style back to the Champions League final, this time against Real Madrid, so we thought it would be the perfect time to take a look back at the Liverpool squad that won the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. The match data below is provided courtesy of UEFA

Steven Gerrard is an English former midfielder who was the Liverpool captain, as well as a product of the Liverpool Academy. In the final, he scored the goal that started the comeback and played the full match.



Gerrard spent bulk of the rest of his career with Liverpool, then retired following a brief spell with the L.A. Galaxy in MLS. He was recently named the next manager of the Scottish giants Rangers F.C.



Xabi Alonso is a Spanish former midfielder who had just joined Liverpool the previous summer. He scored the tying goal for Liverpool in the match.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

7 great movies you can watch on Netflix this weekend

$
0
0

Cargo_006

No plans over the holiday weekend?

With an extra day off, you'll have plenty of time to stay inside and watch movies.

To make your decisions on what to watch a lot faster, we look through Netflix's selection each week and pick seven movies you should watch.

We select a few that have come on the service recently and mix in a couple available movies you might have missed. We also tell you why you should watch them and provide the Netflix synopsis and Rotten Tomatoes critic and audience scores.

From the hilarious women-led Netflix original "Ibiza" to the historical thriller "The Imitation Game," these are wonderful movies on Netflix that you can watch over the weekend.

Here are seven movies on Netflix you should check out:

SEE ALSO: An inside look at how MoviePass will make money distributing movies, and what will happen if the company goes bust

"Ibiza" (2018) — a Netflix original

Netflix description: When Harper's two best friends tag along on her work trip to Barcelona, they ditch work and fly to Ibiza for Harper, who against her better judgment, falls for a hot DJ.

Critic score: 78%

Audience score: n/a

"Ibiza" is a hilarious movie that takes advantage of gross-out comedy clichés rather than shying away from them, and that's what makes it so great. The three leads — Gillian Jacobs, Phoebe Robinson, and Vanessa Bayer — are excellently cast as quirky but somehow relatable characters, and Richard Madden (aka Robb Stark, RIP) plays an EDM DJ.



"The Imitation Game" (2014)

Netflix description: During World War II, a gay mathematician leads a team of cryptanalysts as they work feverishly to break the Germans' notorious Enigma code.

Critic score: 91%

Audience score: 91%

This important and not-often-told story is one everyone should know. It's well-paced for a historical drama, and Benedict Cumberbatch — who earned his first Oscar nomination for his role as Alan Turing — is fantastic, as is Keira Knightley.



"Cargo" (2018) — a Netflix original

Netflix description: Amid a terrifying pandemic, a father searches the wilds of Australia for someone willing to protect and care for his infant daughter.

Critic score: 82%

Audience score: 71%

Critics are praising "Cargo" for inserting some solid and quite unexpected character-driven drama into a zombie movie, a genre that has been slightly overdone throughout the years. Martin Freeman is great in this film, which one of the best and most exciting original movies Netflix has released.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

These are the 15 most reliable car brands of 2018

$
0
0

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  • J.D. Power released its 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study in February. 
  • Lexus topped the survey for the seventh consecutive year.
  • This year saw the first increase in dependability since 2013.


J.D. Power's 2018 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which was released in February, measures the number of problems reported by consumers who have owned 2015 model-year vehicles for three years. 

The study found that vehicle dependability increased 9% over the 2017 study, which was the first increase since 2013.

"For the most part, automotive manufacturers continue to meet consumers’ vehicle dependability expectations," J.D. Power vice president of global automotive Dave Sargent said in a press release. "A 9% improvement is extremely impressive, and vehicle dependability is, without question, at its best level ever."

Lexus topped the survey for the seventh consecutive year with a score of 99 reported problems per 100 vehicles, while the industry average was 142. Porsche, Buick, Infiniti, and Kia rounded out the top-five.

These are the 15 most reliable car brands.

SEE ALSO: We've reviewed more than 40 sedans — these were the ones that impressed us the most

1. Lexus

Problems per 100 vehicles: 99

 



2. Porsche

Problems per 100 vehicles: 100



3. Buick

Problems per 100 vehicles: 116



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We tried to book a last-minute vacation with Airbnb and Hotel Tonight — and one was much easier to use than the other

$
0
0

arlo hotel soho

  • Airbnb and Hotel Tonight both allow users to book last-minute homes or hotels at low or discounted prices. 
  • The apps have been growing more and more similar, with Hotel Tonight starting to allow users to book farther in advance, and Airbnb rolling out a loyalty program and allowing boutique hotels to list rooms on the platform. 
  • With the apps becoming more competitive, we decided to compare what it's like to book a last-minute room on each platform. We found Hotel Tonight was easier to use.

Airbnb and Hotel Tonight have changed the way we book hotels.

Gone are the days that travelers have to book hotels months in advance to get the best deals. Airbnb and Hotel Tonight allow users to book luxury hotels and private homes just hours before check-in, sometimes at crazy-low prices.

There are some key differences between the two companies. Airbnb has been around for three years longer than Hotel Tonight, with Airbnb launching in 2008 and Hotel Tonight following in 2011. Last spring, Airbnb raised another $1 billion in a funding round that valued the company at $31 billion. Hotel Tonight, for comparison, raised $37 million in a round that valued it at $463 million.

The two apps have gradually become more competitive with each other. While Airbnb has always allowed users to book well in advance of their travels, Hotel Tonight has recently expanded its services to allow users to book hotels up to 100 days in advance. 

Hotel Tonight also previously had a leg up on Airbnb by offering a loyalty program, called HT Perks, that allows frequent users to earn credit towards future bookings. But Airbnb recently unveiled a loyalty program that will rival Hotel Tonight's, as well as a site-inspection program that ensures that homes have been verified as secure by Airbnb. 

We compared what it was like to book a last-minute stay on each of the apps. Here's which we preferred:  

SEE ALSO: Costco will now let you book luxury hotels for discounts of up to 30% — here's how it works

The first app we checked out was Airbnb. In order to view listings, you first had to sign up through Facebook or create an account.

In order to book an Airbnb, you need to fill out at least the basic profile information, including your full name, birthday, and ID verification, meaning a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID. It also asks for a phone number and email, and it suggests you provide information about your school and employment status. While this does make the service more secure for hosts and guests, it's a lot to fill out at once. 



Once you're signed in, you can view the homepage. There are featured listings of homes, experiences, and restaurants from around the world, and a new tab promotes Airbnb Plus, which lists homes that are verified by the company.



To compare the app to Hotel Tonight, I looked for a last-minute listing in New York. There was a surprising number of listings still open for that night, ranging from private rooms to entire two-bedroom apartments around New York City. Prices ranged from $50 for the night to over $200 — still definitely cheaper than any hotel you'd find in the city.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 terms that define modern dating

$
0
0

couple dating

  • Dating these days comes with its own unique terminology.
  • Ghosting, breadcrumbing, and gaslighting are all relationship phenomena people could run into when trying to find their next partner.
  • Here are 9 terms, from a relationship expert, that define modern dating so you can recognize them when they happen.

 

When it comes todating, it seems as though new terminology is constantly being introduced. For instance, talk of ghosts used to be limited to Halloween or reality shows, and now “ghosting” is popular year-round — at least when it comes to dating.

To help clarify “ghosting” and othermodern dating terms, Business Insider reached out to Antonia Hall, a psychologist, relationship expert, and author. From an etiquette standpoint, Hall filled us in on what’s OK and what’s not in terms of new dating trends.

SEE ALSO: The best way to find love in the modern world may be to approach dating like dieting

1. Ghosting

Ghosting is exactly what it sounds like — someone disappears and doesn’t bother to tell the person they’ve been dating. However, are there ever legitimatereasons to ghost?

“If you’re just too scared to be honest with the person, it is a very emotionally immature and selfish tactic,” Hall told Business Insider. She also saidthere are times when ghosting is necessary in order to take care of yourself. “If you’re dating someone who won’t take no for an answer, is emotionally abusive, or makes you feel unsafe, then cutting off all contact can be the best thing to do.”



2. Zombie-ing

Basically, after being ghosted, the ghost may return one day, as a zombie. The best part? They’ll act like nothing’s happened.

“The intention behind someone’s return is the important key to whether or not zombie-ing is OK,” Hall said. “Sometimes, people change and want another chance to make things right, but that should be made clear in their opening recommunication with you.”



3. Caspering

If “ghosting” had a cousin, it would be “caspering,” and the latter is the nicer of the two. Instead of just disappearing,someone who caspers basically tells the person they’re dating that they’re going to disappear in a nice way. “As opposed to ghosting,caspering is a compassionate way to bow out,” Hall said.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, who started Theranos when she was 19 and became the world's youngest female billionaire before it all came crashing down

$
0
0

Elizabeth Holmes

These days, blood-testing startup Theranos is on its last legs. 

But in 2014, the billion-dollar company and its CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, were on top of the world. Back then, Theranos was a revolutionary idea thought up by a woman hailed as a genius who styled herself as a female Steve Jobs. Holmes was the world's youngest female self-made billionaire, and Theranos was one Silicon Valley's unicorn startups. 

Then it all came crashing down.

The shortcomings and inaccuracies of Theranos's technology were exposed, along with the role Holmes played in covering it all up. Theranos and Holmes were charged with massive fraud, and the company was forced to close its labs and testing centers. 

This is how Holmes went from precocious child to ambitious Stanford dropout to embattled startup CEO. 

SEE ALSO: Leaked video shows Theranos employees playing the video game they created where you shoot at the reporter who exposed the startup's problems

Elizabeth Holmes was born on February 3, 1984 in Washington, D.C. Her mom, Noel, was a Congressional committee staffer, and her dad, Christian Holmes, worked for Enron before moving to government agencies like USAID.

Source: Elizabeth Holmes/TwitterCNN, Vanity Fair



Holmes' family moved when she was young, from Washington, D.C. to Houston.

Source: Fortune



When she was 7, Holmes tried to invent her own time machine, filling up an entire notebook with detailed engineering drawings.

At the age of 9, Holmes told relatives she wanted to be a billionaire when she grew up. Her relatives described her as saying it with the "utmost seriousness and determination."

That same year, Holmes wrote a letter to her father: "What I really want out of life is to discover something new, something that mankind didn't know was possible to do."

Source: CBS News, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Every 'Star Wars' movie and TV show currently in the works, including a Boba Fett spin-off

$
0
0

star wars

It's a good week to be a "Star Wars" fan.

Not only is "Solo: A Star Wars Story" now in theaters, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm is "developing movies on a slew of characters," including fan favorites Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

That's just the icing on the cake, though. Multiple other projects have already been announced, and it might be hard to keep track of them all.

The creators of "Game of Thrones" and the director of "Iron Man" are all signed on for separate projects, just to name a couple. 

Details are scarce for these movies and TV shows, but we know Disney and Lucasfilm might even have more up their sleeves. 

Apart from what we already know, Disney CEO Bob Iger said in February that "a few 'Star Wars' series specifically for" the upcoming Disney streaming service are in development.

Below is every "Star Wars" project currently in development that has been reported or announced:

SEE ALSO: The 30 most important 'Star Wars' movie villains, ranked from worst to best

Episode IX

It was announced in September that "The Force Awakens" director J.J. Abrams would direct Episode IX and finish the trilogy he started. Abrams replaced "Jurassic World" director Colin Trevorrow, who left the movie over creative differences. The movie comes to theaters December 20, 2019.



Rian Johnson's trilogy

A new "Star Wars" trilogy from "The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson was announced in November. Johnson will write and direct the trilogy, which will be separate from the main saga and standalone films.



David Benioff and D.B. Weiss' films

Lucasfilm announced in February that "Game of Thrones" showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will write and produce a new series of "Star Wars" films. It's unknown how many movies they will develop, but they will be separate from Johnson's trilogy and the main Skywalker saga.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

We went shopping for electronics at Best Buy and Sears — and it's clear who does it better (BBY, SHLD)

$
0
0

sears 9540

  • Best Buy and Sears both sell appliances and electronics like TVs, smart-home devices, and speaker systems. 
  • If Sears were to close all of its stores, Best Buy would be in a good position to capture sales, analysts say, because of the overlap in the products the stores sell. 
  • We visited both stores and found that besides the size of the electronics departments, Best Buy offered better prices, higher-quality products, and a better shopping experience overall.

It's no secret that Sears' business has been struggling for some time.

Best Buy may be one of the biggest winners if Sears closes its stores, in part because of the retailers' overlap in appliances and consumer electronics. While appliances are still one of the top categories for Sears, making up an estimated $3.5 billion of Sears' sales, consumer electronics are an $850 million business for the retailer, according to UBS analysis.

According to the Associated Press, in 2014, Sears changed its electronics department's focus from products like TVs to "connected living" products in fitness, home services, appliances, and gadgets. But in March, it decided to refocus on consumer electronics in one-third of its stores again.

"It's a smaller assortment than Best Buy's, but it's larger than it was five months ago and is considerably expanded online, where there's a much broader range," Dean Schwartz, president of hardlines for Sears Holdings, told Twice.

When we visited one of the Sears locations that carried electronics, the store seemed to be struggling. A lot of the shelves were empty, and much of what was on shelves felt dated, including things like boomboxes designed for CDs and cassettes or speakers that can connect to an iPhone 4. 

Unlike Sears, which is struggling to stay afloat, Best Buy reported 7.1% same-store sales growth in the first quarter of 2018 and plans to open a new store for the first time in seven years. When we visited, Best Buy had more of a focus on new technology like smart-home devices. The displays were also more appealing, and the prices were lower on products like TVs, headphones, and phone chargers.

While the selection itself was obviously bigger at Best Buy, we compared the two stores' electronics selection based on the overall shopping experience. See how they stack up:

SEE ALSO: We shopped at Barnes & Noble and saw a key shortcoming that's hurting the chain in its battle against Amazon

My first stop was Sears in Yonkers, New York. The massive department store spanned three floors.



It took me a while to find the electronics department. It was shoved into a corner on the third floor, surrounded by vacuums and microwaves.



The selection of TVs was limited. There were two walls of TVs that were all similar in size and price.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 foods to avoid when you have period cramps

$
0
0

eating cake

It’s that time of the month — your uterus feels like it’s waging a ruthless war on your body causing cramps that make you want to lay in bed and do nothing by sob. But, in addition to applying heat, drinking peppermint tea, and taking Midol, you can help ease cramp pain by avoiding certain types of food. No, seriously.

"Research suggests that women who suffer from PMS symptoms, including cramps, are likely to have elevated inflammation markers," licensed nutritionist Monica Reinagel told INSIDER. "Although this needs to be studied further, it's possible that following an anti-inflammatory diet could help reduce those symptoms. In a nutshell, follow a Mediterranean style diet pattern."

With that advice in mind, here are the main foods you should avoid if you’re suffering from period cramps:

1. No added sugar.

As tasty and delicious as high-sugar foods are, the unfortunate truth is giving into sugar-filled cravings on your period can disrupt your body's natural blood sugar levels, according to Livestrong. In turn, this can lead to intense mood swings and tension in your body — hence the increased cramp pains. Limiting or cutting out high-sugar foods entirely during this time of the money will help stabilize your mood and, hopefully, reduce cramp pain.



2. Say goodbye to refined foods.

From flour to ever-delicious grains, refined foods are made of simple carbohydrates and often have a ton of hidden sugars. Not to mention the fact that many refined foods, like white bread, cereal, and rice have very little nutritional value. But, if your body is craving a hearty piece of toast, opt for whole grains over the refined options. Your body will thank you.



3. Fried foods are the enemy.

This sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes you just can't help but crave a slice of pizza, pile of French fries, or doughnuts on your period. That's totally fine, but fried foods can actually cause inflammation, which may be linked to increased pain during your period, according to a study by the Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Thankfully, you can reduce your painful period cramps by opting for a snack free of grease.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 villains who should be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

$
0
0

fantastic four

Jake Gyllenhaal is in talks to join the "Spider-Man: Homecoming" sequel as the villain Mysterio. That's great news, but there are plenty of other villains, for Spider-Man and beyond, who could be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We've thought about the superheroes who should be introduced after the fourth "Avengers" movie next year, but villains are an integral part of the MCU as well — or at least they should be.

The franchise didn't really start hitting its stride with villains until recently. Vulture in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," Hela in "Thor: Ragnarok," Killmonger in "Black Panther," and Thanos in "Avengers: Infinity War" were all compelling villains who proved how engaging a well-written bad guy could be.

We're hopeful that the MCU can continue this trend. A Disney-Fox deal could open up a world of possibilities with Fantastic Four and X-Men villains and set the stage for franchise-altering events similar to "Infinity War."

Here are 11 villains who should be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

SEE ALSO: 'Deadpool 2' relies on a sexist cliché that has been a problem in superhero stories for decades

Annihilus

Enemy of: The Fantastic Four

Annihilus, the ruler of Marvel's Negative Zone, is just one of many villains who could be introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe if the Disney-Fox deal is finalized and would factor into a potential cosmic war reminiscent of the "Annihilation" storyline, which pits Marvel's space-based characters against one another in an all-out war.

The Fantastic Four discovered the Negative Zone, which has put them in frequent conflict with Annihilus, who often tries to invade Earth but is thwarted.



Chameleon

Enemy of: Spider-Man

Chameleon, who poses as other people to commit crimes, was the first villain Spider-Man encountered, way back in 1963, so it's a wonder he hasn't made his big-screen debut yet. Maybe it's because he's not as "cinematic" as the likes of Doctor Octopus or Lizard, but in the comics he is the brother of another Spider-Man foe, Kraven the Hunter — something that could make for an interesting dynamic in a third MCU "Spider-Man" movie.



Doctor Doom

Enemy of: The Fantastic Four

Doom, the leader of the fictional nation Latveria, would not only be the main enemy of the MCU's Fantastic Four — he could be a worthy enemy for the entire MCU.

Perhaps the problem with the "Fantastic Four" movies is that Doom is too formidable a villain and too complex a character to be confined to only them. But imagine Doom, a master of sorcery, going toe to toe with Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, and his purpose becomes clearer.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

14 people share the small things that improve their workouts

$
0
0

unbreakable kimmy schmidt workout

Many people go to great lengths to find an exercise routine that works for them. 

For some, that means hitting the gym at the crack of dawn, attending group classes, or working with a personal trainer. For others, it's the smaller things that make the biggest difference. 

Hundreds of people shared the little things that improved their time at the gym in response to a question on Reddit, "What do you guys do that you maybe don't write down on your plan, but still incorporate?"

INSIDER was unable to independently verify these stories, but they still provide some ideas for changes that could improve your workouts.

1. They put weights away.

"Re-racking weights, it's like a mini exercise. It's annoying when they aren't in order." - stormhunter1 



2. They leave motivational notes to themselves.

"Sometimes I write cute little notes to myself to improve my self-esteem and leave them in in my gym bag to find later." - ghostmcspiritwolf 



3. They stretch in the sauna.

"I like to sit in the sauna and stretch for 15 to 20 minutes at the end of my workouts." - saranherren 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I'm a carnivore who ate vegan for a week, and it changed the way I think about my normal diet

$
0
0

Vegan

  • Vegan diets are a lifestyle choice that require careful researching and planning.
  • I signed up for a vegan meal delivery service to up my vegetable intake.
  • I'm a total carnivore, but I decided to eat vegan for a week — and I really liked it. 

 

I’m what my travel doctor calls an “adventurous eater.” As a frequent globetrotter, my culinary habits make her nervous. I get it. In my world, very few foods are off-limits.

In an effort to spring clean my eating habits and step up my vegetable intake, I decided to orderHungryroot, a vegan meal delivery service. For $69 per week, I’d get roughly six plant-based meals (two servings of each), such as lemon kale caesar salad, kale pesto sautéed greens, and creamy corn cauliflower risotto.

To be honest, I signed up because the dishes looked tasty and super easy to prepare. Nothing takes more than 15 minutes from start to finish. As a woman who lives alone, simplicity is key to healthy eating. If meal prep takes too long, I automatically default to take-out or going out to eat.

SEE ALSO: 12 of the best vegan products at Trader Joe's

What I expected

I’m an earth and animal lover and see all the compelling ethical and environmental reasons why one may consider a vegan diet. However, it’s never been enough to sway me to the non-meat side. I like meat and have never been able to wrap my mind around meat substitutes.  

I thought for sure I’d break down at some point during the week and have a cheeseburger emergency. I was also convinced that I’d be in a constant state of hunger. There’s no way tofu and veggies could be filling, right?

I assumed I’d feel better health-wise, but wasn’t sure how that would manifest itself.

I tried to keep an open mind and be OK with whatever happened. And if I did have a bacon breakdown, I decided that I wouldn’t beat myself up. Baby steps!

Here’s how the great meat-free experiment went:



I slept better than ever

Sleep isn’t always my friend (although the snooze button sure is). I was able to fall asleep more easily than usual and log eight solid hours of z’s every night.



I had more energy

I tend to have a lot of energy but noticed a definite uptick during my workouts this week. I felt like I got more out my classes and was able to go harder. There were even a few days where I worked out and went for a run. That’s borderline athletic!



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best running shoes for women

$
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 running shoes for women

The Insider Pick:

  • Running doesn’t require a lot of equipment, but a good pair of running shoes is a must-have to prevent injury. The Brooks Ghost 10 is the ultimate workhorse of women’s running shoes with a lightweight yet cushioned feel, a breathable upper, and the durability to grind out a lot of miles.

Whether you’re just beginning your running journey, or you're an experienced runner looking for a new shoe to try out, finding a quality pair of running shoes is the first step to guaranteeing that your future running endeavors will be enjoyable. It wasn’t so long ago that not much thought was given to the difference between male and female runners and their separate needs as athletes. The go-to phrase was, “shrink ‘em and pink ‘em.”

Luckily, athletic companies have moved away from this simplistic — not to mention sexist — standard and have taken into consideration that women’s bodies are different than men’s, so they need running shoes made specifically for them. With so many women representing the running population, this is a smart move. In 2016, women made up 58% of all the 5k races in the United States and 43% of all marathons.

Women's vs. men's running shoes

So what makes a woman’s model of a running shoe different than a man’s? First off, women tend to have smaller heels in relation to the forefoot, so the shape of the shoe will be slightly different. A lower body mass results in slightly less foam in the midsole of the shoe and deeper grooves make it easier to flex the midsole when toeing off. Men and women also have different Q-angles, or the angle of incidence between the quad muscle and the kneecap, as women generally have wider hips than men. This can cause pronation to occur, which requires different types of cushioning.

Overpronation vs. underpronation

If you overpronate, your foot tends to roll inward too far as you run, and your body isn’t absorbing shock as efficiently. For overpronation, you’ll want a more supportive motion-control shoe to help correct your foot motion. If you underpronate, your foot isn’t rolling in far enough, making the outside of it take the brunt of the impact after the initial heel strike. If this is the case, you’ll want a more neutral-cushioned shoe that will encourage a more natural foot motion. This is one of the most important things to consider when buying running shoes, as overpronation or underpronation can cause serious injury over time if it’s not addressed.

Different shoes for different types of running

You’ll also want to consider the type of running you’ll be doing. Are you planning on doing a lot of road racing? A lightweight shoe will likely be best. Do you tend to do your long runs on trails? Then you may want a shoe designed specifically for trail running. If you’re looking for a simple training shoe for casual running, then durability may not be a big concern. However, if you’re the type of runner who lives in their running shoes, finding a high mileage shoe will give you the best quality for your money.

It may sound overwhelming, but luckily we’ve done the research for you and chosen what we think are the best women’s running shoes based on a variety of running needs. 

Here are our top picks for the best women's running shoes:

Updated on 5/25/2018 by Kylie Joyner: Added the Brooks Ghost 10 and the New Balance 860v8 to replace older models. Also updated prices.

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks. 

SEE ALSO: The best women's running tops for hot weather

The best running shoes overall

Why you'll love them: The Brooks Ghost 10 shoes are durable enough for long runs, light enough for speed work, and the newly designed seamless mesh upper fits comfortably.

One of my grandfather’s favorite phrases was, “if it ain't broke, don’t fix it.” This sentiment is exactly why the Brooks Ghost line of running shoes remains a favorite among runners. The Brooks Ghost 10 keeps all the great features found in the Ghost 9, allowing this running shoe to continue to do what it does so well: tackle everything from long distances to short and snappy speed work.

It provides both comfort and durability so you and the shoes can handle it all. If you’re looking for a cushioned neutral running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 10 should be considered for your new go-to.

While it keeps what works in the Ghost 9, the Ghost 10 does make a few small improvements that make for an even more comfortable and secure fit. The newly designed upper features a seamless engineered mesh for added breathability, and thanks to the flexible material, the toe box feels roomier without being too loose. The extra cushioning in the heel makes these ideal running shoes for those who have suffered from Plantar Fasciitis, the inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.

The Brooks Ghost is considered a cushioned-neutral shoe, so it won’t provide the stability needed for overpronation. However, if you’re a neutral runner, or if you’re a heel striker looking for more comfort on longer runs, the Brooks Ghost 10 is a great place to start.

The grooves in the outsole enhance the heel to toe transition, allowing for smooth ground contact, and the outsole itself has a thick layer of rubber to absorb impact. The midsole design of the Ghost 10 has slightly softer cushioning for an even more responsive feel. The 12mm heel to toe drop remains the same as it was in the Ghost 9, but creates the smooth feeling ride the Ghost is known for.

It comes as no surprise that the 10 received the 6th Editor’s Choice award from Runners World. According to the publication, “it was the number one pick among our wear-testers.”

The women’s Ghost 10 weighs in at 8.8oz, slightly lighter than the Ghost 9. While it’s heavier than many of the lightweight running shoes available, its design allows it to keep a fast and responsive feel usually found in lightweight models.

According to the reviewer from Running Shoes Guru, the Ghost 10 is responsive, but “cushioned to the point where double-digit runs are no problem.” The versatility of this shoe is what makes it a true winner.

I can personally speak to the comfort and smooth ride the Ghost 10 provides. After running in New Balance for years, I recently made the switch to the Brooks Ghost 10. I’ve been extremely happy with the fit, cushioning, and durability of these shoes. They’re so comfortable that I often find myself wearing them to run errands, and they’ve served me well as I’ve ramped up my mileage over the last few months.

The increased comfort, as well as a consistent price, make it worth upgrading to the Ghost 10. It’s worth noting that the price for every new Brooks Ghost model has remained the same for the past 4 years, coming in at $120. 

Pros: Well-cushioned while still having a light feel, smooth heel to toe transition, new seamless upper design for added breathability and comfort, versatile design is ideal for both speed work and long distances

Cons: On the heavier side, won’t provide enough support for overpronation

Buy the Brooks Ghost 10 on Amazon for $117 and up

Buy the Brooks Ghost 10 on Zappos for $120.00



The best running shoes for support

Why you'll love them: The New Balance 860v8 are stability shoes that provide a smooth, comfortable ride from heel to toe for those who overpronate.

As tried and true stability shoes, the New Balance 860 line is entering its 8th year with the 860v8. Much of the shoe’s design keeps what works well in the 860v7, like the roomy toe box and the dual density TruFuse midsole for a soft yet supportive feel. The 10mm heel drop also remains the same, so you’ll get a smooth, more natural feeling ride.

However, there are some welcome updates, like the newly designed mesh upper. The upgraded material is breathable and provides even more flexibility for added comfort in the toe box. A dual density stability post has also been added for additional support.

While these shoes are on the heavier side, unlike many stability shoes, the 860v8 finds the balance between providing the right amount of support without completely weighing you down. A plastic shank under the arch provides a snappy and responsive feel often found in lighter running shoes.

The 860v8 excels at providing a steady and well-supported run, and it’s designed to last. The comfort alone makes this shoe a winner in the support department — especially if you have wider feet. The broad toe box will allow your toes to splay naturally as you run and will prevent any uncomfortable toe rubbing which can eventually cause blisters.

The durability of this shoe makes it ideal for high-mileage, so if you’re looking for a pair that can withstand daily training, the 860v8 is well worth considering. It doesn’t sacrifice style for comfort either. While many running shoes are limiting when it comes to color choices, that isn’t the case for the 860v8. This new version comes in 7 different color schemes, so you can choose your favorite. Narrow, standard, wide and extra wide options are available.

Most reviewers have had a great experience with the 860v8, calling it a successful update to the 860v7. Even those who don’t run regularly, or just want added support throughout the day at work or while running errands find themselves turning to this stability shoe. Carol S., a reviewer on New Balance's site says, “As a nurse, I’m on my feet most of the day. I’ve worn New Balance for years. This shoe gives me the support I need and the color and style are very nice!”

Terry, another reviewer on New Balance's site loves the “incredible support.” She had the previous version of this shoe but says, “the new version is even better!”

Pros: Great support for overpronation, cushioning provides a comfortable ride, newly designed mesh upper provides more breathability, added posting for additional stability, 10mm drop provides a more natural heel to toe motion

Cons: On the heavier side, not ideal for neutral runners who don’t need additional support, some runners find the midsole too firm

Buy the New Balance 860v8 at New Balance for $124.99



The best running shoes for trails

Why you'll love them: The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3 shoes are designed to handle rough terrain on the trails with maximum cushioning, but the lightweight feel lets you transition from the trail to the road anytime you want.

While some trail shoes tend to be on the heavy side, the Hoka One One (pronounced o-nay o-nay) Challenger ATR 3 shoes manage to provide maximum cushioning while still being lightweight.

The women’s shoe weighs in at a surprising 7.9 ounces. All you have to do is look at the Challenger ATR 3 shoes to see that they fall into the maximal cushioning running shoe category. While they may not be the prettiest running shoes on the market, all of that cushioning offers less stress and impact to the body. This combined with a rugged outsole make the Challenger ATR 3 the perfect shoe for tackling long trail runs.

If you begin or end your runs on the road, the traction and grip performance of this shoe works just as well on muddy trails as it does on the pavement, and its lightweight feel will provide you with a seamless transition.

Running Shoes Guru gave the Challenger ATR 3 high marks, stating that it can be worn for “a fast-paced half marathon on the roads, and then handle 50 miles on burly terrain the next day.” Its rugged durability makes this shoe a favorite for casual trail runners as well as the racing shoe of choice for ultra-marathoners.

This runner tested the Challenger ATR 3 for their first 50k marathon. The trails that made up the race offered everything from mud, creek crossing, loose soil, and gravel — and the Challenger conquered it all with ease.

It should be noted that despite all the cushioning, the Challenger ATR 3 is considered a neutral running shoe, so it won’t offer much in terms of support for overpronators. The toe box has a narrower design as well. While some runners found this helpful to prevent the foot from slipping and sliding during steep uphills and downhills, others with wider feet would have liked more room. To remedy this, this reviewer sized up to find their perfect fit.

Overall, most reviewers on Amazon liked the cushioned, yet lightweight feel of the Challenger ATR 3 as well as their substantial tread. If you’re looking for a comfortable trail shoe that won’t weigh you down, this is a great shoe to try out whether you want a more cushioned ride for casual trail runs, or you’re a modern-day Wonder Woman tackling your next ultra-marathon.

Pros: Fantastic cushioning to weight ratio, rugged outsole with 4mm lugs provides good traction on both trails and roads

Cons: Snug fit especially in the toe box — a size up may be needed for a perfect fit, not suited for overpronators

Buy the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3 on Amazon for $109.99 and up



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 maps that show how much things cost around the world

$
0
0

couple on a date in a cafe

  • Deutsche Bank has released its annual "Mapping the world's prices" report, highlighting the cost of living in 50 global cities.
  • We mapped the average price for 15 different goods and services in various cities based on the report, from rent for a two-bedroom apartment to a monthly gym membership.
  • Copenhagen is the most expensive for a weekend getaway, Zurich is the most expensive to buy a movie ticket, Oslo is the most expensive for a pair of jeans, and London has the most expensive monthly transportation ticket.

There's nothing like Deutsche Bank's annual "Mapping the world's prices" report, released every May, to highlight the differences in the cost of living in 50 major cities across the globe.

From the price of an iPhone 8 to a monthly gym membership, we mapped the average prices of 15 different goods and services in various cities based on the report's findings.

Looking for a weekend getaway? A visit to Copenhagen will set you back the most, followed by Milan, Oslo, Tokyo, and Amsterdam, while a trip to Istanbul is easier on your bank account.

If you can't afford a whole weekend, maybe you should settle for a date night— but know that it's 30% more expensive for a dinner for two at a neighborhood pub in Zurich than in the next four cities, Copenhagen, Oslo, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. Zurich is also the most expensive city to buy a movie ticket and to get a standard men's haircut.

Meanwhile, those in London may be keeping their date nights at home. The city tops the chart for most expensive monthly transportation ticket and is the second most expensive for movie tickets and car rentals.

But that's all mostly discretionary spending — something that those living in Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Paris, and London may not have a lot of, considering they reside in the top five cities with the highest monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment.

Below, check out the cost to buy 15 things, from a summer dress to a car, in cities around the world.

SEE ALSO: The 28 major global cities where workers have the highest salaries — earning more than $2,000 per month

DON'T MISS The most and least expensive places to live in America

Monthly rent in a two-bedroom apartment ranges from about $300 to over $3,700.



The most expensive city to rent a two-bedroom apartment is Hong Kong.



A mid-sized car ranges from about $12,000 to over $86,000.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

8 foods that have more protein than an egg

$
0
0

protein rich foods eggs steak fish nuts

For most people, when they think of an easy way to get a quick source of protein, they'll gravitate toward the trusty egg. With six grams of protein, the little food item is packed with nutrients to start your day feeling full.

But actually, you can find many sources of protein besides an egg that'll give you even more of it. And for all the vegans out there who want to avoid any animal-related food product, they're also searching for ways to get in their protein.

Read ahead for eight alternative, more protein-filled options than an egg.

1. For those who eat meat but want something easy for traveling, choose turkey bacon as an option.

With 6.5 grams of protein in three pieces, turkey bacon has more protein than one egg, and is sure to leave you full for plenty of hours. Eat with some fruit for breakfast, or pack in a Ziploc bag for a snack that won't leave you hungry.



2. If you're feeling hungry, have an ounce of peanuts for more protein.

Peanuts are plenty easy to eat wherever you are, and the 7.3 grams of protein per ounce will satiate your hunger for a good amount of time. Buy already portioned out, or in large quantities to save money.



3. Get a plant-based source of protein from lentils.

Vegans, rejoice! To everyone who asks you where you get your protein – they clearly haven't done their research. Plant-based folks will know that eating a half-cup of lentils will provide plenty of protein – 9 grams, in fact. That's more protein than found in an egg, so meat-eaters can chill with their protein questions.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How to prevent Amazon's Alexa and Echo devices from accidentally sending private conversations to your contacts (AMZN)

$
0
0

Amazon Echo

An Amazon Echo device recorded a private conversation between a Portland, Oregon couple recently, and sent the conversation to one of the couple's contacts, according to Washington state news radio station KIRO7.

That's actually a feature in Amazon's smart artificial intelligent assistant, Alexa, which lives inside Amazon Echo devices and several other smart speaker devices. You can call and send messages to your contacts who also have devices powered by Amazon's Alexa. 

The problem in this case is that the Portland couple never meant to send their conversation to their contact. Their Echo device just did it on its own. The error was accredited to so-called false positives – where a user says words that sound similar to commands designed for Alexa, prompting Alexa to wake up and take unintended actions.   

This is the first report of a private conversation being erroneously sent to a contact via an Amazon Echo device, but although rare, it's clearly something that no one wants to happen to them.

The good news is you can turn off the Calling and Messaging feature on your Amazon Echo devices. The not so good news: the process is incredibly convoluted.

Here's how you can turn off the Calling and Messaging feature: 

SEE ALSO: A couple says that Amazon's Alexa recorded a private conversation and randomly sent it to a friend

In a perfect world, you could simply turn off Alexa's Calling and Messaging feature with the flick of a switch. But it turns out that you need to enable something called "Free Time" to turn it off, which is an incredibly convoluted process.



From the Alexa app's home screen, tap the three lines on the top left of the app.



Then tap Alexa Devices.



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




Latest Images