A few weeks ago, I visited Iceland. While I knew the country would be beautiful, I also learned on my trip that Iceland is full of friendly, welcoming people. And despite the fact that I was there alone, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable.

You probably already know some of the more notable differences between life in Iceland and life in the United States, like the amount of sunshine there is (the longest day in December is five hours of sunlight, but in the summer there can be up to 21 hours of sunlight), the money (Iceland has their own currency), and the food (Iceland is known for their eclectic dishes, like whale and shark).

There are smaller, less well-known differences as well, some of which could affect your trip. So if you plan on going to Iceland, they are definitely worth being aware of. Below are a few of the surprising cultural differences between the two countries:

Iceland is ranked number one for gender equality, while the United States is ranked 49

When it comes to gender equality, Iceland is doing a whole lot better than the US. According to data from 2017 research by the World Economic Forum, the United States is ranked at 49 in a list of 144 countries when it comes to gender equality. Iceland, on the other hand, is consistently ranked number one.

From 2009 until 2013, the country had a female prime minister (Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir), and, according to Guide To Iceland, women hold 30 of the country’s 62 parliamentary seats. The difference is apparent when you’re there, as everyone seems to act like equals.

Most Icelanders work two or three jobs

When I was in Iceland, I got to spend some time speaking with a woman who grew up and lives there, and she told me a lot about their culture (most Icelanders are super proud of their country and will talk about it a lot).

One of the most interesting things she told me is that most Icelanders hold two or three jobs, especially in the winter — she herself was a college professor, as well as a representative for Icelandair, and sometimes a tour guide. She told me this is because they have to keep themselves busy during the long, dark days of winter so that they don’t get depressed.

Americans definitely work a lot as well, and while a good portion of the population holds more than one job, but it’s not for the same reasons. In the US, we have more than one job to make money and afford our lifestyles. In Iceland, it seems to be more about keeping busy — which, of course, isn’t true for everyone there.

Iceland is a safer country than the US

Iceland is an extremely safe country and is often said to be one of the safest countries for female travelers to visit alone. You can feel this everywhere you go there — not once did I feel threatened, nervous to walk around by myself, or worried about where I was. In fact, SafeAround.com says that tourists have more of a risk of getting hurt due to natural hazards than anything else.

Iceland has an extremely low crime rate, which could also be attributed to the small population. The tour guide I spoke with while I was there showed me a prison in Reykjavik — it was small, in the middle of the town, and, according to her, empty most of the time. America? Uh, not so much.

• Costco membership can go to some people's heads, according to workers.
• Business Insider reached out to 42 Costco employees to find out what they wish they could tell shoppers but can't.
• Common requests were to control your kids, hang up your phone, and help unload the cart.

Costco membership comes with some obvious perks — namely, access to the retail chain and its food court.

But according to dozens of Costco workers who spoke with Business Insider, being a member doesn't entitle you to do whatever you want.

While Costco made Glassdoor's list of best places to work in 2017, employees still had several complaints about shoppers' rude and inconvenient behavior.

Business Insider spoke to 42 Costco employees about the things they want to tell members but can't. Some of their responses focused on obvious problems, like members being mean and inconsiderate. But some of the tips were more instructive.

Here's what they had to say.

SEE ALSO: 8 Costco food court menu items employees swear by

DON'T MISS: Costco employees share the 7 best parts of working at the retail chain with a cult-like following

READ MORE: Costco employees pick the 11 most surprising items the wholesale retailer sells

Have your membership card ready at the door

"Concentrate on handing me your membership card instead of telling me a story," a Costco employee in Minnesota told Business Insider. "I can listen to your story as I do whatever you need me to do, but I can't do that until I have your membership card."

Don't trash the warehouse

A Costco employee from Arizona told Business Insider that they wanted to tell members to stop leaving "sample cups all over the floor.""Don't be rude," the employee said. "Clean after yourself."

Put back items you've picked up

"Please put back that item that you just threw there," a Costco worker from California told Business Insider. "It doesn't belong there."

Eight other Costco employees also told Business Insider that they judged members who left products strewn about the store.

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.

Father's Day is a great opportunity to gift your dad some stylish upgrades. One of the best ways to start is with a fresh pair of sneakers. 

More than likely, your dad has a professional wardrobe that's well rounded, but when it comes to sneakers, he probably wears the same pair all the time. 

Instead of letting your dad run his current sneakers into the ground (literally), gift him with a new pair to upgrade his style. Even if your dad already has a closet full of sneakers, another pair will always make for a great gift.

From classics that never go out of style to modern runners, minimal designs, and all wool sneakers, we rounded up the best options to give your dad this Father's Day.

Check them out below, or if you need more inspiration, check out our other Father's Day gift guides:

• 17 thoughtful Father's Day gifts under $25
• 40 perfect Father's Day gifts that are all under $50
• 16 personalized Father’s Day gifts that aren’t cheesy or overdone
• 24 practical and considerate Father’s Day gifts under $100
• 20 useful grooming gifts to get your dad for Father's Day

Parley x Adidas Ultra Boost

$200, available in Carbon/Blue Spirit

In just three short years, the Ultra Boost has become one of Adidas' most popular sneakers ever – and this collaboration with Parley takes the silhouette to an even greater level. While normal Ultra Boost uses a fully Primeknit upper, this version also uses Parley Ocean yarn made from recycled plastic recovered from the ocean and coastal communities. The combination of materials makes for lightweight sneakers, while Boost provides the highest energy return of any running sneaker. If you're shopping for a dad who loves to run, needs comfortable sneakers, or is all about sustainability, this is the best sneaker to buy.

Nike Air Max 1 Premium

$150, available in three colors

As the first Nike sneaker to feature a visible Air unit, the Air Max 1 is an undeniable classic. Whether your dad is super stylish or doesn't have the slightest clue about fashion, it's a sneaker he'll look great in. This "Curry" colorway in particular is a great alternative to the typical black, white, or grey sneakers your dad probably wears now.

Adidas Stan Smith

$75, available in four colors

The Adidas Stan Smith is such an iconic shoe that it will likely live on in the brand's line of products forever. Originally designed for tennis legend Stan Smith, the shoe has become a lifestyle staple. While the silhouette comes in several colors, the simple white and green pair is a sure favorite. This sneaker will be equally appreciated by the least stylish and most stylish dads.

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.

Skin care, and treating acne in particular, is an ongoing process that takes time, consistency, and plenty of experimentation.

Though everyone's skin is different, sometimes what works for one person might just actually work for you, too. When there are hundreds to tens of thousands of verified reviews that tout similar success stories, it's a good sign you should try the product. 

The following cleansers, masks, spot treatments, and tools have earned their places at the top of best-selling lists because they're just plain effective. Some are admittedly pricey investments, while others only cost less than $10, so whatever your budget, you'll be able to find a top-rated, best-selling acne product for you. 

These 11 acne products have the support of tons of satisfied users across the Internet: 

An $8 clay mask that promises the 'world's most powerful facial'

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $8.30, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars out of 17,600+ reviews

More than 12,000 five-star Amazon reviews, plus the glowing approval of Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton, confirm that this affordable clay mask is no ordinary mask. Keep it on for five to 10 minutes and it draws out impurities to make your skin clearer and smoother. 

A plant-based vitamin C serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum, $19.99, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars out of 9,500+ reviews

Acne sufferers have noticed a marked reduction in the number of breakouts after consistent use of this gentle serum. The great part is that it's not only for acne — it also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun spots. 

A gentle cream that harnesses the power of tea tree oil

Keeva Tea Tree Oil, $24.97, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars out of 2,300+ reviews

If you have to deal with deep, painful cystic acne, you'll appreciate this tea tree oil treatment designed for sensitive skin. The tea tree oil dries out the gunk in your pimples without drying out your actual skin. 

As a billionaire reality TV star and real estate mogul in New York, a lot of people have tried to get into Donald Trump's inner circle over the years.

From politics to business and to Hollywood, it's not surprising that Trump has had friends in almost every line of work.

On Thursday, the president announced that he is considering a pardon for his friend Martha Stewart. Stewart was convicted for conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statements to investigators in 2004.

Along with Stewart, here are 14 people you may not have known Trump befriended:

SEE ALSO: 17 celebrities who became politicians

DON'T MISS: Meet 'Stormy Daniels', the porn star Trump's lawyer paid to keep quiet about an alleged sexual affair — who's finally telling her side of the story

Trump took a liking to Mike Tyson when he starting hosting some of the boxer's biggest matches at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. When Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992, Trump defended the boxer, calling the verdict "a travesty."

Source: CNN

Shortly after the 2016 election, Trump met with rapper Kanye West at Trump Tower in New York. "We've been friends for a long time," Trump said, adding that the two discussed "life" during their meeting. The two also shared the love on Twitter in April.

Source: BusinessInsider

Journalist Barbara Walters has been friends with Trump on and off for years. After having a bit of a falling out in 2007 after she defended Rosie O'Donnell's criticisms of Trump, Walters "rekindled" their friendship two years later, saying "I've missed you."

Source: The Today Show

Most people have things about their appearance they feel insecure about or wish they could change, and it's totally normal to have days where you're not thrilled with what you see in the mirror.

But if you find yourself obsessing over your appearance, honing in on what you believe are flaws or things that need to be "fixed," you might be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder.

Commonly known as body dysmorphia, or BDD, this a mental health issuethat is often misunderstood and rarely discussed. That's largely because in a culture filled with selfies on social media and a barrage of products designed to improve our appearance, worries about bodily flaws are often brushed aside or not taken seriously.

INSIDER spoke with two psychologists and a psychotherapist, and they explained some of the telltale signs that somebody has body dysmorphia, because it's so much deeper than putting a filter on your selfies or wishing you were a few pounds thinner.

1. You're preoccupied with one or more body parts, frequently honing in on any perceived "flaws" you believe you have.

Most of us have things about our appearance we wish we could wave a magic wand and change, but someone struggling with body dysmorphia often thinks about these perceived imperfections to an obsessive degree.

Carla Korn, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist, explained this further.

"If you're struggling with BDD, you might believe that a certain body part appears different in reality than it truly does.," Korn told INSIDER. "For example, you might believe your legs are larger than they really are and constantly be 'body checking' or touching that part of your body subconsciously to 'check' on its size. You might also find yourself constantly seeking out your reflection in the mirror or window to examine them."

2. You spend a lot of time thinking or worrying about your appearance.

These insecurities aren't just a fleeting thought that goes away ― in fact, they are often unending and invasive.

"Individuals with BDD spend so much time obsessing over their appearance, or the appearance of a specific aspect of their appearance that it interferes with their ability to function at work or school," Korn explained.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Ashley Hampton, PhD, agreed, noting that these thoughts become "all-consuming."

"At the level where this becomes a disorder, these thoughts and preoccupations about perceived flaws and appearance take over life, so you're looking at hours daily," she told INSIDER.

Even if you're not aware of it, BDD behaviors can impact so much of your life, distracting you from work, relationships, leisure activities, or pursuing your dreams.

3. Your perceived flaws weigh heavily on your self-esteem and how you think others feel about you.

If you have so much disdain for what you believe are your physical imperfections, you might think others around you focus on them, too.

"You might think that you can't possibly have friends who genuinely likely you or feel lovable at all with your perceived imperfection," Korn said. "You probably find yourself shying away from engaging with friends or pursuing intimate relationships."Dr. Marla Deibler, a clinical psychologist and the executive director of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, agreed, adding that this self-perception leaves the sufferer "believing that they are unattractive, hideous, or even deformed. This impacts the way they interact or refrain from interacting with the social world."

Being cheated on is one of the worst — and sometimes unexpected — feelings in the world. Although many hear the stories of the person being cheated on, very seldom do those who are called "the other woman" get to tell their stories. And, in some cases, those are the ones that deserve to be heard the most. Whether it's to deliver a lesson learned for future preventative measures or to display that they are just as innocent as the "main" woman, being the "other woman" isn't always as clear cut as we'd like it to be.

Here’s what 15 women say about their experiences — some unknowingly and some the total opposite — with being the other woman.

"The trust I had for him was so low from the start."

"I started out my last relationship as the 'other woman' and the trust that I had for him was so low from the start. We were with each other all the time and constantly keeping tabs on one another when we weren't together. I made no time for my friends and isolated myself from everything. I went from being confident and happy to embarrassingly insecure in myself and my relationship. So if you're thinking about it, just don't do it. There's so many other people out there and you should absolutely consider starting a relationship where you can trust the other person entirely because how it all started will always be in the back of your head."— Redditor kathyboh

"I really should have recognized the pattern…"

"I had this situation twice. Both times, the person had their foot out the door already when I met them and I honestly didn't know one was in a relationship initially — they just never talked about their significant other. We were only friendly, still, when I learned.

"Both relationships ended with me being cheated on. I'd like to say it's something I deserved falling for it twice, I really should have recognized the pattern, but the circumstances at the start of both relationships were so different I hadn't put together that it was the same thing.

"I was very trusting, blindsided both times, but I can take 'being too nice' as a personality trait."— Redditor brandnamenerd

"It very rarely works out."

"While there wasn't physical overlap, the guy kept me 'on hold' for four months while he was deciding what to do with his current girlfriend of seven years. When I said I was done waiting, that it was starting to feel gross and cheat-y, he immediately dumped her and started dating me.

"He ended up being resentful and mean towards me (I think it's partially because his guilt over how it began) for most of the three years we had together.

"After him dismissing multiple desperate pleas for couples counseling, I got sick of his behavior and ended up leaving him for another guy (ironically). He made my life hell because of it.

"Don't do it. It very rarely works out."— Redditor skydart

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

The Insider Pick:

• A lousy soap makes for a lousy shave, so choosing the right one is just as important as selecting a quality razor. Mitchell's Wool Fat is considered by many to be the gold standard of shaving soaps, and it's the best shaving soap that money can buy.

Most men today probably treat their daily shaving routine as something of a chore. It's very likely that you also use or have used a multi-blade cartridge razor and canned shaving foam to get the job done when what you should be using is a good shaving soap, bristle brush, and safety razor.

Quality soap is a vital part of your shave because it lubricates your face and whiskers so that your razor blade can move cleanly across your face for a close shave with minimal irritation. A good soap will also lock in your skin's moisture instead of drying it out and leaving your face with that unpleasant "tight" feeling.

What makes a shaving soap different from normal bar soap is its composition, which consists of added fat  — either from animals or plant sources such as coconut oil — and/or glycerin. These ingredients are used to give the soap a smooth, slick consistency so it works better as a lubricant while keeping your skin hydrated. A number of all-natural shaving soaps are also made today for people who want to avoid certain synthetic additives like parabens.

Since every man's skin and facial hair is a bit different, it can take some time to dial in your wet shaving kit, but it's worth the effort if you want to achieve that perfect shave every time. Your personal soap selection largely comes down to preference, so your best bet is to stick to established soapmakers and try a few to find the one that's right for you.

To help you choose, we've smoked out the five best shaving soaps, including our favorite pick along with a hard puck soap, a soft cream, a soap for shavers with sensitive skin, and a handy soap stick for when you're on the road.

Here are our top picks for the best shaving soap you:

• Best overall: Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap
• Best hard puck: D.R. Harris shaving soap
• Best soft cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap
• Best for sensitive skin: Proraso shaving soap
• Best for traveling: Arko shaving soap
  

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

The best shaving soap overall

Why you'll love it: Mitchell's Wool Fat lathers, lubricates, and shaves exceptionally well while being gentle on the skin, making it the gold standard for wet shavers new and old.

A select few shaving soaps can be considered "gold standard" options that every man should try, and one such example is Mitchell's Wool Fat, which has remained a wet shaving staple for nearly a century. It has set the bar for what a good shave soap should be.

True to its name, Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap is made from the fatty substance secreted by woolly animals. In this case, it's domestic sheep, but rest assured that no animals are actually killed to collect this fat. Wool fat contains large amounts of lanolin, a waxy material that works especially well as a skin lubricant and moisturizer, so it's easy to see why it is ideal for use in shaving soap.

Mitchell's started making its wool fat soap in England in the 1930's and has been exporting it all over the world since then. Although its regular wool fat soaps have remained in high demand, its shaving soap, in particular, has achieved near-legendary status among wet shavers owing to its great lubricating and lathering properties.

Its all-natural ingredients are gentle on the face, and the wool fat is also very good for soothing and preventing irritation on sensitive skin.

If there's one drawback to Mitchell's Wool Fat soap, it's that it can be stubborn to lather until you develop a good routine. A stiffer brush with boar or horse bristles will help, and some guys choose to soak the soap in a little bit of hot water for a few minutes — a process known as "blooming"— to soften it up a bit and make it easier to load your brush.

Once you've got the hang of this, Mitchell's Wool Fat will likely prove itself to be the last shaving soap you'll ever need. It's available with a nice lidded ceramic bowl, and you can also buy standalone pucks to refill the bowl or to use with a favorite bowl or mug you already have. It's slightly expensive, but since it's a fairly hard puck, it'll last you quite awhile.

Pros: Lubricates and shaves extremely well due to its lanolin content, all-natural ingredients with no parabens, made in England, and is available with a nice lidded ceramic bowl

Cons: Can be tricky to lather, and the scent is very mild

Buy Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap (with ceramic bowl) on Amazon for $34 

Buy just the soap for $15

The best hard puck shaving soap

Why you'll love it: Made in England and triple-milled for extra hardness, D.R. Harris is a historic shaving soap that is the easy choice for any wet shaver who favors the dense lather and long life that solid pucks provide.

All of the brands featured among our favorite shaving soaps have been around for decades (or longer), but D.R. Harris might boast the most impressive pedigree of all. This family-owned company was founded in England in 1790, has held various royal warrants since 1938, and continues to produce high-quality soaps that are a favorite of wet shavers all over the globe, especially among those who favor hard pucks.

As is appropriate for such a historic brand, D.R. Harris soap is made using old-school triple-milling. This process is the gold standard for solid soaps and results in a dense, hard bar that lasts a long time and creates a rich lather when worked properly. This extra processing makes triple-milled pucks a bit more expensive than other shave and body soaps, but they also last considerably longer — possibly for years depending on how often you shave and what lathering method you use.

Due to its hardness, a soft floppy badger bristle brush may prove insufficient to easily produce a lather (higher-quality badger bristle should get the job done, however). A brush with stiffer bristles, such as boar or horsehair, might deliver better results with this soap. It comes in an attractive wooden shave bowl, and, like Mitchell's soap, you can also order it by the puck when it runs out or if you already have a bowl or mug you like to use.

D.R. Harris shaving soap is tallow-based, made from animal fats for great lubrication and moisturizing properties. The thick, slick consistency of this tallow-based soap allows it to protect your face as you draw a razor across it, and it requires minimal water to work it up into a luxurious creamy lather in your bowl or mug. Even guys with hard water, something that can cause lathering problems with some soaps, have an easy time with this one.

Pros: Triple-milled for extra hardness and longevity, whips up a highly dense lather with little water, tallow-based for good lubrication, lasts a long time, made in England, and is available with an attractive wooden shave bowl

Cons: The hard triple-milled puck will lather best with a stiffer brush

Buy the D.R. Harris shaving soap (with wooden bowl) on Amazon for $33

Buy just the soap for $17

The best soft shaving soap

Why you'll love it: Another of the oldest and most iconic brands in existence, Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap shaves beautifully, smells great, and has a soft creamy consistency that quickly works into a luxurious lather.

Taylor of Old Bond Street is one of those household names you will see a lot on your wet shaving journey. Its old-school formula, which was first created in the mid-19th century, has been the favorite of men for generations.

This pedigree is well-deserved and Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving soap remains an English classic for a reason: It's soft creamy consistency easily whips up a rich (not airy or bubbly) lather, it lubricates incredibly well, and hydrates your face for a smooth post-shave feel that doesn't leave your skin tight and dried out.

The soft cream is incredibly easy to work with but won't last quite as long as a hard soap. Still, the generous 5.3-ounce container should still carry you for around five to six months. The plastic bowl has a nice classic aesthetic and the airtight lid actually screws down to ensure that the cream won't dry out between uses. Note that you only need a little bit of this stuff, so don't lather in the bowl. Scoop a dollop out with your brush and work it up inside another bowl or mug.

You've got 15 fragrances to choose from, from peppermint to sandalwood, as well as an all-natural formula that's free of parabens and preservatives and is purpose-made for sensitive skin. Sandalwood is far and away the most popular among wet shaves as it's a classic, masculine aroma that simply smells fantastic, and it's one that your great-grandfather likely used.

Pros: Made in England, the soft cream is incredibly easy to lather, lubricates and hydrates your skin beautifully, smells great, 15 formulas to choose from, and comes with a nice-looking lidded bowl

Cons: The soft cream won't last as long as a hard soap

Buy the Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream on Amazon for $17

Amira is one of the many stray dogs in Aleppo that has been displaced by the Syria conflict.

She was found by Mohammad Alaa Jaleel, who is also known as "Cat Man of Aleppo." He currently runs a sanctuary for all the stray cats in the area that have been left behind.

Despite being a dog, Amira was also taken in by Jaleel, and was discovered to be pregnant. She tragically lost her litter, but soon rebounded after meeting Junior, a stray kitten at the sanctuary.

Junior quickly became Amira's surrogate baby, and the two are now inseparable. Luckily for us, the cat sanctuary is active on social media, and has provided us with heartwarming photos of this odd couple.

Keep scrolling to learn all about Amira and Junior, and their heartwarming relationship.

Mohammad Alaa Jaleel, also known as the "Cat Man of Aleppo," runs a sanctuary out of his home for all the displaced cats as a result of the conflict in Syria.

Follow the The Aleppo Cat Man here.

This is Amira. Jaleel discovered her on the street and decided to take her in. He then discovered she was pregnant, but tragically all three puppies were stillborn.

When Amira lost her litter, volunteers at the sanctuary gave her teddy bears to help her deal with loss.

That's where Junior comes in. She was also taken in by the Cat Man, after being found on the streets.

Click here for the most popular cat names in the US.

How "green" is your city?

WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities in the US across 22 "green" indicators to determine which cities are doing the best job saving the planet— and which cities could be doing more to protect the environment.

They studied four main categories: "Environment,""Transportation,""Energy," and "Lifestyle and Policy."

To determine each city's "Environment" rank, WalletHub examined factors such as air quality, greenhouse gas emissions per capita, and the amount of green space. For "Transportation," the share of commuters who drive, annual excess fuel consumption, and the amount of alternative fuel stations per capita determined the ranking. "Energy" rankings were based on solar PV installations per capita and the share of electricity from renewable resources. And for "Lifestyle and Policy," WalletHub calculated the number of community gardens, farmers' markets, and local programs promoting "green" energy use.

Each of the 22 factors considered in the rankings were assigned a point value. Those points were combined to determine each city's total score. The lower the total score, the less environmentally friendly the city. As for the category rankings, they're on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the least sustainable.

Here are the 50 least environmentally friendly cities in the US.

50. Denver, Colorado

Total score: 50.28

Environment rank: 98

Transportation rank: 13

Energy sources rank: 26

Lifestyle and policy rank: 10

49. Aurora, Colorado

Total score: 49.88

Environment rank: 43

Transportation rank: 73

Energy sources rank: 34

Lifestyle and policy rank: 93

48. Durham, North Carolina

Total score: 49.75

Environment rank: 32

Transportation rank: 54

Energy sources rank: 77

Lifestyle and policy rank: 55

• English has plenty of confusing aspects that annoy people learning the language.
• Non-native speakers have trouble with English spelling, the amount of synonyms in the language, and differences between American and British English.
• We looked through comment threads from around the internet to find the most annoying aspects of the English language.

English is the most studied language in the world, with 1.5 billion people learning it. 

But just because English is popular doesn't make it easy.

Many English learners have vented about the most annoying aspects of the language in the obvious place: the internet. Their complaints range from its confusing spelling to its abundance of synonyms with barely imperceptible differences in meaning.

We looked at comment threads on Reddit, Quora, and other forums to compile 11 of the most annoying things about English, straight from people who are attempting to learn the language themselves.

SEE ALSO: Sugarcoat, mulligan, and 9 more words we can credit to US presidents

DON'T MISS: 27 fascinating maps that show how Americans speak English differently across the US

English speakers say 'an hour and a half,' but not 'two hours and a half'

"Hour and a half. Two and a half hours. I usually slip and say 'two hours and a half' because it's the structure I'd use in Spanish."

Source: Reddit

Prepositions can prove difficult, like how we get 'on' a bus, but 'in' a car

"Why am I 'on' the bus when I’m actually inside the bus, and why am I 'in the car' and not 'on the car' then? I walked through a door and sat down inside in both cases, so why is one 'on' and one 'in'?"

Source: Reddit

The level of formality can be unclear

"I'd say I'm in an upper intermediate level, and the thing I find the hardest is to tell what's formal and what's less formal. Unless you look up in a dictionary and find out which register of language words are from, it's kind of hard to figure out their nature.

"I remember saying once to my teacher, 'Oh will you stop screwing around' and to my friend, 'should you wish to call me, here's my phone number.' I messed up with both partners and used sentences that just didn't fit the context."

Source: AnglaisFacile

• Anti-tech demonstrators in San Francisco blocked tech buses with piles of electric scooters.
• They told Business Insider they were protesting tech companies' using city streets to experiment and city officials' increasing use of sweeps to force homeless people off the streets.
• In total, a full intersection, 11 buses, and several cars were blocked for about two hours. 

Anti-tech demonstrators in San Francisco on Thursday used piles of electric scooters to block shuttles ferrying Google and other tech company employees to work. The blockade was to protest what they see as the failure of the tech industry and lawmakers to address the city's income inequality and sizable homeless population.

"What you're seeing here is that scooters have more rights than people," Chirag Bhakta told Business Insider. "Our priorities shouldn't be people first, scooters second. We're tired of being seen as an experimental playground for the tech industry."

The deluge of dockless electric scooters that have cropped up in San Francisco and other cities in recent months have drawn criticism from officials who say they were given little to no warning about their presence, as well as from activists who say the scooters are a prime example of tech companies entering public spaces without getting input from residents or permission from regulators.

Business Insider was on the scene. Here's what the scooter protest looked like:

SEE ALSO: Electric scooter startup Bird reportedly raises $150 million, making it the first $1 billion scooter startup

At about 8:45 a.m., protesters carried scooters to an intersection in San Francisco's Mission District with the intention of blocking shuttles carrying Google employees.

Activists piled scooters in front of buses and unfurled signs that said "Techsploitation is toxic."

San Francisco's controversial scooter invasion has been spearheaded by three venture-backed companies, Bird, LimeBike, and Spin. These services llow people to reserve a nearby scooter via a smartphone app, ride around on it for a small fee, and at the end of the journey leave it anywhere to be claimed by the next rider.

To make their point that big tech is toxic, protesters dressed in white hazmat suits and masks.

June is an optimistic month where crossroads and chance meetings can change your life for the better, but be prepared to step out of your comfort zone.

ARIES: Family matters will take hold of your attention this June.

This month, get ready to talk business! But be careful not to give someone else too much power. Remember, whether personal or professional, it's your life to live. You have the final say. There is a need to work with others but keep a level of control. It’s important to keep your finger on the pulse as your creativity is on fire now, too.

The new Moon in your area of communication and creativity indicates something new and fabulous coming your way. Don't undervalue what you have to offer.

Family will also grab your attention. If you are looking for love then someone who aligns with your family values can appear in your life. If you're already in a relationship, you can experience a great deal of joy and a feeling of togetherness. As Mars, your ruler, goes retrograde, life can be uncertain but at the same time, exciting.  

TAURUS: Pay attention to your budget this June, Taurus. Money matters are going to be important.

Money matters are up for review! Set a new budget and look at where you can receive the greatest return on your investments. You might be in line for a promotion that will boost your bank balance but be patient, it may take a while to come through. This good fortune of energy now can be beneficial for your material and financial security.

Your long-term dreams can start to manifest now, not just in terms of money but also in love and relationships. However, it is crucial that you avoid negative thoughts. Stay focused on the positive and the best possible outcome to make the most of this phase of energy.

When it comes to love, be careful of digging your horns in too deep in a situation. Remember, the best outcome is a win-win one.  

GEMINI: Good things are coming this June, especially when it involves money.

The energy of your annual new Moon in your sign is an indication that things can start to come through for you now as the energy gets rolling. This is especially relevant as the abundant planet Jupiter in your area of productivity sets the astral scene for things to fall into place. You can forge ahead with your ideas at a greater pace.

This is also a month to come to terms with the past in some way, especially if it involves money. You can let go of old beliefs, people or situations that no longer serve you in a positive manner. Work and monetary matters look positive as the month progresses, but it is advisable to stay on top of things and do your own research. Be cautious of other people's advice. 

President Donald Trump has begun making use of some of his most sweeping, unrestricted powers as president: the right to grant pardons and sentence commutations to people convicted of federal crimes.

Trump on Thursday made waves after he tweeted his intent to pardon the far-right pundit and author Dinesh D'Souza, who pleaded guilty in 2014 to campaign finance fraud and has since become a vocal Trump supporter and peddler of conspiracy theories.

Trump later told reporters aboard Air Force One that he wasn't finished — he is also considering pardoning chef Martha Stewart and ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Trump so far has granted five clemencies: four pardons and one sentence commutation. All five have gone to defendants whose cases landed on Trump's radar via conservative media or celebrities.

While pardons essentially forgive people who have been convicted of crimes and restore some of their rights, a commutation reduces prisoners' sentences, usually freeing them immediately.

Here are all the pardons and commutations Trump has granted so far:

SEE ALSO: Trump floats a pardon bonanza of high-profile people, including Martha Stewart and Illinois' infamous former governor who was on 'Celebrity Apprentice'

DON'T MISS: 'Kim has been my war angel': The unlikely story of how Kim Kardashian West is trying to get Trump to free a 63-year-old grandmother from prison

Jack Johnson

Trump granted a rare posthumous pardon on May 24 to Jack Johnson, the American heavyweight boxing champion who died in 1946 and was convicted in 1913 of taking his white girlfriend across state lines.

Johnson's conviction reeked of racism and injustice at the height of the Jim Crow era. An all-white jury found Johnson guilty of violating the White Slave Traffic Act, also known as the Mann Act, which criminalized transporting women across state lines "for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose."

Johnson's conviction and one-year prison sentence has prompted debate for years — and Trump is not the first president to consider a pardon.

Former President Barack Obama faced the same decision, but his Justice Department recommended against one, so as to focus more on pardons that could benefit living people, a former Obama administration official told The New York Times.

Johnson's case received a recent publicity boost from the actor Sylvester Stallone, who visited the Oval Office to watch Trump sign the pardon.

Lewis "Scooter" Libby

Trump in April pardoned Scooter Libby, a former Bush administration official convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice after a special prosecutor's investigation into the 2003 leak of the CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.

Libby was originally sentenced to 30 months in prison, but former President George W. Bush commuted it. Despite intense pressure from his vice president Dick Cheney, who had hired Libby as his chief of staff, Bush declined to grant Libby a pardon, as well.

Trump said in a statement announcing the pardon that he didn't know Libby, but "for years I have heard that he has been treated unfairly."

Libby's case contained echoes of Trump's own legal battles — the president is the subject of a similar probe by a special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign.

Kristian Saucier

In March, Trump pardoned Kristian Saucier, a former Navy sailor who took photos of classified areas inside a nuclear submarine in 2009. Saucier pleaded guilty in 2016 and served one year in prison.

He has previously said he took the photos merely as mementos for his military service. But federal prosecutors accused him of undermining national security by taking the photos, and then obstructing the investigation by destroying a laptop and camera.

Conservative media outlets such as Fox News had compared Saucier's case with that of Hillary Clinton, who used a private email server while she was secretary of state but was never prosecuted.

Trump used Saucier's case during his 2016 presidential campaign as a means to portray the perceived double standard of Saucier's treatment by federal investigators with that of Clinton's.

"Now you can go out and have the life you deserve!" Trump tweeted after granting Saucier's pardon.

Vast, mysterious, and haunting, the ocean has inspired many due to its sheer size, power, and unremitting beauty— but it's much more than just a bewitching mass of water.

Not only is the ocean teeming with precious marine life, it's the lifeblood of planet Earth itself, providing us with oxygen, absorbing carbon, and covering over three-quarters of Earth. 

Marvel at the beauty of the ocean, and all that it contains, below.

The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface.

And around 97% of our planet's water is found in our oceans.

No other planet (or moon) discovered thus far boasts an ocean.

As far as we've discovered, Earth is the only known planet (or moon) that has large bodies of liquid water on its surface.

Earth is home to four named oceans.

While historically there have been four named oceans— Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic — many countries now also recognize the Southern (Antarctic) ocean. 

Dogs may be a man's best friend, but cat owners will tell you that their feline friends are just as lovable.

According to the 2017-2018 American Pet Products Association's National Pet Owners Survey, almost half of US households (47%) own a cat.

If you're thinking about getting a cat, there's a lot to consider, like what kind of breed to get and what to name it.

For some name inspiration, we rounded up the 20 most popular cat names in the US. This list was compiled by Healthy Paws Pet and Insurance Foundation and includes the 10 male and 10 female cat names that were most popular in 2017.

Keep scrolling for some ideas that will be perfect for any kitty.

Stella

Stella means "star" and is of Latin origin.

Oscar

Oscar is of both Irish and English origins. The name has multiple meanings: "God spear,""deer-lover," and "champion warrior."

Gracie

Gracie is often used as a nickname for Grace, a name of English origin.

Governor's Ball returns to New York City's Randall's Island Park this weekend for its eighth annual music festival.

Headlined this year by Jack White, Travis Scott, and Eminem, the festival's lineup also features a handful of acclaimed indie acts and an altogether impressive showing for hip-hop artists, including a last-minute addition of rapper Pusha-T.

For those attending, we've highlighted a selection of the best performers to help streamline your festival experience.

Here are the 7 artists you need to see at Governor's Ball music festival this weekend:

SEE ALSO: The 50 best-selling albums of all time

Jack White

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Day: Friday

Set time: 9:15-11 pm

Stage: Gov Ball NYC Stage

Jack White is the headlining act on Friday. His latest album, "Boarding House Reach," is a bizarre, protean mix of funk-rock influences that should make for a raucous and compelling live set. If you're in the mood for more of a chill set to close out your night, consider seeing English producer-singer James Blake instead. Blake is performing in the same time-slot as White on the Honda Stage.

Kelela

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Day: Saturday

Set time: 3:45-4:45 pm

Stage: American Eagle Stage 

R&B singer Kelela's debut full-length album, "Take Me Apart," was one of the best-reviewed LPs of 2017. Her versatile singing compliments her great ear for idiosyncratic, electronic production from indie artists like Arca and Kwes. 

Cut Copy

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Day: Saturday

Set time: 4:45-5:45 pm

Stage: Gov Ball NYC Stage

The Australian indie-rock trio Cut Copy makes striking guitar-led music backed by panoramic synths and accessible melodies — all of which translates well in a festival setting. The singles from its most recent album, 2017's "Haiku from Zero," are all stellar, "Airborne" (see above) in particular. 

Everyone has certain preferences when it comes to their favorite modes of travel. For those who fly — there’s also often a favorite (or at least preferred) airline. For some, a preferred airline has to do with the price of flights or the choice of destination, but for others, there’s a larger emphasis on the services and amenities that the airline provides.

If you have a disability or you’re traveling with someone who does, the accessibility factor might weigh more heavily into your decision, or, if you fly frequently, you might try to stick to the same airline that you know has worked in the past. 

If accessibility and service rank high on your list of airline priorities, we rounded up some things you need to know about major airlines. 

It's worth noting, as we do several times in this post, that every disability is different, every person is different, and each passenger will have their own unique experiences with different airlines. 

JetBlue got high marks for those traveling in a wheelchair.

"In terms of domestic airlines, JetBlue has by far been the most accommodating airline time and time again," Kristen Parisi, a 33-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair and travels frequently, told INSIDER. "Often times the airline attendants have not had to use the onboard aisle chair outside of their initial training, but I have never had a bad experience. The attendants are sensitive and helpful when needing to go to the bathroom."

Southwest has a leg up because of one important feature.

For many people with disabilities, seat selection can be important and that’s one of the reasons that Parisi likes another popular airline. "Southwest is also an ideal airline because wheelchair users are the first to board, and therefore, you have your pick of seats," she said. “On every other airline, you're stuck where they put you.” Though she did mention that some airlines will work with passengers with disabilities to make sure they’re in the seats they need to be.

American Airlines

While Parisi like several airlines, Hingson has an airline of choice: American. "I, as a passenger, use American Airlines exclusively unless there are just some places American doesn’t fly, mostly because when I fly other airlines — although it’s getting more equal in terms of service — I’m reminded why I like American better,” Hingson said.

He noted that, from his perspective, American isn’t quite as great as it used to be either, but that he still prefers it to many others.

"Overall, airlines could and should do a better job in knowing who their disabled passengers on board, for safety's sake in case of emergency,” Parisi said. "It used to be commonplace that a head steward/stewardess would introduce themselves to me before the flight takes off and let me know that they would be there in case of an emergency. This is now a rarity, across airlines.”

There is no place more socially acceptable to consume a cheeseburger on a glazed donut, a husk of corn, and a deep-fried candy bar — all before 10 a.m. — than a state fair.

As summer draws nearer, so too does state fair season, an archetypal American pastime that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Some of the more impressive fairs in the US. are staggering in size, while others boast mouth-watering cream puffs, educational exhibits, or famous butter sculptures.

With some help from Foursquare's rankings system, we identified the most brag-worthy state fairs in the country.

SEE ALSO: This is the best credit card for Delta flyers — and it isn't what you'd expect

17. Florida State Fair

Tampa hosts its state's fair every February, and has been doing so for nearly 115 years. The Florida State Fair features Midway rides, a model train show, an all-breed dog show, and an impressive circus (with rave-worthy lemonade).

16. Kane County Fair

It may be a county fair, but this dark horse still clears the top 20. Located in Saint Charles, Illinois, Kane County Fair has everything from professional bull riders to racing pigs to a car show.

15. Delaware State Fair

This sprawling state fair offers helicopter rides, a beer and wine garden, a circus, live entertainment, a Giraffe Menagerie Petting Zoo, live harness racing, and more to its thousands of annual attendees. The Giraffe Menagerie Petting Zoo feels especially noteworthy here.

• Sears is set to close hundreds of Sears and Kmart stores this year.  
• The company announced on Thursday that it was closing 63 more locations.
• The company has been quietly closing additional stores over the past several months, as Business Insider has previously reported.
  

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Sears is having a tough year.

The department store chain was once the largest retailer in the United States, but has cut its store count in half in the last five years.

The company announced on Thursday that it was closing another 63 stores, on top of the more than 160  closings that took effect this year. Sears initially said Thursday that 72 stores would close, then later revealed that some of the planned closures were being reevaluated.

Sears said closing sales for the 63 stores would begin in the "near future." Sears also hinted at more closings to come, saying the 72 stores were among 100 stores the company had identified as unprofitable.

In addition to closing stores, the company is selling a handful of other locations online through a partnership with Cushman & Wakefield, a real-estate services company. 

The properties are advertised as sale-and-leaseback deals, meaning Sears would make rent payments to the winning bidders to remain in the space.

Here's the list of Sears stores closing and for sale: 

SEE ALSO: Sears' reclusive CEO explains why he rarely visits the office — and instead lives at his sprawling $38 million estate that's 1,400 miles away

SEARS CLOSING: Park Mall, 5950 E Broadway Blvd. Tucson, Arizona

SEARS CLOSING: Sunrise Mall, 5900 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, California

SEARS CLOSING: Westfield Galleria at Roseville, 1191 Galleria Blvd., Roseville, California