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Photos show how a deadly mass shooting unfolded at a local newspaper in Maryland

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Capital Gazette Shooting Map 2 (1)

  • At least five people were killed and several others were "gravely injured" in a mass shooting at the offices of a local newspapers in Annaapolis, Maryland, on Thursday.
  • Police have a suspect in custody, identified as a man in his late 30s.

At least five people were killed and several others were "gravely injured" after a shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon.

The suspected gunman, a white male male believed to be in his late 30s, was taken into custody. Police have yet to determine a motive and the suspect has reportedly been uncooperative.

Here's how the incident unfolded, based on what we know so far:

Phil Davis, a reporter with the Capital Gazette, tweeted that a gunman "shot through the glass door to the office and opened fire on multiple employees."

"Can't say much more and don't want to declare anyone dead, but it's bad," Davis added.

In addition to Davis, a summer intern for the newspaper also called for help on Twitter: "Active shooter 888 Bestgate please help us," intern Anthony Messenger wrote.

Source: Business Insider



Police officers responded to the incident within 60 seconds, law-enforcement officials said.



Police say around 170 people were rescued from the building.

Source: Business Insider



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LIONEL MESSI: How the most expensive soccer player in the world spends his millions

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Lionel Messi



Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest soccer player alive, and with that incredible success comes fabulous wealth. 

Messi is the second highest-paid athlete in the world, and the highest paid soccer player, according to Forbes, after boxer Floyd Mayweather and ahead of his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Despite his insane wealth and popularity, he's is one of the most private people in the sport.

He drives a $200,000 car and lives in a nice house, but the rest is a mystery.

He has made $111 million so far in 2018.

Source: Forbes



He signed a new contract in 2017 which pays him over $80 million annually.

Source: Forbes



He makes an additional $27 million in endorsements.

Source: Forbes



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These are the people killed in a mass shooting at the offices of the Capital Gazette

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capital gazette shooting

  • Five people were killed and two others were injured when a gunman fired at people in the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, on Thursday.
  • The victims held various roles within the company; several had decades of experience in journalism.

Five people were killed and two others were injured when a gunman fired at people in the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon.

The victims held various roles within the company; several had decades of experience in journalism.

"Devastated & heartbroken. Numb. Please stop asking for information/interviews," Jimmy DeButts, community news editor of the Capital Gazette, said in a tweet. "I'm in no position to speak, just know Capital Gazette reporters & editors give all they have every day. There are no 40 hour weeks, no big paydays - just a passion for telling stories from our community."

A Bloomberg journalist started a crowdfunding campaign to help support the victims. As of early Friday morning, it had raised more than $50,000 of its $70,000 goal. That goal had previously been set to $30,000. It was raised several times as the donation pledges added up.

Here's what we know about the victims of the attack:

Gerald Fischman, 61

Fischman was an editorial writer at The Capital Gazette.

He is survived by his wife.

Fischman had worked at the newspaper company since 1992, where he was noted for his quiet personality that "hid the brilliant mind, wry wit and 'wicked pen,'" according to his colleagues cited in a Baltimore Sun report.

"He was the consummate newspaper professional," Kathy Flynn, a former features editor, said in The Sun. "He took ultimate care, he made sure that every sentence was exactly what he wanted to say."

He graduated from the University of Maryland's journalism school in 1979.

You can read his articles here »



Robert Hiaasen, 59

Hiaasen had been an assistant editor at the Capital Gazette since 2010, and a feature writer for the Baltimore Sun before that. 

"I just want people to know what an in­cred­ibly gentle, generous, and gifted guy my brother was," Hiassen's brother Carl, said to The Washington Post.

"He was an unforgettably warm and uplifting presence as a father and brother," Carl said. "But he also had dedicated his whole life to journalism."

Hiaasen graduated from the University of Florida. He was also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Maryland, according to The Post.

You can read his articles here »



John McNamara, 56

McNamara reported on a variety of topics for the Capital Gazette for over 20 years, according to The Washington Post.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Chamblee.

McNamara's news coverage included sports, a topic he would later write about in a book about the University of Maryland's football program.

"Definitely a pen and paper guy," David Elfin, his coauthor on a book about basketball, said to The Washington Post. "He didn't wear a fedora, but maybe he should have."

You can read his articles here »



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Instagram will now let you add music to your stories — here's how to do it

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Insta style 3

If you're really trying to set the mood for that perfect Instagram story, it might have just become easier. 

On Thursday, Instagram launched a feature that lets users add clips of songs to their stories.

Instead of playing the songs through their speakers while recording a video, users can include up to 15 seconds of a song in their video and photo posts to their stories. 

There's a few genres and moods to choose from, and a search feature for anything that's not included on the front page. Instagram says there's "thousands" of songs included, but the list isn't as extensive as what can be found on apps like Apple Music and Spotify. 

Here's how to jump on Instagram's latest trend and add music to your stories:

Step 1: Tap on the smiley-face icon in the top right of the screen after you take a photo for the story. This will open up the page of stickers you can add to the story.

Click on "Music" in the second row. 



Step 2: Now you'll be able to scroll through the various genres and moods, or search for music on your own.





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13 easy snacks that are actually a great source of protein

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mindy project steak

Finding the perfect snack can be quite a difficult task, as it’s safe to say that some of our go-to vending machine favorites aren’t exactly the most nutritious. And equally-frustrating are the supposedly "healthy snacks" that can leave us fooled, as added sugar and sodium content inside those pack-able snack options can make us rethink our cravings altogether.

To find high-protein snacks that actually are nutritious, we asked nutritionists and dietitians to share some easy protein-rich snacks you won’t regret. Here are several of the snack ideas they recommend keeping inside your lunchbox throughout the workday.  

1. Try high-protein yogurt.

"Unlike many yogurts on the market, siggi’s Icelandic style yogurts do not contain a lot of sugar," Jenna Amos, registered dietitian at siggi’s dairy told INSIDER. By eating yogurts with higher protein and less sugar, Amos said you will stay full longer, squashing all those unhealthy food cravings you may have on the brain.



2. Munch on some snack-able cheese crisps.

"Protein plays a starring role in the diets of those looking to build lean muscle and burn fat," certified holistic nutritionist Amanda Tiberi explained to INSIDER. Since people value their protein coming from real food, Tiberi recommends an on-the-go snack such as Whisps, which are snack-able cheese crisps packed with over 10 grams of protein.  



3. Try some nutritious nut butters.

"SunButter is a great high protein snack option that’s free of the top eight food allergens," said, registered dietitian Abbey Sharp. Unlike other nut butters available, Sharp said this butter packs protein and macronutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and iron.  



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We compared 2 popular $200 sonic facial cleansers that are all over Instagram to settle the debate over which one works best

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

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  • Using a sonic facial cleanser along with your favorite face wash can have a major impact on the quality of your skin.
  • Two of the best sonic cleansers you can buy are the FOREO Luna 2 for Men or women, and the QYKSONIC Zoe 3-in-1, which are equally priced at $200.
  • With many similar features, both are great choices, but we outlined the key differences to help you decide which one is best for you.

Thoroughly cleansing your face is the foundation to proper skin care. Even if your selection of skin care products consists of a whole slew of acne creams, mud masks, and moisturizers, bringing your skin to its full potential is hard to do without a clean slate.

People typically use their hands to work face wash into the skin in hopes of getting rid of the dead skin cells and excess oil that can clog pores, but that’s hardly the most effective way to cleanse or exfoliate. To supplement your favorite face wash, using a sonic cleanser can greatly improve the effectiveness of your routine.

Two of the most well-known sonic cleansing devices available are the FOREO Luna 2 for Men or women and the QYKSONIC Zoe 3-in-1. Identically priced at $199, they have very similar features and designs, but there are some there are key differences as well as some pros and cons to consider.

I've had the opportunity to use both side-by-side in my skin care routine, so below, I outlined everything you need to know before choosing the right sonic facial cleanser for yourself. 

It’s worth noting that the men’s version and women’s version of the FOREO Luna 2 aren’t much different, except that the women’s version offers a few more bristle options based on specific skin types. The QYKSONIC Zoe does not label their products by gender. For the purpose of this review, I tested the men’s FOREO Luna 2, but the results apply across the board.

FOREO Luna 2 for Men, $199, available on Amazon

FOREO Luna 2 for Women, $199, available on Amazon

QYKSONIC Zoe 3-in-1, $199, available on Amazon

Read on to learn about the key differences, below:

Power levels

WINNER: Even with extremely similar functions, the FOREO Luna 2 wins this round by a small margin because it has more pulsating power. The higher T-Sonic power helps provide a noticeably deeper clean.

The FOREO Luna 2 for Men is advertised as a 3-in-1 facial scrub brush, pre-shaving, and anti-aging tool. At its highest setting, it can perform 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute. The FOREO Luna 2 for Women has the same amount of power as the men’s device, but it comes in more versatile bristle options that are designed to address specific skin types.

The QYKSONIC Zoe is advertised as a 3-in-1 cleanser, massager, and product applicator with silicone bristles working at 6,000 pulsations per minute. The Zoe has 15 adjustable settings compared to the Luna 2's 12 adjustable settings. If you have very sensitive skin, the Zoe might be the better option because you'll have a little bit more control over the intensity. 

I was able to use both devices to clean, massage, and prepare for shaving with good results. I personally came to prefer more pulsating power over more settings, so the Luna 2 was the winner here. Although the Zoe delivers less pulsations, it's still powerful enough to work effectively — I just prefer the deeper scrubbing power of the the Luna 2.



Design

WINNER: The Zoe comes out on top in terms of design because of its pointed flower petal shape. While the Luna 2 is more versatile with two different sides, the Zoe let me get into the nooks of my face more effectively.

Aesthetically, the Luna 2 for Men and the Zoe have quite a few similarities in design. They're about the same size and feature almost identical power buttons on the front. There are two major differences, though, in that the Luna 2 for Men features a single-texture silicone scrubber, while the Zoe has a combination of fine and wider textured silicone bristles on the tip. And unlike the Luna 2's rounded shape, the Zoe takes the shape of a flower petal, which makes getting in tough to reach areas like the corners of your eyes and nose a bit easier.

On the back sides, the Zoe features more silicone bristles, while the Luna 2 for Men uses a ribbed pattern, which can be used at lower frequencies to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Given the difference in the two sides, the Luna 2 for Men is a bit more versatile, but the Zoe is better for removing things like makeup or built-up grime from all the hard-to-scrub areas.

However, the Luna 2 for women gets extra points for the fact that you can opt for slight differences in the designs to address specific skin concerns. The men’s Luna 2 just comes with one design, so in terms of options, the Luna 2 for women just brings more to the table. And hey, there’s no reason guys can’t use the women’s version to address the needs of their own skin.



Available Colors

WINNER: This round is a tie, as color is completely up to you. The Zoe does come in more choices, but for the Luna 2 for men, it's hard to go wrong with black. If you’re buying a women’s Luna 2, the colors are generally coded based on skin type so you'll have less flexibility to choose based on aesthetic alone.

Granted, color has nothing to do with the performance of either device, but it is something you'll have to see sitting in your bathroom every day. The QYKSONIC Zoe comes in bright colors like yellow, blue, green, purple, pink, and baby pink, with a matching carrying case and charging cable. The Luna 2 for Men is only available in black and comes with a grey carrying case and white charging cable. The Luna 2 for Women is color coded based on skin type, and includes light pink (normal skin), purple (sensitive skin), aqua (combination skin), and baby blue (oily skin).



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Inside a bitcoin billionaire's master plan for his futuristic office and $21 million penthouse : Miniature luxury cars, holographic receptionists, and secret tunnels

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anthony di iora

Anthony Di Iorio made his fortune as an early adopter of hot cryptocurrencies bitcoin and ethereum. 

Now, the cryptocurrency billionaire is spending some of his cash on two video game-inspired real estate projects in Toronto. 

Di Iorio recently purchased two spaces in Toronto. One is a 15,000 square foot office space for his blockchain company Decentral, and the other is a three-story penthouse which will serve as both his home and an experimental private event space — and which cost him $21 million.

Di Iorio's plans for both spaces are extremely unconventional. At the office space, in particular, he's bringing a sci-fi fantasy to life with holographic receptionists, "moving walls," and secret tunnels, where remote controlled Aston Martins zoom underfoot beneath glass floors.

Here's a glimpse of Di Iorio's vision for his futuristic office and his gorgeous new home:

Decentral's new office is located in the heart of Toronto's financial and entertainment district.



The office isn't ready yet, but we got to see some renderings of what Decentral plans for its office to look like when it's all done. When you first enter the office, you'll be greeted by a hologram receptionist and four different concealed doors.



The hologram receptionist will ask a question, and how you answer determines which door will swing open. They haven't decided yet what that question will actually be, but the company likes the idea.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The best beach gear you can buy

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

beachguide

The Insider Pick:

  • Summer is a great time to get outside and hit the beach. We've rounded up the best beach gear of all kinds so you don't have to waste precious time indoors looking for good beach gear.

  • Whether you need a beach umbrella, towel, chair, cooler, grill, toy set, or sunscreen, we have a pick for you.

Summer's here, and it's time to be by some body of water, doing whatever it is you love to do — swim, surf, read, catch a few rays, or build sand castles. That's why we're here, inside, sorting through the cornucopia of umbrellas, chairs, sunscreen, towels, and more — so you don't have to.

Skip the headache and maybe the heartache of plying the interweb or the boardwalk for the best beach ball, swim trunks, or umbrella, and leave it to us to do what we do best.

We provide multiple options for everything we recommend based on price, function, and style so that, for example, you don't end up making the treacherous mistake of buying a cheap, leaky, and nearly useless cooler bag that will leave you with hot beer and a sopping, sorry-looking mess of barbecue fixings by the time you go to crack one open and light the grill.

Click on a link to jump to a topic or just scroll to see all our picks:

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks for the best beach gear.

The best swimsuits and swim trunks

The best women's swimwear: Lively Swim Collection ($80 or $65)

Lively makes excellent affordable swimwear that's simple, supportive, and stylish. You can get a onepiece for $65 or a bikini top and bottom for $80. Because Lively is a lingerie startup, many of the bikini tops are based on bra sizing, which makes it super easy to find your fit. We've tried multiple bikini tops and bottoms from Lively (as well as its bras), and we've never been disappointed.

If you want to spend more, you should check out Helen Jon, a company that makes excellent swimsuits in a wide variety of styles and sizes. You can read our full review on Insider Picks. Summersalt also makes great swimsuits, but the sizing can be tricky for women with larger cup sizes.

We love Eloquii's gorgeous plus-size swimsuitsAndie's simple onepieces, and Aerie's super affordable swimsuits, too. Depending on your style preferences and budget, you'll prefer one brand over another. — Malarie Gokey

Read our full guide to the best women's swimwear.


The best men's swimwear: Faherty's All Day shorts ($98.00) 

Faherty's All Day shorts are made from recycled plastic water bottles and a little cotton for comfort. The shorts are sleek for what otherwise looks like a more straight-cut board short, and the hidden drawstring (made to accommodate belt loops on the outside) is a nice touch that lends the shorts well to wear on or off the beach.

If you’re rough on your clothes like I am, a pair of Birdwell Beach Britches is a worthy addition to your collection of shorts. Birdwell Beach Britches have been around since 1961, and have remained a staple among surfers since. They're simple but durable, and double-layered nylon and triple-stitching means that there’s a good chance you’ll unravel before they do.

The nylon prevents them from being the quickest drying pair of swimshorts out there, but it will take more than a few run-ins with the reef to send these to the recycling bin. For a little more length and stretch, look into Birdwell’s Men’s Stretch board shorts.

If you're after the quickest-drying short you can find, Patagonia's Light and Variable are my personal favorite short for surfing and traveling. They scrunch up to almost nothing and have enabled me to travel extremely lightly. Along with my trusty UPF sun- and linen shirts, I'm able to fit an entire 10 days' wardrobe into a small shoulder bag or a board bag and be on my way.

They also dry so well that they're the shorts I make sure I have ready for a last-minute surf or swim before a flight. If you hold them out the window on a taxi ride to the airport, even if it's only 10 minutes, they'll probably be dry by the time you hit the terminal. Ask me how I know.

And lastly, if you still insist on wearing traditional swim trunks with those miserable mesh linings in them which finally fell out of style sometime in the 1990s, at least do that bygone era justice by going with this "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" print by Boardies.

Read our guide to board shorts for more recommendations.



The best sunglasses and sun hat

The best beach sunglasses: Ray-Ban Clubmasters in lightweight aluminum ($243.00)

Ray-Ban's Clubmasters are a good option for beach shades because they stand up well against sand. If all you want is a pair of cheapies, Gamma Ray's Polarized Cheaters are pretty solid, especially for under $10. You can also pick up a 3-pack for $16.99.

Floating glasses are a good idea, too, especially if you like to take your shades swimming. These bamboo glasses by Swell Vision are fun and sturdy.

Read our guide to the best polarized sunglasses for more options.


The best sun hats: Headchange lifeguard hat ($29.95)

A straw lifeguard hat with an oversized brim is always another good choice and does a dandy job of keeping the sun off not only your face, but your shoulders, too, depending on the position of the sun. Headchange offers the lifeguard hat with a one-year warranty.

More style-savvy, Brixton's Jaya Hat is a classic beach hat made from durable Mexican palm fronds and comes with a chin strap for breezy days.



The best beach sandals

The best women's beach sandals: OOfos' sandals ($49.95)

I discovered OOfos sandals at a shoe store about five years ago and I've been wearing them at the beach, around the house, and while traveling ever since. These flip flops offer stability, comfort, and durability. They are formed to fit the curve of your arch, so OOfos' sandals offer much more support than your average pair of flip flops. They absorb impact and they don't move up and down as you walk, either.

I've bought OOfos for a few different family members and they're all converts. Even though the sandals are a bit pricey, they are worth it because they will last and last. You can even machine wash hose them down after a day on the beach to get rid of all the sand they pick up. — Malarie Gokey

Those looking for something either more pared down or styled will more than likely find a suitable pair of Reef sandals.


The best men's sandals: Hari Mari's Dunes ($45.00)

Hari Mari's Dunes are a lightweight, thin flip flop so they're easy to slip into your beach bag when it comes time to tread through soft sand. I also like that they're a little stiff so that if you do tread the sand with them on, they won't kick it up everywhere. Hari Maris have subtle lines, no unnecessary flare, and are soft, comfortable, and built to last at a fair price. And, of course, there's always a trusty pair of Reef sandals.

 



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The 28 best NBA free agents of 2018

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NBA free agency this summer presents two very different storylines — the chase for LeBron James and the relative lack of big names and teams with cap space.

James and his next destination and whether he can team up with any star players will be the top story of the offseason. Once James lands, it may be a quiet summer, as it's relatively shallow free agent class and few teams have money to spend.

It's an unbalanced class — some elite superstars, some intriguing young players, and a healthy dose of role players who may have to take small deals so they can re-enter free agency again in one year.

Free agency begins July 1. Here are the top players available:

LeBron James, F

Previous team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Rumored landing spots: Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets

One thing to know: James is once again expected to take a look at the NBA landscape and weigh where he wants to play next season. The problem this year is there aren't any perfect fits. Expect James to bring stars with him wherever he goes.



Kevin Durant, F

Previous team: Golden State Warriors

Rumored landing spots: Warriors

One thing to know: Durant is all but guaranteed to re-sign with the Warriors to continue their run of dominance. What to watch for will be how long he signs and for how much money.



Paul George, F

Previous team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Rumored landing spots: Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers

One thing to know: According to reports, there is increasing speculation that George may re-sign with the Thunder. However, George's home-town Lakers and the idea of a new super-team loom large.



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Many American Revolutionaries were much younger than you might think when they declared independence from Britain

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washington crossing the delaware american revolution

How old were the American Revolutionaries when the colonies declared independence from Britain in 1776? 

Some were older, like Thomas Jefferson who was 33, John Hancock who was 39, or Benjamin Franklin who was 70. Others were shockingly young — even teenagers. James Monroe, for example, was 18 and Alexander Hamilton was 21.

All Things Liberty compiled a list of the ages of famous people at the start of the American Revolution. 

Here's everyone who was younger than 25 on July 4, 1776, including a the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence:

SEE ALSO: What the Founding Fathers were doing before their act of rebellion made them famous

Andrew Jackson, 9

While Andrew Jackson may have been too young to enlist when the Revolutionary war first began, when he was 13-years-old, the future president of the United States served as a patriot courier in the Revolutionary War. 

When he was captured by British soldiers, young Jackson was hit across the face for refusing to shine his captors shoes. He was left with physical and mental scars for many years after the war ended, but went on to become a hero in the War of 1812, a successful lawyer, and the seventh American President.



(Major) Thomas Young, 12

Major Thomas Young, the son of Thomas Young, John Adams' family physician and Boston Tea Party organizer, didn't waste any time getting involved in the Revolution.

Four years after the colonies declared independence, Young joined the militia and was quickly promoted to Major. 

 



Deborah Sampson, 15

Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man so she could join the Massachusetts military. 

During her tenure in the Patriot forces she led dangerous expeditions, dug trenches, and helped capture 15 Loyalists. She kept her true identity hidden for two years until doctors caring for her discovered she was a woman. Soon thereafter Sampson was honorably discharged. 



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14 of the biggest differences between Canada and the US

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Canada sits right above the United States, making up a big part of North America. The countries are so close, in fact, that in some of the northern states, Canada is only a short drive away. This can make it easy to assume that Canada and America are the same but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Between politics, religion, currency, and food, there are lots of differences between the two countries. Take a look at some of the biggest differences below.

Canada's government system differs from America's.

While America is led by a president, Canada is a Commonwealth country led by a prime minister. And, technically, Queen Elizabeth is the Head of State of Canada, although she really doesn't do much.

Political parties are also different. In the US, we have two major parties: Democratic and Republican. Canada has four major parties and many smaller ones, like Conservatives, Liberals, New Democratic Party, and the Green Party.



As a country, Canada is more welcoming to outsiders.

This particular difference has never been as obvious as it is right now. Canadians are welcoming more refugees and immigrants than America.

According to NPR, "Canadians see immigration as critical to their economic success. The nation has invited in so many immigrants that today, one-fifth of the population is foreign-born."

Immigrants are referred to as "new Canadians" with the expectation that they will stay in the country. In terms of refugees, there is a #WelcomeRefugees program that offers help and assistance.

Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship from 2013 to 2015, Chris Alexander, told NPR, "The biggest contrast between the US and Canada is that we have reformed our immigration system continuously, intensively, for a decade at a time when the US has been facing gridlock."



Canadians take more breaks at work and have more vacation time.

When it comes to jobs, Americans work more than Canadians. Canada's take on vacation time resembles that of Europe. According to HR Daily Advisor, Canadian employees are given 30-minute breaks every five hours. Although American employees are given breaks as well, Canadians are more likely to take them.

As for vacation time? It depends on how many years the employee has been working, but Canadians with one year of service are entitled to two weeks of paid vacation. After five or six years of working, that number goes up to three weeks. In the US, employees are typically given much less. In fact, the US doesn't legally require companies to offer paid vacation time, and even when employees get it, most don't even use it, according to Market Watch.



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The 21 most overrated travel destinations around the world

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Venice Crowds St Marks Square

There are plenty of travel destinations around the world that are worth a long plane ride or a splurge.

But then there are also the perennial traveler favorites that simply don't deserve their accolades.

From attractions to cities, we rounded up 21 spots that are overrated either because of cost, crowds, pollution, or otherwise.

Keep scrolling to see the places that maybe shouldn't be so high up on your bucket list.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand's largest island — and its tourism numbers show it. Around 8.4 million visitors passed through the island's airport last year. Planning a vacation there during high season (November to March) means you'll be sharing the beach with tons of other tourists, and while this may improve if you go during low season, you'll most likely be dealing with more rain at that time of year.

Plus, according to a survey conducted by the Prince of Songkla University during the months of October 2016 to September 2017, trash and water quality is a problem for Phuket's beaches, meaning that they might not be the paradise you were hoping for.

 

 



Hollywood, California

Contrary to popular belief, if you're looking to spot a celebrity, you probably won't have much luck in Hollywood. Paramount Pictures is the only major studio that's actually located in the area.

Otherwise, there's the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which has long been known as a tourist trap, and unoriginal attractions like a wax museum and Ripley's Believe it Or Not Museum.



Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan

Given that there are so many places to see in Japan that are full of history and culture — Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka — it seems almost silly to go to a theme park that you can visit in your home country. In fact, some visitors will even tell you that Japan's version isn't as good as the original Disneyland or Disney World.

The crowds can also be an issue. One TripAdvisor reviewer cited two-hour waits to get onto rides, and said that it was nearly impossible to walk down Main Street.

 



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Gen Zs never watch TV, are stressed about Snapchat, and are concerned that technology has ruined their mental health — here's what it's REALLY like to be a teen in 2018

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teens


Generation Z is the most ethnically-diverse and largest generation in American history.

And they're the youngest — Pew Research Center defined them recently as everyone born after 1997

We usually view teens and the younger generations with a tinge of derision. And Gen Zs, with their obsession over Instagram and rejection of hourly work, are primed for the utmost scorn by their elders. 

But we're more likely to understand what Generation Z is all about by talking to them. 

Business Insider surveyed 104 Generation Zers nationwide to find out what it's like to be a teenager in 2018. Learn below about their opinions, fears, dreams, and complexities.

SEE ALSO: Generation Z is already moving away from Facebook, and 8 more industries could be next

DON'T MISS: Teenagers are less likely to work today than any generation before them, and some say school is to blame

SEE ALSO: The US allows teens to start working at 14 — here's how to get a first job in every state

Who did we talk to?

Business Insider surveyed 104 teens aged 13 to 19. They came from all over the US, including North Carolina, New York, and Michigan.

Many survey respondents came from WeAreGenZ, a consultancy and think tank powered by Gen Zs nationwide.



The average teen got their first smart phone just before their 12th birthday.

Nearly 80% of teens got their first smartphone between the ages of 11 and 13.

Almost 3% of teens got their first smartphone at age 8, and 6% at 15 or older.

  • "We are the first generation to have had access to smartphones our whole lives. We communicate through social media and texts, which changes the dynamic of communication."— 19-year-old
  • "Everything in our generation is immediate. Since we have been raised in an age where texts and messages can be sent in the blink of an eye, we are less patient than other generations because we are used to having instant gratification. But our generation is also very determined to show that we are capable of real thoughts and using the technology and communication methods we have been given for making change, despite what older generations expect from us."— 15-year-old


Most teens had an iPhone.

Among survey respondents, 94% had an Apple phone.

That's higher than what other surveys have shown, but not shockingly so. Investment bank and asset management firm Piper Jaffray found that, in their semi-annual survey of around 6,000 American teens, 84% of teens plan that their next phone will be Apple. 



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10 surprising things Americans don't know about Canadians

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Canada Day

When it comes to our northern neighbor, a number of stereotypes persist: Canadians have a sugary-sweet demeanor. They apologize for everything. They endure frigid temperatures daily and pour generous servings of maple syrup on every food group like Buddy the Elf.

While some of these assumptions have truth to them, too many Americans (myself included) have been basing their knowledge of Canadians entirely on shows like "Degrassi" and "Heartland," and know little about the country's actual culture.

In honor of Canada Day, we have compiled a list of facts Americans likely don't know about Canadians — but that may well inspire them to visit.

Canadians are super happy.

Maybe that's why they're so nice. A 2016 study found that 9/10 Canadians ages 12 and over are satisfied "'or very satisfied” with their lives. This makes Canada the second-happiest country in the world, following only Denmark.

Canada may even surpass Denmark soon, as Canadians are getting happier every year.



Canadians purchase their milk in bags.

While Americans buy their milk in cartons, in many parts of Canada it is sold in bags. Consumers buy a large four-liter bag of milk with three smaller bags inside, and place it in a pitcher at home — cutting off one corner of a bag for pouring.



They don't give their cows artificial hormones.

Speaking of milk preferences, Canada has not approved growth hormones for sale or use for their cows. Canadians feed their cows well and encourage milk production in more natural ways. rbST, a common growth hormone in the US, is not used.



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The INSIDER Horoscope: Be prepared for change this July

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A month of transformation! Be prepared for change to move you to a new place in life.

ARIES: Get out and be social, you might just meet someone special.

Friends are important now. However, with the powerful energy of the lunar eclipse, they are likely to show their true colors, good or bad. Mostly, those in your inner circle can be relied upon, as it is as if you draw to you the people you need. In other words, the right people at the right time. Be wary about financial dealings with friends, though. You will want to get all the finer details worked out before entering into any arrangements with anyone.

Be creative at work. What you have to say in the office meeting can set you above everyone else this month. Venus moves into a position that favors romance. If you are single, this is a time when you can suddenly meet someone wonderful, so pay attention. Get out and be social. But don't forget family. The solar eclipse focuses your attention on home and family, with a new beginning in some way. And a Venus Jupiter connection can help you step into your power and own it.



TAURUS: You can be lucky in love this July.

Business gets serious this month. You can surge ahead with plans but be careful not to step on anyone's toes. It is always good to proceed with diplomacy and with a strategic plan. Rash decisions, especially with a powerful energy of a lunar eclipse in your career zone, if you're not careful, can lead to power struggles. However, the solar eclipse does open the door for healthy communication.

Your home and family affairs take your attention, too. And although this is a good time to work with others, at home or work, you don't want to go against your intuition and be swayed to follow someone else's plan. With an interaction between Venus and Jupiter, you can be lucky in love and this is a month to ensure you look and feel great. When you look fabulous, you have power and magic!  



GEMINI: Be conscious of having balance in your life.

The influence of the solar eclipse can indicate that you have a fresh start with money this month. But it may not come without its challenges, especially as you may have to consider a family member or someone close. However, you do have an opportunity to review and reset your financial management system and improve your position in some way.

Communication is important. Don't expect that everyone knows what you are thinking, be clear and concise. And as Mercury, your ruler, will go retrograde later in the month on the 26th, you will want to deal with sensitive or emotional matters before this date, if possible. Creative projects get a boost of energy. Something new can prove to be a winning formula. And as Venus moves to your solar fourth house and interacts with lucky Jupiter, there is more focus on your home and family. Be conscious of having balance in your life.



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5 top-rated products on Amazon that people swear by for preventing seasickness and motion sickness

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

hands sea bands

Nothing can ruin a day out on the boat faster than a nasty bout of seasickness. The same thing goes for inescapable train, bus, and car rides — the kinds where you have no control over when and where you can stop or for how long.

Instead of suffering in silence — or worse, in a very loud way that may involve a leak-proof bag and a discontented audience — you may want to try one or more of the solutions that other Amazon shoppers seem to really like. 

Below, we've rounded up some of the best-rated and reviewed options for dealing with seasickness or motion sickness so you can enjoy your travels and adventures this summer. 

Sea-Band the Original Wristband for Adults

$7.70, available on Amazon

Rating: 3.9 starts out of 1,449 reviews

Though it does come with some mixed reviews, many Amazon shoppers find these acupressure bracelets to be effective at eliminating motion sickness for everything from boating to nausea-inducing virtual reality video game headsets. Many recommend wearing one on each wrist, so it's most economical to buy the two-pack listed above. 



MQ Motion Sickness Patch

$7.59, available on Amazon

Rating: 4.3 starts out of 967 reviews

This natural remedy patch is meant to be worn behind the ear and is said to help ease the gastrointestinal tract to prevent nausea and vomiting. Amazon customers seem to find them extremely effective, though you should note that the seller does not recommend them for pregnant women. They're also not waterproof, so if you plan to go swimming, they're not the best option for you. 



Reliefband for Motion and Morning Sickness

$94.99, available on Amazon

Rating: 4.1 starts out of 480 reviews

The Reliefband stimulates a nerve on the bottom side of the wrist that prevents nausea and motion sickness with no lag time. You can choose five different intensities depending on how severe your discomfort is. Many swear by this for dealing with morning sickness caused by pregnancy, but plenty of reviewers also explained how life-changing it was for eliminating their regular experiences with motion sickness. One Amazon shopper warned, though, that it's not a good option for anyone with severe sensitivity to metals. 



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25 actors who regret their iconic movie roles

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For those interested in making it in show business, the numbers are against them. Thousands of actors are all competing for the same roles, and only a select few are chosen. Even fewer become successful, and even a smaller number become household names and iconic movie stars.

For those who have reached that level of fame, they know the long and arduous journey that an individual has to take to get there. It takes many years, auditions, and rejections before an actor can make it to the coveted A-list status in Hollywood.

Because it is such a rocky road to reach that Hollywood fame, there are at least a few projects that every star regrets in the span of their career. For some, the roles that they regret are actually the very parts that made them famous in the first place.

An A-list actor might regret a movie for a number of reasons. They might have thought the project was promising when they signed up, but on set may have been a disaster. Or, years of experience have made them realize exactly how bad one of their movies actually is.

This list includes some of Hollywood's top names, A-listers that everybody is bound to know, and reveals which parts they've played in the past that they regret more than anything else.

From harsh directors to terrible scripts to just plain awful movies, these stars recount the range of reasons why some movies have gone down in their memory as some of the worst professional decisions they made.

Here are the 25 iconic roles A-listers completely regret.

Michael Fassbender: "Assassin's Creed"

Video game fans everywhere were hoping that Justin Kurzel's 2016 movie adaptation of "Assassin's Creed" would finally be the first truly successful video game film adaptation to hit the big screen.

The movie's star, Michael Fassbender, a fan of the video game himself, had similar hopes.

However, the movie just didn't pan out, earning only $54 million in American theaters and receiving harsh feedback from critics.

Fassbender has since expressed his regret over taking the role in Kurzel's movie.

Calling the project a "missed opportunity," he also said, "I think it took itself too seriously."

"Assassin's Creed" will be remembered as a missed opportunity in the minds of both Fassbender and video game fans.



Sally Field: "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Before Marisa Tomei turned the traditional image of old Aunt May completely upside down in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" with her hip and stylish version of the character, there was Sally Field.

Field bridged the gap between Tomei and the older version that appeared in Rami's original movie.

While fans were intrigued by the new imagining of Aunt May, Field herself was not amused in the slightest by the role.

The actress has come out and condemned the role, claiming that "it's really hard to find a three-dimensional character in it," and that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring Aunt May to life in the way she wanted.



Alec Baldwin: "Rock of Ages"

If you've ever been puzzled over why Alec Baldwin would ever take a role in a movie like the 2012 musical-comedy Rock of Ages, don’t worry: he wonders the same thing.

He once told the press that he thought the movie was “a complete disaster” and that he realized almost immediately what a huge mistake signing on for the project was.

“A week in you go, ‘Oh God, what have I done?'” Baldwin said, mimicking how he felt on set of Rock of Ages.

Baldwin doesn’t need to worry, however. Not many even remember Rock of Ages, so his regretted role has faded away quietly into the background.



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11 people share the 'dumbest' ways they lost money

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shopping

We've all done something dumb that cost us money, but if we're lucky, we didn't lose too much in the process.

Reddit users asked people what the "biggest 'idiot tax'" they ever paid was, as well as the dumbest way they've lost money. And boy, did people have some cringe-worthy answers.

INSIDER cannot independently verify each story, but they sure are entertaining to read, and, unfortunately, a bit too relatable sometimes.

From buying non-refundable, last-minute plane tickets to forgetting to take their cash from the ATM, here are 11 thoughtless ways people have lost money.

1. They bought a last-minute, non-refundable plane ticket — and their passport was expired.

"I bought a non-refundable airplane ticket on a whim, for a next-day flight. Turned out my passport had expired. Whelp." - SecondSingles



2. They stayed at an internship for eight years.

"I stayed at my internship for 8 years. To be fair, I graduated college in 2008, at the peak of the recession. I was interning there in college, and no one was hiring. They offered me the job, which was just basically a continuation of my internship (the same hourly rate, just some shitty benefits thrown in). Because of the market, I knew I had to take it...

After 6 or 7 years, I found out about Glassdoor and realized that I was being paid 30 to 40% below the MINIMUM market value rate in my area. I brought this into them and asked for a raise. They gaslighted me and tried to guilt me, and didn't give me anything... I got a new job, got back up to market rate, and I was able to walk out the door...

Make no mistake, this whole thing was an idiot move on my part, and likely cost me upwards of $250,000 over the 8 years I was there." - Hey_its_me_your_mom



3. They accidentally paid $1,500 for a service they never used.

"One day I just happened to notice a $75 charge on my bank statement for a monthly Dropbox.com Business account. After some investigation, I found out it was for a business account my wife had signed up for. She had created the account to research the Dropbox business model, intending to cancel it a few days later. She forgot.

Well I don't scrutinize my bank statements nearly as much as I should. It was 20 months after she signed up before I noticed the monthly charge. We had paid $1500 for a service we didn't use, or want, or even know we had." - Bostaevski



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11 things you should always do when you break up with someone

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When you break up with someone, it's usually because you know that the relationship needs to end. But even knowing that, transitioning from life in a relationship to life on your own can be hard. It’s important to give yourself time to reflect on everything — good and bad — from your last relationship so that you can learn for the future.

The things that you do after you break up with someone cannot only help you deal with the changes but can help you grow as a person, as well.

Remember to exercise.

When you’re feeling sad, guilty, down, or just not your usual self, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get up and exercise, but doing so might actually help you.

"When we're in a relationship with someone, we form both an emotional and physical bond. Pleasant-feeling chemicals (endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine) in our brain are released during times of emotional closeness, and unpleasant-feeling chemicals (such as cortisol) in our brain are released during times of high stress and conflict," Julie Williamson, LPC, NCC, RPT, a therapist and owner of Abundant Life Counseling St. Louis, told INSIDER.

"These chemicals affect our moods, and in some cases, physical symptoms. Even if we're the ones breaking up with someone for good reasons, breakups can still be hard because the chemicals in our brains don't know that the breakup is healthy and the right decision — only that we've lost a connection and those feel-good chemicals that come with it."

Williamson said that exercising can help you feel better because it’ll boost endorphins, but that you don’t have to do something high intensity in order to reap the benefits. Even just a walk will help.



Feel your feelings.

Some people think that there’s a time limit for feeling a certain way after a breakup. It’s important, however, to acknowledge and feel your feelings regardless of if you were heartbroken because someone broke up with you or you’re feeling guilty because you broke up with your partner.

"Avoiding feelings can be useful in a moment (instead of crying at work), [but] it is not a place you want to live," Jessica Cline, MSW, LCSW, a divorce recovery therapist, told INSIDER.

"The saying you have to feel it to heal it is true. The time needed to experience the suffering depends on each person and the nuances of the relationship. The process can take two weeks, two months or longer, however, if it feels like you are not recovering it may be a good idea to work with a mental health professional to assist you in your growth."



Take care of yourself in whichever way works best for you.

There’s a lot of talk about self-care right after a breakup. But what works for some people doesn’t work for everyone. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a great book, your favorite movie, yoga class, or your favorite meal, there are lots of things that you can do to take care of yourself.

"Journaling, yoga, setting small goals, spending time with loved ones — whatever releases those pleasant-feeling chemicals in your brain can be helpful," Williamson said.



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The most iconic reality TV stars of all time — and where they are now

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Donald Trump with Omarosa Manigault, then the Trump campaign's director of African-American outreach, in September 2016

Love it or hate it, reality television is a huge part of pop culture today. And there's something for everyone, no matter what your interests are. Want to watch a bunch of people compete to date Flavor Flav? There's a show for that. More into watching beautiful people in their 20s running around Los Angeles? There's a show for that too.

A few reality TV icons have become some of the biggest celebrities in the world today — while others have faded into obscurity. Not everyone can finagle a hosting gig into the presidency.

Keep scrolling to see what your favorite reality TV star is doing today.

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt had one of the most tumultuous relationships ever during their time on "The Hills."

Pratt, potentially one of the most hated reality TV stars ever, was responsible for the demise of the friendship between Conrad and Montag, one of the central themes on "The Hills."

According to Conrad, he was also responsible for spreading rumors about an alleged sex tape between Conrad and her ex-boyfriend Jason Wahler.

Montag and Conrad never truly recovered.



"Speidi," as they were called in the tabloids, are still together and welcomed a son in 2017.

Their relationship (and later marriage) has gone through a lot. Montag — who famously underwent around a dozen plastic surgeries— filed for divorce in July 2010, but later admitted that it was just for publicity. The couple also made appearances on "Celebrity Big Brother,""Marriage Boot Camp," and "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!."

Their son Gunner was born in October 2017. Currently, Pratt is killing the Snapchat game — he won Snapchatter of the Year at the 2018 Shorty Awards. The duo also launched a podcast in January 2018, aptly titled "Make Speidi Famous Again."



The girl that started it all, Lauren Conrad, appeared on both "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills," which followed her life from senior year of high school until she was 23.

"Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" depicted a group of friends going through the typical ups and downs of high school, and it was all narrated by Conrad. The show was such a success that it led to her very own spin-off, "The Hills." And for four-and-a-half seasons, fans of the show were able to watch Conrad, her best friends Lauren Bosworth, Audrina Patridge, and Heidi Montag, navigate their early 20s living in Los Angeles.

Most of Conrad's storylines on the show revolved around her conflict with Montag and Montag's boyfriend Pratt — but the most memorable moment from "The Hills" will always be Conrad getting chastised by her boss at Teen Vogue, Lisa Love, for opting to stay in Los Angeles with then-boyfriend Jason Wahler, rather than taking the opportunity to intern in France for the summer. 



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