• More than 3,800 stores are set to close across the United States in 2018. 
• Retailers including Walgreens, Toys R Us, and Gap are closing hundreds of stores each. 
• A retail apocalypse is ripping through the industry, leaving clearance sales and empty malls in its wake.

The retail apocalypse has descended on America. 

More than 3,800 stores are expected to close across the country this year. Department stores like Macy's, Sears, and JCPenney, and retailers including Toys R Us, BCBG, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Bebe have decided to close dozens of stores.

A new survey by commercial real estate company Reis found that malls are emptier than they have been since 2012, CNBC reported. The vacancy rate in regional and super-regional malls hit 8.6% in the second quarter, up from 8.4% in the prior quarter. 

With vacancy rates continuing to rise, walking through a mall in 2018 is like walking through a graveyard.

Here's photographic evidence that a retail apocalypse is hitting the United States hard:

SEE ALSO: 50 haunting photos of abandoned shopping malls across America

Perhaps most emblematic of the retail apocalypse are photos of dead malls.

As customers increasingly shop online, malls are suffering the consequences.

Visits to malls declined by 50% from 2010 to 2013, according to the real-estate research firm Cushman & Wakefield.

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 beach chair is of the utmost importance in ensuring that you have a comfortable day at the beach or any outdoor event.

• The RIO Brands 5-Position Lay Flat Beach Chair is the best beach chair for most people because it’s affordable, comfortable, easy to transport, and can recline in five different positions.

When I was a kid, I thought beach chairs were for old people. When it was time to stake out my sand territory, I happily spread out my colorful, oversized beach towel and never thought twice about sitting up. As an adult, I would never spend a day on the beach without a chair. It’s absolutely necessary for comfort and for keeping my drink of choice upright and sand-free.

Of course, beach chairs have changed a lot since my childhood. Not only are there more lightweight options, but today’s chairs are packed with fun accessories like drink holders, insulated cooler pouches, pockets, attached umbrellas, and much more. In addition, many of them can be transported on your back or over your shoulder.

We've researched to find the best beach chairs you can buy. Our top picks range from simple chairs to special ones with built-in umbrellas or coolers.

Here are the best beach chairs you can buy:

• Best overall: RIO Brands 5-position Lay Flat Beach Chair
• Best with a cooler: Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair
• Best reclining chair with an umbrella: Sport-Brella Recliner Chair
• Best beach mat chair: Picnic Time Beachcomber Portable Beach Mat
• Best quad beach chair: Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
• Best backpack chair: ONIVA Fusion backpack chair

Updated by Owen Burke on 07/03/18: Updated pricing, formatting, and added the ONIVA Fusion backpack chair by Picnic Time as a backpack pick.

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

SEE ALSO: The best beach umbrellas you can buy

The best beach chair overall

Why you'll love it: Affordable and easy to carry, the simple yet sturdy RIO Brands 5-Position Lay Flat Beach Chair will keep you comfortable all day long.

Founded in 1947, RIO Brands focuses on creating beautiful beach and backyard furniture. Made of durable 300-denier polyester and a lightweight, rust-proof aluminum frame, the RIO Brands 5-Position Lay Flat Beach Chair is built to last. It’s also built for comfort. Five positions, including a flat position ideal for tanning (or napping!) means you can adjust throughout the day. The armrests have a no-pinch feature.

The Rio 5-Position is also easy to transport. It’s lightweight at 6 pounds, foldable, and comes with an adjustable padded shoulder strap for easy carrying.

There are more than 140 reviews on Amazon, most of which are very positive with an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars. On July 20, 2017, one buyer wrote, “Love this chair! Lightweight easy to carry and so comfortable! Even my pup loves it!”

Some buyers complain that it is difficult to get out of the chair, and many others add that they wish it came with a drink holder. If you want a drink holder, you should check out our other picks. The chair comes in more than 15 different colors and patterns, including single-color favorites like Pacific Blue and Turquoise, as well as stripes, and tropical themes.

Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at The Strategist and Faveable, consider Rio's chairs among the best for beach goers.

Pros: Lightweight, affordable, sits close to the ground, durable fabric and frame, carrying strap, attractive designs

Cons: Some people say it is hard to get out of the chair

Buy the RIO Brands 5 position lay flat Beach chair on Amazon for $39.98 and up (price varies by color and pattern)

The best beach chair with a cooler

Why you'll love it: The attractive and comfortable Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair is lightweight, easy to adjust, and holds everything from your phone to a six-pack of Coke.

Carry this lightweight chair on your back with comfortable padded straps? Check. Cooler? Yes. Cup holder? Of course. The 5-position Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair has all the features you could possibly want in a beach chair.

It allows you to lay flat and comes with a built-in adjustable pillow to ensure your comfort throughout the day. Two large storage compartments keep you organized. One is insulated to keep your food and drinks cool, too. The contour molded armrest has a hanging cup holder, as well as a smart phone compartment. A folding towel bar on the back of the chair allows you to easily dry your towels and wet clothes.

The chair's lightweight rust-proof aluminum frame is enhanced with durable 600-denier polyester and can hold up to 300 pounds. The chair’s back is made of canvas.

There are more than 1,480 buyer reviews on Amazon with an impressive average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Buyers love the comfort, convenience, and attractive aesthetics of the Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair.

On August 22, 2016, one verified buyer summed it up nicely: “This chair is perfect! It is super light to carry, yet extremely sturdy. It is comfortable and has lots of nice features. The non-insulated pocket on the back is quite useful for carrying sunscreen, cell phone and keys as it zippers closed so you don't have to worry about dropping your valuables as you walk. …. The insulated pocket is perfect to keep a few cold drinks or snacks in. It kept my drinks pretty cold even without the addition of ice. The reclining feature is easily adjusted, unlike others I've had in the past. Everyone in my family wanted this chair comfort and convenience."

Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at Wirecutter, My Wild Earth, and Beach Giraffe tout the many benefits of buying the Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair, as well as similar Tommy Bahama chairs.

Pros: Lightweight, 5-positions, zippered storage compartments, insulated cooler that can hold up to 7 12-oz cans, adjustable pillow, easy to carry

Cons: Some users claim that the fabric rips apart easily

Buy the Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair on Amazon for $55.88 and up (price varies by color and pattern)

The best reclining beach chair with an umbrella

Why you'll love it: The Sport-Brella Recliner Chair comes with a swiveling umbrella, as well as insulated cooler and drink pouches.

Sit up, lay back, or nap. You can get comfortable in three different positions with the Sport-Brella Recliner Chair. The chair's umbrella has a 50+ UPF rating to protect you from the sun and a metallic underside to deflect heat. The umbrella is versatile, too. Not only can you attach it to either side of your chair, but it swivels into three different positions to ensure you are always in the shade.

The chair has a built-in insulated pocket that holds up to four drinks, a cup holder, and a zippered storage pocket that has a built in a bottle opener. The lightweight stainless steel frame can support up to 250 pounds.

There are more than 1,070 buyer reviews on Amazon. Reviews are mostly positive with an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars. “It is extremely comfortable, easy to assemble and I was the only one with an umbrella that moves with the sun with a flick of a finger … Fantastic product!” wrote a verified user on August 26, 2017.

Some Amazon buyers wrote that they wished the umbrella was bigger and that it stood up to wind better, though.

Pros: Detachable footrest, ample storage, insulated storage, cup holder, detachable and adjustable umbrella, lightweight

Cons: Some users say the umbrella is flimsy

Buy the Sport-Brella Recliner Chair on Amazon for $59.99

• Some colleges have a pretty decent track record when it comes to producing presidential alumni.
• Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, the College of William & Mary, West Point, and the University of Pennsylvania have all taught more than one student that went on to become president of the United States.
• But plenty of other schools have helped to mold the 44 people who went on to take the White House.

It's a question that any American history buff — or future White House hopeful — is bound to ask. Which college has the distinction of producing the most US presidents?

That'd be Harvard University. It's an unsurprising win, considering Harvard is the oldest school in the country.

But a number of other schools also happened to help shape the minds of the 44 men who served as president of the US. Ivy League institutions, small Christian colleges, and state research universities all made the list.

Keep in mind, these presidents didn't necessarily graduate from all of the schools on this list. A number, like the ever-nomadic William McKinley, John F. Kennedy, and Jimmy Carter, bounced around between a number of institutions due to financial reasons, health difficulties, or changing preferences. But the people who went on to become US presidents did study at an undergraduate level at all of these institutions.

But don't take any of this as an unabashed endorsement of collegiate-level study. Plenty of other presidents, including George Washington, never even attended college.

Here's a look at which undergraduate schools have produced the most US presidents:

SEE ALSO: From spending 7 years in prison to battling a yellow fever epidemic, here's what the Founding Fathers were doing before their act of rebellion made them famous

DON'T MISS: A look at the zodiac signs of all the US presidents

SEE ALSO: The 17 weirdest jobs of US presidents

Fordham University: One president

Donald Trump attended this Bronx-based Jesuit school before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

According to "The Trumps: Three Generations of Builders and a Presidential Candidate," the president's sister Maryanne said that Trump chose to attend the college because "That's where he got in."

Occidental College: One president

Before attending Columbia University, Barack Obama studied for two years at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Columbia University: One president

Obama transferred to Columbia University as a junior. There, he studied political science with a specialty in international relations, as well as English literature.

A significant number of people usher in our nation's Independence Day by listening to pop singer Lana Del Rey, according to new data from YouTube.

Del Rey's 2012 single, "National Anthem," leads a list of six songs that spiked over 1,000% in YouTube views on July 4th last year, compared to their daily averages in 2017, the company said in a release. 

However, YouTube could not account for the percentage of folks who surely found themselves watching Del Rey's video (which alludes to JFK's assassination) by accident while searching for the actual national anthem. 

The remaining tracks on the list include a few classic, USA-themed ballads from the likes of Ray Charles, Simon & Garfunkel, and others.

Here are the 6 songs that spike over 1,000% in views on July 4th:

SEE ALSO: The 5 songs on Drake's new, 25-track album 'Scorpion' that are actually worth listening to

6. Toby Keith — "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)"

Youtube Embed:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ruNrdmjcNTc
Width: 800px
Height: 410px

Spike on July 4th, 2017: 1,321%

5. Simon & Garfunkel — "America"

Youtube Embed:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Eo2ZsAOlvEM
Width: 800px
Height: 410px

Spike on July 4th, 2017:1,770%

4. Lee Greenwood — "God Bless the USA"

Youtube Embed:
//www.youtube.com/embed/PvPgYLhOq24
Width: 800px
Height: 410px

Spike on July 4th, 2017: 2,049%

• With roller coasters and water slides, amusement parks are an essential part of summer in America. 
• A cross-country tour of the US will take you to the world's tallest steel coaster, the steepest wooden coaster, and the tallest steel-on-wood hybrid.
• MONEY tells us the best amusement parts in the country and the best rides to go on if you visit. 

Nothing screams summertime quite as much as amusement parks.

They are the one place you can walk for miles, listening to screaming thrill seekers and munching on sugary funnel cakes. If you're an adrenaline addict, you can tour the US to find the world's tallest steel coaster, the steepest wooden coaster, and tallest steel-on-wood hybrid ride.

To find out which parks offer the biggest thrills, MONEY partnered with Yelp to identify the country's best amusement parks, as well as the best rides at each attraction. Whether these parks are driving distance or require planning, we guarantee they are worth a trip.

Here are the 10 best amusement parks in the country:

SEE ALSO: Disappointing photos show what 11 famous views around the world look like in real life

1. Disneyland Park

Anaheim, California
Hottest ride: Hyperspace Mountain

The happiest place on Earth doesn't disappoint visitors, earning the top spot among all other amusement parks. Walt Disney came up with the idea for the park himself, helping with the original design and layout. The park is now home to classic rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean boat cruise and the dizzying Matterhorn Bobsleds. The most popular ride is the indoor, space-themed roller-coaster Hyperspace Mountain, which features Star Wars-themed clips and simulators.

If you've still got an appetite, you can grab Mickey Mouse beignets at the park's New Orleans Square, or seafood at Ariel's Grotto, named after the character in The Little Mermaid. Those who want the full Disney experience night and day can stay at its resort hotels, the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Disneyland Hotel.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Regular prices rose earlier this year to $117; peak prices are een higher. According to the Disneyland's website, two-day passes start at $105 per day for ages 10 and older.

2. Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Hottest ride: Space Mountain

Disneyland's sister park in Lake Buena Vista takes the No. 2 spot, ensuring Mickey Mouse's dominance. Magic Kingdom Park is one of four themed parks inside Disney World, and is recognizable by its majestic Cinderella castle. You'll find characters from Disney classic movies like Aladdin, Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan roaming the streets, and kid-friendly rides, like the giant spinning tea cups at Mad Tea Party.

Be sure to check out Space Mountain, the park's most popular ride. You'll zip through the "galaxy" on an indoor roller-coaster, inside a dark room illuminated by "stars." Another popular ride to try is Splash Mountain, which delivers a slow cruise up a mountain before taking a 50-foot drop into a pool of water.

Tickets to Disney World don't come cheap. Two-day tickets, which also give you a day in one other Disney World park, cost $209 per person ages 10 and up. If you want to max out your visit, Travel + Leisure suggests visiting on a Friday when Magic Kingdom is open extra hours.

3. Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio
Hottest ride: Millennium Force

Sometimes dubbed "America's Roller Coast," Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the US The Midwestern park features 71 rides over 364 acres of space. This year, the park opened the Steel Vengeance, the tallest and fastest hybrid (wood-plus-steel) roller-coaster in the world; it's 205 feet tall, runs at 74 mph, and goes upside down four times, in and out of loops.

The park's most popular ride, however, is the Millennium Force, a steel coaster that opened in 2000 and was briefly the tallest and fastest coaster in the world. The 310-foot-tall, two-minute ride reaches speeds of 93 mph. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.

Daily admission to the park varies depending on the time, but prices typically start at around $50.

• Unconscious bias is everywhere — especially in the workplace.
• To avoid a toxic workplace culture, it's important to know which phrases and actions can make employees from different backgrounds or identities feel uncomfortable and targeted.
• These unconscious expressions of racism or sexism are known asmicroaggressions.

Microaggressions are unconscious expressions of racism or sexism. They come out in seemingly innocuous comments by people who might be well-intentioned. 

From telling a new female worker that she "looks like a student" to asking a black colleague about her natural hair, microaggressions often exist in the workplace, too. And they can make a workplace feel unsafe and toxic. 

"Because microaggressions are often communicated through language, it is very important to pay attention to how we talk, especially in the workplace and other social institutions like classrooms, courtrooms, and so on," Christine Mallinson, professor of language, literacy, and culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, told Business Insider.

Because microaggressions are so subtle, it's hard to know if you're committing one or if you're on the receiving end.

"One thing is that they are in a sense ambiguous, so that the recipient is apt to feel vaguely insulted, but since the words look and sound complimentary, on the surface (they're most often positive), she can't rightly feel insulted and doesn't know how to respond," Robin Lakoff, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, told Business Insider.

Here are some of the most common microaggressions:

SEE ALSO: Here's the presentation Google gives employees on how to spot unconscious bias at work

DON'T MISS: There's a war on the way women talk — and it needs to end

'You're so articulate'

"When a white colleague tells a colleague of color 'You're so articulate' or 'You speak so well,' the remark suggests that they assumed the person in question would be less articulate — and are surprised to find out they aren't," Mallinson told Business Insider.

Commenting on a black person's language or speaking habits has a complicated history, and this is a problem that African-Americans especially encounter in the workplace or school.

"We (a white-dominant society) expect black folks to be less competent," wrote A. Gordon in The Root. "And, speaking as a white person, when we register surprise at a black individual's articulateness, we also send the not-so-subtle message that that person is part of a group that we don't expect to see sitting at the table, taking on a leadership role."

What to say instead: Nothing. You can commend people on their specific ideas or insights, but commenting on how people speak is unnecessary.

'Oh, sorry, wrong person'

'My boss is crazy'

Calling your female boss "crazy" or "hysterical" has sexist undertones, because these words have a long, problematic history. 

"In the past, especially in 19th century Europe, women who had anxiety or who were seen as troublemakers were often diagnosed as being 'hysterical,'" Mallinson told Business Insider.
"The word 'hysterical' comes from the Greek word hystera, meaning uterus, signifying that the so-called disease was specific to women."

So, when you call a woman "crazy," it suggests that her concerns or actions are illogical, rather than the result of critical thinking. 

What to say instead: Try to understand your colleague's viewpoint rather than ascribing her actions as illogical. If you still don't agree, you could say: "I don't understand her perspective on this"— then ask her for her insights. 

• Television writers love to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. 
• From Rory Gilmore's surprising confession at the end of "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life" to Buffy Summer's death in the season five finale of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," here are the most shocking cliffhangers on television. 

Masterful television writers know just how to keep us on the edge of our seats from season to season, but these 13 shows really lit the pop culture world on fire with their season or series finales.

"Gilmore Girls"

Rory and Lorelai Gilmore built up quite the following during their seven-season run, so much so that the fandom grieved when the series came to an end. Thankfully, in 2016, Netflix brought us "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life," a revival we hoped would give us a glimpse into what the Gilmores were doing in present day, plus a little more closure on their lives. But the finale episode only left us with more questions when Rory admitted to Lorelai that she was pregnant. Who's the father? Will she raise the baby on her own? We may never know. Check out these movie and TV show quotes that'll make you miss your favorite shows.

"Angel"

Viewers may have been a tad disappointed in the series finale of "Angel" in 2004, which featured the do-gooding vampire and his squad bracing themselves to tackle a group of supernatural villains. Angel simply says, "Let's go to work," and the sound of swords clashing follows as the screen cuts to black. Some think this may have been the crew's final challenge that didn't end well, while more optimistic fans are certain that Angel and his cronies are continuing to beat the bad guys to this day. Hey, at least the writers kept it open for a revival.

"Dallas"

Back in the 1980s, CBS sure did get a lot of mileage out of the "Who Shot J.R.?" cliffhanger. It was during the finale of "Dallas'" third season when the oil baron was shot twice, and just about every character became a suspect. It took eight long months before television audiences found out that it was Kristin Shepard, J.R.'s mistress, who ultimately pulled the trigger. The series' long hiatus gave fans plenty of time to ponder conspiracy theories, making this one of the most iconic cliffhangers in TV history. If you can't imagine anyone else playing J.R. Ewing other than Larry Hagman, read about these eight actors who almost didn't land their most iconic roles.

Many people take moving as an opportunity to throw out anything they haven't used in a while.

And while getting rid of things you know you won't need in your new space is a good idea, that doesn't have to mean an all-out purge.

INSIDER spoke to two professional organizers, Laura Cattano and Lisa Zaslow (who is also the founder of Gotham Organizers) to figure out what you should be keeping during a move.

Cattano suggests "editing" instead of purging. "Edit is a thoughtful process," she explains. "Most people that purge end up re-buying half the stuff anyway because they're not even thinking about why they have it in the first place, why they haven't been using it, and why it could help them in the future."

Zaslow also made the point that you can always throw things out after you move — and she recommends doing so if you truly end up not needing something.

Keep scrolling to see the 26 items that you should be holding on to during your next move.

Lighting

Cattano says that most people don't have enough lighting in their homes as is, so even if you feel like you're moving a few extra lamps that you might not need, take them anyway. She says that you'll always be able to find a place for them.

Extension cords

You might not love them, and they might not be pretty, but extension cords are useful in a new place, Zaslow says. It can be hard to know where your outlets are going to be ahead of time, so you might be grateful to have a few extra cords.

Small furniture

While Cattano says it's okay to get rid of large pieces of furniture that you no longer like or know you won't use, she advises keeping the smaller pieces. She and Zaslow say it's easy to find a place for things like stools and end tables, since they can easily be repurposed or used to fill a nook or cranny.

Plus, Zaslow says to consider the fact that if you ordered new furniture, it might not arrive until six or eight weeks after you move in. Your old furniture can come in handy during this time. "It's better to use something that you don't love temporarily than to be stuck without," she says.

• Parties where you know virtually no one can be awkward, especially if you're not sure how to start a conversation.
• You could rely on the classic, "So what do you do for a living?" But then you run the risk of coming off as the least interesting or original person at the party.
• The following icebreakers should help you get an interesting conversation going with ease.

Maybe you're interested in making a new professional contact, or perhaps you simply want to make a good impression on a friend of a friend.

Whatever the reason, busting out the clichés upon the first introduction is never a good idea.

To mix the conversation up a bit, try using one of these 17 icebreakers. They should help ease you into an engaging conversation with people you've never met before.

SEE ALSO: 11 festive things to do in New York City over the holidays that look fun — but aren't

'Hello'

This one may seem simple, but a smile, a name, and a confident handshake can sometimes go a long way, Ariella Coombs wrote for Careerealism.com.

"Sometimes the easiest way to meet someone is to offer a handshake and say 'hi,'" she wrote.

'I'll be honest, the only person I know here is the bartender, and I just met him two minutes ago. Mind if I introduce myself?'

Humor is a good method to put another attendee at ease and jump-start a lighthearted conversation.

'What do you do for fun when you're not working?'

Asking personal questions about people's activities outside of work can help solidify a connection, Shan White, owner of Women's Peak Performance Coaching, told Refinery29.

Asking about someone's after-work hobbies is "semi-personal, yet still professionally acceptable to ask," White said. "This can bring some levity and humor into the conversation while also letting you see what lights them up — what brings them real joy."

• Every year in June, St. Petersburg and much of northern Russia experiences the famous "White Nights" phenomenon.
• From mid-May to mid-July, St. Petersburg is so far north that it experiences near-24-hour sunlight. Even when the sun is down — for a couple hours after midnight — the sky is white, hence the moniker of "White Nights."
• Toward the end of June, the city has the Scarlet Sails festival to commemorate the end of the school year and the longest night of the year.
• While in Russia for the World Cup this year, I experienced the "White Nights" and decided to take a photo at every hour to document the unbelievably beautiful light in the city.

I was very excited to visit Russia this year for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but my favorite part of the trip ended up being something I didn’t plan on.

When I arrived in St. Petersburg two weeks ago, I found that the city was experiencing the so-called “White Nights” phenomenon. Located on the Bay of Finland, St. Petersburg is so far north that from mid-May to mid-July, the city has sunlight nearly 24 hours a day.

Towards the end of June, when the days are the longest, the sun sets after midnight and rises around 2 a.m. But even then, the sky is never really dark.

It’s an unusual feeling to see the sun setting so late and rising so early. It throws your biological clock out of whack, tricking your body into thinking it needs less sleep. Not a bad problem to have when you have a lot of activities planned for each day.

St Petersburgians take full advantage of the long nights, sitting out in cafes and restaurants until late. Many restaurants and bars stay open 24 hours. Many of the tourist attractions stay open late as well.

There are downsides to the surplus of sunlight. Football teams in town for the 2018 FIFA World Cup worried about their players having trouble getting enough rest due to the sunlight and whether it would affect their performance.

While I can barely pass a soccer ball, I was thrown off-kilter by the "White Nights," often tossing and turning until 4 a.m. and sleeping through the middle of the day.

But being awake at odd hours provided a lot of time to see the city. I decided to take a photo at every hour to document the beautiful light — and the views, as you'll see here, were stunning.

I was excited on my first day in St. Petersburg to see the famous "White Nights." Unfortunately, the persistent sunlight from the night before screwed up my sleeping schedule. By the time I got out of the apartment, it was 3 p.m.

The character of the light around 4 p.m. was very similar to midday in most other places

Around 5 p.m. the light started to change. The sky was clear and the sun bright and hot overhead, but the buildings began to cast deep shadows on the walls.

England are through to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals — and Britain is already celebrating.

On Tuesday, England defeated Colombia 4-3 in penalties following a 1-1 full-time draw of what had been an at times ugly and foul-filled game. It's a particularly historic win for England, which has been notoriously bad at penalties for decades — so much so that its endless failings have been referred to as a "curse."

The English team, led by coach Gareth Southgate and captained by Harry Kane, has already been hailed as the country's best in years, and the result has further inflamed British footballing passions, with chants of "football's coming home!" ringing out up and down the country.

The British national newspapers, too, have been similarly effusive about the win — with particular praise heaped on English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and his crucial role in the penalty shootout.

England will next play Sweden in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Here's how the Wednesday papers are celebrating England's victory...

Left-of-centre tabloid The Mirror gave the win the full-page treatment, greeting the historic win with the headline "AT LAST!"

Its back-page, meanwhile, labeled the win the "Miracle in Moscow."

"SPOT ON!" proclaimed the Daily Star, declaring an end to the "penalty curse."

Volatility has defined 2018's stock market. Trade war fears, and an increasing belief the US is nearing the end of the economic cycle have both put a damper on investor sentiment. 

The S&P 500 is only up slightly this year, and the Dow Jones is down, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq is leading the way in the US.

But as the yield curve flattens, and investors flock into long-term government debt for safety, the outlook for equities may not be as rosy as it was in at the start of the year. 

The Federal Reserve is planning more rate hikes this year, but will certainly have to be vigilant if it's going to go through with its plans. 

Fortunately, JPMorgan has published its third-quarter presentation on the state of the markets and the economy. 

Through almost 70 slides of charts and graphics, they provide insight into the state of equities and both the US and global economy.

Thanks to JPMorgan Asset Management for giving us permission to feature this presentation.

SEE ALSO: 16 stocks neglected by large investors that are poised to smash earnings expectations, according to Bank of America

Roger Federer skipped the clay season so that he could be as fit and fresh as possible for the 2018 Wimbledon Championships — and continues his campaign against Lukáš Lacko in the Round of 64 on Wednesday.

Even at 36, Federer continues to marvel on the courts. He triumphed at the first major of the year, the Australian Open, and is regarded as the favourite to pick up a second Grand Slam title of the year in London this month.

To maintain his sporting dominance, Federer has to eat right. So what sort of food does a 20-time Grand Slam tennis champion eat?

Here's everything Federer likes to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SEE ALSO: People are asking who would win in a match between Roger Federer and Serena Williams — and the winner is clear

DON'T MISS: This is the one record Roger Federer has set that future tennis players will struggle to beat

This is 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, who is widely considered as the best male tennis player of all time.

To start his day, Federer prefers to go sweet rather than savoury and reportedly enjoys homemade waffles with a fresh fruit compote on the morning of a match.

Source: The Guardian

To wash the waffles down, Federer has fresh juice, coffee, and a vinegar shot.

Source: The Guardian

People like to talk about the best tanks, rifles, and tactical gear. It's a great discussion — there are many sophisticated pieces of tech in the military world, each with various strengths and weaknesses. That said, we rarely talk about the flip side of this coin: What are some of the worst pieces of gear out there?

There are some weapon systems out there whose sole purpose in existence is to act as an example of what not to do. So, let's dive in, without restraint, and take a look at the very worst the world has to offer across several gear categories.

SEE ALSO: Here are all the standard issue weapons given to US Marines

Worst Rifle: Heckler and Koch G36

Heckler and Koch usually makes good guns. The MP5 is a classic submachine gun that's still in service around the world. The G3 rifle was second only to the FN FAL. But then there's the G36.

Intended to replace the G3, the G36 was to be Germany's new service rifle in the 5.56mm NATO caliber. Well, the gun had many problems. First and most importantly, the gun was horribly inaccurate when hot. In temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit or after firing many rounds, the gun was liable to miss a target 500 meters away by as many as 6 meters. Spray and pray is not a tactic known to successfully defeat an enemy.

Worst Machine Gun: Heckler and Koch MG5

Heckler and Koch has the dubious distinction of owning two items on this list. H&K made the under-appreciated G8, which could serve as anything from a designated marksman rifle to a light machine gun in 7.62 NATO. The company's MG4 is a solid 5.56mm belt-fed machine gun — again, the company knows how to make good weapons. Unfortunately, they also made the MG5.

This is a gun that can't shoot straight. Granted, when you're using a machine gun, the task usually involves laying down suppressive fire, but it'd probably help to hit the bad guys occasionally.

Worst Tank: T-72

Two words: Desert Storm. This tank's poor performance speaks volumes. When it fired its main gun at a M1A1 Abrams tank from 400 yards, the round bounced off. Read that again: The. Round. Bounced. Off.

You can't get worse than that. In general, the best anti-tank weapon is another tank, but the T-72 is simply useless. Any crew you send out in this vehicle should be immediately considered lost.

Innovation doesn't just belong to Silicon Valley — it comes from everywhere.

That's the message from the World Economic Forum sent with its annual list of the most innovative companies in the world. The list includes 61 early-stage companies whose technologies are "world changing." They're from, yes, Silicon Valley, but there are also several from emerging markets in Africa and South America, as well as Europe.

As industry-watchers may expect, many of the companies listed are utilizing artificial intelligence, as well as a number of biotech firms and blockchain technologies. 

Here are the 61 companies the World Economic Forum considers pioneers.

SEE ALSO: The 39 most powerful female engineers of 2018

1928 Diagnostics — Sweden

1928 Diagnostics is a Swedish biotech company that has developed a platform to better diagnose infectious diseases. 

Agrosmart — Brazil

Apeel Sciences —USA

Apeel Sciences is a food-tech startup that has created an edible coating that makes produce and fresh food last longer. Backed by Bill Gates and famed Silicon Valley venture firm Andreeseen Horowitz, the company recently introduced its longer-lasting avocados at Costco and Harps Food Stores locations throughout the Midwest. 

Michael Jordan's enormous house in Chicago is still on the market after six years despite cutting the price nearly in half and still paying more than $100,000 each year in property taxes.

The house was originally listed for $29 million and has every bell and whistle you can think of. There's a pool with a grass island in the middle of it, a door from the Playboy Mansion, a table based on the streets of Baghdad, and MJ-branded golf flags.

Below we take a closer look at the house and why it is struggling to find a buyer. Most images are from footage provided by Concierge Auctions.

Tony Manfred contributed to this post.

The 56,000 square-foot, 7-acre compound from the air.

The gate to get in, fittingly.

The price on the house has dropped several times and is now going for $14.9 million, or about $265 per square-foot. That is a far cry from the original $517-per-square-foot price. It should also be noted that the exact price is $14,855,000 and the numbers in that price add up to 23 because of course they do.

• Fast-casual restaurants serving Middle Eastern food and Mediterrean food are suddenly everywhere. 
• Although Mediterranean food and Middle Eastern food are different, they have a lot of overlapping flavors.
• Cava and Roti are just a few of the chains that have been rapidly growing across the United States.
• Whole Foods predicted that Middle Eastern cuisine would be one of the top culinary trends in 2018 because of a growing demand for fresh, healthy, and flavorful food.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants seem to be popping up on every corner. 

Taïm, Cava, Hummus & Pita Co., and Roti are among the fast-growing restaurants that have been serving fresh Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in a fast-casual style, with more and more national chains and local businesses hopping on the trend all the time. 

Middle Eastern cuisine has been rising in popularity in recent years, and Whole Foods predicted it would be one of the top food trends of 2018. According to Whole Foods, hummus, pita, and falafel are "entry points" into Middle Eastern food, and spices like harissa, cardamom, and za'atar will likely start popping up on menus more and more.

Though Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food are distinct from one another, "Mediterranean" is often used as an umbrella term to describe both. For example, flatbreads, roasted meat, and hummus are generally considered stables of both types of cuisine.  

Leila Hudson, associate professor of modern Middle East culture and political economy at the University of Arizona in Tucson, explained to QSR magazine, "Mediterranean is a much more popular selling point. People generally understand what that means." 

Tamim Shoja, who owns SKWR Kabobline in Washington, DC, told QSR: "We did a lot of research, and what kept sticking out was how many restaurants represented themselves as Mediterranean when they were not. I came to the realization it was a marketing thing. Mediterranean is something that is approachable."

See how Middle Eastern food is taking over: 

SEE ALSO: The co-founder of By Chloe, the chain that wants to be the McDonald's of vegan fast food, just opened a new restaurant. Here's what it's like to eat there.

Taïm, an Israeli chain operated by chefs Einat Admony and Stefan Nafziger, has three locations in New York and two more coming soon.

Source: Business Insider

To aid in its expansion, the founders of Taïm have partnered with an investment group spearheaded by Chipotle vets Phil Petrilli and Bethany Strong. On the menu are a variety of falafel dishes that you can order on a pita or platter. It also has salads, fries, sides, and smoothies, all generally priced around $8 to $12.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food is packed with flavorful spices and fresh veggies. The Mediterranean diet is said to be one of the healthiest diets because of its focus on vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.

Source: Business Insider

A small-yet-charming 897-square-foot residence in Palo Alto, CA could be yours for a cool $2.59 million.  

The two-bedroom, one bathroom home, at 128 Middlefield Road, is yet another downsized abode selling for millions in Silicon Valley's overheated real estate market. With the famed Googleplex a mere 15 minutes away, and the hubs of other tech giants also nearby, the home and others like it are in high demand.

The last time this home sold was in 2008 for $899,000, according to Redfin. Now with an asking price of $2,589,000, the home is actually priced below the average for the upscale city of Palo Alto — sort of. That price tag comes out to $2,886 per square foot, which is $1,430 above the average for the area.

Take a look at what $2.59 million will get for the home's future owners.

SEE ALSO: A tech billionaire just listed his Palo Alto home for $100 million, the most expensive Bay Area listing in a decade — take a look inside

The blue home, located at 128 Middlefield Road, looks cozy and quaint from outside...

...and is just as cozy inside. The front door opens up to a living room with a fireplace.

The home was built in 1924 and has been remodeled over the years to keep up with the times.

As the US celebrates Independence Day, you might feel the urge to watch a movie when you're not outside barbecuing.

But which movie is the best to watch?

Business Insider has picked the best movies to watch on 12 major US holidays, from the 4th of July to New Year's Day and Christmas. 

The movies include recent Oscar darling "Lady Bird," war epic "Saving Private Ryan," and the cult-classic "Office Space."

So when these holidays come around, keep these great movies in mind.

Below 12 of the best movies to watch on major US holidays:

SEE ALSO: The 11 best-reviewed movies of 2018 so far

New Year's Eve/Day: "When Harry Met Sally" (1989)

This classic romantic comedy closes with a satisfying, heavily quoted New Year's Eve party, so if you want to end/start your year off right, "When Harry Met Sally" is the perfect film to do so.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Selma" (2014)

Ava DuVernay's "Selma" may have been snubbed from some major Oscar categories in 2015, as it missed out on a director nod for DuVernay and acting for David Oyelowo, but it's still the definitive film about MLK, Jr. 

Valentine's Day: "Casablanca" (1942)

There's a plethora of romantic films to choose from that would be perfect on Valentine's Day, so why not go with the original, and arguably best?

The 2018 World Cup in Russia is off to a great start, and the tournament has already produced incredible moments and photos.

Russia is a gorgeous background for some amazing sports photography.

From goal celebrations to great saves, gut-wrenching own goals, and crazy fans, here are the most mesmerizing photos from the World Cup so far.

Jordan Pickford of England makes a save during PKs against Colombia.

Japan's keeper can't stop a shot from Belgium.

England players celebrate their win in PKs over Colombia.