Fluffy, golden brown waffles are the portable breakfast food seen around the world. Whether they’re paired with unique toppings, made into odd shapes, or drenched in creamy butter and sweet maple syrup, this beloved brunch dish has a variety of shapes, consistencies, and toppings that make them special in countries around the world.

Stroopwafels are the waffle of the Netherlands.

While stroopwafels originated in Gouda, you might notice the big, flat syrup filled waffles all over the Netherlands, including Amsterdam. You can eat them as is for an extra crunchy treat, or cover the opening of your mug filled with piping hot, fresh coffee to let the steam warm and soften the cookie while melting the gooey center that holds the two thin halves together.

Belgian Waffles are world famous.

It’s safe to say that everyone has heard of the original creators of the giant, fluffy waffles with plenty of deep grooves to soak up all the butter, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate you pile on top.

In Belgium, the waffles were first made in the Middle Ages and were sold as crispy and rich street-side snacks by vendors outside Churches, according to UNESCO. Today, they are still often sold on street carts. Although delicious plain, you can drizzle a little chocolate and sprinkle powdered sugar on top to make it an even sweeter snack on the go.

Chicken and Waffles come in many varieties in the US.

Americans just seem to love those salty sweet collaborations, so pairing waffles with pieces of savory, crispy chicken is a match made in heaven. 

The origin of chicken and waffles is a bit complicated. John T. Edge, the director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and author of "Fried Chicken: An American Story" told NPR's The Salt,"It's a Southern dish, but a Southern dish once or twice removed from the South." While there's no denying fried chicken originated in the South, the dish of fried chicken and waffles was popularized in the 1930s at Well's Supper Club — a Harlem restaurant. 

Wherever it came from, it's without a doubt a popular American meal.

Dogs have been the most popular pet for a president to have during his time in the White House — 30 of the 44 presidents have had at least one dog in the West Wing.

The first to have had a dog during his presidency was George Washington, while Barack Obama most recently had two dogs during his presidency.

So far, President Donald Trump has yet to have a pet since entering the White House. The last president to not have a dog in the White House was William McKinley over 100 years ago.

Here are 25 photos of some of the most adorable and well-known canines to grace the Oval Office.

SEE ALSO: These dogs had the time of their lives meeting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry — and the pictures are melting people's hearts

SEE ALSO: Here's what every president's signature looks like

Grover Cleveland's cocker spaniel named Gallagher had a brown coat and ears of "inconvenient length."

Source: America Comes Alive

Warren Harding's terrier, named Laddie Boy, was six months old when he moved into the White House.

Source: America Comes Alive

Calvin Coolidge's collie Rob Roy was named after the popular cocktail.

Source: Presidential Pet Museum

Whether it’s two brands fighting for the same audience or brands across industries staking a claim, feuds have a way of making headlines, for better or for worse.

Some brands never come back from the devastating fights, scandals, and lawsuits that they get hit with. But others remain resilient and fight to reclaim the narrative and put themselves in the good graces of their consumers.

These six instances show some of the most infamous feuds and fights in brand history — and how easily they could have changed these brands forever had they ended differently. 

20th Century Fox vs. Universal Studios

In 1977, 20th Century Fox released a film you might be familiar with — "Star Wars." It was a big hit, of course. And it inspired many other brands to venture into space for their own television content.

That’s where Universal Studios comes in with the creation of their show "Battlestar Galactica." This was another story about space travel and the adventures that ensue. And it really angered the people at 20th Century Fox.

20th Century Fox ended up filing a lawsuit against Universal Studios claiming copyright infringement due to similar space-themed adventure storylines. In the end, the case was settled out of court and the show ran for two years before it was canceled in 1979.

But the years-long feud really put pressure on both studios, and had Universal Studios lost the case, they could have been in financial ruin.

Amazon vs. Hachette (and other book publishers)

In the late 2000s, Amazon — one of the biggest e-commerce brands that exists today — started expanding its offering and honing in on its market ventures. One area where the brand was making major money was in book publishing.

Specifically, e-book sales. Amazon was quickly growing in popularity thanks to the creation of the Amazon Kindle and other e-readers. But the problem here was that Amazon was able to set the prices of these e-books, and not the actual publishers who published them, according to The New Yorker.

This left the publishing world in shambles, with quickly diminishing sales and a growing hatred for the e-commerce powerhouse.

Hachette decided, however, that enough was enough and started a war with the retailer, who in turn began a series of "bullying" techniques including cutting prices, requiring longer shipping and more for the publisher’s own content, according to The LA Times.

This feud was intense, and lasted years. But in 2014, the two brands came together and forged an agreement that allowed Hachette to set its own prices.

But the fallout still hit both hard, with consumers and retailers walking away from Amazon and sales dropping for Hachette, according to The New York Times.

Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi

Coca-Cola and Pepsi are two brands synonymous with one-upping and competitive shenanigans. Everyone knows it, and everyone has chosen a side. But the Cola Wars goes back decades and is tied to a series of cringe-worthy stunts and ad campaigns that left both sides feeling the heat.

But what started it all was the Pepsi Challenge of 1975.

This promotional campaign required people to do a blind taste test of Coke and Pepsi. And the results were substantial — with more than 50% of people choosing Pepsi over Coke. This took away some of the hype around Coca-Cola products and definitely took away some of the brand’s market share.

This feud still exists today. Both brands have had their triumphs and their failures. Coke released the "New Coke" in the '80s which was a flop. And both have beefed up their marketing and ad campaign with sponsorships and endorsement to beat the other down.

At the end of the day, both brands are still going strong. 

As MoviePass transitions to a new plan, the app is limiting the movies that subscribers can see for the foreseeable future.

Now, the service posts a schedule of the week's movies on its website, and the number of movies available can be different each day.

MoviePass originally announced that up to six movies would be available a day, but that seems to have expanded. This Friday includes eight movies, while Saturday and Sunday include nine. However, none of the movies are the two most popular currently in theaters: "Crazy Rich Asians" and "The Meg." 

Subscribers can see any movie at participating e-ticketing theaters, but those are few and far between.

We've rounded up the available movies this weekend and details about them below so you don't have to, including the film's official description and the critic score from review-aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

Check out what movies the movie-theater subscription service is allowing you see this weekend:

SEE ALSO: Now MoviePass will only let you see certain movies on certain days

Friday, August 24

• "The Happytime Murders"
  • Description: "No Sesame. All Street. THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS is a filthy comedy set in the underbelly of Los Angeles where puppets and humans coexist. Two clashing detectives with a shared secret, one human (Melissa McCarthy) and one puppet, are forced to work together again to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 27%
• "Alpha"
  • Description:"An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age. Europe, 20,000 years ago. While on his first hunt with his tribe’s most elite group, a young man is injured and left for dead. Awakening to find himself broken and alone -- he must learn to survive and navigate the harsh and unforgiving wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learn to rely on each other and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds in order to find their way home before the deadly winter arrives."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 85% 
• "We the Animals"
  • Description:"With a screenplay by Dan Kitrosser and Jeremiah Zagar based on the celebrated Justin Torres novel, We the Animals is a visceral coming-of-age story propelled by layered performances from its astounding cast –including three talented, young first-time actors –and stunning animated sequences which bring Jonah’s torn inner world to life. Drawing from his documentary background, director Jeremiah Zagar creates an immersive portrait of working class family life and brotherhood." 
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 95%
• "Papillon"
  • Description:"Based on the international best-selling autobiographic books 'Papillon' and 'Banco', the film follows the epic story of Henri “Papillon” Charrière (Charlie Hunnam), a safecracker from the Parisian underworld who is framed for murder and condemned to life in the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island. Determined to regain his freedom, Papillon forms an unlikely alliance with a convicted counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek), who in exchange for protection, agrees to finance Papillon’s escape."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 61%
• "An LA Minute"
  • Description:"An L.A. Minute is a satirical look at fame, success, the star-making machinery and the karma that attaches to all those who worship at the altar of Celebrity.  Everyone can identify with the dilemma that our protagonist, the best-selling author Ted Gold, faces when Velocity, an avant-garde performance artist and the living embodiment of integrity, rocks his 1% world. But, as is often the case in real life, what you see is not exactly what you get."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: N/A
• "The Miseducation of Cameron Post"
  • Description:"From writer/director Desiree Akhavan and based on the celebrated novel by Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz) as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after getting caught with another girl in the back seat of a car on prom night. Run by the strict and severe Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle) and her brother, Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr.)—himself an example of how those in the program can be “cured”—the center is built upon repenting for “same sex attraction.” In the face of intolerance and denial, Cameron meets a group of fellow sinners including the amputee stoner Jane (Sasha Lane), and her friend, the Lakota Two-Spirit, Adam (Forrest Goodluck). Together, this group of teenagers form an unlikely family as they fight to survive."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 82%
• "Skate Kitchen"
  • Description:"In the first narrative feature from The Wolfpack director Crystal Moselle, Camille, an introverted teenage skateboarder (newcomer Rachelle Vinberg) from Long Island, meets and befriends an all-girl, New York City-based skateboarding crew called Skate Kitchen. She falls in with the in-crowd, has a falling-out with her mother, and falls for a mysterious skateboarder guy (Jaden Smith), but a relationship with him proves to be trickier to navigate than a kickflip."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 89%
• "Juliet, Naked"
  • Description:"Annie (Rose Byrne) is stuck in a long-term relationship with Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) – an obsessive fan of obscure rocker Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke). When the acoustic demo of Tucker's hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its release leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself. Based on the novel by Nick Hornby, Juliet, Naked is a comic account of life’s second chances."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 70%

Saturday, August 25

• "Searching"
  • Description:"After David Kim (John Cho)’s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 88%
• "A-X-L"
  • Description:"A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog created by the military to help protect tomorrow’s soldiers. Code named by the scientists who created him, A.X.L. stands for Attack, Exploration, Logistics, and embodies the most advanced, next-generation artificial intelligence. After an experiment gone wrong, A.X.L. is discovered hiding alone in the desert by a kind-hearted outsider named Miles (Alex Neustaedter), who finds a way to connect with him after activating his owner-pairing technology. Together, the two develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty and compassion. Helping Miles gain the confidence he’s been lacking, A.X.L. will go to any length to protect his new companion, including facing off against the scientists who created him and who will do anything to get him back. Knowing what is at stake if A.X.L. is captured, Miles teams up with a smart, resourceful ally named Sara (Becky G) to protect his new best friend on a timeless, epic adventure for the whole family."
  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: N/A
• "The Happytime Murders"
• "We the Animals"
• "Papillon"
• "An LA Minute"
• "The Miseducation of Cameron Post"
• "Skate Kitchen"
• "Juliet, Naked"

Sunday, August 26

• "The Happytime Murders"
• "Searching"
• "Alpha"
• "We the Animals"
• "Papillon"
• "An LA Minute"
• "The Miseducation of Cameron Post"
• "Skate Kitchen"
• "Juliet, Naked"

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 good air conditioner can help make those hot summers much more bearable. The LG LW8016ER Air Conditioner is the best window AC you can buy, with its three cooling speeds and built-in dehumidifier.

When it's hot outside, sometimes you need a little help cooling your home down. As such, it might be time to start looking for a new window-mounted air conditioner to keep your home nice and cool, so that you don’t roast over the summer months.

Of course, there are a ton of window air conditioners to choose from, and they’re not all worth buying. Some are simply lower quality and won’t last as long as others that are better-built and more energy-efficient.

There are a number of things to consider when you’re buying a window air conditioner, and you’ll want to think about them before you buy to ensure that you get the best quality. For starters, you’ll want to consider the air conditioner’s BTU – or “British Thermal Unit.” The higher the number here, the better the unit will be able to remove heat from the room. But a higher BTU also means it will likely consume a little more energy.

How big of a BTU rating do you need for your room?

Check out the list below to figure out the BTU rating you’ll need depending on how large your room is. Figures are courtesy of Lowes.

• 150 to 350 sq ft: 5,000 to 8,000 BTU
• 350 to 550 sq ft: 8,000 to 12,000 BTU
• 550 to 1,050 sq ft: 12,000 to 18,500 BTU
• 1,050 to 1,600 sq ft: 18,500 to 25,000 BTU

You’ll also want to think about the air conditioner’s energy efficiency rating, and how large it is. After all, if it’s too big, it may not fit in the space you have designated for it.

These are the best window air conditioners you can buy:

• Best AC overall: LG LW8016ER Air Conditioner (third-party sellers only)
• Best AC in multiple sizes: Friedrich Chill Series CP08G10B Window Air Conditioner
• Best quiet(er) AC: Frigidaire Quiet Temp 115V Air Conditioner
• Best 15,000 BTU AC: LG LW1516ER Air Conditioner
• Best smart AC for large rooms: LG 115V Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner — (14,000 BTU, 18,000 BTU, 22,000 BTU)
• Best 5,000 BTU AC for small rooms: hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner
• Best hack to make your AC smart: Belkin WeMo Mini Smart Plug
• Our full guide to the best electric fans
• Our full guide to the best portable air conditioners 

Updated on 08/23/2018 by Malarie Gokey: Added several new ACs as models went in and out of stock. Keep checking out of stock models, as ACs go in and out of stock fast this time of year.

Read on in the slides below to check out the best window air conditioners you can buy and a fool-proof way to make your AC smart.

SEE ALSO: The best electric fans you can buy

The best window air conditioner overall

Why you'll love it: The LG LW8016ER window AC can cool a 340-square-foot room, has energy-saving features, and offers plenty of settings for those who want control.

LG is a bit of a powerhouse in the window air conditioner space. Our previous top pick was an LG air conditioner, and so is our new one — the LG LW8016ER AC.

This air conditioner has an 8,000 BTU rating, and LG says it’ll cool a room up to 340 square feet in size, which should be more than enough for most people. LG says that the AC can dehumidify a room by up to 2.2 pints per hour. In other words, not only does this AC make the room cooler, but it takes some of the stickiness out of it, too.

Some air conditioners only have two settings — on and off. Thankfully, you have a little more control with the LG window AC. You’ll get three cooling speeds and three fan speeds, so you don’t have to go from 0-60 right away. On top of that, there’s an energy-saving setting, so if you don’t mind the AC taking a bit longer to cool the room, you’ll save some energy.

According to reviews, the air conditioner is even quieter than most window ACs, so while it’s probably not the quietest appliance you'll use, it's better than your average AC. The main downside is still the noise. If you want a truly quiet air conditioner, you’ll want to keep looking, and perhaps be willing to spend a little more cash. 

Still, the experts at the Wirecutter also recommend this AC, and buyer reviews on Amazon are largely positive. Around 55% of the 300+ reviews are for 5 stars. — Christian de Looper

Pros: Inexpensive, rated for large rooms, energy-saving

Cons: Still loud, despite being quieter than some

Buy the LG LW8016ER on Amazon for $186.14 (originally $256.49) — third-party sellers only

The best window AC in multiple sizes

Why you'll love it: The Friedrich Chill Series Window Air Conditioner comes in several different sizes with BTU ratings that run from 5,200 to 24,000 BTU.

The Friedrich Chill Series CP08G10B Window Air Conditioner ranges in BTU rating from 5,200 to 24,000 BTU so you can find the perfect one for your room size, whether it's 150 square feet or 1,400 square feet.

In terms of control, you get a 24-hour timer so you can program run times and four-way air-flow control. The unit comes with a remote control so you don't have to get up every time you want to change the temperature or fan setting. 

Friedrich's AC has an Energy Star rating, too, so you should save on your electricity bill. It's a relatively quiet AC, though not as quiet as some of our other picks. You won't get smart features or a ton of settings, either, but the price is great at nearly every BTU rating, so it's worth it. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Many different BTU ratings, affordable, Energy Star rating, 24-hour timer, remote control

Cons: Not as quiet as some

Buy the Friedrich Chill Series CP08G10B Window Air Conditioner on Amazon for $259.99 to $749 (price varies by BTU rating)

The best window air conditioner with quiet(er) operation

Why you'll love it: The Frigidaire Gallery Quiet Temp 115V 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner runs slightly quieter than others, making it great for your bedroom.

If you want a slightly quieter AC for your bedroom, Frigidaire's galley Quiet Temp AC is a great option. It's an 8,000 BTU AC, so it can cool rooms up to 350-sq. ft., which should be more than enough for most bedrooms.

Frigidaire says it runs at 44 decibels, though the Wirecutter pegged it at 54 decibels during its tests. The reviewers were fast to point out that it's still 6 to 8 decibels quieter than every other AC they tested. Frigidaire's AC also has a Sleep Mode that's meant to minimize sound while keeping you at a comfortable temperature for sleep.

The AC is also an Energy Star product, so it should help you save electricity and money in the long run if you use the Energy Saver mode. The included remote control makes it easy to adjust temperature, change the fan speed, and set timers.

There's only one buyer review on Walmart's site, but it's for five stars. The reviewer, named Eileen, writes, "Very, very quiet air conditioner plus does a terrific job of cooling. Well worth a few extra dollars." — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Quieter operation, 8,000 BTU is good for a large room, effective cooling, remote control

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Frigidaire Gallery Quiet Temp 115V 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner at Walmart for $349.99

Cloud storage can provide an incredible solution to your limited hard drive space and file-organization nightmares, but it can also be an expensive headache for users who don't know how to get started. 

As a person who has used and paid for storage through Apple's iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive for an extended period — at one point, simultaneously  — I've identified all their strengths and quirks so you don't have to.

Overall, I've found Google Drive to be the most versatile, affordable solution of the three, as well as the easiest to use. Here's why:

SEE ALSO: We compared 3 of the most popular note taking apps for iPhone — but the winner depends on what you want to do

COST: Each of these solutions offers a range of storage sizes, but the prices vary slightly between them. Luckily, each application also has a free version, so you can shop around and try them for an extended period without putting down any money.

If you use an iPhone or other Apple device, you likely already have an iCloud account. As all Apple customers will know, the company highly encourages users to back up their photos, apps, contacts and all other data in the iCloud.

The first 5 GB of data are free, which is perfect if you're just looking to offload a few photo albums from your phone. 

For the more serious storage users, 50 GB will cost you $0.99 a month, 200 GB costs $2.99, and you can get a terabyte of iCloud storage for $9.99 a month.

Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage solutions on the market, and is well-known for catering to the cloud storage power users, particularly large businesses.

A basic Dropbox account is free, but includes a measly 2 GB of storage.

The next tier up is Dropbox Pro, which includes a terabyte of space and additional features like  offline file viewing for $9.99 a month. 

The Dropbox Professional tier comes with 2 TB and extras like full-text keyword search for $19.99.

Larger business-tier plans are available based on the size of the company and its needs. 

Google Drive offers the most intuitive packages at a great price.

Google Drive is one of the many free apps that come with a Google account, and acts as the storage source for all files you create through Google Docs, Excel and Slides, along with any files from your hard drive that you might want to back up on the cloud, like vacation photos, home videos, or important documents. 

Google Drive offers 15 free gigabytes of storage, before asking you to pay.

The paid tiers begin at $1.99 a month for 100 GB, which is likely more than enough for the average person, who is simply looking to backup their phone. 

Students, photographers and other people who have more files than the average person will be happy to hear Google also offers a terabyte of storage for $9.99 a month and 10 terabytes for $99.99 a month.

After that, users can get 20 terabytes for $200 a month, 30 terabytes for $300 a month, and so on. 

• With the cost of college already at an all-time high, is it more affordable to live on campus or off campus?
• Trulia recently took a look at how much it costs to live on campus and off campus in 48 of America's biggest college towns.
• In more than half of the places, it was either the same price or cheaper to live off campus, with an average savings of $219 a month — but there are a few caveats.

The cost of college has already reached an all-time high— and while many worry about the price tag of tuition, they often overlook the expense of a place to live.

But what's more affordable — the dorm room on campus or an apartment off campus? Well, that answer depends on which college you attend and which college town you're living in.

Trulia recently took a look at how much it costs to live on campus and off campus in 48 of America's biggest college towns. To determine this list, Trulia chose US Census-defined places of at least 45,000 people, 20% of which were enrolled in college or graduate school.

Consulting the website of the largest college or university in each place, the site then calculated on-campus housing costs for a full nine-month academic year based on monthly or per-semester rates, excluding meal plans where possible. 

Trulia then compared on-campus monthly housing costs to the median estimated monthly cost of a two-bedroom home in a 12-month rental in each place, assuming the cost was split in half between two roommates and divided over nine months to match the academic year.

In more than half of the places, it was either the same price or cheaper to live off campus, with an average savings of $219 a month for those with a roommate. However, eight of these places include meal plans in the on-campus housing costs — if removed, that brings the average savings down to $146 a month. And, most utilities aren't included in off-campus rentals, which could lessen the savings once factored in.

For the 20 places where on-campus housing was more affordable, students would save an average of $221 a month. Note that none of these included a meal plan.

Below, see how much it costs to live on- and off-campus in America's biggest college towns. Starred on-campus monthly housing costs indicate that a meal plan was included in the estimate.

SEE ALSO: College is more expensive than it's ever been, and the 5 reasons why suggest it's only going to get worse

DON'T MISS: The story of an orthodontist making 6 figures with $1 million in student-loan debt shows why doctors and lawyers are no longer the richest people you know

48. Kansas State University — Manhattan, Kansas

Off-campus median monthly rent: $667

On-campus monthly housing cost: $667

Cost difference: $0

47. University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, Wisconsin

Off-campus median monthly rent: $865

On-campus monthly housing cost: $866*

Cost difference: $1

* includes meal plan

46. California State University Chico — Chico, California

Off-campus median monthly rent: $860

On-campus monthly housing cost: $868

Cost difference: $8

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.

Today, many consumer brands start online in order to bypass the cost-heavy middlemen of brick-and-mortar retail models, and to retain more control over their marketing and distribution.

As we've seen from big direct-to-consumer hits like Bonobos, Everlane, and Glossier, being online-first is an effective strategy that taps into the convenience that shoppers love, while nurturing distinctive brand stories that might otherwise be lost in the sea of big-box stores.

That's not to say direct-to-consumer startups have killed brick-and-mortar stores. On the contrary, they're revitalizing them—digitally native retailers are opening up more and more physical retail locations, but with their own spins. At these stores, you can find associates who will truly go out of their way to help you shop, exclusives that you might not be able to snag online, and well-designed interiors that you'll never want to leave. 

Sometimes you just want to be able to see and feel a product before you buy it, which means brick-and-mortar stores are probably here to stay, at least in some capacity. These 19 direct-to-consumer companies have just found a better way to develop them.

Snowe

Snowe's beautiful dinnerware, bedding, and bath products look even better in person when arranged in context within an NYC loft. The Whitespace is part shoppable loft, event space, and in-person registry set-up, a place where you can get inspired to transform your own home. 

Book an appointment at The Whitespace

Shop home essentials online at Snowe here

Warby Parker

An early direct-to-consumer success story, try-before-you-buy glasses company Warby Parker now has over 60 retail stores across the US and two in Canada where you can browse its stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses. Select locations even offer comprehensive eye exams. 

Find a Warby Parker store near you

Shop glasses online at Warby Parker here

Allbirds

We couldn't be more comfortable walking around all day in Allbirds' merino wool runners and loungers. If you find yourself in San Francisco or NYC, you can check out and try on the full range of shoes, plus shop unique laces to match. 

Find an Allbirds store near you

Shop sneakers online at Allbirds here

"Veronica Mars" may be making a return. 

The fan-favorite show starring Kristen Bell as a teen detective first premiered in 2004. After three rocky seasons where it was saved from cancellation by fans, the series ended in 2007. But years later, fans put their power together once again and pitched in to a kickstarter created by show creator Rob Thomas and Bell. After raising $2 million in just 11 hours, the movie was a go and came out in 2014.

Now, a "Mars"revival is in the works at Hulu with Bell reportedly returning.

In honor of the show's potential comeback, here's what the cast has been up to in the years since. 

Kristen Bell acted on stage before landing the role as the titular character on "Veronica Mars."

Veronica was a high school student at the start of the series and was a teen detective. 

Bell's career has taken off, and she currently stars on the hit comedy series "The Good Place."

Bell later starred on "Heroes,""House of Lies," and was the narrator for "Gossip Girl." She broke out in movies after starring in "Forgetting Sarah Marshal" and voiced "Princess Anna" in "Frozen" and subsequent Disney projects. She returned for the "Veronica Mars" movie in 2014. 

Teddy Dunn's first and last major role was as Duncan Kane.

Duncan was Veronica's ex-boyfriend, but he left on the second season. 

There's no denying the popularity of true crime stories in our culture. Whether we're drawn out of morbid curiosity or the sensationalism of brutal acts, Hollywood has taken notice that there is a massive appetite for these stories.

From "Monster" to "Zodiac," here are nine movies that have been based on true crime.

Charlize Theron transforms into a killer for an award-winning role in "Monster."

In the 2003 film "Monster,"Charlize Theron stars as Aileen Wuornos, a real-life Florida sex worker-turned-serial killer.

Wuornos would later confess to shooting men who picked her up hitchhiking in self-defense in 1989 to 1990 after she claimed they beat or raped her, a claim that she later recanted. Wuornos was sentenced to death in 1992 and was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002.

Theron won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award for her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos, though it's worth noting that some of the events in the movie are fictionalized.

California teens plot to steal from the stars they love in "The Bling Ring."

Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, "The Bling Ring," is based on the true story of celebrity-obsessed California teenagers who embark on a high-profile crime spree.

In the movies, the teens keep tabs on their celebrity victims' whereabouts online and subsequently rob their homes of money, clothes, and jewelry.

Although some events in the film were fictionalized, the true story in 2008 involved big-name celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and Rachel Bilson. Each of the teens was charged with at least one out of the 10 instances of burglary. All pleaded not guilty and were sentenced to varying amounts of time in prison. 

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a teen who forges checks and gets millions in "Catch Me If You Can."

In "Catch Me If You Can," Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Frank Abagnale Jr., a real-life con man who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer in order to forge checks and make lots of money during the 1960s. Tom Hanks plays FBI agent Carl Hanratty Jr, who eventually tracks Abagnale down and brings him to justice.

The movie is based on Abagnale's book of the same name in which he recounts his now infamous crime spree. Today, Abagnale uses his criminal past for good, consulting with banks, corporations, and government agencies on various aspects of crime and fraud.

Networking is an important component of job hunting— in some cases, it could even be the key to landing your dream job. But even for the most extroverted people, networking can be a challenge. How do you even begin to make connections, especially with strangers?

With a combination of traditional networking ideas plus more creative, modern approaches, you can build a vast network that can help lead you to the career of your dreams. Here are our tips to build a strong, professional network.

1. Volunteer in your community.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your passions while making a meaningful contribution. You can easily start up conversations that stem from the work you are doing. It's also a great way to gain experience and meet people from other fields. 

2. Attend professional events, like workshops and conferences.

Workshops and conferences are dedicated to enhancing your skills and building your network. Generally, these conferences are filled with others who have similar skills and interests, making it less awkward to strike up a conversation with the person next to you and easier to talk about work-related goals.

You can also plan ahead and prepare questions for specific speakers and attendees.

"Whether it's committing to make three new connections or to [meeting] one specific person, it's important to decide what you want to get out of each event you attend," Lisa Fettner, a marketing strategist, wrote on Forbes.

3. Join professional Facebook groups and engage with others.

With a bit of searching, it can be easy to find groups on Facebook dedicated to your industry, your passions and the rising professionals within it. Once you’ve joined the group, be sure to engage regularly with other members to start building connections and strengthening your reputation within the group.

If someone posts about a job opening, you can get in touch with that person — and being recognizable as someone who's made quality contributions or asked thought-provoking questions to the group can help you stand out.

The ketogenic diet isn't built for those with a sweet tooth. 

The low-sugar eating plan restricts carbohydrates to just 20-50 grams a day, pushing the body to rely on burning fat for energy, a metabolic state called ketosis. 

Typically, our bodies seek out carbohydrates (sugars, starches, and fiber) for fuel before tapping into fat reserves. So the keto plan is designed to essentially trick your body into thinking it is starving.

The keto diet was originally designed to help manage drug-resistant epileptic seizures, but it has developed something of a cult following. Many followers say the diet allows them fill up on fatty, rich foods while still losing weight, reducing their appetite, and sharpening their minds.

Like many restrictive diets, keto isn't easy to follow. You can't eat more than a handful of chickpeas or a single banana without going over your daily recommended carb count on the plan, so it's easy to understand why the regimen may not be sustainable. In fact, most nutritionists suggest that if you're looking to stay healthy long-term, less restrictive diets that are rich in unprocessed, plant-based foods and include a moderate amount of carbohydrates are some of the best for a healthy, long life. 

We still don't know much about the long-term health effects of the keto diet. But clinical studies in mice suggest it may have a role to play in cancer treatment, though studies in humans are needed. 

For those trying the plan, there are some tasty and healthy snacks that fit neatly into the keto rules. Here are 16 surprising keto-friendly foods.

SEE ALSO: A Harvard doctor says it's harder than ever to lose weight right now — but there are 5 ways to do it well

Cheese

Stinky blue cheese or rich Camembert — all cheese can have a place in the keto diet. The plan prioritizes creamier, more unprocessed dairy over milks and yogurts with more sugar. 

Butter

It's about 80% fat, with no carbs. Clearly a keto food. 

Heavy cream

This is the fattiest stuff that comes out of a cow's udders — the rich substance that rises to the top of the milk pail and has around 35% fat. Just make sure it's not sweetened with any added sugar.

Reboots are a major TV craze today, and it can be hard to keep up with every show that's coming back after a hiatus. Most of the major networks have dabbled in reboots, from NBC's successful "Will & Grace" to ABC's ill-fated "Roseanne." 

Netflix has numerous reboots in "Fuller House,""Lost in Space," and more, and a "Veronica Mars" reboot is in development at Hulu.

We've rounded up every major TV reboot that is currently airing or in the works. We excluded shows that were canceled this year and immediately picked up by other networks, such as "Lucifer," which is heading to Netflix, and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," which NBC quickly snatched up after Fox canceled it.

We also excluded reality and animated shows (with some notable exceptions), as well as reboots based on movies, such as "Lethal Weapon" and YouTube Red's "Cobra Kai."

Below are 30 major TV reboots currently airing or in the works:

SEE ALSO: The 7 TV shows that have a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes in 2018

"Star Trek: Discovery"— CBS All Access

Status: Currently streaming, renewed for season 2

Originally aired:"Star Trek" on NBC for three seasons (1966-1969), then multiple follow-ups

"MacGyver"— CBS

Status: Renewed for season 3

Originally aired: On ABC for seven seasons (1985-1992)

"Hawaii Five-O"— CBS

Status: Renewed for season 9

Originally aired: On CBS for 12 seasons (1968-1980)

• Aldi has recently announced that its product selection will be expanding.
• During a visit to Aldi's headquarters, people participated a blind taste test to compare Aldi's new food to similar options from competitors.
• Some of the top ten products from the taste test were the Sundae Shoppe Low Fat Ice Cream and the Specially Selected Chocolate Chip Sliced Brioche Loaf.

Aldi recently announced that it's expanding its product selection and now offering more fresh, organic, and easy-to-prepare options than ever before. We took a trip to Aldi’s HQ in Illinois and participated in a blind taste test comparing Aldi private labels to competitors. Here are some of their newer products that seriously blew us away.

The Friendly Farms Kefir tastes like a tart smoothie.

These filling and convenient drinks (sort of like a tart smoothie) come in strawberry or blueberry.

Cost: $1

We tried this protein ice cream right next to Halo Top, and they tasted identical.

And the best part? It’s half the price. The low-fat and low-cal ice cream comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Mint Chip. The only catch is it’s only available seasonally, so stock up now!

Cost: $3

La Croix, who?

This bubbly water comes in Blackberry Cucumber, Cherry Lime, and Pineapple Strawberry. We’re really digging the Blackberry Cucumber, which is incredibly refreshing and makes you feel like you’re at a fancy spa.

Cost: $3

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.

When your car breaks down, getting it fixed can sometimes be a daunting task. It goes without saying that you want your car fixed properly and back on the road as soon as possible, but leaving it entirely up to a mechanic to purchase the parts for you is usually unsettling. You don't know exactly what's being put into your car and you might get stuck with an astronomical bill in the end. 

By shopping for car parts online, you can give yourself peace of mind by knowing that you're getting quality parts without paying outrageous dealership prices (that is, if you know what you're looking for).

In addition to being able to shop for affordable options, retailers do their very best to make getting your car fixed as least a hassle as possible. Whether it be through offering in-store pickup, shipping to recommended professional installers, or providing in-depth diagrams to help you comfortably shop for the right part, there are plenty of ways to make the process easier.

As the owner of three vintage BMWs, I've had my fair share of breakdowns and these are the places I like to shop. Obvious brands like Pep Boys and Advance Auto Parts, as well as lesser-known locations to shop for parts like Walmart and Amazon, have all made the list.

Whether you're shopping for engine and suspension parts, a new set of tires, or basic essentials like motor oil and power steering fluid, you'll find it all here.

Advance Auto Parts

Shop all auto parts and accessories at Advance Auto Parts now.

With over 5,000 stores across the country, Advance Auto Parts is one of the most accessible places to buy car parts. The retailer sells everything from basic maintenance parts like brakes, batteries, and suspensions, to other essentials like fluids, cleaning products, and accessories. Although you can have items shipped to your home from Advanced Auto, its many store locations make the in-store pickup and super useful feature.

Pep Boys

Shop all auto parts and accessories at Pep Boys now.

Unlike other auto part chains that limit working on your car to maybe helping you replace windshield wipers or fix a tail light bulb in the parking lot, Pep Boys offers full repair services. When shopping for parts online, you can choose in-store pickup or schedule an appointment to have your parts installed. With a selection of tires from top brands like Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, and more, you'll also be able to make sure you're riding on safe rubber.

Walmart

Shop all auto parts and accessories at Walmart now.

Walmart's great success is largely based on its ability to provide customers with easy access to a wide range of products at competitive prices. Even if it's not the first place you'd think to look for car parts, it's absolutely a place you should consider. Whether you're shopping for motor oil, air filters, or wiper blades, it's more than likely cheaper at Walmart than other chains. When shopping online, you can choose to have it shipped to your home or pick it up in-store.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get beautiful skin, hair, and nails like a celebrity? Sometimes it’s not as easy as buying a high-end product. Celebrities oftentimes go through expensive and even slightly outrageous measures for beauty.

Here are seven offensively expensive beauty treatments that celebrities subscribe to.

Imagine a facial for down there.

A vagacial is a facial for your vagina and, according to Haven Spa, is designed to treat the skin around your vagina, help with ingrown hairs, prevent future ones from forming, and brighten up down there with an acid peel to help free trapped hairs and blocked pores. According to Refinery29, Khloé Kardashian swears by this beauty secret for your private area. A vagacial can run you around $80 and up.

A vampire facial uses your own blood.

A vampire facial is not your regular facial, especially because blood is one of the products used. The treatment is supposed to help remove fine lines and wrinkles by using the plasma from your own blood and Kim Kardashian West and model Bar Refaeli are fans. This treatment is a combination of a microdermabrasion and the application of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), according to Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Ava Shamban. The price of the facial varies depending on where you go but is typically around $1,000.

Real gold masks claim to give you golden, glowing skin.

Gold masks claim to give you "24-karat skin." Using gold in your beauty products is non-toxic and it boasts powerful skin healing benefits. Shannon Dunn, Eco Beauty editor and "Green Your Routine" life-stylist and coach previously told INSIDER, "Gold is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and it can also help brighten the skin when used consistently."

For gold masks you can buy online or in stores will run you $80 to $200, but for the real thing, it’s about $400.

First lady Melania Trump is planning her first big solo international trip through several African countries in October.

The first lady said it will be her first time in Africa and she is excited "to educate myself on the issues facing children throughout the continent, while also learning about its rich culture and history."

African countries have been a popular destination for first ladies on goodwill tours that sometimes bring aid or attention to the continent.

Though the White House didn't announce a particular project for the trip, it will be a high-profile chance for Trump to branch out on her own.

Take a look at the last four first ladies' time in Africa:

SEE ALSO: 14 of Melania Trump's most expensive outfits

DON'T MISS: Trump reportedly warned Melania against launching an anti-cyberbullying campaign because of his own Twitter habits, but she insisted on doing it anyway

Before she was first lady, the late Barbara Bush accompanied Vice President George H.W. Bush on a 1985 relief trip to western Sudan, where she helped feed refugees.

Source: The New York Times

First lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea embarked on a two-week trip to sub-Saharan Africa in March 1997.

Source: Washington Post

They toured the most notable sights in several countries, including Senegal's House of Slaves, also known as the "door of no return."

Sources: Washington Post, Atlas Obscura

• TGI Fridays has had quite the history since it opened its first location in 1965.
• It was the first American chain restaurant to open a location in Moscow, Russia.
• The franchise petitioned the International Olympic Committee to include bartending as an official Olympic sport.
• It use to be a singles bar.

TGI Fridays is an American classic, known for its fast casual eats, from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and seafood.

But did you know that it was one of the first singles bars in America? Or that some of its bartenders hold a Guinness World Record?

TGI Fridays has a history that is as full of flair as its locations — keep reading to find out 15 things you didn't know about the chain.

The first TGI Fridays location opened in New York City in 1965.

It was originally known as a thriving single's bar.

"My business plan was to meet a lot of women," founder Alan Stillman said in Business Insider's podcast "Household Name." "It's a hell of a business plan, I'll tell you that."

TGI Fridays quickly became a prime hangout for young adults, and was often completely packed.

The restaurant opened its second location in Memphis, to huge success.

The Memphis location was wildly popular in the 1980s, and quickly became a hub for Memphis' counterculture, filled with booze, drugs, and rock and roll. Apparently, it had an underground queer scene and a stage where local bands performed.

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.

• Quality vintage rugs are difficult to find and even more difficult to fork over the money for. 
• Revival Rugs is a new direct-to-consumer rug company that's shaking up this long-stagnant industry with its affordable and beautiful handmade rugs sourced directly from Turkey. 
• It works directly with artisans and craftsmen to make unique, long-lasting rugs that are easy to shop for and don't cost a fortune. 

A nice rug not only makes your floor look less bare, but also "grounds" your room by helping cinch other interior design elements together. Still, the sticker shock of said rug might make you think twice about jumping into your "Extreme Makeover" fantasy. 

Ben and Amber Hyman thought that shopping for a new rug for their apartment would be fun, but after facing high prices, poor-quality replicas, and general lack of transparency, they ended up more stressed than excited. They founded direct-to-consumer company Revival Rugs with two friends based in Istanbul, Turkey, because they didn't want to spend a month's rent on a beautiful, handmade rug, but also didn't want to settle for anything less.

Launched in 2017, Revival Rugs is already on track to do $1 million in sales within its first year, proving other homeowners don't want to settle either.

Key to its business of selling one-of-a-kind vintage rugs is the cross-country relationship between the US and Turkey. Hyman explains, "One reason why there haven’t been disruptors in the vintage, handmade rug space has to do with geography and the nature of the business. To shake things up in the vintage rug sector you need to operate where the rugs are located." 

He told Business Insider,

We literally go to the village level and work hand-in-hand with craftsmen to select the exact vintage rugs we’d like to add to our collections, and then we work closely with these craftsmen to process the rugs we select to our specifications.

By being incorporated in both countries and having a warehouse and half our founding team in Turkey, we have a faster feedback loop with artisans to customize products in response to customer demand (i.e. larger size rugs, runners, colors — neutrals like champagne and soft pink tones).

While other Turkish entrepreneurs may have the ability to build similar grassroots partnerships, few understand the tastes, preferences, and expectations of US customers. Up until Revival Rugs, there hasn’t been a company that’s effectively bridged the geographic, linguistic, and cultural gaps in what’s still a traditional industry.

All the rugs are handwoven by skilled artisans with hand-spun wool. Each wool thread is double-knotted into the weft, resulting in a more secure, durable weave and a rug that will truly last a lifetime. Throwing money at an expensive rug is useless if it can't hold up over the years; thanks to carefully monitored crafting processes, Revival Rugs' pieces aren't subject to the same frustrations. 

The colors are eye-catching and gorgeous because each rug is originally naturally dyed using vegetable dyes. After cleaning the rugs, the company inspects each one's natural state before deciding which ones will undergo a second dyeing process.

Depending on the size and style, the rugs range in price from $35 to $3,000, and the site offers plenty of under-$300 options, the best of which we've rounded up below. Shipping within the continental US is free for orders over $50 and the rugs are folded into custom-made boxes meant to fit the rugs perfectly (don't worry, folding won't damage the rug. Because they're 100% wool, they'll resume their flat resting position within a few days).

Beautiful vintage rugs can be affordable — here are the best under-$300 rugs from Revival Rugs.

A vibrant rug with geometric details and fringe accents

Shop the Mizgin, $195, measures 2'11" x 4'10"

A faded coral rug featuring a classic Turkish motif

Shop the Zumrut, $132, measures 1'8" x 2'9"

An inky black rug with a faded pattern that is both modern and vintage

Shop the Vivek, $257, measures 3'7" x 6'7"

You don't have to load up your plate with bacon and eggs to meet your daily protein goals. There are plenty of unexpected foods that offer high amounts of protein, not to mention awesome flavor.

Here are some foods that most people don’t realize have a surprising amount of protein.

1. A cup of green peas has more protein than a serving of steak.

The next time someone tells you that getting protein from plants is inconvenient or expensive, tell them that green peas have almosteight grams of protein per cup, according to the USDA. For comparison, a 100-gram serving of grilled steak has just5.8 grams of protein.

Peas also have overeight grams of fiber, which will keep you full and happy long after you've cleared your plate.

2. A single cup of lentils has as much protein as three eggs.

According to the USDA, one cup of lentils has about18 grams of protein.

Coupled with their high fiber content, you can bet lentils will keep you full and satisfied for ages. Sprinkle a serving over salad for a hearty topping or enjoy them on their own with a bit of olive oil and salt.

3. Guava is a surprisingly protein-rich fruit.

We don't often think of fruit as being particularly protein-rich, but guava is offers a hefty4.2 grams of protein per cup, according to the USDA. It also offers nine grams of fiber per cup and a whopping 600% of your daily Vitamin C needs.

Add a few cubes to your salad to increase its protein power, slip a slice into your water for some extra flavor, or simply snack on the sweet fruit between meals.