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50 of the best TV season finales of all time

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OITNB Piper

Audiences used to be captivated by cliffhangers week after week as TV shows slowly trickled to their screens week after week. Today, in the age of streaming, cliffhangers that keep audiences hooked from one episode to the next have become a little less important.

Season finales, on the other hand, seem to be becoming even more dramatic. After one season drops, it can be months or even more than a year before a new installment hits. The season finale can still create that much sought-after water-cooler moment as audiences wait for their favorite show to come back.

Here are the 50 most suspenseful and impactful season finales of all time (with some spoilers!).

50. "Doctor Who," season one — "The Parting of Ways"

This finale — the first of the "Doctor Who" reboots — is said to have set the stage for all "Doctor Who" season finale cliffhangers to come.



49. "Gossip Girl," season three — "Last Tango, Then Paris"

At the beginning of this episode, one thing was on viewers' minds: would Chuck and Blair get back together? By the end, it was clear that Blair wanted the series bad boy back — but it didn't matter. He'd moved on by sleeping with Jenny, a younger character who'd been relatively sheltered until this point. 

It scored almost eight out of 10 stars on IMDB.



48. "Six Feet Under," season four — "Untitled"

This episode starts with a gruesome death and ends with characters finally accepting the end of a marriage.

The episode had a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. 



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20 celebrities who met before they were famous

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selena gomez demi lovato

Getting rich and famous seems like it would be great, but getting famous alongside your friend sounds even better. 

Whether they met in high school or as spontaneously at a club, here are a handful of celebrities who met before they got famous and got to watch each other's success rise in tandem.

Busta Rhymes and Jay Z rap-battled in their high school cafeteria.

Two of the most successful rappers of the late '90s and early 2000s, Busta Rhymes and Jay Z, go way back.

The two hip-hop icons both attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in Brooklyn, according to Mic.

For the record, Jay Z won the battle and Busta admits it.

"He kind of got the best of the situation," Busta said on MTV. "I got to give it up. He was so ill and his arsenal was so long that he had more than what I did. I spit my one rap, and my tank was empty real fast. He came with two or three after that, and I was like, 'Here we go.' But I gave it my best."



Cameron Diaz and Snoop Dogg may have been pals in high school.

Actress Cameron Diaz and rapper Snoop Dogg both attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and though their memories are fuzzy, Diaz claims she may have bought weed from him back in their school days, according to Us Weekly. 



Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah met at a club when they were teens.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith was only 15 when she snuck into a club and watched Queen Latifah, then 17, perform, according to People.

"The first time I met La she came to Baltimore, I think I was about 15," Pinkett Smith said. "It was at a club. I wasn't supposed to be there but she came and she was performing. I begged the club promoter to basically announce it to the audience. I got to introduce her."

Today, they're still friends and even starred in the movie "Girls Trip" together.



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9 of the most expensive homes around the world

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Buckingham Palace

From indoor trampoline rooms to in-house temples, the amenities in some of the world's most expensive homes go beyond your wildest dreams. And, given the flashes of flare, it's no surprise that these homes are lived in by moguls, billionaires and royalty. 

Here is a sampling of some of the most expensive homes around the world. 

This NYC penthouse will cost you over $40 million.

One of New York City's most lavish homes is located at 15 Central Park West. According to a 2014 report from the New York Post a penthouse here will cost at least $40 million, while a five-bedroom place sold for $21.5 million in 2018. 

Residents get a prime view of Central Park and an extremely staffed building, including seven concierges, four security guards, eight porters and dozens of other employees to keep things running smoothly. 



For $335 million, you can snag a penthouse in Monaco's Tour Odéon.

According to a 2016 piece in Forbes, Monaco's 49-storyTour Odéon has a five-floor penthouse that costs $335 million

"The apartment includes a rooftop deck and pool, with its own water slide that descends one story from the dance floor directly into the infinity pool," reports Forbes. Plus, it has breathtaking views overlooking the Principality of Monaco



A house in Kensington Palace Gardens will cost you around $46 million dollars.

According to a 2017 article in the Telegraph, the average property prices on Kensington Palace Gardens in London is an estimated £35.6 million (a little more than $46 million USD.) 

Additionally, according to The Guardian, it's often listed as the most expensive place to buy a home in London. This shouldn't come as a surprise, seeing as the area is close to Kensington Palace where members of the royal family— including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children — reside. 

Read more: You can get married at Kensington Palace without joining the royal family — here's how



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15 snacks found in every '90s lunchbox

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dunkaroos

While most of the '90s are a whopping 20 years ago already, there are drinks and snacks that we remember as if we had them just yesterday.

Some of these items are still available to purchase, but sadly, many are discontinued, like the dearly departed Dunkraoos.

From sweet treats slipped in like Fun Dip or Baby Bottle Pops to Lunchables, here are 15 foods, sweets, and drinks that could be found in any '90s lunchbox.

Every kid begged for Hi-C Ecto Coolers after seeing "Ghostbusters."

Hi-C was always super popular, but never more so than when it launched its Ecto Cooler special-edition boxes, featuring Slimer. Ecto Coolers were rolled out in 1987 to celebrate "Ghostbusters," but stuck around for over a decade. The flavor was allegedly changed in 2001 to Shoutin' Orange Tangergreen, and again to Crazy Citrus Cooler in 2006, and discontinued altogether a year later. 

Ecto Coolers were brought back for a limited time in 2016 to commemorate the female reboot of "Ghostbusters." But, since nothing is forever, Slimer was gone by December of that year.



Doritos 3D were the coolest chips around.

Created in the mid-'90s, Doritos 3D were basically inflated Doritos with a hollow middle (exactly like a Bugle).

Doritos discontinued them in the early 2000s to public outcry (there was even a petition). They were brought back in 2015, but with a different recipe and texture (solid all the way through). If you want the real deal, Mexico still seems to be producing hollow versions.



Squeezits were the epitome of fun drinks — their plastic bottles were meant to be squeezed.

Squeezits were launched in 1985, but they didn't have faces and personalities until 1992, when every flavor received a different character, such as Chucklin' Cherry, Grumpy Grape, and Silly Billy Strawberry.

Sadly, the last Squeezits were produced in 2001 — though you can get a similar experience with Kool-Aid Bursts.



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10 cookies from around the world that you'll want to try immediately

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Cake Stroopwafel Tasty CaramelThis may come as a surprise to some but chocolate chip isn't the only type of cookie in town. Especially when you take into account the numerous global confections. 

Here are 10 types of cookies from around the world that would be enough to tempt Cookie Monster himself.

Alfajores are for breakfast in Argentina.

If you've ever dreamed of eating cookies for breakfast, then you're in luck. Argentina offers a sandwich-like shortbread cookie filled with luscious dulce de leche and often rolled in coconut shavings. The popular snack is perfect for tea time, dessert, and yes — breakfast. In fact, there's never a bad time to indulge in the decadent treat. See what the fuss is about here.



Enjoy buttery vanillekipferl in Austria.

This is a crisp, buttery, shortbread cookie made with ground almonds and dusted with vanilla sugar. The name vanillekipferl translates to "vanilla moon," according to Curious Cuisinière, and is a nod to its crescent shape. The traditional Christmas cookie, which originated in Vienna, Austria, is quite popular. Give it a whirl with this recipe.



Canada's nanaimo bars include delicious layers of wafer.

These no bake wonders originate from a city of the same name in British Columbia. The iconic Canadian dessert features layers of wafer cookies, chocolate, and custard. Try it here.



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These are 7 of the worst military defeats in modern history

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stalingrad german troops

It's easy, when you're one of the world's great powers, to think that most battles will go your way. And the ones that won't? Well, you can only lose so badly when you've got better technology, larger formations, and/or God on your side.

Unfortunately, that's not true, and even great powers can get themselves curb-stomped in surprising ways.

Here are seven military defeats where someone thought they could be the big dog in a fight only to find out they were facing a bear:

SEE ALSO: A year before D-Day, Allied forces made their first thrust into the 'soft underbelly of Europe' — here's how Operation Husky played out

1. Battle of Tsushima

It's sometimes hard to remember that Russia once fielded a top-tier navy that made enemies around the world quiver in their boots. That actually changed during the Battle of Tsushima, when Russia sent a massive fleet to defend their claims in and around Korea from a growing Japanese Navy. The Japanese Navy used their better ships, tactics, and telegraphy (think ship-to-ship Morse code) to demolish the Russians.

The two fleets closed with each other on May 27, 1905, and the Japanese ships were in better condition, allowing them to sail slightly faster. Even better for the Japanese, there was a heavy fog that their telegraph traffic could penetrate, but the Russians couldn't communicate as well with their lights and flags.

Japan's five battleships and 84 other ships and boats were able to twice "cross the T" of Russia's 38 ships, pounding the Russians with broadsides while the Russians could only reply with forward guns. The Russians were forced to flee, sinking only three Japanese torpedo boats while losing 28 ships.



2. Siege of Kut

The Siege of Kut took place in 1915 in what is now Iraq. British-Indian forces, retreating from a defeat at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, decided to stop at Kut, a position easily defended, but difficult to resupply. Since we're talking about a siege, you can probably guess how that went.

Approximately 11,000 British and Indian infantrymen reached the fortress on December 3, and the Ottomans arrived four days later with 11,000 troops of their own — and with more reinforcements on the way. The British sent away cavalry and other forces that could escape and then settled in for the siege. The Ottoman forces, under command of a German adviser, cut off river and land access to the city.

British forces outside the city attempted to relieve it three times, but all three attempts failed dismally. While the Ottomans suffered approximately 10,000 casualties, the British were eventually forced to surrender after suffering 30,000 casualties and the capture of an additional 10,000 troops, including six generals.



3. Italian Western Desert Campaign — World War II

The Italian invasion of Egypt in 1940 was a fine if uninspired victory for the Italian fascists. They moved forward about 12 miles per day for about a week in September, 1940. During the campaign, the Italians failed to keep their troops close enough together to properly support one another, and the British took advantage of that fact the following December in Operation Compass.

The British planned a five-day raid in response. The goal was simply to push the Italians back a little, but the British made a note before the first attacks stating that they should be prepared to keep pushing, just in case — and this came in handy. The British forces quickly made much more progress than expected.

The Italians were occupying a series of fortified camps and, one after another, they fell to a force of 36,000 British soldiers. The British attacked from December 9 to February 9, 1941, and lost less than 600 troops killed and missing while inflicting over 5,000 kills and capturing over 125,000 Italian soldiers, 420 tanks, 564 aircraft, and multiple cities, including the key port of Tobruk.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

30 items you can get online at Costco for cheaper than Amazon

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

costco

Costco is the land of endless free samples and some great deals on bulk items.

Shopping at Costco is truly a unique experience, but with its great prices it can be hard to leave the store without a trunk full of heavy boxes. The convenience of online shopping, and the thought of never having to lug heavy bags of groceries ever again, make services like Amazon's Prime Pantry  and Jet.com's grocery department very tempting. The good news for Costco lovers and bargain hunters alike is that you don't need to count the warehouse giant out of the running if you prefer to do your grocery shopping from a screen. 

Yes, you can order from Costco online — but there are some caveats. Here's what you should know:

Normally, you have to be a member to shop at Costco. The membership options are either a $60 or $120 annual fee. To shop online, you don't have to have a membership card, but there are caveats. For non-members, most online items apply a 5% surcharge at checkout. Depending on how much you plan to spend at Costco every year, the 5% surcharge may cost you less than an annual membership would.

Also important to note, some items on the site have a delivery fee. If you spend over $75 on an order, these separate delivery fees are waived, which is not hard to do given that most of the items are big, bulk buys. Additionally, the prices and availability of items are based on your zip code, so for the purpose of this article we used a Manhattan zip.

Whether or not you're a member, you can still take advantage of the great deals Costco has to offer when you shop on their website. We did the grunt work and scoured Costco, as well as its competitors, to figure out what deals are actually worth it. 

Check out our list of 30 great deals you can find online at Costco:

Scoshe BoomBottle Wireless Speaker

Scosche BoomBottle Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $69.99

You don't have to buy everything in bulk at Costco. This bluetooth speaker is waterproof, dust-proof and has a built-in bottle opener, plus it's sold for a great price at Costco.

Compare to $93.93 at Amazon.



Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper

Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper, 30 Jumbo rolls, $28.49

Many everyday items, especially ones that never expire (like toilet paper), are worth buying in bulk. If you live with a lot of people, 30 rolls isn't as much as it seems. Even if you live alone and have the space to store the larger packaging, you can save a good deal of money on buying this everyday essential in bulk. 

Compare to $49.99 at Amazon.

 



Crest 3D Whitening Toothpaste

Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste 6-ounce, 5-pack, $17.99

Like toilet paper, you're always going to need toothpaste. When you buy this everyday essential in bulk at Costco you get more bang for your buck. The Costco price is more than $0.30 an ounce cheaper than most competitors, which may not seem like much, but it adds up quickly.

Compare to $5.71 for a 2-pack of 3.5-ounce tubes, at Amazon.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

29 photos of Princess Diana that show the lasting impact she had on our world

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Princess Diana

• Princess Diana was a teacher before marrying Prince Charles.

• After divorcing Charles, Diana became a world famous advocate for different causes, like better treatment for AIDS and HIV patients.

• Her sons Prince William and Prince Harry remember her as a loving and "informal" mother.



Princess Diana tragically died at the age of 36 over 20 years ago, in 1997.

She was first propelled into the national spotlight at the age of 20, when she wedded Great Britain's Prince Charles at the age of 20.

Their troubled marriage ultimately imploded, turning the couple in tabloid fodder.

However, Diana went on to become an international icon in her own right. Her sophisticated style dictated fashion trends. Her dedication to charitable causes won her admiration and accolades.

And, in the wake of her death in Paris, then-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair famously referred to her as "the people's princess." The mass, global outpouring of grief that her death sparked proved it an apt observation.

Here's a look at the life of Diana, Princess of Wales:

SEE ALSO: An inside look at how J.K. Rowling, one of the most influential people alive, turned rejection into unprecedented success

DON'T MISS: Princess Diana once broke hearts by leaving hundreds of charities — and it teaches an important lesson in time management

Diana Frances Spencer was born on July 1, 1961 to a British noble family. Her brother, the Earl Spencer, reminisced that she was 'incredibly brave,' even as a young girl.

Source: Royal.uk, USA Today



In school, the future princess failed all her O-levels — twice. However, Diana had a sense that she was destined for something important. "I knew that something profound was coming my way," she said in the documentary "Diana: In Her Own Words.""I was just treading water, waiting for it."

Source: The Independent, Diana: In Her Own Words



Before her marriage, Diana reportedly shared a flat with three roommates and worked as a part-time kindergarten teacher in London’s Pimlico district.

Source: People



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 surprising signs your cat actually likes you

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happy cat owner hand pet chinWith their inscrutable faces and reputation for acting indifferent to their human keepers, cats can be difficult to read.

Sure, they might not show their love with wagging tails and slobbery kisses like dogs. But that's because felines have their own ways of communicating their affection.

Here are a few behaviors that show a cat really likes you.

1. Your cat headbutts you out of love.

If a human rammed their head into your side, you probably wouldn't consider it a token of affection. For cats, however, headbutting is a sign of love.

"Butting is a cat's communication method of showing affection for others. By rubbing this body part against one of yours, she isidentifying you as one of her friends," pet behavior researcher Gayle Hickman writes on Petful.

Additionally, a cat might use head bunting tomark their territory. Felines have scent glands on their chins, cheeks, forehead, and lips. By rubbing its face on you, your cat is spreading a unique scent on you and marking you as a buddy.



2. Its tail is always twitching at the tip or curled around your leg.

A cat's tail reveals a lot about its mood. Though a bushy tail, upright hair, and arched back is a signal that a cat feels threatened, an erect and swishy tail can mean that it feels confident and happy in your presence, according to WebMD.

A tail curled around your leg or arm is also a sign of friendship and affection.



3. It shows you its tummy.

There are few things cuter than a fluffy cat belly, and getting to see one means that you've earned that cat's trust.

Cats usually show their bellies voluntarily to creatures that they trust. According to WebMD, it shows that they feelsafe and are comfortable being vulnerable. If your cat stretches out on the floor beside you and rolls around, you can bet its feeling affectionate.

That said, cats may also expose their tummies as asubmissive or defensive act when they feel cornered. If you don't know the cat well (e.g. it's a stray or an acquaintance's pet), be wary of trying to stroke their belly, as this may cause the cat to take a swipe at you.



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Inside Martha's Vineyard's exclusive Oak Bluffs community — which boasts hundreds of adorable gingerbread cottages and is frequented by guests like Barack Obama

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Barack Obama Martha's Vineyard

  • Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts is one of the six towns located on Martha's Vineyard.
  • The community boasts a cluster of cheerful and iconic gingerbread cottages.
  • It's also one of Barack Obama's favorite vacations spots.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts is a town as vivid as it is historic.

One of the six towns on Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs is home to a string of colorful cottages, a bustling marina, and a picturesque downtown.

No wonder it's one of former president Barack Obama's favorite vacation spots.

Here's a look inside the community:

SEE ALSO: PHOTOS: Check Out The Sweet Martha's Vineyard Estate Where President Obama Will Vacation

DON'T MISS: No one wants to buy the Obamas' former vacation rental on Martha's Vineyard

SEE ALSO: Caroline Kennedy Lists Massive Martha's Vineyard Lot For $45 Million

The town of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts is situated on the northeastern shore of Martha's Vineyard. It was first incorporated in 1880, and received its current name in 1907.

Source: Annals of Oak Bluffs, Oak Bluffs



Before Europeans settled on the island in 1642, the Wampanoag tribe occupied the area that would become known as Oak Bluffs.They called the swampy site "Ogkeshkuppe" — or "the wet or damp thicket."

Source: Annals of Oak Bluffs



Today, the town is known for its distinctive and colorful gingerbread houses, its large marina, and its decades-old African American community.

Source: Oak Bluffs



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11 teachers reveal the weirdest things parents have said to them

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New Girl

Being a teacher is never without its wild stories.

From getting hilariously unexpected answers from students in class to the day-to-day surprises their jobs bring, most teachers feel like they've seen and heard it all.

We scoured Reddit for the wildest things parents have told teachers from Reddit. Although INSIDER cannot independently verify these claims, these stories are still fun to read. 

They couldn't understand why their child would act out when they had the house to themselves.

"'I don't understand why he's acting up in school. He's got the house to himself.'"

"8th grade kid had been expelled from the district 2 years previously. Turns out mom lived with her boyfriend in another town. The kid literally had the house to himself." - Redditor amalgaman



They accused the school of superimposing the son's head onto another student's body to make him look like a criminal.

"We showed a mother cctv footage of her son stealing a teachers wallet. The mother said that we had 'used our digital editing department to superimpose her son's head onto another students body.' We didn't even have a library, let alone a digital editing department. We didn't even have a library, let alone a digital editing department." - Redditor pipipiper



They asked about their child's grades...when they were in college.

"I had a parent contact me with a question about their child's grades. If you're wondering why that's so crazy, I was a TA in undergrad physics lab." - Redditor Andromeda 321



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6 reasons you should pack your own lunch instead of buying a 'healthy' lunch

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eating salad

What's listed as "healthy" may be, in fact, very unhealthy based on the ingredients, portion size, and the way it was prepared.

INSIDER talked to dietitians and nutritionists about why you may want to skip purchasing a "healthy" meal on the go and opt to pack your own lunch.

You know exactly what is going into your food.

When you buy food out, you don't know exactly what ingredients went into your food. And perhaps to your surprise, restaurants aren't afraid of using fat, butter, and salt, according to Carol Aguirre MS, RD/LDN at Nutrition Connections.

They want their food to taste good so they naturally pile on ingredients in larger amounts than you would at home, according to Laura Burak, MS, RD, CDN, Laura Burak Nutrition. That includes even the "healthy" choices.

"Although salad places and hot lunch bars may advertise that they're healthy and they appear to simply be protein and veggies, you have no idea how much extra oil, salt, and sauces they can contain," Burak said.

The excess portions of food, salt, and sugar are not good for anyone and can lead to weight gain, higher blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels, Burak added.



You can control portion size.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain it, portion size is of great importance and restaurants are known to be overly generous, according to Dr. Donna Sergi, Nutrition Response Practitioner, Holistic Chiropractor, and Founder/Owner ofHealthierU.

"It's amazing how big some of the salads are. And while they certainly are a healthy choice, it's likely to be 50% bigger than what you'd make at home. Plus, they often have little extras on them that you also wouldn't use if you were trying to be healthy while making your own food," Brooke Alpert, RD, author of "The Diet Detox," said.

And because we're visual people, if there's more food to eat on our plate, we tend to eat it just because it's there, according to Burak. By preparing your own lunch, you naturally consume less.



You know how your food was cooked.

Another potential problem with healthy lunch spots is that you don't know how your food was prepared, according to Sergi.

"A piece of grilled chicken that's sautéed in an unhealthy oil is very different from a piece of grilled chicken that's been prepared in healthy oils, like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil," Sergi told INSIDER.

Unfortunately, the healthier oils are more expensive, which is why restaurants use the cheaper ones such as vegetable oil, as it is more cost effective, Sergi explained.



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12 pizza delivery drivers share their strangest stories— and they'll make you want to tip extra

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pizza box delivery driverPizza delivery drivers are put in some extremely strange situations and come away with memorable stories to share. Some of those stories are unnerving and tell of situations where the driver was put in harm's way due to extreme weather or seemingly dangerous customers. Other pizza deliveries are simply super awkward, embarrassing, or just downright bizarre.

While INSIDER cannot independently verify each story, they certainly are interesting to read. Read on for current and former pizza delivery drivers' strangest delivery stories.

"I got mugged."

"I got mugged on my third delivery on my first day of the job. I came back to the shop with a busted-open head and promptly told them, 'I QUIT.'"— Redditor whomp1970



"He's in diapers with a bow in his hair like a little baby."

"[I was making a delivery] and this dude opens the door. He's in diapers with a bow in his hair like a little baby. It was … awkward."— Redditor diamondsealtd



"I had a guy pay me, then just throw the pizza in his yard."

"I had a guy pay me, then just throw the pizza in his yard and close his door."— Redditor alepocalypse



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

11 books to read if you want to save more money

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Money

  • Money may not buy happiness, but it allows you satisfy your daily needs and splurge on things that are valuable to you.
  • Saving a comfortable amount of money takes careful planning and budgeting, any many people have trouble building wealth.
  • These 11 personal finance books offer strategies for budgeting, getting out of debt, and managing your money.

 

They say money can't buy happiness, but your relationship with it is an important factor in achieving success.

So, if you find yourself having trouble saving money— whether you're hoping to buy a house, planning for retirement, or stocking up for a rainy day — it may be time to brush up on your financial skills.

These 11 personal finance books offer strategies for getting out of debt, smart investing, living on a budget, and managing your money successfully.

SEE ALSO: 12 clever ways to save money every day, according to financial experts

1. 'The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying' by Suze Orman

Financial expert and New York Times best-selling author Suze Orman's "The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical and Spiritual Steps So You Can Spot Worrying" explains how people's relationships with money are influenced by their emotions. According to Orman, emotions like fear and shame are the real things standing between you and financial success. 

In this book, Orman offers tips for paying off debt, outlines how to choose between different types of retirement accounts, and more. 



2. 'The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness' by Dave Ramsey

"The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness" is financial expert, radio host, and New York Timesbest-selling author Dave Ramsey's most popular book.

In this revised and updated version, Ramsey distills his two decades of financial counseling experience into a seven-step plan for gaining total control over your money.



'Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money - That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!' by Robert Kiyosaki

This may sound like a book solely for dads, but it's not. Robert Kiyosaki's New York Times best-seller "Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!" is about two "dads" who taught the Kiyosaki different perspectives about money: his actual father and his best friend's father.

Kiyosaki uses the lessons he learned from his father figures to offers practical yet slightly counterintuitive financial advice, arguing that you don't need a high income to become wealthy and that a house isn't an asset, among other things.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The North Face has started its Labor Day sale early this year — here are 18 cold-weather styles to snap up before they go back to full price

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

The North Face

Labor Day typically marks the unofficial ending of summer. While most people use the holiday to get in their final barbecues, picnics, and pool parties, it's also a great day for shopping and saving.

The North Face rarely holds sales, but this Labor Day they're making an exception with a huge selection of discounted items.

Now through September 3, you can save 25% on select apparel, accessories, and shoes for men, women, and kids.

The sale does include warm-weather items like T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts, but with fall and winter on the horizon, the selection of cold-weather items is what makes this sale so appealing.

You really don't want to wait until it's already cold outside (and items are back to full price) before adjusting your wardrobe. So, to help you prepare for colder temperatures now, we rounded up the best hoodies, fleeces, jackets, and vests on sale.

Shop The North Face Labor Day sale now.

Check out some of the best items on sale, below:

Men's The North Face Surget Bloc Full Zip Hoodie 2.0

$56.25, available in three colors (Originally $75) [You save $18.75]



Men's The North Face French Terry Crew

$37.50, available in four colors (Originally $50) [You save $12.50]



Men's The North Face Apex Bionic 2 Vest

$82.50, available in three colors (Originally $110) [You save $27.50]



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10 things you've heard about intermittent fasting that aren't true

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Friends Eating Burgers

Intermittent fasting has become widely popular. Both men and women of all age ranges have jumped on the bandwagon of this health and fitness trend to help them lose weight and improve their health. Before you go following in the steps of supposed fans, you want to be sure that you are clear on what this type of "diet" really consists of.

According to Dr. Robert Zembroski— author of the health-focused book "Rebuild"— although fasting has been said to be good for the mind and body, there are also things that you should watch out for when you're done.

"Those that fast often indulge in eating high-calorie high-fat foods with the perception that fasting will allow them to devour whatever they want," he said. "When you deprive the body of food, there is a physiological drive to overeat due to the release of appetite hormones including ghrelin and leptin and excitation of the hunger center in your brain. This will cause people to overeat after their fast."

To help you along your journey, here are 10 myths — debunked — about intermittent fasting.

MYTH: You're going to lose weight no matter what.

Contrary to popular belief, intermittent fasting — or fasting in general — does not always lead to weight loss. Justin Blum — veteran fitness industry expert and CEO of Raw Fitness Franchise— told INSIDER that this type of thinking is a common misconception when it comes to this type of dieting.

"It doesn't matter how long the fast is for if you're breaking the fast by throwing down burgers, pizza, and candy, results are going to be slim to none," he said. "I.F. works hand-in-hand with a healthy diet. Each fasting period cannot be treated like a cheat day for the diet to work."



MYTH: Fasting will slow your metabolism down.

Whether in fear or anticipation of slowing your metabolism down through intermittent fasting, Blum says that this is actually a myth and he's here to debunk it.

"Intermittent fasting isn't to calorie restrict; it's restricting the time in which calories are consumed," he said. "Waiting a few extra hours to eat your first meal will not make a difference in metabolic rate. Changes in metabolic occur with undereating — which should not be happening when on an intermittent fasting diet."



MYTH: Fasting is better than snacking for weight loss.

When dieting, it is often said that you should be snacking between each meal. One of the main myths about intermittent fasting, however, makes those who try it think that it should be a substitute for healthy snacking.

"In the end, weight loss comes down to a constant calorie deficit," Blum told INSIDER. "It doesn't matter if those calories are spread throughout the day or consumed in a four to eight hour period. Do what is best is for your body and lifestyle to reach the goals that are set."



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8 unlikely color combinations that actually look great together

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Selena Forrest walks the runway at Alexander Wang during New York Fashion Week at 4 Times Square on February 10, 2018

The days of predictable color pairings are over, according to Jacqueline Reeve, a color designer at Nissan, almost any combo can work now.

"Everything inspires us color designers," she told INSIDER. "From runway fashion to funky, unexpected streetwear; everything from a surreal sunset to different colors of moss. And these days, we're seeing a lot of varying trends — nearly everything is 'in vogue' as far as color pallets and material combinations go."

If you've long since pushed past pairing red with pink, have embraced white on white, and feel good about mixing dark colors like navy or burgundy with black, read on for eight more unexpected combos that work, according to Reeve.

Rusty red and turquoise are a showstopping combination.

Rust and turquoise (or teal) play off each other in a way that's reminiscent of the desert to give off feel-good southwestern vibes. Mix in metals, such as copper, or natural texture and pattern, such as wood and stone, for an even more authentic feel.



Light pink and dark green looks surprisingly good together.

Dark green is ideal for a preppy-inspired pairing — especially when matched with light pink. For a less specific look, try incorporating black for a little edge or using green with salmon instead; it's an easy match and works well with browns, which might inspire you to take a different direction.



Navy blue and pink are a trusted match.

Very dark but not quite black, navy blue is a match made in heaven for bright pink; it will prevent your palette from becoming overly girly but won't overpower the popular hue. Add some gold for a regal, elevated appeal, or yellow for a palette that acts like a new-school twist on the primary colors.



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10 unicorn tech startups had major exits last quarter — and the biggest was worth $53 billion (DOCU, SPOT, AVST, PS, GSKY, MSFT, ADYEN, T, 1810, 2051)

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unicorn

The startup market has reached a point of maturity, with more and more startups seeing their valuations explode thanks to fruitful initial public offerings and acquisitions, according to Goldman Sachs' Views from the Valley report, published last week.

Despite a name that indicated uniqueness, quite a few startups are unicorns — private companies valued at $1 billion or more. In recent months, the number of unicorns has nearly tripled, rising from 54 at the beginning of 2017 to 158 in the second quarter of 2018, according to the report. 

But as the market gets more mature, the number of new unicorns is decelerating. Between 2014 and 2016, there was an average of 15 to 16 new unicorns each quarter. Now, there is an average of 5 to 6, though Q2 2018 only saw one new unicorn: the gaming communication software company Discord, which was last valued at $1.6 billion. 

Meanwhile, more and more of these $1 billion+ companies have seen big exits in the last few months, both through IPO and acquisition. 

In Q2 2018, 10 of these unicorn tech startups had major exits. These were the biggest exits, according to Goldman Sachs: 

SEE ALSO: Salesforce owns $1 billion worth of other companies — here are its four biggest investments in public companies

Spotify was worth $29.5 billion when it went public

The Stockholm, Sweden-based music streaming platform Spotify went public in April at a valuation of $29.5 billion — $10 billion more than its last funding round, which valued the company at $19 billion. 



DocuSign was valued at $4.5 billion when it went public

When the e-signature and transaction company DocuSign went public in April, it was valued around $4.5 billion, far above its last funding round, which valued it at $3 billion. 



Avast Software went public with a valuation around $3.08 billion

When the Czech cybersecurity company Avast Software went public in May, it was valued at around £2.4 billion, or $3.08 billion. Its last funding round valued the company at $1 billion.



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13 celebrities you forgot were on 'Modern Family'

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james marsden modern family

Though it's been around for a while, "Modern Family" is still widely considered one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. Since its 2009 debut, the show has earned massive ratings and turned its cast members into full-fledged TV stars.

Throughout its time on air, the ABC sitcom has also brought on dozens of celebrity guest stars. Since even the most dedicated of fans likely don't remember every single cameo from over 200 episodes, here's a refresher on some of the many celebrities who have appeared on "Modern Family."

Edward Norton played bass player Izzy LaFontaine in season one.

You may not remember this cameo from all the way back in season one, but it's one worth reliving. In "Great Expectations," Claire, in an attempt to finally give Phil a great anniversary gift, arranges for a private performance by Izzy LaFontaine, the fictional bass player of Spandau Ballet, played by none other than Edward Norton.

Despite LaFontaine's best efforts, the gift doesn't exactly go over as well as Claire hoped, as it turns out Phil isn't actually a fan of the band.



Kevin Hart played the Dunphys' neighbor during season three.

Before he and the Rock became onscreen and offscreen BFFs, Kevin Hart was busy playing a friend to Phil Dunphy on season three of "Modern Family." His character, Andre, is an orthopedic surgeon who has been living next door to the Dunphys' for several years.

He shows up twice in season three, first offering to help Phil build a treehouse for Luke in "Treehouse" and then later convincing Phil to buy a Porsche, to Claire's chagrin, in "Planes, Trains, and Cars."



James Marsden portrays a Reiki therapy expert in season two.

In season two's "Slow Down Your Neighbors," James Marsden makes a cameo as Mitchell and Cameron's eccentric new neighbor, Barry — or at least, that's who he claims to be when they find him in their hot tub. Barry soon reveals he's an expert in Reiki massage, causing Mitchell to quickly write him off as strange.

Cameron, taken by Barry's good looks, is quick to defend him against Mitchell's concern, but his infatuation comes to an abrupt end when he realizes that Barry is not actually living next door, but in their daughter's outdoor princess castle.



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12 easy ways to decorate your apartment for cheap — even if you can't DIY

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unbreakable kimmy schmidt apartmentIf you feel inspired to redecorate, you’re not alone. Giving your apartment a style refresh isn’t cheap though, and who really has time to get to their Pinterest boards full of DIY projects?

It’s completely possible to upgrade your space without DIY projects and without spending a fortune. Sometimes it takes a little patience and a good eye, but with these tips, you’ll be showing off your stylish apartment in no time.

Shop vintage.

Vintage stores are a wealth of inspiration. From broken and beautiful typewriters to sparkling trinkets to elegant hutches, antique shops have a lot to offer in the decor department.

"Accessibility and affordability are part of the appeal, and the touch of ‘something old' is just what most modern homes need to feel warm, welcoming, and interesting," according to Apartment Therapy. While these items can sometimes be expensive, you're bound to find great deals. 



Ask for hand-me-downs.

Remember that gorgeous painting in your grandmother's living room? Or maybe you've been eyeing the pottery at your parents' house. Talk with your family about decor you are interested in using for your own space. You might find they were ready to part with the piece anyway and are happy to pass it to the next generation.



Peruse thrift stores.

Someone else's trash can be the treasure of your new apartment. You'll need to be prepared to do some digging, but thrift stores often house many hidden gems. Just be sure you check electrical items, like lamps, to see if they still function.

"If you're purchasing a lamp base, most stores will let you plug it in before you buy to make sure that it works,"Better Homes and Gardens suggested. "Just ask at the register."



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