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What standardized tests look like in 10 places around the world

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No matter where you live, standardized tests can be stressful. But what kind of test you take, how many, and what purpose they serve varies wildly from country to country, and even city to city.

We rounded up the key differences between standardized tests around the world. Just a note that test standards will vary between schools and standardized tests are a subject that is ever-changing. 

The UK has dozens of standardized tests.

In the UK, students typically take more than a dozen standardized tests.

"At the age of 16, almost every child in England will take probably about 15 or 20 substantial examinations," Dylan Wiliam, a professor emeritus of educational assessment at the University of London, studies testing, told NPR.

These exams are required to continue on in school. In the last two years of school, students will also take A levels if they want to continue on to university or they have the opportunity to pursue diplomas.



Finland's students only have to take one test.

Finland doesn't subject its students to tons of standardized tests, but it does have one big one at the end of their senior year of high school — the national Matriculation Examination. And it matters a lot. 

"It was very clear for everybody that unless you do very well with this one examination, that some of these dreams that you may have for the future will become very difficult to fulfill," Pasi Sahlberg, a visiting professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and an expert on testing in Finland, told NPR.

Though the nation doesn't pride itself on tons of standardized tests, it still ranked highly among other nations when they did test: it came second in science, third in reading, and sixth in math in a 2009 international ranking, according to Smithsonian magazine.



In Japan, tests are high stakes.

Though they're tested more frequently than in Finland, in Japan, standardized tests mean a lot too. In fact, one of the first big standardized tests students take is an exam that will determine if they even get into high school. 

"It's a lot of pressure," Akihiko Takahashi, an associate professor of math education at DePaul University, told NPR. "If you do not pass the exam, you cannot go anywhere, even high school."

Japanese students almost take the National Center Test for University Admissions if they want to get into university and many universities have their own individual tests for entry as well. This "center test" is so high stakes that many parents begin prepping their kids for it in kindergarten and many students even buy dolls said to bring them good luck on the exam. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

9 ways to become a better speller, according to an expert

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  • Reading is one of the best ways to learn how to spell.
  • Spell check is a great way to learn certain spellings, but shouldn't be relied on entirely.

 

Thanks to spell check, we are in an era of poor spellers.

"People tend to think they don't need to learn how to spell because the computer will do it for them," says Dr. J. Richard Gentry, literary expert and best-selling author. 

INSIDER spoke with Dr. Gentry, who has spent over four decades specializing in education, including writing, spelling, reading, and dyslexia. He has also written 12 books, including "Spelling Connections," an extensive spelling program used for students to become proficient spellers. 

Gentry revealed that spelling is critical to learn in kindergarten and first grade, but that you can hone your skills as an adult too.

Here are 10 tips on how to become a better speller.

Read a lot.

Reading is probably one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with words and their spelling, but Gentry says to take it one step further: "If you see a word you don't recognize, try to figure out what it means," he suggests.

However, becoming a good speller can also make you a better reader. "Spelling is connected to the architecture of the reading brain, and is a lot more important than we recognize," he said.



Use spell check — but don't rely on it.

Gentry says that one of the best ways to learn how to spell as an adult is to use spell check — to a degree.

While spell check is a great way to check yourself and see if you are spelling words correctly, the computer isn't always right. 

For example, if you are trying to spell homophones, two words that sounds the same but have different meanings, the computer doesn't always catch it. Gentry shows a video to his students which plays the sentence "If someone told me I would not need to learn how to spell, computers do it for me." If you don't know how to spell correctly, you might type the sentence as "If sum one tolled me I wood knot knead two learn how too spell, computers dew it four me." Since computers don't get context, they may present you with the wrong homophones.



Quiz yourself frequently.

Gentry says, "Self-testing has been found to be one of the best techniques for adults and anyone who is learning how to spell — or learning anything."

Try quizzing yourself daily on some of the more difficult words you are having trouble with. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 genius ways to pair your favorite fast food with wine

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  • Wine pairings aren't limited to super-expensive dishes and Michelin star restaurants. 
  • There's a wine for just about any dish — including your favorite take-out or drive-through eats. 
  • We've listed 10 wines that complement fast food from McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, Wendy's, and more. 

Finding the perfect wine to pair with a dish doesn't need to be limited to fancy and super-expensive tasting menus. With a bit of know-how and a willingness to dive into some taste-testing, you can discover a bottle of vino to go with just about any dish. And yes, that includes eats from your fave drive-through.

We asked 10 sommeliers for their favorite fast food wine pairings, and here are their top recommendations. 

SEE ALSO: 24 popular fast-food desserts with the most sugar, ranked

1. You'll want to pair McDonald's Fries with Krug Champagne.

As it turns out, the humble Mickey D's fry makes an exceptional companion for one of the most high-falutin' wines available for purchase: classic French Champagne.

Wine director Adam Sweders of the DineAmic group in Chicago explains why: "The acid and bubbles [in] Champagne are a match made in heaven [for cutting through] greasy, fatty, salty fries. It is actually a New Year's tradition of mine to pair the iconic Krug Champagne ($169) with McDonald's fries. [There's] something so perfect and fun [about] drinking wine made for a king with food made for a pauper."



2. McDonald's Big Mac goes well with a glass of California Pinot Noir.

The Big Mac. You know it. You can probably hear the theme song ringing between your ears right now ("Two all-beef patties, special sauce… ").

But does the Big Mac pair well with wine? According to Minibar Delivery co-founder Lara Crystal, it absolutely does.

"One of my favorite pairings is a Big Mac and a California Pinot Noir. These two pair perfectly due to the light and fruity characteristics of the wine [and] the rich and hearty [nature] of the Big Mac," Crystal told INSIDER, naming Melomi Pinot Noir ($19.99) and Francis Ford Coppola Pinot Noir ($22.99) as particular favorites.



3. McDonald's Apple Pie will bring out the sweetness of Chenin Blanc.

To round out our McDonald's wine pairings with a dessert course, we have to address the McDonald's Apple Pie. This compact, handheld sweet treat rarely gets the credit it deserves, but sommelier Amy Racine of The Loyal in NYC doesn't just like these fruit-filled pastries. She thinks that they go beautifully with a glass of Chenin Blanc.

Racine especially enjoys a warm McDonald's Apple Pie with Philippe Foreau Vouvray Demi-Sec Clos Naudin ($34.99); "because of the humidity and perfect temperature in Vouvray, the wines can develop a fungus lovingly known as ‘Noble Rot.' When this happens, the wine gets delicious [tones of] honey and ginger. I love it with McDonald's hot apple pie. The warm honey flavors of the baking spices on the apples and the buttery crust are magical."

 



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13 iconic outfits former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore

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lifelong champion of the arts and outspoken preservationist, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was also one of the most influential fashion icons of her era.

Known for her chic yet simple style, the former first lady was the subject of much media attention throughout her storied life. During her time in the White House, and in the years after, she popularized some of the most recognizable trends of the '60s and '70s including pillbox hats, tailored coats, and strapless gowns, to name a few.

As European editor-at-large of Vogue, Hamish Bowles, told The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2000, Onassis set the standard for how "an entire generation" of American women strove to "look, dress, and behave."

Take a closer look at some of her most memorable outfits below.

Onassis married John F. Kennedy in a stylish ballgown with a boat neck.

Her wedding dress featured a full skirt, one of the biggest trends in bridal fashion in the '50s.



She made a splash in the fashion world at several celebratory galas for JFK's presidential inauguration.

According to The Cut, Onassis asked fashion designer Oleg Cassini — who was known at the time for dressing Hollywood stars like Shirley Temple and Grace Kelly — to create custom outfits for her in 1961.

Dubbed the first lady's "Secretary of Style," Cassini went on to design some of Onassis' most iconic ensembles including an ivory silk satin evening dress that she wore to a gala the night before JFK's inauguration. In 2009, the Design Museum in London, UK, named Cassini's gown one of 50 dresses the changed the world.



She wore one of her signature looks at JFK's inauguration ceremony.

When JFK was sworn in as the 35th president of the US, Onassis looked elegant in a beige coat dress, Halston pillbox hat, and elbow-length gloves — all of which would go on to become huge trends in the '60s.

Designed by Cassini, the simple wool coat featured touches of Paris couture in its A-line silhouette and stand-away collar, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The jacket also channeled Hollywood glamour through its oversized pockets and buttons.



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18 new photos from 'The Walking Dead' tease some big changes in store for season 9

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Happy Walker Wednesday. AMC released a bunch of new photos and artwork for "The Walking Dead's" ninth season premiere and some of them may bring on serious feelings. 

Andrew Lincoln confirmed earlier this year this will be his last season on the zombie drama. He may not be the only cast member heading out. While the 18 new photos and promotional artwork may look straight-forward, there are a few details and hints about the new season you may overlook while looking at the character portraits. 

AMC also released a new synopsis for season 9, which confirms a year-and-a-half time jump.

"Now, we see our survivors a year and a half after the end of the war, rebuilding civilization under Rick’s steadfast leadership. It is a time of relative peace among the communities as they work together, looking to the past to forge the future, but the world they knew is rapidly changing as man-made structures continue to degrade, and nature takes over, changing the landscape and creating new challenges for our survivors.

As time passes, the communities confront unexpected obstacles, danger, and of course, walkers, but nothing quite prepares them for the formidable force they are about to encounter, which threatens the very idea of civilization that our survivors have worked so hard to build."

Season nine of "The Walking Dead" will premiere on AMC Sunday, October 7 at 9 p.m. Until then, let's break down what these photos reveal.

Let's start off with the season nine poster. Rick is shrouded in red.

It looks like Rick has taken to wearing his sheriff's hat once worn by his son Carl throughout the series. 

But it's the background details you may want to take a closer look at. 



Carol (Melissa McBride), Michonne (Danai Gurira), Daryl (Norman Reedus), and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) — some of the show's longest-running characters — are also in blood red behind him.

A close look also teases that mystery helicopter again. Maybe we'll finally learn who is piloting it! A windmill on the opposite end of the poster hints at the expansion of the communities. Remember, Georgie randomly gave Maggie a giant book on rebuilding the world and she and Alden were ready to get to work on it at the end of season eight.

READ MORE: 7 theories about the mysterious helicopter that keeps popping up on 'The Walking Dead'

And, if you're a comics fan, the group of zombies in the background may signal the expected introduction of The Whisperers. Creator Robert Kirkman announced Samantha Morton was cast as the leader of the group, Alpha, at San Diego Comic-Con. 



Season nine picks up a year and a half after the end of Rick's war with Negan and it certainly shows.

Rick's rocking shorter hair and a longer beard. The look was seen in Carl's vision from the season eight premiere of the comic's "Old Man Rick" is nearly here

If you're on the fence about tuning in, you'll want to do it just for this. Lincoln confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con in July that he's hanging up the sheriff's hat after this season. 

"As you've seen in the trailer, we're deeply, deeply proud of the work that we've done this season. I think [new showrunner] Angela [Kang] is astonishing and leading with such class,"said Lincoln of Kang taking over the show from Scott Gimple.



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12 fall-appropriate pieces of white clothing any guy can get away with wearing — even after Labor Day

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

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In the old days of fashion, wearing white after Labor Day was a big mistake. The rule originated from back when wealthy people would put away their airy white linens after summer vacation, trading them in for more appropriate fall clothing as they headed back to life in the city, a tradition that was was later adopted by fashion sticklers. 

With Labor Day signifying the unofficial end of summer, there is some credence in leaning more towards fall attire, but blindly following obscure fashion regulations is completely unnecessary —  and color should never be a restriction. After all, black was once only worn for mourning.

Even though you should probably be putting away your linen shirts and tank tops, consider this formal permission to wear as much white as you want through the fall and winter. To help you break away from the rule, we rounded up 12 pieces of white clothing to wear after Labor Day. With everything from long sleeve flannels and hoodies to denim jackets and bombers, there are plenty of fall-appropriate pieces.

Check them out, below: 

Mott & Bow Kent Slim Button Down

Mott & Bow Kent Slim Button Down, $69

Regardless of the season, a classic white oxford is always in style. The Mott & Bow Kent Shirt has is slim fitting and great for wearing on its own or as an under layer.



Everlane Classic French Terry Crew

Everlane Classic French Terry Crew, $45

As the weather beings to cool, the French Terry Crew sweatshirt will keep you warm, even in white.



Polo Ralph Lauren Waffle-Knit Cotton Hoodie

Polo Ralph Lauren Waffle-Knit Cotton Hoodie, $69.99 (Originally $89.50) [You save $19.51]

Hoodies are a fall essential. Made out of a waffle-knit material, this Polo hoodie is lightweight, yet warm enough to wear on those cool fall days.



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Take a look inside Carnival Corporation's largest-ever ship, which holds 6,600 passengers, cost nearly $800 million to build, and has 2 private 'islands' and a jungle-themed water park

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  • Carnival Corporation just added a new ship: the AIDAnova.
  • It holds about 6,600 passengers and features a high-ropes course, three waterslides, a live TV studio, two private "islands," and 40 bars and restaurants.
  • Carnival says AIDAnova is also the first cruise ship in the world to run on liquefied natural gas, a clean-burning fossil fuel.

Carnival Corporation and its German cruise brand AIDA Cruises introduced the newest addition to Carnival's fleet of more than 100 ships: the AIDAnova.

AIDAnova was named on Friday in front of 25,000 people at an open-air concert headlined by David Guetta. Along with a slew of onboard features, the AIDAnova is distinctive for being the first cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, the world's cleanest-burning fossil fuel, Carnival said.

The AIDAnova is set to embark on its maiden voyage in December. Here's a sneak peek of the gargantuan ship.

SEE ALSO: Disappointing photos show what Disney cruises look like in real life

The AIDAnova can accommodate 6,600 passengers and 1,500 crew members, making it the fifth-biggest ship in the world.

Source: Traveller



The AIDAnova, which reportedly cost nearly $800 million to build, is 1,080 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 184,000 tons.

Source: Traveller



The AIDA was christened on Friday in front of a crowd in Papenburg, Germany.

Source: AIDA



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These are the world's most valuable passports

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  • Arton Capital ranked world passports by the number of countries one can visit without obtaining a visa.
  • The United States is tied for second this year after being tied for sixth in 2017.
  • Singapore finished first in the rankings.

 

The United States has jumped four spots in the finance firm Arton Capital's most recent rankings of passport mobility, which measures the number of countries one can visit with a given nation's passport without obtaining a visa. The US is tied for second in the 2018 rankings, up from sixth in 2017. Singapore takes the top spot with a passport that provides access to 166 countries without a visa.

You can see all of the countries ranked in the top 10 below.

Countries are ranked according to Arton's "Visa-Free Score," with a higher score resulting in a higher ranking.

SEE ALSO: The incredible history of the Boeing 737, the best-selling airliner of all time

T10. United Arab Emirates — 156 countries



T10. Croatia — 156 countries



T10. Cyprus — 156 countries



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12 teddy bears that are worth a fortune

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Rod Pb28As of the 1970s, teddy bears have become collector's items around the world. And some teddies have sold for tens of thousands of dollars if not more. The question is why are people willing to pay such prices for a toy? The answer lies in a few commonalities.

Top-selling teddy bears have the following attributes in common: low production, they commemorate a special occasion, and in one case, is the sole surviving example, according to Jacquie Denny, co-founder of EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH).

Plus, teddy bears have an emotional appeal to their owners, so they are willing to pay top dollar for early examples, Denny added, regardless of condition. With that, the teddy bears on this list range from a low of about $3,000 to a high of $143,000 for the Steiff Teddy Girl Bear.

Steiff-Karl Lagerfeld Teddy Bear - $3,687.26

This limited edition bear was produced in 2008 by Steiff, a manufacturer of high-end toys and collectibles, and Karl Lagerfeld, the German creative director, and artist. This teddy is decked out in Lagerfeld's iconic black suit and sunglasses as well as his ear studs and belt. With only 2,500 produced, this collector's item is currently selling for $3,687.26.



Gund Snuffles Teddy Bear - $10,000

Gund, another well-known manufacturer of stuffed toys, produced a one-of-kind teddy bear to display at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 2010.

Snuffles, the oldest bear in Gund's product line, is made out of white alpaca fur, features black Tahitian pearls for eyes, and a 10-carat diamond necklace that 'bears' the company slogan "Gotta Getta GUND." The toy was priced at $10,000.

 



Steiff Rod Bear PB28 - $10-12,000

One of the earliest Steiff bears to appear for sale is the Steiff Rod Bear PB28, produced in 1904. Its uniqueness lies in its metal rod joints that replaced the string-jointed bears made by Steiff in 1903. The rod bear pictured was estimated at 8,000- 12,000 pounds or between $10-12,000 according to Getty. 



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Pottery Barn launched 3 new 'Harry Potter' collections — here are the best items to buy

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  • Pottery Barn just launched three new "Harry Potter"-inspired collections. 
  • Fans can head to Pottery Barn, PBteen, and Pottery Barn Kids to find magical new home decor.

If back-to-school time has you longing for your acceptance letter from Hogwarts, you're in luck: Following up last year's Harry Potter-themed PBteen line, Pottery Barn has released not one, not two, but *three* new collections in celebration of everyone's favorite school of witchcraft and wizardry. Spread across the brand's Pottery Barn, PBteen, and Pottery Barn Kids lines, there's something for wand-wielders of all ages. Click through to see the most magical pieces from each.

PBteen Etched Scenes Duvet Cover + Sham

 PBteen Etched Scenes Duvet Cover + Sham ($29-139)



PBteen Canisters

PBteen Canisters ($99)



PBteen Golden Snitch Beanbag

PBteen Golden Snitch Beanbag ($239)



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The adorable love stories of 11 presidents and their first ladies

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Barack and Michelle Obama

  • Some US presidents and first ladies can boast of pretty swoon-worthy love stories.
  • Grace and Calvin Coolidge met after she spied him shaving through a window; Theodore and Edith Roosevelt were childhood friends whose relationship blossomed into something more.
  • Here's a look at some of the most romantic presidential love stories.

Marriage is one thing that all of the US presidents throughout history have in common — with the exception of lifelong bachelor James Buchanan

Not all of those relationships were equally rock steady, though.

Some first ladies, like John Quincy Adams's wife Louisa, felt deeply uncomfortable in the realm of politics.

Meanwhile, a number of presidents, like James Garfield, Warren Harding, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Bill Clinton, were known for their philandering.

And a few presidential pairs, like Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, functioned more like work colleagues than spouses.

Still, the book "First Ladies: Presidential Historians on the Lives of 45 Iconic American Women," serves up plenty of heartwarming anecdotes. Many of the most famous and powerful people in American history could be quite romantic, as it turns out.

Here's a look inside some of the most touching love stories between US presidents and their first ladies:

SEE ALSO: A congressman just called Mike Pence 'the greatest VP' since John Adams — here's why that's not really a compliment

DON'T MISS: Inside the marriage of Barack and Michelle Obama, who met at work and kissed outside an ice cream store on their first date

SEE ALSO: A look at the zodiac signs of all the US presidents

John Adams relied on his wife Abigail.

Abigail Adams famously asked her husband John to "remember the ladies" as he helped to found the fledgling United States.

As a founding father and as president, Adams didn't do much to adhere to her request on a macro-level. But he certainly relied on Abigail for support and advice throughout his career.



John and Abigail wrote to one another constantly when they were separated.

John and Abigail Adams were partners, through and through. Even when work and war separated the couple, they sought to stay in contact.

In "First Ladies," historian James Taylor estimated that the pair wrote around 1,170 letters to one another, penning messages around once or twice a week.

"They were partners in everything he did. ... he writes to her thanking her for being a partner in the activities," he said.



The two also had unique pet names for one another.

The pair's trove of letters reflects their habit of teasing one another, and an affectionate side to their marriage. Business Insider previously reported that Adams referred to his wife as "Miss Adorable" and "Diana," after the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon.

Abigail called him Lysander — referencing the Spartan War hero — and "my dearest friend."



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We compared the prices and amenities of standard rooms on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival cruise lines — here's the one with the best bang for your buck

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  • The cost of a cruise depends on what room you get and where you're going.
  • We compared the cost of an inside stateroom — the standard, most affordable stateroom — and its amenities on a cruise to the western Caribbean at three major cruise lines: Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean.
  • Carnival is the most expensive, but offers more room, while Royal Caribbean is the most affordable overall.

How much does a cruise cost?

Well, that depends on what room you get.

We took a look at the standard inside stateroom — the most affordable room on a cruise ship — at three major cruise lines: Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. To keep things consistent, we chose a similar itinerary for each, selecting a five-day western Caribbean cruise in early April 2019 for two passengers embarking from Miami.

Carnival is the most expensive per room, but offers more square footage for your money. Meanwhile, Norwegian is the second most affordable per room, but costliest per square foot. Royal Caribbean is the most affordable overall, both by cost and per square foot.

royal caribbean norwegian carnival cruise line comparison

However, there's more to a room than the cost — you also have to think about what you're paying for, like sleeping provisions and amenities. The size and arrangement of beds (or sofa beds) can vary, and while most cabins have basic amenities like a TV, closet, vanity, desk, couch, dresser, some don't have them all.

So, we took a closer look at the inside stateroom in each of the three cruise lines. Keep in mind that these specifics can change depending on cruise line's ship, as well as itinerary and season, and all featured staterooms have private bathrooms and showers.

Scroll through below to see which ones really offer more bang for your buck. 

SEE ALSO: The world's largest cruise ship has robot bartenders and a nine-storey zip-line — here's a look inside

DON'T MISS: Royal Caribbean has an ultra-luxury suite that can cost over $170,000 — here's what it looks like

Norwegian: $399 at $2.80 per square foot

Square footage: 135–291

Number of beds: 3-4

Type of bed: Two lower twin beds that convert to a queen and two Pullman beds

Basic amenities: TV, closet, vanity

 

 



Norwegian offers a bargain package upgrade.

Inside staterooms on Norwegian cruise line range from 135 to 291 square feet. At 142 square feet, the Sail Away stateroom on the Norwegian Dawn (the sailing ship for the selected itinerary) is large enough to accommodate two to four guests.

Prices start at $399 and range up to $569 depending on interior location. For an extra $110, you can choose one offer among a variety for a special package: unlimited open bar, shore excursion credits, specialty dining, WiFi, or friends and family (adding one to two extra guests in your stateroom for free). 

In addition to a TV, closet, and vanity, the stateroom also comes with a hair dryer, telephone, and refrigerator.



Carnival: $414 at $2.23 per square foot

Square footage: 185

Number of beds: 2-4

Type of bed: Two twin beds that convert to a king; some cabins have pull-down beds for three or four people

Basic amenities: TV, closet, vanity, desk, couch, dresser

 



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9 execs and entrepreneurs share the inspirational quotes that changed their lives for the better

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  • Inspirational quotes can be more than simple slogans — they've helped some of the most successful executives and entrepreneurs
  • Moguls like Barbara Corcoran and Dottie Herman have used inspiring mantras to deal with their fears and enemies. 
  • Here are nine quotes that could give you a new perspective of your business and personal life.

Inspirational quotes can be more than slogans on a Hallmark card. For high performers, they can be spiritual mantras, rallying cries, or guiding beacons. Leading entrepreneurs and advisors from The Oracles share the time-tested truisms that changed their lives.

SEE ALSO: What execs like Oprah, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk keep on their desks

1. 'Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.'

Dean Graziosi, NYT-bestselling author, 16 years daily on TV; follow Dean on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram:

This quote speaks to the one trait all successful entrepreneurs share: the ability to pivot when things go wrong. High achievers don't break their stride, even when failure is staring them right in the face; instead, they realize their setback only brings them one step closer to accomplishing their ultimate goal. All my best successes have come on the back of my greatest failures.



2. 'Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.'

Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group, podcast host of Business Unusual, and Shark on"Shark Tank":

When I read this quote many years ago, I'd spent too much energy resenting someone who'd rewarded my many years of generosity with betrayal. It was constantly on my mind, and I had a hard time getting over it. Then, I figured if Nelson Mandela [to whom this quote is commonly attributed] could spend 27 years in prison and not hate his enemies, I could do the same.



3. 'Success is failure turned inside out.'

Dottie Herman, CEO of Douglas Elliman:

I keep this anonymous quote framed on the wall in my office. It's a daily reminder to embrace failure instead of fearing it. Success is the inverse of failure, not the lack of it. You succeed when you take on an obstacle, and you flip it. First, you have to embrace the obstacle, though.

Sadly, most people are plain afraid to fail, so they never leave their comfort zones or attempt something challenging. Other people get so stuck in their past mistakes that they can't learn from them.

Failure is a tremendous teacher. It encourages better thinking and forces you to look back and ask, "What went wrong?" It also shapes you as a person; it makes you resilient. It educates you in ways success simply can't.



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Burt Reynolds was such a screen icon that even the list of roles he turned down is legendary, from James Bond to Han Solo

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On Thursday, the entertainment world mourned the death of a true legend of the screen: Burt Reynolds, who died at age 82.

With a career that spans close to 60 years that included everything from memorable television shows to some of the highest-grossing movies of the '70s and '80s, the actor has too many classics to name.

In fact, the list of roles Reynolds turned down is even legendary.

In an interview in 2016, he went through a few of them with Business Insider:

SEE ALSO: Here are your favorite TV shows that are getting renewed for another season

Before Harrison Ford, Reynolds was offered the role of Han Solo.

Prior to George Lucas going with the virtual unknown Harrison Ford to play the space scoundrel Solo in the first "Star Wars," Reynolds was offered the part.

Reynolds was a hot name around the studios at the time Lucas was casting, having been a few years removed from his acclaimed performance in "Deliverance" and building his heartthrob status in the movie "The Longest Yard."

But at the time, Reynolds wasn't interested in the character.

"I just didn't want to play that kind of role at the time," he told BI. "Now I regret it. I wish I would have done it."



He could have been the first American James Bond.

Following the forgettable tenure of George Lazenby as James Bond in 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli went to Reynolds to be the next 007. But Reynolds felt an American couldn't pull off the role. He feels differently now.

"I think I was putting myself down in a way, because I think I could have done it very well," Reynolds said. "Though once you do something like that and it's successful you're bound to play that part for a long time. I think I would have liked it. I like that kind of tongue-in-cheek humor."

Broccoli instead was able to get the first Bond, Sean Connery, to reprise the role, paying him a then-record $1.25 million salary.



The role Reynolds most regrets not accepting.

James L. Brooks specifically wrote the role of womanizing retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove in 1983's "Terms of Endearment" for Reynolds, but the actor turned him down. (Legend has it he chose the NASCAR comedy "Stroker Ace" instead.)

Brooks went with Jack Nicholson, who took home a best supporting actor Oscar for the role. (Reynolds has never won an Oscar.)

"I regret that one most of all because it was a real acting part," Reynolds said. "I wish I would have done it, and thinking back now, it was really a stupid decision, but I made a lot of stupid decisions in that period. It must have been my stupid period."

 



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10 highly rated acne spot treatments that online shoppers swear by

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

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Breakouts are a normal part of most people's skin journeys. Whether you generally have clear skin or have struggled with acne for years, they happen to everyone. Still, breakouts are no less annoying, alarming, or painful every time they do. 

A consistent routine of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, but when it comes to pimples that erupt on your skin (or at least feel like they're about to), attacking them early on with a direct spot treatment will help dry them out and calm them down. 

Topical gels, lotions, and stickers are the most common ways to treat these blemishes, and there are tons on the market. However, it's only a small collection of standouts that have proven to be really successful. You can trust that these popular spot treatments have been vetted by us and your fellow shoppers. 

These are 10 of the most popular acne spot treatments you can buy online right now: 

Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17, available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Ulta

Amazon rating: 4.1 stars from 2,200+ reviews 

Insider Picks senior editor Ellen Hoffman has called this lotion "magic" because it makes pimples disappear overnight. It contains salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide to quickly and effectively target surface blemishes. 



Mighty Patch

Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Absorbing Spot Dot (36 count), $12.34, available at Amazon and Mighty Patch

Mighty Patch Invisible+ (39 count), $17.99, available at Mighty Patch

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars from 500+ reviews 

Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton and I both swear by this powerful sticker that draws out the fluids from your pimples and protects them from irritation. The new Invisible+ versions are so light and thin that you can get away with wearing them during the day. 

 



TreeActiv

TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment, $23.70, available at Amazon

Amazon rating: 4.4 stars from 1,100+ reviews

This treatment contains many beneficial ingredients, most notably bentonite clay, which removes excess oil, reduces inflammation, and balances your skin's oil production. 

 



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10 ways to follow the keto diet on a budget

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You may have seen tons of keto-approved snacks, shakes, and delivery services available for purchase online, but any budget-conscious foodie knows that these items can be quite costly, especially when you factor in steep shipping fees.

Although it may seem impossible to indulge in the popular high-fat and low-carb eating plan on a tight budget, dietitians say it's possible to score keto-approved produce, meats, and snacks on the cheap.

INSIDER spoke to two registered dietitians to learn how to find the best keto-friendly foods on a budget.

 

1. Look for family-size packs of chicken, beef, and pork chops

Even if you are just cooking keto-friendly meals for yourself, registered dietitian Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, LDN, suggested looking for family-size packs of chicken, beef, and pork chops, saying they are often more affordable than smaller packs.

"You can always grab some freezer bags and split up the pack when you get home so one family pack can provide you multiple meals," Gulbin told INSIDER.



2. Find out when your grocery store restocks meat

Gulbin also said it's important to find out when your grocery restocks meat. She suggested that when stores do this (which is usually the day before or on the day of) they often tag meats (that are a week from their sell-by date) with discounts.



3. Try to buy produce that's in season

"It's wise to use a produce guide from the USDA which will tell you which vegetables are in season," Guilbin said. "When produce is in season, they will be cheaper and more flavorful."

Read more: 15 fruits and vegetables you should never buy organic



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10 scary movies that haven't held up

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With the technology and special effects that exist now, older horror movies, although classics, are practically comedies when compared to what’s being released in the upcoming year. Certain films will always be classics that are enjoyable to watch, but they’re not nearly as "scary" as they were at the time they were released. In fact, they’re really not scary at all.

Read on to see some of our favorite picks for horror movies that wouldn’t frighten you anymore.

"Cujo" (1983) isn’t that scary after all.

When Cujo, a Saint Bernard dog, suddenly gets bitten by a bat he begins to change, becoming angry and violent to the people that cross his path. When Donna and her son, Tad, were out and about, they had a fearful encounter with the dangerous dog. This probably made teens in the '80s lose sleep for weeks, but definitely not anymore.



"Christine" (1983) was just a car.

It’s common to give your car a name, but when nerdy Arnie Cunningham purchased a 1958 Plymouth Fury and named it Christine, he probably didn’t expect to develop a growing obsession with the car.

This strange infatuation became apparent to his friends who grew concerned and captured the attention of local bullies. When one bully in particular, Buddy, damages the car, Christine fixes itself and begins killing the bullies off one at a time.

The concept of a sentient car killing people was terrifying at the time but now, just seems a little silly. 



"The Blob" (1958) is actually kind of silly.

We might laugh at even just the mention of this movie, but to people in the '50s, this was a pretty creepy film to kick back and watch at the drive-in. The plot is based around the teen Steve and his girl, Jane, while they take on the gooey, sticky alien that’s attacking their hometown.

After watching the blob grow to a terrifying size after devouring an older man, they knew they had to warn the town. The blob is a classic, but far from nightmare-inducing nowadays.



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Check out the Milwaukee Bucks' chic, new $524 million arena

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The Milwaukee Bucks' new arena has been one of the oft-discussed new developments in the NBA, and at long last, it's finally here.

On August 26, the Bucks opened Fiserv Forum to the public, showing off the modern and chic arena which will house Bucks games, Marquette basketball games, and concerts, hosting over 200 events a year.

Bucks president Peter Feigin, who helped head the project, spoke with Business Insider about the $524 million arena, the club suites, food options, design features, and surrounding plaza, which will have a brewery, beer garden, sports bar, residential space, and more.

Take a look at the sleek Fiserv Forum, with photos sent from the Bucks and commentary from Feigin below:

Feigin said the design goal of Fiserv Forum was to be "modern with a real authentic and intimate touch."

Feigin said players have been touring the Fiserv Forum throughout construction and have felt a piece of ownership of it. He said a new, high-end arena is a "declaration that you're in the game."

 



Fiserv Forum had its official opening on August 26.



The entrance, Feigin said, "sets the tone" for the building.

"The glass curtain wall, which is inviting and transparent, to the terrazzo floors, kind of redefines the experience at a high level. Some technology with LED screens at the floor level as well as on top of the escalator stairs."



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20 Halloween costumes to avoid so you aren't dressed like everyone else

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Halloween only comes around once a year, so if you're putting in the effort to get dressed up this October, you should try to make your costume count. 

You might feel tempted to wear something that's trendy and Instagram-worthy — but so will everyone else. 

To make sure you don't accidentally match everyone on October 31, we've rounded up the 20 costumes that will likely be everywhere this Halloween.

Everyone is going to be dressed as their favorite "Riverdale" characters this year.

The third season of "Riverdale" will air on October 10, so you can expect to see more than one Betty and Veronica duo trick-or-treating this year.



Rather than wearing traditional robes, try putting a unique spin on your "Harry Potter" costume.

With the 20th anniversary of "Harry Potter" upon us and a new "Fantastic Beasts" movie set for release in November, everyone will want to dress as a character from the wizarding world this Halloween.



"Hocus Pocus" has made a serious comeback, and so have costumes of the three Sanderson sisters.

Despite originally airing in 1993, "Hocus Pocus" is as popular as ever — there's even a potential remake in the works. Fans old and new will be dressing as the Sanderson sisters this Halloween, so choose another costume if you don't want to match.



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8 ways Jackie Kennedy influenced history

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Jackie Kennedy typewriter

Few first ladies past and present have resonated with the American public across different backgrounds. A poster for strength in the wake of her husband's assassination, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Jackie O) transformed American history in remarkable ways.

We rounded up just a few of the ways that she changed the world forever.

Jackie O's iconic looks remain a pivotal inspiration for fashion trends to this day.

When it came to fashion, Jackie O was in a league of her own. Newsweek reports that, in her first year as First Lady, she reportedly spent $45,466 more on her wardrobe than the $100,000 her husband John F. Kennedy earned as commander-in-chief.

Robust budget aside, Jackie O popularized many statement pieces unique to women in the 1960s and 1970s. Her Halston-designed pillbox hats, which she owned in several different colors, became a signature look throughout her tenure as First Lady. She famously wore a watermelon tinted suit and matching pillbox hat on the day her husband was assassinated.

Few could rock a cape with such sophistication and humility quite like Mrs. Kennedy. In recent years, the garment has slowly made a return to the runway and seen on the racks at your favorite stores. The dramatic accessory was a huge part of her signature style, and naturally remains synonymous with her time as First Lady.



Jacqueline Kennedy's personal responsibility as White House interior decorator is still followed by First Ladies of the 21st century.

Most expect the inside of the White House to be expertly dressed with the finest pieces unique to the President and First Lady's lifestyle. However, when President and Jackie Kennedy became its newest resident in 1961, it was boring and ridden with dated furniture most wouldn't adorn their own homes with.

Jackie O believed that the White House should tell an artistic history of the United States, and she set out to restore its walls with warm tones of strong colors. The dismal walls were beautifully painted in blue and yellow hues, and the accompanying furniture was a gentle mix of antique pieces and trendy accessories.



You can thank Jackie O for the beautifully manicured Rose Garden.

Credited as being an area where her husband spent his “happiest hours in the White House,” the Rose Garden has become an integral part of the charm and esteem of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Bunny Mellon, gardening enthusiast and Kennedy family friend was the trusted individual in charge of turning their vision into reality. The garden was completed in 1962.

Even though Mrs. Kennedy was only able to enjoy the allure of the garden for a year, the memories stemming from her experience creating the architectural terrace would last a lifetime.

Years after her husband's assassination, Jackie O gifted Mellon with a scrapbook highlighting the Rose Garden's progress from inception to conclusion.



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