The September 11th attacks took the lives of more than 3,000 Americans, and transformed the US in countless ways.

It sparked the Global War on Terror (which the US is now fighting in 76 countries), and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

It led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Patriot Act.

And it also fundamentally changed New York City.

In honor of the 17th anniversary of the horrific attacks, we compiled 17 photos showing how Manhattan's Financial District and skyline have changed since 9/11 as the city rebuilt Ground Zero. See for yourself:

SEE ALSO: Inside St. Paul's chapel, where George Washington prayed after taking the oath of office — that remained standing when the Twin Towers fell across the street

DON'T MISS: Aerial images of the World Trade Center show the site's evolution from 1966 to now

Here's an aerial view of the Twin Towers on a peaceful June day in 1999.

But that skyline was horrifically shaken a little more than two years later.

You can see the stark difference between this August 30, 2001 photo and a photo taken from the spot 16 days after the attacks. It would take several months for rescuers to go through the rubble.

If your idea of a good time involves catching up on a streaming series while chowing down on some freshly-delivered dinner, you've probably experienced one of the greatest disappointments in modern life: Opening a delivery container and finding a dish that looks (and tastes) nothing like what you had hoped.

Unfortunately, the variables involved in food delivery (travel times, distances, inclement weather, not-so-great packaging) often mean that an entree that's delicious when eaten in the restaurant isn't at its best when it arrives at your door.

To help you avoid a disappointing delivery, we collected advice from chefs, delivery-system managers, and food writers on the six foods you may want to skip the next time you order food.

1. Avoid the french fries (especially if they're loaded).

It's sad but true — fried foods aren't particularly conducive to delivery. The longer they sit, the soggier they become, which makes them lose the crisp factor that makes the food so appealing in the first place.

This problem can affect numerous fried dishes, but French fries respond especially poorly to long periods of time between when they're removed from the fryer and when they're served. And if you like your fries smothered in cheese, chili, and sauces, you're just increasing the odds of ending up with a soggy delivery.

"Loaded fries and fries, in general, are definitely the worst food to get delivered. The crispiness of a fry is negatively correlated to the amount of time that goes by — as time increases, the crispiness decreases," said restaurateur Sean Wen of Pinch Boil House (which offers delivery service). "The longer fries sit in their box for delivery, the softer and soggier they get. Add to the equation loads of sauce and toppings, and it simply makes for a sad fry dish."

2. Eggs won't taste as fresh as you'd like.

Sadly, if you order your eggs for delivery, you're probably not getting the optimal version. "We forget how badly eggs smell when they're not fresh. Plus, cold eggs don't taste nearly as good as you'd hope," Ari Banayan, co-founder of Habit Nest, a blog that studies human lifestyle tendencies (including eating and delivery habits), cautions.

3. Nachos and hard-shell tacos won't hold up as well as some other dishes.

With their tortilla-chip base, nachos and hard-shell tacos run into the same delivery problems as other fried dishes. The chips can fall apart under the weight of the cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and other accouterments necessary for a quality plate of nachos or tacos.

One anonymous HuffPost Food editor told the following tale of woe regarding delivery nachos: "[I ordered] nachos in the middle of that really big snow/rain storm a week ago. [It] took like two hours, and you can only imagine how soggy they were once they arrived."

On Wednesday, Nike released the extended version of its "Dream Crazy" ad. The two-minute video is narrated by Colin Kaepernick and features many athletes who have overcome odds to be where they are today. 

The ad features the stories of 16 athletes with inspirational stories, ranging from Charlie Jabaley, an Ironman who completely change his life, to tennis legend Serena Williams.

The main theme is this: "Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they’re crazy enough."

Watch the ad below and then keep scrolling to read the inspirational back stories of everyone featured in it. 

Skateboarder Nyjah Huston has his eyes set on the 2020 Olympics.

The ad begins with skateboard Nyjah Huston. Huston, 23, has been skateboarding since he was 5-years-old. And although 2020 Olympic hopeful spends his days performing gravity-defying stunts, Huston has never broken a bone in his life, which he credits to his vegan diet, according to his website.

In 2011, Huston made history when he became the first and only skater to do a backside 270 nose blunt-slide at the inaugural Street League championship tournament.

Wrestler Isaiah Bird says there's "no excuses" for not doing your best.

Isaiah Bird, a 10-year-old wrestler, also appears in the ad. In addition to wrestling, Bird, who was born without legs, also swims, runs track, surfs, and plays sports like soccer and football, according to ABC.

Wrestling, though, is his specialty, and he's been competing in the sport since he was in kindergarten.

"I just keep going on," he told ABC. "[I say:] 'I can do this. There's no excuses. I can do this.' And I just do it. And I keep practicing and practicing. If I, one day I get pinned. ... I go back to practicing and practicing and I get better and better and better."

Zeina Nassar is breaking boundaries as a boxer.

Zeina Nassar, who has been the Berlin boxing champion five times, appears in the commercial  wearing a Nike Pro Hijab.

Nassar has faced discrimination in and out of the ring for being a Muslim woman in boxing, she said in an interview with Material Magazine. And when people told Nassar she couldn't wear her hijab while boxing, she challenged the rules of the sport — and won.

"Contrary to what appeared to be popular belief, I am very successful at what I do. My coach and I were responsible for changing the rules concerning the hijab while participating in sports," Nassar said. "I'd like to hope that this has opened many doors for other young girls out there who've faced similar struggles. I don't just fight for myself, I fight for all women.
"

It’s been 17 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

Although more than a decade has passed there are still some lingering effects of this devastating terrorist attack that haven’t dissipated.

From increased security to a permeating mentality, here are some of the lasting effects of 9/11 that we still feel today.

1. There's continued military presence in Afghanistan.

One of the most persistent effects of the 9/11 attacks has been the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Shortly after the attacks, the United States under President George W. Bush began bombing Afghanistan. Because the Taliban-run government refused to give up suspected terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden, the United States began bombing the country in October.

By November, a number of countries, including the US and the UK had formed the Northern Alliance and had taken control of the capital Kabul. But almost two decades later, the United States still has troops stationed in the country working to help the government rebuild itself and stabilize.

President Trump announced in 2017 that he would increase the number of troops in Afghanistan by 3,000, bringing the number of troops to 14,000.

2. Airport security has gotten a lot stricter.

Before 9/11, long lines at the airport and extensive security checks didn’t exist. And that’s because before November 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) didn’t exist. The TSA was created as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks, and the tight security measures haven’t let up in the almost 17 years since its conception.

Cabin doors on airplanes are also now protected to keep pilots safe, and the screening process has increased in scrutiny and size.

New technology has evolved to make it even easier for airport security officials to find restricted materials and advanced screening methods and background checks have expedited travel for those willing to submit.

Overall, air travel has become safer as a result of the attacks. But there are those that worry the increased security allows for potential racial profiling.

3. The Department of Homeland Security was created.

The Department of Homeland Security was created 11 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The DHS is an office put together by a number of appointed officials that oversees national strategy and national security. It was created to protect the country against another wide-scale terrorist attack through the use of information gathering and department-led investigations.

By 2002, the office achieved Cabinet-level department status because of the Homeland Security Act passed by Congress.

This department is responsible for anti-terrorism tasks, as well as national security and disaster prevention. It has grown exponentially since its creation, becoming the third-largest federal cabinet department.

Today, this department has a major influence on security and terrorism prevention across the country.

Most people know Trader Joe's as an affordable place to stock up on kitchen staples. But in case you haven't been able to tear yourself away from the freezer section long enough to experience the rest of the store, you may not know that TJ's is also a great place to buy beauty products.

The selection of products made with natural ingredients that won't blow your budget makes Trader Joe's Health and Beauty Aides aisle a favorite of Beauty Editors and budget-conscious beauties alike. And it's hard to believe that practically all of the products cost less than $10.

We rounded up some of the beauty products from Trader Joe's that people swear by. 

Wake up your scalp with a shampoo that works overtime.

Tea tree oil is known to help soothe itchy scalps, unclog hair follicles, and stimulate hair growth. The tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and chamomile in Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo make this beauty buy a refreshing treat for your hair.

It works hard enough to get rid of all of the unnecessary build up, but it's gentle enough to be your go-to shampoo without stripping your hair of its natural oils. It's a big hit in stores and has even racked up four out of five stars on Amazon. 

If you like the shampoo, be sure to check out the conditioner and body wash.

Try a body butter that smells good enough to eat.

Made with avocado, jojoba oil, and shea butter, you can kiss your dry skin goodbye after using TJ's Cucumber Avocado Body Butter. This stuff has almost five stars on Amazon. 

The scent is light and refreshing, so you don't have to worry about smelling like a salad after your shower. And because it's not greasy, you can go to town slathering this creamy goodness all over.  

Get rid of dead skin with a soothing scented exfoliator.

A tub of Lavender Salt Scrub in your bathroom will keep your skin feeling soft and smooth all day long. Great for the bath or a DIY pedicure, the sweet-smelling exfoliator scrubs away dead skin and leaves you feeling relaxed. In fact, 70% of users on Makeup Alley said they'd buy it again. 

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.

Pressured by increasing competition and new online shopping habits, fast fashion retailers pump out trendy and cheap clothing, shoes, and accessories at impressive rates, but often at the expense of quality and worker livelihoods.

A new wave of fashion companies, however, is challenging the idea that you have to sacrifice anything in order to produce good products at a quick and consistent rate. Born online, they're free from the hierarchies and complicated supply chain models of traditional retailers, and they have a more direct line of contact with customers to find out exactly what they love and hate.

Though the high-end and luxury industries traditionally follow seasonal cycles in which new product releases are far and few between, these online brands are flipping the script and employing ambitious weekly drop schedules to keep their customers constantly engaged and excited for future designs. Despite the fast turnaround, craftsmanship and quality remain a top priority, so you can expect to get years, if not a lifetime of use out of products from the startups below.

Shop new releases every week from these 5 online startups.

M.Gemi

Shop this week's new arrivals at M.Gemi here

Handcrafted Italian shoes sold at better prices are already enough to get many customers excited, but M.Gemi takes it a step further by dropping new limited-edition styles of this coveted luxury footwear every week. Since only a limited number of its heels, flats, and sandals are made, a sense of urgency is created to buy that gorgeous new color or silhouette before it's gone forever. If this is your first time interacting with the brand, the Felize loafer and Stellato Sacchetto flat are two standbys that best display M.Gemi's quality construction and comfort. 

Mejuri

Shop this week's new arrivals at Mejuri here

Mejuri introduces new jewelry every Monday, and these weekly drops are so popular that they typically sell out within 24 hours. To guarantee you get your hands on the latest solid gold and silver pieces, you can preview upcoming drops and add yourself to a waitlist. Each week follows a different theme: one week it could be delicate threaders, the next, bold signet rings. Regardless of style, each new drop is guaranteed to fit within Mejuri's collection of beautiful jewelry made for everyday wear. 

Cuyana

Shop this week's new arrivals at Cuyana here

"Fewer, better things" is the philosophy guiding Cuyana's products, so you can expect that each round of its new arrivals never feels rushed or superfluous. Everything about the brand — fabrics, silhouettes, choice of craftsmen — is carefully vetted and curated to ensure a high-quality shopping experience for the modern woman. Pay particular attention to its leather bags, which cost half the price of those of comparable quality and complete any outfit with understated sophistication.

Netflix is always dropping new shows and new seasons, but now that it's the fall TV season, there are even more than usual.

To make choosing what to stream a little easier, we collected a list of the best new seasons and new series to keep your eye on in the coming months. These are the ones that are definitely worth your time.

There's a lot to look forward to, including the star-studded sci-fi series "Maniac,""The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," and the final season of "House of Cards" that gives Robin Wright the spotlight (at last).

Here's 8 Netflix originals to look out for this fall:

SEE ALSO: 3 great TV shows you can watch on Netflix this week

"American Vandal"— September 14

"BoJack Horseman"— September 14

"BoJack" is one of the best Netflix originals and one of the best shows on TV right now. And its fifth season is still strong. If you love this show, keep watching. And if you haven't watched, it's probably time to catch up. 

"Maniac"— September 21

"Maniac" is not for everyone. It's weird and a bit hard to follow for a casual viewer, though it's easier to pay attention thanks to its star-studded cast, which includes Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Justin Theroux, and Sally Field. It's also directed by Cary Fukanaga, the director responsible for the groundbreaking style in season one of "True Detective."

The FBI has released 27 new photos of the Pentagon on 9/11 after it was struck by a plane that was hijacked by five terrorists. 

Five al-Qaeda terrorists took over American Airlines flight 77, which was traveling from Washington DC to Los Angeles, as it flew over eastern Kentucky. They then turned it back towards Washington, D.C., eventually crashing it into the Pentagon, killing 184 people. 

The pictures released by the FBI show debris from the plane, the Pentagon on fire and crews putting out the blaze and cleaning up the damage. 

SEE ALSO: Photos show how dramatically the World Trade Center site and Manhattan's skyline have transformed since the 9/11 attacks

SEE ALSO: Inside St. Paul's chapel, where George Washington prayed after taking the oath of office — that remained standing when the Twin Towers fell across the street

Debris from American Airlines flight 77.

More debris from the flight, which appears to be part of the body of the plane.

The red "C" in the American Airlines logo is clearly visible in this picture.

• It's been 17 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
• But for millions of Americans, haunting memories of that day are still fresh, and many lives were changed forever. 

On 9/11, terrorists hijacked four planes and were able to crash two of them into the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York and one into the Pentagon.

The remaining jet crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers overpowered the hijackers.

A day that started out with clear blue skies ended with a mass of twisted, smoldering metal where the Twin Towers once stood, leaving 2,977 people dead in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, along with the 19 hijackers.

September 11 happened almost two decades ago. One-quarter of Americans are too young to remember it. I have three kids who have no memory of it at all — they weren't born yet. But as they've grown older, they've started to ask questions. 

We certainly don't want to forget about 9/11, even as we get on with our lives and confront new challenges. So in memory of that day, here are 24 images that capture what no American should forget. And as someone living in New York City at the time, I can tell you what it was like to witness the tragedy as it unfolded.

Brittany Fowler contributed to a previous version of this story.

SEE ALSO: Photos show the moment President George W. Bush learned of the 9/11 attacks

The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were a familiar sight to New Yorkers. For decades, you looked up, and they were there. It was a reassuring sight. I visited the towers many times and gazed upon them many more times.

On the morning of September 11, I had just finished voting in Brooklyn when I looked up and saw that one of the towers was on fire. Just a few minutes later, a second plane crashed into the other tower. Something was very wrong.

President George W. Bush was at a school event when he was informed. The expression on his face says it all. No one in the government knew how serious the threat was.

• Disney World has many secrets and little-known facts that many Disney fans don't know.
• There are secret tunnels underneath the Magic Kingdom only for employees.
• Cinderella's Castle is designed to appear taller than it actually is.

Even if you know the basic secrets of Disney World, there are plenty of small details and little-known facts about the "Happiest Place on Earth" that even the most diehard Disney fan might have never heard.

From the secret utilidor tunnels underneath Magic Kingdom to the abandoned waterpark hidden on the property, INSIDER has rounded up 22 of the most surprising secrets that will give you a behind-the-scenes peek of Disney World. 

There is a secret suite inside Cinderella's Castle that's only open to contest winners and special guests.

This secret suite hidden inside Cinderella's Castle was originally built for Walt Disney and his family, even though he passed away long before Disney World opened. In recent years, the suite was repurposed as accommodations for special guests.

The rooms are decked out with a Jacuzzi tub, 17th century furniture, a Cinderella mosaic floor made with 24-karat gold, and a clock that is perpetually frozen at 11:59.

Unfortunately, you can't actually book a stay there, but Disney holds regular sweepstakes to win a night's stay in the suite.

Disney chooses a "family of the day" to open Magic Kingdom every morning.

Every morning, Magic Kingdom holds a musical opening ceremony known to Disney fans as the "rope drop." But few guests know that Disney employees pick a special family to help open the Magic Kingdom every day.

The family of the day gets to take a tour of Main Street before it officially opens for the day and star in the opening ceremonies. Cast members will then escort the family to the Magic Kingdom train station and introduce them to the waiting crowd below. 

Interested in being selected? Past family of the day alumni recommend that families should arrive very early to the Magic Kingdom, wear matching Disney gear, and show enthusiasm. 

Disney World constantly pumps scents into the parks, like the smell of baked goods and fresh popcorn.

Have you ever noticed that Pirates of the Caribbean has a damp gunpowder scent? Or that Main Street always smells like freshly baked goods? There's a reason for that. In both Disneyland — and later at Disney World — Imagineers use Smellitzer machines that pump scents through hidden vents in the park. 

Former Disney employee Jody Jean Dreyer wrote in her Disney memoir that Imagineers understood that scent is a strong trigger for memory, which helps us associate Disney World with childhood nostalgia, just by getting a whiff of popcorn.

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.

Amazon's line of Echo devices continues to grow, but the best one for most people is still the Echo Dot. The Dot is small enough to fit anywhere without being noticed, cheap enough to put in multiple rooms of your house, and just as smart as the regular Echo.

The Echo Dot's one limitation is its weak speaker, which is a result of its small size. You can ask Alexa to play music from Prime Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Pandora, or Spotify, but it won't sound as loud or good as it would from a larger Echo.

To fix this problem you can connect the Dot to almost any speaker with a 3.5mm audio cable, or over Bluetooth, but some of your best options are actually Echo Dot speaker cases. These cases have a built-in speakers and batteries, along with cables that connect to the Dot's audio output jack and Micro USB port, which solves the Echo Dot's audio quality problem while also making it portable. They also contain a slot on top that the Echo Dot can slide into, so its microphones are still able to hear your commands, and the entire package can stay compact. 

The option of portability and improved audio quality make the combination of an Echo Dot and a speaker case better than a regular Echo, which needs to be plugged in at all times. Plus, most of these speaker cases cost less than $50, which means it's actually cheaper to create your own portable Echo than it is to buy a regular one.

Whether you're looking to upgrade one you already have, or have been looking for an alternative to Amazon's portable Echo Tap, you'll find what you're looking for here.

SEE ALSO: 4 convenient and fun accessories to get for your new Amazon Echo

DON'T MISS: The best Amazon Echo for every person and budget

VAUX Cordless Home Speaker

VAUX Cordless Home Speaker and Portable Battery for Amazon Echo Dot Gen 2, $39.99, available at Amazon

Vaux's speaker case has enough battery to power the Echo Dot for six hours. Its two built-in speakers are tuned to provide rich sound, and its shape makes the Dot look like a regular Echo when it's inside.

DOSS PowerBox

DOSS PowerBox Bluetooth Speaker, $29.99, available at Amazon

DOSS' PowerBox speaker case can power the Echo Dot for up to eight hours, and its two speakers allow it to play music in stereo. The PowerBox can also be used as a regular Bluetooth speaker when the Dot isn't connected.

AudioSnax Echo Dot Docking Station

AudioSnax Echo Dot Docking Station, $29.95, available at Amazon

AudioSnax's Echo Dot Docking Station has a battery capable of powering the Echo Dot for six hours, has two built-in speakers, and an additional Aux input so you can plug other devices into it. 

• A company called MIRROR is selling a $1,500 interactive mirror that streams live workout classes into your home.
• It's controlled by a smartphone app and looks like a regular mirror when turned off.
• The Mirror is compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and the Apple Watch.
• It costs $1,495 plus a $39 per month subscription to the workout classes.

A sleek new tech product wants to allow you to take a live workout class without having to go to the gym.

It looks like a mirror when it's turned off, but it has an LCD screen, embedded speakers and cameras, and it weighs 70 pounds. 

"MIRROR is the first to bring the collective benefits of quality fitness studios into the home with a beautiful piece of hardware that enhances any room," Brynn Putnam, founder and CEO of MIRROR, told Business Insider. "Studio classes are great for high-quality, hands-on training, but are often draining on time and budget. We're creating a personalized experience with the best trainers and classes around the world, so anyone can enjoy the benefits of a workout, whenever and wherever they want."

As she told Well + Good, Putnam said she started the company after she had a child and found herself too busy to get to a physical gym.

Here's how it works.

SEE ALSO: I tried a $260 Roomba alternative that automatically vacuums and mops floors — here's what using it was like

DON'T MISS: The 20 best smartphones in the world

The product, appropriately called "Mirror," has an LCD screen but looks like a regular mirror when it's turned off. It can come as a wall mount or with a minimalist carbon steel stand.

Source: MIRROR

The Mirror, which has a carbon steel frame and weighs 70 pounds, streams live fitness classes with real-time instruction and "personal shout-outs" to help you stay motivated.

Source: MIRROR

The Mirror is embedded with speakers and cameras and comes with a complimentary Bluetooth heart rate monitor to help you maintain your target heart rate.

Though you've probably heard more than a few jokes about the quality of airline food, airlines actually spend millions of dollars to research and design the meals they serve to their passengers. But no matter how much they spend, there are a few foods that will rarely their way to your tray table.

According to a study commissioned by Lufthansa, the dry air and low air pressure impact how we perceive flavor. It's estimated that we lose about 30% of our sense of taste while rocketing through the clouds. To offset this loss of tasting ability, airlines frequently bump up the seasonings on their foods to help make your in-flight meal just a bit more delicious.

The low pressure and dry air in the cabin are not the only factors airlines have to deal with when catering to your every meal. There are numerous federal regulations governing food safety on planes and that determines how most meals must be prepared. Food must be kept just above freezing until it is finally reheated by flight attendants.

Cost and efficiency are also factors when airlines choose what to offer on their flights. A dish has to be simple enough to be made in a warehouse-sized assembly line kitchen, yet inexpensive enough to be kind to an airline's bottom line.

Taking into account all of those factors, here's a look at 10 foods you'll rarely see on an airline menu.

Soufflé would not last.

Notoriously difficult to make under normal circumstances, this delicate recipe of eggs, flour, and butter have little chance of making it onto your in-flight food cart.

Most airlines prepare food between 12 to 24 hours ahead of time, blast chill the ingredients, then truck the meals to a nearby airport to be loaded onto each plane and reheated. A delicate dish like a souffle would never survive the journey.

Omelets might be more unappetizing on a plane.

While eggs are sometimes served in-flight, many airlines have shied away from featuring them on their menu.

Our severely lowered senses of taste and smell render egg dishes unappetizing. Cooked eggs go rancid quite quickly and even airline employees reportedly shy away from the egg offerings whenever they're flying.

Toast could set off smoke detectors.

A simple slice of bread crisped over a heat source proves a conundrum for airlines.

Despite a few airlines dallying with this simple offering, it remains one of the least offered foods on flights. Like eggs, the half-life of toast is quite short and toasting bread on the plane could set off smoke detectors.

You'll have to stick with the pre-packaged croissants.

Many people stop eating dairy or lactose products — and not just because they have an allergy or intolerance.  Some people believe there are a number of health benefits that come from cutting back on or cutting out dairy completely.

Regardless of the reason, there are some surprising things that can happen when you stop consuming dairy — and they aren't all positive. Here are some of the most surprising side effects of eliminating dairy. 

1. It might help your skin.

Interestingly enough, there is a connection between the consumption of dairy and lactose products and the way our skin reacts to it.

A 2013 report from the American Academy of Dermatology suggests a link between our diet and skin breakouts. In the paper, Dr. Whitney Bowe, MD, FAAD and board-certified dermatologist, noted that although the tie to dairy products and skin care may be weak, "[the] hormones and growth factors in milk might play a role, with the strongest association being skim milk."

2. You might lose some weight.

By no means should cutting out dairy be your weight loss method, but it may just happen on its own. When you're eating dairy on a regular basis, you're often consuming it in such a way that doesn't leave your body completely fulfilled, so you go back for more food an hour later.

The culprit appears to be the difference in eating full-fat and low-fat dairy products, the latter of which can leave you feeling unsatisfied. 

"Certain fatty acids in dairy may be linked to fullness," nutritional epidemiology professor Katherine Tucker, PhD, told Reader's Digest. "When you eat fat-free versions of milk, yogurt, and cheese, you may feel less satisfied (and eat more later)."

3. It can help with bloating.

Although some side-effects of a dairy intolerance are more obvious (severe stomach pain, diarrhea, stomach cramps), others might only feel bloated or gassy.

Since these effects aren't necessarily debilitating, people continue to eat lactose routinely without major defects. What they don't realize is that the bloat they're experiencing may come from their lack of ability to properly digest dairy products regularly in their system.

Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition points to this as the main reason behind bloating after dairy consumption: "For many people, due to excessive gas in the intestines, it can create bloating. There might also be inadequate protein digestion, meaning an inability to break down sugar and carbohydrates fully, which creates imbalances in gut bacteria."

Read more:14 quick and easy ways to reduce bloating

After the release of the first "Tomb Raider" in 1996, Lara Croft's rise as a poster child for video games was perhaps both unstoppable and inevitable.

Croft's blend of sex appeal and gunslinger action-hero attitude spoke directly to a generation of gamers eager to prove that their hobby wasn't just for kids. With pre-rendered cut scenes, voice acting, and no shortage of violence, "Tomb Raider" was one of the first video game franchises to maintain a mature, cinematic aesthetic that continues to serve as an influence for countless action games.

But tastes have changed since the '90s, and with more female gamers has come a new look for the series.

The newest game in the franchise, "Shadow of the Tomb Raider," comes out for the PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on Tuesday. Here's how Croft and "Tomb Raider" have evolved over the decades since her grand debut.

"Tomb Raider" (1996) — Lara Croft's first appearance

The success of the original "Tomb Raider" in 1996 can be credited to the fact that it really showed off the power of the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn consoles, which were released worldwide just a year earlier.

Lara and her environment were rendered in full 3D with an orchestrated score, helping create an atmosphere way beyond what was possible with earlier technology.

"Tomb Raider" (1996)

Still, the gameplay of the early "Tomb Raider" games remained heavily influenced by the platforming of the 16-bit gaming era, the gaming genre ruled by Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog. Lara was always more focused on solving puzzles and avoiding pitfalls than blasting her way through the enemies she met in the ancient ruins. 

The game got a sequel in each of the next four years, with "Tomb Raider II" dropping in 1997, "Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft" releasing in 1998, "Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation" coming out in 1999, and "Tomb Raider Chronicles" following in 2000. Lara's look didn't change much over that time — the graphics got a little sharper, but Lara stayed the same. 

"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001) starring Angelina Jolie

As the franchise became a smash hit, production for a "Tomb Raider" film began as early as 1998, with Angelina Jolie eventually being chosen to play the title role. Despite Jolie's own mega-celebrity status, some fans of the game suggested that she still couldn't compare to the video game heroine. Regardless, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" was released in 2001 and earned more than $270 million worldwide at the box office (about $380 million today) on a budget of $115 million.

Forget "Sex & the City"— HBO's version of Manhattan never let Carrie swing majestically from the skyscraper rooftops, like some sort of magical bird.

In the brand-new "Spider-Man" game for the PlayStation 4, you've got free reign to fly across vast swaths of Manhattan's iconic skyline. From Battery Park to North Harlem, the West Side Highway to the FDR Drive, Spidey's able to soar through the air and take in the sights.

What's most impressive isn't just the scale, but how closely that virtual version of Manhattan matches up with the real thing.

See for yourself:

SEE ALSO: These are my favorite photos I've taken while swinging around New York City as Spider-Man

One World Trade Center in "Spider-Man":

It's the tallest building in Spider-Man's Manhattan, just like in real life:

And here is One World Trade in real life. A slightly different design, but not too different.

• With just 12 years of operations under its belt, Hong Kong-based carrier Hong Kong Airlines has become one of the best airlines in the world.
• I recently flew from San Francisco to Hong Kong at the very back of the economy cabin on one of the airline's new Airbus A350-900s.
• Though there's no such thing as a perfectly pleasant 14-hour flight in economy, my Hong Kong Air experience put other flights I've taken to shame, largely due to the upgraded in-flight entertainment system and the tasty meals.

For some, riding business or first class is a must when taking long-haul flights. The lie-flat seats, the Champagne, the 3-course meals — ah, the luxury.

For the rest of us mere mortals, jumping at low-priced economy seats is the way to go. 

Such is the case for a recent trip I took to Hong Kong from San Francisco aboard Hong Kong Airlines, a young carrier based out of the city of the same name that has quickly become one of the best airlines in the world. 

The airline is known for its "affordable luxury," which I can certainly vouch for — I purchased a round-trip ticket to Hong Kong from the Bay Area for a mere $500.

Here's what my economy experience was like aboard a Hong Kong Air flight:

SEE ALSO: I flew on a private plane with Blackbird, the flight-sharing startup that's like the UberPool for planes — here's what it's like

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My trip began at San Francisco International Airport (SFO.) Always antsy before a flight, I arrived three hours before we were scheduled to take off at 12:30 p.m.

The two largest airlines at the West Coast airport are United and Virgin America, the latter of which merged with Alaska Airlines just this year.

Source: SF Gate and Business Insider

The newest player on the SFO scene is Hong Kong Airlines, which in its 12 years of operation has become one of the best airlines in the world.

Source: Airline Geeks, Hong Kong Airlines, and Forbes

AirPods are one of Apple's most warmly received new products in years.

The tiny wireless earbuds have become more consistently visible in urban areas like New York and San Francisco since they went on sale in December 2016.

"We're thrilled to see so many customers enjoying AirPods," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in July. "It reminds me of the early days of iPod when I started noticing white earbuds everywhere I went."

That also means it might soon be time for Apple to release a new version of AirPods — let's call them AirPods 2. According to Bloomberg, we could see new wireless charging-enabled AirPods announced at Apple's annual iPhone launch on Wednesday. 

Here's what to expect from the new AirPods, based on rumors:

Apple has already announced a new AirPods case that will be able to charge without being plugged in, using wireless charging.

Currently, the AirPods case needs to be plugged in to charge.

Apple has said that it will sell the charging case separately and that it will launch this year. The biggest physical difference is a tiny LED light.

But Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst, has discussed "second-generation AirPods" with changed components.

Source: MacRumors

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 purchases. 

Cooking is an art form that encourages creativity, but it also requires precision and control if you want a meal that is actually fully cooked and tastes good. 

Smart kitchen gadgets combine tech with traditional appliances and guide you through the cooking process to help make cooking easier. They also free up your schedule so you're not spending unnecessary time watching your meal cook — many of the appliances below pair with apps that let you monitor and adjust temperatures, cooking times, and power switches remotely.

Whether you're a novice who is typically afraid of stepping foot into the kitchen, or a seasoned cook who wants to multitask, the following smart kitchen appliances can help you create the perfect meal. 

A meat thermometer

Nutrichef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer, $44.99, available at Amazon

This smart thermometer has an outdoor wireless range of 200 feet and sends you a notification and alarm when your meat reaches the set temperature. Through the app, you can see real-time temperatures and save cooking presets for your favorite recipes. The thermometer itself has an easy-to-read LCD display. 

A cocktail scale

Perfect Drink 2.0 Smart Scale, $14.95, available at Amazon

Become the party's resident mixologist with this scale that will make you the perfect drink every single time. Explore over 400 recipes, or discover new ones based on the ingredients you already have on hand. To use the scale, pour the ingredients into the glass until you hear a "ding." If you overpour, the scale will re-calculate the proportions so your drink still tastes delicious. Shake or stir away, and the built-in timer will tell you when you've reached the optimal dilution and chill. 

A fridge

Samsung Family Hub 4-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator, $2,899.99, available at Best Buy

This fridge is more than a food storage appliance. Set expiration notifications so your food never goes bad, plan a meal based on the available ingredients in your fridge, and see the contents of your fridge from anywhere. You can share photos and synced calendars on the screen, plus control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and doorbells, and stream music, all through voice commands. 

• Americans come from a wide variety of ancestries.
• Using data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, we found how common various ancestries are in all 50 states.
• For instance, Irish ancestry is most concentrated in the northeast, while Mexican and Mexican-American ancestry is most common in the states that share a border with Mexico.

Americans come from all over the world, and American families have countless stories about their origins.

The Census Bureau's American Community Survey asks several questions about residents' economic, social, and demographic characteristics and situations. One of the questions on the survey asks respondents to report their families' ancestries.

Using individual-level data from the Minnesota Population Center's Integrated Public Use Microdata Series for the 2016 American Community Survey, we found the total number of respondents in each state reporting various ancestries as either their first or second response to that question.

About 84% of respondents listed at least one ancestry. The following maps show the percentage of those who gave at least one answer that said they had a particular ancestry for 17 of the most common ancestries in the US.

SEE ALSO: Here are the most common ancestries in every US state

Americans with German ancestry are common in the upper Midwest

Irish ancestry is most concentrated in the northeast

A large part of the African American and Afro-American population in the US lives in the south