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8 of the best fall and winter outfits from 'Sex and the City' and how you can re-create them today

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sex and the city

  • Some of "Sex and the City's" outfits probably wouldn't fly today.
  • But many can give you serious fall outfit inspiration. 
  • From turtlenecks to faux fur coats, we rounded up some of our favorite looks.

"Sex and the City" was a show that exemplified the important things in life — great friends and fabulous fashion.

While Carrie's closet seemed to have a shoe rack that went along for days, it wasn't just the shoes that we can make note of when it comes to replicating the women of Sex and the City's looks for our own fall style.

With one piece, Carrie elevated her outfit.

In the season one episode, "Models and Mortals," Carrie flaunts a great fur coat.

Even if you don't want to rock real animal fur, that doesn't mean you can't fake it. This coat of Carrie's is stylish and is most likely providing her with some serious warmth. Considering we might have a pretty rough winter, a coat like Carrie's would be a great investment that could last you from fall through winter and into those occasional chilling days of early Spring.

Not only is this faux fur coat from Revolve adorable, it looks super warm and it comes in a bunch of colors.



A scarf adds a little something to Carrie's look.

In the season two episode, "The Freak Show," Carrie made her look seem more complex and a bit more layered with a simple accessory — a scarf.

Not only can a scarf be a great piece for fall transitional weather, but it can add a pop of color, or just another dimension altogether to your look.

This scarf from Urban Outfitters comes in a variety of colors for you to match with your outfit or add a pop of color.



Turtlenecks are fall's best friend.

A fall staple that anyone can rock is a turtleneck. The one that Charlotte dawns in season three's episode, "Attack of the Five-Foot-Ten Woman" is great because it isn't super tight on the neck.

Not only are turtlenecks super comfy, but they are awesome for fall. Throw on a turtleneck, a cute pair of jeans and a jacket (if that's even needed) and voila, a great look. The other great thing to note about Charlotte's look is that she is wearing her jacket open, and her jacket isn't super tight on her neck either, to allow everyone to see her turtleneck. 

Check out this Aerie Oversized Chenille Turtleneck to recreate Charlotte's look.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 27 most powerful images of the US military in 2018

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Marine Candidates participate in a fire team assault course at the Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 17, 2017.

  • The US military posts hundreds of photos and videos every day from missions around the world.
  • Business Insider selected some of the most compelling images taken in 2018 from across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. 

The US has the world's most powerful military. It also has a small army of talented photographers who showcase the military's missions and training every day.  

At home and around the world, the American armed forces defend US national interests, as well as global peace and security. US troops often put themselves in harm's way in service to the nation, from fighting Taliban forces in Afghanistan to waging war against ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria, and sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Business Insider selected 27 photos from the US military in 2018 that you won't want to miss. 

A U.S. Army combat medic assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., readies his equipment before embarking on his final evaluation lane while competing for the Expert Field Medical Badge on Nov. 6, 2018.

Source: US Army



A southern black racer snake slithers across the rifle barrel held by junior Army National Guard sniper Pfc. William Snyder as he practices woodland stalking in a camouflaged ghillie suit at Eglin Air Force Base on April 7, 2018.

Source: Department of Defense



Army combat engineers assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division blast through a concrete wall during demolition training at Fort Hood, Texas on July 17, 2018.

Source: Department of Defense



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17 surprising things you didn't know about 'Lilo & Stitch'

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"Lilo & Stitch" gained recognition in 2002 as a heartwarming tale of a lonely human girl named Lilo and her dog-like alien named Stitch as they adventure in Hawaii.  

Recently,The Hollywood Reporter announced that a live-action "Lilo & Stitch" film is in the works, 16 years after the original.  

In anticipation of Disney's live-action remake of the classic film, here are 17 surprising things about the original "Lilo & Stitch." 

Daveigh Chase was the voice of Lilo.

You might know the actress better as the little girl in"The Ring," or perhaps as the voice of Chihiro in the English version of "Spirited Away."

Fun fact: both "The Ring" and "Lilo & Stitch" were released the same year.



The estimated budget for the film was $80 million.

It is estimated that Disney spent nearly $80 million creating the animated film, which has since gone on to earn an estimated $273,144,151 worldwide. 



The voice of Stitch was provided by the film's director.

The multi-talented Chris Sanders wrote the script for "Lilo & Stitch," directed the production, and even lent his voice to the character in the film.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This beautiful $300 security camera can recognize faces and keep track of your kids — and it's backed by some of the biggest names in tech

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Lighthouse camera

  • The Lighthouse security camera is a $300 internet-connected device that can identify you and your family members.
  • The camera can do things like alert you when there are intruders in your home, or tell you if the dog walker came. 
  • Lighthouse is backed by tech execs like Sebastian Thrun, and is part of tech incubator Playground Global. 

Hardware startup Lighthouse had a straightforward goal with its first-ever product: make a home security camera that's smarter than anything else on the market.  

The result is the Lighthouse camera, which costs $300 and is available to buy online and on Amazon. It's an artificially intelligent, internet-connected security camera. It can identify you and your family members, alert you when there are intruders in your home, and understand commands like, "Did the dog walker come today?"

Lighthouse is entering an already-crowded field of smart security cameras. But its built-in AI, along with the backing of prominent tech execs like Sebastian Thrun, make the Lighthouse camera an exciting entry. 

Here's how it works:

SEE ALSO: A complete guide to the Amazon Echo family, the smart speakers that will change your home forever

Lighthouse was founded in 2014 by Hendrik Dahlkamp and Alex Teichman, who met while working in Udacity founder Sebastian Thrun's lab at Stanford University. Lighthouse later joined Playground Global, an incubator run by Android creator Andy Rubin.



The Lighthouse camera is the startup's first product. When building it, Lighthouse wanted to "take a traditional camera and give it the eyes of a self-driving car, and give it the natural language understanding of a Google Assistant," Teichman told Business Insider.



Teichman described traditional security cameras versus the Lighthouse camera as "going from VCR to TiVo."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

8 things to remember before 'The Handmaid's Tale' season 3

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  • Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, tells the story of June, also known as Offred, a woman living in a dystopian society. 
  • After the success of its second season, fans are anxiously awaiting the third season. 
  • Here are the key takeaways from season two. 

Hulu has yet to release a premiere date for "The Handmaid's Tale" season three, but it seems like fans still have a long wait ahead of them. With more new episodes expected next year — and a show that can be as emotionally taxing and involved as this one — it makes sense that you might forget a few details before then.

Here's everything you need to know before "The Handmaid's Tale" returns in 2019.

Warning: Spoilers for season two ahead.

June gave birth to a baby girl.

After the season revolved mainly around June's pregnancy, toward the end of the season, June gave birth to a baby girl she named Holly. Although she tried to hide out with the baby, she was eventually found by Fred and Serena, who brought them back to their home and named her Nicole.

Although June and Nick talked about the baby as theirs behind closed doors, she was primarily being raised by Serena. 



Eden was killed in the swimming pool.

Nick's wife, Eden, was found to be having an affair with a guardian named Isaac, who she'd fallen in love with.

After they were caught trying to escape Gilead, Eden's father turned them in. Eden and Isaac refused to renounce her sins of infidelity in front of everyone in the town, so they were put to death by drowning.



Fred tried to bribe June to stay and follow their rules.

Although many other families wanted June as their handmaid after she'd given birth to a healthy baby for Serena, Fred wanted her to stay and offered her a place in their home. He bribed her saying that if she stayed, she could be near baby Nicole and see her daughter, Hannah — as long as she cooperated with their rules.

This didn't stop her from trying to find a way for her and the baby to escape, though.



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The best kids' snow boots you can buy

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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.

best kids snow boots

  • Few childhood experiences match the joys of playing in the snow. But that joy is predicated on your kid being warm and cozy thanks to proper winter attire and a great pair of snow boots.

  • The Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boots are our top pick because they're warm, waterproof, and built to the same exacting standards as gear designed for adults.

Apparel waterproofing technology has come a long way in the past few decades, as has the commitment of many companies to producing high-quality gear for children. As a kid, I remember a part of the pre-snow play suit up process involved putting on a pair of socks, slipping plastic bags over my feet, then putting on more socks to hold the bags in place, and then finally putting on my snow boots.

It wasn't that my family couldn't afford decent boots, it was simply taken for granted that kids' snow boots of the late 1980s were going to soak through if I spent enough time out there sledding, slinging snow balls, and generally stomping around.

Today the market is saturated with options for great winter boots for kids, many of which are waterproof, windproof, fit securely, are well insulated, and have great traction on the outsoles. In other words, they're much like the boots I wear myself when on a winter mountain trek, they're just smaller.

If the glut of kids' winter boots overwhelms you, don't worry — I'm here to help.

My son has helped my wife and I do kids' boot research by reliably growing out of his winter boots each and every season, prompting us to buy multiple pairs over the years. Each time, we've tried new brands with different features, and in the process, I've come to know multiple great snow boot options. As you read through the list, make sure you consider the conditions in which your kid will wear the boots, factoring in temperature, average snowfall, and they types of activities your kid undertakes in the winter.

And keep in mind that, if you have multiple kids or think you might have another later, you should pick boots with staying power. On the other hand, if you're shopping for the youngest in the family, I can tell you that counting on more than a single season from a pair of kids' boots is folly, so don't overbuy!

Here are the best kids' snow boots you can buy:

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

The best kids' snow boots overall

Why you'll love them: The Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boots have an adjustable hook and loop strap to ensure a secure, comfortable fit and a draw cord at the collar that helps keep out snow.

When you were a kid playing in the snow, how many times did you suddenly feel one of your feet soaked and frigid, only to look down to find that one of your boots had slipped off? I can recall multiple such incidents where I lost a snow boot in deep snow or during a fast-paced race down a sledding hill. It was simply a fact of winter life.

With the Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boots, however, that's not a fact your kids will have to face. These warm boots will stay firmly in place, thanks to the adjustable strap that wraps in front of the ankle, creating a snug but comfortable fit.

Even in deep snow or rain, a kid's foot will stay dry in these boots thanks to the adjustable drawstring that cinches the collar shut, wrapping your child's lower leg in a warm, waterproof cuff that meets a one-piece injection molded rubber shell. The tread pattern is aggressive enough for good traction on snow or ice, and the Powderbug Plus II's insulation is rated to keep small feet warm in temperatures down to -25º Fahrenheit.

Some 93% of customers who have bought the Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot for their kids say they would recommend the boots, with a mom from Idaho calling them "warm and dry" and loving how well "they stay on" a child's foot even in deep snow. Several parents did note that the boots run about a size too small, for the record.

In a video review, a product tester from Peter Glenn called these boots a "great boot" that's "super lightweight" and will keep kid's feet "dry and comfortable all day long."

Pros: Snug and secure fit, collar keeps out snow and water, warm removable insulation

Cons: Sizes run small

Buy a pair of Columbia Powderbug Plus II Snow Boots from Columbia for $55



The best stylish kids' snow boots

Why you'll love them: The Kamik Takodav Boots are warm, waterproof, and have good traction in rough conditions, but it's OK to admit you're buying them because they don't actually look like snow boots at all.

Within the past half a year or so, my son has begun to care about his outfits. He couldn't care less what's in style in the larger fashion world, of course, and he loves his Donald Duck sweatshirt and Super Mario tee as much as any other five-year-old, but he has started expressing an occasional interest in what I can only call being well dressed.

He'll ask for a button down to match "my brown pants" or a sweater to go with the red ones, for example. And he has often prefers shoes that look more like a pair I would wear than a traditional kids' sneakers (like his Florsheim Kearny Jr. shoes, of which I'm actually jealous).

Thus I was glad that this year we got him a pair of Kamik Takodav Boots, which if they came in an adult size 12, I'd as gladly wear while grabbing a drink with friends as I would shoveling the drive or sledding with the kids. These boots are waterproof, warm, and have a tread pattern sure to give plenty of grip, yet they manage to be stylish and refined despite their rugged construction.

As with any genuine leather boot, prolonged exposure to snow or rain will eventually change the look of the boot (change meaning damage...), so these boots are better used for winter strolls or as footwear for school than for hours playing in the snow, but if used as regular ol' snow boots, they'll stay warm and dry, just without the looks lasting. Also, be sure to allow for a little but of a break-in period, which is also to be expected with a genuine leather boot.

Pros: Stylish, sealed seams enhance waterproofing, rugged outsole

Cons: Expensive

Buy a pair of Kamik Takodav Boots from Nordstrom for $69.95



The best kids' snow boots for extreme cold

Why you'll love them: If your kid faces weather conditions of Arctic proportions, then their feet belong in an extra warm pair of Stonz Cold Weather Snow Boots.

Stonz footwear is designed in Canada, a place where people know a thing or 10 about the cold. Like ... serious cold. Like these boots have an industry leading rating for use in temperatures down to 58 degrees below zero. Which happens to be -50º Celsius, in case you were wondering. What's that you say, your area doesn't get that cold? No problem, the proprietary Radiantex lining, which reflects body heat back at the legs and feet, is removable. Which is also handy for occasional washing.

If you worry about boots that warm being too heavy, Stonz has you covered there, too. Each Stonz Cold Weather Snow Boot weighs about the same as a smartphone, so they will hardly slow down or fatigue your child during winter play. The boots feature a drawstring collar atop the tall upper shaft, a large velcro patch that keeps the cuff closed, and an adjustable buckle that cinches them tight around the ankle. In other words, they're not likely to let snow in or to fall off.

With dozens of reviews posted on Amazon, the Stonz Cold Weather Snow Boot enjoys a fine 4.6-star overall rating. One mom who reports having bought four pairs of Stonz boots over the years calls said her kids find them warm and comfortable, adding that "they are extremely light weight, which is a major bonus because it allows [her] kids to actually run around and have fun with out tiring out too fast from having to clomp around in heavy boots."

A writer from Potty Adventures called Stonz boots "completely waterproof" and loved how well they "keep little legs and feet warm."

Pros: Amazingly warm, multiple closure mechanisms, lightweight

Cons: Boots run narrow

Buy a pair of Stonz Cold Weather Snow Boots on Amazon for $59.95



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The last time Microsoft was more valuable than Apple, the Zune was still taking on the iPod (AAPL, MSFT)

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  • Microsoft surpassed Apple as the most valuable US company when markets opened on Wednesday.
  • The last time Microsoft was worth more than Apple was in 2010.
  • The technology industry has changed a lot since then. 

Microsoft dethroned Apple as the most valuable US company when trading opened on Wednesday. 

The largely symbolic and brief milestone came less than two months after Apple's market cap reached a peak above $1.12 trillion, significantly above Microsoft's peak of $887 billion. Apple was even the first US company with a $1 trillion valuation. But since then, Apple's stock has gotten whacked based on fears of slowing iPhone demand, seemingly confirmed by the company when it said on November 1 that it would no longer disclose iPhone unit sales.

The last time that Microsoft was more valuable than Apple was back in 2010 — eons ago in the fast-moving technology market.

On the day that Apple overtook Microsoft back then, Apple was worth only about $222 billion in terms of total market capitalization — compared to Microsoft's $219 billion. (Before that, the last time the two companies switched places was in 1989.)

In fact, just a quick recap of what products were on the market back then will make you realize it was an entirely different era:

SEE ALSO: Microsoft dethrones Apple as the most valuable US company

Microsoft was still selling the Zune — it wouldn't be discontinued until 2011.



The Zune was a portable music player that was supposed to compete with Apple's iPod. It came with 32GB of built-in storage.



It was launched in 2006 but was never as successful as the iPod.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Botox is the deadliest toxin on earth. Then we started injecting it in our faces.

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  • Botox, the pharmaceutical drug best known for smoothing out wrinkles, took more than a decade to reach its potential.
  • Initially found to be a treatment for a tight eyelid condition, doctors started realizing that after treatment with botulinum toxin A, patients came out with "lovely, untroubled expressions."  
  • Here's the history of how Botox went from an understudied toxin to a blockbuster drug used by millions. 
  • To hear the full story of Botox, subscribe to Business Insider's podcast "Household Name." 

Mitchell Brin has a license plate that says "Botox." 

Brin's been researching Botox since 1984 and is currently the chief scientific officer of Botox at the drug company Allergan. It's one of many Botox-related license plates he owns, including some more scientific nods like one that says "Snap-25." That's a reference to a protein affected by botulinum toxin A, leading to smoother foreheads when used in the right doses.

"Botox is a big component of my life," Brin told Business Insider.

Brin is one of the scientists who saw Botox through from its early days as a potential treatment for muscle disorders to what it is today — a blockbuster pharmaceutical drug best known for cosmetic uses like smoothing out wrinkles on patients' faces.

Here's the story of how a poisonous toxin became a blockbuster treatment for everything from wrinkles to migraines. 

Subscribe for free to Household Name

SUBSCRIBE TO: Business Insider's "Household Name" podcast

Researchers had been looking into whether botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing parts of the body, could be used as a treatment for muscle-related conditions starting around the 1970s.



Yes, it's a toxin — the deadliest on Earth even. Botulinum toxin is a byproduct of the bacteria clostridium botulinum, the same one implicated in canned food gone bad.

Source: The Conversation



In the 1980s, Vancouver-based ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers was treating people with a tight eyelid condition with Botox injections when one patient got angry with her. She wanted to know why Carruthers hadn't given her an injection near her inner brow. Carruthers explained it was because she wasn't spasming there, but the patient was insistent. "Every time you treat me there, I get this beautiful, untroubled expression," she told Carruthers.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 effective skincare products that use exfoliating acids to reduce acne and make your skin clearer, softer, and more even

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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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  • AHA and BHA are acids that exfoliate the skin.
  • AHA is best for dry skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scars. BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types.
  • You can use both by buying products with both ingredients, or by alternating products.
  • Below are 10 AHA/BHA products worth checking out, and where you can find them.

Exfoliation is an essential part of a good skincare routine. It helps to slough off dead skin and facilitate new cell turnover, keep pores clean (and skin clear), and promote blood flow and collagen production. It also makes your skin look younger, healthier, and helps produce the much-desired glow.

One type of exfoliation that’s gaining traction is acids — specifically AHA and BHA — thanks in part to mainstream brands such as Drunk Elephant, Dr. Dennis Gross, and Peter Thomas Roth. Drunk Elephant has cult-favorites like the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial and T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Dr. Dennis Gross has Alpha Beta Daily Peels, and Peter Thomas Roth has AHA/BHA Clearing Gel.  These acids can combat acne, erase dark spots, and blur fine lines.

So what are AHAs and BHAs, what do they do, and who should be using them?

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) represents acids derived from a natural substance like sugar cane, milk, almonds, or grapes. They work by breaking down the glue holding your skin cells together, urging along the skin’s natural shedding process. BHAs penetrate deeper into the skin, but the effects of AHAs are primarily felt on the skin’s surface. If you have surface-level skin concerns like red marks from past acne, this constant sloughing off of dead, dull skin cells is helpful for hyperpigmentation. 

AHA is also good for dry skin. It’s made up of molecules that love water, and it helps improve the skin’s moisture content.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is best for acne-prone skin and those with deeper skin concerns since BHA penetrates further into the skin. While AHAs love water, BHAs love oil. They can bypass the oil that clogs pores and dissolve the mix of sebum and dead skin that leads to acne, as well as stabilize the lining of the pore (which contributes to acne). BHAs clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This umbrella term includes the popular anti-acne ingredient of Salicylic Acid. BHAs also exfoliate the top layer but are best bought for their deep penetrative qualities.

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Can’t decide between addressing hyperpigmentation and dry skin or your acne? Use both AHAs and BHAs. It’s the acidic one-two punch of treating dark spots, sun damage, and fine lines as well as acne and deep, clogged pores. Shop products that contain both ingredients, or alternate between your AHA product and your BHA product nightly or weekly.

It’s important to use sunscreen after exfoliating since your skin will be photosensitive, and to pay attention to how your skin is reacting. It’s always a good idea to run products by your dermatologist, and that's especially true if you have sensitive skin and want to double check which strength of each acid is best for you.

Below are 11 products that use AHAs, BHAs, or a combination of the two and where you can find them:

AHA: AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, available on Amazon and Ulta, $13 - $19

COSRX, the skincare brand best-known for the Pimple Master Patch (though we suggest trying Mighty Patch), also has an AHA liquid formulated to resurface the skin and renew the complexion while reducing those surface-level whiteheads we're all too familiar with. 

This serum contains 7% glycolic acid and fruit water to gently exfoliate the skin, prevent breakouts, and brighten skin tone. The company recommends using COSRX chemical exfoliators with cotton pads for the best results. 

 



AHA: Botanical Body Soap

Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap, available on Amazon and Ulta, $14

Mario Badescu, arguably best known for its Drying Lotion (another go-to acne weapon for us), also makes an AHA-filled body soap. 

Papaya and grapefruit extracts break down dead skin cells to be replaced with newly smooth and soft skin. Ginseng extract rejuvenates, and oat protein soothes sensitive or irritated areas. 

If you're looking for a way to regularly combat body acne and thoroughly clean the buildup on your skin, this is a great option to add to your shower lineup. 



BHA: Medicated Acne Pads

Stri-Dex Medicated Pads, Maximum Strength, 90-Count Containers, available on Walmart and Amazon, $4 - $9 (from third party sellers)

An old-school favorite and drugstore hero, Stri-Dex Medicated Pads are an inexpensive way to get your dose of BHA in the form of Salicylic Acid. 

These work best for targeting existing pimples and blackheads, and they're strong; Stri-Dex pads contain the highest level of Salicylic Acid you can get without a prescription (2%). Formulas are entirely alcohol-free, however, so the cleansing process forgoes the characteristic burn of alcohol.



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Dubai has the world's largest, completely automated, driverless metro line — and it shows how far behind the US really is

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the metro dubai subway future (38 of 39)

  • Dubai has the world's third-largest automated, driverless metro system, a futuristic and highly reliable system that opened in 2009 and continues to be expanded.
  • On a recent trip to Dubai, I rode the city's Red Line, the longest fully-automated metro line in the world. It cuts through the center of Dubai, flying past the city's many newly built skyscrapers and landmarks.
  • The experience — which included cheap fares, air-conditioned cabins, on-time service, and multiple ticket classes — left me thinking about how far behind US infrastructure has become, when even the country's best metro, the New York subway, is old and struggling to modernize.

Visiting Dubai can often feel like hopping into a time machine to the future. The city emerges out of the desert seemingly from nowhere, with each gleaming skyscraper, landmark, and new building looking more futuristic than the last.

Dubai's decade-old metro system is no different. The bullet-shaped stations lie above ground like golden space pods and the trains race through the center of the city, weaving past skyscraper after skyscraper. 

It's not just the shape and aesthetic that make the metro futuristic, but the underlying technology as well.

All of Dubai's 49-station, 46-mile metro is completely automated and driverless, making it the third-largest such system in the world, after systems in Singapore and Vancouver. The city's Red Line, which runs like an artery through the heart of Dubai, is still the longest single driverless metro line in the world. 

And it's getting larger. The city is currently constructing a third line — called Route 2020 — that will connect the southwestern Dubai with the site of the World Expo, which Dubai is hosting in 2020. The city is also constructing extensions to the existing Red and Green lines.

Read more:I rode China's superfast bullet train that could go from New York to Chicago in 4.5 hours — and it blew me away

The practical result is that the automated metro has quickly turned local travel — previously a battle through traffic-choked highways in a car-reliant city — into a seamless, fast, and incredibly reliable travel experience. So long as you are traveling within the city, it's far more convenient than driving, as I found on a recent trip to Dubai.

While Dubai is far from the only city with a fully automated metro, most of the other similar systems lie in Asia and Europe. In the US, automated trains are currently limited to airports and a few very limited lines in Miami, Detroit, and West Virginia. 

The best of the US's metro systems is likely still the New York City subway, but even that system is crumbling.

Traveling on Dubai's metro is an entirely different experience, as I learned when I recently rode the Red Line to downtown:

DON'T MISS: I flew 13 hours nonstop on the world's biggest passenger plane, the $446 million Airbus superjumbo jet, and it's about as good as economy can get

Dubai is far from the first city to introduce an automated, driverless metro. The first one built was in Kobe, Japan in 1981, but it has since been introduced in 42 cities around the world and the technology is considered to produce the most punctual and cost-efficient systems.



Dubai began construction on its metro in 2005. Just four years later, it opened. At the time, it was the largest automated rail system in the world. It's since been surpassed by Singapore and Vancouver, but it's still expanding — there are 49 stations and 46 miles of track so far.



I decided to ride the metro while staying in the Al Jafiliya district. The Red Line station was a quick two blocks from my hotel. At 32.4 miles and 29 stations, it's the longest automated metro line in the world.



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12 TV shows that were inspired by the lives of real famous figures

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the bold type freeformSometimes TV series creators and producers draw inspiration from real lives and real people. In some cases, the series is directly inspired by the star, and in others, the series is very loosely inspired by them.

Here are 12 TV shows that were inspired by the lives of celebrities and other well-known public figures. 

O.J. Simpson's alleged double homicide is the focus of the first season of "American Crime Story."

Created by Ryan Murphy, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," debuted on FX in 2016.

The series was based on the 1995 murder trial of former football player O.J. Simpson, who was accused and acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

In 2016 on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," Khloe Kardashian said the creators did a great job with the show and she appreciated how they portrayed her father, but "not all the facts are accurate" and it was a bit sensationalized. 



Season two of "American Crime Story" explores the murder of the Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace.

The second installment of Murphy's anthology series, "Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,"centered around the death of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace at the hands of serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

But, Antonio D’Amico, Gianni Versace's long-term boyfriend at the time of Versace's death, told The Guardian that parts of the series were "ridiculous."

"The picture of Ricky Martin holding the body in his arms is ridiculous," he told the publication. "Maybe it’s the director’s poetic license, but that is not how I reacted."



"Feud: Bette and Joan" followed the real-life rivalry between actresses Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.

The first season of another Murphy anthology series, which debuted in 2017, "Feud: Bette and Joan" was inspired by the real-life rivalry between actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The feud happened while they were co-stars in the movie "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

Actresses Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon play Crawford and Davis, respectively. E! fact-checked the docudrama and concluded that a lot of what's portrayed in the movie was fairly accurate, even though some events were fictionalized or false



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New photos show how heavily Russia damaged a Ukrainian boat, an attack that triggered the Black Sea crisis

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Small armoured artillery ship Berdyansk is seen in Odessa, Ukraine June 2, 2016. Picture taken June 2, 2016.

Photos emerged on Tuesday of one of the Ukrainian artillery boats that was heavily damaged after the Russian military fired upon it on Sunday off the coast of Crimea. 

The Russian navy fired on two Ukrainian naval vessels and rammed a third in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Sea of Azov and Black Sea. It then captured the three vessels and the 23 sailors on board, six of whom were wounded in the incident. 

The three Ukrainian vessels tried to pass through the strait and had given notice to the Russians, according to The Associated Press. Russian officials said the Ukrainian sailors were given warning to turn back before a Russian ship or aircraft opened fire, according to the Russian-government funded RT.

While the exact sequence is unclear, the damage the Russian weapon or weapons left is heavy.

Ukraine has since declared martial law in 10 of the country's regions, and a Russian court has also ordered 12 of the 23 captured sailors to be held in custody for two months. 

The captured Ukrainian naval vessels were two Gurza-M class artillery boats, the Nikopol and Berdiansk, and one tugboat, the Yani Kapu.

The photos released showed the heavy damages to the Berdyansk (or Berdiansk), one of the damaged Ukrainian artillery boats.

Here's what it looks like. 

SEE ALSO: What we know about the 3 Ukrainian naval vessels that Russia just fired upon and seized

SEE ALSO: 11 photos of the Su-30SM, the Russian fighter jet that just crashed in Syria

A Russian weapon blew a window-sized hole in the artillery boat's pilothouse, where crewmembers steer the boat. It appears to have been hit by a 30mm gun from a Russian warship or a weapon fired from a Su-30 Russian fighter jet.

Russia deployed four warships, as well as Ka-52 combat helicopters and Su-30 fighter jets during the incident.

“According to the confirmed SBU operative information, one of the Russian strike aircraft used two unmanned combat missiles against the Ukrainian boats, heavily wounding one of the SBU officers,” Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of Ukraine's security service, the SBU, said in a statement.

Hrystak did not specify if the above damage to the Berdyansk was from the Su-30. 

Source: Defence Blog, Stars and Stripes



Here's another damaged section closer to the stern of the Berdyansk.



And here's a close-up.



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Disappointing photos show what it's really like to go on a safari

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safari disappointing

  • Safaris may look like remote wilderness adventures in photos, but they can be full of tourists.
  • Sometimes, animals get a little too close for comfort, while others may be less exotic than expected.

Going on a safari is about embracing the unknown and appreciating the beauty of wildlife. Even when things go wrong.

Here's how the expectation of going on a safari can differ from the reality.

You might think that your vehicle will be the only car for miles...

It's an epic trip for people who love adventure.



But chances are you'll have company.



You might drive by animals like giraffes in their element.

Two rare white giraffes were spotted in Kenya in 2017.



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7 fast-food condiments that chefs swear by

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taco bell hot sauce

  • Fast-food condiments often have a cult following. 
  • Even chefs love them. 
  • Some chefs swear by Taco Bell fire sauce. 
  • Others love spicy mustard. 

Fast food isn't always the most flavorful of cuisines, which may explain why some chains earn a cult following for their condiments.

The colorful packets which range from sweet to spicy to just plain delicious are grabbed up by the fistful and can dress up a pile of lackluster fries into the after-work meal you know you deserve.

We asked chefs what their favorite fast-food condiments are so you know which ones to stock up on next time you're in a chain restaurant.

McDonald's Sweet 'n Sour Sauce is the perfect balance.

"It's such a perfectly balanced sauce that took the flavors of  'Asian' sweet and sour sauce out of Hunan and into the McDonald's national vocabulary,"chef Lucas Sin of Junzi Kitchen told INSIDER. "Who knew that apricot puree — I bet most of us didn't know sweet and sour was made from apricots — would go that far?"

Chef Peter Shelsky of Shelsky's of Brooklyn is a fan of the sauce with a 20-piece order of McNuggets and chef Eric Sze of New York's 886 lves the versatile sauce with chicken, fries, noodles, pizza … anything.



Popeyes Smok'n Pepper Jam subtly brings the spice.

Chef Sin loves the "subtle but consistent build-up of heat" in this sauce that features citrus, peppers and sweetness. Unfortunately, it was this sauce was only around in spring 2017 to accompany a special chicken breaded with shortbread, but Sin has "fond memories of that flavor profile" and is hoping the condiment comes back.



Popeyes Blackened Ranch is comparable to Big Mac sauce.

"For fast-food condiments, one general rule is that buttermilk is a better source of creaminess than mayonnaise to develop sophisticated flavor combinations," Chef Sin said. "When blackened peppers are added to the mix, you get a superior sauce, comparable in use to McDonald's Big Mac sauce." Stock up for your next burger stop.



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Audi just revealed a new electric concept car that puts Tesla's Model S to shame

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Audi e tron GT concept

  • Audi unveiled its E-Tron GT electric sedan concept on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
  • The automaker said it would begin delivering the production version of the vehicle in early 2021.
  • The E-Tron GT concept has a 90-kWh battery providing a range of about 248 miles, as well as 590 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, according to Audi.
  • Audi did not announce a price for the production version of the E-Tron GT concept, but it would be likely to compete against Tesla's Model S sedan, which starts at $78,000.

Audi unveiled its E-Tron GT electric sedan concept on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The automaker said it would begin delivering the production version of the vehicle in early 2021.

The E-Tron GT concept has a 90-kWh battery providing a range of about 248 miles, according to Audi. The concept also features two motors, four seats, 590 horsepower, and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds.

Using an 800-volt charger, the E-Tron GT concept can charge to 80% of its capacity in about 20 minutes, Audi said.

Read more:32 electric cars you'll see on the road by 2025

Audi did not announce a price for the production version of the E-Tron GT concept, but it is likely to compete against Tesla's Model S sedan, which starts at $78,000. The Model S has a maximum range of 335 miles and a top 0-60 speed of 2.5 seconds.

The E-Tron GT concept follows Audi's E-Tron electric SUV, which the automaker is expected to begin delivering to US customers in the second quarter of 2019. That vehicle will seat five and feature an all-wheel-drive configuration in its standard trim, according to Audi. The automaker said its range — also of about 248 miles — was based on the European testing cycle, though it has not yet been tested by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Here's a closer look at Audi's E-Tron GT concept.

SEE ALSO: Tesla is about to face-off with Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes as they launch EVs — but experts say the automaker has nothing to worry about

The E-Tron GT concept has a 90-kWh battery providing a range of over 248 miles, according to Audi.



The concept also features two motors, four seats, 590 horsepower, and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds.



Using an 800-volt charger, the E-Tron GT concept can charge to 80% of its capacity in about 20 minutes, Audi said.



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12 horror stories of people getting cold feet before their weddings

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happy endings wedding

  • Many people get cold feet before their weddings. 
  • Some people go through with it, some don't.
  • These people told their stories of getting cold feet and either calling it off or going through with the wedding. 

It's normal to feel very nervous or even anxious before you walk down the aisle to marry someone. Some of that could be from feeling worried about standing in front of a big crowd of people, but sometimes, it's more serious than that. While some people get over their cold feet and go on to have happy marriages, others don't… and they let things totally fall apart.

There are a bunch of stories on Reddit about people who got cold feet right before their wedding, and they're pretty horrifying. They might even make you nervous about your own future wedding day. Of course, these are just for fun as INSIDER cannot independently authenticate these stories:

"I didn't leave and I should have."

"I realized 10 days before the wedding it was a mistake, but talked myself into believing it was cold feet, and got caught up thinking about the deposits and guests traveling. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Almost divorced now! Worst years of my life." - Redditor Daiye7



"I left a man at the altar."

"I was in my dress and getting ready to go to the chapel when I realized I couldn't. I froze. I didn't love him as much as I craved the safety and security that being married would bring. I was fairly recently divorced and very young and scared." - Redditor fluffledoodle



"My sister was left at the altar by my best mate and I was the best man."

"He met my sister through me and they went out with each other for two years and were engaged for a year before the big day. We're in the church, at the front, waiting for the bride with about 15 minutes to go. He says he needs the toilet and walks to the back of the church. A minute or so later it hits me that the toilets aren't at the back of the church and I start to worry, so I go looking for him. He's not in the toilets, not around the church, nowhere to be found.

"My best mate had legged it. We didn't see or hear from him for three days, his own family for two days, and by then - he was in Europe somewhere 'staying with a friend,' where he's been ever since, three years now. He's never made any effort to explain, even to my sister." - Redditor thrownitawayday



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The remarkable stories behind 8 of the most iconic war photos ever taken

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Joseph Duo, a Liberian militia commander loyal to the government, exults after firing a rocket-propelled grenade at rebel forces at a key strategic bridge July 20, 2003 in Monrovia, Liberia. Government forces succeeded in forcing back rebel forces in fierce fighting on the edge of Monrovia's city center.

The first known photograph ever taken was by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 or 1827, showing a view from a window of his home in France's Burgundy region.

In 1839, the first known photograph of a person was taken in Paris, showing a shoe shiner working on the Boulevard du Temple. 

But it wasn't until Mathew Brady, known as the father of photojournalism, and his employee, Andrew Gardner, began shooting pictures of dead American soldiers on Civil War battlefields that the medium transformed the way people saw war. 

Since then, photography has both glorified and underscored the atrocities of conflict and war. 

Here are eight of the most iconic war photographs of all-time in chronological order. 

SEE ALSO: These 8 iconic images tell the story of every US conflict from World War I to Afghanistan

1. The Dead of Antietam (1862)

After the bloody Civil War battle of Antietam, Andrew Gardner took 70 shots of the dead in a field.

It was the first time dead soldiers had been photographed on a battlefield.

When Gardner later put them on display in New York City, the horrors of the Civil War, which before had only been seen in paintings, finally became apparent to Americans.



2. Warsaw Ghetto Boy (1943)

Likely taken by a Nazi photog named Franz Konrad, this photo shows Nazis rounding up Jewish people in the Warsaw ghetto. 

The 9-year-old boy in the picture may have been Dr. Tsvi Nussbaum, who later became a doctor in New York, but the claim was never proven

In any event, as the Washington Post's Clay Harris wrote in 1978, the picture "wrenches the heart because it appears that the boy, like millions of Jews and others, is to die at the hands of the Nazis." 



3. Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima (1945)

This photo by Joe Rosenthal of the American flag being planted on Iwo Jima may be the Second World War's most iconic photo.

Fifty years after the picture was taken, the Associated Press wrote that it may be the world's most widely reproduced.

Half of the six soldiers depicted died — among 6,821 Americans — on the very same island they claimed: Franklin Sousley, Michael Strank, and Harlon Block.

Rosenthal received a Pulitzer Prize for the photo in 1945. 

 



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10 subtle signs that someone is planning to propose to you

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himym

  • Many people know when their partner is going to propose but others aren't so sure.
  • They may suddenly be more frugal.
  • They may also suddenly plan a trip. 
  • The only way to know for sure is to ask — or be surprised. 

When you and your partner have been together for long enough, it's natural to start wondering if a proposal is around the corner.

Chances are that you may have had a conversation or two about marriage before anyone pops the question, but it can still be exciting to try and spot the signs of an impending engagement.

Here are a few subtle clues that your partner is planning to propose.

They are suddenly more concerned with sticking to a budget.

Getting married can be expensive, and a big chunk of that expense is likely to come in the form of an engagement ring. Though spending gobs of money on a sparkly rock is definitely not a requirement for a happy marriage,many people feel that giving a beautiful engagement ring is a gesture of love.  

If your partner suddenly seems very concerned with sticking to a strict budget or finding ways to be frugal, it might mean they're saving up their pennies for the ring of your dreams.



Your passport is nowhere to be found.

Is your partner the type to plan a show topping proposal overseas? If so, you might want to check on the whereabouts of your passport.

As the Telegraph reported, more and more people areproposing on vacation or planning proposals that revolve around travel. A missing passport may mean that your beloved has temporarily swiped it in order to book plane tickets without your knowledge. Of course, be sure that your passport eventually turns up again before assuming there's a proposal in the works.



Your partner has started commenting on your friends' engagement rings.

According to The Knot's 2017 Jewelry & Engagement study,66% of grooms report picking out the perfect engagement ring without input from their potential fiancée. This means that your partner will likely try to get some clues from you regarding your style preferences. If your partner suddenly seems obsessed with talking about other people's engagement rings or your taste in jewelry, consider that a pretty heavy hint.



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5 details you may have missed on the latest episode of 'Riverdale'

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riverdale veronica betty

Warning: Spoilers ahead for season three, episode six of "Riverdale," titled "Manhunter."

The Gargoyle King is spreading his wings on "Riverdale." 

During Wednesday's episode of the CW show, the creepy creature attacks Betty and Alice in their home, and it's revealed that he has a team of people doing his bidding. Betty is sent to the Sisters of Quiet Mercy for her protection. But when she gets there, she sees that he has influence there, as well. 

Not everything is scary in the small town. Veronica helps get Archie exonerated after finding proof that the sheriff coerced the witnesses into lying. But when Veronica is waiting for Archie to come home, he calls and says that he has to leave town.

As always, the CW show included some pop culture and comic references. We worked with Archie Comics to find five details you may have missed.

Jughead calls Betty Miss Marple.

Miss Marple is a character from Agatha Christie novels who solves crimes as an amateur detective.



The Gargoyle King scene in the Cooper house is reminiscent of "Scream."

FP climbing the ladder into Betty's room calls back to when Billy Loomis, played by FP actor Skeet Ulrich, did the same in "Scream." In one scene, she freaks out saying that Ghostface is in the house. He hugs her and says, "He's gone, he's gone," as he creepily looks over her shoulder. FP does almost the same thing with Alice when she is freaking out about the Gargoyle King being in the house. The slight similarities can be seen at the beginning of this YouTube video

The stovetop popcorn scene also calls back to "Scream." 



The song "Ballad of Paladin" plays over Archie and Jughead.

As Archie and Jughead are walking down the train tracks, the song "Ballad of Paladin" from "Have Gun — Will Travel" plays over them. Warden Norton calls Archie "the Red Paladin." 



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Theresa May grilled by senior MPs on her Brexit deal

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Theresa May

LONDON — Theresa May was grilled on her performance as prime minister and her controversial Brexit deal on Thursday morning as she appeared before senior MPs on the House of Commons Liaison Committee.

Business Insider followed proceedings live as the prime minister took questions from a super-committee of 35 MPs who each chair their own separate Commons committees. The MPs represent parties across the House of Commons and include both staunch Brexiteers and passionate Remainers. 

Home Office Committee Chair Yvette Cooper, who has been a thorn in the side of the government's Brexit plans, is on the committee. As are leading pro-EU MPs Brexit Committee Chair Hilary Benn, Treasury Committee Chair Nicky Morgan, and Sarah Wollaston, the pro-second referendum MP who chairs the liaison committee.

Arch Brexiteers PAC Committee Chair Bernard Jenkin and European Security Committee Chair Bill Cash also put questions to May. The prime minister faced barbed questions from all sides of the Brexit debate.

Scroll down to find the latest developments. All times are in GMT.

SEE ALSO: The UK government admits Brexit will inevitably leave Britain poorer

10:30 AM — Another referendum needs Article 50 extension, May says

Theresa May tells Liaison Committee Chair Sarah Wollaston that a new referendum, which she opposes, would require an extension to the Article 50 negotiating process.

"Any second referendum, should that be the case, would not be able to held before March 2019... We’d need to extend Article 50," the prime minister said.

She also said that extending Article 50 and holding another referendum would "reopen negotiations" on the Brexit deal, despite her previous claim — and that of the EU — that the deal on the table is the only deal available...

 



10:13 AM — MPs might not see immigration plans before Brexit vote, May says

In more serious matters, the prime minister has just refused to confirm that the white paper on post-Brexit immigration will be published before MPs vote on the Brexit deal on December 11.

In a response to a question from Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb, May said: "We are still in discussion as to the date as to when the immigration white paper will be published."



10:10 AM — "Friends with benefits?"

Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat gets the first laugh of the liaison committee hearing. He asks May whether the EU will be the UK's "friends with benefits" after Brexit.

Sadly, the prime minister didn't hear Tugendhat's quip. Here's a clip.

 



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