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Wall Street's Brightest Minds Share The Best Books They Read In 2013

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Book

We asked some of our favorite analysts, traders, and economists across Wall Street for the best books they read over the past year.

The responses vary — from works of fiction to nonfiction titles, both new and old.

Some deal with finance, but most don't, at least directly.

Brenda Kelly, IG Markets: "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman

"I don’t know what can be gleaned from my choice of book but I really enjoyed 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman. This was before it was made book of the year, might I add. I think it was a well-deserved accolade. I'm generally a fan of the dystopian and fantasy-themed novels. It evokes memories of my childhood (good and bad) and I think that’s the intention – you remember the way you thought as a child. It's a book I'll read again."

Brenda Kelly, chief market strategist at IG Markets

Find it on Amazon »



Barry Ritholtz, Ritholtz Wealth Management: "The Success Equation" by Michael J. Mauboussin

"The inability to distinguish between luck and skill has a huge impact on investors. They think they can select a stock that will outperform an index. Sometimes they can; most of the time they cannot. But distinguishing when it is the result of skill and when it's random is beyond most investors' abilities. Same with choosing a hedge fund or mutual fund manager — what is perceived as an ability to make a good decision turns out to be mostly random."

Barry Ritholtz, CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management

Find it on Amazon »



Peter Tchir, TF Market Advisors: "Animal Farm" by George Orwell

"I re-read Animal Farm. I have this growing fear that we are reverting to a system that we tried to escape. A little far-fetched but can’t shake this feeling that something is wrong and what made this country great is being eroded bit by bit."

Peter Tchir, founder of TF Market Advisors

Find it on Amazon »



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

15 Action-Packed Photos From 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'

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captain america black widow chris evans scarlett johansson

This year's big Marvel movie — other than "Galaxy of the Guardians"— will be "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

While Marvel initially released new images for the film last week, Disney just put out larger high resolution versions of the photos.

Similar to "Thor: The Dark World," and "Iron Man 3," the sequel will follow Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) after "The Avengers" as he attempts to adjust to normal life. 

Don't expect that to last too long.

While we're waiting for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" to hit theaters April 4, see what's up next for Steve Rogers this spring.

Chris Evans returns as Captain America.



After the events of "The Avengers," the Captain (Evans) has hung up his suit and is living in Washington, D.C.



But not for long. After a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is attacked ...



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

30 Things Every American Should Know Before Moving To India

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Nicholas Kapur, Nellie ThompsonThe Weirdest Things About America, a collection of casual observations of the USA by an Indian exchange student, is a hilarious and insightful critique of American life. It is twice as entertaining to those who know India.

Nellie Thompson, my girlfriend and co-author, and I both lived in Mumbai as working professionals--she for six months and I for the better part of a year. Here we offer our own casual observations on what we, as Americans, found amusing, thought-provoking, and downright strange about life in India.

We lived in Mumbai's Bandra neighborhood in an area called Pali Hill--a leafy, historically Christian enclave best known for its heavy expat presence and its close proximity to Bollywood. Though we travelled quite a bit within the country and explored Mumbai extensively, we merely scratched the surface of what India has to offer. We do not claim to be authorities on India, but we did walk away with a profound love for the country.

In that spirit, we wanted to share our anecdotal (and completely subjective) observations from our time there. We invite readers to share their own experiences, as well.

Click here to get the low down on life in India>

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About the authors: Nicholas Kapur heads products and development for SumZero, a collaborative research platform for investment funds. In India, Nick managed business development projects for a US-based financial services firm.

Nellie Thompson is a public health nutritionist and an Indian food enthusiast. She consults for HealthxDesign, a Brooklyn-based organization that promotes community health through urban design. She also does branding and marketing for doublehighfive bk. In India, she was a research fellow for the strategic philanthropy firm, Dasra.

Gym Memberships Are Status Symbols

In a country where per capita annual income is $1,200, fitness club fees tend to run about $100 per month. For context, on a per capita income basis in the US, that would be like paying around $3,500 per month for a gym. Like many things in India, that price can be negotiated, but it’s a luxury nonetheless. Once inside, men love to lift weights, while women either stand around talking or walk aggressively on the treadmill (See #28: Powerwalking). You’re hard-pressed to witness a vigorous workout by a woman. Aside from the elite colonial-style country clubs, which are a different beast altogether, Gold's Gym is probably the most exclusive chain brand name in the game. Yup. That’s right. Gold's Gym.



“Yes” Doesn’t Mean Yes and You Rarely Hear “No”

When someone says “Yes” to you in India, this does not confer actual agreement. Instead, “Yes” often translates to: "I have heard what you said and I'll consider it." You may also find yourself confused when you discover that few people ever directly say “No.” Americans, in general, are an extremely blunt breed. “Yes” tends to mean yes and “No” tends to mean no. Many Indians, in an attempt to keep harmony in a conversation, replace our version of “No” (a.k.a “there’s no way in hell”) with “Yes, I see” or “I will consider it.”



Offices Are Like Families

The life of the average white collar worker in India is a lot different. Personal and professional lines are blurred. First, when you interview for a position, you are asked about your marital status and family history--a strict no-no here in the US. Once you’re in, you’ll find that the entire staff eats lunch together everyday. Managers closely monitor hourly activity, interpersonal interactions, and the personal lives of employees. There are even 'Office Moms' responsible for staff health and well-being.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

YACHT OF THE WEEK: The $37 Million 'Apostrophe' Is Overflowing With Art Deco Style

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apostropheA beautiful 130-foot yacht completed by Dutch shipbuilders Hakvoort just last year is now on sale for $37.4 million.

Apostrophe has five staterooms, with classy Art-Deco-inspired furnishings and accommodations for ten guests plus six crew members.

When you're not lounging on luxurious couches inside, you can sip champagne by the pool or do some water sports off the back. 

It's also a finalist for the ShowBoats Design Awards in a number of categories, including Interior Design, Exterior Design & Styling, and Holistic Design. 

Apostrophe is listed for sale by Moran Yachts. Check out Moran's other luxury yachts for sale here.

Apostrophe can reach a maximum speed of 12.7 knots, or about 15 miles per hour.



The interior is very Art Deco, with dark walnut and ebony details.



Clean white tablecloths and crisp settings make the dining room look like a fine restaurant.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's The Presentation Bob Doll Just Gave That Has All The Charts And Stats Behind His 2014 Predictions

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Bob Doll's 2014 Investment Outlook

One of the more anticipated annual lists of market predictions comes from Nuveen Asset Management's Bob Doll, the veteran investment strategist who previously held top posts at BlackRock and Merrill Lynch.

As usual, Doll sees stocks rising this year. But he expects the ride to be much bumpier than it was in 2013.

"Skepticism about the durability of the equity rally remains widespread as many argue that stocks have become expensive and that profit margins are unsustainably high," said Doll. "We think those potential headwinds will limit, but not prevent gains, and perhaps cause more volatility than was experienced last year. While stocks are vulnerable to a correction any time given their recent strength and some technical deterioration, we continue to favor a moderate pro-growth posture with forward long-term potential to mid- to high- single-digit annual percentage gains."

At a breakfast earlier today, Doll presented the charts behind his 10 predictions.  He also offered his longer-term forecasts.  Somewhat surprisingly, he thinks the average annual return in U.S. stocks for the next ten years will be a lackluster 6%-8%.

We got a copy of Doll's presentation, which includes the charts and stats that are behind his investment framework.

Thanks to Nuveen Asset Management for giving us permission to feature this presentation.

Bob Doll's 2014 Investment Outlook



Bob Doll's 2014 Investment Outlook



Bob Doll's 2014 Investment Outlook



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's Who Could Get Rich Off Weed In Washington

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BI DAY2 12

Washington, like Colorado, legalized marijuana through a voter initiative in 2012. Starting this year, the Liquor Control Board of Washington will begin licensing marijuana stores, growers, and processors to provide legal weed to the general public. 

While the application process for those applying to become "licensed" under Initiative 502 is still underway, medical marijuana business owners and marijuana entrepreneurs have begun the process of setting up their businesses for what many hope to be a lucrative business. 

We visited with Jason Gardiner, one of the owners of a Renton, Wash.-based medical marijuana store (and I-502 hopeful licensee), and Dante Jones, one of the business partners in charge of Grow Ambrosia (hoping to get a marijuana producer and processor license), to see their operations.

Stores may not officially open until the spring, when the application process will finish, but we got a look at what the weed industry will look like in Washington.

Life's RX is a medical marijuana dispensary in Renton, Wash., a Seattle suburb where there are 6 other dispensaries like it. The store is applying to become a licensed recreational marijuana store under Seattle's I-502 law.



The store is located in a shopping mall with other suburban staples like dry cleaners, hair salons, and H&R Block.



The store is marked by a small sign and a discreet door. State officials are finicky about how large store signs are allowed to be.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

17 Crazy Hotel Suites You Have To Spend A Night In Before You Die

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Maharajah's Pavilion at the Raj Palace

When it comes to vacationing, some hotels will make you feel like royalty — and others will treat you like it.

These 17 once-in-a-lifetime hotel suites are guaranteed to do just that.

They're not without a hefty price tag, but when they include personal butlers, pillow service, and some of the best views in the world, you should make sure they get onto your bucket list.

The Bridge Suite at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Nightly rate: About $25,000

Hovering at 16 stories high, the Bridge Suite spans the distance between the Royal Towers at the Bahamas' premiere luxury resort destination. Take in the views of Paradise Island from the 12-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, and indulge in the suite's unique amenities, including a living room with a grand piano, twin entertainment centers, a 24-karat gold chandelier, and a dedicated staff of seven to wait on you.

Bridge Suite at Atlantis Paradise Island

Photo: Atlantis Paradise Island



The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson, Switzerland

Nightly rate: $81,000

At $81,000 a night, the Royal Penthouse Suite at Geneva's Hotel President Wilson is considered to be the most expensive hotel suite in the worldThe 18,000-square-foot, 12-bedroom suite takes up the entire eighth floor of the hotel, and has hosted heads of state from Bill Clinton to Mikhail Gorbachev. As such, the suite features extensive security measures, including armored doors, a human-sized safe, and bullet-proof windows.

hotel president wilson most expensive suite balcony piano

Photo: Hotel President Wilson



Finch Hatton's Suite at Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Nightly rate:From $1,188

Built in 1932 and modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge, Kenya's Giraffe Manor offers luxury bedrooms with antique furnishings, striking art decor, and just-outside-the-window access to a giraffe sanctuary. Other safari animals abound on the 140-acre property — if you're so inclined, stop by the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and sponsor a baby elephant before returning home.

giraffe manor

Photo: Giraffe Manor/Facebook



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

13 Actors You Probably Didn't Know Were Once 'SNL' Cast Members

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Robert Downey Jr SNL

For the lucky ones, Saturday Night Live is a launch pad for fame: Put in your time, get a few solid characters, spin a sketch into a feature film, and then leave the show to become a full-blown star.

But just because a cast member falls through the cracks, gets fired, or leaves after a single season, doesn't mean he/she isn't destined for greatness.

Here are 13 famous faces you may have forgotten were once part of the SNL cast.

Actors who got their start on "SNL">

SEE ALSO: 'Saturday Night Live' Finally Hires Black Female Cast Member

1. Ben Stiller quit "SNL" after four episodes to pursue filmmaking.

Early in his career, Ben Stiller made a short parody of the Tom Cruise movie The Color of Money that caught the attention of SNL, which aired it in 1987.

Those connections landed Stiller a spot in the SNL writer's room and as a featured player on the show. Unfortunately, Stiller quit after four episodes to further pursue filmmaking.

Everything came full circle though when he returned in 1998 to host and played Cruise in a "Celebrity Jeopardy" sketch.



2. Sarah Silverman made it just one season as an "SNL" writer.

Sarah Silverman's run at Saturday Night Live was one of bad luck. As a writer, not a single sketch of hers made it to air in her one season on the staff.

Still, she did appear in a handful of skits as a featured player before being let go.

She later said the experience destroyed her confidence but years later said she was glad SNL didn't define her career.



3. Robert Downey Jr. was a cast member in the turbulent 1985 season.

Before he was Iron Man, before he was even the bully in Weird Science, Robert Downey Jr. was a an SNL alum.

Unfortunately, Downey started on the show in 1985, one of the darkest year's in SNL history in terms of ratings and media criticism, so he was sacked along with most of the other new recruits following the '85 season.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

How To Use The New App From Twitter's Co-Founder That Everyone's Buzzing About Right Now

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biz stone using jelly

Jelly is a new social networking app made by Twitter co-founder Biz Stone. It's sort of a mix between a mobile search engine and question and answer service.

If someone finds something out in the real world they'd like to learn more about, they can take a picture of the object and upload it to the network. Jelly is equipped with basic photo editing tools like crop and zoom. 

Jelly utilizes your Facebook friends and Twitter followers to distribute the image and see if they will provide the answers you need.

Here's the welcome screen. Swipe down to navigate through the menus.



Jelly will need access to your Facebook and Twitter. Tap once on the Facebook icon for it to upload your friends.



Give Jelly permission to access all your likes and checkins.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

World's Most Creative Parents Recreate Famous Movie Scenes With Household Items And Their Baby

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Cardboard box office life aquatic

In September 2013, Leon Mackie and Lilly Lang realized they had a lot of old cardboard boxes leftover after a series of moves over the last two years — once from Wellington, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia in 2012, and again from Melbourne to Sydney four months ago.

"We had been living in Melbourne for about a year and our garage was still full of flattened moving boxes," Lang explained to Business Insider. "I wanted to throw them in the recycling bin but Leon was adamant that we'd be able to use them for something."

Cardboard box office alienThat time came in September 2013 when the couple decided to take a family picture with their 10-month-old son Orson.

"We decided to do something that showed how messy and sleep-deprived our lives had become now that Orson was at the driver's seat," Lang explains. "That photo was the 'Life Domestic.' People loved it and asked for more. Suddenly we had a use for the boxes. It just went from there."

Cardboard box office star warsThe family of three now has a website called Cardboard Box Office with its own Twitter and Facebook pages with over 18,000 likes. They try and upload a new scene from a famous film — such as "Star Wars" and "The Dark Knight"— every few weeks with Orson the star of the shoots. As their popularity has grown, they have even started asking fans for movie suggestions.

Cardboard box office dark knightLang says it takes her and Mackie three to five hours to set up each scene, depending on their costumes, props, and how staging goes during the week.

They only use common household items like plates, laundry baskets, tape, toys, pots, and those cardboard boxes. Lang said "Wah Wars" (the family's parody of "Star Wars") took the longest due to building the guns, lightsaber, and Mackie's Han Solo equipment belt.

Cardboard box office temple of doom"We choose films that contain either an iconic set, costume, vehicle, or monster," Lang said. "If it doesn't contain at least one of these elements the references in our version of the film won't be obvious enough to work."

Cardboard box office jaws"Because of this reason we're having a real struggle coming up with any rom-coms — which doesn't seem to bother Leon in the slightest," she added.

Cardboard box office jurassic parkSee more of the pair's amazing photography at Cardboard Box Office.

SEE ALSO: A Photographer Mom Turned Her Baby Into Adorable Works Of Art

Join the conversation about this story »

The 15 US Cities That Are Driving The Future

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dallas

The American economy is being reshaped along the booming industries of technology and energy, according to new rankings of America’s Best Performing Cities by the Milken Institute.

In the 2013 rankings, thirteen cities defined by Milken as tech hubs made it into the top 25, while nine could attribute their impressive growth to the energy industry, notably the shale and natural gas renaissance. 

Milken's ranking is based on data from both long- and short-term growth in jobs, wages, salaries, and technological output.

#15 Denver–Aurora–Broomfield, Colo.

This metro area has a diverse high-tech industry that mixes in telecommunications, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy research. The city does so well partially because of its attractive business climate and friendly government.

The city’s Business Incentive Fund makes it an attractive place for companies like Southwest Airlines (which just opened a new pilot and flight attendant base) and SCL Health Systems (which moved its headquarters to Denver). The Fund’s efforts will result in over 1,600 jobs and $6 in direct fiscal benefit over the next five years.

Read the full city profile at Milken »



#14 Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, Tenn.

The Music City has something new to sing about, namely some serious job growth  An increase in automobile production added nearly 4,000 jobs in 2012, while tourism reached a record high in 2012. The city has experienced a cultural renaissance thanks to the opening of the Music City Convention Center, the Omni Hotel next door, and an expansion of the Country Music Hall of Fame, with an of 4,100 jobs in restaurants and bars in 2012.

Read the full city profile at Milken »



#13 Raleigh–Cary, N.C.

Raleigh has a large educated workforce, strong high-profile universities, and low operating costs for businesses. The city has experienced an expansion in the tech industry, fueling growth in a number of other areas. Recently, financial services firms like Fidelity Investments and Credit Suisse have built bases in the area, as well as MetLife, which has plans to build new global technology services hubs.

Read the full city profile at Milken »



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 10 Best Colleges For An Awesome Winter Experience

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Sierra Nevada College Student Snowboard

While climate shouldn't necessarily play into a student's decision as to where to attend college, there's a lot to be said about the classic beauty and serenity of the snow-covered campus.

Of course, there are also downsides to a school that has more traditional seasons — mostly the cold temperature. But things like snowball fights and ski slopes should more than make up for a little chilliness.

From easy access to top slopes to great winter traditions, here are the 10 best colleges to get a true winter experience. 

Dartmouth College — Hanover, New Hampshire

Dartmouth hosts an annual Winter Carnival featuring ice skating and polar bear swims, which the school describes as"a welcome break from the cold, grayness of winter term."

The school also offers a number of winter-themed PE classes, including skiing lessons — read about one California-native student's first-time experience on the slopes here.



Montana State University — Bozeman, Montana

As one MSU alum — and professional skier — tells ESPN, "Many professors adhere to the 10-inch rule— it's OK to miss class, granted you're doing all right in school, if it snows over 10 inches."

For people more interested in learning about the wonders of winter, one ski blog points out that MSU geography professor Karl Birkeland is also the director of the Forest Service National Avalanche Center.



Columbia University — New York, New York

While Columbia is unlikely to feature the natural snow-covered beauty of a more rural school, the New York City university welcomes in winter every year by lighting the trees that surround its entranceway.

Following the tree lighting, students parade a Yule Log around campus while singing seasonal carols — a tradition that dates back to before the Revolutionary War.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

HOUSE OF THE DAY: This 26,000-Square-Foot Spanish Villa Looks Like A James Bond-Inspired Night Club

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Chameleon house mallorca

If James Bond decided to build an ultra-modern nightclub in his secret hideaway, this home in Mallorca, Spain is what it would look like. 

The 26,867-square-foot mansion — known as the "Chameleon Villa"— takes swank to another level. It comes complete with crisp white interiors, colorful LED lights, and a bumping sound system that mimic the atmosphere of a highly exclusive club. 

According to the listing, the house itself is divided up into three different buildings: The first acting as the main residence, the second as a fitness center, and the third as lodging for party guests. 

It's listed with Sotheby's International Realty. Price is available only on request. 

Welcome to the Chameleon Villa.



Dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking Son Vida, Mallorca, the all-white "Chameleon Villa" might be a bit of a misnomer.



You can park your car out front.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This Is The Tastiest New Product Debuting At CES

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SmartGrillMain

When you're hosting an outdoor dinner party, nothing’s worse than charred hot dogs, way-too-pink steak, or hockey-puck hamburgers.

Lynx, with its just-revealed SmartGrill, wants to make sure that cooking malfunctions never spoil a meal again.

Basically, the grill automatically adjusts its temperature and timing for specific meals. For example, you could tell SmartGrill that you wanted to make hamburgers, and all you'd have to do is slap on the meat and it would adjust its own temperature and tell you exactly when to flip and remove. You interact with it with your voice or via an app. 

We got to test out the grill today at CES, though the grill that I tried out is a prototype, and the final product won’t be ready for consumers until next year. 

When it is released, the SmartGrill, which Lynx has been developing for three years, will cost somewhere around $7,000. 

Lynx had a snazzy set-up in one of the hotels near the convention center.



Presenting, the smart grill!



You interact with the grill by speaking to it. For example, to get the grill started, you would say “Smart grill, preheat.”



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 30 Most Successful Hedge Funds On Wall Street In 2013

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miss universe 2014 venezuela

What's a new year without a scoreboard check?

The February issue of Bloomberg Markets Magazine contains its annual ranking of the 100 best performing large ($1 billion-plus AUM) hedge funds of the previous year.

We have the top 30 for you here.

In 2013, only 16 hedge funds were able to outperform the S&P 500, and for the most part those 16 did the same thing — go long stocks all the way.   

The number one spot belongs to Larry Robbins, the CEO of Glenview Capital. His fund finished the year on top with an astonishing 84 percent return. While some managers were nervous and held on to cash, Glenview bet that Obamacare would pump up healthcare stocks and ran with that.

For what it's worth, Robbins sees more "underhanded softballs" being thrown all over the stock market in 2014 too.

(Note: Bloomberg Markets' list features the top 100 large hedge funds.  The performance numbers are calculated through October 31, 2013)

Blue Harbour Strategic Value Partners (Clifton Robbins)

Management Firm, Location: Blue Harbour Group, U.S. 

Strategy: Activist 

Assets (in billions): $1.3

YTD Total Return: +19.8%

2012 Return: +16.2%

Source: Bloomberg



Odey European (Crispin Odey)

Management Firm, Location: Odey Asset Management, U.K.

Strategy: Macro

Assets (in billions): $2.1

YTD Total Return: +20%

2012 Return: +30.7%

Source: Bloomberg



Serengeti Opportunities Strategy (Joseph La Nasa, Vivian Lau)

Management Firm, Location: Serengeti Asset Management, U.S. 

Strategy: Event driven

Assets (in billions): $1.0

YTD Total Return: +20.3%

2012 Return: +13.4% 

Source: Bloomberg



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The Startup Yahoo Just Bought Turned My Phone Into The Device I've Always Wanted

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aviate android app bought by yahoo

When Marissa Mayer announced that Yahoo had purchased Aviate, a startup that made software that could "organize the apps on your phone's home screen according to its best guess at what you need to see right now," I was intrigued.

I've never been one for having tons of screens of apps and widgets. Android, iOS — didn't matter. I just liked having a single screen of apps I use all the time, perhaps grouped into folders based on what I use them for. (I flip-flop on this all the time).

Immediately after installing and running Aviate on my Moto X Android phone, I knew that I'd be keeping it long-term. It transformed my phone into the device I've always wanted — powerful, but streamlined down to what I need at any given moment. 

UPDATE: We've been getting a ton of email from readers asking how to get into the beta. When the app asks for an invite code, enter YAHOO. That's all you have to do.

This is what my home screen normally looks like — straight up Android as it came installed on my Moto X.



Aviate completely changes the look and feel of my home screen. It looks at what apps you regularly use in different contexts and creates "Spaces" that organize your phone around things you tend to do with it.



This is my "Work" Space. It has the apps I use the most for my job, my reminders, and a widget for my Gmail inbox.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

This Map Shows The Most Expensive Cities In The World

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expensive cities expatistan ranking map

This map shows the cost of living index scores from site Expatistan, with red showing more expensive cities and green showing cheaper cities.

This year, London was the most expensive city, where monthly rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment was the equivalent of $4,250. A monthly ticket for public transportation was $215, and a typical man's haircut cost roughly $28.

Oslo, Geneva, Zurich, and New York City rounded out the top five.

The bottom of the list included Caracas in Venezuela, as well as the cities of Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, and Madras in India. According to Expatistan data, London is around 1,000% more expensive than Caracas.

The team at Expatistan calculated the price index value for hundreds of global cities based on the current cost of items such as housing, clothes, transportation, medicine, and food.

Below is the full list of the top 20 cities based on Expatistan's Cost of Living index.

1. London, UK(280)

2. Oslo, Norway(267)

3. Geneva, Switzerland(259)

4. Zurich, Switzerland(256)

5. New York City, USA(237)

6. Lausanne, Switzerland(233)

7. Singapore, Singapore (228)

8. Paris, France (219)

9. San Francisco, USA(218)

10. Copenhagen, Denmark(217)

11. Sydney Australia(215)

12. Hong Kong, China(214)

13. Brisbane, Australia(208)

14. The Hague, Netherlands(204)

15. Stockholm, Sweden(204)

16. Honolulu, USA(199)

17. Amsterdam, Netherlands(199)

18. Melbourne, Australia(198)

19. Tokyo, Japan(198)

20. Washington D.C., USA(197)

To see an interactive map and the full list of cities, head over to Expatistan's website.

SEE ALSO: The 15 Countries With The Highest Quality Of Life

Join the conversation about this story »

21 Movies You Need To See In 2014

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godzilla bryan cranston

As the new year begins, we're looking forward to another year of sequels, and superheroes, and a few big reboots.

2013 brought in more than a combined $10.9 billion domestically in theaters. 

While we're unsure whether this year will be as big at the movies, there are plenty of contenders for the next break-out blockbuster.

2014 brings two new Marvel movies, more of Jennifer Lawrence's arrow-slinging heroine, and director Christopher Nolan's return to the screen post-Batman.

We've gone through the many upcoming releases to select the most-anticipated films of the year.

From historical accounts to best-selling adaptations, space adventures and quirky comedies and thrillers, there's something for everyone.

"Her"

Wide Release Date: January 10

Why to see it: Spike Jonze's unusual love story about a man who falls in love with his operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) has been garnering a lot of attention from critics and audiences though it's only been in limited release. 

Amy Adams also stars in the film.

Watch the trailer



"RoboCop"

Release Date: February 7

Why to see it: The original cop film came out in 1987 so it was only a matter of time until a reboot to the franchise was made.

We weren't sure about a remake of the Paul Verhoeven film until seeing the first trailer with Joel Kinnaman ("The Killing"), Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Keaton who's making a return to the big screen in a few films this year. 

Watch the trailer



"The Monuments Men"

Release Date: February 7

Why to see it: It's essentially "Ocean's 11" ... but for art ... during World War II.

The film was originally supposed to come out Dec. 18, before getting pushed back to this year, so we're about ready to see George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and John Goodman have at it on screen.

Clooney told Deadline he thought there was a better release date than the crowded holiday. They considered moving it up to November but feared not having the film finished in time. Instead, they selected the weekend "Shutter Island" was released in 2010.

Watch the trailer



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

12 Of The Most Remarkable Caves On Planet Earth

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Soon Dong Cave in Vietnam — largest cave in the world

Sometimes, it pays to travel below the earth's surface.

Virgin cave systems comprise some of the last unexplored regions on our planet. Late last year, for the first time ever, a group of cavers photographed a cave in China that's so vast it even has its own weather system.

But for those who deem caving  or spelunking  a little too adventurous, camera-wielding cavers have captured the beauty of the earth's interior.

Here are 12 of the most breathtaking caves in the world.

West of Koh Mook, Thailand, is the gorgeous Morakot Cave. Also known as the Emerald Cave, visitors must swim 230 feet in complete darkness to reach the cave's private beach, which is walled in on all sides.

Source: KohMook.info



The world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Cave in New Zealand is home to the Arachnocampa luminosa, a worm that emits its own light. Visitors can take a boat ride through the caves and see the glowworms, which look like tiny stars in the darkness.

Source: Waitomo Caves



Some of the most interesting caves in the world are the Crystal Caves of Naica, in Mexico, which were discovered in 2000. The immense crystals are believed to have grown for about 500,000 years due to the chamber's unique conditions.

Source: National Geographic



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How To Send A Screenshot-Proof, Self-Destructing Message To Someone

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apple 1984 big brother

Confide is a new iPhone app that launched this week that lets you send private messages to your contacts that can't be read by anyone else. 

Some are calling it "Snapchat for business," meaning it's a way to send messages to your contacts without having to worry about the information getting leaked out. But unlike Snapchat, Confide won't let the people you send messages to take a screenshot.

You can download it for free here and check out the gallery below to see how it works.

Welcome to Confide. If this is your first time using the app, you'll need to sign up for a new account. Tap the gray button.



Enter your first name, last name, email address, and a password you'd like to use.



Confide will send you a confirmation email. You'll have to verify your email address before you can use the app. Check your inbox!



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