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6 easy ways to make a killer first impression in your next job interview

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Matt Mickiewicz

Impressing the hiring manager should be your top priority in every job interview.

"While other people within the organization — the HR or recruiting team, departmental team members, the CEO or another executive — will have input, the hiring manager generally has the last word on the decision to hire you," says Matt Mickiewicz, cofounder of Hired, a site for finding high-paying tech jobs.

"And because you will be working closely with this person, it's important to demonstrate to them over the course of an interview not only that you can do the job, but also that you will be a good coworker and will fit in with the cultural fabric of the company." 

Luckily, there are some very easy ways to stand out from the crowd.

"Rather than trying to get overly creative in an interview, focus on mastering the basics," says Mickiewicz. "Few people do this really well, and you'll stand out if you are able to do these things well."

SEE ALSO: 31 smart answers to really tough interview questions

Do your homework.

Aside from researching the company's history, its CEO and other top executive, take time to read recent press the company has gotten, research any earnings reports or financial statements, check out their blog to see what partnerships and projects they're involved in, "and then reference these during the interview," suggests Mickiewicz.

But don't go overboard. "Referencing details from someone's personal life or veering too far into topics that are outside the scope of the job can come off as creepy and even invasive."

 



Be enthusiastic.

"Having the skill set for a given position is really only half the battle," he explains. "The interviewer wants to know that you share their passion for the business and that you genuinely want to work there. Try to find specific anecdotes or examples that demonstrate your excitement for what the company does — a time when you used their product or service, a friend who has worked there and spoke highly of the company, or a talk the CEO gave that resonated with you."



Keep a positive attitude.

Avoid negativity at all costs, he says. "Even if you hated your last boss or company, try to put a positive spin on things."



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8 TV shows you're not watching that you should be

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shows to revisit

The television landscape is wide and dense, especially these days. That's why a show needs to make its case in the first few episodes or it's off the DVR list. That's the hard truth.

But once in a while, a drama does pick up the pace or a comedy's cast finds its chemistry and the show becomes great. And, sometimes, a network exceeds expectations and delivers a great show.

It's like that awkward kid in high school who came back from college really attractive and put together. You would give that person another look.

So we suggest that these shows deserve the same.

Here are eight shows that got it together and deserve a second chance.

SEE ALSO: Why networks really renew TV shows so early

DON'T MISS: 10 ways 'Supergirl' is just like 'Superman'

"The Leftovers" (HBO)

Was the pace of "The Leftovers" too slow for you during Season 1? Was it too dark and depressing? This season starts off in a less melancholy fashion and expands the world beyond those who lost loved ones in the "Sudden Departure."

But the mystery isn't solved, nor is it over — it's getting more thrilling.



"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (ABC)

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." coasted on its connection to the comics and movies. But it wasn't long before we figured out that nothing was happening and its idea of a crossover is when an item from "Captain America" falls into an episode.

Fast-forward a couple of seasons and the world is way less dependent on its Marvel brethren. The characters have their own storylines, and it's nice to see them getting on with their lives.



"Grandfathered" (Fox)

While the critics were falling for the Rob Lowe comedy "Grinder," there always seemed to be more appeal in John Stamos' "Grandfathered." If you gave up after the pilot, come back. You'll find the chemistry has improved a lot and the show has genuine heart.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

I went shopping for Crocs for the first time in a decade — and I found a lot more than the signature shoe

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Crocs

When I was in third grade, Crocs were the hottest trend.

I begged my mom for a pair, and come Christmas I had my own baby blue Crocs.

At that age, I didn't care about the comfort factor the shoes supposedly provided — it was all about the style.

I wore them with skirts, dresses, and jeans. It didn't matter to me because I thought I was cool. 

I cringe thinking about that phase of my life. 

While it's definitely innovative with its shoe collection, Crocs isn't exactly the most attractive brand. 

Crocs is slumping in sales and the shoe company is strategically looking to ways to boost revenue. Crocs just announced a new CFO, former PetSmart executive Carrie Teffner.

I visited a Crocs store in Manhattan — a place I never thought I would go again — to see if the store evolved over the past 13 years. 

 

SEE ALSO: I visited a Skechers store to investigate how it became one of America's most popular shoe brands

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As I approached the store, I got excited to see what was inside.



When I entered the store, I had to shield my eyes from the brightness of the colors and lights surrounding me. That might be dramatic, but I was definitely caught off guard.



Immediately, two employees zoomed up to greet me. It was clear they haven't seen customers in a while. I looked around the store and noticed that I was the only shopper. As I browsed the shoe collections, Crocs seemed to look the same as I remembered: clog-shaped, lightweight, and bulky.



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Meet the villain's $1 million Jaguar from James Bond's 'Spectre'

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Jaguar C-X75

In "Spectre," James Bond's 24th adventure, the car driven by the villain is getting as much attention as, if not more than, 007's iconic Aston Martin (a DB10, this time around). In the film, a villainous henchman, called "Mr. Hinx," driving an orange Jaguar C-X75, engages in a high-speed chase with Bond's bespoke Aston through the streets of Rome.

Although Bond's Q-prepared Aston Martin is an absolute work of art, one can't help but be impressed by the sexy, or possibly terrifying, Jaguar.

"The C-X75 programme represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's engineering and design expertise," Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark said in a statement. "It is arguably the world's fastest test-bed for the world's most advanced technologies, combining as it does a remarkable hybrid powertrain with awe-inspiring performance."

For most people, the Jaguar C-X75 is a stunning movie prop. But the reality is that the car has lived a short, but eventful, life filled with stunning achievement and untapped potential.

Here's a closer look at the sleek super car.

"Spectre" is playing in US theaters now. 

SEE ALSO: Check out James Bond's greatest cars

Last year, Jaguar rolled out its "Good to be Bad" advertising campaign with a glorious Super Bowl Commercial.



But with the latest Bond flick, Jag has taken it to another level.



Not only is Jaguar providing the main villain car — its Land Rover sister brand will provide a Defender and Range Rover Sport SVR for evil transportation, as well.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 19 coolest new businesses in San Francisco

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Graphics_Coolest businesses in SF

San Francisco has long been the hub for huge Silicon Valley tech companies — but it's also home to some seriously cool local businesses.

From a 2.5-ton mobile pizza oven and a beef-jerky bar to the city's first indoor golf course, we're highlighting some of the newest and coolest businesses in San Francisco.

Scroll through to check them out.

SEE ALSO: The 5 most unusual tasting menus in San Francisco

NOW CHECK OUT: The 16 coolest new businesses in Portland

Ampersand

80 Albion St., ​The Mission

What it is: A mood-boosting flower shop and studio.

Why it's cool: Step through the shop's unmistakable bright-turquoise doors and into a design studio and flower shop that feels like a fresh and fun gathering space. Ampersand sells California-grown flowers by the stem and designs for weddings, and it puts together custom arrangements and wreaths too.

Ampersand's customers praise the shop's owners, Benjamin and Emerson, for their expertise, originality, and charm.



Del Popolo

Around SF and (coming soon to) 855 Bush St., Dogpatch

What it is: A 2.5-ton pizza oven on wheels.

Why it's cool: Chef Jon Darsky has been serving Neapolitan-style pizza from a 5,000-pound wood-fired oven housed in a 20-foot shipping container since 2012, earning a mass of Bay Area loyalists. Del Popolo — Italian for "of the people"— is so popular the team behind the pies is planning to open its first brick-and-mortar location by the end of the year.

While the forthcoming restaurant will feature the food truck's signature thin-crust, natural- yeast pizza, it's adding to the menu Italian appetizers and salads and more beer and wine.



Eatsa

121 Spear St., SoMa

What it is: A restaurant where robots serve quinoa bowls.

Why it's cool: This vegetarian restaurant specializes in $7 quinoa bowls that use fresh ingredients. Quinoa is a superfood that requires far less energy to produce than any animal-based proteins, according to Eatsa's website, making it good for both people and the planet.

Eatsa uses technology to automate its two-step process: Customers place their order on an iPad, then they wait for their name to appear on an LCD-screened cubby when the order's up. Of course there's kitchen staff creating each meal behind the scenes, but the illusion of being served by a robot is what makes this fast-casual restaurant one of a kind.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

23 examples of Aaron Rodgers' amazing competitiveness

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Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers isn't the most outspoken quarterback in the NFL, but he might just be the most competitive. 

The reigning MVP and four-time Pro Bowler has called himself "obsessively competitive," claims to remember every interception he's ever thrown, will sometimes go days without talking to his teammates because of locker-room card-game disputes, and last year dropped an f-bomb on "Celebrity Jeopardy!" after missing a question. (He went on to win, of course.)

This sort of competitiveness is what helped an undersized high schooler with no Division 1 scholarship offers go from playing junior-college football to winning two regular season MVPs and a Super Bowl MVP. It's what makes the Packers a Super Bowl contender year in and year out, and what makes Rodgers arguably the best quarterback on the planet.

Here are 23 anecdotes to illustrate just how competitive the Green Bay quarterback really is.

Rodgers claims to remember every single interception and touchdown he's ever thrown — even from as far back as eighth grade. He also remembers specific high-school plays, down to the defensive formation.

Source: MMQB



When he was 9, Rodgers' family moved from Oregon to California. To be accepted to his new school, Rodgers needed to do an interview, and when asked what he would contribute to school, he said football. When he was 15, he would show up every morning in his coach's office before class to pick his brain about offensive and defensive schemes.

Source: E:60



As a senior in high school, he decided to play baseball after getting no Division 1 football offers. Once, he threw at a pitcher's head after the pitcher threw a 94-mile fastball at him while he was at bat. The two were separated moments before the benches cleared.

Source: JS Online



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The fast-rising career of 26-year-old Brie Larson, 'Room' star and Hollywood's new 'it girl'

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brie larson dimitrios kambouris getty

Brie Larson has been working in the industry since she was in diapers, but the star of the Oscar-buzzworthy drama "Room" (out in wide release Friday) is just now starting to become a known name among moviegoers.

With her incredible acting talent and cheerful personality, she is on the fast track to the kind of stardom that graced Jennifer Lawrence and friend Shailene Woodley before her.

Get to know more about this rising actress here.

SEE ALSO: 8 TV shows you're not watching that you should be

Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers was born in Sacramento, California, in 1989 and has a younger sister.

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She moved with her mother to Los Angeles during her childhood after her parents separated.

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Brie began acting and changed her last name to "Larson" as her surname was too difficult to pronounce.

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NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where all 32 teams stand going into Week 9

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Tom Brady

We're at about the halfway point of the NFL season, and already it appears that all but two divisions are wrapped up.

Don't believe us? Let's take a closer look. In the AFC, the undefeated New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos are cruising to division titles. Nobody is going to catch them.

In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers are also well on their way to winning their divisions. The 6-2 Arizona Cardinals have a solid lead on the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

The only close divisions at the moment also happen to feature the worst teams. In the AFC South, a 3-5 record is good enough for a share of the division lead, and in the NFC East, the 4-4 New York Giants are atop the standings.

Luckily, there's plenty to keep tuning in for each week, even if the divisional races aren't that interesting. For the first time in NFL history, four teams remain undefeated through eight weeks. Can anybody beat New England? Will Seattle rally for a playoff spot, or will the upstart Rams and Minnesota Vikings take it from them?

A lot can change in half a football season. Here are your weekly power rankings, heading into Week 9:

1. New England Patriots

Record: 7-0

Week 9 opponent: vs. Washington Redskins

Week 8 MVP: Tom Brady, who is ageless and the clear favorite for MVP at this point in the season. Against the Dolphins he had a decent day: 356 yards passing and four TDs.

One thing to know: This team just doesn't turn the ball over. Through their first seven games, New England has turned the ball over just three times, the fewest in the league.



2. Denver Broncos

Record: 7-0

Week 9 opponent: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 8 MVP: Can we just give it to this defense every week? Limiting Aaron Rodgers to 77 yards and no TDs is MVP-worthy, all right.

One thing to know: The Broncos traded for veteran TE Vernon Davis Monday. Will Manning revitalize Davis? Will Davis revitalize Manning? Neither? Both?



3. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 7-0

Week 9 opponent: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 8 MVP: AJ Green, who went off for 118 yards and a game-winning TD late in the fourth quarter.

One thing to know: The Bengals could improve to 9-0 as their next two games come at home against the Browns and Texans.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 12 most controversial facts in mathematics

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Controversial Math slideshow

Mathematics has little surprises that are designed to test and push your mental limits.

The following 12 simple math problems prove outstandingly controversial among students of math, but are nonetheless facts.

They're paradoxes and idiosyncrasies of probability.  And they're guaranteed to start an argument or two. 

If you're looking for a mathematical way to impress your friends and beguile your enemies, here's a good place to start.







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10 mind-blowing 'Star Wars' fan theories about what'll happen in 'The Force Awakens'

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the force awakens disney

There are less than two months until the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and still little is known about the characters' origins or any major plot points (thanks no doubt to Disney's anti-spoiler strategy).

With every new set photo or teaser, rumors begin to circulate around the internet, some with a basis of truth and others merely speculation. But nothing will stop fans of the series from spreading their ideas and trying to guess the film's secrets.

The seventh installment in the "Star Wars" franchise takes place 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi" and features original cast members reprising their roles, including Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, as well as new characters portrayed by Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver.   

None of these theories will be confirmed until the film's December 18 release, but here are 10 fan predictions making their way around the web:

(Warning: potential spoilers in case any of these turn out to be true.)

SEE ALSO: This scene from 'The Empire Strikes Back' led to a huge mystery that 'Star Wars' fans haven't been able to solve for 35 years

Rey is the daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leia

Proponents of this theory reference the Extended Universe book series in which Han and Leia get married and have twins, a boy and a girl. Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, it was decided that the film sequels would be original stories, but this still hasn't deterred fans from speculating on this rumor.

Director J.J. Abrams also told Entertainment Weekly that the exclusion of last names for both Finn (John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) was intentional, which further fuels the fan fire. 

During the Star Wars Celebration in April, Ridley revealed that her character is a scavenger currently living on a desert planet named Jakku, but that was about all she could say.

 



Kylo Ren and Rey are siblings

Following stories established in the Extended Universe, some fans believe that if Rey is Han and Leia's daughter, then Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is her brother, possibly her twin. In the same series, the son does turn to the dark side, while the daughter stays on the light side of the Force.

Abrams also revealed that Kylo Ren isn't the villain's real name. Since we don't know anything about his lineage, there are a number of possibilities.



Darth Vader returns

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Abrams revealed that Kylo Ren is obsessed with Darth Vader, even basing his mask design on that of Vader. "[Ren] is well aware of what’s come before," the director said, "and that’s very much a part of the story of the film.”

This obsession has led some fans to speculate that Kylo Ren is working on a way to bring Darth Vader back, possibly through cloning.  Clones are a familiar part of the "Star Wars" universe, so it's a plausible idea, but chances are he's more just inspired by the villain since he does say, "I will finish what you started," in the full trailer.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

41 pictures that show why a US aircraft carrier is such a dominant force

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USS George Washington us navy chilean air force fly by aircraft carrier

Aircraft carriers are the heart of the US Navy. The deck of a carrier is literally a few acres of American territory floating around the world, projecting massive air and seagoing military might.

Carriers are expensive, with new Ford-class ships running about $13 billion, but they last about 50 years.

Business Insider visited the USS Eisenhower during a massive mine clearing effort in the Persian Gulf a few years ago.

The Ike, which is currently undergoing repairs, is the second-oldest US carrier still in service. But as you'll see, her age takes nothing from her powerful presence near foreign soil.

This post is originally by Robert Johnson and Jeremy Bender.

The USS Eisenhower was first deployed in 1975 and is not slated for replacement until around 2025.



The US Navy currently has 10 commissioned carriers, some of which can carry upwards of 90 aircraft. Thousands of men and women serve on aircraft carriers, with 5,000 pilots, sailors, and Marines serving on the Ike at any one time.



We took this picture from "Vultures Row," overlooking the flight deck as it sends F/A-18s on patrol over the Persian Gulf.



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44 iconic images of Barack Obama's tenure as president

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obama car

On November 4, 2008, more than 69.4 million Americans voted for then-Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) to become the 44th president of the United States — and the first African-American to hold the position.

Obama, then 47, earned 365 electoral votes and nearly 53% of the popular vote in a wider-than-expected margin of victory. His Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), captured 173 electoral votes and a little more than 45% of the popular vote.

In honor of the seventh anniversary of Obama's ascension to office, here are 44 images of his time as America's commander in chief. 

SEE ALSO: POWER RANKINGS: Here's who has the best chance at being our next president

White House photographer Pete Souza took this photo of President-elect Barack Obama moments before Obama took the oath of office.



President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama shared a moment at the Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2009.



The next day, Obama entered the Oval Office to begin his first full day as America's 44th president.



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11 facts about Houston that make it the best city in America to build wealth

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texans toro

If you want to build a fortune, you may want to consider Houston, Texas — Bankrate recently ranked it as the best big US city for accumulating wealth.

With its thriving economy and abundance of Fortune 500 companies, it's no surprise Houston secured the top spot.

We rounded up 11 facts about the Bayou City that show why it's an ideal place to strike it rich:

SEE ALSO: Here's the salary you need to be in the top 50% of earners in 19 major US cities

It's got the jobs. Houston is the No. 1 city for job creation in the US. By a lot.

Since 2003, about 650,000 jobs have been created in Houston, Reuters reports.



Between 2009 and 2013, its real GDP increased by 22%, more than twice as fast as the American economy as a whole.

Much of Houston's booming economy can be attributed to its lucrative oil and gas industry. Oil brings jobs, from refineries and drillers, to office jobs at ConocoPhillips and Halliburton, both of which have their headquarters in Houston.

Source: The Economist

 



Houston is home to more Fortune 500 company headquarters than anywhere in America except for New York and Chicago.

In all, Houston has 26 companies on the list — including six in the top 100 — while New York has 68, and Chicago has 32.



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What it's like to stay at the best hotel in Ireland

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Ashford Castle George V dining room

Ashford Castle, which sits on 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, is a five-star hotel that treats its guests to sheer opulence. 

Dating back to 1228, the castle has luxurious rooms with plush beds and almost every activity guests can imagine, from cycling to lessons at Ireland's oldest falconry school.

The hotel ranked 4th on our list of the best hotels in Europe and was our top-ranked hotel in Ireland, in addition to being 3rd on Travel + Leisure's ranking of the world's best hotels. 

Luckily, this upcoming season is one of the best times to visit, as it's less crowded and guests can enjoy stunning foliage in the castle's gardens.

Keep reading to see why Ashford Castle is the perfect place for guests looking to feel like royalty. 

SEE ALSO: 37 photos from my stay at the Tanzanian hotel that was just voted the world's best

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres of the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland.



Dating back to 1228, it recently underwent a two-year, $75 million renovation to create the elegant design it boasts today. As guests enter, they are greeted by a warm and rich lobby with red draperies.

Source: Travel + Leisure



Guests can relax on the plush velvet couches or enjoy a game of chess in the lobby.



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12 tiny transformations that will improve your life

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I can’t say it happened overnight.

I’ve been on a journey to achieve greater mindfulness and calmness for some time now, especially because it’s not something most of us can switch on or off and suddenly stop being a part of the “next!” generation, whose answer to most things is to just keep scrolling, clicking, and updating to discover what’s better — and driving ourselves insane in the process.

With this prevailing mentality rushing us onto the next thing, I found it was a huge challenge to suddenly start paying attention to a simple but daunting exercise: keeping my body and mind in the same place at the same time.

Have you also realized that we often spend all day thinking about what we’ll do when we get home and then when we get home we spend all evening thinking about the next day?

The scary thing is, if we spend our lives this way, we never truly live. If we keep projecting ourselves into future scenarios that will never transpire the way we envision, we lose out on the only real opportunity to get closer to the life we dream about: the right now.

Once we understand that in each moment we’re being given the opportunity to actively create the life we want, minute by minute, day by day, then and only then can we begin to live.

This is where I’m at — the beginning of this understanding — and these are the 12 simple and transformative practices that have made the greatest difference in achieving a newfound personal happiness and sense of peace. They’ve helped me turn down the noise, feel more centered, and reignite my capacity for kindness and empathy.

SEE ALSO: How the most successful people manage their time

Leaving early for things

I really don’t like when other people are late, and I really don’t like myself when I run late. The easiest remedy for this is to take control of the single aspect of our ever-more-flaky society that I’m actually able to control: my own behavior.

Leaving with plenty of time to arrive at my destination puts me at ease, knowing I’m doing the right thing by not making someone else wait on me, and I also have time to enjoy the journey there.

I’ll walk a new route, stop in a shop, and resist the urge to run if I hear the subway coming. Life can move so much slower if you allow time for it to do so.



Non-resistance in crowds and traffic

Just let the other guy go first. Instead of pushing your way onto the train first, step aside and let others disembark. Instead of trying to merge aggressively ahead of traffic, let a couple cars pass first.

Life is only a combat zone if you contribute to it, so reduce your stress, think of these as acts of kindness, and let the busy-bodies get out of your way.

Try it for a day and see if you feel a weight lifted off your shoulders when you stop putting up a fight in these relatively unimportant situations.



Incorporating acts of kindness into your diet

Along with taking deep breaths and letting the lady on your right merge during rush hour, make an overall effort to be more kind. Kindness to others contributes to a sense of accountability to one another, which in turn helps manifest and maintain calmness.

I started with smiling at the person next to me on the subway when I sat down or holding doors for others without expecting a thank you. Then I moved on from strangers to loved ones: picking up the dinner tab, surprising mom with a little something — you get the idea.

A lot of people emphasize doing random acts of kindness for strangers, but it’s equally as — or even more — important for the people you care about most.



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5 books actress and attachment parenting advocate Mayim Bialik reads to her kids

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Mayim Bialik, Bill Prady, Big Bang Theory, Comic-Con

"Big Bang Theory" star, neuroscientist, and author of "Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way" Mayim Bialik restricts her kids' access to technology and TV — and instead encourages her kids to play outside in the yard, build with LEGOs, and read.

So what does the mother of two think are the best books to read with your kids? 

As part of its Storybook Project, NPR asked a number of authors, actors, politicians, philanthropists, scientists, and musicians to reveal their all-time favorite books they've read to their kids. It's a great resource for parents hoping to prime their kids for success, as well as adults who want to revisit the lessons of their childhood.

Bialik's favorites offer touching lessons on being different. 

For more favorite books, head to NPR's ongoing Storybook Project.

SEE ALSO: 15 books successful people read to their kids

Esphyr Slobodkina's "Caps For Sale"

This was one of Bialik's favorite books as a child, she tells NPR, since it was from her parents' generation. In fact, Bialik collects all the books from the 1930s and 40s that her parents read to her as a child.

Her favorite part? "'Caps for Sale' has so much possibility for comedy as you imitate the monkeys, and it is beautiful to follow along with the rhythm of the colors and the tale of a simple peddler in the old country," Bialik says.

Find it here >>



Norma Simon's "Why Am I Different?"

"With so many of this generation's kids 'different' somehow — diet, religious distinctions, 'different' social development, developmental and social delays — this book is a wonderful conversation starter about what makes us all different and how we are the same," Bialik tells NPR. "It highlights the importance of seeing differences as normal, and makes any 'different' child feel not less different, but less of an outsider."

Find it here >>



Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" series

"These stories are perfect for new readers, but usually my boys like to listen," Bialik tells NPR. "The morals are simple and elegant, and very gently introduced."

She says the stories of two friends with two distinct personalities are great for kids of all ages, and explore things like fear and learning new skills.

Find it here >>



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Here's why the allies used the 'extreme opposite' of camouflage in WWI and WWII

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Norman Wilkinson dazzle ship artist painting maritme

In 1917, while Britain's Royal Navy was plagued by Germany's formidable U-boat offensive, visual artist Norman Wilkinson realized that traditional camouflages wouldn't help British ships avoid the onslaught. So he proposed the "extreme opposite."

Wilkinson, a volunteer in the Royal Navy at the time, had the idea for "dazzle ships," or ships painted with high-contrast patterns intended to disorient U-boats.

He wrote the admiralty of the Royal Navy, and soon found himself in Devonport, painting scale models.

Impressed with his ideas, and desperate to save lives as the war in the Atlantic raged, the Royal Navy adopted this novel paint scheme.

Camouflage is meant to make an object blend in with its surroundings. In contrast, the dazzle pattern used stark lines and hard contrasts to make it difficult to judge the speed and orientation of the ship.

Dark and curved lines towards the bow and stern gave way to bright patches, which make it difficult to estimate the exact dimensions of the ship, it's speed and direction of travel, and its type. U-boats hunted enemy ships by periscope in those days, so a dazzle pattern could effectively skew the enemy's targeting.

During World War I, no scientific inquiry could be conducted into the effectiveness of the dazzle ships. But a study from the School of Experimental Psychology found that dazzle paint on moving Land Rovers made rocket-propelled grenades 7% less effective, according to the BBC.

“In a typical situation involving an attack on a Land Rover, the reduction in perceived speed would be sufficient to make the grenade miss by about a meter," Nick Scott-Samuel, the researcher who led the study, told the BBC. "This could be the difference between survival or otherwise.”

SEE ALSO: Meet the world's deadliest female sniper who terrorized Hitler's Nazi army

Here's how the dazzle pattern was designed to fool enemy submarines:



Here is the dazzle paint on the HMS Badsworth.



The HMS Furious. World War I ended in November 1918, and all of these pictures were taken between 1917 and 1919.



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A 23-year-old's guide to the best Snapchat tips and tricks

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evan spiegel

We've already shown you how to use Snapchat, an app that looks simple enough to use, but is riddled with subtly designed features you could easily miss.

Last year, Snapchat was ranked the third most popular social app among millennials, trailing only Facebook and Instagram.

And the app has more nuanced features than ever.  Now we're going to show you some Snapchat hacks, so you can make the most out of Snapchat's not-so-obvious features without resorting to downloading third-party apps.

SEE ALSO: A 22-year-old made the ultimate guide on how to use Snapchat

You can see your Snapchat score, the total number of snaps you've received and sent, on your profile...

 

 



Other people can add you by pointing their phone at the ghost on your profile and tapping their screen. It's basically a little QR code. If you want your friends to easily find you on Snapchat, you should share a screenshot of your Snapchat profile to Twitter or Facebook!



Tap on the trophy icon at the top of your profile...



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All 24 James Bond theme songs, ranked from worst to best

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adele oscars 2013

The songs played over the opening credits of James Bond movies over the last five-plus decades have been done by some of the most recognizable musicians on the planet.

In some cases, these tracks have been so popular that they extend past the movie and end up as chart-topping hits that win Grammys and Oscars.

But they can't all be hits. And like the more forgettable Bond flicks, there are title songs from the movies that you never want to listen to again.

Here we've ranked all the theme songs from the Bond canon from worst to best. (Sorry, Sam Smith.)

SEE ALSO: 10 facts about James Bond's favorite co-star, booze

24. "Spectre" - Sam Smith ("Writing's On The Wall")

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23. "Tomorrow Never Dies" - Sheryl Crow

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22. "Thunderball" - Tom Jones

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3 types of employees you should fire immediately

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tshirt

As a business owner, your time is limited; you hired a team of capable professionals because there's no way you can do it all.

Even if your organization runs like a well-oiled machine, there's usually at least one team member who causes you more stress than the others.

You may not even realize it, but these "time-suckers" hurt your business by drawing your attention away from the tasks you need to do each day.

While many types of productivity-zappers exist in an office environment, none are as disruptive as those who directly affect strategic decision-makers.

These three types of people should be removed from your staff as soon as possible.

SEE ALSO: The 17 Fastest Ways To Get Ahead In Your Career

1. The Drama Queen

If your office doesn't have a drama queen, consider yourself lucky. Found in almost every group of people, these individuals live life as though it's a reality show. They enjoy stirring things up, then sitting back to watch the fireworks.

You'll likely find yourself frequently breaking up arguments between employees, only to find the resident drama queen at the heart of it. Whether it's exposing what someone said about someone else or accusing someone of neglecting his work, these individuals will constantly require your attention as referee.

Unfortunately, drama queens do more than simply waste worker productivity. Their behind-the-scenes conversations are often negative in tone, and the attitude can be contagious.

This is especially true if the drama queen directs attention to the company's leadership, causing a general distaste for management that leads to greater problems within the organization.

Managing drama queens can be a delicate situation, because much of what they do is social. Some businesses have implemented no-gossip policies, but these policies are usually impossible to legally enforce.

They can also lead employees to feel that their personal conversations are being monitored and judged. Instead, employers should document the behaviors that have led to incidents in the office and address them directly with the individual.



2. The Victim

One of the toughest challenges of managing people is knowing how to handle the ones who like to play the victim. These people avoid accountability for their own actions, preferring to blame others for bad situations.

They'll always have an excuse, and their constant complaints aren't missed by their coworkers, who can even begin to develop their own victim mentality as a result of seeing others do it.

Even stickier is the employee who seems to always have some ailment. While every employer wants his staff to be as healthy as possible, there are occasionally people who take advantage of the employer's generosity by claiming an array of medical conditions that, over time, turn out to be unfounded.

Too often, the employer is left not knowing for certain if the person is truly ill or is simply trying to take advantage of the system.

The overriding issue in the workplace is how the person's actions are affecting the business as a whole. One person's chronic absences and refusal to participate will eventually be noticed by other employees, who are likely to feel resentful about having to cover.

To avoid issues, have a set policy in place regarding absenteeism, making it clear that after a certain number of days within a cycle, a doctor's notice will be required. When an assignment affects a vast majority of the staff, make it clear that everyone is required to participate.

Keep careful documentation of each incident and, if issues persist, have a talk with the employee about his or her issues. Make it clear that if the person continues to miss work or decline to participate in work assignments, action will be taken that may include termination.

It's important to review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), because you'll be required to provide accommodations if the condition falls into an area that would be classified as a "major impairment."



3. The Nonconformist

These rebels without a cause are determined to break the rules, from the simplest to the most complex. If you have a dress code that prohibits T-shirts with slogans, this person will wear one every Friday.

If you have a set procedure for how tasks should be completed, they'll go off script every time. While some businesses are less restrictive than others, every business usually finds it must enact some rules to avoid problems and remain productive. These employees seem to see "rules" as "control" and want to battle you each step of the way.

Instead of engaging in a power struggle with these renegades, determine if there are ways you can work with rebels rather than against them. Often a rebel is nothing more than an independent thinker who wants to make a difference in the world, rather than just following along with what others tell them. If you can put these qualities to work for your organization, you may find you have an employee who can help your organization grow.

Sometimes, however, the rebel mentality comes from someone who takes it a step further and tries to take over. This person tends to come across as a know-it-all, refusing to listen to instruction and instead choosing to do things his or her own way.

Worst of all, this type of person may have appoint him- or herself as a leader within the organization, ordering other employees around. If given enough time, this type of toxic behavior could drive some of your best employees away.

Whether an employee's independent attitude is a benefit to your organization or not, it can definitely take a toll on employee morale. As others see that someone is violating company policies, they may begin to wonder why they have to follow the rules when everyone else doesn't.

For that reason, you'll have to enforce your company policies in a uniform manner, whether it's corporate dress code, office hours and attendance, meeting project deadlines, or some other clearly outlined rule.



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