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Here are 19 Australian startups that had an amazing 2015

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Canva founders

Startups and entrepreneurs had a lot to be proud of in 2015.

Last year Atlassian, the software company behind Jira and HipChat products, made headlines as the biggest success story in Australia after its $8 billion float on the ASX in December. It was a long-awaited tech IPO with the Sydney-based collaboration software group, headed by duo Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, trading at $27 per share and beating its listing price by an incredible 30%.

But in between, Australia’s startup scene was littered with other companies kicking major goals.

We compiled a list of the startups that have had an incredible run in 2015, hitting huge milestones and making remarkable progress in their field.

Here’s a look at what they accomplished.

CliniCloud

CliniCloud is an Australian health technology startup founded by physicians Hon Weng Chong and Andrew Lin which make connected home medical kits to allow users to manage and monitor their health from home.

This year, the company raised $5 million after closing a seed round led by Chinese internet company Tencent.

The funding was used to accelerate the roll-out of the kits which include a wireless thermometer and digital stethoscope and are connected to an app -- bringing people in touch with a network of medical professionals.

On top of that, the startup managed to get US retail giant, Best Buy, on board who began stocking the connected medical kit in both the US and Canada.



Divvy Parking

Online parking platform, Divvy Parking, is a startup that's disrupting commercial parking by making use of under-utilised parking spaces in CBDs.

In 2015, the Sydney-based digital company closed a $2.5 million Series A funding round.

Founded by Nick Austin, the startup has been likened to the Airbnb for parking, giving commuters access to short and long term parking via their smartphones for up to 50% less than traditional parking options.

Last year, the business made a huge move from the peer-to-peer space to the commercial property sector and has continued to work with property groups such as DEXUS, GPT Group and Knight Frank, the courier industry and the government to help solve and manage congestion in the CBD.



Marketplacer

Technology marketplace platform Marketplacer had an incredibly successful run in 2015 after securing a $10 million Series A investment led by private investors David Paradice and Gerry Ryan.

The Aussie startup allows people to build large scale online marketplaces by providing consumers with access to content marketing services, web store platforms, SEO optimisation as well as CRM and KPI reports.

The company is currently valued at $70 million with offices in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Germany with plans to launch its 'plug and play' marketplace platform in the the UK later this year.

Founded by Jason Wyatt and Sam Salter, the startup also operates four global marketplaces: BikeExchange, TiniTrader, House of Home and Outdoria.



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Step inside the lavish New York City condo Donald Trump just sold for $14.05 million

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trump condoReal-estate developer and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently sold a New York City condo for $14.05 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The 27th-floor condominium, about 4,200 square feet in size, includes lavish amenities like a private elevator, large windows, marble baths, and unbelievable city views.

The unit is one of several Trump kept for himself when developing the building. It was originally listed for $16.8 million in December and was previously being rented.

SEE ALSO: Go inside the infamous Playboy Mansion, which just hit the market for $200 million

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

The 4,192-square-foot unit is in the 32-story tower of Trump Park Avenue, formerly the Delmonico Hotel, at Park Avenue and 59th Street.



According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump bought the building in 2001 at a price of $115 million and decided to convert it into condominiums.

Source: The Wall Street Journal



The penthouse residence has plenty of windows that create a light-filled space and showcase New York City's incredible views.



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We tried one of the most popular diet plans to see what the food is really like — and what we found was shocking

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Nutrisystem has been around for 35 years and claims to be an easy and affordable way to lose weight. The company provides prepared food and meal plans. Its diet plans are designed as portion controlled, pre-prepared meals.

The most basic meal package is $9.64 per day, or $269.99 for a 4-week package. With this plan, customers are given a variety of food selected by Nutrisystem with the potential of losing 10 pounds and 5-inches off the waist in one month. 

Nutrisystem provides a grocery guide with all the extra items allowed while on the diet plan, as well as a "My Daily 3", an activity agenda with suggested activities for exercise.

We tested out Nutrisystem's packaged meals to see what the food is really like. While our expectations were reasonable going in, we were shocked at how tiny the portions were.

Nutrisystem is a diet plan that provides customers with pre-packaged food by the day or by the week. It costs $9.64 per day, or $269.99 for a 4-week plan. We got one week's worth of food — 28 items — to see how it works.



Dietitians at Nutrisystem designed the program to contain small portions, balanced nutrition, and frequent meals. The program encourages customers to eat every 2-3 hours. We discovered that the portions are shockingly tiny.



We began by tasting a few of the breakfast items — all of which needed to be microwaved for preparation. Here are the items we tried:



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Here are some of the best values in tech right now

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

JBL Clip+, $39.99.We’re two weeks into the new year, which means many heartfelt resolutions are probably at their breaking point. If your list of vows includes “spend less,” however, you can still make good.

That’s especially the case if you’re thinking of pulling the trigger on an expensive new gadget. Before you potentially suffer through a bout of buyer’s remorse, know that there are tons of devices whose low price tags belie their overall quality.

We spend most of our days looking for these very values, but today we’re rounding up a few of our favorites. Simply being happy with what you’ve got will always be the most prudent way to save, but if you absolutely need something new, you might as well get the most bang for your buck. Here’s some affordable tech that will help you do that.

SEE ALSO: Here’s everything you should consider before buying a new laptop

READ THIS: These are the most popular products of 2015, according to Business Insider readers

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: These are today's best deals from around the web

Headphones

You may lose some style by passing on that pair of Beats, but some of the better cheap headphones aren’t as far off in sound quality as you might think.

With its bright, crisp signature and refined looks, the RHA S500 are our current favorites for less than $40. The Koss Fitclips are a lightweight, sweat-resistant alternative for fitness enthusiasts at $10, while the Panasonic RP-TCM125ssound remarkably balanced for about the same.

Going bigger, the full and spacious sound of the $15 Monoprice Hi-Fi Lightweight On-Ear Headphones rivals cans five times as expensive. Finally, the Koss SportaPro may be well over a decade old at this point, but the warmth and clarity it gives most tracks is timeless.

RHA S500, $39.95, available at Amazon.
Koss Fitclips (Lime), $12.05, available at Amazon.
Panasonic RP-TCM125 (Blue), $11.03, available at Amazon.
Monoprice Hi-Fi Lightweight On-Ear Headphones, $14.99, available at Monoprice.
Koss SportaPro, $22.13, available at Amazon.



Smartphones

No cheap smartphone will feel as nice or run as smooth as an iPhone 6s or Nexus 6P, but you can still get something perfectly stable for less than $250 unlocked.

Our favorite value at the moment is the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, which packs a big, vivid 1080p display and good battery life into a lightweight frame. The Moto Gis (marginally) behind in build and display quality, but it runs stock Android and is easier to use with one hand.

We’ll also make an early note for the Huawei Honor 5X: We haven’t tested it yet, so we can’t give it a recommendation, but the metal frame, fingerprint sensor, and spec sheet all look appealing for $200.If nothing else, it’s one to keep an eye on.

Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, $249.99, available at Amazon.
Motorola Moto G, $219.99, available at Amazon.
Huawei Honor 5X, $199.99 (pre-order), available at Amazon.



Phone cases

If you’ve already committed to a pricier phone, though, you can still save some cash with your next case.

The Incipio NGPisn’t as protective as that Otterbox you’ve scoped out, but it’s lighter, it fits tightly, and it’s still durable enough to withstand everyday bumps and drops. Plus it’s $8.

If it’s a wallet case you’re after, though, the Verus Damda Slideis capable of holding a couple of cards, and comes in a bunch of colors to boot.

Incipio NGP for iPhone 6/6s (Black), $7.89, available at Amazon.
Verus Damda Slide for iPhone 6/6s (Red), $12.99, available at Amazon.



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These 7 big Internet companies are ripe to be acquired, says Merrill Lynch

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Jack Dorsey

2016 will be a robust M&A market and there are several already public companies that might be ripe for picking, a new Merrill Lynch analyst note predicts.

The large cash balances of large cap internet companies combined with the suddenly attractive small-cap valuations of others may contribute to an uptick in public companies cannibalizing each other. 

Here are the seven companies that Merrill Lynch singled out in its analyst note as M&A targets for 2016.

 

SEE ALSO: These 20 VC-backed companies had the biggest exits of the last year

Groupon

Potential acquirers: Google

Reasoning:"Groupon was a target of Google before it went public in 2012, has had recent management changes, and according to press reports some companies may still be interested." Merrill Lynch writes. "However, newly appointed CEO, Rich Williams, was quoted as saying the company has not received any takeover offers."

Stock performance: In January 2014, Groupon traded for more than $11 a share. Two years later, the company is priced at $2.60, a 76 percent decline.



Yelp

Potential acquirers: Google, Yahoo, or Priceline

Reasoning:"Yelp could be a good fit for Google, Yahoo and even Priceline per press articles. Its large user audience and advertiser base has taken years to build, and could be an interesting asset for companies trying to build a bigger mobile or local presence," Merrill Lynch wrote.

Stock performance: At its high in March 2014, Yelp was trading for $98 a share. Since then, the company has lost nearly three quarters of its value and is listed for $22.15. 



GrubHub

Potential acquirers: Yelp or Amazon

Reasoning:"GrubHub could be a fit with local services providers such as Yelp to support their own restaurant delivery businesses. In 2014, Nasdaq reported that Amazon could interested in acquiring GrubHub as a way to accelerate its expansion into new markets. Amazon operates its own local restaurant delivery service in select markets and could look at GrubHub as a way to accelerate its expansion into new markets," Merrill Lynch wrote.

Stock performance: The drop-off for GrubHub didn't come until April 2015. Throughout 2014, GrubHub's stock rose from $34 to around $46 a share at its peak. Since April though, GrubHub has lost half its value and now trades around $21. 



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15 islands you don't need a passport to visit

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Stunning, shimmering sunsets across the water, the peaceful lullaby of waves crashing and the wind blowing, the feeling of truly being removed for your everyday life … yep, islands are pretty much the best.

While it’s wonderful to get that coveted passport stamp, there are plenty of islands to escape to that don’t require a passport.

Here are 15 of our favorites.

SEE ALSO: 5 amazing Caribbean islands you've probably never heard of

Mount Desert Island, Maine

Home to Acadia National Park and the historic, upscale town of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island is 108 square miles of rocky coastlines, evergreen forests and crystal-clear lakes, not to mention some of America’s oldest luxuries. See for yourself why this stunning, glacier-carved landscape inspired the likes of Rockefellers, Fords, Vanderbilts and Carnegies to contribute to its conservation.

How to get there: Mount Desert island is accessible by car via Bar Harbor Road. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Bangor International Airport (an hour away), or fly into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (15 minutes away).



Shelter Island, New York

Located off the eastern tip of Long Island, Shelter Island is pretty much the Hampton’s charming, less high-maintenance little sister. One third of the tiny island is owned by the Nature Conservancy to protect its natural marshlands, and it is full of nature and bird-watching trails. The rest of the island boasts some of the oldest buildings in America. Shelter Island Heights is officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its collection of rural residences that have remained essentially unchanged since 1872.

How to get there: Shelter Island is about a three- or four-hour drive from downtown New York via I-495 E. There are no bridges, so commuters must take the South Ferry to the island. Out-of-state visitors will find it easiest to fly into New York City and drive from there.



St. Simons Island, Georgia

Ranked as America’s No. 1 Favorite Beach Town in 2014, St. Simons Island offers “a triple threat of southern charm, serenity, and affordability” (Travel + Leisure). The 18-square-mile island amid the Atlantic is dotted with miles of pristine white-sand beaches, ancient oaks and lush green golf courses. A bike or trolley ride around the island delivers you to some of the area’s oldest plantations or to the iconic 1872 lighthouse.

How to get there: St. Simons Island is accessible by car via Torras Causeway. Out-of-state visitors can fly into Jacksonville International Airport or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (90 minutes away), or into the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (20 minutes away).

Be sure to stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, which is now offering $70 in exclusive extras for Travelzoo members.



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7 toxic money habits you should quit

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shopping

Bad money habits can be exceptionally hard to break, whether they’re ingrained from your upbringing or stem from a lack of knowledge about personal finance.

Even when you have the best intentions and a strong financial plan, those enduring rituals will continually derail your money success.

For instance, if you’re trying to get out of debt but constantly feel the need to splurge on expensive dinners out to keep up with your friends, it’s unlikely you’ll reach your goal.

Here are seven common ways people habitually mishandle money — and how to stop them.

SEE ALSO: I help multimillionaires manage their money, and here are the 10 best pieces of financial advice I can give you

Emotional spending

Using shopping to deal with life’s ups and downs is common, Gretchen Cliburn, CFP, director of financial planning at BKD Wealth Advisors, says. But emotional impulse spending doesn’t actually fix anything. In fact, it tends to make things worse, she says. That temporary high you get from buying will inevitably wear off, often leaving you with credit card debt or piles of unneeded stuff.

To avoid making impulsive, emotional purchases, set some ground rules for yourself. For instance, buy items only from a wish list that you’ve made at a time of relative calm, not when you’re trying to distract yourself from anxiety or sadness. Or make yourself wait 24 hours before giving in to an unplanned purchase.

It’s also a good idea to opt out of emails from your favorite stores to reduce temptation, and to buy things only when you can pay cash. If necessary, find someone to discuss your goals with and to hold you accountable, Cliburn says.



Lending money

While it’s admirable to extend a helping hand, lending money to friends and family members can hurt both your pocketbook and your relationship. It may be difficult for the person to pay you back, which could breed resentment and conflict. Over time you’ll be out the money and the friendship.

Beyond offering a loan, there are many ways to help a friend in need and preserve your relationship, Cliburn says. Look for ways to help your friend find solutions to her problems that don’t involve throwing money at them. For instance, you could offer to give her a ride until she gets her car repaired, or suggest ways to reduce her expenses by sharing your own frugal tips.

If you still want to offer money, consider it a gift. That way you won’t feel resentful when you notice your friend has been buying new clothes and shoes rather than paying you back. If you can’t afford to give the money as a gift, it’s best not to lend it all.



Always picking up the check

For some people, being able to pay for a friend’s dinner or a round of drinks is a source of pride. But if you’re going into debt (or putting off more important expenses) because you’re always taking care of the bill, you’ve gone too far.

People who pick up the tab on a regular basis find that their friends or family members begin to expect such treatment, which can strain the relationship, Mela Garber, tax principal at New York–based Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, says. Eventually, it’s hard to determine whether people are going to dinner with you because they like you or because they want a free meal. Want proof? “Just ask anyone who won the lottery how many of their old friends they still have after a year from winning,” she says.



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6 simple ways to take better photos on any camera

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Whether you shoot with a smartphone or a DSLR, photos are probably a huge part of your life.

But even as we all take more and more pictures, many of us assume our talents are limited. "Real" photographers use expensive equipment and have "good eyes" for pictures. The reality is that much of the difference between pros and everyone else can be broken down into a few simple guidelines.

Here are six steps you can take today to improve your photography.

SEE ALSO: Nokia's 'first product since the phone days' is a $60,000 virtual reality camera

Don't worry too much about the rule of thirds.

If you've learned anything about photography in your life, there's a good chance you've heard of "the rule of thirds". It goes like this: Divide your frame into a tic-tac toe board. Your subject should go on one of the points on that board where the lines cross. At some point photography books, classes, and websites decided this should be commandments one through 10 of the camera bible.

The truth is, the "rule of thirds" isn't a rule at all. It's just a tip to help photographers vary their compositions. Unless you're planning to go pro tomorrow, you can probably ignore it. I often do.

Some of my favorite photos violate the rule of thirds. I shot the image above at a birthday party. The subjects are right in the middle of the frame, but no bolt of lightning has arced out of the sky to stamp UGLY on their glee.

The photo works for two main reasons: the lighting and the moment it captures. Speaking of which...



Shoot moments, not people or things.

Say you're on vacation with your family. How do you take pictures?

Maybe you just point your camera at the scenery and click away. But you probably won't capture anything not available on the backs of postcards and in calendars.

Maybe you grab your relatives and line them up in front of some landmark and have them say "cheese." Do that enough times and you'll end up proving a deep truth about the universe: fake grins and cargo shorts look equally terrible in front of the Parthenon, a tiger in a zoo, and a group of locals who wish you'd leave them alone.

People take pictures because they want to hold on to something about the way that time in your life feels. But as soon as you make everyone stop and smile for the camera that authentic feeling evaporates.

Instead, try quietly taking pictures that show how the people around you are actually interacting with one another and their environment. Photographers call these shots "decisive moments." They are more than just candids. They're flashes of emotion, physical gestures and other active happenings.

A moment doesn't have to be as big and intense as the picture above.



This is a moment:



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Why the dogs of the Navy SEALs are a force to be reckoned with

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K9 Storm Dog

Animals have been used in warfare since humans first domesticated them. And dogs are no exception to the rule.

Since September 11, canines have taken on larger and more prominent roles throughout the US military, including within the Navy SEALs.

What's special about canine units used in the Navy SEALs is the particularity of their training.

All Navy SEAL dogs undergo an intensity of training that matches the difficulties of their human counterparts.

It's no wonder that these dogs have become vital components of SEAL team units.

SEE ALSO: These are the most incredible photos of the US Army in 2015

Special Operations Forces canines are overwhelmingly chosen from one breed, the Belgian Malinois. Only 1% of candidate dogs make the cut for training.



Training is arduous, and it requires dogs to overcome their instincts and develop complete faith in their handlers.



One of the first tests is training the dogs to be able to swim out past vision of the shore.



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9 over-the-top purchases you could make if you won the $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot

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Yes, we know the chances of winning are slim, and you probably wouldn't want to take the lump sum anyway.

But dreaming never hurt anyone. We've compiled a list of some of the most outrageously expensive things you could do and buy — with a clean conscience — if you were to take home the insane $1.5 billion Powerball lottery jackpot.

Even if you made these purchases, you'd still have a lot of cash left over.

SEE ALSO: Go inside the infamous Playboy mansion, which just hit the market for $200 million

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

You could start small, picking up the most expensive ride in the world: the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. Recently sold at auction for $38 million, the GTO would barely make a dent in a lottery winner's net worth.

Source: Business Insider



When you're ready to start spending, a private jet would be a good way to go. While normal top-of-the-line jets go for the $65 million range, as a lottery winner you might want to consider the $500 million Airbus A380.

Source: Forbes



For $1 billion of your winnings, you could try your hand in real estate by buying out Antilia, the most expensive home in the world. The 27-story tower, in Mumbai, India, is 400,000 square feet and has three helicopter pads and an underground parking garage. It's not on the market, though — it's currently owned by energy magnate Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man.

Source: Time



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The 5 most expensive ski resorts in the world

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When the year comes to an end and the snow starts to fall, the most awaited winter ritual apart from having hot chocolate is hitting the slopes for skiing!

People all over the world travel to snow-covered hills, but if you don’t want to ski with novices and dream of escaping to a winterland of luxury-  select one (and that will be the difficult part!) from our curated list of the 5 most expensive ski resorts in the world.

These ski resorts have established themselves over decades to cater to their guests’ every desire with world-class amenities and services. Let’s take a look at some of the most pricey peaks to ski down from:

SEE ALSO: The 13 most charming ski lodges around the world

Almhof Schneider Resort

Where: Lech, Austria.

How much:1,666 per night.

Almhof Schneider offers excellent fresh cuisines from the Austrian culture served at the resort’s restaurant, world-class spa facilities as well as one of the coziest and luxurious suites located at the center of the Arlberg Ski area. Almhof even has personal winter sports instructors ready to teach all you newbies the tricks of the trade! Do try their famous caviar, one of the most expensive but also the most delicious items on their menu.



Carlton Hotel

Where: St.Mortiz, Switzerland.

How much: $3,310 per night.

Carlton Hotel is over a 100 years old which means it is definitely doing everything right to attract guests despite their high-end prices. Carlton is heritage site for skiers offering the best skiing adventures and magnificent suites in Switzerland. The resort’s suites overlook the picturesque Upper Engadine and the St Moritz Lake, making it a perfect blend for adrenaline junkies and peace-seekers.



Suvretta House Resort

Where: St.Mortiz, Switzerland.

How much: $3,595 per night.

Suvretta House resort takes pride in having the most modern ski center featuring heated lockers, a ski shop equipped with the latest skiing gear and a skiing school for guests who are new to the sport and want to take their ride down the hill. A lot of people get caught up in the view from their rooms and the dining hall, often making them far too busy gazing outside to even enjoy skiing. Bring your tuxedo along to eat at the dinner at their winter ball!



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The most amazing cars we saw at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show

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The biggest auto show of them all is off to a running start in the Motor City.

The Detroit Auto Show — its official name is the North American International Auto Show, or NAIAS — is usually where the automakers roll out their best and brightest, their most exciting new vehicles and their coolest concept cars.

Of course, the Detroit Big Three — GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles — and all the other companies in attendance are also aiming to attract customers. That's why we saw SUVs and minivan reveals in Motown, to go along with the more exotic stuff.

The show runs through January 24. Here are all the cool cars we saw:

Acura's Precision Concept is actually a four-door! It has "suicide" rear doors that hinge in the opposite direction from the main doors. If Acura ever builds it, they need to retain this feature!



The Acura booth also featured their new NSX sports car.



Ferrari is absent in Detroit, but the new 488 GTB supercar isn't, thanks to Brembo, a company that makes high-performance brakes. Not my favorite Ferrari color, but it'll do.



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Most of the universe is missing — here are 5 ambitious experiments that might find the rest

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Everything that we see around us — planets, stars, nebulas, and so on — only makes up about 15% of the matter in the universe.

The other 85% of matter is missing. Scientists call this invisible stuff "dark matter" because we can't see it and, so far, no one has directly detected it.

We know dark matter exists only because all the matter that we actually can see can't explain the motion of stars and galaxies in the universe. Not even close.

It's become one of the biggest mysteries in physics. There are a lot of differing theories about what dark matter is made of, and how we might actually find it.

From deep underground caverns to laboratories in space, here are five of the coolest dark matter experiments that are attempting to solve this cosmic mystery.

No one knows what dark matter is or how to detect it. The race is on to find it.



One lab in South Dakota is hot on the trail. It's called the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment.

Source



LUX scientists are trying to detect dark matter by catching it bumping into visible matter.

Source



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Here's everything you need to know about the next 'Star Wars' movie, 'Rogue One'

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We're 11 months from the premiere of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," but that hasn't stopped fans from breathlessly sleuthing for details about the next movie in the franchise.

The title for the first film in the "Star Wars" anthology series was announced in March 2015, along with news that Felicity Jones was the first to be cast and the anticipated release date is December 16, 2016.

Since then, very little information has been released, but we've compiled what we do know for now — and a few popular rumors — to hold us over until the first trailer is finally released.

Here is everything we know so far about "Rogue One":

SEE ALSO: 8 important scenes from 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' that didn't make it into the movie

The film is the first in the "Star Wars Anthology," a series of standalone films, which will include movies dedicated to Han Solo and bounty hunter Boba Fett.



Gareth Edwards, known for the 2014 "Godzilla" reboot, will direct the film.



The script was written by Chris Weitz ("About a Boy"), based on an idea from visual-effects supervisor John Knoll. Gary Whitta ("After Earth") was originally hired to write the screenplay, but left the project after writing the first draft.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter



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A couple who ditched their 9-5 jobs years ago to travel the world explain how they afford it

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In February 2008, Nick Wharton and Dariece Swift returned home to Canada from an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico.

"We felt like we got a taste of the tropics, living the dream," Swift remembers. "We did a day trip and took these ATVs out and went through the jungle and the local villages. and it was so different from home that it kind of triggered something."

That something came to a head about a month later. "Nick had a brutal day at work and said, 'That's it,'" Swift recalls. When he asked where she'd go if she could travel for a year, she was quick to answer: Southeast Asia.

Only nine months later, they sold their house, car, and most of their possessions, set off for Southeast Asia, and have been figuring out how to support their adventures as they travel ever since.

Now 30-year-old Wharton and 31-year-old Swift detail their adventures on their website, Goats on the Road, and here, they explain how they make it work.

SEE ALSO: This 32-year-old quit his job to spend over 6 months walking from the Netherlands to New York City

Once they decided to leave Canada, Wharton and Swift spent the next nine months saving up about $30,000 to finance their year in Asia. Wharton, who was working as a printing press operator and on the Canadian oil rigs, and Swift, who was a real estate paralegal, were earning over $100,000 CAD a year, combined.

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 In Grenada.



They stayed in Southeast Asia for 13 months, traveling through 11 countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Loas, Malaysia, Borneo, and Indonesia. They then returned to Canada for a year, working 80-hour weeks to shore up their savings for another trip abroad.

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In Guatemala, enjoying views of Lake Atitlan and Toliman Volcano.



"Our mindset had changed," says Wharton. "We weren't making money, we were making travel experiences. I would work an hour and think, 'This hour is buying me a day in Thailand.'"

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 In Mexico.



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11 reasons why Mercedes's newest car is so good

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Mercedes-Benz e-class sedanMercedes revealed all of the details pertaining to its newest car, the Mercedes 2017 E-Class sedan, at the North American International Auto Show earlier this week. And the new car, which took two years and 1,200 engineers to create, did not disappoint. 

The Mercedes 2017 E-Class sedan is one of the automaker's most technologically advanced cars yet. From its high-tech displays inside the car to its self-driving capabilities, the mid-size sedan is chalk full of innovative details. 

Here's a look at some of the new car's coolest features. 

 

The new E-Class has a number of semi-autonomous features. For starters, its Drive Pilot feature enables it to drive itself at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour on the highway.



Even when the car cannot detect lane markings on the road, it can steer itself while driving up to 81 miles per hour. It can also change lanes automatically and alert the driver when they are straying from their own lane.

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Much like "Summon," Tesla's new Autopilot feature, the E-Class can also park — and come to you — when commanded via the smartphone app.

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3 amazing gadgets that are now way cheaper than when they launched

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these are the best headphones money can buy

Gadget lovers without deep pockets have it rough. The newest, most exciting gear can cost a week's salary. But old gear is...well, old.

Sometimes, though, a company builds a gadget so good that its sequel is basically the same device updated with very minor tweaks. Yet, when the newer model comes out, everyone forgets the original and its price plummets.

Here are three amazing gadgets you can pick up at a fraction of their true value:

1st Generation Parrot Zik Headphones

Parrot is a bit of a weird company. Mostly they make drones, but they also make headphones. And my first-generation Parrot Zik bluetooth headphones are still the best I've ever owned.

They still look better than any other brand. Their noise-canceling technology is good enough to block out the noise of a crowded subway. You can plug an audio cable in to use them without draining the battery. A seamless touch pad on the right ear lets you skip songs, pause, answer your phone, and adjust the volume without taking your phone from your pocket. And of course the audio quality is excellent.

With that feature set they debuted at a whopping $399 back in 2012. But after two generations of sequels, the price of a new pair has dropped off substantially. Amazon now offers the "yellow gold" model for $169 – less than half the price of a Parrot Zik 3.0.

You will miss out on some benefits in the more recent models – the 3.0 weighs a fraction of the original Zik's 2.4 lbs, has a longer-lasting battery with wireless charging, and reptile-skin leather if you're into that kind of thing.



The Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Microsoft's Surface Pro line raises some interesting questions. Should laptops be harder to hold in your lap? Should tablets have loud fans? But they've had an undeniable impact on the laplet world.

The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book solve some of the Pro 3's problems (of course this should be available as one machine; of course it should have a fanless option). But both generations offer Windows 10-running, Intel i5, 128 gigabyte models. The biggest difference between the two? A cool hundred bucks.

The Pro 3 sells for $899 and the Pro 4 for $999. If you're willing to skimp on processing power, there's a i3 Pro 3 available for less than the cost of a new iPhone.



The Nintendo Wii

Released in 2006, the Wii is a seriously old console, and never developed the wealth of games of the PlayStation 2 or Xbox. But it remains the best (and only) casual video game system that anyone can pick up and play. And people still love it; compare its sales to its confusing sequel, the Wii U.

Now its $42.99 on Amazon. That's cheaper than a Nintendo 64. That's cheaper than parking in midtown Manhattan. Buy it. Make a Wii Sports drinking game with your friends. Play tennis with grandma. Play Mario with your little cousin. It'll be the best forty bucks you ever spent.



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These are the 10 most marketable music artists in the world right now

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taylor swift nicki minaj vmas troll

Popstars have always been hot property for marketers. Bag an endorsement deal with a live music star, and you sign up for your brand being projected in front of millions of fans, who all hang on their idol's every word and sartorial choice.

Repucom, a sports and entertainment intelligence and advisory company, released a report on Thursday detailing the top 10 most marketable music artists in the world.

The popstars are ranked according to their "Davie Brown Index" (DBI) score out of 100, which assesses consumers' views of more than 8,000 personalities in 15 markets around the world.

For this report, Repucom interviewed Americans aged between 13 and 24-years-old and asked questions about their awareness of each artist, the artist's appeal, the degree to which they take notice of the celebrity when they appear in the media, whether the celebrity is a trendsetter, the influence they have on culture, the trust they have in their words and image, whether they think that celebrity is an effective brand spokesperson, and how aspirational the celebrity's life is.

Check out the top 10 music artists brands will be falling over themselves to work with in 2015.

10. Bruno Mars — DBI 81.6. The American singer/songwriter/producer is perhaps best known for his hit "Uptown Funk", a collaboration with Mark Ronson. He has scored five number one singles in the Billboard 100, faster than any other male singer since Elvis Presley, and is famous for his retro showmanship. But while he has incredible appeal, he's signed very few endorsement deals. Instead he's focused in making investments in businesses including an e-cigarette company and restaurants.



9. Nicki Minaj — DBI 81.8. The edgy "Anaconda" singer might seem like an unusual marketing choice but she has plenty of assets. The opinionated rapper is rarely out of the headlines and was nominated for a Grammy after her album “Super Bass” went platinum eight times over. Recent brand affiliations have included Pepsi and Beats.



8. Britney Spears — DBI 81.8. The "Hit Me Baby One More Time" singer has landed a string of endorsements in her long career including Skechers, Pepsi, Polaroid, and Volkswagen. This year she also launched a fragrance under her own name.



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Check out America's latest supercar — Henrik Fisker's VLF Force 1

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At the Detroit Auto Show, Henrik Fisker staged a dashing comeback by showcasing his latest supercar and also launching a new car company, VLF Automotive.

If all goes according to plan — and from what Fisker and one of his partners, auto industry legend Bob Lutz told me, the plan is being made up as they go along — VLF will sell both old Fisker Karmas outfitted with Corvette engines and a $200,000-plus supercar, the Force 1.

I checked out the Force 1 up close. Truth be told, it was my favorite car from this year's show. It's both insane and elegant — maybe a little like its creator.

The Force 1 is based on a Dodge Viper, an epic slice of American muscle with flamboyant supercar styling.



Here's Fisker's design study for the Force 1.



As you can see, those angular hood scoops translated nicely into the finished show car.



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Here are all the new Rey toys ‘Star Wars’ fans have been desperately looking for

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rey lightsaberWarning: There are some spoilers ahead for "The Force Awakens."

If you're among the "Star Wars" fans who are having a tough time finding a toy of Rey, the lead female character in the film, you're not alone. Plenty of people have been asking #WheresRey online since the film's December 18 debut.

But don't worry, that's about to change. 

Now that the film has been out for several weeks, Disney is rolling out a bunch of new "The Force Awakens" toys with more action figures of Rey front and center.

Disney announced Tuesday the toys were "kept under wraps to preserve surprises for fans."

The new Rey toys definitely would have been a big spoiler. After seeing the film, we know Rey has Force powers and ends up with a lightsaber. Most of the new Rey toys have her with a lightsaber. 

Hasbro shared all of its Rey action figures and themed toys with Tech Insider.

Take a look at them below.

This is the action figure you've been looking for.

 

 



Not only do you get Rey with her lightsaber, but also her staff.

This is a toy which leaked onto some store shelves— and quickly found its way online — in early December. 

The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 3.75-inch Rey figurine retails for $8.99.



If you're looking for a bigger Rey doll, there's a 12-inch figure available, too.

 The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" 12-inch Rey figurine retails for $7.99.



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