• Google rounded up 2019's top trending musicians and bands in its annual "Year in Search" list. 
• Rappers R. Kelly and 21 Savage were at the top of the list followed by "Bad Guy" singer Billie Eilish.
• Artists such as "Old Town Road" rapper Lil Nas X and "Truth Hurts" singer Lizzo were also included.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

R. Kelly, 21 Savage, and Billie Eilish all had very different years, but they all had one thing in common: They were among the top trending searches in 2019. 

On Wednesday, Google released its "Year in Search" list to reveal some of the top trending searches in topics including musicians, movies, and more. To be clear, these aren't the most-searched for subjects in music; Rather, they're the searches that saw a spike in Google traffic over a period of time in 2019.

To close out 2019, Insider laid out this year's top 10 trending musicians and bands on Google in descending order.

10. Singer Joy Villa stirred up conversation after displaying her political views at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

At the 2019 Grammy Awards, "I Make the Static" singer Joy Villa made headlines while wearing a silver dress with "Build the Wall" written in red on the back. She paired the dress with a bright red bag that said, "Make America Great Again" and a crown resembling the Statue of Liberty.

The three pieces alluded to the singer's support for President Donald Trump. 

9. The Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 69's testimony in court received widespread attention.

In February 2019, "Gummo" rapper Tekashi 69, or 6ix9ine, gained attention when he pleaded guilty to nine charges. In advance of his January 2020 sentence, he released the fellow gang members' names in a plea deal to avoid a more extended jail time.

Previously, Tekashi 69 was arrested in 2018 on charges of racketeering and weapons after his alleged involvement with Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, an East Coast gang. 

8. Gladys Knight received backlash after performing at Super Bowl LIII in January 2019.

Grammy Award-winning singer Gladys Knight received backlash after announcing that she would perform at Super Bowl LIII in January 2019 after former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had not been hired back to the National Football League. Kaepernick refused to take a knee during the national anthem at NFL games, which sparked a widespread debate on racial justice.

The "That's What Friends Are For" singer announced the performance in a tweet saying, "Atlanta, I'm coming home! #NFL#SBLIII."

7. 2019 was a breakout year for "Truth Hurts" singer Lizzo.

Although Lizzo released "Truth Hurts" in 2017, the song didn't hit charts until September 2019.  The artist's debut album "Cuz I Love You" reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in April 2019.

Over the course of the year, Lizzo became an icon for the body positivity movement and an advocate for confidence. She was named TIME's 2019 Entertainer of the Year. 

6. Heavy metal '80s band Mötley Crüe announced their reunion in November 2019.

Mötley Crüe announced its reunion tour in November 2019. The announcement was released slightly earlier than planned when The Black Crowes manager Mark DiDia mentioned the tour on "The Howard Stern Show."

The last time that the band performed together was December 31, 2015 in LA. This time around, the group will be touring in 2020 with Poison, Def Leppard, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. 

5. A$AP Rocky made headlines when Trump spoke out about the rapper's 2019 arrest.

While A$AP Rocky was in Sweden, a fight broke out on the street and the "F-----' Problems" rapper was arrested under the accusation of aggravated assault. Swedish police detained the rapper for two weeks, and TMZ posted a video that started rumors about the poor condition in which he was being held. 

After the two weeks that A$AP Rocky was in jail, Trump tweeted a message reading, "Just spoke to @KanyeWest about his friend A$AP Rocky's incarceration. I will be calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden to see what we can do about helping A$AP Rocky. So many people would like to see this quickly resolved!"

A$AP Rocky went to court in July 2019 after pleading not guilty to accusations of assault and returned to the US in August 2019. 

4. Lil Nas X's country-rap single "Old Town Road" held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 19 weeks.

Originally a sensation on video-sharing platform TikTok,Lil Nas X's country-rap hit "Old Town Road" had widespread international appeal and earned the number one spot on Billboard "Hot 100" for 19 weeks. The artist also released his debut EP "7" in June 2019.

The next month, the artist came out as gay on the final day of Pride Month. He tweeted, "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y'all to listen closely to c7osure."

3. Billie Eilish's debut studio album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" was the best performing album of the year in the US.

Billie Eilish's career gained traction years ago, but 2019 was the year that the artist became a sensation. The singer's hit "Bad Guy" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. And in March 2019, Eilish released her debut studio album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" which reached No. 1 in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. 

The 17-year-old singer has been nominated for a total of six Grammy Awards. 

2. UK citizen 21 Savage unlawfully overstayed his visa and was arrested in February 2019.

Fans were shocked when the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the "Bank Account" rapper and UK citizen 21 Savage in February 2019 after he allegedly overstayed his visa, which expired in 2006. Throughout his career, the rapper was considered a local Atlanta artist. 

21 Savage was granted bond several days later and was released. His hearing was initially scheduled for April 2019 but has been postponed. 

1. The release of Lifetime's docuseries "Surviving R. Kelly" shed light on allegations against the R&B singer.

In January 2019, Lifetime released "Surviving R. Kelly," a six-part documentary that revisits the sexual assault and abuse allegations against the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer R. Kelly. Vanity Fair reported that the docuseries was Lifetime's highest-rated unscripted program in three years and had an audience of 1.9 million viewers total. 

Kelly was dropped by his label following the docuseries and was arrested in February 2019 after being charged on 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He was arrested again in July 2019 under charges that alleged sex crimes and obstruction of justice.

Here are the top trending pop musicians and bands.

1. Billie Eilish
2. Lizzo
3. Jonas Brothers
4. Cody Simpson
5. Aaron Carter

Soulja Boy made the top five list for rappers.

1. 21 Savage
2. Lil Nas X
3. A$AP Rocky
4. Tekashi 69
5. Soulja Boy

Kacey Musgraves was among the country artists people were interested in most this year.

1. Granger Smith
2. Kacey Musgraves
3. Billy Ray Cyrus
4. Marty Stuart
5. Dolly Parton

• As the US seeks a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan, the Taliban led an attack on an important US base in the war-torn country.
• Taliban suicide bombers hit a medical facility being built just outside Bagram Air Base to provide care for local Afghans on Wednesday.
• The initial strike was reportedly followed by an hours-long firefight between the insurgents and US and coalition forces.
• Photos released by the US military on Thursday show the aftermath of the attack, specifically the damage at the passenger terminal at Bagram Air Base.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Taliban fighters launched an intense attack at Bagram Air Base, a key US base in Afghanistan, on Wednesday, but US and coalition forces were able to repel the insurgents after air strikes.

A collection of photos titled "Bagram stands fast" released by the US military Thursday shows some of the damage to part of the air base, specifically the passenger terminal.

It is unclear exactly what caused the damage.

The assault began with a suicide bombing that targeted a medical facility under construction just outside the base. The attack killed two Afghan civilians and wounded a few dozen others.

Taliban insurgents then took up position inside the medical facility and engaged US and Afghan forces in a firefight that lasted nine or 10 hours, Military Times reported.

Source: Military Times

US air strikes were called in to eliminate Taliban targets that had barricaded themselves inside the hospital, which was being built to provide care for local Afghans.

No Taliban insurgents were able to breach the wire at the airfield. And while there were some coalition injuries, there were no coalition deaths.

Source: Department of Defense

The Taliban control or hold significant influence in around half of the country. The US is engaged in talks with the insurgent force in hopes of securing a negotiated withdrawal from a war that has raged for nearly two decades.

• 2019 has been especially tumultuous for Facebook.
• The biggest issue the company faces stems from political advertising, and Facebook's policy not to fact-check that advertising.
• "Facebook exempts politicians from our third-party fact-checking program," VP of global affairs and communication Nick Clegg wrote in late September. "We rely on third-party fact-checkers to help reduce the spread of false news and other types of viral misinformation, like memes or manipulated photos and videos."
• "We don't believe, however, that it's an appropriate role for us to referee political debates and prevent a politician's speech from reaching its audience and being subject to public debate and scrutiny," Clegg said.
• Facebook execs have defended the controversial decision with arguments about freedom of speech, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg even delivered an hour-long speech at Georgetown University where he argued Facebook's stance. 
• Here's why Facebook's stance on political ads stance has become so controversial, and where the situation is at right now.  
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook is embroiled in yet another controversy, but this time it's not about your data: It's about foreign interference in American elections, and partisan politics, and freedom of speech.

It all stems from a relatively simple announcement Facebook made about how its advertising works: Facebook refuses to fact-check political ads that run on its platform.

"We don't fact-check political ads," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a wide-ranging speech at Georgetown University in mid-October. "We don't do this to help politicians, but because we think people should be able to see for themselves what politicians are saying. And if content is newsworthy, we also won't take it down even if it would otherwise conflict with many of our standards."

But that decision — one that Zuckerberg frames around freedom of speech and American traditional values — has prove highly controversial. Here's what's going on.

SEE ALSO: Facebook is gearing up for a year from hell in 2020, Mark Zuckerberg warns: 'This is going to be a very tough year'

In late September, Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president of global affairs and communications, laid out Facebook's policy on political ads: "Facebook exempts politicians from our third-party fact-checking program."

Facebook relies on third-party fact-checking for the majority of ads run on its social network. It adheres to an international standard for fact-checking: The International Fact Checking Network, run by Poynter. 

That third-party fact-checker scrutinizes "public, newsworthy Facebook posts, including ads, with articles, photos, or videos." There is one exception to this fact-checking effort: political advertising.

Facebook lays out its reasoning in an official document. Under the question, "Why are politicians not eligible?," the explanation is as follows: "Our approach is grounded in Facebook's fundamental belief in free expression, respect for the democratic process, and the belief that, especially in mature democracies with a free press, political speech is the most scrutinized speech there is. Just as critically, by limiting political speech we would leave people less informed about what their elected officials are saying and leave politicians less accountable for their words."

This is at the heart of Facebook's latest controversy: The company refuses to fact-check political ads.

Facebook says this isn't about the money it makes from running political ads.

When a political ad runs on Facebook, whoever runs that ad has to pay Facebook. Given that, it stands to reason that Facebook's interest in keeping political ads is a question of profit.

Not so, says Facebook.

"We're not doing it because of the money," Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said in an October interview with Bloomberg. "This is less than 1% of our revenue and the revenue is not worth the controversy."

Zuckerberg made a similar argument during Facebook's third quarter investor earnings call.

"In a democracy, I don't think it's right for private companies to censor politicians or the news," he said. "And although I've considered whether we should not carry these ads in the past, and I'll continue to do so, on balance so far I've thought we should continue. Ads can be an important part of voice — especially for candidates and advocacy groups the media might not otherwise cover so they can get their message into debates."

He added that next year — amid a flurry of presidential campaigns — less than half of a percent of Facebook's revenue will come from political ads. The messaging is clear: This isn't about the money, it's about a principled stand.

So, what is it about? According to Zuckerberg, it's about free speech.

During his speech at Georgetown University in mid-October, Mark Zuckerberg laid out a full-throated defense of Facebook's reason for not fact-checking political ads.

Here's Zuckerberg's argument (emphasis is ours):

"We recently clarified our policies to ensure people can see primary source speech from political figures that shapes civic discourse. Political advertising is more transparent on Facebook than anywhere else — we keep all political and issue ads in an archive so everyone can scrutinize them, and no TV or print does that. We don't fact-check political ads. We don't do this to help politicians, but because we think people should be able to see for themselves what politicians are saying. And if content is newsworthy, we also won't take it down even if it would otherwise conflict with many of our standards.

I know many people disagree, but, in general, I don't think it's right for a private company to censor politicians or the news in a democracy. And we're not an outlier here. The other major internet platforms and the vast majority of media also run these same ads."

In short, Zuckerberg believes that banning political ads from Facebook — or fact-checking them — would be overstepping Facebook's role. His argument is rooted in American law and the so-called "marketplace of ideas."

The logic is simple: Freedom of all speech — facts and lies and everything in between — enables a transparent public discourse, and that public discourse, over time, leads to "the truth" as bad ideas are discarded and good ideas win out.

Critics — including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — argue that Facebook is doing a disservice to the public by not fact-checking political ads. Facebook's own employees wrote a letter to Zuckerberg challenging the decision.

Nearly as soon as Facebook began clarifying and defending its policy of not fact-checking political ads, criticism began.

The criticisms are many and varied. 

Facebook's former head of global elections integrity ops, Yaël Eisenstat, published a scathing op-ed against the decision in the Washington Post. "The real problem is that Facebook profits partly by amplifying lies and selling dangerous targeting tools that allow political operatives to engage in a new level of information warfare," Eisenstat wrote in early November.

Additionally, a group of current Facebook employees collaborated on a letter they sent to Mark Zuckerberg internally.

"Free speech and paid speech are not the same thing," the letter reads, according to a copy of it published by The New York Times. "Misinformation affects us all. Our current policies on fact checking people in political office, or those running for office, are a threat to what FB stands for. We strongly object to this policy as it stands. It doesn't protect voices, but instead allows politicians to weaponize our platform by targeting people who believe that content posted by political figures is trustworthy."

Both Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Warren backed the letter and the employees who wrote it.

"Facebook's own employees know just how dangerous their policy allowing politicians to lie in political ads will be for our democracy," Warren wrote. "Mark Zuckerberg should listen to them — and I applaud their brave efforts to hold their own company accountable."

That's just a small smattering of folks who have criticized the move.

Facebook is reportedly considering a label for political ads that spells out when they're not fact-checked.

As recently as this month, Zuckerberg said in an interview with CBS This Morning cohost Gayle King, "In a democracy it's really important that people can see for themselves what politicians are saying so they can make their own judgments. I don't think that a private company should be censoring politicians or news."

But a report in the Washington Post reveals that Facebook is considering some major structural changes to how it shows political ads.

Specifically, Facebook is considering a label on political ads that spells out that they haven't been fact-checked.

Discussions within Facebook appear to be ongoing, and the report said that a variety of ideas have been floated as the social media giant holds ongoing discussions with officials from both major political parties.

Beyond straight up labeling ads as not fact-checked, the company is also reportedly considering imposing a variety of limits on political ad campaigns — from limitations on total number of ads run to limitations on ad targeting.

Facebook has yet to announce any official changes to its political ad policy. "We are looking at different ways we might refine our approach to political ads," a Facebook spokesperson told Business Insider.

But Facebook isn't the only major social media company facing the difficult question of how to deal with political advertising.

No matter where you land on the controversy, one thing is for certain: It's a tremendously complicated issue.

Twitter decided to outright ban political ads. 

"This isn't about free expression," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said on Twitter, where he announced the ad policy change. "This is about paying for reach. And paying to increase the reach of political speech has significant ramifications that today's democratic infrastructure may not be prepared to handle. It's worth stepping back in order to address."

Some politicians praised the move, including former Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — but President Trump's campaign manager, Brad Parscale, asserted that the move was, "yet another attempt to silence conservatives."

If Facebook were to ban political ads, it would run into another issue — one that Twitter is almost certain to face: deciding what is and isn't "political" speech.

Zuckerberg highlighted as much during his speech at Georgetown.

"Even if we wanted to ban political ads, it's not clear where we'd draw the line," he said. "There are many more ads about issues than there are directly about elections. Would we ban all ads about healthcare or immigration or women's empowerment? If we banned candidates' ads but not these, would that really make sense to give everyone else a voice in political debates except the candidates themselves?"

It's a reasonable point — if Facebook were to ban "political" ads, it would have to spend a lot of time defining what is and isn't political speech. And then it would come under fire for policing free speech.

"There are issues any way you cut this," Zuckerberg said, "and when it's not absolutely clear what to do, I believe we should err on the side of greater expression."

• Week 14 of the NFL season was a middling one for our best bets, with our picks going a solid 8-7-1 against the spread.
• This week, the Ravens and Jets kick things off in Baltimore on Thursday night, followed up by a full slate of games on Sunday.
• Once again, we're picking every game of the week against the spread with the hopes of making a little money.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

We had another winning week of gambling in Week 14 of the NFL season, going 8-7-1 against the spread to sustain through a tough week and keep us in the black so far this season.

This week, we're back at it, picking every game with hopes of making a little cash.

Take a look below at our best bets for Week 15 of the NFL season (* indicates home team).

LAST WEEK: 8-7-1
OVERALL: 107-98-3

New York Jets (+17) over Baltimore Ravens*

Three weeks ago, I made a rule that I would not bet against Lamar Jackson for the rest of the season.

That rule lasted one week, as last Sunday, I decided that the Bills weren't getting enough respect and took them against the Ravens as home underdogs. After taking a loss on that bet, I fully intended to go back to picking Jackson and the Ravens every week, but this line is absurd.

The Ravens are the better team here, and the Jets are not as good as their four wins over the past five games would have you believe, but come on, 17 points?! What are we doing?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) over Detroit Lions*

Jameis Winston throws interceptions at an alarming rate and will likely be playing with a fractured thumb on Sunday, but we're still backing the Buccaneers as road favorites against Detroit.

His interceptions aside, Winston has been one of the most prolific passers in the NFL this season, and the Lions have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Even if Winston throws three interceptions, as long as that's paired with three touchdowns and 400 yards passing, there's a good chance Tampa can still cover.

Kansas City Chiefs* (-9.5) over Denver Broncos

Drew Lock has led the Broncos to wins in his first two starts, and I couldn't be happier for the young quarterback. But after Denver's shocking blowout over the Texans last weekend, it's tough to imagine the kid doing it twice in a row.

Kansas City feels due for another confident 10-point win.

Tennessee Titans* (-3) over Houston Texans

The Titans might be the hottest team in football, having won six of their past seven games behind the rushing of Derrick Henry, who has averaged 150 yards per game over his past four outings and scored a whopping seven touchdowns in the same span.

With the Texans and Titans set to meet twice in the final three weeks of the year, I'm betting they'll split the two games with the home team winning each time.

New York Giants* (-3.5) over Miami Dolphins

Eli Manning played better than expected last week against the Philadelphia Eagles but still went home with the loss, dropping his career regular-season record to 116-117.

On Sunday, I think the Giants do everything they can to get that record back to .500 before Jones takes the job back, and Manning walks into the sunset.

Green Bay Packers* (-4.5) over Chicago Bears

Mitch Trubisky has played remarkably well over the past few weeks despite his reputation. That said, I'm still going to back Aaron Rodgers against him in a must-win divisional battle for the Packers.

Green Bay has sort of cruised to their 10-3 record on the season. In their last home game of the regular season, let's hope they can make a statement against Chicago.

Carolina Panthers* (+6.5) over Seattle Seahawks

Last week we correctly picked against the Panthers on the logic that their players would not be getting up for a road game after the departure of beloved head coach Ron Rivera.

I was planning on making that play again this week, but apparently, every other bettor on the planet had the same idea. According to the Action Network, 86% of the bets on this game are on the Seahawks.

With that in mind, we'll bet the dismissed home underdog and hope for the best.

Cincinnati Bengals* (+9.5) over New England Patriots

The idea of betting against a Patriots team coming off of back-to-back losses to bet on the worst team in the NFL is absurd ... until you look a bit further into how these two teams have played lately.

The Patriots haven't scored more than 22 points in a game in more than a month and were held to 17 points or fewer in three of their past four outings. Meanwhile, in the Bengals past four games, they have recorded their first win of the year along with three losses by eight points or fewer.

Further, after the Patriots' latest video scandal, the Bengals will be playing with karma on their side. I don't bet against karma.

Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) over Washington Redskins*

The Eagles are essentially out of wide receivers and need to win out to keep the pressure on the Cowboys in the race for the NFC East.

I'm an Eagles fan and thus have not felt confident in this team since the season began. Nevertheless, we're backing them here, as I am confident that enough traveling Philadelphia fans will be in Washington this Sunday to make it feel like a home game. Either way, expect some boos by halftime.

Go Birds.

Cleveland Browns (-2.5) over Arizona Cardinals*

The Browns might be a mess right now with Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly telling other teams to steal him away from Cleveland in the offseason, but I still think the Cardinals are a year away from winning these types of games.

Cleveland has the talent and should be able to score at a solid clip against a defense that ranks 30th in points allowed.

Oakland Raiders* (-6.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars

Barring a setback in the construction of their new stadium in Las Vegas, this is the final game the Raiders will ever play in Oakland.

I think that means something to head coach Jon Gruden, and I think the Raiders step up to the moment.

Los Angeles Chargers* (+2.5) over Minnesota Vikings

It's tough to have any read on this game.

That said, nearly 80% of the bets on this game are on the Vikings, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If the majority of bettors feel like taking the road favorite, I will take the home dog and ask questions later.

Atlanta Falcons (+11) over San Francisco 49ers*

The Falcons are finally playing up to the talent their roster presents. While I don't think they can repeat their 40-point performance of last week against the 49ers, there should be able to score enough to keep things close.

San Francisco is coming off of tough road games against the Ravens and Saints, and have the Rams and the Seahawks left on their schedule. This feels like the only break they will get in the final stretch of the season, so I wouldn't be surprised if they take their foot off the gas a bit and can't cover a huge number.

Los Angeles Rams (-1) over Dallas Cowboys*

The only game that matters for the Cowboys is their Week 16 trip to Philadelphia to play the Eagles with the NFC East, essentially on the line. While they'd surely prefer to turn out of their tailspin a week early, the reality of the situation is that this game does not matter as long as they can beat the Eagles.

On the other sideline, the Rams are attempting to leave their slow start to the season behind and sneak back into the postseason and will need every win they can get to do it.

For my money, I'd rather bet on Sean McVay in a must-win situation than Jason Garrett in a relatively meaningless one.

Pittsburgh Steelers* (-2) over Buffalo Bills

The Steelers are likely playing the most consequential game of Week 15.

With a win, they'll jump to 9-5, with an 88% chance of making the postseason according to FiveThirtyEight. With a loss, their chances of making the postseason drop to just 30%.

Meanwhile, the Bills need just one more win to secure a spot in the playoffs. Even if they lose out, they would have a 50-50 shot at playing into January, depending on how the rest of the AFC wild-card race shakes out.

The Steelers need this game more and should show up at home on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints* (-9) over Indianapolis Colts

Drew Brees and the Saints are coming off a disappointing loss to the 49ers in front of their home fans. This week, with Brees just three touchdowns away from surpassing Peyton Manning on the all-time list, I expect the Saints to have a big day on offense.

• Read more:

The Patriots signed a 'trick-shot' kicker who can kick an 80-yard field goal

NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where every team stands heading into Week 15

49ers tight end George Kittle says he was thrilled when a defender grabbed his face mask on the biggest play of the game

Top 11 waiver-wire pickups for Week 15 of fantasy football

• If you're looking for a convenient last-minute gift, Disney now offers a gift subscription for one year of Disney+. 
• The annual subscription costs $69.99 and is sent in the form of an email voucher code. The gift can only be redeemed by new Disney+ subscribers. 
• The popular new streaming subscription features unlimited, ad-free access to thousands of movies and series (including original, exclusive programming), and the ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously and add up to seven profiles. 
• Pair the gift subscription with a Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars gift to delight the Disney fan in your life. 

More than 10 million people signed up for Disney's new streaming service, Disney+, during its first day of launch in November. But if you know someone who still hasn't subscribed, you can help them tune into all the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content they've been craving. 

Disney now offers a gift subscription for one year of Disney+. It costs $69.99 and is sent as an email subscription card to your recipient. Learn more about the gift subscription below. 

Here's how to gift a Disney+ annual subscription:

1. Visit this page to purchase the gift. 
2. You'll enter your information, your recipient's name and email, and what date you'd like the email to be delivered. 
3. Your recipient will visit DisneyPlus.com/redeememail, select the offer, and manually enter the code printed on the email. 
4. The $69.99 fee will be credited to your account whenever your recipient redeems the subscription. 

Restrictions of the Disney+ gift subscription:

1. The gift subscription can only be redeemed by new Disney+ subscribers. 
2. The redemption code is one-time use only and non-transferable. 

Once they've activated the subscription, your recipient will get:

• Unlimited, ad-free access to thousands of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox. This includes original programming exclusive to the Disney+ platform. 
• Unlimited downloads to they can watch anywhere, anytime.
• The ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously and add up to seven profiles.

Since the subscription offer is delivered right to their email, it makes an excellent last-minute gift for anyone who loves watching Disney movies and shows. It may not be a physical gift, but it is an entertainment experience worth trying. 

Shop more Disney gifts:

1. The best holiday toys from Disney
2. Cool gifts for 'Star Wars' fans of all ages
3. Fun Disney gifts that grown-up fans will love
4. The gifts every Disney dad will love
5. Unique gifts Marvel fans will love
6. Baby Yoda gifts for 'The Mandalorian' fans

Send your recipient all the best shows and movies to watch on Disney Plus:

1. All the new movies you can watch on Disney Plus — from the live-action 'Lady and the Tramp' to holiday comedy 'Noelle'
2. All the new shows you can watch on Disney Plus — from 'The Mandalorian' to new Pixar shorts
3. All the kids' movies you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Snow White' to 'Frozen'
4. All the new kids' shows you can watch on Disney Plus — from 'Vampirina' to the new reboot of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'
5. All the Marvel movies and shows you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Iron Man' to the new 'Loki'
6. Every single Star Wars movie will be available on Disney Plus
7. All the Pixar films and shorts you can stream on Disney Plus — from 'Toy Story' to 'Inside Out'

Read everything else you should know about Disney Plus:

1. Disney Plus: Everything you need to know about Disney's new ad-free streaming service
2. How to get a free week of Disney Plus
3. Disney Plus costs $7 a month on its own, but you can bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+ for an extra $6
4. How to get the Disney Plus bundle with ESPN Plus and the ad-free version of Hulu
5. How to use the Disney Plus app to download and watch movies and shows offline

• The best foam rollers keep their shape after many sessions of heavy-duty use, provide the level of pressure you need to loosen up muscles, and are built to last.
• They work by using a technique called self-myofascial release, which is essentially self-massage.
• Our favorite foam rollers come from TriggerPoint Performance, Hyperice, LuxFit, and Tiger Tail. 

As a roller derby player, I get my unfair share of sore muscles and stiffness. Nothing compares to the pain after an intense derby tournament. Yet, I have to admit that I thought my teammates looked silly as they rolled along the floor with their foam rollers. Well, after researching the phenomenon, which is supported by personal trainers, massage therapists, physical therapists, and plenty of scientific research, it's clear that foam rollers are a smart cost-effective way to relieve sore muscles and loosen up any stiffness.

Foam rollers work using a technique called self-myofascial release (SMR), which is basically a fancy way of saying "self-massage." You start to feel muscle knots and tightness when the fascia covering the muscles is restricted. The foam roller lengthens the fascia. Essentially, a foam roller is an inexpensive way to get a massage where and when you need it most.

Foam rollers come in all shapes and sizes, but the ideal size is generally about six inches in diameter and around 36 inches in length. This allows you to work most muscle groups and to use the roller in workouts. If you want to do deeper muscle work or target knots, textured foam rollers are an excellent solution. While most rollers work using gravity (e.g., your body pushes down on the roller to produce the massaging pressure), there are several handheld solutions that fit easily in your gym bag.

We should note that you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) or flex spending account (FSA) to purchase a foam roller. Some plans require you to buy your roller from a physical therapist, chiropractor, or other medical professionals, so make sure you check with your provider before you buy.

We evaluated features and expert reviews of different models before choosing the best foam rollers. In the end, the products that are included in our list are easy to use, effective at relieving muscles, and durable.

Here are the best foam rollers you can buy:

• Best textured foam roller: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
• Best vibrating foam roller: Hyperice Vyper 3 Speed Vibrating Foam Roller
• Best affordable foam roller: LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller
• Best stick foam roller: Original Tiger Tail Massage Stick

Updated on 12/11/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best gym bags you can buy

The best grid-textured foam roller

The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is the smart choice when you want to massage your knots or trigger points with several different surfaces.

The TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam of varying densities and has a hollow core. EVA absorbs impact, is resistant to water and other elements, and is also easy to clean. The unique surface pattern of the Grid helps with rolling through kinks, knots, and tight muscles.

The Original Grid is 5.5-inches in diameter and 13-inches long, but you can get it in a number of different sizes. The Original has a weight limit of 500 pounds and comes with instructions as well as access to an online instructional video. TriggerPoint backs the quality of the Grid with a one-year warranty.

Runner's World said that it is a good introductory roller that offers medium firmness and holds up even with long-term heavy use. They also highlight its compact design, making it convenient for travel.

Pros: Multi-density, durable, keeps its shape, 500-pound weight limit

Cons: May be too short for some tasks

The best vibrating foam roller

If simply rolling on a foam cylinder isn't enough for your aching muscles, the Hyperice Vyper 3 Speed Vibrating Foam Roller might be just what you need.

The rugged outer shell of the Hyperice Vyper is made of polypropylene, which transfers vibration well, and features sixteen small ridges that dig into soft tissue. It measures six inches in diameter by 15-inches long and weighs four pounds. There are three intensity settings that range from 28 to 38 Hz. The Vyper is approved by the TSA for carrying on board flights, and it is backed by a one-year warranty.

Two of the high-profile owners of Hyperice are pro football running back Adrian Peterson and NBA star Blake Griffin, and other pro athletes in several other sports have tested and given the Vyper their seal of approval.

Gizmodo took a look at the Vyper when it was still trying to attract funding through Kickstarter. Needless to say, the Vyper easily surpassed its goal. The reviewer found the foam was firm and that the vibration settings were equally intense. But, they noted this was helpful for loosening tissues.

The Rx Review rated this roller highly because it is powerful and portable. However, they didn't like how short it is and that you have to remember to charge it. Plus, it's quite heavy for a roller. 

Pros: Offers an intense deep tissue massage, built to last

Cons: Expensive, short, complaints of it not holding a charge after a few uses

The best foam roller on a budget

If you're interested in giving foam rolling a try but don't want to spend a lot, the LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller is your best option.

The LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller is made of two-pounds-per-cubic-foot-density molded polypropylene foam, which repels liquids. It measures 6-inches in diameter and comes in three lengths: 12, 18, and 36 inches.

LuxFit manufactures this foam roller in the United States and stands behind its quality with a one-year limited warranty. The Premium High Density Foam Roller is the least expensive option on our list. So, it's no surprise that it doesn't come with any extras, like instructions or booklets.

The LuxFit Premium foam roller was featured on Heavy's list of the best rollers because it's ideal for post-workout massages and physical therapy due to the variety of sizes available and extra firm construction. However, the site noted that when wearing certain materials, you may slide across the surface of this roller. 

Pros: Affordable, three size options, one-year warranty

Cons: Certain materials may slide along the surface without rolling, doesn't include any extras

The best massage stick foam roller

When the space in your gym bag doesn't allow you to lug around a six-inch-diameter foam roller, consider the svelte Original Tiger Tail Massage Stick instead.

The Tiger Tail Massage Stick has a finely textured dense foam exterior and a plastic core. The handles feature soft-ribbed rubber grips. This model comes in three lengths: 11, 18, and 22 inches. The foam roller surface length for each of these is 10, 10, and 14 inches respectively.

The massage stick works like a rolling pin. You hold the handles and the foam rolls over your sore spots. This allows you to use the massage stick in a variety of different positions. Tiger Tail USA covers the massage stick with a three-year no-hassle warranty.

In its review, the Wirecutter says the stick does not compare to the amount of pressure you can get from one of the on-the-floor rollers, but it supplements these options well, is much more portable, and can really get into tight spots. 

Pros: Compact, digs into tight spots, no-hassle three-year warranty

Cons: Does not apply as much pressure as on-the-floor alternatives

• Boris Johnson will remain UK Prime Minister with a massive majority following the December 2019 General Election.
• Exit polls predicted that Johnson's Conservatives will have a majority of more than 80 seats in Parliament.
• The right-wing politician was formerly mayor of London, and also served as then-Prime Minister Theresa May's foreign secretary for two years before resigning over her Brexit strategy.
• He has been a key campaigner to leave the EU, and made Brexit the central theme of the Conservative election campaign.

Boris Johnson will remain UK Prime Minister with a vastly increased majority following a gruelling election on December 12.

Exit polls predicted that Johnson's Conservative Party will have a majority of more than 80 seats in the House of Commons — the best result by the party for decades.

Johnson is a clownish character, but has been a prominent figure in British politics since long before he first became Prime Minister in July 2019. Here's the story of his life and rise to power.

A previous version of this article was written by Mike Bird.

SEE ALSO: Theresa May says she will resign as prime minister after Brexit

While at Oxford University, Boris was president of the Oxford Union, a position held by former Conservative leader William Hague and ex-Prime Minister Edward Heath.

Johnson went to Eton College and university with David Cameron, but Boris was much more obviously political at the time.

Johnson was sacked after a brief career at The Times of London, and he then worked for The Daily Telegraph as the paper's Brussels correspondent, gaining a name for himself in the center-right press.

Politics and journalism run in the family. Boris' brother, Jo Johnson, is also a Conservative politician, following a career as an investment banker and as a bureau chief at the Financial Times.

Boris was appointed editor of The Spectator magazine in 1999 before being selected for the Conservative seat of Henley-on-Thames and elected in 2001.

Boris was embroiled in scandal in his early years as a politician. In 2003, as a member of Parliament and still Spectator editor, he said the city of Liverpool reveled in a "victim status."

Despite the repeated gaffes, people warmed to Boris. Though the incidents often come off as clownish, they make him seem more authentic than normal politicians.

In 2004, Johnson lied about having an extramarital affair, and Conservative leader Michael Howard sacked him as shadow minister for the arts.

By 2005, when David Cameron was elected leader of the Conservative Party, Johnson was back as higher-education minister.

In 2008, Boris stood down as a member of Parliament and defeated incumbent Ken Livingstone of the Labour Party in London's third mayoral election.

The city's bike-hire scheme now unofficially bears Johnson's name. Pretty much everyone refers to them as "Boris bikes." Here he is riding one with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He also made a big deal of bringing back London's Routemaster buses, replacing the "bendy buses" that were used under Livingstone.

In 2012, as part of a promotional event for the Olympics, Boris was stuck on a zip wire.

In 2012, Boris won reelection as mayor in another contest against Ken Livingstone, winning by a smaller margin. London generally tends to vote more for the Labour Party.

His critics called him an inactive mayor, using the position to boost his personal publicity. Here he is with BBC presenter Jeremy Paxman on a tandem bike.

His popularity figures remained perpetually high, regularly beating all other British politicians. A poll in June 2014 showed him 13 points clear of David Cameron.

Boris announced in August 2014 that he would run in the coming general election.

In May 2015, Boris won the Parliament seat in Uxbridge, while the Conservative victory gave Cameron a second term as prime minister.

After rumors circulated in October 2015 that Cameron would step down early, Boris' name floated around as a possible replacement. Cameron had mentioned him as a possible successor when he said that he would serve only two terms.

As debate over the Brexit heated up in early 2016, Boris said that his country had a "great, great future" outside the EU but that he'd rather see the UK remain in a reformed EU.

On February 21, Boris Johnson officially came out in favor of Britain leaving the EU, giving the "Leave" campaign a significant boost.

In March, Boris told a Treasury committee that there were "no good economic arguments" for Britain staying in the EU.

When US President Barack Obama encouraged Britain to stay in the EU, Boris called him a "part-Kenyan" with hypocritical views.

Just weeks before the referendum, Cameron said Boris could be the next prime minister. Some speculated that his leadership of the "Leave" campaign earned him Conservative support.

When Britain officially voted to leave the EU and Cameron announced that he was resigning, Boris was a favorite to become the new prime minister.

But in a shocking turn of events, he announced that he would not seek the office of prime minister after his ally Michael Gove announced his own candidacy.

The Telegraph called Gove's actions "the most spectacular political assassination in a generation." But Gove soon dropped out of the race.

Boris then threw his support behind Andrea Leadsom, the former minister of state for energy. But she soon dropped out of the race as well.

Theresa May ultimately emerged victorious in the race for prime minister. She appointed Boris as secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs on July 13.

The decision was immediately criticized — Boris had made numerous negative remarks about foreign leaders.

Boris said he was "very humbled" to be chosen for the position.

As foreign secretary, Johnson worked to convince the world Brexit would not mean the UK was walling itself off from the rest of the globe.

Johnson was not a particularly effective diplomat, repeatedly making gaffes and offensive comments. In October 2017, for example, he caused uproar after joking that Libya could be the next Dubai if it clears the "dead bodies away" first.

Source:BBC News

Johnson resigned as foreign secretary in July 2018 in a rebuke of May's approach to Brexit.

Source:INSIDER

Jeremy Hunt was named as Johnson's successor.

After resigning as foreign secretary, Johnson was among May's harshest critics in Parliament. In September 2018, he said the deal May was pushing for would be "substantially worse" than the UK staying in the EU. Johnson wants a hard Brexit.

Source:INSIDER

By this point, Parliament had been engaged in a dramatic, deadlocked debate on Brexit for months, prompting the EU to give it small extension on negotiating a deal. On March 27, May announced she'd resign as prime minister once she has delivered Brexit. The move was designed to get Parliament to agree to her deal.

Source:INSIDER

Boris Johnson was the top of the shortlist to replace May, and he subsequently won the Tory leadership contest — defeating Jeremy Hunt.

Johnson negotiated a new deal with the European Union for Brexit, and promised that the UK would leave the EU by October 31, "do or die."

But that didn't happen. A series of parliamentary defeats on the issue forced Johnson to formally request another extension after failing to get the Commons to agree to his deal, which the EU granted.

Brexit continued to inflame deep rifts in the Conservative Party, culminating in the whip being withdrawn from 21 rebel MPs over the issue. Some went on to join the centrist Liberal Democrats.

Johnson called for a general election for December 12, and subsequently put Brexit at the front and centre of his party's campaign with the slogan: "Get Brexit done."

The PM faced intense criticism during the campaign, including over his party's spread of misinformation, and his refusal to sit for an interview with the BBC's Andrew Neil.

But in the end, it didn't matter. Exit polls released on Thursday night predicted a huge majority for Johnson.

Labour under Jeremy Corbyn, meanwhile, faces the prospect of its worst parliamentary defeat since before the Second World War.

• One of just a few remaining survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona was interred in its wreckage on the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harvor.
• Divers brought the remains of Lauren Bruner into the heart of the wreckage wearing World War II-era diving suits.
• "In retrospect, it's very historical and super-cool, but it's kind of uncomfortable," one of the divers said.
• Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories. 

Pearl Harbor survivor Lauren Bruner was laid to rest aboard the sunken remains of the USS Arizona with the help of two Army divers in diving gear from the period.

Army 7th Dive Detachment Divers SSG Fred Bible and SPC Julio Melendez wore lead boots and a drysuit — weighing a total of 220 pounds — and the last two Mark 5 vintage hard hats certified for operational use on the dive. 

Bruner, who died on September 10, at 98 years old, was interred on the wreck of the Arizona on December 7, the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

SEE ALSO: The Pentagon revealed a top official stepped down after allegedly kissing and hugging women on his staff

SEE ALSO: A woman has passed the grueling SEAL officer test for the first time, but she won't join their ranks

After Bruner's death, only three Arizona crew members are still alive today.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Bruner survived the attack on the Arizona by going hand over hand across a rope stretched 70 feet above the harbor. Forty-four other survivors have had their remains interred on the ship, alongside their more than 900 shipmates who went down with the ship during the attack.

Bruner will be the last survivor to be interred on the wreckage, the Star-Advertiser reports; he was the second-to-last man to escape the flaming ship, according to CNN.

SSG Fred Bible and SPC Julio Melendez wore vintage diving suits to place Bruner's ashes in the well of barbette number four.

Bruner suffered burns on 80% of his body, but went back into service after he healed. He served aboard the USS Coghlan in eight other battles against Japan's forces, CNN reports. 

The diving suits are similar to what salvage divers would have worn on salvage missions into Pearl Harbor.

The Mark 5 helmet and dive suit was used from 1916 until the 1980s, according to the US Naval Undersea Museum.

"In retrospect, it's very historical and super-cool, but it's kind of uncomfortable," Melendez told the Star-Advertiser. "It's super heavy and it's kind of amazing to think that it took so long to kind of upgrade it."

Underwater, Melendez and Bible walked about 200 feet along the wreckage of the Arizona before they brought Bruner's remains to their final resting place.

While the Navy has performed this kind of ceremony before for other Pearl Harbor survivors, the divers have always worn modern diving kits. 

"I think it was a really fitting tribute and I think it's an interesting way to kind of close out the last of the interments — to have it done not only with the ceremony that we normally do, but to have historic hardhats like it would have been during the salvage in World War II," Brett Seymour, the  deputy chief of the National Park Service's Submerged Resources Center, told the Star-Advertiser.

"We've never done an interment with hardhats for sure," Seymour told the Star-Advertiser.

"It was historical. I was left speechless, honestly," Melendez told the Star-Advertiser. "It was a very in-the-moment experience. Just kind of taking it all in and realizing what we were doing and the history that's being made and remembering Lauren Bruner and everything that he had done."

• Polls have closed in the UK general election, and exit polls suggest the Tories will win 368 seats, compared to Labour's 191.
• The final tally is expected by 6:00 a.m. on Friday morning, according to the BBC. 
• This marks a huge victory for Boris Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, ahead of a fast-approaching Brexit deadline which has been extended by the EU to January 31, 2020.
• Check back for updates as more election results and front pages roll in.
• Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories. 

Polls have closed in the UK general election, and exit polls suggest Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative party will win 368 seats, compared to Labour's 191.

This marks a huge victory for Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, ahead of a fast-approaching Brexit deadline which has been extended by the EU to January 31, 2020. 

The final tally is expected by 6:00 a.m. on Friday morning, according to the BBC. 

Here are how major newspapers in the UK are announcing the election results. 

SEE ALSO: Here is the full breakdown of the UK 2019 general election results

Metro UK:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205250427693993984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Friday's front page (1st edition):
MASSIVE BORIS
WIN SAYS POLL#tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers#skypaperspic.twitter.com/YU6IMXNKoq

The Telegraph:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205254124251561986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Johnson on course for landslide exit poll puts Tories well ahead' #TomorrowsPapersToday#exitpoll#GeneralElectionpic.twitter.com/SYfP5kQo8H

The Daily Mirror:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205255713917984769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Tomorrow's front page: Nightmare before Xmas #TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/AtfyHBzCd8pic.twitter.com/cK6gjK2Av9

The Sun:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205350460116393985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Our latest front page - Boris's Brexmas Election landslide win... and Corbyn on his way out https://t.co/abxJstG5rtpic.twitter.com/9DVN8oB5v1

Daily Mail:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205257496971108352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Friday's @DailyMailUK#MailFrontPagespic.twitter.com/WlnGGAM78I

Daily Express:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205356103904702464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Friday's Daily EXPRESS (Late edition): "The British Lion Roars For Boris And Brexit!"#BBCPapers#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/gpnM9fdpOk

The Times:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205260880868466689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Times 13/12/2019
Boris Johnson and Dilyn the dog after Tory leader cast his vote in London yesterday. The 10pm exit poll predicted he would be swept back to Downing Street. Photo : Rob Pinney/LNP#tomorrowspaperstoday#thetimes@thetimespic.twitter.com/ZzRAzUoTgd

I:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205260318794043392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Friday's i - "Blue tide"#BBCPapers#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/x11hgSolzm

The Guardian:

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1205291008826564608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Tomorrow's Guardian
-1am Edition pic.twitter.com/EkPcX7ytqH

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'a annual Arctic Report Card, which describes how the Arctic has changed each year, came out this week.
• The report warns that global sea level rise is on track with one of climate scientists' worst-case predictions. 
• Ice melt due to climate change contributes to sea-level rise, which leads to flooding in coastal areas. 
• This year is expected to be the second or third warmest year on record, while average temperatures from the last decade are on track to be the highest ever recorded.
• In the last decade, an average of 252 billion tons of Antarctic ice melted per year. In Greenland, an average 280 billion tons of ice melted per year — a seven-fold increase from the 1990s. 
• Combined, ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica contain more than 99% of the planet's fresh water.
• In 2019 we saw what The World Meteorological Organization called "unprecedented" wildfires, flooding, and food insecurity for humans and wildlife.
• While polar bears struggle to find prey across thinning ice, reindeer food is getting trapped under ice thanks to early snow and freezing rain.
• Here's how the last decade of global warming has ravaged the Arctic.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: 24 animals that became endangered in the last decade

SEE ALSO: 36 photos show how extreme weather and natural disasters have gotten more intense over the years

In 2012, almost all of Greenland's ice sheet was exposed to melting for the first time in documented history.

Source: Business Insider

By the last week of July 2019, the rate of melting reached levels that scientists with the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had projected for the year 2070 — in a pessimistic scenario.

Source: Business Insider

That month — the hottest ever recorded on Earth — 55 billion tons of water melted into the ocean in only five days.

Source: Business Insider

Together, Greenland's and Antarctica's ice sheets hold more than 99% of the planet's fresh water.

Source: Business Insider

In the last decade, an average of about 252 billion tons of water melted from Antarctica's ice sheet each year.

Source: Business Insider

In Greenland, an average of 280 billion tons of ice melted per year over the last decade.

Source: Business Insider

Compared to the annual ice melt Greenland saw in the 1990s, that's a seven-fold increase.

Source: Business Insider

Greenland's ice loss hit a peak in 2011, when 369 billion tons of ice separated from the sheet. That's 10 times the annual average melt rate seen in the 1990s.

Source: Business Insider

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. That has devastating consequences for the animals in the Arctic, especially when it comes to their food supply.

Source: Business Insider

For example, reindeer in the Arctic typically dig under the snow to find food like lichens and grass in the winter.

Source: Business Insider, Science Daily

But unusually early snowfall followed by freezing rain in Sweden's Arctic in 2019 trapped the plants that reindeer feed on beneath the ice.

Source: Boston Globe

As a result, hundreds of reindeer are dying. Last winter, more than 200 reindeer died of starvation.

Source: USA Today, New York Times

Reindeer aren't the only animals whose food supply has been compromised over the last decade.

Source: Business Insider

Polar bears sometimes hunt underwater, but long swims in the Arctic can lead to energy depletion and hypothermia. So they need to rest on ice.

Source: Business Insider

Thinning ice makes it harder for polar bears to travel far enough to find food.

Source: Business Insider

Thinning ice also led Arctic ringed seals, the polar bear's main source of food, to become endangered.

Source: Business Insider

As a result, starving polar bears have been spotted wandering into towns ...

Source: Business Insider

... looking for food.

Source: New York Daily News

Arctic pollution affects polar bears as well.

Source: Business Insider

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been widely used in commercial products like plastics, pesticides, and insecticides, and they take a long time to degrade, can be transported over long distances, and often wind up trapped in the Arctic.

Source: Business Insider, The Arctic Institute

The Arctic Ocean has become the Northern Hemisphere's "dead end" for floating plastic, The Atlantic reports, and POPs often contaminate polar bear milk, leaving cubs with toxic pollutants in their bodies.

Source: The Atlantic

Climate change is the biggest threat to the survival of the polar bear.

Source: New York Times

Food insecurity is also a troubling threat for Alaskan Native communities, since they also rely on the ice for hunting. The ice provided a stable platform for fishing and hunting in the ocean, but as it thins, hunters struggle to find seals, walruses, and different fish they rely on to get through the winter.

Source: Vice

People living in remote Alaskan villages also face flooding and erosion as a result of rising sea levels.

Source: Vice

These villages are becoming more isolated as ice roads that once connected them to one another melt.

Source: Vice

It's not just rising temperatures that are melting the ice — it might be wildfires too. Research Ohio State University suggests that smoke and soot from Arctic wildfires may have forced melting in Greenland in 2012.

Source: Business Insider, Business Insider

Wildfires are known to break out in the Arctic during the summer season, but the 2019 fires raged longer and were more intense than in previous years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) tracked more than 100 fires in the Arctic Circle in the summer of 2019.

Source: BBC, Business Insider

Unusually hot and dry conditions in parts of the northern hemisphere — from the Mediterranean to the Arctic — have created ideal conditions for wildfires, according to the WMO.

Source: Business Insider

If the rapid melting in the Arctic continues, 400 million people may be at risk of coastal flooding by 2100.

Source: Business Insider

• Changes in culture and technology over the past 10 years have influenced how Americans exercise. 
• The 2010s saw the rise of high-intensity, competitive group workouts and sports like CrossFit, obstacle course racing, spinning, and more.
• And innovations in fitness tech, including virtual reality, have changed how people exercise and made it easier to work out wherever they go or live.
• These are the top fitness trends of the past 10 years.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more. 

CrossFit skyrocketed in popularity through the 2010s and is still going strong today.

CrossFit, known for its enthusiastic fans and full-body, strenuous workouts, started in 2000 as a lifestyle fitness brand.

Combining high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, with weight lifting, gymnastics, and other exercise styles, the rotating "workouts of the day" or WODs aim to build "functional fitness," or strength in the type of movements you'd perform in everyday life. 

CrossFit also prompted a strong community and spawned a series of elite athletic competitions called the CrossFit Games beginning in 2007. It now has more than 13,000 gyms in the U.S. 

Obstacle course races have become a popular way for people to test their fitness or just bond with friends and family.

From 5K mud runs to marathon-length willpower tests, obstacle course racing has taken off in a huge way since 2010 thanks to companies like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Rugged Maniac, and more.

Partipants pay a fee to tackle a race course that will require them to climb over barriers, crawl under barbed wire, navigate mud-filled trenches, and other challenges of physical and mental strength.

Often, the courses are done with a team, to build camaraderie between colleagues, friends, or family. There's also a competitive element, as with other racing events, with challengers striving to keep a fast pace while navigating obstacles to net the best overall time. 

According to data from Obstacle Racing Media, the number of participants in those events climbed sharply in the early 2010s, and after a slight decline around 2016, increased and leveled off to a robust following today.

Tough Mudder alone boasts more than 5 million participants since its founding.

Barefoot running has taken the oldest human sport back to basics.

Alongside controversies about the latest high-tech running shoes, a major trend of the past decade took exactly the opposite approach, eschewing any form of footwear altogether.

Some companies capitalized on this trend and, counterintuitively, developed even more specialized footwear designed to closely mimic the experience of your feet directly on the ground, minus the pain of debris digging into your bare skin. 

Advocates say running barefoot is more efficient and reduces the risk of chronic injuries for frequent runners, claiming that ankle strain and plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, are caused by the unnatural repetitive impact of running in shoes. 

However, the science behind this is mixed. Research has found that barefoot runners tend to land with their weight on a slightly different part of the foot, compared with those in shoes. That can reduce the risk of some stress injuries, but potentially increase your chances of hurting yourself in other ways, like by straining your calf or getting cuts and bruises on your feet. 

Many variables, including your running style, speed, and distance, can influence how exercising shoe-less affects your body. 

The boutique fitness industry continues to grow.

Expensive gym memberships have grown more than 121% over the past decade, as people of all ages flock to fancy new studios, often with creative group fitness offerings designed for maximum fun, results, and motivation.

While big-box gyms are still a strong part of the $30 billion fitness industry, boutique gyms are catching up, with membership growing 121% from 2013 to 2017, compared to just 15% at traditional gyms, according to data from Fitt.

In the luxury fitness space, top-dollar brands like Manhattan's Performix House are designed for exclusivity, starting at $900 per month. 

Improvements to virtual reality this decade have made exercise and gaming a natural fit.

Coming off the success of the Wii Fit (and interactive gaming console users stand on to measure balance, weight, and more) in during 2007 to 2009, the gamification of exercise skyrocketed into the mainstream throughout the 2010s, with people comparing scores on their workouts, earning collectible items, and sweating to whimsical cartoon adventures.

Consoles like the XBox Kinect, Wii Fit U, and, most recently, the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit have merged video games with real-world movement.

But the trend isn't limited to gamers. Mobile phone apps like Zombies, Run!, Ingress, and Pokémon GO! have used augmented reality (elements of virtual reality superimposed in the real world via camera) to bring exercise games with you wherever you go.

And as full-on virtual reality develops further, we're likely to see the trend continue to grow. Systems like Playstation VR and Oculus Rift have already started to bring in workouts like boxing and cardio to the next generation of games. 

Pole fitness has become increasingly mainstream and less stigmatized.

Once stigmatized for its connections with sex work, pole fitness has become more recognized for the intense core strength and physical skill it takes to accomplish those gravity-defying performances. 

It's now become both a competitive and recreational sport for everyone from young professionals looking for a creative outlet, to moms looking to get back in shape, to bachelorette parties and other groups seeking a fun, challenging bonding experience.

This year, pole fitness even went Hollywood after Jennifer Lopez shared her extensive training leading up to her role in "Hustlers."

The number of competitors at the World Pole Sports Championship grew from 43 athletes from 14 countries in 2012 to 229 athletes from 36 countries in 2017. It's even been considered as an event in an upcoming Olympics. 

Boxing-inspired workouts have turned the brutal fight sport into a killer workout.

Boxing has a long, bloody history in America as a fight sport, but it's moved beyond the ring and into the fitness studio as more people discover its benefits as an intensive, full-body workout.

Boxing drills, which require you to punch, dodge, and weave around an opponent (whether  a person or a heavy bag), work your core and other muscle groups while keeping your heart rate up, making it ideal for people looking to get in shape quickly or to challenge their already honed athleticism. 

According to available data, the boxing fitness industry has grown by 2% over the past five years, netting a total of $1.2 billion by the end of 2018. 

It's also been lauded for building impressive physiques for celebrities like Halle Berry, Kourtney Kardashian, and Victoria's Secret models. 

Zumba, the original dance fitness craze, has continued to grow.

Zumba first appeared in 1998, and since then, it's transitioned from being DVD-only to having in-studio dance parties to offering instructor certification courses that inspire people to lead Zumba classes of their own.

It's even expanded into the digital space, with Zumba dance games on Wii, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch. 

Zumba is currently offered at more than 200,000 locations, and its fan base (many of whom are millennial moms) is notoriously loyal, which means that even as other, newer fitness fads come into the market, the original dance craze is likely to keep the party going. 

Spin classes are now ubiquitous, at home or at the gym.

Thanks to luxury big-name brands like SoulCycle, bicycling in place is not only good exercise but also chic. Enthusiastic instructors, high-energy music, and nightclub ambience in the studio have turned spin classes into a party-like atmosphere. 

And outside the gym, at-home exerbike specialist Peloton (which has over a million users) has made the trend so hot, people are willing to shell out big money to have access to equipment and live-streamed classes on demand. 

As the tech behind stationary bikes becomes more advanced, it also incorporates aspects of competition and gaming, with live leaderboards so spinners can track their progress against others in real time.

Spin has combined elements of nearly every other successful workout trend into one, suggesting it's only going to pick up more speed going into 2020. 

Read more:

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Meghan Markle's trainer said the only fitness trend he likes is a $1,500 in-home system beloved by celebrities

• German chancellor Angela Merkel is Forbes' Most Powerful Woman, for the ninth consecutive year.
• Since becoming chancellor in 2005, the former chemist has managed to cultivate an "image of deep personal integrity and a tightly guarded private life,"writes Melissa Eddy in the New York Times.
• The chancellor is a talented chef and her signature dishes include potato soup, beef loaf, and plum cake.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Angela Merkel has been the most powerful woman on Earth for almost a decade, according to Forbes.

The German chancellor took the top spot on Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women list for the ninth consecutive year. The runners-up included President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

Merkel's reign over the ranking may be coming to a close, however. She announced in 2018 that she would not run for another term after the completion of her current one in 2021.

Despite Merkel's power, little is known about her personal life. Since becoming chancellor in 2005, the former chemist has managed to cultivate an "image of deep personal integrity and a tightly guarded private life,"writes Melissa Eddy in the New York Times.

However, by piecing together various details, one can come away with a view of the chancellor's daily routine.

SEE ALSO: From George Washington to Michael Bloomberg, here are 12 of the richest US presidential candidates in history

DON'T MISS: 5 books Bill Gates wants you to read this holiday season

Merkel starts every day by having breakfast with her husband Joachim Sauer, she once told ex-Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan.

Sauer, a chemistry professor, "presses [Merkel] on political issues like any ordinary citizen would," over breakfast.

Source: Reuters

Sauer and Merkel are said to enjoy hiking and attending the opera together. Sauer is also extremely frugal, often flying on budget airlines instead of accompanying Merkel in a government jet.

While at work, Merkel adopts an almost scientific approach to politics.

Sources: Business Insider, BBC

"People often accuse me of not acting fast enough," she said, in a BBC documentary. "That I let things go on too long. For me it's important I deliberate all options ... running through scenarios, and not simply theoretical experiments in my head."

Sources: Business Insider, BBC

As a result, Merkel is never one to rush into a decision. "I am, I think, courageous at the decisive moment," she said, according to a 2007 biography. "But I need a good deal of start-up time, and I try to take as much as possible into consideration beforehand."

Source: Angela Merkel

Outside of work, Merkel is a fan of soccer. She befriended the victorious German national team during their journey to winning the World Cup in 2014.

Merkel's favorite food is said to be green cabbage and Mettwurst — or minced pork sausage. She was elected "Cabbage Queen" in Oldenburg in 2001.

Sources: The Telegraph, The Guardian, CafeBabel

The chancellor is a talented chef, although it's unclear if she has much time to cook for herself these days. Some of her signature dishes include potato soup, beef loaf, and plum cake.

Sources: The Telegraph, The Guardian, CafeBabel

Merkel has also retained one food-related habit from her upbringing in shortage-prone East Germany. In an interview with German magazine Superillu, she said, "I still buy something as soon as I see it, even when I don't really need it. "It's a deep-seated habit stemming from the fact that in an economy where things were scarce, you just used to get what you could when you could."

Sources: The Guardian, Superillu

The daughter of a Lutheran pastor, Merkel is a practicing Christian and a member of the Evangelical Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper Lusatia.

Source: The Economist

It's unclear when Merkel goes to bed, but she has said that she often goes without rest, and can function on only four hours of sleep.

Sources: BBC, Financial Times, The Local

The German chancellor catches up on sleep on the weekends: "I have camel-like abilities, an ability to save things up — and afterwards I have to fill up again."

Sources: BBC, Financial Times, The Local

• The Park South Hotel is a recently-renovated, well-reviewed property in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood from World of Hyatt's Joie de Vivre boutique hotel collection.
• The rooms are relatively straightforward, but the culinary program is a stand-out. The rooftop bar, as well as the Mediterranean-inspired Covina, are both well worth a visit during any stay.
• I stayed in a King Room with a City View, which starts at a reasonable $214 a night. Opt for one double bed and prices are even more budget-friendly, beginning at $134 per night.

Though Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood doesn't quite carry the same recognition as SoHo or TriBeCa, its become a boutique hotel hotspot in recent years with the Park South Hotel anchoring the selection.

The Park South Hotel has been hosting guests on 28th Street since 2007, just three blocks from the park that inspired its name. It underwent a full renovation in late 2015, modernizing rooms and public spaces, and opening the three restaurants that highlight the hotel's offerings.

My King Room with City View was comped for review purposes, but for a mid-tier room, the going rate is incredibly reasonable, especially in high season. The price typically ranges from $214 to $293 if you book a few weeks in advance, which is pretty much a bargain for a higher-end hotel in New York. In a city where prices can surge hundreds of dollars a night based on time of year and demand, it's refreshing to see such stable pricing.

Better yet, the entry-level room with one double bed ranges from just $134 to $223. After spending the night here, I can vouch that lower prices don't risk sacrificing comfort.

• The first impression
• The room
• On-site amenities
• What's nearby
• What others say
• What you need to know
• The bottom line
• Book Park South Hotel starting at $134 a night here

Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by the Park South Hotel.

SEE ALSO: One of New York's best hotels is hiding in plain sight — here's why I was so impressed by The Beekman New York

SEE ALSO: The Library Hotel in Midtown Manhattan consistently ranks in Trip Advisor's top 5 reviewed hotels in New York City ⁠— we spent the night to see if it delivered on the hype

SEE ALSO: We spent a night at the boutique Park Terrace Hotel in Bryant Park and loved the mod room, free breakfast, and upscale amenities

I always try to stay in hotels as close to public transportation options as possible. Park South is less than a block from the 28th Street subway station, so I was grateful I didn't have to lug my suitcase a long distance. 

Inside, I descended a few steps to a sunken lobby. To the left was the check-in desk, but what really caught my eye was the giant wrap-around couch, sunken even further into a recessed sitting area. It was incredibly inviting, but I resisted its charm and headed over to the check-in desk.

After a speedy check-in, the concierge offered me a free glass of wine or beer, as I arrived during happy hour. It was a fun welcome, but I opted to bring my bags up and get settled. 

In the elevator, I was disappointed to find a pinned notice that stated the rooftop bar was closed for the season, though truthfully, it was too cold to be out on a windy rooftop.

Each floor's hallway was decorated with artsy black and white photos of famous Manhattan parks, with informational plaques providing tidbits of history. It was a cute tie-in to the hotel's name.

When I first entered my King Room, I immediately felt a sense of comfort. It was decorated like many of the hotel rooms I'd experienced growing up — cushy and traditional, with a slightly elevated flair, unlike anything I'd choose for my own home. And that's a good thing. I love that kind of hotel room because they make me feel like I've embarked on a special experience and occasion outside of my regular day-to-day. And isn't that what we hope to feel when we travel?

I was drawn right away to the art-deco chandelier above the bed with dozens of dangling crystals that caught beams of natural light streaming in from the window. In comparison to some of the funkier hotels I've experienced in Manhattan like the Ace Hotel or the Beekman, Park South is much more classically elegant. As such, I found it to attract a slightly older demographic.

The room was perfectly sized, with enough space to move around freely, but not so large that the furniture made the room feel sparse, or like I'd been upgraded to a gigantic suite.

The bathroom was clean and bright, with excellent water pressure. I loved the citrus and sandalwood toiletries by high-end home decor designer Jonathan Adler.

Though for all its comfort, my room wasn't without a few pitfalls. There was no minibar, and while I almost never partake in the oft overpriced sweets and drinks, I felt a bit slighted by not having the option.

The biggest issue I encountered was water damage on my bathroom ceiling. When I woke in the morning, I noticed a mysterious dripping sound coming from above, and watched as the damage visibly increased over the morning.

I called the front desk and they sent maintenance right away. I was headed downstairs to check out when they arrived, so I can't say how the situation progressed. Had I stayed longer, I expect I would have needed to change rooms.

In the past, I've tended to avoid restaurants attached to hotels due to a few lackluster experiences. My experience at Covina led me to rethink that approach.

My partner and I had dinner there during our stay, and while the meal was comped for review purposes, I wouldn't balk at paying for a return trip. The pasta, pizza, and cocktails were excellent, and it was one of my best hotel dining experiences to date.

Park South's full food program is worth noting as it includes three restaurants — O Ya, a Japanese Omakase restaurant; Covina, a Mediterranean spot; and the Roof at Park South, a buzzy seasonal cocktail bar. They're all helmed by James Beard Award-winning husband and wife team, Tim and Nancy Cushman.

Only open seasonally from April to September, the rooftop bar was closed during my stay. I was able to sneak up to get a feel for the vibe and despite the furniture being covered in tarps, the lush greenery and sweeping views still offered a hint of why it's so popular. I'll definitely be returning in the spring to grab a cocktail.

Park South Hotel is a five-minute walk from Madison Square Park within the bustling Flatiron neighborhood. The park is also home to the original Shake Shack kiosk, so be sure to grab a burger.

Just beyond is Eataly, a huge Italian marketplace with specialty food stalls, fresh produce, and several sit-down options. They serve some of my favorite pasta in the city.

If you're sightseeing, Park South is a 10-minute walk from the Empire State Building. It might seem cliche but, I never pass up an opportunity to head to the observation deck to see the great expanse of Manhattan from above.

Check flight prices to New York on Expedia

Park South has excellent reviews on both Trip Advisor and Booking.com receiving a 4.5 out of 5 and an 8.8 out of 10 respectively from thousands of reviews.

Most are favorable and rave about Covina and the rooftop bar, for which I wholeheartedly agree.

When it comes to staff and service, feedback is mixed. Some compliment the staff on their friendliness, while others had issues with rude behavior in certain instances. I didn't experience that, but it's likely because they knew I was potentially reviewing the hotel. 

Others complained of street and construction noise at night. During my stay, there was active construction going on next door, and I did notice some noise in the night. It wasn't loud enough to keep me awake, but I'm used to city noise. My room was on the 7th floor, so if you're a light sleeper, make sure to request a room on a higher floor, and away from construction.

Read reviews, compare prices, and book the Park South Hotel on Trip Advisor

Who stays here: Those who value a superb culinary program alongside a classic and elegant hotel stay, with competitive prices to boot.

We like: The price. Even at peak season, you'll pay less than $300 a night for a King Room with a City View. The most basic room with one double bed is still well under $250 at its costliest. This feels unheard of in New York for an upscale four-star boutique hotel. 

We love (don't miss this feature!):Covina. The pasta, pizza, and cocktails earned a spot amongst my top hotel dining experiences ever.

We think you should know: The well-known rooftop bar is only open from April to September. If it's a must-see for you, plan accordingly. And don't forget to attach your World of Hyatt membership to a reservation for added points-earning potential.

We'd do this differently next time: Check out O Ya for omakase. I'm curious to see if it's as excellent as Covina.

Rooms at Park South are straightforward, but that's not a bad thing. They're comfortable, clean, and elegant, if not a bit traditional. There aren't many bells and whistles by way of design or luxury amenities (not even a minibar) but the on-site dining more than makes up for the lack of $6 chips in your room. I had one of the best hotel meals ever at Covina, and the seasonal rooftop bar consistently makes best-of lists in the summertime. 

The price is incredibly reasonable, even in high season, for a stay that has everything you need to feel comfortable and cared for in a stellar location.

Book Park South Hotel starting at $134 a night here

• Author Scott Tonges shares the five things he wishes he had known when he was a little younger, before he had a house and kids. 
• He says you'll never have as much free time as you do in your twenties — and time is your most valuable asset. 
• It's your chance to be selfish, and you can afford to take risks.
• You're also at a point where you are only responsible for yourself and working toward your own goals.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In your early twenties, it's realistic to think that you have 10 years of freedom to pursue your goals before "settling down," getting a real job, buying a house, and starting a family (if that's what you choose to do).

The average age of a woman giving birth in Australia is 31.3 (and rising). The average age of a first-time homeowner in the United States is 33.

With these stats in mind, it's obvious that your twenties are a unique time in your life. Want to see the world? You can. Want to study for 10 years? You can. Want to start your own business? You can. Want to do nothing? You can.

I'm not saying it's impossible to pursue your goals after your 30th birthday. It just gets harder. There are more external factors that influence both your time and your decisions.

When I reflect on my twenties, I spent the first half of it failing university and having an incredible time at college.

Would I have done things differently? Yes and no. Yes, I could have pursued my goal — of starting a business — sooner and with more focus. No, because I made life long friendships that I wouldn't change for a second.

The second half of my twenties was spent working incredibly hard building a business. I absolutely loved working towards my goal.

Now 30, with a beautiful wife, gorgeous child, and moderate mortgage, here is a list of 5 things I wish I knew when I turned 20 …

SEE ALSO: 8 things the smartest people never reveal about themselves at work

1. You will never have more free time in your life (until you retire)

Apart from study and work that may take up to 8 hours a day, the rest of your time is yours to do as you please.

No children, maybe no partner, your time is there for the taking. Having this much time means that it is incredibly important to use it wisely. It's also incredibly easy to waste.

Determine what you truly want, and employ your time in pursuit of that cause.

With your goal in mind, use your time with purpose.

If time is your most valuable asset, then your twenties isn't a time to waste it.

2. It's your chance to be selfish

Based on the stats, you likely won't have a mortgage or children.

Having a mortgage instantly means that the financial noose is tightened. You have repayments due whether you like it or not. Having children means that your time and focus shifts to their well being (as it should!).

When you have no real commitments, aside from maybe a job or studying, you are free to explore other endeavors. Now is the time to chase your goals with a level of energy and commitment you never knew existed. You are in total control of your life. You answer only to yourself.

It's your chance to be selfish and pursue your goals with pure single-mindedness.

Embrace it and chase it!

3. You can take risks

When you're not constrained by debt and don't have people depending on you to survive, you are freer to take risks.

In truth, most perceived risks aren't that risky at all.

Humans are conservative by nature. It's how we have survived and thrived for millennia. However, we now live in a world that is incredibly different to that of our distant ancestors. Those risk averse biological traits that saved us from lions, generally do not apply. If you're not at risk of physical harm, then what is the worst that could happen?

Take a good hard look at the downside.

Weigh up your current situation and determine the worst case scenario. How bad could things get if you take that risk and fail?

Could you lose all you money? Perhaps. But remember, money isn't a finite resource. It can be accumulated again.

Could you lose time? Definitely  —  so make sure you learn something valuable in the process, regardless of success.

And the big one: regret. Will you regret not taking the risk?

Take a good hard look at the upside.

All going to plan, what's the best case scenario? How good could things get if you take that risk and succeed? Could starting your own business help you achieve financial freedom? Could you enrich your life by traveling the world? Could changing jobs lead to a new opportunity?

It's common to hear the saying, "the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward."

Often this is true. However, in your twenties, the downside is so insignificant in the grand scheme of your life, that it's almost riskier to stand still and do nothing.

You can harm your future simply through inaction.

Take the time to assess the risk's merits. Are you being reasonable and rational? Are others' opinions holding you back? What is stopping you?

If you're still struggling, begin with working out how you can minimize (or internalize and accept) the downside. This will help you to feel more confident to work towards your goal.

This is your time to take the jump!

4. You can work harder than you ever have

Most goals require time and effort. Using time effectively and applying effort requires discipline.

When you combine discipline with free time, magic happens.

Instead of wasting time, maximize it.

In your early twenties, commitments are minimal and time is there to use. This gives you the platform to work harder than you ever have in your young life.

If your goal is to gain a promotion, work longer, harder, and with more focus. If your goal is to start a business, dedicate yourself to it. If your goal is to travel, determine how you can work hard to fund it.

Turn off the TV and get it done.

5. You can decide what you want to do

When you're at school, your parents, the government, and the education system generally decide what you do each day. Once you're on your own in your twenties, out in the world, the decisions are yours.

This tremendous freedom can be a blessing and a curse. Without direction and goals, it is easy to switch on autopilot.

It is incredibly important to reflect on what you are doing, and question "Why?" It's easy to simply go through the motions. Goals are merely dreams. You begin thinking "I wish" instead of "I am."

"I wish I had a better job," instead of, "I am working towards a better job."

"Think and act, instead of think and dream."

Too often, we drift through life doing things that are ingrained in us, that we think are expected of us, or that we have always done.

You need to become critical of your life. Ask "why," and ensure the answer aligns with your true self. After all, you're the one living your life  —  not your parents, friends, bosses, co-workers, relatives, or strangers.

It's incredibly liberating working towards your goals. Not someone else's.

This Medium article was originally published on Business Insider July 13, 2018.

• Email can seem like a time suck to be managed, or even a career drain.
• But try flipping this email mindset on its head and use email to proactively fuel success. You don't have to send memoir-length thank you notes, or even send a whole fleet of emails every day.
• Just taking the time to summarize an important meeting, sending a quick and specific thank you, and reaching out to a friend can benefit both you and the recipient.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Email is one of those things you enter into mindlessly, but it really requires a more mindful approach. You have to be intentional about managing your email so it isn't a time drain and be careful about what you say in it so it isn't a career drain. Mostly, we think about how to manage email so we don't screw up success.

But what if you flipped this mindset on its head? What if you considered how you might use email more effectively (beyond just the basic uses for it) to directly fuel success?

I have thought about this, having learned the art and science of effective email over a 30-year corporate career, and will gladly share with you a proactive approach — six emails you should send each week to directly enhance your prospects for success.

SEE ALSO: 4 tricks successful people use to perform at their peak during business travel

1. The summation email

2. The email to yourself

Yes, you're reading this right. For the last email you write on Friday, write in capital letters in the subject header one of your non-negotiable core values. When you open that email first thing Monday morning and you see the word "KINDNESS" (for example) staring at you, it's a reminder to live that value all week long. You have a choice to live each day in support of your values or in spite of them. This is a little reminder to stick to the former.

People won't know about this message you send to yourself, but they'll pick up on a positive message you're sending about yourself.

3. The appreciation email

If you take the time each week to email one person who deserves your unsolicited praise and appreciation, I guarantee each week you'll be surprising someone (in a good way). Sadly, heartfelt appreciation, written out so that people can put it in their "smile file" and enjoy it more than once, is a lost art. I got the most heartfelt appreciation back from simply showing the smallest bit of it myself. 

Think of the last time someone went out of their way to show that you were valued and appreciated. You don't forget it. They won't either.

And that kind of touch is not the kind of thing that people keep to themselves; they tell others about it — which isn't bad for your reputation, either.

4. The thank-you email

5. The growth email

Once a week, email a mentor, ask someone for feedback, ask if you can meet for coffee to pick someone's brain, ask a question about something you're curious about — anything that will lead to your personal growth.

Don't be a burden on others; make the requests small and easily doable. But don't underestimate the potential here; establishing a steady drumbeat of micro-learning with a few keystrokes is an easy investment you can make in yourself.  

6. Email a friend for no reason

Gallup research has shown that one of the leading indicators of strong performance in an employee is whether they have a best friend at work. Once a week, send an email that simply serves to fuel the friendship. And don't limit yourself to sending a friendly email just to co-worker friends. Any friend will do. An 81-year Harvard study showed that the key to happiness and success all comes back to relationships.

So cut out six emails a week that serve no purpose and replace them with these six purpose-filled ones. Hitting "Send" never felt so good.

This Inc. story was originally published on Business Insider September 18, 2019. 

• Hoxton Hotels just opened a new location in downtown Los Angeles in a stunningly updated 1922 beaux-arts building. 
• The rooms are small (European-style, this is a British brand after all), but the design-forward approach, buzzy dining scene, and picturesque rooftop pool are serious draws.
• I spent a night in a "Roomy" room, which starts at $189. Smaller options can be booked for as low as $129, which is a steal for style-minded travelers.

As a Los Angeles native who treasures my 1936 home and makes every effort to lovingly maintain its vintage style, I just adore seeing other buildings that reflect the city's vibrant, aesthetically stunning history, updated for modern comfort.

So, I was eager to check out Hoxton Hotels' new location in downtown Los Angeles.

Opened in October, The Hoxton Downtown L.A. is the ninth hotel in the group (which also has relatively new locations in London, Europe, Brooklyn, Portland, and Chicago), which originated in London. It took over the 10-story Los Angeles Railway Building, a vintage beaux arts-style structure from 1922 that once housed the L.A. Railway Authority, and later, a garment manufacturer and candy shop.

The building is very much a part of the city's history. Downtown L.A.'s heyday really began in the 1920s and '30s and saw spectacular architectural and cultural development before starting a decline. The Hoxton's style feels like a throwback to those glory days. Which is, in contrast, to some of downtown's newer hotel towers, like the decade-old JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. They're comfortable, amenity-rich, and glamorous, but not historically distinguished in the same way.

The Hoxton is located in the bustling heart of a revitalized downtown area bursting with dining, entertainment, and the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center. The collection of travelers I saw at the hotel when I visited appeared to include those mostly visiting for events or conferences that were buzzing around purposefully with lanyards and rolling bags. The crowd was mostly young and overtly stylish, but at least one elderly couple haunted the lobby spaces during a visit that overlapped with mine.

The Hoxton's new incarnation is fairly compact and intimate, though there are still a respectable 174 rooms in all. Rooms tend to be small. The entry-level type is dubbed "Snug," and starts at $129 for under 200 square feet on average. The category name is also an apt description.

I spent the night in the third tier, "Roomy," which was comped for review purposes but starts at $189 per night, and fills an average of 259 square feet. Reasonable, but not super spacious.

The largest type is "Biggy," which are only moderately larger at an average of 301 square feet, with rates starting at $209.

The smallish rooms are perhaps also a nod to the hotel brand's European roots, where rooms tend to be smaller. But communal spaces, dining, and drinking options are stylish and cool, intended to lure guests out of their rooms. Indeed, they're frequented by hip locals, and the rooftop pool has killer views of the downtown skyline — a slam dunk for the 'Gram.

The Hoxton Downtown Los Angeles is for those who eschew traditional, sometimes generic hotel chains, choosing a stay that's experiential and photogenic over the chance to earn loyalty points. I checked out the historic-meets-hip concept and found it delivered every bit on that promise.

• The first impression
• The room
• On-site amenities
• What's nearby
• What others say
• What you need to know
• The bottom line
• Book the Hoxton Downtown Los Angeles starting at $129 a night here

Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by the Hoxton Downtown Los Angeles

SEE ALSO: The V Palm Springs is a design-forward boutique hotel you can book for under $100 a night — even on a holiday

SEE ALSO: Le Méridien San Francisco is a great option for comfort, value, and excellent last-minute deals

SEE ALSO: The consistently hip Ace Hotel in NoMad is a go-to base for creative types

I arrived to the Hoxton and dropped off my car at the curbside valet with ease as traffic whizzed by. Inside, I found the hotel to be filled with stylishly furnished communal spaces. A seating area had sumptuous, Art Deco-inspired furnishings and rich upholstery that looked expertly curated.

The reception was simple and straightforward: several staffers were ready to welcome me from behind a small curvilinear desk. There was no one in line in front, although the restaurants flanking the reception were bustling at mid-day with what I presumed to be a combination of tourists, the local lunch crowd, and miscellaneous hipsters.

I got my key promptly and headed up to my third-floor room, dubbed "Roomy," which is among four categories in order of size: Snug, Cosy (again, European-size, and spelling!), Roomy, and Biggy.

My corner room was airy and bright, with views on two walls of other downtown buildings and the traffic below. I'd call the views much more urban — even gritty — than glam per se.

Though it was considered "Roomy," I found it to be diminutive, typical of a European hotel room, despite being the second to largest category. The type averages 259 square feet and starts at $189 however, which was reasonable for the size.

Decor had a vintage lean, with distinct paneling, a bubbled glass shower door, chevron flooring, velvet throw pillows, and other small details that made the room fun and memorable.

I particularly liked accessories such as a retro telephone and Marshall radio. Both were tricked-out and fully operable.

There was also a thoughtfully produced custom map and "Hoxton survival guide," which was a pamphlet explaining the property and its amenities. 

The room also included coffee and tea, a Smeg kettle to prep them, and a mini-fridge stocked with milk and water.

Unfortunately, I found the milk in my fridge expired when I tried to make coffee. I assume this to be a kink of a brand new hotel working out the final details as I was likely one of the first to stay here.

The bed, with its artistic wood and rattan headboard, was quite comfortable and conducive to sleep.

Nevertheless, as might be expected for an urban property in a downtown location, street noise was quite noticeable. A higher floor might have insulated the noise a bit more. If you're sensitive to sound — I am — ask for a location accordingly, and travel with earplugs. Those did the trick for me.

The hotel's buzziest attractions are the on-site F&B options: The Hoxton partners with Sunday Hospitality, which is the team behind New York's fan-fave Brooklyn restaurant Sunday in Brooklyn.

On the ground floor is Sibling Rival, offering takes on American classics with California produce as the star. I was starving when I checked in and made a late lunch of avocado toast, rendered truly hearty and unique with the addition of cashew cheese and nori on top.

Sibling Rival is also home to the lobby's coffee bar with coffee by local roastery Tectonic Coffee, homemade pastries, and a soft-serve ice cream bar. These offerings are open all day until 11  p.m.

I worked much of the afternoon in the light-filled, street-level space with its wall of windows, perfect for both people-watching and concentrating, and complete with ample places to charge up.

After work, my husband joined me for dinner at Pilot. Pilot is a Mediterranean-inspired, seafood-heavy spot on the rooftop with skyline views.

Because the hotel is new and working out some early decisions, I received differing answers as to when the restaurant actually opened for dinner. Some staffers and web sources cited 5 p.m., and others 5:30 p.m., which turned out to be accurate.

The confusion was OK though, because we started poolside before moving inside when the restaurant formally opened. In addition to the food — cacio e pepe was a standout — we found the music to be a highlight of the experience. It's the kind of place to take a date who has Mos Def and Biggie Smalls on their playlist.

Among its many charms, the Hoxton's central location is walkable to most key attractions in downtown Los Angeles. The Staples Center is an eight-minute walk and next door to L.A. Live, a splashy entertainment and dining complex. 

All of that action also abuts the Los Angeles Convention Center, which regularly draws throngs of attendees.

On a more practical note, the hotel shares a block with a CVS drugstore, which makes it convenient to replace any forgotten toiletry items if needed. I stopped in for cash back on a cold drink when I found myself without even enough cash to tip the valet on my way out.

Check flight prices to Los Angeles on Expedia

As a brand new hotel, the Hoxton has only a few online reviews so far. Early Trip Advisor feedback notes "cozy but beautifully maintained rooms," and a "good location walking distance to fashion shops."

More abundant reviews are for the hotel's restaurants, and these are overwhelmingly positive. Although one reviewer noted slow service, others were far more impressed writing, "Sibling Rival is gorgeous, the dinner of my glam dreams." Another shouted out the rooftop venue Pilot: "The new rooftop bar and restaurant (Pilot) are absolutely lovely."

Who stays here: Style-minded youthful travelers, and anyone who appreciates the vintage aesthetic and want a more unique experience than a cookie-cutter hotel. Plus, meeting-goers and conventioneers bound for the Los Angeles Convention Center and other downtown venues.

We like: The design-forward details and historic 1920s style which feel far more distinctive than nearby global chain hotel options. 

We love (don't miss this feature!): The rooftop pool is small but a standout. Don't miss seeing it — and taking pics — whether you actually go for a seasonal dip, or just lounge on the chaises poolside. 

We think you should know: Overnight parking is a spendy $49. Avoid driving if you can; rideshare is easily accessible, and the property is walkable once on-site.

We'd do this differently next time: Try the pancakes at Sibling Rival. The waiter raved about them as a cult favorite, and Time Out notes the restaurant's Brooklyn counterpart Sunday makes arguably the "best pancakes in New York."

The Hoxton Downtown Los Angeles is filled with artsy details and amenities to satisfy visitors with high standards for comfort — but who'd prefer something reasonably priced.

The Hoxton honors the city's history and a deco-era aesthetic for a stay that's certainly more memorable than the traditional, modern global chains that largely represented the area until now. It's a place where buzzy energy combines with Insta-ready style in a highly convenient and walkable location.

You'll need to be comfortable with some street noise, and this isn't the place to find a sprawling room. Think under 200 square feet to start. But it's a bargain, with rates starting at $129 for those Snug rooms.

Book the Hoxton Downtown Los Angeles starting at $129 a night here

• Picking out a gift for a guitar player can be a trying affair. After all, they're a trying bunch.
• We've sifted out everything from our favorite picks, straps, and music books to acoustic and electric guitars and amps in the highly curated list below.
• Find more holiday gift ideas for 2019 from Insider Picks. 

Guitarists can be a finicky bunch. Take the whole Fender vs. Gibson debate, for example. Before embarking upon buying any gift for a guitarist, you'd serve yourself best to suss out which side of it they're on. But then there's acoustic, electric, effects, pick or no pick, and so on.

Suffice it to say that the guitarist in your life is a headache. But you probably already knew that, didn't you?

Below are a roundup of hand-selected tools and toys by a very select cadre of guitar players. At the very least, there is, without a doubt, at least one thing your ax-wielding friend(s) and/or family members could stand to have.

The one who always loses their picks? Covered. The one with the battered, tattered old strap, bound to drop their precious '59-vintage Fender Jazzmaster straight to the ground? Covered. The one who never has working input cables? Yes, we've got them, too. All the way up to the love of your life who deserves everything and more (see Gibson Hummingbird), we've got gifts for every guitar player and budget.

The top 5 guitar gifts:

1. A pick punch to make picks from old credit cards

2. Hal Leonard's "The Real Book," his magnum opus

3. An ultra-lightweight magnesium slide

4. A new update on a classic electric guitar

5. A guitar cleaning kit

A pick punch to make picks from old credit cards

Pick punch, available at Uncommon Goods, $25

They'll never run out of picks again.

A new update on a classic electric guitar

Fender American Ultra Series, available Guitar Center, from $1,900

It's been a while since Fender's updated its line. If you really want to spoil them, it's probably safe to assume they don't own one of these yet.

A guitar cleaning kit

Gibson Guitar Care Kit, available at Guitar Center, $33

If they love their guitar(s) as much as they say they do, it's probably time they start taking care of them.

Strap locks, to keep it from slipping off

Schaller S Locks, available at Guitar Center, $20 to $35

Straps fail. These babies do not.

A humidity and temperature monitor

MusicNomad Humidity and Temperature Monitor, available at Guitar Center, $32

Humidity and temperature changes are wood's worst enemy. Help them keep their beloveds in playing shape.

An ultra-lightweight magnesium slide

Mojotone MagSlide MS-2, available at Guitar Center, $40

Move over, Elmore James.

The best instrument cable(s) money can buy

Monster Cable Classic, available at Guitar Center, $23 to $30

Faulty cables are the worst. These are some of the best.

A pick holder keychain with an LED light

D'Addario Planet Waves Pick Holder with LED Light, available at Guitar Center, $6.49

So they'll stop losing picks and be able to find their way home after gigs.

A classier guitar strap

Guitar Center Guitar Straps, available at Guitar Center, from $10

A strap might be a highly personal thing, but if they're still slinging their guitar from cheap nylon, it's time for an upgrade.

A clip-on guitar tuner

Snark SN-1 Guitar & Bass Tuner Black, available at Guitar Center, $30

If you happen to live with them, our condolences. But this might help some.

Hal Leonard's 'The Real Book,' his magnum opus

Hal Leonard's 'The Real Book,' available at Guitar Center, $40

Hal Leonard's 'The Real Blues Book,' available at Guitar Center, $35

Hal Leonard's "The Real Book" is the fool-proof field book to gigging, or at least keeping a good repertoire handy.

The Gibson guitar of their dreams

Gibson Guitars, available at Guitar Center, from $999

Gibson Hummingbird Guitar, available at Guitar Center, $3,849

La crème de la crème of acoustic guitars, played by everyone from Keith Richards, Graham Parsons, and Bob Dylan to Justin Bieber.

The Fender tube amp they've always wanted

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV Tube Amplifier, available at Guitar Center, $800

There's nothing like a tube amp. If they don't have one and you've got the dough to help them out, whether they're a performer or not, they'll be eternally grateful.

A Marshall acoustic guitar amp with built-in digital effects

Marshall AS50D 50W 2x8 Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp, available at Guitar Center, $350

A snazzy little gigging amp, this Marshall does away with the need for most effects pedals.

A classic analog effects pedal

MXR M-117R Flanger Effects Pedal, available at Guitar Center, $170

The Flanger is really multiple effects in one, and a lot of fun to mess around with. If they don't have one already, it's time. If they do, anything from MXR is a safe bet.

Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.

• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• Creative gift ideas under $25
• Thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• Clever gift ideas under $100
• Cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• Affordable tech gifts under $25
• Thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• Cool gifts for him on Amazon

• Week 15 of the NFL season is here, and with it, the fantasy playoffs.
• For those that didn't qualify for the postseason in their leagues, daily games like DraftKings and FanDuel are a great way to fill the fantasy void in your life.
• In daily fantasy, the difference between winning and losing the day comes down to finding the best value plays at every position.
• This week, we like Derek Carr, Darius Slayton, and more to outplay their prices in DraftKings and FanDuel.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Daily fantasy sports are all about finding value.

Last week was a solid one for our DraftKings value picks, with wide receivers A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal both going off for big games.

This week, we're back at it again, diving deep into the DraftKings player pool to find players that might be undervalued and can help you fill out your lineup when you feel the need to overspend at other positions.

Take a look below for our best value picks for your Week 15 DraftKings lineups.

QB: Derek Carr, $5,600

Derek Carr and the Raiders are playing their last game in Oakland on Sunday, and I think head coach Jon Gruden sends them out with a bang. With the team moving to Las Vegas next season, the time is right for an offensive explosion, and though it's been a while since we've seen it, Carr does have the goods to deliver an elite fantasy performance from time to time.

RB: Raheem Mostert, $5,200

Raheem Mostert has won himself the starting job in San Francisco over the past two weeks, and he's somehow wildly underpriced for this Sunday's game against the Falcons. Mostert is the only player in fantasy to finish as a top-five running back in each of the past two weeks. Even if he falls a bit short of that this Sunday, he could still wildly outplay his current pricing.

RB: Boston Scott, $3,000

If you are looking for a deep cut, Boston Scott could be your man. Scott got more playing time than expected last week after a nagging injury caught up with starting running back Miles Sanders, and made the most of his time on the field, taking 16 touches for 128 yards and a score, finishing as the fifth-best running back in fantasy.

Sanders is expected back in the lineup this week, but with the Eagles dealing with a depleted receiving corps, it's possible that after his big day last week, there are a few new plays in the game plan made just for him.

WR: A.J. Brown, $6,000

A.J. Brown was our best value pick of the week last Sunday, going off for 153 yards and two touchdowns in a big win for the Titans. Against a Texans defense that just gave up 38 points to the Broncos, there's no reason to think he'll be slowing down this week.

WR: Tyrell Williams, $4,800

Tyrell Williams has been pretty quiet of late, but with me already betting on a big day from Derek Carr, I think he's a solid second player to pair with him in the Raiders offense.

If Jon Gruden has drawn up a few dazzling deep throws, chances are they're heading Williams' way.

WR: Darius Slayton, $4,700

Darius Slayton has caught two touchdowns in three of his last seven games, including last week with Eli Manning throwing to him. Manning was clearly comfortable with Slayton, and this week should have a good chance to put up some more points with the dynamic receiver against a dismal Dolphins defense that has given up nearly 300 yards passing per game over the last three weeks.

TE: Dallas Goedert, $4,300

The Eagles receiving corps has been decimated by injury, to the point that last week 40-year-old backup quarterback Josh McCown was preparing to jump in at receiver in case of emergency. Thankfully, Philadelphia has one of the most talented tight end units in football, with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert both potent offensive weapons.

Given the Eagles circumstances, I expect a lot of two-tight end passing sets from them this Sunday against Washington, meaning Goedert could be in for a big day.

DEF: Philadelphia Eagles, $3,400

Again, the Eagles are all sorts of banged up. But despite their injuries, the team is still in control of their destiny, needing a win on Sunday to keep their hopes of winning the NFC East alive. With other parts of the team struggling, I'm expecting a big day from the Philadelphia defense, who, while hit-or-miss on the year, have shown they can step up in tough spots when needed.

Now check out our best bets for Week 15 of the NFL season

NFL WEEK 15: Our official predictions for who wins this weekend

• Lip stains are a comfortable, low-maintenance way to get a wash of color on your lips without needing to constantly reapply like traditional lipstick.
• The Sephora Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstick is our top choice and is well-rated for its fusion of comfort, longevity, and intense pigmentation.
• We also like ones from YSL, Revlon, Benefit, and Glossier. 

I love the look of bold lip color, but I can't stand the feeling of many traditional lipsticks. Unless it's a long-wearing formula, they can often feel heavy or drying, plus they tend to smudge everywhere while I'm doing normal life things like eating, drinking, and talking. 

But lip stains are an ideal compromise. They tend to be lightweight and long-lasting, though not in that cakey, clay-like way of a thick liquid lipstick. Even though the word "stain" calls to mind subtle permanence, a range of formulas can fall under the umbrella. Some are sheer while others are more pigmented, but all of them are supposed to cling to your lips for hours while remaining comfortable to wear and fade evenly to a more subtle flush of color, making them easy to reapply after you've eaten or had your 12th cup of coffee for the day. 

We researched the most popular lip stains and tested a handful ourselves to curate the best lip stains to buy in 2019.

The best lip stains you can buy:

• Best overall: Sephora Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstick
• Best luxury: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain
• Best drugstore: Revlon Balm Stain
• Best multitasking: Benefit BeneTint Cheek & Lip Stain
• Best stain-like lipstick: Glossier Generation G

The best lip stain overall

Sephora Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstickis long-lasting and more pigmented than your average lip stain. And it comes in 90 different colors. 

Sephora Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstick is a long-lasting, pigmented lip stain that goes on smooth and won't leave your lips feeling cracked and dry. As the name suggests, it's a liquid lipstick and lip stain fusion that dries matte and stays put all day. 

This is one of the most popular lip products on the market, with a 4.4 Sephora rating based on more than 9,500 reviews, and 16,600+ reviews on Influenster. Even more impressive is the staying power and color range; there are 90 shades to match any mood, vibe, outfit, or even coffee mug.

It's a bit more pigmented than other lip stains and has a creamy texture that feels mousse-like. For an even more subtle appearance, you can blot the product with a tissue or paper towel before it dries to sheer the color out. Avocado oil gives the formula a hydrating quality to counteract the dryness that often comes with lip stains that dry down for staying power. 

"This is my new (and all time) favorite stain!! It is thicker and creamier than a traditional stain which is really nice, because it goes on smooth and STAYS!!" writes one Sephora shopper.

INSIDER writer Chloe Pantazi says, "I only really need to reapply if I've been eating something super messy, like a taco."Refinery29 and Harper's Bazaar also give the Sephora Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstick rave reviews.

Pros: 90 colors, long-lasting formula, matte and metallic finishes, affordable

Cons: Some reviewers report inconsistencies in the formula depending on color

The best luxury lip stain

YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stainhas a comfortable mousse-like texture and a shiny finish, making it look and feel more like a balm than a stain.

High-end makeup can be overpriced for no good reason, but the YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain is unique and worth the price tag. This is a mousse-like formula with a slightly shiny finish that's very different from most lip stains. In fact, it acts more like a balm than a stain because of the finish and texture. 

It goes on creamy, offers full-coverage color, and boasts a 10-hour wear-time, which is rare for any lip product with shine. The glossiness will start to fade a bit if you smack or lick your lips, but it'll still have a slight sheen to it. An angled, diamond-tipped applicator helps give you a crisp line with no extra lip liner required. 

"This applies beautifully, moisturizes, wears comfortably, fades gracefully, and maintains a soft sheen yet still lasts hours through talking and drinking water. This is by far my favorite tinted lip product," writes one Sephora shopper.

An Insider Picks editor who tested the lip stain said it was one of her favorite lip stains because it was moisturizing and didn't make her lips look pruney. The soft glossy finish also made her lips look more dimensional and plump, as opposed to watery stains that leave behind a wash of color but no shine.

Overall, the product has a 4.4-star rating based on 543 Sephora reviews. It's also been featured as the top lip stain pick by Byrdie Beauty, whose editor writes, "For a lip stain, it boasts impressive coverage." 

Pros: Slightly glossy finish, up to 10 hours of wear time, precise applicator

Cons: Expensive

The best drugstore lip stain

The Revlon Balm Stain is an affordable and easy-to-use lip crayon available in eight wearable shades.

For an inexpensive and easy-to-use lip stain, look no further than the Revlon Balm Stain. These under-$10 lip crayons are easy to apply and comfortable to wear.

Available in eight wearable colors, these moisturizing balms are perfect for everyday wear. They contain what the brand calls a "Triple Butter Complex" of shea, mango, and coconut butters, making the formula feel more like a tinted lip balm that happens to contain long-lasting color.

The pointed chubby crayon makes them easy to apply without running over the lip line. You'll probably need to reapply these if you plan on eating and drinking a lot while you wear them, but reviewers say they're much more pigmented than your typical balm, with far superior staying power.

The product has been recommended by experts at Byrdie, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and StyleCraze. A writer at The Strategist even says it has been "my go-to lip product every single day for the last three years."

Pros: Lightweight, moisturizing, easy to apply, affordable

Cons: Only available in eight shades

The best multitasking lip stain

The Benefit BeneTint Cheek & Lip Stain is a multi-use liquid lip and cheek stain that provides a long-wearing sheer finish.

One of the OG lip stains on the market, this little bottle of Benefit BeneTint Cheek & Lip Stain can be blended onto the lips and cheeks for a naturally flushed look. 

The original BeneTint has been around for more than 15 years and it's still a versatile rosy shade that suits a variety of skin tones. The formula is quite sheer with a liquidy, slightly gel-like texture that blends like a dream and dries matte. You can definitely layer it up depending on the finish you want, but blend it out and let it dry down before adding more. 

The nail polish brush-style applicator makes it easy to paint the tint onto your lips without overdrawing the line, or dotting it onto your cheeks before blending out with your fingertips. You can really control the amount of product you get by brushing on just a small layer at a time, which makes it great for building up for more color. The formula will dry down after a few seconds to ensure staying power.

The product has an average 4.3-star rating on the Sephora website based on almost 3,000 reviews. It's also been featured on Byrdie, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, StyleCraze, and Rank and Style.

"I've purchased maybe 6 [BeneTints] in my lifetime. It's one of the few products I go back to again and again. I love that the color is buildable and it's good for cheeks and lips! Also, it's a truly universal color! It looks gorgeous on my deep skin," writes one Sephora shopper.

Pros: Can be used on cheeks and lips, blendable, nail polish-like applicator to easy to use

Cons: Expensive, only comes in one shade

The best stain-like lipstick

Glossier Generation Gis an ultra-sheer matte lipstick that wears like a stain, gives you a soft wash of color.

Although Glossier's Generation G is officially marketed as a lipstick, it behaves more like a stain in my experience and the subtle color stays put forever. 

The color is buildable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. There's no smudging and the fade-down is elegant — no patchy color, no weird ring around your lips. And the formula is so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing anything. This ultra-sheer, ultra-matte formula has no trace of gloss or shimmer.

Available in six shades, the range is paired-down to the essentials, including a red and a '90s-inspired brown. I personally love Cake, a terracotta peach, and Crush, a raspberry pink that gives you the perfect popsicle lip stain. All the shades are subtle but buildable, and they allow your natural lip color to show through.

This is my go-to everyday lip product. I find that I can comfortably wear and reapply these without drying out my lips, thanks to oils like sunflower, beeswax, and safflower. I do recommend applying lip balm first if your lips are easily chapped. The color has such great staying power that if I only apply once in the morning, I'll still see the color when I go to remove my makeup at night. 

Generation G has a 3.8 rating on Glossier.com based on 863 reviews, though many of the negative responses seem to be from customers who expected a more traditional lipstick pigmentation.

The product has been recommended by editors at Elle, Allure, and Byrdie, among other publications. WhoWhatWear's Mica Ricketts calls Gen G"one lip product I recommend above all others to my friends who don't do lipstick."

Pros: Very sheer and natural, easy to layer, colors fade nicely over time, long-wearing color

Cons: Can emphasize dry flakes if lips aren't moisturized 

What else we considered

E.l.f. Aqua Beauty Radiant Gel Lip Tint ($4): This is another Byrdie and StyleCraze favorite lip tint, but it's not as well-reviewed by shoppers as our top budget pick from Revlon and there are only three shades available.

Revlon Cushion Lip Tint ($9.99): Another great pick from Revlon, but not quite as universally renowned as the Balm Stain featured in the top five. This lip stain uses a cushion applicator to gently pat on the nourishing, coconut oil-infused formula for a sheer, slightly glossy finish.  

Dior Addict Lip Tattoo ($30): This luxury pick is featured on a few lists of best lip stains, but it isn't as well-reviewed by Sephora customers as our YSL pick. Some shoppers found the formula a bit drying, especially for the high price tag.

• Former First Lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush are old friends who don't let their party and political differences get in the way.
• Bush said he likes Obama because she gets his humor, while Obama called Bush her "partner-in-crime."
  
• The friendship, which began when former President Barack Obama was inaugurated in 2009, has had its fair share of viral moments, including several sly cough drop handovers and a sweet embrace.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

It's an iconic friendship.

Since 2009, former Republican president George W. Bush and former first lady Michelle Obama have hit it off, sharing some truly memorable moments.

In 2016, they had a sweet embrace that was impossible to fake. In 2018, Bush handed Obama cough drops on two different occasions — the first at the memorial service for late Sen. John McCain, and the second at the funeral for George H. Bush, Bush's father.

Obama told the "Today" show, "I love him to death. He's a wonderful man, he's a funny man." While Bush told People they just "took to each other."

It's also a friendship that's been a little out of their hands. Obama and Bush are often seatmates at official functions, so they can spend a lot of time next to each other.

Here's their friendship, in photos.

DON'T MISS: Michelle Obama defends Ellen DeGeneres after she was ridiculed for her friendship with George W. Bush: 'Our values are the same'

SEE ALSO: Three times Michelle Obama and George W. Bush proved friendship can cross party lines

The friendship blossomed in 2009, at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

It's a relationship that's been partly out of their hands since Obama and Bush are often seatmates at official functions. Of which, they attend a lot.

They'll often be seated next to each other at inaugurations or funerals for major political figures.

But even when they aren't seated, the couples can be seen together.

In 2016, Obama and Bush showed the world their enduring friendship with a sweet embrace.

The two attended the dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Jenna Bush Hager, Bush's daughter, called it"the hug that went around the world."

In 2016, the pair shared a moment during a memorial service for five police officers who were killed in Dallas.

"Party doesn't separate us. Color, gender — those kinds of things don't separate us. It's the messages that we send,"Obama told NBC News.

They also sang together.

They sang the Civil War-era song"Battle Hymn of the Republic," to honor fallen police officers who were killed by a sniper during a peaceful protest over the police killing of two African-American men.

Bush also raised a few eyebrows for dancing and lifting his wife and Obama's hands during the somber song.

Bush spoke to People about their friendship in 2017.

"I needle her a little bit and around her, I'm fairly lighthearted,"he said. "[The Obamas] are around serious people all the time and we just took to each other."

In 2017, he told Ellen DeGeneres that their friendship surprised everybody.

"That's what's so weird about society today, [the surprise] that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum can actually like each other,"he said.

In 2018, at late Sen. John McCain's memorial, Obama saw Laura Bush hand her husband a cough drop, and asked for one, too.

"I looked over and I said, 'Hand me a cough drop,"she told "Today." Bush did as he was told.

A clip of Obama mouthing "thank you" after the handover went viral.

According to Business Insider's Eliza Relman, the moment "became a symbol of bipartisanship and human decency at a time of deep political and cultural division."

In 2018, Obama said Bush was her "partner in crime."

In an interview with Today, Obama spoke about their friendship, after their interaction at the memorial had gone viral. 

She said she loved him "to death," and that he was "a wonderful and funny man."

She also mentioned the cough drops had come in a White House box, leading her to ask how long he'd had them. He responded, "A long time — we got a lot of these!"

Then, at Bush's father's memorial in late 2018, as he greeted a line of past and present American presidents, he slyly slipped another cough drop into Obama's hand.

In December 2019, Obama defended Ellen DeGeneres when the host was ridiculed for having a friendship with Bush.

DeGeneres was criticized for her friendship with Bush after a photo went viral showing the pair sitting together at a football game.

Obama told "Today" that while they agreed on policy, their values were the same.

"We don't disagree on humanity. We don't disagree about love and compassion. I think that's true for all of us. It's just that we get lost in our fear of what's different,"she said.