Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live

Your kitchen sponge is even more gross than you thought — here's how often you should replace it

0
0

kitchen sponge sink

  • Sponges are the most bacteria-covered objects in most homes (more so than toilets), according to microbiologists.
  • One recent study found even more microbial diversity on sponges than researchers expected.
  • Sponge-cleaning methods like boiling and microwaving are less effective than most people think.


If the dishes are stacking up in the sink, you're probably reaching for that sponge and soap.

But when was the last time you changed that sponge out? Remember, kitchen sponges are dirtier than toilets.

In fact, it's common knowledge among microbiologists that the things you use to clean your dishes are the dirtiest objects in your home.

A study published in August in the journal Scientific Reports suggests those spongy bacterial colonies may be even more of a health hazard than we thought. Because of that, the researchers behind the report recommend replacing your sponge every week.

The researchers conducted a genetic analysis of bacteria on 28 samples from 14 used sponges. They wrote that this was the most comprehensive analysis yet of the microbiome — the community of bacteria — living on kitchen sponges.

Kitchens are where new bacteria are regularly introduced, both because of human traffic and food preparation. Sponges, which are often warm, wet, and contain traces of old food, are ideal breeding grounds for those bacteria.

The goal of the new analysis wasn't to find pathogens, which make people sick, but just to see what was living on the sponges. The answer? Lots of things.

"Our work demonstrated that kitchen sponges harbor a higher bacterial diversity than previously thought," the authors wrote.

They found that five of the 10 most common bacterial groups had pathogenic potential, including Acinetobacter johnsonii, Chryseobacterium hominis, and Moraxella osloensis. They also found pathogenic groups that could lead to a staph or strep infection, though those weren't as abundant.

They compared their tests to newly purchased, unused sponges and found those to be basically bacteria free.

The other surprising result of the study was that cleaning sponges may be less effective than previously thought. Microwaving and boiling sponges can initially reduce about 60% of the bacteria on them, according to the study, but won't sterilize them.

And even sponges the scientists tested that had been regularly cleaned in that way didn't have fewer bacteria than the uncleaned sponges. The researchers think that resistant bacteria most likely survive the sanitation process then quickly repopulate the sponge, making it harder to remove them over time.

Philip Tierno, a microbiologist, previously told Business Insider that the best way to clean a sponge was to "put it in a little bleach solution." However, the new study didn't evaluate the effects of that method.

Although it's a good idea to clean a sponge after each use, the researchers "suggest a regular (and easily affordable) replacement of kitchen sponges, for example, on a weekly basis," according to the study.

SEE ALSO: 7 of the filthiest things you touch all the time

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: You're using your nonstick pans all wrong — here's the right way to care for your pans


19 of the most beautiful public spaces in the world, according to urban designers

0
0

Trafalgar_Square_Grass_ _May_2007

Cars clogged the streets of Borehamwood, England, an outlying suburb of London, for decades. But in the mid-1990s, the town added pedestrian-only areas to its center.

The change transformed the town, according to Esther Kurland, the director of Urban Design London, a nonprofit that connects urban designers and planners in the city.

"This was one of the first ‘traffic calming’ shared space schemes in the country," Kurland tells Business Insider. "And I was fascinated in how the behavior of both drivers and pedestrians changed." 

Borehamwood is just one example of the way innovative public space can improve the lives of an area's inhabitants. To find more, we reached out to urban designers and planners around the world. They told us about spaces that have been game-changers for cities, that inspired them to go into the field, and that they simply find stunning.

Here are 19 of the world's most beautiful parks, libraries, streets, and plazas, according to people who design them for a living.

SEE ALSO: This insane bamboo treehouse doesn't use any nails or screws

Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois.

"It was clearly a game-changer, not only for Chicago and the real estate that surrounds the park, but for its influence on cities everywhere," says Carol Coletta, the VP of Community and National Initiatives for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Coletta manages millions of dollars annually in grants for city design, and says Millennium Park is the ideal public space. Intended to celebrate the second millennium, the 25-acre park hosts public art and events.

"Lurie Garden, tucked in the park’s southeast corner, is one of my favorite places in the world that somehow manages to remain deeply calming in the midst of the chaos of the larger park," she says.



Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bordering an urban beach, Spruce Street Harbor Park features colorful lights at night and hammocks for lounging.

It "was intended to be a temporary intervention — really a desperate move for a very tough location separated from Philadelphia’s Old City by a wide and busy road," Coletta explains. "But it keeps going and going because people keep coming and coming. It is a simple, loving intervention whose design elements have been widely copied." 

 



The central square in Seaside, Florida.

Building a new residential housing development that actually feels like a small town is almost impossible, says Steve Mouzon, the founder of Mouzon Design.

But the founder and developer of Seaside, Florida did just that, using public space to foster a new independent, tight-knit community.

"The developer had the audacity to build a town square, with a post office, a grocery, a bookstore, and a collection of other restaurants and shops with apartments above," Mouzon explains. "Never mind that the post office wasn’t a sanctioned US Post Office, but rather ganged mailboxes installed inside a tiny civic building. Because the mailboxes wore civic clothing, people behaved in a civic way. And even though Seaside has never been incorporated as a town, people nonetheless behave in neighborly ways."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

A photographer documents heat-packing women and the guns they love

0
0

Carrie

The gun control debate has resurfaced in the wake of several mass shootings over the last several months, from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Sutherland Springs, Texas. 

In Texas, women make up a growing group of consumers who buy guns and keep their weapons concealed for reasons including safety and comfort.

More than 268,000 women hold active handgun licenses in the Lone Star State, up 35% from 2014. Their rising numbers have led to a booming shadow industry of firearm accessories, including bra holsters, concealment leggings, and leopard-print gun holders for their cars.

In an effort to document women's roles in modern gun culture, photographer Shelley Calton took portraits of her gun-toting friends in Texas for her book, "Concealed, She's Got a Gun."

SEE ALSO: Stunning portraits show what women at work look like around the world

Some Texas women see carrying a concealed handgun as more than a right — but a matter of life or death.



As of January 1, 2016, state law permits them to carry a handgun openly or concealed so long as they get a license from the Texas Department of Public Safety.



More women are packing heat than ever. The number of women issued a license to carry rose from 22,000 in 2010 to 103,000 in 2016, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's what Meghan Markle said about her relationship with fiancé Prince Harry

0
0

markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just got engagedClarence House reported on Monday that the couple will marry in Spring 2018 and will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.

The announcement has been hotly anticipated by the media. 

Meghan Markle first opened up about her relationship with Prince Harry in a cover interview for Vanity Fair's October issue.

The 36-year-old actress and star of US TV show "Suits" spoke candidly about her romance with the 33-year-old British Prince.

"We’re a couple. We’re in love," she told the magazine. "I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy.

"Personally, I love a great love story."

Meghan Markle

Markle spoke about how she copes with the tabloid scrutiny on her high-profile relationship, that in November last year led Prince Harry — whom she then called her "boyfriend" — to issue a statement defending her.

"It has its challenges, and it comes in waves—some days it can feel more challenging than others," she said. "And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend’s support."

Markle also revealed that the pair were secretly dating for months before the news became public.

"We’re two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception. Nothing about me changed. I ’m still the same person that I am, and I’ve never defined myself by my relationship."

Meghan Markle

In a statement issued by Kensington Palace in November 2016, the Prince expressed his view that "a line had been crossed" in press coverage and social media trolling of Markle. It went on to say that Prince Harry was concerned for his partner's safety and hoped that the press would "pause and reflect" before any further damage was done.

It appears, though, that Markle is less bothered by the media storm surrounding their relationship. She told Vanity Fair that she has instead adopted the policy of "ostriching."

"I don’t read any press. I haven’t even read press for 'Suits.' The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise," she explained.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How you should design your home to maximize happiness

Meghan Markle is a divorcee — here's where she and Prince Harry are likely to get married

0
0

composite narrower

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement on Monday morning.
  • The couple revealed that they will marry in Spring 2018.
  • The exact date is unknown, as is where the ceremony will take place.
  • Westminster Abbey is available to the couple, despite the fact that Markle is a divorcee.


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle publicly announced their engagement on Monday morning.

The announcement revealed that the couple became engaged in London earlier this month, that a wedding will take place in Spring 2018, and that the couple will live together in the grounds of Kensington Palace.

What wasn't announced, however, was the wedding's exact date — or its venue.

Speculation over the location of the ceremony has circulated for weeks amongst rumours of the couple's impending engagement.

Tradition in the royal family is to wed in the Church of England, and Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral — the wedding venues of Harry's grandparents and parents respectively — are both possible locations.

This is despite the fact that Markle is a divorcee. She was married to TV and film producer Trevor Engelson between 2011 and 2013.

Until 2002, divorcees could not marry again under the Church of England. However, the General Synod (governing body of the Church of England) ruling of the same year changed the law, making venues such as Westminster Abbey — where the Queen married Prince Philip in 1947 — and St Paul's Cathedral — where Prince Charles wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 — available to the happy couple.

Westminster Abbey

In September, Westminster Abbey confirmed to the Daily Express that Prince Harry and Markle would be welcome to wed at the Abbey.

A spokesperson told the Daily Express: "The Abbey follows the General Synod Ruling of 2002. Since then it has been possible for divorced people to be married in the Church of England."

However, it seems unlikely the ceremony will be on the same scale as Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, with reports suggesting the couple could opt for a more private affair.

Prince Harry and Markle "want a church wedding," according to Sky News, so if a more intimate event is on the cards, potential locations could include St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle — where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles had part of their service when Charles remarried in 2005 — and Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Asking yourself these 4 questions will lead to a longer, more meaningful life

Trump could be snubbed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for royal wedding

0
0

Meghan Markle and Harry

  • Prince Harry is to marry Meghan Markle next spring.
  • Markle is a US citizen. However, both Markle and Harry are reportedly privately highly critical of Trump.
  • Downing Street declined to say whether the president would be welcome.
  • Plans for a state visit to the UK were put on hold indefinitely following huge street protests against it.


LONDON — The UK government has declined to say whether US President Donald Trump should be welcome to attend the upcoming royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Markle is a US citizen and Trump might expect an invitation to the wedding, expected to take place next spring.

However, Harry is reportedly privately highly critical of the president, with US Weekly reportingearlier this year that he "is not a fan" of Trump

"Harry thinks the president is a serious threat to human rights," a "close source" told the publication.

Kensington Palace denied the claims about Harry's views on Trump.

Markle has also been highly critical of Trump, previously describing him as "misogynistic" and threatening to leave the US if he became president.

Trump may not receive an invite for less personal reasons, however. President Obama was among a number of prominent heads of states not to be invited to the wedding of Harry's brother Prince William, due to concerns about security, as well as the then president's upcoming state visit.

A spokesperson for Theresa May declined to answer on Monday whether Trump should be given an invite, saying: "This is not a matter for me".

"I don't think these are questions for me but I think you're getting ahead of yourself," they said at a briefing attended by Business Insider.

A planned state visit to the UK from the president was delayed earlier this year, a senior government source told BI, following huge protests against it.

Both London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Speaker John Bercow have called for the visit to be scrapped.

Plans for a non-state visit next year have been considered by the government. However, no firm plans have yet been made.

In a statement, the prime minister said: "I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle upon their engagement.

"This is a time of huge celebration and excitement for two people in love and, on behalf of myself, the Government and the country, I wish them great happiness for the future."

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A North Korean defector tells us what life was like under a dictatorship

This US state will pay you $2,000 a year just to live there

0
0

alaska mendenhall glacier flickr joseph

  • Alaska pays its citizens up to $2,000 a year just for living there.
  • The annual cheques are part of a government programme.
  • Almost every citizen qualifies — there's no catch.


If Alaska's scenic landscapes and jaw-dropping views weren't enough to consider a move to The Last Frontier, free money almost certainly is.

Alaska pays each of its residents up to $2,000 every year, and there are barely any conditions.

America's largest and most sparsely populated state pays every permanent citizen a share of the state's oil wealth as part of the Permanent Fund Dividend Division, part of the Alaska Department of Revenue.

The scheme was set up in 1982 in order to make sure that future generations would get to benefit from the state's huge oil reserves, which are a finite resource.

So far, more than $21 billion (£15.7 billion) has been handed out to the people of Alaska.

The amount paid to each citizen varies year to year, depending on the value of the state's vast oil reserves. 2015 saw the highest ever payout of $2,072 (£1,550) per citizen. This year's dividend is $1,100 (£820).

Although it may sound too good to be true, there's no catch. Every permanent citizen qualifies — including children.

The only two conditions are that you must live in Alaska for at least 180 days in the year, and you haven't been convicted of a crime in the last year.

Anyone looking to move to the state will of course also have some drawbacks to deal with — including the low temperatures, limited phone and internet connectivity in a lot of places, and higher prices of some commodities because of the cost of importing.

alaska chugach state park flickr paxson woelber

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to live in a world where everything you value is under attack

9 at-home remedies that actually work

0
0

BI Graphics_9 at home remedies that actually work LEAD

Turns out mom was right. Chicken soup is good for a cold.

And that's not the only old-school remedy that scientists have actually found to be helpful.

Here are nine weird household tricks that you can really use to ward off pain, soothe a cold, calm a headache, and brighten your smile.

DON'T MISS: Not all headaches hurt the same — here's how to know what type of pain you're having

SEE ALSO: 9 foods you thought were healthy that actually aren't

Feeling a cold coming on? Try gargling with plain water. A study of close to 400 healthy volunteers found that those who gargled with plain water were significantly less likely to come down with upper-respiratory-tract infections (URTIs) — a type of infection often linked with colds and the flu — during the study period. The researchers concluded that "simple water gargling was effective to prevent URTIs among healthy people."



As long as you don't have a punctured eardrum, you use this easy recipe from the Mayo Clinic to stop ear infections before they start. Simply combine one part white vinegar with one part rubbing alcohol, pour a teaspoon into each ear and let it drain back out. The mixture is designed to help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer's ear.



If you tend to get motion sickness on trips, try packing a couple pieces of ginger candy. One study comparing people taking a placebo with those taking ginger found that just one gram of the root was helpful in alleviating symptoms of seasickness, morning sickness, and nausea induced by chemotherapy.

Ginger may also be helpful for relieving gas and indigestion in general, according to Stephen Hanauer, a professor of gastroenterology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just made their first public appearance as a newly engaged couple

0
0

prince harry engagement 2 	Chris Jackson

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first public appearance as a newly engaged couple.

The pair appeared for a photo call outside of Kensington Palace on Monday afternoon after announcing their engagement on Monday morning.

Harry was wearing a dark blue suit, while Markle was dressed in a white overcoat.

prince harry engagement 	Chris Jackson

The couple held hands as a reporter asked how Harry proposed, to which he said: "That will come later."

However, he said the proposal was romantic and that he was "thrilled" to be engaged, while Markle confirmed she was "very happy."

When asked by the press when he knew that Markle was "the one," he replied “the very first time they met."

 

harry engagement

They are set to marry in Spring 2018 and will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.

While the exact date and venue are still unknown, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral — the wedding venues of Harry's grandparents and parents respectively — are both possible locations despite the fact Markle is a divorcee.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here’s how to actually remove pesticides from your fruit — including the organic ones

The Trump White House is hanging mistletoe — and some people are freaking out

0
0

White House Christmas

  • The White House has hung a sprig of mistletoe for the holiday season. 
  • Many people say that the decoration is in poor taste with the recent wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that have appeared in the news.
  • President Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by 16 women. 

 

The White House has hung the mistletoe for the holiday season. 

"The mistletoe is a new touch," CNN's Kate Bennett tweeted on Monday morning, from a tour of the White House.  

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 8.58.24 AM

Some people saw the mistletoe as a faux pas, in light of the wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that have swept the news. 

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 8.59.18 AM

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 9.02.35 AMScreen Shot 2017 11 27 at 9.03.08 AM

President Donald Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by 16 women

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 9.03.40 AM

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 9.05.38 AM

Typically, the decision to hang mistletoe would not be controversial. And, some people argued that it still should be accepted as a holiday tradition, despite the allegations against Trump and the recent prominence of sexual harassment more generally. 

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 9.07.09 AM

SEE ALSO: Trump's Thanksgiving spread reveals a key difference between his administration and Obama's

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Trump says the Texas church shooting 'isn't a guns situation' — watch his full statement on the attack that killed 26 people

George Soros' former right-hand man sold his 20-acre estate for $25 million

0
0

Stanley Druckenmiller Connecticut estate

  • Wall Street billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller has sold his Greenwich, Connecticut home. 
  • It sold for $25 million after listing for $31.5 million.
  • Druckenmiller was formerly a exec with Soros Fund Management.


Billionaire trader Stanley Druckenmiller, formerly a top investment strategist to George Soros, has sold his palatial Greenwich, Connecticut, estate for $25 million, according to the Real Deal.

That price is merely $2 million above the price he paid for it in 2004. It's just the third Greenwich sale above $20 million this year, listing agent Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby's International Realty told the magazine.

The estate has 12,238 square feet of living space and eight bedrooms in total. It sits on nearly 20 acres and is technically three lots combined into one.

Druckenmiller and his wife sold the home because they don't get enough use out of it, McElwreath said.

Druckenmiller is the former president of Duquesne Capital Management, which he founded before joining Soros Fund Management.

SEE ALSO: A hedge fund manager just put his $70 million Hamptons beach house on the market — take a look inside

The estate, known as Sabine Farm, was built by publisher H.J. Fisher in 1910.



After Druckenmiller and his wife bought the estate in 2004, they renovated the mansion.



The home has 12,238 square feet of living space.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Meghan Markle's first post-engagement public debut crashed an obscure Canadian fashion designer's website

0
0

Meghan Markle Prince Harry

  • Meghan Markle wore a coat from Line, a little-known Canadian brand, for her first public appearance as Prince Harry's fiancée.
  • The actress has lived in Canada for several years and reportedly met Harry in Toronto.
  • Line's website crashed soon after news broke that Markle wore the brand.


Meghan Markle gave tribute to her roots in her first public appearance after her engagement to Prince Harry was announced.

Line

On Monday morning, Prince Harry and Markle posed for photos at Kensington Palace in London.

Markle wore a coat by the Canadian fashion brand Line.

The actress was born in the US but has resided in Toronto in recent years. The pair reportedly met in Toronto last year.

Soon after news broke that Markle wore a coat from Line on Monday, the brand's website was slow or crashed for many people.

The couple's plan to wed next year will make Markle a rare American to marry into the royal family.

Neither Markel nor Harry has spoken publicly about the relationship at great length. However, Markle has previously highlighted her North American roots through her fashion — she wore another Canadian brand, Aritzia, to the Invictus Games in September for the couple's first public appearance together.

SEE ALSO: Melania Trump copied Michelle Obama again — but this time, it's a brilliant political move

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why this New York City preschool accepts bitcoin but doesn't accept credit cards

The richest village in China is one of the most mysterious places on earth

0
0

The citizens of Huaxi, the "communist utopia," are very wealthy but aren't allowed to speak to the press. The village was once a poor farming community but is now considered a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate in steel and shipping markets. There are 2,000 “registered residents” who are said to have free healthcare and education. Everyone works seven days a week with no weekends. 

Join the conversation about this story »

Make the Rob Roy your go-to holiday cocktail

0
0

Rob Roy

  • This classic cocktail is a good combination of smoky and sweet.
  • It's best with good blended scotch, not a costly single malt.
  • Don't cheap out on the vermouth, either.


The holidays are a time for friends, family, getting together, and of course of bit of imbibing.

But what drink to mix? There's such a dizzying range of options.

You have plenty of choices, but one of my personal favorites is the Rob Roy.

My father-in-law loves this drink and makes a wonderful, simple version. He had some amazing experiences as a young man, hanging around Greenwich Village in New York and listening to many of the greats of the Golden Age of jazz play live. Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, those giants. He also learned to tend bar and has kept his skills up for decades.

He makes a dandy Rob Roy, which is a cocktail that's been around for over a century. It's named for a rakish Scottish folk hero of the 1600-1700 period who was later immortalized in popular books and musicals. Effectively, it's a Manhattan made with scotch, rather than bourbon or rye.

To make it, you'll need some decent blended scotch. Cheap scotch won't be disguised by the cocktail, so it's best to invest in something like Dewar's or Johnnie Walker Red. Don't use single malt or high-end blended scotch, however.

Then get some sweet vermouth. I like Noilly Prat.

Finally, a lemon, lots of ice, and some short cocktail glasses.

Here we go.

THE JAZZMAN'S ROB ROY

1. Put enough ice cubes in a short cocktail glass to fill it halfway.

2. Cut a twist from the lemon (after you've washed it). Run the twist around the rim of the glass, then discard.

3. Fill the glass approximately two-thirds of the way with scotch. The cool thing about this version of the Rob Roy is that it's on the rocks, not "up," so you don't have to be precise about your measurements. However, the ratio is roughly 3:1 scotch-to-vermouth.

4. Add enough sweet vermouth to darken the drink a bit. This is the part of the cocktail that's up to taste. If you like scotch, use less vermouth. If you want to take some of the smoky edge off the scotch, use more vermouth. But don't just splash in some vermouth.

5. Gently stir the drink, for longer than you think you should. 

6. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT PART! Stare at the drink for about a minute, doing nothing. You are allowing the drink to "water" — the ice is melting, and the cocktail's components are integrating. It is becoming a drink.

7. Add more ice, if necessary. The drink should jingle a bit from the ice when you move it around in your hand.

8. Add a lemon twist. This might sound like an afterthought, but it's essential. Because this Rob Roy lacks bitters, a classic ingredient, it needs something to add a bitter element, and the lemon skin does this brilliantly. 

The ultimate effect should be a Rob Roy that's light and refreshing, sort of like a quick jazz flute solo, or something from the soprano sax. Savor it while listening to a couple of numbers from the Bebop era. Toast your good fortune. Send the year off in style!

SEE ALSO: You can't go wrong with this perfect all-in-one Martini recipe

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: You've been mispronouncing these 11 Scotch brands — here's the right way to say them

The 10 best beaches on the planet, according to the world's leading bloggers and travel experts

0
0

Navagio beach

Flight Network — Canada's largest online travel website — has launched its first annual list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, chosen by 632 of the world’s top travel professionals, including experienced travel journalists, travel agents, and bloggers.

Calling the list "a diverse collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every hidden corner of our planet," the ranking is made up of places that ranked highly on three scores (out of 10) — Sheer Untouched Beauty, Remoteness, and Sand and Water Quality.

Average Days of Sunshine and Average Annual Temperature were also taken into consideration.

Including powder-white beaches and stunning blue waters from all over the world, "this is truly the most up to date and definitive list in the world," according to Flight Network.

Scroll down to see the 10 best beaches in the world, according to the list, then click here to see the full top 50 ranking.

10. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands.

The beach was donated to the National Park Service more than five decades ago and remains one of the best-preserved in the world, according to Flight Network. You'll find a 205-metre underwater snorkelling trail, "silky sands," clear water, and colourful sea creature to make your trip picture-perfect.

"This amazing beach in the US Virgin Islands offers spectacular snorkeling, extraordinary views, and so much more beauty that you have to see it to believe it," said Michelle of blog Making Sense of Cents.



9. Hidden Beach, Mexico.

Influencer The Product Poet called Mexico's hidden beach "A true secret paradise invisible from the outside," adding: "Playa del Amor is filled with hidden water tunnels to explore for hours."

The beach, only reachable by boat (or by swimming or kayaking) is tucked away inside a "cave with a cavernous opening in the roof to let the perfect amount of sunlight enter," according to Flight Network, who said that the hole in the roof of the cave was reportedly made when Mexican forces were engaging in bombing practice during World War I.



8. Hyams Beach, Australia.

With "the whitest sand I’ve ever seen against a beautiful backdrop," according to Jemma York of Academy Travel (and the Guinness Book of World Records), Hyams Beach — located on the south coast of New South Wales — is the perfect relaxation spot. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The Tuesday after Cyber Monday is one of the best days to get travel deals all year

0
0

traveler tourist caribbean

  • Tuesday, November 28, is the best time to buy flights before the holidays.
  • Flight prices are more than 40% off on so-called Travel Deal Tuesday.
  • If you're flexible about your travel destination, use travel app Hopper's Flex Watch feature to find cheap flights.

 

Travelers rejoice: there's a "Black Friday" for flight deals.

On Tuesday, November 28 — or so-called Travel Deal Tuesday — you could score more than 40% off round-trip flights to destinations all over the world, according to an analysis by travel app Hopper.

Depending on who you're shopping for this year, cheap airfare could make a great experiential gift to give someone. 

If you don't have time to scour flight options online all day — or you're not even sure where you want to go — Hopper will use its flight price reports to track and analyze airfare to various destinations to help you figure out "when to fly and buy" for the lowest cost.

It's latest feature, called Flex Watch, will suggest locations that have the cheapest prices available right now. It's perfect for the budget-conscious traveler, as well as the indecisive traveler who desperately needs to get away but doesn't want to overpay. 

And it's easy to set up. All you have to know is where you are traveling from (your home airport, most likely) and when you want to go (this could be a span of a few months or specific dates). You can also choose which continent, country, or state you're interested in visiting.

Then, browse through options immediately if you're searching on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, since that's when prices are expected to be at their lowest before the holidays. If you're not seeing a trip you like, or you want to wait to buy for other reasons, set up a push notification to get an alert on any can't-miss deals.

Hopper predicts round-trip flight prices for dozens of popular cities across the US will be between $160 and $270 if you buy on Travel Deal Tuesday.

Here are some popular international fare sales Hopper expects will be available (all prices are average round-trip for US origin cities):

  • Cancun, Mexico: $313
  • San Jose, Costa Rica: $358
  • Bogota, Columbia: $418
  • Reykjavik, Iceland: $502
  • Dublin, Ireland: $531
  • Paris, France: $566
  • London, United Kingdom: $594
  • Bangkok, Thailand: $607
  • Delhi, India: $669
  • Madrid, Spain: $678
  • Tokyo, Japan: $736
  • Rome, Italy: $741

Check out Hopper's full list of predicted fare deals here.

SEE ALSO: 10 affordable getaways to celebrate New Year's 2018

DON'T MISS: We compared 3 of the most popular premium airline credit cards — and the winner was clear

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: For $138,000 the Four Seasons will fly you in a private jet around the world

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will live in the 2-bedroom cottage that Prince William and Kate Middleton once shared

0
0

nottingham cottage

 

  • The newly engagedPrince Harry and Meghan Markle will live in Nottingham Cottage.
  • It is one of the smallest homes in Kensington Palace.
  • Harry has lived in Nottingham Cottage for the last four years. Before that, it was occupied by Prince William and Kate Middleton.

 

Following their engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will live in Nottingham Cottage, one of the smallest homes in Kensington Palace, according to The Telegraph.

The residence features a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and two bedrooms, and it has been Prince Harry's home for the last four years. Before that, it was the first home shared by Prince William and Kate Middleton after their marriage.

While not as luxurious as some of the other royal residences, it is more modest and private, featuring a rooftop garden and long hallways that are ideal for children.

The home has been owned by the royal family since 1689, when King William III and Queen Mary II purchased it for £20,000. Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul's Cathedral, remodeled the home, and since then it has been occupied by George I, George II, Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana.

Once Harry and Meghan are married in Spring 2018, they may follow William and Kate's example and move into a larger residence

SEE ALSO: How life would change for Meghan Markle if she married Prince Harry

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Sean Astin describes one thing you probably never knew about 'The Goonies'

McDonald's announced plans to demolish its 'No.1 Store' — but an auto museum could save it

0
0

mcdonald's no. 1 store

  • The Volo Auto Museum said it hopes to move and restore the replica of the first McDonald's restaurant that Ray Kroc opened after signing an agreement to franchise the brand.
  • McDonald's had announced plans to demolish the building and donate the land.
  • The building had served as a museum commemorating what the chain refers to as its "No. 1 Store" before its interior was closed in 2008.

 

Just four days after McDonald's announced it would tear down the replica of Ray Kroc's first restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, the Volo Auto Museum said it has reached out to McDonald's in an attempt to relocate the building, according to the Northwest Herald.

Located about 26 miles from the Des Plaines building, the museum hopes to move and preserve the entire structure, but it has also raised the possibility of acquiring and showcasing artifacts from the building.

Known as the "No. 1 Store," the Des Plaines building is the first location that was built after Ray Kroc signed an agreement with McDonald's original owners, Maurice and Richard McDonald, to franchise the brand. The restaurant was in operation from 1955 to 1984, the year Kroc died.

The building was then restored as a museum before the interior was closed in 2008 due to repeated flooding. Given that McDonald's did not have plans to reopen it, the chain decided to demolish the building and donate the lot to the City of Des Plaines, according to the Chicago Tribune.

SEE ALSO: Here's what it's like to eat at McDonald's in 7 countries around the world

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The dark story behind the term 'Black Friday'

Prince Harry's name isn't actually Harry — here's his real name and title

0
0

Prince Harry Meghan Markle

  • Prince Harry is world-famous, and even gets called that by his family.
  • But his name is actually Henry — and his formal title is Prince Henry of Wales.
  • Official notices — like his engagement today — use his proper name.
  • In the unlikely event that he becomes king, he could revert to the name and be Henry IX.


Prince Harry is one of the most famous people on earth — even more so now that he's officially getting married to actress Meghan Markle.

But, although millions of people around the world recognise his name, it's worth recalling that he's not actually called Harry.

The prince, in fact, is named Henry. Harry is an informal nickname, albeit one that has been adopted by almost everybody, including his family.

However, "Henry" is still rolled out for formal occasions, such as today, as part of his full, official title: Prince Henry of Wales.

The official announcement of the engagement has the title "Prince Henry of Wales & Meghan Markle are engaged to be married." It is hosted on his official website, www.princehenryofwales.org.

Harry announcement

Harry is currently fifth in line to the throne (and will be sixth when William and Kate have their next child), so is very unlikely to ever become king.

But if he did, he would likely become King Henry IX — though royals can choose any of their names, so Henry Charles Albert David could also be Charles III, Albert I, or David I.

Royals named Henry have been known by the nickname Harry for centuries — at least since the time of Shakespeare, who used "Harry" repeatedly to refer to Henry V. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This 20,000-Calorie Burger Is The Craziest Thing We've Ever Eaten

American newscasters were fooled by this man dressed as a town crier — but he has nothing to do with Prince Harry or Meghan Markle

0
0

Town Crier

  • A town crier is spreading the news of Meghan Markle's and Prince Harry of Wales' engagement. 
  • However, the crier in question has no connection to the royal family. 
  • The "unofficial" town crier is known for his flamboyant appearances whenever the royal family has a major news announcement. 

 

An apparent town crier has set up shop in front of Kensington Palace to proclaim the news of Meghan Markle's and Prince Harry's engagement

town crier

"Oyez, oyez, oyz!" the crier yells in an ABC News video from the scene.

"Buckingham Palace is proud to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. God save the queen!" 

Many were quick to celebrate the apparently British approach to spreading the news. 

There is, however, one problem — the crier in question has no connection to the royal family.

Tony Appleton has become well-known for broadcasting the royal family's news, dressed in traditional town crier garb, without their permission. Appleton rose to prominence when Americans newscasters including Anderson Cooper and Rachel Maddow accepted him as a bizarre part of British pageantry when he announced the birth of Prince George of Cambridge in 2013.

'I was not invited, I just crashed the party," Appleton told the Daily Mail at the time. "I got out of my cab and I stood in front of the steps, because I didn't think I would be allowed on them, and did my bit. It was great." 

Appleton's unofficial status didn't stop him from making a splash on Monday. 

 

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 10.47.22 AM

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 10.54.05 AM

Screen Shot 2017 11 27 at 10.55.09 AM

SEE ALSO: Meghan Markle's first post-engagement public debut crashed an obscure Canadian fashion designer's website

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: LL COOL J: The biggest workout mistakes people make at the gym

Viewing all 115285 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images