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How 22-year-old American Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin, called 'the next Lindsey Vonn,' became the world's best slalom skier

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Mikaela Shiffrin

• Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin is a favorite to earn more glory at this year's Pyeongchang Games.

• Shiffrin won gold in Sochi in 2014, at the age of 18.

• The competitor was the youngest person to win an Olympic gold medal in the slalom.

• She could become the first American woman to win three skiing medals at one Olympics, The Denver Post reported.



Mikaela Shiffrin wants you to know that she's not a superhero.

The 22-year-old alpine skier became the youngest person to win an Olympic gold medal in the slalom at the Sochi Games. She's long been labeled as the next Lindsey Vonn, as The New York Times reported back in 2014. She routinely puts herself through grueling workouts that leave her feeling like she might pass out, according to The New Yorker. She's currently the reigning overall World Cup Champion, which she snagged at St. Moritz in 2017.

And now, she's on the verge of potentially making history at the Pyeongchang Games. She could become the first American woman to win three skiing medals at one Olympics, The Denver Post reported.

"How I got here is a crazy path that probably could not be replicated," she told The New York Times. "But it doesn't have to be replicated. I may have become a world champion quicker than most, but people should look at me and realize there are all kinds of ways to get where you want to go."

Shiffrin may not be a superhero, but she's already accomplished some out-of-this-world athletic feats over the course of her life.

Here's a look back at her career:

SEE ALSO: A look at the career of Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, who competed just hours after an 'excruciating' crash in 2006 and recently said she doesn't represent Trump

Shiffrin's parents — anesthesiologist Jeff and former nurse Eileen — are both avid skiers, too. They introduced Shiffrin and her brother Taylor to the sport at the early age. "They had us walking around the living room in these tiny, little, plastic Mickey Mouse skis that you just latched onto snow boots," Taylor told the New York Post.

Source: The New York PostThe New Yorker



All that early exposure paid off. When the Vail, Colorado native was five, she wowed skiing instructors with her technique. They ended up declaring they didn't know which training group to put her in, Sports Illustrated reported. So Shiffrin continued to train with her parents.

Source: Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker



She ultimately attended Burke Mountain Academy, a Vermont prep school for young ski racers. By 2012, she had made the US ski team.

Source: Sports IllustratedThe New Yorker



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A look at the career of Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, who competed just hours after an 'excruciating' crash in 2006 and recently said she doesn't represent Trump

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Lindsey Vonn ski skier skiing

• In the Winter Olympics and beyond, Lindsey Vonn is the face of alpine skiing for Americans.

• She began skiing at the age of three and competing at the age of six.

• Vonn won a gold medal in downhill skiing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, but missed the subsequent Olympic Games in Sochi due to a major injury. She also placed eighth during the 2006 Turin Olympics, just 48 hours after a horrific crash.

• She'll be tackling the downhill, Super G, and combined events in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.



For years, Lindsey Vonn has reigned as the queen of alpine skiing for many Americans. As one of the most visible skiers out there, she's become the face of the sport in the US.

And now, with Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang approaching, she may be preparing to close one chapter of her athletic career.

Reuters reported the upcoming games "are likely to be her last Winter Olympics."

And the 33-year-old competitor is looking to make this last one count.

"I want to win more than everyone else expects me to win," she told CBC. "The biggest competitor will be just myself, trying to stay relaxed and stay focused, because I have been waiting for these Olympics for so long and I want to win so badly that I need to be able to keep it together."

Here's a look at the career that's gotten her to this point:

SEE ALSO: An inside look the historic career of 'unlikely ballerina' Misty Copeland, who went from 'pretty much homeless' to dance superstar

DON'T MISS: Here's what former gymnast Kerri Strug has been up to since she stuck the unforgettable vault that won her team the 1996 Olympic gold

Vonn was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 18, 1984. Her father, Alan Kildow, is a lawyer and a former competitive skier. Her mother, Linda Krohn, is a lawyer who suffered a stroke while giving birth to Vonn. She grew up with two brothers and two sisters.

Source: The Washington Post, Team USA, Red Bull, The New York Times



Vonn first put on skis when she was only three years old, and was competing by the age of six. Instructor Erich Sailer, who also trained her father, said she skied like a slow "turtle" in her first event, according to The Washington Post.

Source: Team USA, The Washington Post



But her "turtle" phase didn't last long. Vonn told The Washington Post that over the years, Sailer was able to motivate her to go faster. "He just knew what button to push in order to make me ski faster. I think that's rare in coaches."

Source: The Washington Post



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How to raise an Olympian, according to the parents of gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin

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mikaela shiffrin wins

• Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin is a favorite in alpine skiing at this year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

• She also won gold in Sochi in 2014, at the age of 18. becomingthe youngest person to win an Olympic gold medal in the slalom.

• Shiffrin's parents introduced her and her brother to the sport at a young age.




Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin's interest in skiing didn't just come out of nowhere.

Her parents — anesthesiologist Jeff and former nurse Eileen — were both avid skiers growing up, and later took up Masters racing.

And they introduced Shiffrin and her older brother Taylor to the sport at the early age. "They had us walking around the living room in these tiny, little, plastic Mickey Mouse skis that you just latched onto snow boots," Taylor told The New York Post.

Flash forward two decades, and their World Cup-winning daughter is now on the verge of potentially making history at the Pyeongchang Games. She could become the first American woman to win three skiing medals at one Olympics, The Denver Post reported.

Shiffrin herself told The New York Times that she doesn't think there's a proper way to raise an Olympic champion, in that the "crazy path" she took "could not be replicated."

Still, it's interesting to look back at the steps the Shiffrins took to instill killer skiing skills and an intense work ethic in their daughter.

SEE ALSO: How 22-year-old American Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin, called 'the next Lindsey Vonn,' became the world's best slalom skier

Writing in The New Yorker, Nick Paumgarten declared Shiffrin an "example of nurture over nature, of work over talent." From an early age, the athlete has been driven to put in the training it takes to become a dominant skier.

Source: The New Yorker, Business Insider



Having introduced both of their young children to the sport, the Shiffrins began to ski together as a family. Both Shiffrin and her brother Taylor have said they never felt pressured to ski. For them, it was often just a matter of following their parents down the slopes.



“It's not a throw into the deep end, like okay go for it, it's a gentle progression, like we're going to develop their abilities, develop their proprioceptive nerve endings and once they learn how to stand on skis and walk on skis, then we can take them out and put them on snow and progress from there," Taylor told The New York Post.

Source: The New York Post



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The grueling morning routine of US Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin, who sleeps 10 hours, doesn't drink coffee, and is poised to be the best skier in the world

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Mikaela Shiffrin

• Olympic gold medalist and top American skier Mikaela Shiffrin's training schedule sometimes calls for intense morning workout sessions.

• When she's staying at her parents' home in Avon, Colorado, she'll hit the dumbbells at the gym of a nearby hotel.

• She also skips the coffee at breakfast.



For Mikaela Shiffrin, talent isn't everything.

The 22-year-old is looking to make history at the Pyeongchang Games by becoming the first American woman to win three skiing medals at one Olympics, The Denver Post reported. If she pulls it off, she won't have her talent to thank. She'll owe it to the hours she's put into enduring grueling workouts — sessions that often leave her feeling like she might pass out, according to The New Yorker.

The alpine skier's commitment to training is apparent in the in-depth profile Elizabeth Weil wrote for Outside. In her preparation for the Pyeongchang Games, Shiffrin stuck to a rigorous training routine with little room for deviation or slacking off.

"Most people with Mikaela's talent just rely on their talent," fellow skier and and close friend Brayton "Bug" Pech told Outside. "That's why, when the competition gets really serious, they fall apart."

Not Shiffrin, though. The reigning World Cup Champion didn't become the youngest person to win an Olympic gold medal in the slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games just because of her innate talent. Like most Olympians, years of consistent of hard work went into her historic win.

Here's how she starts her day:

SEE ALSO: How 22-year-old American Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin, called 'the next Lindsey Vonn,' became the world's best slalom skier

DON'T MISS: A look at the career of Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, who competed just hours after an 'excruciating' crash in 2006 and recently said she doesn't represent Trump

The athlete typically gets 10 hours of sleep, going to bed at 9 p.m. and waking up at 7 a.m. She kicks off her day by into a usual breakfast of toast and two fried eggs. She skips the coffee, though.

Source: Outside Magazine



She typically stays at her parents' house in Avon, Colorado. When her workout schedule calls for some weight training, she'll drive over to the Westin Beaver Creek resort around 9 a.m. and kick things off with a 10 minute warmup on a spin bike.

Source: Outside Magazine, NBC



Outside reported that the hotel has dedicated a small storage space to the athlete — it's labeled "Mikaela's Corner." That's where she cranks out intense Olympic lifts that sometimes boggle the minds of her fellow gym-goers.

Source: Outside Magazine



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Apple admits its new $350 speaker can leave permanent white rings on wooden surfaces and furniture (AAPL)

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Apple WWDC 2017 HomePod

  • Some reviewers of Apple's new $350 smart speaker, the HomePod, have noticed that the device can leave behind white rings on some wooden surfaces.
  • Apple confirmed to two outlets that the HomePod could damage oiled wood because of a reaction with the device's silicone base.
  • While the marks may fade over time, it's possible the surfaces would need to be refinished to remove the damage.

Early reviewers of Apple's new HomePod smart speaker have noticed an issue with the $350 device: It can leave white rings on some wooden surfaces.

Reviewers at Wirecutter and Pocket-lint noticed that the HomePod left behind a semipermanent white ring on some wooden tables and countertops. Both said that the HomePod didn't leave rings on every type of wooden surface but that it seemed to affect countertops or tables treated with oil.

Apple confirmed to both publications that the device could damage some surfaces but said the marks should fade over time.

Here's how Pocket-lint described it:

"When questioned, Apple told us it was 'not unusual' for a speaker with a silicone base to leave a 'mild mark' when placed on certain oil or wax based wood finished surfaces, suggesting the marks are caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface."

Apple told Wirecutter that "cleaning the surface with the manufacturer's suggested oiling method" should remove the marks. If not, refinishing the surface would solve the issue — though that isn't a great option for anyone with high-end furniture.

As Apple pointed out, this most likely isn't a HomePod-specific issue. One person on Twitter said that the same thing happened to him while using an Echo Dot and that re-oiling the wood and putting a cork coaster underneath the device solved the issue.

SEE ALSO: 9 reasons you should buy an Amazon Echo instead of an Apple HomePod

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This personal airbag could help protect the elderly from hip injuries

50 romantic photos show why everyone misses Barack and Michelle Obama

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barack michelle obama fist bump

On October 3, 1992, Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson.

Since Barack became president of the United States in 2008, the Obamas have captured our hearts with their love for one another. Obama mentions his wife in almost every speech he gives, and often showers her with PDA, even when the cameras are rolling.

On Wednesday, Michelle tweeted a playlist titled "Forever Mine" to Barack, wishing "Happy #ValentinesDay to my one and only." Many of the replies said they missed the couple, comparing them to the current occupants of the White House.

SEE ALSO: 17 of President Obama's most inspirational quotes

DON'T MISS: This one quote reveals the secret to the Obamas' extraordinary 25 years together

Barack and Michelle Obama were married on October 3, 1992. Michelle worked as a Chicago city government as an assistant to the mayor while Barack taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.



Here's the night where Obama formally announced his campaign for US President in the 2008 election on February 10, 2007.



Campaigning at the Iowa State Fair in 2007, Barack gives his wife a playful kiss.



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The 20 most expensive hotels in New York

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LotteNewYorkPalace Gallery 33 5a0dded90feb2

  • Travel booking site New York Hotels analyzed luxury hotel data for all of New York to find the city's most expensive luxury hotels.
  • While some hotels are no surprise, like The Plaza, there are newcomers like Baccarat Hotel, built in 2015, and others.
  • The cheapest room at the most expensive hotel in New York costs a whopping $995.


Sometimes when you go on vacation, all you want to do is splurge: dine at the fancy restaurant you've been dreaming of trying, see that sold-out show, or stay at a luxurious hotel.

New York has a lot of options when it comes to luxury vacationing, from the iconic Plaza Hotel — once the place for the rich and famous to see and be seen — to newcomers like Robert De Niro-owned The Greenwich Hotel.

Travel booking site New York Hotels recently conducted a survey to figure out the most expensive hotels in New York. To figure out which was the most expensive, New York Hotels analyzed leading hotel booking sites for the cheapest available room rates for luxury hotels in New York during the month of May. 

Business Insider then aligned those rates with U.S. News & World Report 2018 hotel rankings for New York City, released earlier this month to see how the hotels stacked up.

Take a look inside — you might find your next vacation spot.

20. Hotel Plaza Athenee

Rooms start at: $552

U.S. News Best Hotels in New York Ranking: #43



19. Four Seasons Downtown

Cheapest available room: $561

U.S. News Best Hotels in New York Ranking: #23



18. Trump International Hotel & Tower New York

Cheapest available room: $563

U.S. News Best Hotels in New York Ranking: #17



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US Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin shares the 3,000-calorie, pasta-heavy diet she eats every day for the games

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mikaela shriffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin has been hailed as the best slalom skier in the world.

The 22-year-old is expected to dominate at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she will be defending her slalom crown from the Sochi Games.

Shiffrin, who has notched 40 World Cup wins in her career, fuels on 3,000 calories a day as part of her training for competition. The downhill prodigy makes carbohydrates a part of every meal, though Shiffrin credits "balance and moderation" as the foundation of her diet.

"I feel like I have the metabolism of a pregnant woman," Shiffrin told Clean Eating magazine in 2015. "I have to watch what I eat. It's important."

On a typical day, Shiffrin starts the morning with two eggs and two pieces of whole wheat toast. She might add cereal or oatmeal and fruit for an extra kick of energy.

Lunch consists of lean protein, like chicken or fish, leafy greens, and a serving of carbs. Some of her go-to recipes include a farfalle pasta dish topped with edamame and pecorino cheese and a pesto spaghetti made with basil leaves and spring peas and served with cherry tomatoes.

Shiffrin likes to nibble on nuts, seeds, and dried mangoes when she's on the slopes.

Carbs are on the menu for dinner, as well. A bowl of pasta topped with chicken or steak and served with a salad or steamed vegetables round out the day for the Olympian.

Research shows that eating too many highly processed carbs may contribute to weight gain, promote diabetes and heart disease, and cause a hormonal response that makes you crave more sugary foods. High-carb diets have even been associated with a 28% increased risk of death.

But Shiffrin isn't ashamed to admit her love of pasta and other carbs.

"So if you think you're tough, give me all your love, and I'll give you every little piece of me." #Sia #CantStop #eleganceisanattitude @longines #focusedface

A post shared by Mikaela Shiffrin (@mikaelashiffrin) on Aug 23, 2017 at 12:48pm PDT on

"They're essential in providing the energy I need, especially on race days that can last 12 hours," Shiffrin told Good Housekeeping in January. Shiffrin calls pasta her "superfood."

During the off season, Shiffrin trims back her carb consumption. She fills up on more salads and her favorite vegetables— tomatoes, celery, and peppers.

Still, she won't deprive herself the indulgence of Thai food take-out or chicken parmesan.

"Everything in moderation. I'm not afraid of carbs," Shiffrin told Clean Eating.

SEE ALSO: A look at the career of Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, who competed just hours after an 'excruciating' crash in 2006 and recently said she doesn't represent Trump

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I tried Gwyneth Paltrow's diet and workout routine for a week — here's what happened


How much you have to earn to afford a home in 23 of the most expensive US housing markets right now

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San Francisco home

  • Home prices increased in 92% of the largest 177 metro areas in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the previous year.
  • Incomes aren't keeping up with home prices, making it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage in the most expensive markets.
  • The salary needed to qualify in the top-five metro areas — four of which are located in California — exceeds $115,00.

 

US housing supply fell to an all-time low in the fourth quarter of 2017 and home prices continued to rise, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

By the end of December, there were 1.48 million existing homes available for sale — 10.3% less than were on the market the same time last year.

NAR reports that while the national median family income rose to $74,492, increasing mortgage rates and home prices are affecting Americans' ability to buy a home, specifically in the country's most expensive housing markets.

"A majority of the country saw an upswing in buyer interest at the end of last year, which ultimately ended up putting even more strain on inventory levels and prices," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

"Remarkably, home prices have risen a cumulative 48% since 2011, yet during this same timeframe, incomes are up only 15%," Yun said. While price gains have been a boon for homeowners, it's putting a strain on buyers and local markets that can't keep up with demand.

Using NAR's data on housing affordability, we gathered a list of the US metro areas where the minimum salary required to qualify for a mortgage, after a 20% down payment, is highest. NAR assumes a mortgage rate of 3.9% for all areas, with the monthly principle and interest payment limited to 25% of income.

Notably, the salary needed to qualify in the top-five metro areas — four of which are located in California — exceeds $115,000.

For the US as a whole, the average qualifying income is $46,808 and the median home price is $247,800 (though slightly down from the third quarter, it's up 5.3% year-over-year).

Below, check out how much you need to earn to buy a home in the most expensive housing markets, and what the median home will cost you.

The following markets are based on metropolitan statistical areas, with the exception of Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, which are metropolitan divisions.

SEE ALSO: Owning a $1 million home is no longer considered a luxury in America

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23. Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont

Population: 214,363

Median sale price: $286,100

Salary needed to buy: $54,043



22. Austin-Round Rock, Texas

Population: 2,000,860

Median sale price: $293,200

Salary needed to buy: $55,384



21. Salt Lake City, Utah

Population: 1,170,266

Median sale price: $315,100

Salary needed to buy: $59,521



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Netflix signed TV giant Ryan Murphy to a massive $300 million deal — here are his series ranked worst to best, from 'Glee' to 'American Horror Story'

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american crime story The People v. OJ Simpson

  • Top showrunner Ryan Murphy signed a five-year deal with Netflix, reportedly worth $300 million dollars, in a major win for the streaming service.
  • Murphy has created such hit shows as "Glee," "Feud," and "American Horror Story," and has a bevy of content still on the way, including a "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" prequel for Netflix starring Sarah Paulson as Nurse Ratched.
  • We ranked all of Murphy's shows past and present based on Rotten Tomatoes critics scores.

 

Superstar television showrunner Ryan Murphy has signed a five-year deal with Netflix, worth a reported $300 million. The deal will mean all of Murphy's future shows will be on Netflix.

And Murphy has an amazing track record in the industry.

Two Murphy-created shows are currenty airing: new law enforcement procedural "9-1-1" on Fox and a new season of "American Crime Story" — "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" — on FX.

These won't go to Netflix, unless Fox makes a deal, but Murphy already has some upcoming shows made for Netflix.

His "Ratched" series — a prequel to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" focused on the vile Nurse Ratched (played by Louise Fletcher in the original 1975 film, this time played by Sarah Paulson) scored a Netflix order in September. A Murphy comedy starring "Dear Evan Hansen" star Ben Platt called "The Politician" is also set to stream on Netflix.

Prior to the Netflix deal, FX had greenlit a second season of Murphy's anthology series "Feud", this time focused on Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Murphy has also been developing a drama-musical series called "Pose" for FX, with the largest transgender cast ever for a scripted series. 

With so much TV coming from Murphy, it's easy to forget what he's already put out.

Here are his major shows, past and present, ranked from worst to best by Rotten Tomatoes critics scores:

Side notes: We broke ties with audience scores, and his first show, "Popular" in 1999, had no score. Rotten Tomatoes also takes the average of each season's score for the show's score, which is the number we used. We decided to separate the two seasons of "American Crime Story" because they are so wildly different, whereas the seasons of "American Horror Story" are far more connected.

SEE ALSO: Netflix has a new 'Black Mirror' dating app that tells you how long your relationship will last

9. "The New Normal"

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Network: NBC

Years it aired: 2012-2013

Plot summary:"A single mother's life after she accepts the offer to be a surrogate mother for a gay couple."

What critics said: "'The New Normal' wants what 'Modern Family' is having. But if we're going to catapult from South Park to a Hallmark movie, we need a smoother ride." — David Hinckley, New York Daily News

 



8. "9-1-1"

Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%

Network: Fox

Years it aired: 2018-present

Plot summary:"Explores the high-pressure experiences of police, paramedics and firefighters who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. They must try to balance saving people with solving problems in their own lives."

What critics said: "The Fox procedural '911' is absolutely impossible to watch with a straight face, despite the earnest attempts of its A-list cast." — Ben Travers, Indiewire



7. "Glee"

Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%

Network: Fox

Years it aired: 2009-2015

Plot summary:"A group of ambitious misfits try to escape the harsh realities of high school by joining a glee club, where they find strength, acceptance and, ultimately, their voice, while working to pursue dreams of their own."

What critics said: "At its best, 'Glee' is not just entertaining but elating, dramatizing Breakfast Club-quality teen angst with the aid of tight production numbers covering new and classic popular songs." — Troy Patterson, Slate



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12 things you should never say to your office love interest

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Horrible Bosses jennifer aniston charlie day

• Dating in the office can be tricky business.

• Specific rules surrounding merging your love life and your work life vary depending on your role and your organization's work culture.

• Either way, you want to be especially careful about what you say at work for the sake of both your job and you relationship.



You know how the cliché goes: All's fair in love and war.

But the same can't be said for love and work.

Falling in love with a coworker can be pretty rough. It's not like office romances are a rarity, though. According to a study by Vault.com, 57% of people have participated in a workplace fling at some point in their career — and a heartening 16% of those people got married to their office love.

Still, dating in the office can be treacherous to navigate. If you're determined to see it through, then you need to ask the right questions and follow the rules or things might end pretty badly.

Most importantly, you need to make sure to not mess it all up. Certain impulsive statements could alienate your colleagues, offend your partner, and even get you fired.

Here are 12 things to avoid saying to bae — when you're in the office:

SEE ALSO: 8 questions to ask yourself before you start dating a coworker

DON'T MISS: I dated a coworker and now we're married — here are 7 more office-romance stories that'll make you think twice

'I don't care that you're married'

A Vault.com survey found that 53% of workers know at least one married colleague who's slept around in the office.

Truth be told, shacking up with the married man or woman of your dreams should probably be left to soap-opera characters.



'Give me some sugar'

Even if your boss is cool with your relationship, too much PDA is sure to annoy your coworkers. Save the sweet talk for when you get home.



'Don't talk to me at work'

When it comes to interacting with your office love interest, it's probably better to err on the side of professionalism.

That being said, don't give them the cold shoulder. That could raise suspicion — not to mention offend your special something. Just treat them like a normal person.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The iconic Philadelphia 'Love' statue that tourists are obsessed with just got a huge makeover

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love robert indiana philadelphia

Over the years, people have become obsessed with gathering beneath the famous L-O-V-E sculpture that towers over tourists' and locals' heads in Philadelphia. Some see the six-foot-tall statue as an iconic symbol of the city. It's been the backdrop for countless politicians' photo ops, played host to skateboarding rebels cruising by, and today the place is a selfie-snappers destination, too.

On Tuesday, the famous L-O-V-E sculpture was paraded around town before finally being re-installed in the 'Love Park,' more officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza.

The statue spent about a year away from its nesting grounds, sitting at nearby city hall as the park was renovated.

But this week, after a reported $67,000 makeover, according to CBS, it's back and restored to a more original hue, perched atop a brand new rectangular pedestal. Take a look at how the iconic piece of art has changed shades since it first arrived in Philly in 1976, and how the symbol, and its visitors, have evolved over more than 40 years together.

SEE ALSO: 6 strange things love does to your brain and body

The statue, first brought to the park for the American Bicentennial in 1976, has gone through a few different looks during its time in the park.



On Tuesday, it was paraded around Philadelphia to crowds of LOVE-snapping onlookers before it was returned to its permanent home.



The statue sits across the street from Philadelphia's City Hall, which you can see here in the background.



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Michelle Obama dedicated a Valentine's Day Spotify playlist to Barack, and it includes Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and Michael Jackson

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Michelle Obama Valentine's

Barack Obama is feeling the love from wife Michelle this Valentine's Day.

Michelle Obama dedicated a Valentine's Spotify playlist to the former president.

She posted the playlist art to her personal Instagram on Wednesday with the caption: "Happy #ValentinesDay to my one and only, @BarackObama. To celebrate the occasion, I'm dedicating a little Valentine's Day playlist to you! Click the link in my bio to hear the playlist."

The playlist includes a total of 44 songs that include a variety of genres and musicians, from modern-day R&B powerhouses like Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, to classic pop sensations like Michael Jackson, to country stars like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Barack Obama reciprocated the heartfelt message with one of his own:

Happy Valentine’s Day, @MichelleObama. You make every day and every place better.

A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Feb 14, 2018 at 8:26am PST on

These aren't the first mushy posts from the two; the former President and First Lady have been vocal about their relationship on social media since leaving office, with birthday and anniversary posts.

Apart from Valentine's Day, the two are also celebrating their official portraits revealed by the Smithsonian on Monday.

Listen to the entire playlist below:

XX

 

SEE ALSO: Spotify shares its 10 most popular 'love,' 'sex,' and 'anti-Valentine's' songs for Valentine's Day

Join the conversation about this story »

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The best ways to counter the negative effects of aging and live a long time — starting right now

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older man elderly man jogging nature running exercise thinking outdoors

The keys to a long and healthy life are right in front of you.

Instead of expensive face creams, a cache of vitamins and supplements, or a hard-to-follow diet, all you need are some research-backed tools to help you stay healthy as you age and fight cognitive decline.

These solutions involve simple tweaks to your diet, the right kind of exercise, and a healthy approach to relationships and the world around you. Armed with these tools, you can live long and prosper.

SEE ALSO: What your daily routine should look like, according to science

Eat like a Mediterranean.

Some of the best defenses against the normal cognitive decline that comes with age may be on our plates. A growing body of scientific evidence links a Mediterranean diet, based around vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish, and olive oil, with a strong, healthy body and a sharp mind.

Studies link the diet with a reduced risk of breast cancer and heart disease, and also suggest that the eating plan may be tied to higher cognitive performance and a potentially lower risk of dementia.



Maintain friendships and build new ones.

Loneliness can be deadly — some research suggests it poses a greater threat to public health than obesity. Fostering friendship is therefore key to aging well and boosting happiness, several recent studies have suggested.

One of them, published in 2008 in the British Medical Journal, found that people who had regular contact with 10 or more other people were significantly happier than those who did not, and that people with fewer friends were less happy overall.

Friends who are not your family may be especially important.

In a pair of studies involving nearly 280,000 people, psychologists at Michigan State University found that in older people, friendships were a stronger predictor of both health and happiness than relationships with family members.

"Keeping a few really good friends around can make a world of difference for our health and well-being," Chopik said in a statement. "So it's smart to invest in the friendships that make you happiest."



Do cardio exercise three times a week.

Any kind of movement is beneficial, but the type that will have the most benefits for your body and brain as you age is aerobic exercise, or cardio.

Studies suggest that running, walking, and swimming helps to lift the mood, clear the mind, and may even help protect from some of the cognitive decline that occurs with age. Cardio also strengthens the heart and lungs and helps tone up muscles — but make sure you're committing to it for at least 45 minutes at a time, at least three days a week.



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One customer is so angry L.L. Bean changed its return policy that he's suing the company

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L.L. Bean

  • L.L. Bean recently changed its return policy to cover items unconditionally for only one year instead of for the lifetime of the product.
  • A new lawsuit seeking class-action status accuses L.L. Bean of refusing to honor its warranty by changing the policy.
  • L.L. Bean previously told Business Insider that items bought before the change could still be returned or exchanged within a year, as long as the customer can prove they purchased the item.

L.L. Bean just changed its lifetime return policy to cover only one year, and some customers are not happy. One is so dissatisfied, in fact, that he has filed a lawsuit alleging breach of warranty.

The plaintiff, Victor Bondi, is seeking class-action status for the suit.

Filed Monday in US District Court in Chicago, the 16-page lawsuit argues that customers bought products because of L.L. Bean's "100% satisfaction guarantee," which enabled them to return or exchange items at any time.

The suit says that taking away the guarantee and reducing the return timeframe to only one year breaches the promise made by the company.

"As a result of L.L. Bean's deceptive and unfair breaking of its promises and violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and other laws, Plaintiff and all other L.L. Bean customers did not receive what they bargained for," the suit says.

When L.L. Bean announced its revised its returns policy, confusion abounded about what it would mean for older purchases. A company representative previously told Business Insider that items bought before February 9 could still be returned within a year if the customer has proof of purchase.

L.L. Bean did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment, but in a statement to the Bangor Daily News, a spokeswoman denied any wrongdoing.

"The recently filed lawsuit misrepresents the terms of our new returns policy. L.L.Bean products bought prior to Feb. 9, 2018 will not be subject to the new one-year restriction," said the spokeswoman, Carolyn Beem. "Proof of purchase will continue to be required. That is what we have consistently told customers since the new policy was announced last Friday."

L.L. Bean switched to primarily digital records for purchases, so it shouldn't be hard for customers to prove they purchased an item. If the system can't find a purchase record for any reason, a paper receipt would be required. If the customer can't produce that, the store will not accept the return.

The change is designed to stop to people who purchase L.L. Bean items at garage sales and thrift stores to return them for a full refund, but it's unlikely to affect most L.L. Bean customers.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is cutting hundreds of jobs in a 'rare' move

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We went inside 3 of the most beautiful bars in New York City — and the winner was clear

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  • Some of the best bars for design and aesthetic in the world are located in New York City.
  • The Spaniard, Nobu Downtown, and Flora Bar all have unique interior decor and menu offerings.
  • We visited each bar and compared them on design, menus, and overall aesthetic to determine a winner.

 

Late last year Surface Magazine released its list of The Best Restaurant and Bar Designs of 2017 in the world. The list focuses on the architectural designs of the spaces, as well as the detail that went into their build.

Three of the bars that made it onto the list are in Manhattan, in New York City, so we decided to check them out for ourselves.

The Spaniard, Nobu Downtown, and Flora Bar all have a unique aesthetic and menu. From tuna tartare, to patty melts, to yellowtail sushi these bars offer delicious bar food paired with a perfect cocktail — all within a beautifully designed space.

Inside Flora, you're surrounded by bare concrete and served some of the best food in the city. At Nobu Downtown, bar-goers sit below a massive wooden sculpture to enjoy cocktails. The Spaniard will leave you in awe of the incredible attention to detail.

Below, a look inside the bars and which one we think is the clear winner.

SEE ALSO: 11 restaurants worth trying during Restaurant Week in New York City

DON'T MISS: This photographer captured shots of New Yorkers on their way to work for 10 years — and it shows how repetitive a commute can be

Flora Bar is nestled under the Met Breuer Museum — which focuses on modern and contemporary art — and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee at an attached café. The building was named after its architect, Marcel Breuer, and housed The Whitney Museum for nearly 50 years.



The Upper East Side restaurant was ranked No. 5 by The New York Times in their Top New York Restaurants of 2017 round up.

Source: The New York Times



"A simple red disc on a white plate, Flora Bar's tuna tartare isn't like any I've had before; it pops with toasted flax seeds and crunches with fried shallots, neither of which hides the clean, cold taste of chopped yellowfin tuna," New York Times food critic Pete Wells wrote in his review of Flora Bar.

Source: The New York Times



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Inside the marriage of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Louise Linton, who have an 18-year age gap, live in an opulent mansion, and were married by Vice President Mike Pence

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steve mnuchin louise linton trump

  • US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is married to model-actress Louise Linton. They met in 2013 and became friends first.
  • The couple live in an upscale neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and also own a home in New York City.
  • Linton said their personalities are polar opposites.


US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and model-actress Louise Linton married in 2017, after meeting four years earlier at a mutual friends' wedding.

The couple, who live in an upscale neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and own a home in New York City, have both been married before.

Linton recently gave an interview to Elle magazine that included details about her relationship with Mnuchin. By Linton's admission, their personalities couldn't be more different.

Below, we captured the most fascinating details of Mnuchin and Linton's romance.

SEE ALSO: Inside the extravagant wedding of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and 36-year-old actress Louise Linton

Steve Mnuchin is the US Treasury Secretary. His wife, Louise Linton, is an actress and a model.

Source: Business Insider



Mnuchin is 55 years old; Linton is 37. Both had been married before, and Mnuchin has three children from his second wife.

Source: Elle



The couple met in 2013, at a mutual friend's wedding. Linton wasn't quite dazzled by Mnuchin, but she mentioned that she was hosting a fundraiser for a dog welfare organization. Mnuchin surprised her by showing up at the fundraiser and they became friends.

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Source: Elle



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We tried 2 hugely popular coastal salad chains that are being fueled by millions in VC money — and the winner is unmistakable

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Tender Greens

  • Tender Greens, a hugely popular West Coast lunch spot known for its salads, has opened its first East Coast location in NYC.
  • It could be a huge threat to Sweetgreen, another wildly popular salad chain with firm roots in eastern US cities.
  • We compared the two, and Tender Greens' quality and preparation easily outshine the competition's. 


The upscale side of to-go, fast-casual salads is dominated by two giants: Sweetgreen and Tender Greens. 

Both chains began at within a year of each other — Sweetgreen in 2007, Tender Greens in 2006. And both chains have received funding from some big names — Sweetgreen landed two rounds of funding from a venture capital fund founded by AOL co-founder and chairman Steve Case, and Tender Greens managed to grab the attention of Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer.

But while Washington, DC-based Sweetgreen has bloomed into a major bi-coastal player in urban markets, Tender Greens has stayed on the West Coast. That is, until now.

Tender Greens' first East Coast incursion has opened in NYC, with two locations in Boston planned to open soon — and many West Coast transplants were excited. Business Insider's Melia Robinson reviewed the chain and was blown away by the experience.

But does the chain have the chops to take on East Coast salad darling Sweetgreen?

SEE ALSO: This controversial burger chain revamped its raunchy image before embarking on a huge US expansion — here's what it's like to eat there now

ALSO READ: A Mediterranean fast-casual chain that people are obsessed with is planning to take over America — here's what it's like

Tender Greens serves so much more than just salads, which already means its menu has an advantage over the salad-centric Sweetgreen. We decided to compare the most similar salads from the chains: a southwestern themed salad with roast chicken.



But first, let's take a quick foray to Tender Greens itself. The new location is on Broadway and 20th, in the Flatiron district. Lots of salad chains are nearby — it's a bold place for Tender Greens to take its first steps in NYC.



The inside is sprawling and cavernous — yet it doesn't feel cold or industrial in any way. In fact, it feels cozier than a lot of sit-down restaurants. There's ample seating — stools, booths, and a counter overlooking the open kitchen.



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An obscure salad chain backed by Shake Shack's founder is about to blow up — here's what it's like

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A healthy fast-casual chain based out of — where else? — California is expanding nationwide. Tender Greens opened its first outpost in New York City in February to rave reviews.

Tender Greens, which serves plates, sandwiches, and salads made with fine-dining ingredients and sold for fast-casual prices, is in the midst of growing from 28 locations in California and Massachusetts to major cities nationwide including New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, in 2018.

The expansion has been in the works since 2015, when Tender Greens received a minority investment from restaurant mogul and Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer.

Tender Greens could give rival Sweetgreen a run for its money. Revenue hit over $80 million in 2016, and company executives said annual sales are growing 20% year-over-year.

We stopped by Tender Greens in downtown San Francisco to see what the buzz is about.

SEE ALSO: We tried 2 hugely popular coastal salad chains that are being fueled by millions in VC money — and the winner is unmistakable

In 2015, Shake Shake founder Danny Meyer said in a statement that he visited a tiny California salad chain and loved the idea so much "that I wish I'd thought of it myself."

Source: Business Insider



Meyer's restaurant company, The Union Hospitality Group, made an investment of an undisclosed sum in Tender Greens — its first time taking stake in an outside concept.



I visited a Tender Greens location in downtown San Francisco during the late afternoon. During the typical lunch hour, long lines wind outside the door.



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These were the 10 best-selling sneakers of 2017

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Jordan XI

  • NPD sports industry analyst Matt Powell recently announced a list of the top-selling sneakers of 2017.
  • The list shows that more affordable shoes are becoming popular.
  • The top sneakers include the Nike Tanjun, Chuck Taylor All Stars, and Adidas Superstars. 


Nike and its Jordan brand are currently at the forefront of the sneaker industry, owning seven of the top 10 best-selling shoes of 2017, according to NPD sports industry analyst Matt Powell.

He told Business Insider that the top shoes being sporty styles sold at retailers like Famous Footwear is reflective of a shift towards a more moderate market. In other words, fewer sneaker collectors are buying high-end performance shoes, and more people are opting for affordable options from mid-tier stores. While Chuck Taylor All Stars and Jordans always make the top 10, this year's list includes more affordable shoes than ever.

The $65 Nike Tanjun shoe beat out last year's best-seller, the Adidas Superstar, which fell down to No. 4 this year. According to Powell, this is the first time in recent years that Adidas has had two entries in the list of the top 10 most popular shoes based on sales. He told Business Insider that it's reflective of Adidas' resurgence as a competitor in the sneaker industry. 

Keep scrolling to see what other sneakers made the list: 

SEE ALSO: We visited the flagship stores of Nike and Adidas in New York City to see which does it better — and the winner was obvious

10. Jordan VI



9. Jordan XI



8. Adidas Tubular Shadow



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