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These Photos Of Detroit's Golden Age Show How Far The City Has Fallen

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Detroit

Detroit filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in history this week before a Michigan judge declared it unconstitutional.

The city has long been in decline and rapidly losing population, but it hasn't always been that way.

The automobile industry had its home base in Detroit and the population spiked from just over 285,000 in 1900 to over 1.5 million by 1930. Downtown was bustling with large industrial buildings, hotels, trolleys and street cars. There were also numerous parks, theaters and opera houses for recreation.

These photos from the Library of Congress and Wikimedia Commons show what Detroit looked like in its prime.

Shlomo Sprung contributed to this story.

In its heyday, Detroit was a bustling city. The population spiked from just over 285,000 in 1900 to over 1.5 million by 1930.



The legendary Hotel Pontchartrain had a reputation for luxury. It hosted several presidents, and auto industry executives were known to conduct business in the hotel bar.

Source: HistoricDetroit.org



Belle Isle Park was another well-known spot in the city. Wealthy residents enjoyed the botanical gardens at the city landmark.



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Moving Tips Straight From A Landlord

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uhaul moving truckAs I’ve explained before, I hate losing tenants, but sometimes they leave anyway.  Once I’ve signed the lease with the incoming tenant, collected three months of rent upfront, and agreed to a move-in date, my goals around a tenant move-in are pretty simple:

  1. Keep my new tenant from destroying the common areas due to inept moving.

  2. Keep my other tenants happy by not clogging the hallways.

  3. Ensure that moving is so miserable that no tenant will ever want to leave.

  4. Start the landlord-tenant relationship off professionally and cordially.

Number 3, of course, is inherent to the moving process; new renters often bring this upon themselves by trying to move all their stuff around midday on the hottest days of the year, the night after having barely finished packing at 4 am. 

Unlike larger buildings in Manhattan, I don’t require my tenants to hire professional movers with scads of liability insurance or only allow move-ins between 9 and 4 on weekdays, making the new tenants sacrifice vacation days. Nor do I require them to call me 48 hours before bringing a couch up the stairs--that kind of attitude seems pointless in a small building. My other tenants don't care when you come in and out, and I don't have doormen  who need to supervise the move anyway. 

Here are a few of the tips that I give my tenants before they move in:

• Don’t move at the beginning or end of the month.  Everyone else does; you can’t get trucks, people, or utilities installed, etc.  If at all possible, try to move mid-month, both for your own sanity as well as for the sake of your pocketbook.  If the apartment is currently empty, many landlords will let you move your stuff in early without much (if any) additional charge.

• Stake out the parking spots in front of your current apartment and my building.  Be willing to take a ticket or two (which usually range from $45-$65) to make it easier and faster to get in and out--otherwise you are paying people to carry your stuff up and down the street. But don't block a hydrant -- you'll get towed.

• Don’t move yourself.  Your desk job hasn’t given you the stamina to walk up and down 300 stairs in the heat while carrying heavy boxes, and unless you were born to a life of manual labor, you probably don’t know the tricks of maneuvering furniture through tight spaces.  Even if you do, there's a good chance your furniture simply won’t make it upstairs.  The first time you gouge the door with a sofa negates the cost advantage, so please don’t try to be a hero.

• Get rid of all liquids in glass bottles before you move.  I recommend having a Drink All My Alcohol Party a week before moving.  Likewise, if you haven’t cracked your textbooks since college, you might want to sell them via Bookscouter and use the money to fund decorations for your new apartment.

• Change the locks asap.  Who knows who the prior tenant gave keys to?  New cylinders are around $10-12 at the local hardware store, and only take a few minutes to install.  

• Got kids?  Moving day would be a great day to have them visit their grandparents.  This gets the the two most stressful sets of people out of your life on moving day.

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The Best Neighborhood Coffee Shops In Manhattan

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New Yorkers take their coffee seriously. Street corners are dominated by Starbucks, and city favorites include Stumptown Coffee, La Colombe, East Village espresso bar Abraço and California import Blue Bottle Coffee.

But it’s not just about the coffee, but also the people and atmosphere. Check out ten of our favorite neighborhood coffeeshops in Manhattan below, and share your favorites with us!

1. Birch Coffee5 East 27th St. (Other location at 56th 7th Ave)
birch coffee
Located in the Gaudi-esque Gershwin Hotel, Birch Coffee offers an equally quirky atmosphere. Seating by the counter is often packed, but walk into the Gershwin lobby and up some dark stairs until you find The Library.

Tucked upstairs in a small loft, the Library offers a respite from the Midtown noise outside with its mismatched couches and chairs. Choose a book left behind by one of your fellow coffee drinkers, or leave one behind for the ones to come. Birch features monthly single-brew coffees and serves local and sustainable food as well, though it’s on the pricey side ($10 + for some sandwiches) for coffeeshop fare.

2. Caffé Bene
1611 Broadway at 49th Street (Other location in Flushing)
bene
Early last year, we reported on unique cafés in Seoul, Korea, where modernity meets creativity. Caffé Bene is on the mainstream end of Seoul’s offerings but nonetheless represents a dedication to design that is fresh in New York City’s scene. With its natural interior, industrial hanging lights and bookshelves, you might almost forget you’re just next to Times Square. Lots of outlets, good coffee and great waffles–but a little overpriced.

3. Caffe Reggio119 MacDougal St.cafe reggio
With all the new coffee joints in town, sometimes it’s easy to forget the classics. Caffe Reggio has been a Greenwich Village mainstay since it opened in 1927, and not much seems to have changed since then. The interior transports you to Italy, with its Renaissance artwork, wrought-iron fixtures and even quotes from Dante’s Inferno inscribed on the walls. 

This is supposedly where cappuccinos were introduced to America. The star decoration is the café’s impressive espresso machine, dating back to 1902. If it’s old-school charm that you want, you’ll get it here.

4. The Chipped Cup3610 Broadwaychippedcup
While cozy coffee houses are no rarity in the East Village or Brooklyn, they’re a bit of a rare find in Harlem. The exposed brick interior is airy and bright with a vintage feel thanks to the repurposed furniture. (One of the tables is made from a Singer sewing machine.) There’s a garden out back, too. Chipped Cup serves Counter Culture Coffee and Kossars bagels.

5. D’Espresso317 Madison Ave
despresso
It looks like the world was turned sideways in this Midtown shop, which we think tops the list of coolest interiors of those on this list. The light fixtures protrude from the walls, and the floors and ceiling appear to be lined with books. D’Espresso serves top quality Illy Italian espresso. There’s also a gelato bar and pastries in case a sweets craving hits.

Continue to Untapped Cities for 5 more inviting coffee shops >

saturdays surf nyc coffee garden oasis untapped

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The Locket App Will Pay You Just For Using Your Phone

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locket app

On the list of things we enjoy spending money on, our cell phone bills rank at the very bottom — right next to filling up the gas tank. It's not that we're overcharged as much as we're constantly going over that pesky data limit, which means big bucks at the end of the month. We'd give anything to supplement our income a little when it comes to mobile devices, and this new app might just be the proverbial pot of gold — sort of.

Locket is a service that turns your phone's lock screen into a virtual billboard, and pays you for every ad you interact with. Each time you swipe to see more info about the featured company you'll get 10 cents in a special account, that you can redeem through Paypal after you rack up the benjamins. Of course, this certainly isn't for everybody. Not all of us want to be bombarded by advertisements every second of the day, especially when it comes to something as personal as our phone. But, if you do sign up, take note that the company weeds out companies that don't meet its standards, and they one day hope to allow you to donate the money you earn straight to charity. 

The app is only available for Android right now, but don't be surprised if it hits iPhones in the near future. In the meantime, we're going to try and practice restraint checking Facebook and SnapChatting to keep our bills down. (ABC News)

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The Hottest Nightclubs in Istanbul

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Istanbul

Istanbul is a vast city and forms the cultural, historical and economic hub of Turkey. As the largest city in the country, Istanbul is vibrant, intoxicating, colorful and very diverse. Take a package holiday to Turkey, and in this buzzing urban hub you will find plenty to do in terms of exploring, learning about the local culture and delving into the area’s rich and fascinating history.

However, there is also another side to Istanbul – the pulsing, exciting and electric nightlife here caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. When the sun goes down, Istanbul comes alive with sounds, sights and experiences that will keep you entertained until the early hours.

You will find all sorts of evening entertainment venues in Istanbul. Some offer a chilled, laid back ambiance for those who want a relaxing night out. Others are far more energetic, with a dynamic atmosphere. There are nightlife options to suit most adults within Istanbul, so no matter what your tastes or age you should find the perfect option.

Below are some of the hugely popular nightspots in Istanbul where you can head for an evening of relaxation and socializing, fun and entertainment, or thrills and excitement– or the whole lot.

Reina

Reina

Situated in Ortakoy, this colorful entertainment hub has not only attracted many visitors and locals but also attracts a range of celebrities including the likes of Salma Hayek, Gloria Estefan, and Lionel Ritchie. Cosmopolitan and exciting, this venue offers a great atmosphere with a variety of restaurants, relaxing bar areas and nightclub action all in one place.

Masquerade Club

Masquerade Club

Located in Besiktas Istanbul, the Masquerade Club is an energetic, vibrant nightspot that uses state-of-the-art sound systems and visuals to create an electric atmosphere. You will often find top DJs playing here, which adds to the thrill and excitement for patrons who are looking for a night of drinking, dancing, and great music.

Anjelique

Anjelique

This Ortakoy nightspot is one of the most diverse you will find, as it offers top-notch dining as well as dancing. Located in a three-story mansion by the Bosphorus, the venue offers Mediterranean and Asian food in a wonderful setting. As the night goes on, the place transforms into one of the most popular nightspots in Istanbul. All three floors offer a buzzing atmosphere, with different music played on each of the three floors.

Billionaire Club

Billionaire Club Istanbul

Located in the heart of the financial district, Levent, the Billionaire Club is a slick and luxurious nightspot that provides great atmosphere and great service. The club is inside the Istanbul Edition Hotel, which means that visitors can head for something to eat at the hotel’s Cipriani Restaurant before heading to the Billionaire Club for an evening of excitement and entertainment in opulent surroundings.

Lux

Lux Istanbul

Located in the heart of the city in one of its most historical buildings, Lux is a stylish nightspot that offers dance, soul and funk as well as the talents of visiting DJs. The sound systems are second to none, which helps with the ambiance.

When it comes to nightlife in Istanbul, dining is often a big part of the whole experience. For many the perfect night out is a great meal followed by a night of music, drinking, socializing and dancing. Often, both the dining and the clubbing can be enjoyed at the same venue with many catering for diners as well as for revelers.

SEE ALSO: Why Riotous Istanbul Is Still The Coolest City In Europe

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It's National Ice Cream Day! We Ranked The 6 Best Ice Cream Flavors Of All Time

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Today is National Ice Cream Day, when we pay tribute to the best summer treat around.

We decided to celebrate by answering the age-old question: What is the absolute best ice cream flavor?

After polling the Business Insider newsroom (and getting responses from blue moon ice cream to the Choco Taco, which technically, is not a flavor), we finally had our answer.

Herewith are the top six, and to help you out on your next grocery run, we included our editors' picks for best brands, too.

6. Cookie Dough

Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with orange spoon

Editor's Pick:"Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Because cookie dough." William Wei, Video Producer

5. Cake Batter

cake batter ice cream with sprinkles

Editors' Picks: "There's a small place back home in Jersey called Colonia Dairy Maid (aka 40 Flavors) that makes the absolute best with rainbow splashes throughout." Kirsten Acuna, Entertainment Reporter

"Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter." Sam Ro, Markets Senior Editor

4. Cookies and Cream

Cookies and cream ice cream in a bowl

Editor's Pick: "Cookies & Cream by HomeMade." Steven Tweedie, Tech Intern

3. Chocolate

chocolate ice cream on a plate

Editors' Picks: "ALL BRANDS." Tony Manfred, Sports Reporter

"Straight chocolate from Häagen-Dazs." Megan Dickey, Tech Reporter

2. Coffee

coffee ice cream in a bowl

Editors' Picks: "Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz! from Ben & Jerry's." Julie Zeveloff, Deputy Editor

"EDY's Espresso Chip. It is coffee flavored with chocolate chips in it." Mandi Woodruff, Your Money Editor

1. Mint Chocolate Chip

mint chocolate chip ice cream scoop

Editors' Picks: "Mint Moose Tracks> Every other response you will get." Paul Szoldra, Front Page Editor

"I grew up eating EDY's slow-churned — it has the perfect mint to chip ratio!" Melissa Stanger, Lists & Rankings Associate Editor

"Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip. I like it because it doesn't have any bogus extras like barf-green food coloring. It's just pure joy." Steve Kovach, Tech Senior Editor

Do you disagree? Add your favorite flavors in the comments!

SEE ALSO: The 9 Best Places To Eat Ice Cream In The US

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11 Year-Old Yemeni Girl Gives Profound Monologue On Arranged Marriage: I'd Rather Kill Myself

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A video posted to LiveLeak today features a profound monologue by an 11 year-old Yemeni girl whose family attempted to force her into an arranged marriage.

Nada Al-Ahdal says she fled to her uncle's house, and that people close to her have threatened to kill her if she does not get married. Arranged marriages at a young age are common in that region.

A common response, says Ahdal, is for those kids to commit suicide.

"It's not [the kids'] fault. I'm not the only one. It can happen to any child."

"Some children decided to throw themselves into the sea, they're dead now. They have killed our dreams, they have killed everything inside us. There's nothing left. There is no upbringing. This is criminal, this is simply criminal."

Needless to say, Ahdal's words are utterly profound for an 11 year-old:

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Woman Who Disappeared 52 Years Ago In Canada Found Living With A New Family 1,000 Miles Away

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missing Lucy JohnsonIn September 1961, Lucy Johnson shared a home with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in Canada.

Then she vanished.

Sheila Reynolds of The Surrey Leader reports that Johnson's daughter, now in her late fifties, found her in Yukon in northwestern Canada — 1,000 miles from their home in Surrey, British Columbia.

Johnson is alive and well. Now 77, she has four other children: three sons and a daughter.

Back in 1965 the Surrey Royal Canadian Mounter police dug up the family's yard after finding out that police learned she had gone missing years earlier than her husband had said.

She then became one of world's oldest missing person cases. 

Evans, after reading a recent Leader story about Johnson’s disappearance, decided to attempt to solve the mystery.

Knowing her mother was born in Alaska, she placed an ad in the Yukon News detailing Lucy’s name, place and date of birth, and her grandparents’ names.

She received a phone call from a woman who said that she was pretty sure the woman Evans was searching for was her mother also, which would make her and Evans half-sisters. 

“I have a lot of questions. And they’re all ‘Whys?' Evans told the Leader.

Below is a map showing where Surrey is in relation to the Yukon. The city (population: 468,251) is 1,218 miles from the Yukon territorial capital of Whitehorse. Google estimates that it would be a 29 hour drive.

map

SEE ALSO: The Maine Hermit Is A Truly Remarkable Human Being

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It's National Ice Cream Day! Here Are The 9 Best Places To Eat Ice Cream In The US

This Graph Tells You When Fruits And Vegetables Will Taste The Best

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Summer brings a bounty of mouthwatering fruits, including juicy peaches, plump blueberries, and sweet cherries. 

And while fruit may seem sweetest during the summer, you can enjoy a variety of ripe produce throughout the entire year.

So when is the best time to load up on melons and when should you avoid pears?

These handy "produce posters" by food photographer Russell Van Kraayenburg provide the ultimate map to buying seasonal fruits and veggies.  

The artist has a bunch of other helpful cooking posters, including a guide to basic cooking methods, on his site Chasing Delicious.

The month and the seasons are in the center. The colored bars represent each fruit or vegetable. The length of the bar shows when each is at peak flavor. Avocados are ripe from March through September, for example.

Post this in your kitchen or take it on your next grocery trip.   

Fruit infographic

Vegetable graph

SEE ALSO: 10 Common Foods That Are Proven To Reduce Stress

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7 Places That Won't Get Hit By A Hurricane This Summer

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Vancouver Island, Canada

Hurricane season is upon us, and weather experts are predicting that 2013 is going to be a doozy.

But even if you can’t stop extreme weather from happening, at least you can protect yourself on your vacation — provided you pick a vacation destination that is reliably hurricane-free.

Here are some top-notch options, as well as great places to stay while you’re there.

Lake Tahoe, California

Though Lake Tahoe may sometimes get serious snowstorms, the cold waters along the California coast mean that hurricanes almost never make landfall in the state (only two have hit in the last 100 years). When they do hit, it’s typically Southern California that is most affected instead.

Lake Tahoe safely sits in northern California, where it has 300 days of sun a year and plenty of great year-round vacation activities — swimming, boating, and hiking in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

Oyster.com Hotel Pick: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge

This cluster of cabins right on the lake makes a great value pick. While some rooms are tucked across the street from the lake in a darker, tree-covered area, the lakefront cottages have excellent views and open to the sandy beach and a private pier where guests can swim and play in privacy. Kitchenettes make dining in (and saving money) easy. And the heated outdoor pool (open seasonally) is said to be the largest in North Lake Tahoe.



Paris, France

Though France’s western coast does get storms, no true hurricanes have hit France in recorded history — and Paris, being an inland city, is hurricane-free. The City of Light is world-famous for its romantic ambiance, museums, and charming cafes.

Oyster.com Hotel Pick: Hidden Hotel

The Hidden Hotel — as its name suggests — is tucked away on a quaint side street, and is within walking distance to L’Arc de Triomphe and the Charles de Gualle metro station. The intimate hotel has only 23 rooms, and incorporates handmade craftsmanship and natural materials that give it a contemporary and Zen-like vibe.



Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas may get high desert temperatures and occasional thunderstorms, but it is not prone to hurricanes. You can gamble as much money as you want here, but you won’t have to gamble on Mother Nature sending a hurricane to ruin your stay.

Oyster.com Hotel Pick: Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

A new breed of Las Vegas luxury, with 392 elegant rooms and some of Vegas’ best service, the Mandarin Oriental is a quiet haven on the glitzy Strip. The hotel lacks the characteristic excess that many people come to Vegas for (including a casino), opting instead for a more restrained approach: a beautiful spa, two fine dining restaurants, a peaceful pool, meeting space, and the rarest of Las Vegas features — serenity. But the convenient City Center location means easy access to all the excess you want.



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ROYAL LINE OF SUCCESSION: Here's Where William And Kate's Baby Will Rank

11 Of The Most Badass Hikes In The World

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Old Rag Mountain Hike

Sea level is for suckers. And sailors. But mostly, suckers.

Leave it far behind with these epic climbs, starting with inspiring close-to-homers, and escalating to terrifying closer-to-god-ers.

Read the original version of this post at Thrillist.

THE DEVIL'S PATH, NEW YORK STATE - Covering nearly 25 miles and well over 15,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, this Catskills climb is the second-toughest trek in the East, right behind The Devil's PATH train to Newark.



PRECIPICE TRAIL, MAINE - Easily one of the East Coast's most scenic stretches, Acadia National Park doesn’t necessarily have a reputation for stomach-turning trails. Precipice on Champlain Mountain is the exception, climbing more than 1,000 feet in elevation in under two miles. If heights and rock ledges freak you out, prepare for your freaking.



SPANISH TRAIL, PHILIPPINES - You could ride a donkey up this peak on Taal Lake’s Volcano Island, but hiking the dusty path gives you 100% more invigoration, and 100% less donkey. Once you top this active magma storage unit (hence "Volcano Island"), you can peer over its rim into a lake within a lake. Or, if you're the luckiest/least lucky person ever, lava.



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Prince William And Kate Middleton's Baby Could Have One Of These Names

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Kate Middleton kids

Kate Middleton just went into labor, but bookies have been betting for months on the heir to the throne's name.

"Bookies William Hill say their punters are expecting Kate’s first child to be female," reports The Week. "As for names, Alexandra and Elizabeth are the favourites for a girl while George and James are favourites for a boy."

CNN royal contributor Victoria Arbiter says royals choose "dynastic names; names with a sense of history" that will provide the "elements of continuity that the survival of the monarchy depends on."

Arbiter predicts "Alexandra Elizabeth Frances Mary for a girl and George Philip Arthur Charles for a boy."

Kate Middleton Queen JubileeArbiter explains that Alexandra is the Queen's middle name, while Elizabeth would honor the baby's great grandmother and great, great grandmother — but it is also Middleton's middle name.

Frances is "Diana's middle name and also Michael Middleton's middle name,” Arbiter notes.

But why not honor Prince William's late mother Diana by naming the baby after her?

"I really don't think they'll use Diana for a first child," Arbiter tells MSN, noting that Middleton already faces so many comparisons with Diana.

Additionally, she says, "William and Harry are very keen to honor their mother privately" and might avoid the name "out of respect to the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla.”

Other possible names for a baby girl include Alice in tribute to Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, Eleanor for "Eleanor of Aquitaine," and Pippa Middleton's middle name, Charlotte.

As for a boy, MSN notes "George is a popular guess for a first name and also a popular name choice for monarchs: There have been six previous King Georges. Philip would be in honor of Price Philip."

Arbiter says Arthur is a "middle name shared by a number of royal men that recalls the legend of King Arthur."

Sounds solid.

Check out the baby name odds, according to Irish bookmaker paddypower.com:

Paddy Power Kate Middleton bbaby name odds

As for a last name, it's a bit tricky.

"When utilizing a surname like ordinary folks, William and his brother, Prince Harry, take a cue from father Charles, Prince of Wales' royal house and go by William Wales and Harry Wales," according to E! Online.

But, as the site notes, the baby isn't required to have a surname — but if the parents want their child to have one, they have three choices.

Kate Middle Prince William Harry Diamond JubileeAccording to BBC News, the royal baby's last name could be Wales, like dad; Cambridge, the title given to the couple when they married; or Mountbatten-Windsor, the surname of Prince Philip, who got Mountbatten from his maternal grandparents, and the queen, whose father, King George V, selected Windsor for his family in 1917.

While Middleton isn't due to give birth for another week, there's already protocol in place for how the royal couple will announce their first born to the eagerly-awaiting public.

The public will be informed that Kate Middleton is in labor "when she's in her [hospital] room and comfortable,” Arbiter told MSN.

After the baby is born, a birth announcement will be placed on an easel outside of Buckingham Palace.

"That will be the first we know of the sex of the baby and the time of birth,” Arbiter explained, but the announcement will likely not include the baby's name.

But don't hold your breath for a name announcement, because as Arbiter notes, it took William and Kate "three weeks to announce their dog's name.”

In case you're wondering, it's Lupo.

SEE ALSO: The Hectic Scene Outside The Hospital Where Kate Middleton Is About To Give Birth

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Belgium Threw A Giant Party For Its New King

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king philippe queen mathilde belgium

Crown Prince Philippe ascended to the Belgian throne amid fanfare and festivity after his father Albert 11's abdication, and vowed to prevent the breakup of a nation split by language and history.

The new monarch, who at 53 becomes "King of The Belgians," was sworn into office by the joint houses of parliament shortly after Albert, aged 79, stepped down citing age and failing health.

"I swear to abide by the constitution and laws of the Belgian people, to maintain national independence and the integrity of the land," Philippe, dressed in full military uniform, said in the country's three languages -- French, Flemish and German.

President Barack Obama sent his best wishes to both the old and the new kings of a longtime ally that hosts key global institutions, the EU and NATO.

With political tension on the rise between the country's two main regions -- Dutch-speaking northern Flanders and the French-speaking south -- the monarch is a unifying force in the country of 11.5 million at the heart of Europe.

"I begin my reign with the will to serve all Belgians," Philippe said to a standing ovation in his first speech as king.

"Belgium's strength lies in giving meaning to our diversity," King Philippe added as cannons boomed out a 101-gun royal salute.

But the head of the country's powerful northern separatist movement, the N-VA, snubbed the swearing-in and supporters refused to applaud.

Under sunny skies and a light breeze, flags fluttered across Brussels, which threw a mega-party for the new ruling couple that brought half a million people into the streets.

Flanked by his popular wife Mathilde, Belgium's first native queen, Philippe and their four young children faced a chorus of "Long Live the King" from 10,000 well-wishers when they turned out on the palace balcony.

"In another country I'd be a republican but here our kings play their role to perfection," said Olivier Leleux, a 40-year-old finance expert.

One of the royal stars was the couple's oldest daughter Elisabeth, who at almost 12 and dressed in red became the first female to be next in line to the throne due to changes in legislation.

belgium new king

Stepping down in the royal palace's grandly chandeliered throne room, Albert stressed the need for the country's leaders "to work tirelessly in favour of Belgium's cohesion".

His voice breaking with emotion, he turned to Queen Paola, his wife of 54 years, and said: "I would simply like to say 'thank you ... A big kiss".

Paola, who is 75, shed a tear.

Belgium has fretted since Albert announced he was abdicating that the shy and often awkward Philippe, a trained fighter pilot who studied at Oxford and Stanford, might lack the political skills of his father to maintain unity in the divided nation.

But throughout the daylong celebrations, that included the National Day military parade and several royal walkabouts, Philippe appeared calm and at ease.

"We have had a very wonderful day," Philippe said at an evening appearance on the palace balcony where he and Mathilde exchanged embraces and pecks on the cheek.

"Thank you for your support, thank you for your confidence. Let's be proud of our beautiful country," he added.

Charismatic 40-year-old Queen Mathilde is seen as his best asset in taking the baton from his father, a jovial well-liked character with a popular touch.

"Philippe, you have the heart and the intelligence to serve our country very well," Albert said in his abdication speech. "You and your dear wife Mathilde have all our confidence."

Along with its iconic fries and the national football team, the monarchy is viewed as a rare symbol of Belgium's unity and Belgium football captain Vincent Kompany paid tribute to the royals after he stepped down.

belgium day

"Our 'Low Country' deserves a real party, north to south, east to west! Good day to King Philippe and the radiant new Queen Mathilde. I wish you a positive reign and your father a fine rest," wrote Kompany, himself nicknamed Vince the Prince by fans of his club Manchester City.

Though French-speakers in the south remain largely royalist, Flemish-speaking Flanders, home to 60 percent of the population, has cooled to the king. There, the N-VA party favours a republic or, failing that, a mere figurehead monarchy.

The test will come in next May's general elections, where the N-VA, the strongest party in Flanders, may see further gains though the country has morphed into a federal state devolving increasing powers to its language-based regions.

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6 Tips For Skinny-Dipping In New York City Without Getting Caught

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skinny dipping swimming in the oceanSkinny-dipping was once an activity associated with summer camp and youthful rebellion, but these days, adults are also finding that it's a great way to blow off steam — even on New York City's crowded shores.

We asked Lauren Christianson and her colleagues at The Skinny Dipping Report to share some advice on when, where, and how to bare it all in one of the busiest cities in the world.

Here are their tips, in their own words:

  1. Wear your swimsuit into the water, then stealthily take it off once you're neck-deep. Hold onto it (tightly — be careful of powerful waves if you're in the ocean!) or wrap it around your wrist. You can put your suit back on when you're swim is finished and walk out of the water like nothing happened.

  2. Make your own spot — set up a blow up or above ground pool. New York City is filled with rooftops, backyards, lofts and warehouses where you can skinny-dip with fewer people to worry about around. Just don't let it tip over or spill out — you may have a lawsuit on your hands.

  3. Go late at night. The darkness can provide some coverage and privacy for your dip — but be careful of the moon! The Skinny Dipping Report includes a lunar calendar so you can plan your skinny dipping session according to how much darkness or light you desire.

  4. Go with your friends or significant other. Skinny-dipping just isn't as exhilarating alone. Skinny-dipping with other people also takes away from any fear of being seen because you're all doing it together. The act will bond your group and create a fun, beautiful memory with those you care about.

  5. We're aware that even the most spontaneous skinny dipper may need a libation to whip off that final piece of clothing. Make or bring something specific to your skinny dip, the next time you drink it you will be reminded of your adventure.

  6. Don't care! Part of the fun of skinny dipping is the excitement that you could get caught. Suck it up, strip down, and surrender to the spontaneity of the experience. The amazing feeling of freedom you will get far exceeds the risk. Plus, it's New York. The police have bigger fish to fry.

Have a skinny-dipping story to share? You can submit your tale and photos at www.theskinnydippingreport.com for a chance to be featured in The Skinny Dipping Report 2014.

DON'T MISS: The 10 Best Beaches In America

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ASPIRING JOURNALISTS: Now Is The Time To Apply To Business Insider's Paid Fall Internship Program

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Business Insider is looking for paid interns to join our editorial team this fall!

As an intern at Business Insider, there's no getting coffee, filing, or making copies.

Our interns are an integral part of our team. Many of our current writers and editors started as interns.

BI Interns spend their time doing meaningful work: researching, writing, pitching and producing features -- even breaking news if the timing's right.

Interns are encouraged to work full-time if their schedule allows. We require 3 days a week minimum.

Other perks? We have tons of free snacks, a great office environment, and a ping-pong table where we hold quarterly tournaments.

When it comes to qualifications, a journalism background and experience writing for a news site always helps, as do copy-editing skills and light HTML and Photoshop experience. Knowledge of social media and previous writing experience are both useful, too.

Please send your resume and three journalism clips to jliebman@businessinsider.com. Please briefly describe which BI section(s) interest you most and why. (Don't know what our sections are? Check out the nav bar on the home page.) And, please note: this internship requires that you work in our Manhattan office. The internship term runs from September through the end of December.

Interested in a journalism internship but have never heard of Business Insider? Here's some reading on our company and where we're headed

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Here's What You See When You Take A Yoga Class In The Middle Of Manhattan [TIMELAPSE]

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One of the popular summer activities in New York City is taking a yoga class in the park.

I recently took one of the free classes, part of Bryant Park Yoga, a summer program in its 10th year. Classes are held on Tuesday morning, and Thursday night, and are sponsored by Athleta, a sports clothing line by GAP.

I put on a GoPro on my head and filmed this short timelapse to show that a 60-minute class looks like from the point of view of the participants. Watch below.

 

Edited by Alana Kakoyiannis

SEE ALSO: Here's Why Kale Is So Wildly Popular

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Private Equity Exec Olivier Sarkozy, Who Dates Mary-Kate Olsen, Is Selling His Townhouse For $6.995 Million

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Olivier Sarkozy, a managing director at the Carlyle Group who dates 27-year-old actress Mary-Kate Olsen, is selling his East Village "love nest" townhouse, Curbed reports.

The 147-year-old home is being listed by Douglas Elliman for $6,995,000.

The 44-year-old private equity exec, who is also the half brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, bought the historic home last August for $6.25 million.

Now let's check out their digs. 

 

Here's the facade of the gorgeous five story townhouse. The home features a cast iron 'Juliet' balcony.



There's a charming garden in the back, too.



The home was designed by famous architect James Renwick Jr. He also designed St. Patrick's Cathedral and Grace Church.



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Here's A Handy Google Map Of Every Place Participating In New York Restaurant Week

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New York Restaurant Week starts today, with 300 acclaimed restaurants serving three-course prix-fixe lunches for $25 and dinners for $38 throughout the city.

Google Maps made a handy map of participating restaurants so you can see what deals are closest to your neighborhood.

Google's Lat Long blog notes that over half of the participating restaurants also hired private photographers to show off what their interiors look like, so check them out before you make a reservation.

Here's the map. NY Restaurant Week will end on August 16th.


View New York City Restaurant Week 2013 Restaurants in a larger map

SEE ALSO: 14 Ways To Enjoy New York City's Swankiest Spots For Free (Or Cheap)

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