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7 Awesome Fitness Gadgets To Get You Moving This Year

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Getting fit is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but the hardest part is getting started.

That's where tech-savvy fitness gadgets can help. Whether it's a portable GPS that helps you train or a wristband that keeps you on track, these new devices will make getting active and shedding pounds in 2014 that much easier.

Keep reading to see seven new gadgets that will up your fitness regimen.

Whithings Smart Body Analyzer ($150)

Whithings smart scale body analyzerThis smart scale monitors and tracks weight, body fat percentage, heart rate, blood pressure, and even air quality. The scale immediately syncs with an app (compatible with iOS or Android devices) that then shows users their body's overall health and progress, and can even remember multiple profiles for your household.

The Whithings scale will also sync with over 60 apps and devices like the Fitbit, RunKeeper, and Retrofit so users have all the tools you need to reach your goal. To read more about the scale, click here.

TAO WellShell ($200-$300)

tao wellshellUsers can do more than 50 isometric exercises with this palm-sized pressure sensor, which can also monitor heart rate, sleep duration, and steps walked/distance traveled. The WellShell provides instructions on how to perform each exercise with a 3D model that demonstrates how it's done.

The WellShell lets users exercise wherever they are (on a plane, sitting in traffic, or at the office) with audio or vibrating feedback, and keeps track of diet and progress through an app. Reports say it will be available by the end of 2014.

Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS ($200)

garmin edge 500Cyclers will love Garmin's new Edge 500, a lightweight, GPS computer that tracks distance, speed, elevation, and location. The small device easily attaches to handlebars to help performance-driven cyclists navigate their environment as well as monitor their heart rate, track calories burned, and see how long and far they've traveled.

The Edge 500 has an 18-hour battery life, and is easily rechargeable with a USB cord. Once the ride's done, users can sync the device and analyze their performance compared to past workouts.

iriverOn ($200)

iriverOn headset running gadgetsThe iriverOn is a set of Bluetooth headphones that are connected to a funky looking neck collar that rids runners and weight lifters of tangled cords forever. Users listen to music while the headphones monitor distance, time, calories burned, and heart-rate with a biometric sensor in the right-side earbud.

The collar has a set of controls to pause, play, and control volume, and wearers can also make or answer incoming phone calls. It charges with a micro USB port at the bottom of the collar, and an app immediately syncs with the device to track progress.

Skulpt Aim ($149-$200)

skulpt aim body compositionThe most frustrating part about getting in shape is not seeing immediate results. Skulpt Aim can help with that. It's a handheld wireless device that can calculate the fat percentage of any body part simply by being pressed against skin. It can provide overall body fat percentage, too.

The way it works is by sending a current through the body, and measuring how quickly it moves (i.e. the faster the current moves, the less fat there is). Skulpt has a long-lasting battery, is portable, and connects to an online dashboard that measures areas of improvement and what still needs work. It's currently available for pre-order until May for $149 (will raise the price to $200 thereafter).

Lumo Lift ($69)

lumoliftSmall changes in posture can make all the difference. This tiny (1 inch wide, 1.75 inches long) wearable device easily clips magnetically to clothing or undergarments, and tracks daily activity to improve posture.

It connects with an app (iOS and Android compatible) that also measures steps and calories. It also discreetly vibrates when the user slouches, sending a reminder to sit or stand tall. The battery lasts 5 days and the Lumo Lift charges in under two hours. Available for pre-order now, and will ship in the spring of this year.

FitBit Force ($130)

fitbit forceFitBit Force is the next generation FitBit, which includes a tiny screen for displaying the time and day's fitness stats. It monitors calorie and water intake (entered manually), as well as how many steps the user has taken, stairs climbed, sleep patterns, and miles traveled on foot.

The comfortable band is light and water resistant, and connects to a smartphone or computer via Bluetooth to keep track of progress (compatible with most iOS and Android devices). To read more about the FitBit Force, click here.

SEE ALSO: 5 Exercise Machines You Should Never Use At The Gym

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The Most Badass Birds On The Planet

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Birds are often associated with beauty, peace, and tranquility, but they can be downright nasty when it comes to finding food or protecting their turf. These ones are particularly badass:

The northern goshawk

The northern goshawk is a kind of hawk. They are beautiful birds, but can turn nasty when protecting their young. "It is fearless in defense of its nest and will boldly attack anyone who ventures too close," according to the Audubon Society. The northern goshawk breeds in the coniferous forests of North America. They eat ducks, rabbits, and hares.

800px AccipterGentilisJuvenileFlight1

The ostrich

Ostriches are not inherently mean, but they are extremely territorial. Angering an ostrich is not wise, as they are bigger, taller, and faster than most humans. The bulky birds weigh anywhere from 220 to 350 pounds, and while they can't fly, they sure can run. The ostrich can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour, according to National Geographic. They have long, sharp claws on their feet and a powerful kick behind them.

The ostrich may warn its invader of an oncoming attack by hissing, stamping its feet, or flaring its wings, according to the American Ostrich Association "Stay away, or if it is absolutely necessary for you to make contact with that bird's turf, use utmost caution," it says on their website.

768px Ostrich,_mouth_open

The pitohui

Pitohui birds have a different approach to taking down their enemies: poison. Their feathers and skin contain the same kind of toxin that is found on the skin of poison dart frogs. Scientists only recently learned that the toxins (more specifically known as batrachotoxins) come from a small poisonous beetle that the bird eats.

In a 2008 study published in the journal Biology Letters, researchers said the discovery was "particularly remarkable because it was the first time that a potentially defensive toxin was identified in a bird."

In high enough doses, batrachotoxins can lead to paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death, according to COSMOS magazine. The birds, found in New Guinea, have evolved a resistance to the toxin, but touching or tasting a feather generally produces a "tingling, burning sensation" in humans. Locals call the pitohui "rubbish birds" because they can only be eaten after careful preparation of removing the skin and feathers.

Although initially thought to be a defense against predators, the 2008 study suggested that the main purpose of the toxin is to combat parasites and bacterial infections.

The level of toxin varies by sub-species, although the hooded pitohui and variable pitohui are the most toxic.

800px Hooded_Pitohui

The griffon vulture

Although vultures don't typically hunt down live food (they usually scavenge on already-dead animals), a 2011 study published in the journal Nature found that griffon vultures in northern Spain have started killing livestock, marking a change from scavenger to predator.

The large, dark-bodied birds are voracious eaters, even if they are just hanging around waiting for the scraps of food left by other animals. Last year, the body of a woman who fell from a cliff was devoured by vultures in 45 minutes.

This is also pretty baller: Vultures have bare heads so they don't have to clean their bloody face after a meal.

vulture

Blue jays

You've probably seen a blue jay hanging out in your bird feeder or taking a dip in a bird bath. They seem pretty delightful and sweet, but they can also be hostile little food thieves.

Blue jays mostly eat insects and nuts (they really like acorns and peanuts), but have been known to steal and eat eggs and nestlings of other birds, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Blue jays are also fiercely protective of their nests and will attack and chase predators, including hawks, falcons, raccoons, cats, snakes, and squirrels.

Blue_Jay_with_Peanut

The southern cassowary

The southern cassowary, a flightless bird native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, has the unofficial title of "world's most dangerous bird." Aside from the ostrich, the cassowary is the only bird in the world to have caused the death of people by physical attack.

"The inner or second of the three toes is fitted with a long, straight, murderous nail which can sever an arm or eviscerate an abdomen with ease," American ornithologist Ernest Thomas wrote in his 1958 book "Living Birds of the World." He added: "There are many records of natives being killed by this bird."

Captive cassowarys are known to become aggressive when being fed. They may attack people or dogs by kicking, pecking, butting with their heads, or charging, according to a 2006 review of cassowary attacks in Australia.

cassowary

The northern cardinal

As the official bird of seven U.S. states, the northern cardinal seems like an unlikely choice for this list. Noted for its pretty melodies and bright red feathers (only a characteristic of males), the teacup-sized bird is adored by humans. But it's a different story among their own kind.

Male cardinals are extremely territorial. "Males can be aggressive when defending their territory, and they frequently attack other males who intrude," according to National Geographic. Cardinals will sometimes fly into glass windows, mistaking their own reflection for other males.

cardinal bird

SEE ALSO: Why Birds Fly In A "V"

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The Best Sports Bars In 13 Big Cities Around The US

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McGreevy's Boston, sports bar

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and if you aren't planning to supply your friends with free-flowing beer, unlimited hot wings, and a big high-def TV to watch the game on, you'd better start scouting the best sports bars in your hometown.

Derek Hembree and Clint Lanier, authors of the book "Bucket List Bars," helped us find some of the best sports bars in big cities around the U.S.

Check out one of these venues for Sunday's big game, or any time you want to cheer on your favorite team.

ATLANTA

Stats
300 Marietta Street NW

What sets Stats apart is the personal beer taps at select tables, which means no need to catch the bartender's attention. The 70+ high-def TVs and $1 cinerator shots on game day? Those are just perks.

Diesel Filling Station
870 Highland Avenue

It may be "a bit divey," but Diesel has everything a sports lover needs, including plenty of TVs, a huge beer selection, darts and arcade games, and great pub food. Bonus: Many of their tables have outlets to charge phones or iPads.



AUSTIN

The Tavern
922 W. 12th Street

Austin residents often say "you're never too far from 12th and Lamar," referring to the location of The Tavern. It's one of the Austin's oldest and best sports bars, with big screens, great drafts, and their must-try specialty: white wings.

Mister Tramps Sports Bar and Cafe
8565 Research Boulevard

Mister Tramps is known for their local and craft beers, and unique drunk foods menu. If you're going with a big group, call ahead and reserve a private space just for you and your friends.



BOSTON

McGreevy's
911 Boylston Street

With an impressive, 220-year history, McGreevy's was THE sports pub at the turn of the century, and that hasn't changed. Professional athletes, politicians, and businessmen often frequent here, mingling with diehard Boston fans alike.

Jerry Remy's
1265 Boylston Street

The first president of Red Sox Nation opened up this sports bar in his own name to give dedicated to Red Sox fans a game-watching haven. With three locations across the city, patrons often boast that "it has more TVs than Best Buy."

Game On!
82 Lansdown Street

Game On! has an expansive layout that features more than 90 HDTVs, private party rooms, and an impressive sound system. If you're feeling lucky, Game On! often holds ticket giveaways to nearly every sporting event in the Greater Boston Area.



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The Crazy Life Of Tom Perkins, The Man Who Thinks Critics Of The Rich Are Like Nazis

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Tom Perkins2

Over the weekend, legendary Valley venture capitalist Tom Perkins caused a firestorm in a letter to the editor to The Wall Street Journal in which he said people who criticized the rich were like Nazis who persecuted the Jews in the 1930s.

The comments caused an outcry in the Valley, with most people condemning them, although one other prominent VC, Tim Draper of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, defended Perkins.

This is far from the first time that the 82-year-old Perkins, often called the "Father of Silicon Valley," has caused controversy.

His life story is a continuous string of over-the-top-ness, filled with luxury excess, boardroom drama, even a conviction of manslaughter in a French court.

Yes, he's rich.

Tom Perkins is rich, though it's not clear exactly how rich.

The Celebrity Net Worth blog estimates that he's worth $8 billion today. He's not currently on the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans, nor on Bloomberg's Billionaire index.

But he's been rich for decades, and there's no reason to believe that he's in danger of falling from the 1% any time soon, or ever.



His famous mega-yacht: The Maltese Falcon.

Perkins is known for building the mega-yacht, The Maltese Falcon, the subject of a "60 Minutes profile" in 2007.

The Falcon was the world's largest privately owned sailboat of the day, and full of technological breakthroughs.

Someone once called it a "big boatload of ego," and when "60 Minutes'" Lesley Stahl asked him about that, he laughed and said, "Somebody has to have it, right? Why not me?"

The boat cost $130 million to build, had 11,000 square feet of living space, and a crew of 20, including a gourmet chef. He sold it in 2009.



He was once convicted of manslaughter in France.

In 1996, Perkins was racing his yacht in France when he collided with a smaller boat, killing a French doctor on board, he wrote in his 2008 memoir, "Valley Boy: The Education of Tom Perkins."

Perkins was found guilty by a French court. Jail sentences were suspended, and he was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000.

Perkins described it like this: "Arrested and tried in a foreign court in a language you don't understand, by judges indifferent — or worse — to justice, represented by an inappropriate lawyer with the negative outcome preordained."



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How To Get To The Super Bowl Without Taking A Car

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nyc nj super bowl map

The Super Bowl is coming to New Jersey this weekend, and over 80,000 people will be headed to MetLife Stadium to see the game.

If they're smart, they'll take mass transit.

Taxis and for-hire vehicles like Uber cars won't be allowed to enter the stadium.

Parking passes cost $150 and are nearly sold out anyway. Plus, tailgating won't be allowed, so there's no upside to hanging out in the parking lot.

The good news is that New York and New Jersey are working hard to provide lots of other ways for fans to get to the game. For most, the key is to get to Secaucus, where ticketholders can grab a shuttle train to the stadium.

Note that attendees won't be allowed on the shuttle without a valid ticket for the 6:30 p.m. (EST) game. Shuttle service to the stadium will start at 1:41 p.m. and end at 7:43 p.m. The last shuttle train back to Secaucus won't depart before 1 a.m. Here's the full schedule.

With that said, here are the best options for wherever you're coming from:

From New York City

Head to Penn Station and grab a NJ Transit or Amtrak train to Secaucus, N.J. (when you buy your ticket, select Meadowlands as your destination). From there, you can take a shuttle train to the stadium.

If you don't want to bother with the transfer, you can also take a Fan Express bus, which depart from multiple locations in New York City and New Jersey. You have to choose your boarding time when you buy the ticket, so don't be late. And make sure you print it out, as you can't show it on your smartphone. Tickets are $51. Buy yours here.

Here's where they leave from, with the best subway option for getting there:

  • Battery Place (4/5)
  • 6th Ave (A/C/D/F)
  • Madison Square (N/R)
  • Grand Central/45th St (4/5/6/7/Metro-North)
  • Waldorf Astoria Hotel (6/E)
  • Time-Warner Center (1/A/C/D)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott
  • The Plaza at Harmon Meadow in Secaucus
  • Hanover Marriott in East Hanover

From New Jersey

You can take just about any NJ Transit line to connect to Secaucus, where you can take the shuttle train to the stadium. You can also take a Fan Express bus to the stadium from East Hanover or Seacaucus.

From Westchester and Connecticut

Take a Metro-North Train to Grand Central, then grab a Fan Express bus. You can also head over to Penn Station and take NJ Transit or Amtrak to Secaucus, then grab the shuttle.

From Long Island

Take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station, then take NJ Transit or Amtrak to Secaucus to transfer to the shuttle.

From JFK Airport

Take the AirTrain and transfer to the A train or Long Island Rail Road to get to Penn Station.

From LaGuardia Airport

Take the Q70 bus to connect to the 7, R, M, F, and E trains. Those will get you to a Fan Express bus departure location or Penn Station.

From Newark Liberty Airport

Take the Fan Express bus from the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, or take the AirTrain to connect to a NJ Transit train to head to Secaucus.

Here's the master map showing the best ways to get to the stadium. Click to enlarge:

new york new jersey super bowl map

SEE ALSO: TSA Reveals The Craziest Things It Found In 2013

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MillerCoors Debuts A Bourbon-Flavored Beer That It Wants You To Drink From A Whiskey Glass

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Miller Fortune

MillerCoors is targeting whiskey lovers with a new bourbon-flavored beer called Miller Fortune.

The golden lager "will be distributed wider and faster than any MillerCoors’ introduction since the Molson Coors Brewing Co. and SABMiller joint venture formed in 2008," Bloomberg reports

Miller Fortune will be packaged in jet-black, angular bottles meant to "evoke a guy in a tapered, athletic-cut suit," Bloomberg's Duane Stanford writes. In order to set it apart from other beers, the company is asking bartenders to serve the drink in cocktail glasses. 

The new brew has an alcohol content of 6.9%, which is higher than most MillerCoors beers (a Coors Lite has 5.9% alcohol content) but far less than the alcohol content of bourbon, which is typically higher than 40%.

In making the new drink, MillerCoors sought inspiration from Jack Daniels and Maker's Mark.

"We asked, 'How would Jack Daniels or Maker’s Mark do a beer and why?'" David Kroll, MillerCoors' head of innovation, told Bloomberg. "We tortured every aspect to say, 'Are we falling back on what beer would do?' Because this brand is intended to play in a spirits occasion."

A six-pack of Miller Fortune will cost roughly $6.99. 

SEE ALSO: Jelly Belly's New Beer-Flavored Jelly Beans Have Some Parents Freaking Out

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8 Business Travel Packing Hacks

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george clooney packing up in the air

In the 2009 hit "Up in the Air," George Clooney plays a frequent flier who's just a few trips away from making it into the elite 10 million miles club.

As a corporate "downsizer," his life revolves around airport terminals and hotel suites as he criss-crosses the country firing people and giving motivational speeches on how to rid yourself of relationships and possessions that are holding you down. In other words, how to pack light.

For business travelers who spend one-third to two-thirds of the year on the road, knowing how to pack efficiently and effectively for trips is an essential skill. As Clooney's character, who travels 270 days a year, says, the difference between having to check luggage and fitting everything into a carry-on is a week's worth of time spent waiting in line.

While he hasn't quite reached the 10 million milers club, Quora userJeffrey Davis is also a frequent flier whose regular trips abroad as a Senior VP and General Manager at Evonik have taught him the best ways to pack for any business trip.

Davis outlined a number of business travel packing hacks on a recent Quora thread, and we've picked out some of our favorites, lightly edited for clarity and reprinted here with Davis' permission:

1. Ditch the colors. "Black is your friend," he writes. "It matches everything. Johnny Cash was a visionary. I've yet to hear the compelling logic for any sock color other than black. One pair of black jeans, two black t-shirts, and business attire will get you through a long trip."

2.Never check your bag. Ever. "I NEVER check my bags, even if I'm going to China for four weeks," says Davis. "I travel with a Hartmann roll-aboard that fits in the overhead. The reduced hassle of never having to wait for bags, being the first guy through customs, and never dealing with the nightmare of lost luggage will make you a believer. A suit is a suit: two is enough. Wear one on the plane with a t-shirt or casual shirt, and pack the other. Also find a pair of workout shoes which can be casual walking and touring attire."

If you're concerned about packing the second suit, Quora user Martin Roell says to turn the jacket inside-out (sleeves get pushed through), and wrap it around softer items like t-shirts and underwear. "This prevents it from getting creases."

3.Don't bother with Ziploc bags. Store your liquids in tiny containers. "Transfer contact solution into an old Visine bottle or a 2 oz. sampler contact solution bottle," Davis writes. "Unless you are a chronic alcoholic or have some kind of medical condition, question the need to take any liquid that can't make it through the x-ray unannounced. Save space and snag the mini toothpastes they put in your room every night."

4. Splurge on laundry. "Look at your travel agenda and make sure you are staying at least two nights in a row in the same hotel at least once in every seven-day window," he says. "Even though it's expensive, hotel laundry will get you through. You can get by on 'Five of Each' (five pairs of socks, five undershirts, five pairs of underwear, etc.) almost indefinitely if you buy into the Hotel Laundry doctrine."

5. Use back-saving luggage. "A roll-aboard with a hook that holds your briefcase counterbalanced so that you can literally cruise a mile through ORD [Chicago O'Hare International Airport] or DTW [Detroit Metro Airport] with only fingertip pressure is a back and shoulder saver. Don't knock it until you've tried it," Davis says.

6. Test your batteries in everything. "Know the capacity of your batteries in your rechargeables (shavers, cameras, iPods, etc.)," he writes. "You may be surprised by how long of a trip you can make without bringing the charger if you leave home with a full charge."

7. Always bring backups. "Have a high resolution scan of your driver's license, passport, visas, and credit cards on the SD card of your smartphone or on your computer HD," Davis advises. "It's a lifesaver if you ever lose anything."

8. Reduce, reduce, reduce. "Once every three months, take EVERYTHING out of your briefcase. Challenge everything. When was the last time you touched it or used it on a trip? Throw it away or leave it at home if you will not need it overseas," he says.

SEE ALSO: 9 Things Every Business Traveler Should Pack In Their Carry-On

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These Chemistry-Based Hacks Will Change Your Life

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beige tbi

We've all seen lists of lifehacks, but when it comes to chemistry, the American Chemical Society is all over a few new ones.

They introduced the five science-based lifehacks in a new video series called Reactions.

The first video in the series describes the chemistry behind some awesome lifehacks:

Improve the taste of your coffee with salt. Just a pinch will remove bitterness from coffee.

coffee salt.gif

Ripen bananas super quick by tossing them in a paper bag with ripe tomatoes.

bananna tomato.gifSave your stale cookies by putting them in a plastic with a slice of bread.cookie bread.gif

They also say that you can clean your rusty cast iron with a splash of coke.

See the video to understand the chemistry behind these lifehacks:

SEE ALSO: These Food Hacks Will Make Your Life Infinitely Easier

SEE ALSO: Three Ways To Open A Champagne, Wine, Or Beer Bottle Without An Opener

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Forget Comfort — These Are The Real Advantages Of Private Jets

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gulfstream g450 private jet

Yes, private jets are swanky. But if you can spend less money to get an equally luxurious experience in first or business class, why not fly with an airline?

A quick search turns up one-way first class flights from New York to Los Angeles for around $1,000.

The same flight with private jet charter company JetSuite costs over $4,500 per passenger.

That's a lot of money to justify for the added luxury of having no one else around. 

To find out what the real benefits to flying private are, we spoke with Steve Cass, Vice President of Communications at private jet maker Gulfstream.

It all comes down to saving time, which means saving money.

Less Time On The Ground

It starts on the way to the airport. Small jets don't need the huge runways and staffs offered by major airports, so they can fly out of smaller spots.

There are many more minor airports than major ones, so you often don't have to travel as far to get to one. And they're less congested, making the experience more pleasant.

You don't have to deal with the TSA or long check-in lines, so you can you arrive at airport minutes, not hours, in advance. That's time, money, and aggravation saved. And when you get off, your bags are thrown right into your car, so there's no time spent at the baggage carousel.

Plus, you fly when you want. Flying commercial, Cass said, "we adjust our schedule to meet the needs of the airline." In the sphere of private aviation, it's the other way around.

A Faster Trip

Private flights aren't tied to the same hub and spoke networks used by airlines, so if your plane has enough fuel capacity to reach your destination, you'll go direct. "That saves a huge amount of time," Cass said.

Private jets are usually designed to climb faster than airliners, so they're above crummy weather sooner. They usually fly faster, too.

Commercial jets cruise around 35,000 feet, smaller jets typically fly higher. That puts them above the traffic, so their routes are more direct — they don't compete with bigger planes for space. The extra flexibility lets the jets capture better winds and avoid adverse weather, too.

Privacy In the Air To Get Work Done

On top of moving faster and wasting less time, it's easier to get work done in the air when you're alone. Even in first or business class, Cass pointed out, it's risky to have confidential conversations, because you don't know who may be around.

He also directed us to a 2009 survey by the National Business Aviation Association. Respondents rated themselves as 20% more productive while on company aircraft than in the office. Their counterparts flying commercial reported a 40% drop in productivity.

So the next time you wonder why companies spend tens of millions to buy their own jets instead of putting employees on commercial fights, know that it's not about creature comforts. It's about saving time and money.

SEE ALSO: Here's Why Extreme Cold Is Disastrous For Air Travel

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This Is The Hedge In San Francisco That Separates The 1% From The 'Nazis'

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Steele hedge

Wealthy Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tom Perkins thinks that people who criticize the rich are acting like the Nazis did toward the Jews in World World II:

Writing from the epicenter of progressive thought, San Francisco, I would call attention to the parallels of fascist Nazi Germany to its war on its "one percent," namely its Jews, to the progressive war on the American one percent, namely the "rich."

He uses three bits of evidence to support his argument: protests over buses that large technology companies have hired to transport workers from their homes in San Francisco to their offices an hour south in the Bay Area; outrage over rising Bay Area real estate prices; and what he calls "libelous and cruel attacks" on Danielle Steel in The San Francisco Chronicle.

Steel is Perkins' ex-wife.

He is referring to a series of articles in which the Chronicle teased Steel over an enormous hedge that flanks her home, known as Spreckels Mansion.

Chronicle Columnist C.W. Nevius explained the articles like this:

I may have made a little fun of the hedge that conceals Steel’s San Francisco house. Actually, as I wrote, it isn’t really a hedge. It’s more like a huge, botanical freak of nature. Chronicle architectural critic John King, who started all this (you’re welcome John, enjoy the view from the underside of the bus) called it "comically off-putting."

Steel responded at first by explaining that she wanted to trim the hedge, but her security people advised against it. She also told the Chronicle:

Sometimes, I think San Francisco hates successful people. No matter what I do, people say nasty stuff. I mean the world is falling apart and people complain about my hedge. It’s a mystery.

Nevius then pointed out that this particular home is a 55-room French chateau with a Louis XVI ballroom situated smack dab in the middle of a very public part of the city, across the street from Lafayette Park.

He writes:

... that’s when we solve the mystery. It isn’t that San Francisco hates successful people. It’s snobs we don’t like.

Steel fired back in a letter to the editor that explained how these articles about her hedge, and the accusation that she's a "snob," have "reduced a life reasonably lived life to rubble."

And her ex-husband, Perkins, jumped to her defense by telling the world that we're witnessing "a very dangerous drift in our American thinking" that to him looks like how the Nazis treated the Jews.

Let's reasonably point out that 6 million Jews were snatched from their homes, including 1.5 million children, and killed by Nazis.

But to Perkins' way of thinking, protests about buses, housing prices and articles that joke about a mansion's hedge is a similar slippery slope.

SEE ALSO: The crazy life of Tom Perkins

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Here's the $380,000 Watch Investor Tom Perkins Bragged About On TV

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Screen Shot 2014 01 28 at 7.53.21 AMOn Monday legendary venture capitalist Tom Perkins gave an interview to Bloomberg during which he defended a controversial letter that said people who criticize the rich were behaving like the Nazis did toward the Jews in World War II.

At one point the co-founder of Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers showed off the watch that he was wearing and said "I could buy a six-pack of Rolexes for this."

The watch in question is from high-end designer Richard Mille, which sells timepieces that range from tens of thousands of dollars to $2.4 million.

Here's the full quote from Perkins:

"The New York Times got into a discussion of Rolex watches, and why does any man need a Rolex watch, and it's a symbol of terrible values, etc., etc. Well, I think that's a little silly. This isn't a Rolex; I could buy a six-pack of Rolexes for this. But so what?" 

Hillary Sargeant of The Boston Globe reports that Perkins' watch is this one, which worth about $380,000.

And here's a closeup of the piece:

Screen Shot 2014 01 28 at 1.16.12 PM

Here's a sampling of other Richard Mille watches:

Screen Shot 2014 01 28 at 7.46.50 AM

And here's a closer look at the "RM 26-01 Tourbillion Panda," which costs $880,500.  

Screen Shot 2014 01 28 at 7.30.00 AM

Here's a description of the RM 26-01 Tourbillion Panda:

The new RM26-01 tourbillon caliber is equipped with a baseplate machined from black Onyx, a variety of chalcedony composed of silicon dioxide from the cryptocrystalline quartz group. Onyx varieties featuring rectilinear black and white parallel stripes are part of the agate family, whereas entirely black stones are commonly known as black Onyx. This gem is said to absorb negative energy and bring great emotional stability to the wearer.

The RM 26-01 tourbillon is a limited edition of 30 timepieces in 18K red gold and white gold.

Bloomberg took "a closer look at this watchmaker for the 1%." Check it out: 

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This Detroit Neighborhood Is So Bad That $1 Homes Could Be A Rip-Off

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Downtown Detroit is seeing a revitalization of sorts sparked by Dan Gilbert's $1 billion investment in the area. Since 2010, Gilbert's investment has created an estimated 6,500 jobs in downtown, and, as a result, it's nearly impossible to find a vacant apartment as residential occupancy rates reached as high as 99.4% for the downtown area.

But what about the rest of the city? You can buy a bunch of homes outside of downtown Detroit for under $500 and some are even listed at just $1.

Problem is: these prices are incredibly misleading. The homes are in abysmal condition and there are few city services in and around these neighborhoods.

Detroit realtor John Lewis took us to the Brightmoor neighborhood to show us what these $1 Detroit homes are really like.

NOW WATCH: Why Does Everyone Hate Silicon Valley?

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Where To Watch The Super Bowl In New York City

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carlow east

If you can't make it out to the Meadowlands for Super Bowl XLVIII, don't fret. New York City is transforming itself into football heaven.

Seattle Seahawks diehards will generally want to catch the game on the Upper East Side, while Denver Broncos fans will have the run of Midtown sports bars. But fans of all stripes will find NFL fun along "Super Bowl Boulevard," filling Broadway from 34th to 47th streets. Plus a bunch of sports bars are ready with specials for the big game and Bruno Mars halftime show.

We rounded up some of the best places in New York City to spend your Super Bowl Sunday.  

Amity HallWatch the Super Bowl on this downtown bar's 20-foot HD TV. Their tailgate starts at 4 p.m. with games, prizes and specials.

Aviator SportsHead to Brooklyn to watch the game. Aviator Sports is offering unlimited bottled and tap beer and wine plus a hot and cold buffet at half-time for $50.

Butterfield 8Broncos fans will be filling this bar on Super Bowl Sunday, and if you're wearing Broncos' apparel, you get half=off bar snacks.  

Carlow EastNYCeahawks meet at Carlow East to cheer on Seattle's team. They're planning a special Seahawk menu and drinks for game day. 

Down the Hatch: For $23 per person, you get three domestic pitchers, all you can eat atomic wings, fries and onion rings.   

FéileThis is a Seahawks bar. The Seahawks of Midtown meet here for every regular season game Seattle plays, and they'll be here in full force on Super Bowl Sunday. 

Hair of the Dog: This bar has half-price beer all day and night on Sundays. 

Mustang Harry'sIf you're a Broncos fan, you'll find your brothers-in-arms at this midtown bar. A shot of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and a can of PBR will only set you back $7.

Nelly Spillane'sTheir NFL specials include pitchers for $15 and 50 cent wings.

Off the WagonNot only can you catch the game on a 100-inch screen, you also get $3 mixed drinks, shots, drafts and bottled beer starting at 8 p.m. 

The Sixth WardOn game day, open bar costs $45. There's also a free buffet at half-time, plus beer, shots and food specials and giveaways.

StoutThis Broncos supporting bar is offering buckets of Bud for $5 or buckets of Colorado brewed beer for $6.

T.G. Whitney's: This bar is part of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee. They'll have various specials revealed on game day. 

SEE ALSO: The Best Sports Bars In 13 Big Cities Around The US

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22 Of The Most Unforgettable War Photos You Will Ever See

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USCG Cutter Spencer destroys Nazi sub, 1943

A controversial war photography show closes Sunday at the Brooklyn Museum, after a three-month exhibit with stops in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. “War/Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermathfeatures more than 480 photographs and other documents from wars dating back to 1887.

 “In the news and magazines, people don't show us what’s really going on,” says Ann Wilkes Tucker, who curated the show with Will Michels. “We felt that if the soldiers have to see it and if the journalists have to see it, we have to see it.”

“In the news and magazines, people don't show us what’s really going on,” says Tucker. “We felt that if the soldiers have to see it and if the journalists have to see it, we have to see it. “ - See more at: http://www.shutterloveonline.com/photography-galleries/photojournalism/New-Exhibit-WAR-PHOT-1237.shtml#sthash.4nlPdpCT.dpuf
“In the news and magazines, people don't show us what’s really going on,” says Tucker. “We felt that if the soldiers have to see it and if the journalists have to see it, we have to see it. “ - See more at: http://www.shutterloveonline.com/photography-galleries/photojournalism/New-Exhibit-WAR-PHOT-1237.shtml#sthash.4nlPdpCT.dpuf

Reactions to the exhibition have been mostly positive, if disturbed. Phillip Kennicott at The Washington Post called the exhibition “wrenching and horrifying,” while Vince Aletti at The New Yorker found it “tough and unflinching.” 

Some reviewers, however, objected to the overwhelming size and structure of the exhibit, which is jam-packed and arranged thematically, with images of World War II appearing next to images of Afghanistan or Rwanda. The effect, according to Ken Johnson of The New York Times, is “mind-numbing” and “flawed.”

One way or another, it's a powerful experience. With permission from the Brooklyn Museum, we are (again) publishing a selection of the photos.

Soldiers aboard the Australian transport ship Ajana head out for overseas destinations in 1916.



Ukrainian battalion commander Alexsei Yeremenko leads soldiers to attack in 1941, after the commander of his regiment was injured.



Russian soldiers charge forward on the Eastern Front in 1941.



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5 Signs That Your Body Is Starving For Vitamins


The 28 Best Countries For Healthy Eating

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oxfam map basicA major sign of a nation's overall wellbeing is the diet of its population.

Oxfam— an international confederation of organizations that works to end poverty — studied data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to find out which world countries had the most nutritious, plentiful, and affordable diets.

The resulting "Good Enough To Eat" index ranks 125 countries based on how much people have to eat (levels of undernourishment and percent of underweight children), food affordability (measured by food price levels compared to other goods, and food price volatility over time), quality of food (measured by diet diversification and access to clean water), and health outcomes (such as diabetes and obesity).

European countries dominated the list with high diet diversification and low food price volatility, while poorer African countries were ranked lower. Chad was the lowest rated country, while the Netherlands took the top spot.

Check out a heatmap of the best and worst countries for healthy eating, as well as a data visualization tool, here.

#25 (TIE) Hungary

Overall Score: 15

100% of people in Hungary have access to safe water and only 4% of the population is undernourished.

On the other side, 27.6% of Hungary's population is obese and 10.8% have diabetes.

Source: Oxfam Food Index Data based on the most recent numbers from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Overall score is ranked from 0-100, with 100 representing the worst possible score.



#25 (TIE) Slovakia

Overall Score: 15

Food price inflation volatility is low in Slovakia, where only 4% of the population is undernourished.

36% of Slovakian diet comes from staple, carb-heavy foods, such as cereals, roots, and tubers. 25.4% of the population is obese, and 10.6% have diabetes.

Source: Oxfam Food Index Data based on the most recent numbers from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Overall score is ranked from 0-100, with 100 representing the worst possible score.



#25 (TIE) Estonia

Overall Score: 15

98.8% of people in Estonia have access to safe water, and food price inflation volatility is relatively low.

9.7% of the population have diabetes and 20.6% of the population is obese, but only 35% of the standard diet comes from carb-heavy foods.

Source: Oxfam Food Index Data based on the most recent numbers from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Overall score is ranked from 0-100, with 100 representing the worst possible score.



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These Drone Concepts Could Save People From Burning Buildings And Avalanches

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hummingbird and beetle drone

For some, the word "drone" may conjure images of scary flying machines going off to battle. Many researchers, however, are looking at new ways of using drones here in the U.S., and they could soon be more common than you'd expect. 

With the unveiling of four new unmanned aircraft concepts, the industrial design team at frog is looking to clean up the drone's image. 

"They can go places that we can't easily or safely go. The vantage point they can get as an extension of our field of view is something that's very valuable in first response situations and even everyday life," frog interaction designer Eric Boam said to Business Insider. "That ability is the root of their ability to do good."

Frog hopes to demonstrate these positive applications with their four new concept designs, and they all look like something out of a sci-fi movie. 

One, dubbed the Cyclodrone, was inspired by one designer's frequent rides in the hills of Oakland, Calif. The concept calls for a drone that would fly in front of and behind cyclists to alert drivers of their approach.

cyclodrone

"You see cyclists but it's often not until it's too late," Cormac Eubanks, who headed the survival drone design team, said to Business Insider. "Any advance warning could make a difference." 

The Cyclodrone would be connected to a cyclist's phone via Bluetooth and would follow a preprogrammed route. Still, Eubanks admits that a more powerful battery and efficient motor would have to be developed for the Cyclodrone to become a reality. 

Another survival drone, named the Firestorm, would be able to fly into burning buildings to give firefighters a better assessment of conditions and even find people trapped inside. 

Firestorm drone"We're envisioning one that could be thermally insulated and go inside hot environments, so that if something happens, it's not the loss of life of a firefighter, just a piece of technology," Eubanks said. "The loss to human life would be considerably less." 

There's also the Snow Cyclops, which could be a cheaper and safer alternative to current avalanche control technologies, and the Hummingbird and Beetle, an autonomous farming system that could potentially open up land previously inaccessible for farming. 

snow cyclopsWhile we probably won't see these drones fighting fires in the next few months, the frog team says that a future filled with helpful drones could only be a few years off. 

"Right now it's just a concept, a kind of blue-sky approach to how we could create drones that were less intimidating," Eubanks said. "There is a level of engineering and technical scrutiny we would need to make these a reality." 

Among the main concerns are communication and safety — they would have to figure out how to keep the drones from running into people, landmarks, and each other, for one. They aren't any legal guidelines for the use of drones in everyday life, either.

"A lot of things need to happen for there to be that ubiquity," Eubanks said. 

The public's attitude towards unmanned aircraft would have to go through a change as well, though the designers are optimistic that this could happen over time. 

"As drones evolve and their look and feel changes to more readily show their purpose...it will be easier for people to accept them," Boam said. 

Eubanks agreed that people's relationship to drones could change, comparing it to other technologies that seemed intimidating in the past. 

"A lot of technologies start as military applications, like GPS started as a way to direct fleets and military units," Eubanks said. "So I think drones have that same potential." 

SEE ALSO: DRONES: Commercial Drones Are Becoming A Reality, With Huge Impacts For Many Industries

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10 Pictures That Will Make You Wish You Went To College In Hawaii

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Across the United States today — from Michigandown to Florida— colleges are closed due to the freezing cold weather.

Meanwhile, Honolulu — home to the University of Hawaii's flagship campus — doesn't have these sort of problems. Today's weather will hit 73 degrees, although there might be some clouds in the sky.

Here are 10 pictures of student life in Hawaii that will make you a little jealous you didn't head down there for college:

 

"Uni of Hawaii campus divine"

"I got to train with the University of Hawaii swim team this morning! Love swimming outdoors."

"Another shot of the #Japanese tea garden behind the East-West Center on the University of #Hawaii campus"

"#hawaii farmers market #honolulu#market#food#local at Kapi'olani community college"

"Quick beach sesh before I hit the library. #hawaii #college#beautiful#peceful.. #love my #life! cancelled classes make me happy :)"

"Going to miss this view. #UH#hawaii#sky#CObound #campus#college"

"Walking through University of Hawaii at Manoa's campus"

"Gotta say my campus is really pretty ☁️☀️#Windward#Community#College#WCC#Kaneohe #Hawaii#Oahu#School#Campus#luckytolivehi"

"Rock climbing on campus I love my school ☀️"

"Been here for 8 months and I'm still in love with it. My campus>> #hawaii#byuh#beautiful#love#life #blessed#palmtrees#sunset#colors"

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A New Website Could Change Shopping For Expectant Parents

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rachel blumenthal

When Rachel Blumenthal was shopping for her first child, she was overwhelmed. 

"I thought it would be so easy, but instead there were thousands of options and no way to choose," Blumenthal told us in a recent interview. "I couldn't believe there wasn't a better way." 

Inspired by her experience, Blumenthal decided to create a website that curates baby items like strollers, cribs and blankets. 

Cricket's Circle launches today. After joining for free, expectant mothers can get recommendations for items at different price points. They can also read candid reviews from others who have tried the products. 

"I think a lot of retailers prey on the anxiety that new mothers have," Blumenthal said. "We wanted to create an environment that was similar to how a friend would talk to you." 

Blumenthal has a long retail background—she worked at Yves Saint Laurent, and founded a jewelry brand. She also helped grow eyeglass brand Warby Parker, which was co-founded by her husband, Neil. 

Cricket's Circle is selective, recommending only three products for each category. The site doesn't receive funding from the products it endorses — "We only wanted to show products we really believe in," Blumenthal said. 

Members can add products they're interested in to a wish list. They can also see what products their friends are interested in. 

Blumenthal hopes the site will also serve as a community. 

Cricket's Circle will also feature fashion and editorial content, with guest bloggers including Ivanka Trump, Jennifer Fisher, and Rebecca Minkoff. 

"Our goal is to simplify this process for new parents," Blumenthal said. 

SEE ALSO: American Eagle Abandons Photoshop For New Lingerie Campaign

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