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The 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners On The Market

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vacuuming

If you're in the market for a new vacuum cleaner that will actually pick up more dirt than it leaves behind, then this is the list for you.

Thanks to the experts at FindTheBest, we gathered the ten best vacuum cleaners on the market right now. 

Based on performance and features, like price per input power, input power, cord length, and weight, as well as expert reviews, FindTheBest ranked the best vacuums you can buy.

10. Hoover Platinum Collection Cyclonic Bagless Canister S3865 ($697)

The Hoover S3865 is a canister vacuum that filters and traps dirt without needing to use and replace bags. Vacuums of this kind are typically quieter than others, and its nozzle swivels so that its easy to maneuver.

9. Electrolux EL8902A ($315)

The Electrolux EL8902A is an upright vacuum, so it's an all-in-one device. This model features a self-cleaning brushroll, so you can remove hairs and dust at the click of a button without getting messy. 

8. Electrolux Precision Brushroll Clean EL8807A ($200)

DYson Vacuum

This Electrolux is a similar, yet slightly cheaper model, with similar brushroll cleaning and up to 12 feet in cord length. The EL8807A is upright and bagless, with a cyclonic system that filters air to make sure that the suction doesn't fade.

7. Dyson DC39-multi floor ($343)

Many of the top vacuums, including this Dyson DC39-multi floor, have a High Energy Particulate Air filter system, which is ideal for people with allergies, asthma, or shedding pets. The vacuum easily turns to reach the smallest crevices of your home.

6. Dyson DC39-animal ($350)

This Dyson is another good choice for your home, a bagless, canister vacuum with cyclonic filtration. The DC29-animal also has a trigger at the handle, so that you can easily navigate without bending down and readjusting. 

5. Dyson DC41-animal complete ($422)

This model is similar to the animal, but with a few updates and changes. The DC-41 animal complete is an upright model, and comes with a reusable filter, a height adjustable brush, and attachments included with the vacuum.

4. Dyson DC26-multi floor ($325)

Miele Vacuum

The Dyson DC26-multi floor is a smaller, more lightweight vacuum cleaner for those who don't want to lug something heavy around as they clean. It only weighs 12 pounds, covers a cleaning radius of 26 feet, and a power cord length of 16.5 feet, which are all lower than average.

3. Dyson DC40-origin ($331)

The Dyson DC40-origin is an upright model with ball technology, which makes steering to reach stairs and room corners very easy.

2. Dyson DC41-animal ($599)

While this model is pretty pricey, it reached the top of the FindTheBest list due to its durability and high power functions. The DC41-animal has a 35 foot cord, which is higher than average.

1. Miele S 2121-capri ($399)

The Miele S 2121-capri is a canister model that scored five stars across the board from JD Power for overall satisfaction, ease of use, performance, and features. Its seven year warranty is longer than most.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best Home Printers On The Market

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The Colleges With The Highest SAT Scores

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test taking

High school students across the country compete each year for spots at the most selective universities. They need high GPAs and well-rounded extracurricular activities on their resumes, but a stand-out SAT score is crucial to get into a top school, and could even make or break an application.

We compiled a list of the 25 colleges with the highest SAT scores. This 2013-2014 preliminary data came from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The NCES data gave us the 25th and 27th percentiles for each test section, which we then averaged and added up to get the average overall score for each school.

25. (TIE) Carleton College

Average SAT Score: 2135

Critical Reading: 705

Math: 725

Writing: 705

Carleton College is a highly ranked liberal arts school in Northfield, Minnesota, with about 2,000 undergraduate students.



25. (TIE) Carnegie Mellon University

Average SAT Score: 2135

Critical Reading: 690

Math: 745

Writing: 700

Carnegie Mellon has an urban campus located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and accepts just 27.8% of its applicants.



23. (TIE) Amherst College

Average SAT Score: 2155

Critical Reading: 715

Math: 725

Writing: 715

Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, is ranked No. 2 among liberal arts colleges in the U.S., according to U.S. News.



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Americans Will Spend $330 Million On Pet Costumes This Halloween — Here's What Will Be Hot

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At the trendy James Hotel in SoHo, New York, on Tuesday evening, pooches and their two-legged companions entered a room near the roof deck bar to snag couture costumes for the impending Halloween.

Lined up on tables were deflated caterpillars, bumble bees, and bats. Shiny sharks were next to hamburgers, banana splits, and cowboys.

And while the costumes seem silly, the industry isn't. Last year, 22 million Americans bought costumes for their pets, spending an estimated $330 million.

We couldn't quite gauge the enthusiasm of the dogs at this fashion show by PetSmart, but their owners seemed unabashedly stoked.

But as cute as our furry friends may be, their wide eyes and wagging tails can't save them from the scrutiny of the catwalk.

So, without further adieu:

This golden retriever opted for the banana split costume. While we like the theme of 'retro dessert,' we think she should have picked something that didn't wash her coat out so much. 

PetSmart fashion showMeanwhile, this smaller pooch got flashy in a bright caterpillar rider.

PetSmart Halloween A tiny Pomeranian exhibits some diva-like behavior in her Martha Stewart tutu and hair feathers. 

PetSmart HalloweenBut it's not all fun and games. The Golden Retriever has returned in a no-nonsense shark costume...

PetSmart fashion show...and there seems to be a bit of drama when this dog puts on a Miss Piggy wig. She is NOT having it.

PetSmart HalloweenMeanwhile, this guinea pig is loving its pumpkin-themed costume. PetSmart confided that guinea pig outfits "exploded" last year, prompting them to make a ton more.

PetSmart fashion showBearded Dragons get in on the fun too. This guy looks radiant in his ethereal purple wings. 

PetSmart fashion showIf you've ever seen behind-the-scenes of the fashion show, you know the styling isn't a one-man job. Here, concerned handlers help this dog transform into Eeyore.

PetSmart fashion showAnd we'd say the finished product was well worth it.

PetSmart fashion showThis year's costumes range from $12.99 to $26.99, and come in sizes XS to XXL. They go on sale in PetSmart stores Monday.

SEE ALSO: A 17-Year-Old Yo-Yo Genius Won The World Title With These Incredible Tricks

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A Bar In Wisconsin Is Now Selling A Bloody Mary Garnished With An Entire Fried Chicken

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Sobelmans Pub and Grill Chicken Fried Bloody Mary

A bar in Milwaukee, Wisc., is now selling a Bloody Mary drink garnished with an entire fried chicken, according to local news Fox 6 Now.

Now that's what we call brunch.

Dubbed "The Chicken Fried Bloody Mary" at Sobelman’s Pub & Grill, it features a whopping four-pound chicken from a local butcher shop, 80 liquid ounces of Bloody Mary-goodness, cheeseburger sliders, and 'Baconadoes' (bacon-wrapped jalapeno cheeseball skewers) for a total of $50. 

Though it's meant to be split between friends, that is still a massive amount of food.

This also isn't the first drink that has gained Sobelman's national attention. The bar is known for its year-round drink, "The Bloody Masterpiece," which has 13 different garnishes including sausage, Brussels sprouts, and shrimp. According to their website, it was voted Milwaukee's Best Bloody Mary by locals. 

However, the Chicken Fried Bloody Mary isn't totally rooted in gluttony. 

Fox 6 Now reports reports that a $5 donation will be made to Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force for every Chicken Fried Bloody Mary sold. Owners Dave and Melanie Sobelman are hoping to give a big holiday donation to the lobbying and food banking charity at the end of the year.

The drink will be available through the end of 2014.

Sobelmans Pub and Grill Chicken Fried Bloody Mary

SEE ALSO: Why You Should Never Thaw Frozen Steaks Before Cooking Them

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LaGuardia Airport's Stylish New American Express Lounge Is Fantastic

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American Express Centurion Lounge The American Express Centurion Lounge is something entirely different for travelers passing through New York's LaGuardia Airport. Located inside Terminal B (home to American, United, Southwest, Jet Blue, Air Canada, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines), the swanky enclave is a drastic departure from the often drab domestic lounges that populate most major airports around the country.

In addition to the stylish setting, the Centurion also signals a major upgrade in culinary fare for LaGuardia's domestic rest stops. Visitors will be treated to a variety of fine dining options, specially paired wines, and signature cocktails. 

Like most airport lounges, access to the Centurion comes at a price. All American Express card holders may drop in by buying a $50 day pass. If you hold a Platinum or Centurion cards, however, membership is included. 

Business Insider got a sneak peak of the lounge, which is expected to open later this month. 

The Centurion Lounge is on Level 3 of Terminal B. It's located before the security checkpoints, so passengers from other terminals can drop in.



The LaGuardia location will be the third Centurion Lounge in the U.S., joining lounges at Las Vegas McCarran International and Dallas/Ft. Worth International that are already in operation.



Instead of over-the-top opulent, the lounge is stylish and comfortable. The design is chic, modern, and tastefully restrained.



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Here's The Outrageous Proposal To Build A Tramway To The Bottom Of The Grand Canyon

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grand canyon

A new construction project being proposed for the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon has conservationists, members of the Navajo tribe, and nature lovers across the United States up in arms.

The project, known as the Grand Canyon Escalade, would create a large tourist area on the rim of the Canyon, complete with shops, restaurants, and hotels. It would also boast a tramway that would take visitors on a gondola ride to the canyon floor. There, they would access a riverwalk with an ampitheatre and another restaurant.

Proponents of the development argue that the project would allow visitors unprecedented access to the Canyon basin, an area they argue is currently inaccessible to less adventuresome tourists. They also say it will create more jobs and revenue for the Navajo people, who control the 420 acres and who are desperate for an economic boost. 

Protestors of the plans, however, say the project would be built on sacred lands and endanger the resources and ecosystem of the fragile Canyon. They also say that the Grand Canyon is a national treasure, one which would be irrevocably blighted by the construction of such a tourist complex. 

The proposed development would be built at the site known as the Confluence, where the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers meet.



The development on the rim will include retail and gift shops, fast food and finer dining restaurants, a museum, a hotel and multiple motels, a lodge with a patio, and ample parking for both cars and RVs, according to the Grand Canyon Escalade's website.



It would be built on currently untouched land. Developers are hoping to open the complex by 2018.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






Here's What $5 Million Buys In Housing Markets Across The Globe

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Tuscany 5 million home

If you're looking for a pricey vacation home for the end of summer, we've checked out what $5 million can get you in real estate around the world. 

Our friends at Point2Homes helped us find everything from a tiny apartment in Monte Carlo to a 16,000-square-foot mansion in Qatar. 

Needless to say, $5 million should get you pretty far no matter what city you live in.

In Singapore, $5 million buys a 6,000-square-foot, semi-detached home with five beds, five baths, and a pool.

Price: $5,038,790 (6,300,000 SGD)

Click here to see the home.

 



In Moscow, for $4.94 million you can get a furnished home with eight beds, eight baths, a pool, and an elevator in a 7,427-square-foot house.

Price: $4,943,779 (179,042,740 руб)

Click here to see the home.

 

 

 



In San Francisco, for $4.95 million you can get a 3,426-square-foot townhouse with three beds, a zen garden, and a roof deck with water views.

Price: $4,950,000

Click here to see the home.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






11 Mindblowing Facts About North Korea


The Cupertino Hotel Across The Street From Apple Has A Robot Butler

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Cupertino's Aloft Hotel, located pretty much across the street from the Apple campus, has a new non-living, non-thinking employee, reports the New York Times. It's a robot butler called "Botlr."

The disembodied hospitality machine goes to work on August 20, when it will begin shuttling room service items to guests' doors. After a human loads it up with the appropriate things, Botlr takes the elevator to the appropriate floor, waits outside the destination room, and places a phone call to let the guest know it has arrived.

Upon opening the door, the guest are greeted by the robot's touchscreen display. Botlr's sensors can tell when the door has been opened, at which point it opens its storage compartment for the recipient to retrieve his or her items. Once it's confirmed that the guests received everything requested, they rate their interaction on a five-star scale and go about the rest of their day.

The Aloft hotel chain uses its Cupertino location as a testing ground to experiment with how technology might improve customer experience. Previously this has included systems for getting music and video content from your personal gadgets onto a hotel room's television screen, or being able to unlock your hotel room with your smartphone. Robotics startup Savioke took notice of the company's forward-thinking tendencies and pitched them on the robot butler idea.

Check out the video up top to see how Botlr will work and interact with hotel guests.

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Take A Look Inside These Million Dollar Homes In A California Trailer Park

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Paradise Cove Malibu residents aren't only clamoring for palatial mansions with gated entries — many have been forking over millions for mobile homes in a trailer park.

But this isn't your run-of-the-mill trailer park. The pristine location of Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park, set on a cliff side along the Malibu beach, means these trailers are selling in the millions

Paradise Cove mobile home park was built in the early 1960s as a beach rental vacation spot, and at the time had only 71 homes. A decade later, the park was sold to the infamous Kissel developers, who built 200 more spaces.

Paradise CoveToday, the park comes with some major perks. It's a community with 270 homes, all with direct access to the private beaches of Point Dume. Some of the trailers even have superb ocean views.

All the residents also have access to a large clubhouse, tennis court, basketball court, and children’s playground.

Paradise CoveOne of these homes recently hit the market for an all-time high of $3.75 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. The four-bedroom home was 2,200-square-feet with a hot tub and two-car garage. 

Paradise CoveAnother home that sold for $1.275 million included a fireplace and walk-in closet in the master bedroom, plus stone bathrooms, multiple decks, and a spa.

Paradise Cove The park attracts more upscale residents. One couple who retired from the film industry purchased a two-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot trailer for $1.25 million dollars. Actors Matthew McConaughey and Pamela Anderson were even residents of Paradise Cove at one point.

Paradise CoveAnd while these properties may not look like the average trailer home, "all of them have a trailer axle hidden somewhere underneath and can be moved, at least technically," according to the Wall Street Journal.

Paradise Cove

SEE ALSO: 21 Buildings You Need To See In Your Lifetime

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Mercedes Has A New Electric Car That's Fast, Roomy, And Powered By Tesla

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Mercedes B-Class Electric DriveThis post is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive a rolling contradiction? Under its hood, this car has a futuristic motor. But sit inside and it feels luxurious and comfortable, as if it were made for today.

While the B-Class seats five and has plenty of cargo space, its electric engine — built in partnership with Tesla — can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is pretty astonishing for an electric vehicle, let alone one you might be using to haul the kids to soccer practice. It also comes with standard luxuries and the latest safety features, such as a radar-based collision prevention feature that can significantly reduce the danger of rear-end collision.

"When it comes to electric vehicles, we want you to experience everything that you associate with Mercedes-Benz," says Mark A. Webster, General Manager of eMobility at Mercedes-Benz USA. Take a closer look at the dashboard: Instead of the usual tachometer and fuel information, there's a power-usage gauge with detailed range and electricity-use information. The B-Class also comes with a vehicle homepage that allows its owners to determine their battery's current state of charge and current range on a map.

Webster says driving the B-Class is "like stepping into the future" because electric cars have immediate full power. "Often with a normal internal combustion engine, you have to wait for the car to ramp up to maybe 2,800 RPMs." With an EV, there's instant power and zero emissions. "Race car drivers even love the B-Class for that," Webster says. "It glides forward, with all of its torque, immediately." 

Unlike gas- or diesel-powered cars — or even hybrids, which can start making noise at higher speeds — the B-Class reaches 60 quietly. The only sound you'll hear might be the tires on the roadway, giving you a serene sensation of control.

On a full charge, the B-Class will zip along for 87 miles. And with two hours of charging on a 240v charger, the car will go for 60 miles. Owners with the optional Range Plus feature can get an additional 15 miles when the feature is activated during charging. Interestingly, B-Class owners don't have to worry about leaving the car unattended for long periods while it's charging, as it won't damage the battery. "You can leave it plugged in for months," Webster says.

Charging an EV isn't too different from the way you treat all the other electric devices in your life. "Imagine your smartphone," Webster says. "You're in the habit of re-charging it every night. That's the lifestyle of the electric vehicle owner." Shopping malls and workplaces are starting to offer free or low-cost charging, so owners can charge their cars throughout the day.

Over time, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain. Keeping the B-Class powered is estimated to cost about $700 per year. Gas-powered cars, on the other hand, are about $2,300 a year to keep fueled (and those fuel-hogging, giant SUVs cost even more). Purchasing an electric vehicle also qualifies you for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

So who should buy an EV? "Personally, I think you have to have different options for different types of vehicles," Webster says. "At Mercedes, we're not putting all of our eggs in a single propulsion basket. If you're on a long haul — let's say you're driving from New Jersey to Pittsburgh on a regular basis — then a diesel engine might be right for you. In other situations, an S-Class is the best. It all depends on use. But if you're going on a standard commute, the B-Class is great. It's also for people who care about our dwindling resources or want an excellent second car."

Given that the average American commutes only about 40 miles a day (or less), the B-Class can work for a lot of people, especially if they can charge their vehicles while they're at work. "We're not asking customers to change the way they live. We want them to have luxury and performance but still get a zero-emissions car. When owners are sitting in these vehicles, with the exception of the power gauge, it feels like a normal Mercedes-Benz. I think that's pretty cool."

Learn more about the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive.

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SEE ALSO: This Driving Simulator That Looks Like A Cool Video Game Is Helping To Save Lives

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5 Things To Do Before You Invest In New York City Real Estate

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new york city manhattan skyline

New York City is one of the most stable real estate markets in the world because it is both highly transparent and under-leveraged.

As a result, it's a hot location for people looking to invest in property who don't necessarily plan to live there.

“Everyone has access to the same inventory,” Wei Min Tan, a Manhattan condominium buyer's broker for real estate firm Rutenberg Realty NY, explained to Business Insider. “In a lot of countries the market is not so open and only one broker may have access to those listings. Here, everyone has the same access.”

And in order to buy, you must be a good fit financially. “To own property in NYC, you have to be financially responsible,” Jarrod Randolph, founder of JGR Property Group, told us. “And when I say responsible, it’s more than just having the money in the bank.”

Both Wei Min Tan and Jarrod Randolph specialize in crunching the numbers for their high net-worth clientele to help them make the most informed investments in Manhattan real estate.

And while they both represent some very wealthy foreign buyers, their advice holds true for everyone investing in New York City residential properties. Here are five things you should know before you invest.

1. Condo Vs. Co-op

The biggest question buyers face is co-op versus condominium.

“The majority of property in NYC is cooperative,” Randolph said. “A very simplistic breakdown is that on the island of Manhattan, there are 847,000 residential units. Only 22.7% are privately held. That’s roughly 192,000 units — that’s it. Of that 192,000, two-thirds (or 128,000 units) are cooperative. And the other 64,000 are condominiums and townhouses.”

Because there are more co-ops, they are usually significantly cheaper (by as much as 30% to 40%). But cost isn’t everything. The approval process and rules for a co-op are much more strict than for a condo, requiring proof of net worth, liquid assets, tax returns, and brokerage statements, not to mention a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price.

“With condos, there’s a lower barrier to entry, and they’re not as stringent,” Randolph said. “They also have the flexibility — you can rent to whoever you want, you can sell without issue. It’s an easier format for ownership.”

Of course, stringent requirements aren’t necessarily a negative. Strict entry rules generally mean your neighbors will be financially secure.

The major downside with co-ops is that they can be hard to rent out. “A condo may be more expensive, but a condo let’s you rent it out whenever you want and it doesn’t require board approval,” Tan told us.

If you’re going to buy a condo, your best bet is to invest in a new development. “It appreciates disproportionately higher to the rest of the market,” Randolph explained. “There’s no barrier to entry, plus the business economics are more stable, appliances are warranted, and it’s usually higher quality.”

But buyers have to act fast to get a new condo. Of the 64,000 condos in Manhattan, Randolph told us only about 10% of that marketplace is considered “new development” (property built in the last 5 years).

times square new york city 22. Know Your Neighborhood

Location is important, but don’t worry too much about neighborhoods, especially if you’re investing in Manhattan properties where many zip codes are considered prestigious.

This is especially important for foreign buyers who plan to rent their properties out. “Most of my foreign buyers only know a few locations,” Tan said. “They know Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and Wall Street. But just because an apartment is in Times Square doesn’t mean it’s going to be desirable to tenants.”

So instead of focusing solely on a “hip” neighborhood, know what’s in walking distance. “One of the key components you want to look at are the auxiliary services around the development: the proximity to the subway, where the closest nail salon or dry cleaners is located, where’s the grocery store, and so on,” Randolph said. “Your retail landscape and transportation options are what make up a neighborhood.”

3. Research The Building And Developer

If you’re buying a condo, it’s important to research the building’s developer and have a good understanding of their past. “You want to know that the developer has some kind of track record,” Randolph advised. “Work with a broker and do your own research. Know their past products, how they’ve performed, and that will tell you if you’re buying into a quality product.”

If you’re buying a co-op, find out everything you can about the cooperative board and have a good understanding of what future changes could be made to the building. Knowing whether the co-op rules might change to no longer allow pets or if there are plans to completely redo the lobby (requiring you to pay a large monthly assessment) could sway your desire to live in the building.

4. Know Your Best Price

Your “best price” doesn’t mean the best deal, because there’s really no such thing as a “good deal” in New York City real estate.

Instead, it’s about knowing why you’re investing. Ultra-net worth individuals may be buying $20 million+ condos as pied-à-terres that they can use whenever they’re in the city. “They’re buying them because they’re hedging bets against the marketplace,” Randolph explained. “Within the next 3-5 years, they’re hoping the condo will be worth 1.5x more than what they purchased it for.”

Those buyers may leave their apartments empty for months at a time. The vast majority of investors, however, are buying condos and apartments to rent out and turn a profit, which has a vastly different price point.

“For renting purposes, the price is up to $3.5 million, and that can be for a 2-bedroom or a 1-bedroom,” Tan says. “A cheap price gets you cheap rent, and a higher price point gets higher rent. The very expensive apartments have difficulty getting rented since it’s rare for someone to want to spend $15,000 renting a one bedroom, and your average 1-bedroom is often around $4,000.”

Randolph agreed. “The best investment if you’re looking to buy something to rent out would be a 2-bedroom apartment in the $2 million to $5 million price range,” he said. “Two to three bedrooms rent at higher rates per square foot because you can have multiple tenants in the apartment.”

5. See It For Yourself

“I always advise my clients that if its your first time investing in the city, you need to go and see the apartment,” Randolph said.

If you can, get a feel for the neighborhood, make sure there are no hidden downsides to the apartment, and check out the building.

But if coming to see the apartment is not a possibility, get a trusted broker to tour the place for you. “90% of my clients go and see [the place],” Randolph said. “But there are some clients where I send them the floor plan and tell them about the area and they’re all for it.”

Tan also stresses seeing the apartment, but notes that technology has rendered it almost unnecessary for foreign buyers. “Some of my clients only come here to close, and some of them don’t even come here at all,” he said. “It’s not like in the olden days where there was no Skype or FaceTime and they had to go and touch the apartment.”

SEE ALSO: This Is The $20 Billion Future Of Manhattan's West Side

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8 Real Chinese Dishes You Should Order Instead Of The American Knockoffs

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Most Chinese people have never even heard of a General Tsao, and are completely befuddled by the overly sauced fried chicken dish that Americans know as General Tsao's chicken. 

In fact, authentic Chinese food almost looks nothing like American Chinese food. It varies tremendously by region: Sichuan cuisine is spicy, Shangdong cuisine is generally salty and crispy, and Cantonese cuisine is sweet, for example. 

Here are 8 real Chinese dishes you should order instead of the American knock-offs.

Instead of crab rangoon, order Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings): 

Soup DumplingChinese people would not understand the appeal of crab rangoon, deep fried wontons filled with fake crab meat and cream cheese. If you're hankering for a dumpling, order Xiao Long Bao instead. These Shanghai dumplings are filled with meat—usually pork or crab—and a rich savory broth that oozes out at the first bite. There's a trick to successfully eating one of these dumplings: bite the corner of the dumpling and let the broth seep out onto the spoon. Then eat the dumpling and slurp up the broth. 

Instead of egg rolls, order cong you bing (scallion pancakes):

scallion pancakesAmerican-style egg rolls are thick, bloated, deep-fried rolls of dough filled with meat and vegetables. Biting into one can be a greasy, daunting, and messy affair. For a similar crunchy fried appetizer, try scallion pancakes, delicious fried flat bread loaded with chopped scallions. 

Instead of General Tsao's chicken, order Peking duck:

Roast duckYou won't find General Tsao's chicken in China, but if you're hankering for a rich poultry dish, try Peking duck, a roasted duck dish which is famous for its succulent meat and flavorful, crispy skin. Pair it with some scallions, cucumbers, and hoisin sauce, and wrap it in a pancake for the traditional Peking duck dining experience.

Instead of beef with broccoli, order yu xiang rou si (shredded pork in hot garlic sauce):

Chinese stir fried pork dishThere are two problems with the beloved beef with broccoli dish: There is no broccoli (at least not the western version) in China, and Chinese people generally don't eat much beef. Instead, try Yu Xiang Rou Si, a dish of shredded pork in hot garlic sauce. In this spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish, the pork is usually sauteed with vegetables such as mushrooms and peppers.

Instead of sesame chicken, order la zi ji (chicken with chillies): 

la zi ji chicken dishInstead of sesame chicken, which is fried chunks of chicken coated in a sweet sauce and sesame seeds, order la zi ji, an incredibly spicy Sichuan dish that consists of fried chunks of chicken breast with peppercorn, toasted sesame and chili. It's got the same crunch as the Chinese-American version, but with a lot more flavor. 

Instead of lo mein, order zha jiang mian: 

zhajiangmian chinese noodle dishAmerican-style lo mein noodles are thick wheat flour noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables or meat. It's usually a heavy, greasy, and flavorless dish. Zha jiang mian is a much more flavorful, authentic Chinese noodle dish topped with delicious stir-fried pork and zhajiang (fermented soybean paste). 

Instead of wonton soup, try shrimp dumpling soup:

shrimp dumpling soupChinese American-style wonton soup usually consists of a thick noodle wrapped around a clump of pork in a broth. Hong Kong is famous for its noodle soups, and the shrimp dumpling soup is far superior to the American version. The shrimp dumpling has a much more delicate shell, the broth has a fragrant wonton flavor, and the soup is filled with fresh noodles.

Instead of fortune cookies, order oranges:

Orange sliceOranges are considered fortuitous in Chinese culture, and most Chinese people end their meals with a slice of orange—not fortune cookies, which aren't even Chinese. 

SEE ALSO: 8 Real Italian Dishes You Should Order Instead Of The American Knockoffs

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HOUSE OF THE DAY: Tommy Hilfiger Relists His Penthouse At New York's Plaza Hotel For $80 Million

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Tommy Hilfiger Plaza penthouse

Fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger is relisting his impeccably designed Manhattan penthouse for a very hefty $80 million, according to Curbed making it one of the most expensive American homes on the market.

The condominium is located at the top of the Plaza Hotel on the 18th and 19th floors. The listing on StreetEasy shows that it includes unobstructed views of Central Park, five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and over-the-top decor.

The duplex was originally marketed as a "fixer-upper" for $50 million in 2008, but was never sold despite a $20 million renovation and price bump to $80 million later on.

Now Hilfiger is trying his luck again, adding new photos of the penthouse that show the "glamour of a bygone era coupled with 21st century conveniences," which basically translates to a lot of chandeliers and paintings. 

Welcome to Tommy Hilfiger's duplex at the top of New York's Plaza Hotel.



As you can tell, the decor is quite grand. It's unclear whether the Warhol paintings actually come with the apartment.



Here is his all-American foyer.



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London's Mayor Wants To Build A 15-Acre Floating Village In The Middle Of The Thames River

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Floating village London

London is one of the largest cities in the world with over 8.3 million residents all competing for jobs and property.

And while London's population shows no plans in dropping, the city is quickly running out of space.

To combat this, London's mayor Boris Johnson announced plans back in February to build a 15-acre floating town near London's Royal Docks on the east side in the Thames River. The so-called "floating village" would add residential homes and square feet to the growing and heavily-populated city (first spotted over at Fast CoExist).

The winning design was chosen back in June, and submitted by developer Carillion Igloo Genesis. The plan includes 50 custom-built residential homes and a water square, framed by a market square and a floating road.

Floating Village LondonAnd aside from dealing with population growth, Johnson thinks it will be another great tourist attraction for the city. 

"This site has the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London’s waterways," said Johnson in a press release. "Carillion Igloo Genesis’ scheme will create...a range of commercial activities within a high quality water environment for Londoners and visitors, creating jobs and raising the profile of London’s Royal Docks."

The 100% floating village will also include a large multi-purpose events space, restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as leisure and office spaces. There were also proposed plans for a public swimming pool and even an ice rink.

Floating Village LondonBut housing seems to be the plan's primary priority. 

"Through Genesis’ involvement in the bid, we’ve been able to secure a higher allocation of affordable housing within this scheme," said John Carleton, Executive Director of Markets and Portfolio at Genesis Housing Association, "which chimes closely with our mission to deliver diverse, mixed tenure developments in London and the South East."

Though there is currently nothing like it in the U.K., similar concepts already exist near Amsterdam and in Hamburg, Germany, not to mention smaller floating homes in Holland.

The next step for the project will be submitting an application to London's Newham Council in the Spring 2015. Until then, we're left with these fantastic renderings that show what the floating city of the future might look like.

SEE ALSO: 21 Buildings You Need To See In Your Lifetime

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5 Powerful Life Lessons From Marcus Aurelius

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marcus aurelius bust

Marcus Aurelius has been read for 1800 or so years now and he's arguably just as relevant today as he was when he was ruler of the Roman Empire.

Aurelius, the ruler of the Roman Empire for almost two decades, was also the author of the immortal "Meditations." "Yet the title," writes Gregory Hays in the introduction, "is one that Marcus himself would surely have rejected. He never thought of himself as a philosopher. He would have claimed to be, at best, a diligent student and a very imperfect practitioner of a philosophy developed by others."

Everyone who reads "Meditations" — from elementary school children to presidents — takes away some lessons. Be wary, though, the book presents a dim view of human life.

To understand "Meditations," we must first understand the role of philosophy in ancient life.

While there was certainly an academic side to philosophy back then it also had a more practical side expected to provide a design for living — "a set of rules to live one's life by." A need not met by ancient religion, "which privileged ritual over doctrine and provided little in the way of moral and ethical guidelines." Philosophy was expected to fill the gap.

"The questions that Meditations tries to answer are metaphysical and ethical ones," Hays writes. These are timeless questions that we are still asking.

Why are we here? How can I cope with the stresses and pressures of daily life? How can I do what is right? How can I cope with loss and pain? How can I handle misfortune? How do we live when we know that one day we won't?

Book one, a special section entitled Debts and Lessons, is "distinguished from the rest of the work by its autobiographical nature." It consists of 17 entries in which Aurelius reflects upon what he has learned from various influential individuals in his life.

Here are some lessons we can draw from book one:

Do Your Own Work

(From my first teacher): Not to support this side or that in chariot-racing, this fighter or that in the games. To put up with discomfort and not make demands. To do my own work, mind my own business, and have no time for slanderers.

Read Attentively

(From Rusticus) To read attentively — not to be satisfied with "just getting the gist of it." And not fall for every smooth talker.

The Greatest Compliment

(From Sextus) … To show intuitive sympathy for friends, tolerance to amateurs and sloppy thinkers. His ability to get along with everyone: Sharing his company was the highest of compliments.

The Ruthlessness of Good Families

(From Fronto) … To recognize the malice, cunning, and hypocrisy that power produces, and the peculiar ruthlessness often shown by people from "good families."

Staying on the Path

(From Maximus) … The sense he gave of staying on the path rather than being kept on it.

And from his adopted father, Aurelius learned:

Compassion. Unwavering adherence to decisions, once he'd reached them. Indifference to superficial honors. Hard work. Persistence. Listening to anyone who could contribute to the public good. His dogged determination to treat people as they deserved. A sense of when to push and when to back off. … His searching questions at meetings. A kind of single-mindedness, almost, never content with first impressions, or breaking off the discussion prematurely. His consistency to friends-never getting fed up with them or playing favorites. Self-reliance, always. And cheerfulness. And his advanced planning (well in advance) and his discreet attention to even minor things. His restrictions on acclamations-and all attempts to flatter him. … His stewardship of the treasury. His willingness to take responsibility — and blame — for both. … And his attitude to men: no demagoguery, no currying favor, no pandering. Always sober, always steady, and never vulgar or a prey to fads.

[...]

The way he kept public actions within reasonable bounds-games, building projects, distributions of money and so on-because he looked to what needed doing and not the credit to be gained from doing it.

[...]
You could have said of him (as they say of Socrates) that he knew how to enjoy and abstain from things that most people find it hard to abstain from and all too easy to enjoy. Strength, perseverance, self-control in both areas: the mark of a soul in readiness-indomitable.

Still curious? "Meditations" is part of the Stoic Reading List.

SEE ALSO: 7 Timeless Lessons From 'Philosopher King' Marcus Aurelius

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This Prison-Like Starbucks Is Being Mocked As The Most Depressing In America

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A new Starbucks store in Los Angeles has been dubbed a "horror show" and the "most depressing Starbucks in America" by local residents. 

The store, located in the neighborhood of Highland Park, is little more than a drive-thru window and a bathroom. It lacks indoor seating and has a few concrete tables on a small patio.

Since it opened two weeks ago, people have been blasting it on social media as "grotesque," "dismal," and "highly insulting" to the neighborhood. Six different Yelp reviews likened the building to a prison.

"This place is a DUMP," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "I've been in probably close to 100 Starbucks stores all over the U.S. ...but I've never seen one half as ugly as this one. ... From the ridiculous windows to the concrete benches and ugly landscaping. It's a blight. And that's saying a lot on that stretch of road."

Another reviewer wrote, "Its cold walk-up window makes the DMV and bail bonds offices seem welcoming. This is not the Starbucks you know or love."

The neighborhood was promised indoor seating for 30 at the new Starbucks on York Boulevard. But those plans never materialized, and residents are livid over what they got instead.

"THIS IS THE WORST STARBUCKS EVER!" wrote one reviewer. "Where is the warmth? Where is the interaction between the employees and customers? This location looks like a jailhouse and is less than what we deserve as a community!

"As a lifetime Highland Park resident, I feel discriminated against."

The reviews complain that the location lacks a bar with milk and sugar and has no menu at the walk-up window.

"Corporate should be embarrassed and ashamed at the general appearance and aesthetic of this particular location," one customer wrote. "If we want plastic tables cemented to concrete slab and outdoor restrooms, we would go to Dunkin' Donuts."

Local architect Catherine Garrison says Highland Park residents are so offended by the Starbucks because the company promises in its mission statement to design stores "to reflect the unique character of the neighborhoods they serve."

"No wonder Highland Park residents are not happy with the new Starbucks, it shows a lack of respect for the neighborhood," Garrison wrote in a 700-word rant on the store published by Eastsider LA. "The building has no legible design intent; awkward space planning and poor craftsmanship. I am surprised that Starbucks let this retail outlet be built under their brand."

SEE ALSO: How To Get Free Refills At Starbucks

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What Incoming Ivy League Freshmen Are Reading This Summer

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shutterstock girl reading glasses college

A summer reading assignment is a college tradition, one that unites incoming students in an intellectual and "Uggggh, can you believe they gave us homework over the summer?" kind of way.

The Ivy League institutions are no exceptions. We dug up what texts they assigned to the Class of 2018 by visiting their orientation websites and speaking with university officials.

Harvard University and Yale University are not included on this list, as they give their kids the summer off.

BROWN UNIVERSITY: "Oil & Water" directed by Francine Strickwerda

For the first time in the program's eight-year history, Brown selected a movie instead of a book to unite first-year students in a "common intellectual experience."

"Oil & Water," according to the university's website, is "a coming-of-age story of two boys, from two different backgrounds, confronting one of the world’s worst toxic disasters."

Find a screening near you »



COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: "The Iliad" by Homer

A summer reading of "The Iliad" is a Columbia tradition. It's read and discussed in students' first weeks on campus each year, according to the Center for Student Advising.

Richmond Lattimore's latest translation of Homer's epic war poem is said to "bring the book into the twenty-first century."

Buy the book »



CORNELL UNIVERSITY: "Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio" by Amara Lakhous

Amara Lakhous' colorful, bittersweet comedy follows the culturally mixed residents of a Rome, Italy apartment building, as the community deals with the mysterious death of a neighbor.

Buy the book »



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7 Things People Pretend To Like But Actually Hate

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shakespeare

While many of us try to be as authentic as possible, the reality is that being a functioning member of society requires us to massage the truth every now and then.

Often these white lies are a matter of taste: feigning mastery of a foreign novelist to appear sophisticated, winning the boss' affection by laughing at their unfunny jokes.

Users on Quora recently discussed the question: "What are some things many people pretend to like but don't actually enjoy?"

The answers are pretty illuminating.

1. Shakespeare

Last month "This American Life" host Ira Glass stirred the pot among theater nerds when he tweeted the unpopular opinion that "Shakespeare sucks."

On Quora, user Joe Dew did Glass one better by writing a screed against the Bard's faux fans in rhyming verse.

Dew maintains that while Shakespeare lovers show off their intelligence and education by paying to see his works, the truth is that many don't even know what the plays are about.

Writes Dew: "If you ask them a simple question/About the story or central tension/You get a blank stare/They're exposed and unaware/Because they cannot explain their affection."

2. The Truth

Honesty is a tricky thing. While people tend to admire those who take a stand and speak the truth, very few of us like hearing something hurtful.

As Liam Gorman put it on Quora, "'Say it to my face' is a phrase said a lot, but it pisses almost everybody off — at least on the inside — when it's actually done."

Bacon toothpaste3. Bacon

Bacon is a totally legitimate thing to eat with your eggs, but its fetishization in recent years speaks more to its perceived coolness than to the idea that bacon-flavored coffee is something people actually enjoy (to say nothing of bacon gumballs, bacon lollipops, and bacon dental floss).

"I'm not saying most people don't like bacon," writes Quora user Caroline Zelonka. "I'm saying that most people don't worship the stuff or favor it as an ingredient or flavoring option in just about any food (or even non-food) category out there."

4. When Their Friends Succeed

"Everyone pretends to be happy for other people," Quora user Rajsi Rana writes. "Oh, this happened, SO HAPPY FOR YOU."

In actuality, though, it's natural for human beings to compare themselves to one another, and someone else's good news could mean they're getting ahead of you in their job, relationship, or life path.

Morrissey sang, "We hate it when our friends become successful," but Rana goes even further.

She writes: "The majority either doesn't care or feels like 'I hope you rot in hell, I am not happy for you.'"

Reading on bench5. Reading

Liam Gorman writes, "A huge majority of people I know pretend to like reading a good book, but just hate the intellectual effort and silence involved with it."

Indeed, there's research to back up his claim.

A 2013 study of 2,000 members of the British public found that more than 60% of people had lied about reading classic novels, with many using film adaptations and online summaries to feign knowledge.

6. Being Parents

It's a huge social taboo to talk negatively about your children, but the truth is that having kids is an exhausting, often frustrating experience.

While studies on how having children affects parents' happiness are inconclusiveNuno Heartki writes that many parents regret having children, and not enough of them speak openly about their experiences.

"Many real people are simply drained and tired all the time, without ever feeling that the experience of parenting compensates for it," Heartki writes. "I think there should be awareness about it given somewhere, in order to allow people to understand that having children is not 'an experience' or a temporary situation; it's a dramatic, life-changing, irrevocable choice."

7. Themselves

Self-confidence is a necessary skill for getting ahead in school or the workplace, and sometimes it's best to just fake it till you make it.

For instance, there's no way every single person applying for a job truly believes they are the most qualified candidate, but refusing to pretend as much would be fatal to their chances of getting hired. Even teenagers are able to figure out that people are more likely to want to be their friends if they give off the impression they like themselves.

Quora user Adrienne Michelson explains: "People build facades to disguise how they feel about themselves. I've seen it a lot as a counselor to pre-teens and also as a student at university. It's pretty common."

SEE ALSO: 'Live And Let Live' And 4 Other Happiness Tips From Pope Francis

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21 Reasons You Should Visit Buenos Aires

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With its wide, European-style boulevards, incredible food, raucous nightlift, Buenos Aires is a city unlike any other.

And while Argentina once again finds itself in economic limbo, its capital remains a vibrant place to visit. The current exchange rate makes it relatively inexpensive for foreign tourists, too.

Here are 21 reasons to make Buenos Aires your next vacation destination. 

1. It's not uncommon to run into an impromptu tango show on the street. And most pros are happy to take a newbie for a spin.buenos aires tango2. You can get lost among the ornate mausoleums at Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita and other famous Argentines are laid to rest.recoleta cemetery3. You can cross the world's widest avenue. Avenida 9 de Julio has seven lanes in each direction.avenida 9 de julia buenos aires4. The steak really is the best in the world. Order a bife de chorizo (New York strip), or a parrillada mixta (mixed grill with various cuts of beef and offal) if you're feeling adventurous.argentina steak grill beef parrilla

5. The President's office, nicknamed the Casa Rosada, really is bright pink.casa rosada6. Fútbol really is a way of life. Decide whether you'll root for Buenos Aires rivals Boca Junior or River Plate ahead of time.boca juniors fans7. The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) has one of the best collections of modern Latin American art in the world.malba museum buenos aires8. The ice cream is even creamier and more delicious than Italian gelato. Try the dulce de leche at Un' Altra Volta — you won't regret it.gelato argentina

9. You can spend a day boating in Tigre, a nearby town on the Paraná Delta that's filled with canals.tigre buenos aires argentina10. There are tons of weekend flea markets for bargain and antiques shoppers. The weekly Feria de San Telmo is one of the best.buenos aires flea market11. The wine is cheap and plentiful. Malbec, a popular varietal in Argentina, pairs great with beef. argentina malbec wine

12. You can spend get lost on the shady streets of Palermo Soho, a shop-filled neighborhood named after New York's SoHo, but with much lower prices.palermo shopping buenos aires13. The soaring Teatro Colón is considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world.teatro colon buenos aires14. They serve an amazing version of a croissant called a medialuna— a smaller, sweeter version of the French classic.medialunas15. The nightlife is wild: Young people rarely go out until after midnight, or return home before sunrise.buenos aires nightclub16. You can buy beautiful and inexpensive leather goods. Stippled carpincho leather is especially popular.carpincho leather17. People are seriously obsessed with the Rolling Stones, and hardcore fan call themselves "los rolingas." So if you love Mick Jagger, you'll feel right at home.argentina buenos aires rolling stones fans concert

18. You can find a tasty, homemade empanada on almost any street corner.argentina empanada19. The public bus system is so big that it has its own guide book, called the Guia T. Buy once you decipher it, you'll be able to go anywhere.buenos aires bus20. You can spend hours wandering the city's Jardín Botánico (botanical garden), which has become a strangely popular destination for abandoned cats.cat napping garden21. You can skip the coffee and get your caffeine fix from yerba mate, a tea drink that's often shared among friends. drinking yerba mate

SEE ALSO: 37 Places You Have To Visit In Italy

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