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Here's what everyone is wearing at the China-themed Met Gala

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Sarah Jessica Parker met ball chinaThe Met Gala — also known as The Met Ball or "fashion prom"  is currently underway at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The annual fundraiser benefits the Met's Costume Institute and serves as an opening celebration for their annual fashion exhibit — this year featuring "China: Through the Looking Glass." Guests are encouraged to dress in theme.

Chinese billionaire Silas Chou is this year's host of the $25,000-a-ticket affair, while Jennifer Lawrence, Marissa Mayer, Wendi Deng Murdoch, Gong Li, and Anna Wintour will all serve co-chairs. 

But it is Wintour who has overseen the star-studded guest list since 1995.

This year's A-list attendees include: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Julianne Moore, Katy Perry, Seth Meyers, Harvey Weinstein, Jessica Chastain, Bradley Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ivanka Trump, Allison Williams, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, and many more.

Developing...

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, chair of the event since 1995, arrived in vibrant red Chanel couture.



Wintour's daughter, Bee Shaffer.



Met Ball co-chair Marissa Mayer.



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The best Las Vegas hotel for every kind of traveler

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Lavo club in the Palazzo hotel, Las Vegas

On Tuesday hedge fund managers, traders, and finance bigwigs will descend on Las Vegas for the Salt conference, which will take place at the Bellagio hotel until Friday.

But even if you're not staying at the Bellagio, there are plenty of fantastic Vegas hotels that offer everything from over-the-top meals at Michelin-starred restaurants to bumping clubs and incredible casinos.

Here is our guide for the best Vegas hotels for every kind of traveler. 

Best for a bachelorette party: The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino

The Palazzo is home to two of Vegas' hottest nightclubs, Tao and Lavo, and several hot restaurants including Bouchon and Sushisamba. After a night of partying, the bachelorette and her crew can get treatments at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, one of the best spas in Vegas.

Rooms start from $159 per night.



Best for a bachelor party: Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino

If Caesars Palace were good enough for the bachelor party in the film "The Hangover," it's good enough for any real-life bachelor party. In addition to having one of the largest casinos in Vegas, Caesars is home to the Old Homestead Steakhouse and many more restaurants that cater to groups. 

Rooms start from $109 per night.



Best for golfers: The Wynn Las Vegas

The Wynn is the only hotel with an 18-hole golf course right on the Strip. That means guests can play a round of golf and then walk straight to the casino. Of course, if you're not into gambling, you can check out a show, party at Vegas' hottest nightclubs, or eat at a fine-dining restaurant.

Rooms start from $161 per night.



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The incredible real-estate portfolio of Bill Gates, the world's richest man

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bill gates farm

With a net worth that's estimated to be as much as $80.1 billion, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is the richest man in the world.

Gates has exactly the kind of real-estate portfolio you would expect from a billionaire, from a Washington mansion worth $123 million to multiple horse ranches across the US.

Gates has also made several secretive purchases through his ultra-private investment firm, Cascade.

Gates spends most of his time at his 66,000-square-foot mansion in Medina, Washington. It took Gates seven years and $63 million to build this behemoth of a house, which is filled with lots of high-tech features. He purchased the lot for $2 million in 1988, but it's now worth an estimated $123 million.

Read more about his house in Medina »

 



Inside, a high-tech sensor system helps guests monitor a room's climate and lighting. There's also a trampoline room, a 60-foot swimming pool, six kitchens, and a dining hall that can accommodate up to 200 people.

Read more about his house in Medina »

 



In October 2014, Gates purchased the 228-acre Rancho Paseana for $18 million. The property includes a racetrack, guesthouse, office, veterinarian's suite, orchard, and five barns.

Take a tour of the ranch »



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






Here's where it's safe to travel in Mexico

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Cancun

Mexico is a dangerous country.

But it's also a hot vacation destination, attracting millions of US tourists every year, according to the US Department of State.

For the most part, drug-related violence and crime is limited to the country's border areas and trafficking routes.

The level of crime in resorts and tourist cities isn't nearly as high.

But that doesn't mean tourists are completely safe in Mexico.

The Department of State reported that 100 US citizens were murdered in the country in 2014 (up from 81 in 2013), and over 130 US citizens were kidnapped between January and November of last year.

So while this doesn't mean you shouldn't plan a trip to Mexico, it does mean that you should be aware and cautious in terms of where you go and what you do.

Although the Department of State has not issued advisories directly in any of Mexico's major tourist areas (which are commonly along the coast), there are advisories in effect in some nearby areas (usually in cities and towns farther inland).

No matter where you're traveling in Mexico, the Department of State advises keeping a low profile — don't display any valuables such as cameras, watches, or expensive jewelry. Don't venture far from your resort and avoid traveling at night or isolating yourself.

Below is a list of some of the most popular tourist destinations that are actually safe for travelers. Here's the Department's complete list of states and advisories.

Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Zihuatanejo

While Acapulco is safe to visit, it should only be reached by airplane or cruise ship (not by car). Acapulco is one of only three cities safe to visit in the state of Guerro; the other two are Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, which are also popular tourist destinations.

Los Cabos

Travelers to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo — located in the state of Baja California Sur — should know that there has been an increase in crime-related violence in La Paz (the city registered its highest crime rate since 1997 in 2013), which is the state's capital. The Department advises travelers to use caution when visiting La Paz. However, the rest of the state, including Todos Santos, is generally considered to be safe. 

Mexico City

There are no advisories in effect in Mexico City, which means travelers can explore all neighborhoods of the city. Some of the best areas to visit include Colonia Centro (the heart of the city and the historic center), Chapultepec Park and Polanco (home to the largest green area in the city), and Condesa and Roma (hip bars and cafes galore).

Michoacán

Michoacán has experienced an increase in organized crime— mostly attacks on Mexican government officials, law enforcement, and military personnel — so the Department recommends deferring any travel to this state, except for the two cities of Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas. While these cities are generally safe, it's safest to fly — not drive — into and out of them.

Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and the Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are also safe, but travelers should avoid any cities that border the states of Michoacán or Zacateca, which are neighboring states of Jalisco — where Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are located.

Travelers to Riviera Nayarit should avoid any areas that border the states of Sinaloa or Durango, as well as any rural areas or secondary highways.

Riviera Maya (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum)

All cities in Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum) are considered to be safe. Generally, the Riviera Maya, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, is safe.

Besides the cities listed above, there are multiple other popular tourist destinations in Mexico that are completely safe for visitors. These include Oaxaca, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende, and Yucatan. 

SEE ALSO: Here's what Americans get wrong about Cinco de Mayo

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NOW WATCH: Beautiful drone video of epic trip across South America








Here are the big winners from the 2015 James Beard Awards in Chicago

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The James Beard Awards (aka the Oscars of food) may have relocated to the Windy City for the first time ever, but New York was in the spotlight, as five of the eleven top honors when to New York professionals and institutions. 

The awards kicked off just after 7 pm, with host Alton Brown attempting an Ellen-style crowd selfie, and concluded around 10:30 pm, when some sad news fell on the crowd: James Beard Award-winning writer and founding Grub Street editor Josh Ozersky had been found dead at his Chicago hotel. Ozersky, a New Yorker, was in town for the awards.  

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Here's a look at who took home the big restaurant, bar, and pastry awards: 

Best New Restaurant: Bâtard, NYC

Outstanding Baker: Jim Lahey, Sullivan Street Bakery, NYC

Outstanding Bar Program: The Violet Hour, Chicago

Outstanding Chef: Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern, NYC

Outstanding Pastry ChefChristina Tosi, Momofuku, NYC

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Outstanding Restaurant: Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY

Outstanding Restaurateur: Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality Group, Chicago (Blackbird, Avec, The Publican, and others)   

Outstanding Service: The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN 

Outstanding Wine Program: A16, San Francisco

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Rajat Parr, Mina Group, San Francisco

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jessica Largey, Manresa, Los Gatos, CA   

 

Best Chef, Great Lakes: Jonathon Sawyer, The Greenhouse Tavern, Cleveland 

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Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic: Spike Gjerde, Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore 

Best Chef, Midwest: Gerard Craft, Niche, Clayton, MO

Best Chef, NortheastBarry Maiden, Hungry Mother, Cambridge, MA 

Best Chef, Northwest: Blaine Wetzel, The Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Lummi Island, WA 

 

 

Best Chef, NYC: Mark Ladner, Del Posto

Best Chef, South: Alon Shaya, Domenica, New Orleans 

Best Chef, Southeast: Jason Stanhope, FIG, Charleston, SC

Best Chef, Southwest: Aaron Franklin, Franklin Barbecue, Austin 

Best Chef, West: Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, State Bird Provisions, San Francisco

Check out host Alton Brown's opening remarks:

Click here for a complete list of winners, including awards for food entertainment, writing, and more. 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's How To Order Wine In A Restaurant Without Paying Through The Nose








Millions of insomniacs claim this 8-hour video of a waterfall is the only thing that helps them sleep

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Johnnie Lawson is an Irish visual artist who began uploading his videos of relaxing nature scenes to his YouTube channel five years ago.

Today, the 174 videos have been viewed by over 30 million people around the world, from the US to North Korea, all claiming that the peaceful sounds are helping them study, sleep, and concentrate better.

Far and away his most popular video is the 8-hour shot of a bridge over the River Bonet near Manorhamilton in Ireland’s County Leitrim, where Lawson himself is from. 

In it, Lawson captures the sound of the river, bird songs, and rustling leaves. He decided to make the long eight-hour video after getting requests from fans that his earlier nature videos were helping them fall asleep, but that the sounds ended too soon.

waterfall

Insomnia suffers would fall asleep listening to some of my videos, but they'd wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of silence,” Lawson told BBC. "That's when I started making eight-hour long videos, like the waterfall on the River Bonet. If people woke up during the night, they'd be met with the sound of nature. It would put them back to sleep again."

Since it was uploaded two years ago, the eight-hour waterfall scene has been viewed over 6.5 million times on YouTube.

It has become so popular in fact that it has even attracted the attention of psychologists at the University College Hospital of London who have included the sounds in a clinical trial to help intensive care patients suffering from stress, according to BBC.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” wrote YouTube user Jacob Homstrom. “I’ve listened to this every day for the last week. I would pay to have this on.” 

“Since I found this video, I've had longer sleeps and better days,” another YouTube user Steve Goggin wrote. “I struggled to go to sleep in complete silence something was missing and it frustrated me more every morning when I wake up. Now all I do is slip my earphones in, close my eyes and within a couple minutes, that beautiful sound sets me to sleep and I feel so much better in the mornings.”

Other commenters from all over the world thank Lawson for helping with their anxiety disorders, helping them study, and providing relaxing background sounds as they go about their day.

While the effects of Lawson's videos seem too good to be true, there's research to back them up.

A 2012 study by China’s Peking University found that 75% of study participants had a more restful sleep when they were exposed to “pink” noise, or sounds that carry a consistent frequency such as rain falling or leaves rustling. 

There are also numerous apps and sound machines dedicated to sleep-inducing sounds. The main difference is that Lawson’s videos are free as well as provide visuals, which some users have used to help them concentrate while meditating.

Lawson uploads a new relaxing video every week and tries to respond to every single commenter. You can subscribe to his YouTube channel here.

SEE ALSO: 17 tricks for falling asleep faster

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We put the iPhone 6 time-lapse video to the test — here's 6 hours of sleeping baby in 26 seconds








9 stylish and work-appropriate watches for women that are under $100

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Some people think that watches don't have a place in the modern wardrobe.

But watches aren't going anywhere anytime soon — if for no other reason than that they're a great way to accessorize in a professional setting.

We've put together a list of stylish watches that you can wear at work — all under $100.


Bulova silver dial watch

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.36.12 PMThis classic Bulova watch comes with an elegant black leather strap and a stainless steel case.

"In a nutshell, the watch just looks good. It is definitely an understated, simple and classic piece. This is the kind of watch you want to keep around for years. And exquisite buy," one reviewer wrote.

Price: $150.00$99.05[34% off] 


Estelle pastel cream

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.38.01 PM

This sleek minimalist watch comes with a pastel cream genuine leather wrist band and a water-resistant glossy metal case.

The lighter color makes this watch a great choice for spring and summer.

Price: $90


Estelle classic

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.38.19 PM

Rose gold accessories made a comeback in the last few years, but it's tough to find pieces that aren't gaudy or overwhelming.

Enter this watch.

It captures the essence of rose gold, but in a tasteful, minimalist vibe.

Price: $90 


Nixon Time Teller (gold)

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.38.30 PM

Here's a great take on the men's watch.

The Nixon gold Time Teller comes with a stainless steel case, and is made of scratch resistant material.

"I've had this watch for over a year now and I wear it almost every day, it is extremely practical and goes with every outfit and occasion," one reviewer wrote.

Price: $95.00


Nixon "The Small Time Teller" (silver/gold)

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.38.40 PMMixing metals seems like it would look incredibly gaudy — but this watch proves otherwise.

The gold and silver are on the darker side without any glossy shine, so the two tones offset each other nicely.

This watch is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a classic day watch with a touch of personality.

Price: $100.00


Seiko solar Japanese quartz watch

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.38.51 PMThis watch is an great work-to-drinks piece.

The Seiko solar watch comes with a black leather band, and a black dial with gold tone hands. 

"This is a very nice looking watch — sharp and elegant," one reviewer wrote.

Price:$185.00$89.00[52% off] 


Kate Spade New York Gramercy watch

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.39.16 PMIf you're looking for a feminine take on a masculine style, this watch is for you.

The Kate Spade Gramercy watch's stainless chain band is softened by the Mother of Pearl dial.

"I loved this watch, it looks so elegant and refined," one reviewer wrote.

Price:$195.00$100.19[49% off]


La Mer leather wrap watch (orange)

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.39.31 PMIf you work in a creative environment, you certainly have more leeway in terms of what you can wear.

If that's the case, check out bright watches like this one.

The orange multi-strap La Mer watch will add a bright pop of color to any outfit.

Price: $78.00


Fossil "Georgia" round leather strap watch

Screen Shot 2015 04 29 at 2.39.42 PMHere's another fun option for anyone in a creative office.

This clean, modern looking watch comes with a hint orange and silver for a bright, clean look.

Price: $95.00


 

SEE ALSO: The 7 best headphones you can get this week for under $20

SEE ALSO: These 6 luxury headphone sets are up to 73% off right now

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch these giant container ships collide near the Suez Canal








Here's the real reason diets don't work

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Diet meal

Have you recently tried cutting carbs? Eating like a caveman? Going vegetarian or gluten-free?

Each of these diets has been all the rage in recent years, but there's one big problem: None of them stick.

Why? Because diets are designed to fail.

At least that's according to Traci Mann, a University of Minnesota psychologist and researcher who's spent the last few decades studying peoples' eating habits and was recently interviewed by The Washington Post.

Dieting, Mann told The Post, unleashes a series of biological changes in your body which make it "practically impossible to keep the weight off."

In other words, if you've ever found yourself losing weight at the start of a diet and then felt dismayed by the fact that the pounds simply seemed to creep back on, it isn't because you didn't try hard enough.

On the contrary, it's because diets are only structured to provide short-term benefits, not to help people keep weight off in the long term.

Here's Mann:

"For practically any diet...in that first 6 to 12 months, people can lose about 10% of their starting weight. So a 200 pound person will lose about 20 pounds in the short run. But the short run isn't the whole story. Everyone acts like the short run is the whole story, and that anything that happens later is the dieter's fault and not really part of the diet. People act like the only part that is the diet's fault is the beginning bit. The long-term part, people always say that's not the diet, that's the person. And yet, it's clear that that's not true. It's over the long term that you see all these biological changes take control."

The biological changes are the real problem, says Mann. Here are some of the specific shifts she mentions that happen when you diet:

  1. Your brain becomes more aware of food. "Your brain becomes overly responsive to food, and especially to tasty looking food," says Mann, "so the thing you're trying to resist becomes harder to resist."
  2. Your hormones levels change, often making you feel hungrier no matter how much you eat. "As you lose body fat, the amount of different hormones in your body changes," Mann explains. "And the hormones that help you feel full, or the level of those rather, decreases. The hormones that make you feel hungry, meanwhile, increases. So you become more likely to feel hungry, and less likely to feel full given the same amount of food."
  3. Your metabolism slows down, and more of what you eat gets stored as fat. When you diet, you're effectively convincing your body that it is starving, Mann says. Your body responds by running as efficiently as possible (i.e. burning the fewest calories possible). This shift "would be good thing if you're starving to death," says Mann, "But it isn't a good thing if you're trying to lose weight." She adds, "when your body finds a way to run itself on fewer calories there tends to be more leftover, and those get stored as fat, which is exactly what you don't want to happen."

All of Mann's points are grounded in scientific research. A 2013 study comparing the brain scans of people who've dieted with those who haven't, for example, found that dieters tended to show more of a response in the areas of their brains linked with processing rewards and less of a response in the parts of their brains linked with a sense of control. Hormone levels, too, can shift in response to diet,as can metabolism.

Still, this advice shouldn't be taken as a doomsday scenario for people trying to lose weight.

Instead, it points out the problems with focusing entirely on changing what you eat rather than taking into account other behavioral patterns.

These include when you eat, how much you exercise, and whether or not your friends and family members support your health goals. These factors, often called "behavior modification," are the focus of programs like Weight Watchers, for example, and they workfor thousandsof people.

"Most of us know people — friends, family members, colleagues — who have lost weight and kept it off for years by changing the way they eat and boosting their physical activity," writes David H. Freedman, a consulting editor at Johns Hopkins Medicine International, in a post for the Columbia Journalism Review. "They can’t all be freaks of biology."

UP NEXT: Everything that's wrong with doing a 'detox' diet

SEE ALSO: Here's the best time of day to work out to lose weight

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The pros and cons of drinking protein shakes after a workout









You can fly all over Asia for just $160

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airplane

AirAsia recently released its Asean Pass, which allows you to travel across ten countries in the continent for only $160 a month. 

Guests can use the pass to lock down low flight fares across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. 

There are two versions available.

The 10 Credit Pass costs $160 and allows for 10 flight credits and 30 days of travel. The 20 Credit Pass at $290 allows for 20 flight credits and 60 days of travel. 

The credits are determined based on the distance and difficulty of the route per flight. To help give some perspective, here are a few examples of credit rates you can find on the company's website:

  • Flying from Bangkok to Phuket: 1 credit each way
  • Flying from Bali to Bangkok: 3 credits each way
  • Flying from Bali to Jakarta: 5 credits each way 

Most flights arrive and depart from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, making these two destinations the best for booking a round-trip. 

Every flight has to be purchased at least 14 days in advance, which can make spontaneous traveling difficult, but you do have the option to transfer the pass to another traveler or to add on family members. 

Also, you can only travel each route one time. So, if you book a trip from Bangkok to Phuket, you won't be able to book the same trip later in the month. The hope is that this will inspire a variety of travel itineraries to different destinations.

At only $160, it's a great deal. 

SEE ALSO: The 'Man Who Flies For Free' says these are the 3 best websites for airline deals

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NOW WATCH: Beautiful drone video of epic trip across South America








Nixon is launching four 'Star Wars' watches, and they're far from nerdy

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Dark Vader 51-31 Nixon WatchIt's time to join the Dark Side.

Nixon, the luxury watch and accessories brand, announced its collaboration with Disney and Lucas Films on May 4 (Star Wars Day) to launch a four-piece "Star Wars" collection.

The STAR WARS | Nixon Collection will feature four sleek watches named after the Dark Side: Stormtrooper, Imperial Pilot, Boba Fett, and of course, Darth Vader.

Nixon will modify pre-existing styles in addition to creating new designs with galactic elements that extend beyond "Star Wars" branding. The brand prides itself on style and attention to detail, so you won't be embarrassed to wear these watches to the office. To boot, the collaboration earns "Star Wars" an official spot in the fashion world. 

While the watch launch dates have yet to be released, Nixon debuted a video preview of the Dark Vader 51-31 watch:  

SEE ALSO: Don't buy the Apple Watch – buy a real watch instead

SEE ALSO: 7 minimalist watches to step up your style game

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NOW WATCH: You've been wearing the wrong belt for way too long








Here are the 11 smartest high schools in America

Del Frisco's Grille concocted a bunch of crazy hamburgers that are only available this month

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Dallas Uptown Prime Beef Burger

Cancel your midday meetings and make room (in your schedule and your stomach) for a long lunch: Del Frisco's Grille is celebrating National Burger Month with 16 city-specific burgers that should be labeled NSFW. (Because how does one concentrate on work after seeing these things?)

Each burger represents the local flavor, from a cheesy waffle burger in Houston, Texas to a bánh mi tuna burger in Irvine, California. 

Fort Worth, TX: The Habañero Compadré Prime Beef Burger is a leaning tower of jalapeño jack cheese, chipotle aioli, honey habañero peppers, and wild arugula.



Pasadena, CA: The Chili Verde Prime Beef Burger is topped with slow-braised pork, jack cheese, and fried tobacco onions.



Atlanta, GA: The Prime BBQ Beef Burger is stacked tall with aged cheddar cheese, hickory smoked bacon, bread and butter pickles, and fried tobacco onions.



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39 of the strangest world records ever set

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Most world records — the world's smallest man (21.5 inches tall), the world's oldest twin sisters (103 years old), or the world's highest standing jump (4 feet 10 inches onto a platform) are interesting factoids to know.

But other records are totally wacky, like the biggest jigsaw puzzle made of tents, or the largest-ever gathering in Sumo wrestler suits (seriously).

These categories are often completely invented and submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records. Other times, they are reported by local news, and we just have to take their word for it. Either way, they can be quite strange.

In honor of these odd achievements, here are the 40 weirdest records broken by people around the world.

(A previous version of this article was written by Megan Willett. Captions by Reuters, edited for clarity.)

On July 28, 2013, 1,213 people broke a Guinness World Record by applying facial masks for 10 minutes at the same time in Taipei.

Source: Reuters



Chris "The Duchess" Walton is the current Guinness World Record holder for longest fingernails. Seen here in NYC back in 2011, her nails (which she's been growing for 18 years) measured 10 feet 2 inches on her left hand and 9 feet 7 inches on her right at the time.

Source: Reuters



In February 2013, 4,483 people hula-hooped for seven minutes, setting the Guinness World Record for most number of people simultaneously hula-hooping. The event took place at the Thammasat University stadium on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Source: Reuters



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The best fries from every state

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Potato Champion

From thick-cut steak fries to crispy shoestrings and poutine doused in gravy and cheese, fries come in thousands of mouthwatering varieties.

No longer just a side dish, great fries deserve recognition in their own right. So we consulted expert reviews and local recommendations to find the true standouts from every state.

Did we get your state right? Let us know in the comments.

ALABAMA: Despite the upscale vibe of this Birmingham brasserie, Chez Fonfon's classic French fries are a hard menu item to beat. But here's the catch: You have to order a croque or hamburger to get them, as they aren't offered as a standalone side.

Chez Fonfon



ALASKA: What's the perfect complement for one of International House of Hotdogs' gourmet dogs? Cilantro fries, of course. This Anchorage favorite not only serves the best hot dogs in town, but crispy, flavorful fries to match.

International House of Hotdogs



ARIZONA: You'll feel like a kid again at Zinburger, where you're encouraged to indulge in grown-up versions of childhood favorites like burgers, shakes and, of course, fries, including truffle, zucchini, and sweet potato varieties. Originally opened in Phoenix, there are now locations across Arizona.

Zinburger



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16 examples of LeBron James' incredible work ethic

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lebron james

LeBron James' sheer talent and force earned him a spot on our annual list of the most dominant athletes alive.

He's a 6'8", 250-pound man who moves like a point guard. He's a once-in-a-generation physical talent. 

But it's his work ethic that has turned that potential into results on the court.

From late-night workout sessions to teaching himself how to play power forward, LeBron is the perfect example of someone who's fully maximizing his genetic gifts.

He gets a special four-page scouting report before every game. His teammates only get a two-page report.

Source: SI



He could run every play in Miami's playbook from all five positions.

Source: SI



He holds an annual "Hell Week" of grueling workouts with other elite athletes at his house in Akron.

Source: ESPN



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CRISTIANO RONALDO: How the world's highest-paid soccer star spends his millions

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cristiano ronaldo real madrid champions league

Cristiano Ronaldo is No. 4 on our list of the most dominant athletes in the world.

He's also the world's highest-paid soccer player, which means he has a decent amount of cash to burn.

The 30-year-old forward for Real Madrid owns luxury cars, flies around the world in private jets, and makes a mint on endorsement deals — and that's not even half of it.

He earned $80 million last year, making him the second highest-paid athlete in the world.

Source: Forbes



And more than a quarter of that ($28 million) is in endorsement deals with companies like Tag Heuer and Nike.

Source: Forbes



He rakes in over $9 million from his Nike deal alone.

Source: Sport



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






11 etiquette rules to remember next time you fly

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Unless you're fortunate enough to be flying in a first class suite, air travel can often be a stressful and exhausting experience. 

However, for those of us who can't afford a luxurious upgrade, there are a few basic etiquette rules that can improve the comfort of your journey. Follow them, and your next flight might just be pleasant — as long as everyone else follows them, too.

Airplane Travel Etiquette

Alex Davies contributed to an earlier version of this story.

SEE ALSO: Here's everything you should do before traveling abroad

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NOW WATCH: Beautiful drone video of epic trip across South America








Surprising photos show how online shopping has affected even China's most far-flung regions

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In China, like many other places around the world, online shopping is spreading rapidly, connecting consumers to goods they may never have had access to before.

China's biggest online retailer, Taobao, has been racking up serious numbers since it was founded in 2003. It's created 9.7 million jobs and is currently the 10th most visited site on the web.

Chinese photographer Huang Qingjun was recently commissioned by Taobao to document online shopping in China. He decided to offer as a diverse portrait as possible. "I wanted to find people from all directions: east, west, south and north," he told the BBC.

Qingjun discovered that even the most isolated parts of the country have started to use the internet as a point of contact to the modern world. Thanks to the growth of mobile technology, it's estimated that 81% of Chinese citizens have access to the internet. This means that people in even the most remote areas can still shop online for things they need.

Qingjun asked his subjects to pose with every object they've purchased online. The results give us a surprising look at the far-reaching effects of online consumption today. The captions are Qingjun's own, edited for clarity.

You can see more at Qingjun's site.

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"Wang Yafeng, a 28-year-old young man from northeastern China, owns a travel service business and youth hostel in a remote arctic village. He recalls his first memory of online shopping, when he spent over $35,000 on Taobao, China's most popular internet shopping website. Almost all the items in his hostel and home were purchased online."

 

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"Mao Hongweia 48-year-old man, is not very familiar with the internet. His first online shopping experience came from last year’s Taobao “1212” promotion, during which he was aided by a Taobao agent in his village. After the first attempt, he began to buy things himself and got gradually got used to the new shopping method. All the material and furniture in his new house are bought online, costing $3,200. To him, shopping online is finding a new life."

 

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"Liu Jun and his family are Mongolian, and his ancestors lived a nomadic and herding life. He settled down in a town named Ulanhot, but goes back to his Mongolian yurt every spring and autumn. While living in the yurt, he used to have to drive almost 90 miles to the town to buy necessities. Since he began to shop online in 2012, he has spent over $4,800 on Taobao. To Liu Jun and his family, the greatest benefit brought by online shopping is its convenience, which saves time and energy."

 

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"Liu Chunxiao was a student living and working in Europe for over 20 years, who experienced ups and downs in both studies and business. When she returned to China, she began to use Taobao for online shopping. More than half of the new products she's bought from the internet are toys and clothes for her little son. To her, online shopping is a special way to express love."

 

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'The very first thing Li Nian bought from the internet was a model airplane, which opened a new window in his life. He’s a young entrepreneur and a model plane enthusiast who has spent over $322,000 on his pursuits. He set up an aerial-photographing company and us Taobao to grow his business. To Li, online shopping is a foundation for his career."

 

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'Mahmoodjan, the only college student in a family of four boys, used to be a foreign language guide, a civil servant, and a volunteer. He registered for Taobao in 2006 and likes to buy digital products, such as headsets, Kindles, and USB flash drives. He recently bought an iPhone 6 Plus, which he didn’t want to take out at first." 

 

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"Huang Jianguang is an engineer who loves outdoor sports and bike riding. He loves to buy tools and parts on Taobao, using them to create his own bicycles. He has spent almost $6,500 on online. To him, online shopping is the biggest support for his hobby."

 

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"Yang Chin, who was born in the Shannan district of Tibet, moved to China for work when she was 17, where she worked in a café. Her boss taught her how to shop online in 2010. Now, Yang Chin often buys clothing and other things online. Her favorite purchase is a ripped pair of jeans, which her mother found inappropriate. To Yang Chin, online shopping is a way to touch the world."

 

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I"n May, 2011, Jia Yuhao and Lu Xuefeng resigned from well-paying jobs and settled down in Lhasa, China. Today, they run an inn together there. About 80 percent of the stuff in the inn was bought online, including an automatic coffee machine, a doll, and board games, some outdoor equipment they love, and the sleeping bags they are wearing in the photo above. Jia spent over $80,500 on Taobao during the past 9 years, but Lu spent even more, 860,000 in 10 years. To them, online shopping can help them to achieve themselves."

 

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"Gyatsoling Rinpoche was born in 1990 and was chosen as the reincarnation of the Living Buddha when he was four. Gyatsoling graduated from Tibet Medical College in his 17th, and is now the youngest teacher in the college. He only buys Buddhist goods on Taobao, such as butter lamps and candles. To him, online shopping is a way to cut down expenses."

 

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"Because of his interior decorating background, Sun Bin has spent over $88,500 over the past six years. He pays a lot of attention to his 126 favorite online stores on Taobao, checking them for new products often. The wall behind him is made up with clocks selected from Taobao. To him, finding distinctive things on Taobao is a new way to enjoy life."

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"Zhang Boya loves designing clothes, as well as making handcrafts and home decorations. She married her husband last year and 80% of her furniture was bought online by her wedding guests."

 

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"Aer Yingming, seen here with her family, started online shopping in 2008 with several of her coworkers. They’re all frequent users of Taobao and often select products together. To Aer Yingming online shopping is part of her life."

SEE ALSO: 31 awesome inventions made by ordinary Chinese people

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Chanel's newest collection looks like a trippy mashup of your favorite childhood boardgames

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Not to be overshadowed by the Met Ball, Karl Lagerfeld debuted Chanel's 2016 resort collection inside the Dongdaemun Design Plaza — Zaha Hadid's 24-hour shopping mecca in Seoul, Korea — on Monday. 

The scene in and around the runway was Candyland meets Twister meets K-pop, with Minnie Mouse ears and a star-studded front row.  

Echoing the whimsical, youthful nature of the collection, candy-colored stools that looked like push-pops were used as seating. 

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Meanwhile, the runway looked like a trail of Twister mat cut-outs. 

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The first few models to take the runway wore hairpieces that resembled Minnie Mouse ears. 

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The collection was also rife with rhinestones and sequins...

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...as well as a few colorful renditions of the classic Chanel suit. 

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With all the childlike wonderment, there was even an actual child in the mix — Lagerfeld's godson, Hudson Kroenig, son of model Brad Kroenig.

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After the show, Lagerfeld shared a quiet word with actress Kristen Stewart, who skipped the Met Ball to be at the show. 

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Gisele Bundchen and Tilda Swinton also made the trip to Seoul to support Lagerfeld and the house. 

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SEE ALSO: Chanel Just Created The Fanciest Grocery Store Of All Time

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If you want Aston Martin's new power boat, you'll have to keep a secret

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Aston Martin Quintessence AM37

Aston Martin's motto for years has been "Power, Beauty and Soul." And the company has been able to successfully deliver that in its road and racing cars.

Now the AM37 power boat will bring that same attitude to the open water. 

So far, details on the Aston watercraft are few. There's only a handful of digital renderings to give potential buyers some idea of what the boat, set to officially debut later this year, will actually look like.

According to Aston, "potential owners of the new Aston Martin powerboat are being given more details of the new project on a strictly confidential one-to-one basis."

How very James Bond of them! 

Designed by Quintessence Yachts in-conjunction with Aston Martin, the 37-foot-long AM37 aims to provide a luxury sports car experience – on water.  

Aston Martin Quintessence AM37

 “We are sure that the Aston Martin ethos of ‘Power, Beauty and Soul’ can be successfully translated into the yachting environment in a very special way," Quintessence Yachts CEO Mariella Mengozzi said in a statement.

"The Aston Martin Design department has been working seamlessly with the Quintessence R&D unit and naval architect Mulder Design in Amsterdam to achieve a true example of design purity."

Aston and Quintessence have so-far revealed the planned use of a high-tech composite structure, interactive voice control, and a high-definition touchscreen navigation and multimedia system.

Aston Martin Quintessence AM37Aston Martin isn't the first ultra-luxury British carmaker to put its name on a boat.

Last year, Rolls-Royce unveiled a $5-million dollar superboat called the "Aeroboat." The sleek craft is powered by an updated, 1,100-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin engine from the legendary World War II-era Supermarine Spitfire fighter.

Aston Martin and Quintessence have not revealed the price for the AM37. That information may be available in the near future, but you'll have to keep it a secret.

SEE ALSO: This $150 Million Behemoth Is The Rolls-Royce Of Superyachts

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