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These are the 18 best tequilas in the world

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alquimia tequila

Tequila is the Champagne of Mexico. 

Seriously, Mexican law actually states that no liquor can be labeled tequila unless it comes from the western state of Jalisco (or select districts of other Mexican states).

And, like sparkling wines, tequilas come in all varieties and price ranges.

In honor of National Tequila Day (July 24), we teamed with the connoisseurs at FindTheBest to uncover the world's top tequilas. The rankings below are based on reviews from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the International Wine and Spirit Competition, Wine Magazine Enthusiast, the Beverage Testing Institute, and Tequila.net.

So get your shot glass out and get ready for a toast.

15. Casamigos Reposado Tequila ($50)

With Casamigos Reposado Tequila you can get some of the best around, and aged for 7 months. It is made from hand-chosen Blue Weber agaves, which are grown in the red clay soil and chiller climate of Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands.

14. Trago Reposado Tequila ($60)

Sweetened with faint hints of vanilla and caramel, this Trago Reposado, or “rested” tequila is aged in new American Oak barrels for a smooth finish. You may have to roam further to regional stores to find a bottle of this tequila, but it will be worth it for preparing top-notch Margaritas.

13. Corzo Reposado Tequila ($40)

A mature spirit — aged for 10 months — the Corzo Reposado Tequila is distilled three times to produce the smoothest and purest product possible. The yellow-gold spirit has a rich body with a distinct but sweet tropical custard pie finish.  

casamigos

12. Avion Silver Tequila ($40)

This plata carries a sharp smell with a dash of mint and rosemary. A strong but delicate drink, it is crisp and clean. The un-aged spirit also boasts an impressive resume as a two-time Double Gold winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

11. Mañana Añejo Tequila ($52)

Manana Añejo will warm you up on a cold day. It hits your tongue fruity and oak, but the lingering finish is dry, full bodied, and warm. This bottle was also a Double Gold winner at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

10. Don Celso Reposado Tequila ($40)

Unmistakable for its bright golden color, Don Celso Reposado is the kind of mature agave you'll want to reach for on a blustery day. Its hues of vanilla and spice make it an excellent choice for the holidays. Try it with a hot Mexican fruit punch (aka Ponche Navideño).

9. Pueblo Viejo Orgullo Añejo Tequila ($38)

Twenty-four months in an American Oak casket lends this añejo its deep amber color. It has a clear, bright taste with a fruity, nutty finish. And it comes from the highlands of Jalisco, one of the best places in the world for growing agave.

avion tequila

8. Partida Reposado Tequila ($61)

A spirit aged a healthy six months, this resposado prides itself on being one of the smoothest and richest tequilas around. While not flamboyantly smoky, it has a tinge of sweetness and scent of vanilla, hazelnut, and almond.

7. Maracame Tequila Añejo ($74)

One of the priciest tequilas on the market, this bottle isn't easy on the wallet. An old soul, the “vintage” tequila is aged for 18 months to produce a delicious golden amber color. The añejo smells like caramel and roasted nuts while bearing a toasted coconut, creamy vanilla taste. 

6. Riazul Premium Silver Tequila ($49)

If you like Riazul's reposado, you'll probably like its better-known blanco, the Premium Silver. Extracted by a shredder and twice distilled in stainless steel, the blanco has an earthy aroma. Its minty agave leaves your mouth warm with a mild chocolate aftertaste. Riazul calls it "the choice of tequila purists who seek the unmasked agave character."

5. X.Q. Añejo Tequila ($65)

Packaged in a provocative X-shaped bottle, the reddish, golden brown drink is one of the oldest tequilas on this list — it's aged for a full 36 months. The drink also offers unique toffee, dill, and marinated jalapeño aromas.

4. AsomBroso Añejo Tequila ($240)

If there is any category this tequila will take a gold for its the price. AsomBroso leaves its competitors in the dust at $14.20 per shot ($240 per bottle). Alas, if you're looking to celebrate the greatest of life milestones, this 60-month aged añejo is undoubtedly the way to go. You'll detect a hint of honey and vanilla on the nose. 

3. Chinaco Reposado Tequila ($51)

Unlike most reposadosthe Chinaco Reposado Tequila is aged for 11 months in white oak barrels from France and England, some of which were utilized to prepare Scotch and bring a soft, woody trait to the drink. Chinaco welcomes the senses with citrus zest and a strong, spicy finish. 

casa noble tequila

2. Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo Tequila ($50)

Chocolate enthusiasts go wild for this tequila, which would be an excellent spirit for a boozy hot cocoa. A swirl of this triple-distilled tequila has notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate. 

1. Alquimia Reserva de Don Adolfo Extra Añejo Tequila ($125)

This "ultra-aged" exotic fruit-flavored añejo that marries cinnamon, herbs, and spices is aged for 36 months. Small oak barrels house and develop the drink, which is made from eight-year-old organic agave. Golden amber to the eye, this "cognac-like" tequila is best relished slowly.

Click on the links in the graphic below to learn more about each of these incredible tequilas. 

 

 

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This is a $200,000 supercar specifically designed to fit on a yacht

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Yacht Supercar BAC Mono

The separation anxiety suffered by yacht owners forced to leave their supercars at home finally has a cure—the Marine Edition Mono by Briggs Automotive Company (BAC).

Partnered with the yacht management firm and charter operator Camper & Nicholsons International, BAC’s cofounder and director of design, Ian Briggs, returned to his beginnings in luxury boat design to create the seaworthy racer.

The latest edition follows in the tracks of the BAC Mono supercar, a $200,000 carbon-fiber catapult capable of going from zero to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds—the second-fastest car on street-legal tires to record a power lap time on the show Top Gear, beaten only by the Pagani Huayra.

Detailed to meet the demands of maritime travel and all of its accompanying elements, the sporty, single-seat stowaway weighs less than 1,300 pounds, is made from anticorrosive components, and comes with a proprietary lifting system to simplify transport by onboard cranes.

And there will be little competition when tearing around towns, thanks to a 305 hp, Mountune 2.5-liter engine—making possible a top speed of 170 mph—managed by the same Hewland FTR gearbox favored by F/3 racecars. When not ruling the road, the Marine Edition Mono—price available upon request—stores in its own Environmental Control Container System, a climate-managed cocoon that will keep the precious cargo pristine during any pelagic crossing.

SEE ALSO: Everyone is talking about whether Mitsubishi will leave the US market

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If you're a balding guy, you should follow these simple rules

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jason statham rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Balding men and anyone else with thinning hair: It's time we had a talk.

Let's face it, you're not fooling anyone with that comb-over, that weave doesn't look right, and the toupee will always look crooked.

Basically, you're opening yourself up to comments about how you're trying to hide something that's actually a natural part of the aging process. You can't make it stop.

But take heart, because there are a few things you can do to your hair and head that will lessen the notability of the hair loss as well as boost your confidence.

The first mistake men make, according to barber Richard Bresson of Fellow Barber, is keeping their hair on the longer side. As a rule, shorter is always better.

This is because, as hair grows out it becomes "stringy and limp on top" and bushy on the sides. 

Instead, get the sides cropped close with scissors or clippers and the top short with the hair brushed to the side. Don't get any kind of part since you don't want any hard lines drawing eyes to the "problem area."

"It's all about creating an illusion, moving the eyes away from the thinning top, instead of to the whole cut that's pleasing to look at," Bresson told us. 

As for styling, stick to clays and pastes (you can see our recommendations here) that will give your hair lift and body, according to Bresson. 

willarnett

And if all else fails, just buzz it.

It's up to you and your scalp to make this relatively drastic decision, but more men should definitely consider it, Bresson told us. It can make you look younger and feel more confident.

Plus, you don't have to shave down to nothing. A No .2 setting or lower on the clippers to shave your head will drastically minimize the appearance of any bald spots or receding hairlines.

But remember, now your head is fully exposed to the elements, so use sunscreen.  


NOW WATCH: Here's What Happens To Your Body If You Stop Eating

 

 

SEE ALSO: 15 Things Every Modern Gentleman Should Have In His Bathroom

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This mega-yacht could have 2 pools, 2 movie theaters, 2 helipads and cost over $1 billion

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Admiral X Force Yacht 145

Even by the outlandish standards of the mega-yacht world, the Admiral X Force 145 could set a new standard for opulence.

The 465-foot vessel takes luxury to eye-popping new heights.

Not only is the yet-to-be-built boat huge; its lavish interiors are punctuated by crystal chandeliers and solid marble floors.

Two pools, two movie theaters, two helipads, a garage, multiple gym facilities, and a bi-level pool area merely scratch the surface of what this incredible boat will offer.

Though the price is only available on request, The Daily Mail estimates it will cost over $1 billion. Would that make it the world's most expensive yacht? Only if it gets built before spring 2018, when 4Yacht's Triple Deuce, a 722-foot leviathan, is set to be completed.

The Italian Sea Group project was dreamed up by Dobroserdov Design in a partnership with Admiral Centro Stile. They provided us an artist's rendering of what the ship will look like when it's commissioned and completed.

Feast your eyes on the Admiral X Force 145. It doesn't get much more luxurious than this.



The X Force is longer than two jumbo jets or one-and-a-half football fields.



Inside, the yacht is packed with extravagant details. This main salon area is massive.



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The last word on which types of collars require a tie

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Men's shirt collars have undergone a revolution. The demands of the modern man at the office as well as after hours has necessitated this change.

Collars nowadays are typically narrower, shorter, and have a wider spread to allow for the slimmer fits and lapels that are so in style these days. It also lets the tie come off after work, which is pretty important in these less formal times.

When it comes to informal business attire, though, there are generally only six types of collars to consider. While the spread collar dominates the space, the more traditional forward point is not too far behind.

1. Spread

Spread Collar

Can it be worn without a tie? YES

One of the most common collars today is the spread collar, which comes in a variety of angles and points. "Spread" refers to the distance between the collar points.

2. Forward Point

Jamie Dimon

Can it be worn without a tie? NO

The most traditional choice, the forward point collar has fallen out of favor with some for its inability to be worn without a tie. (The flaps will become unruly.) A smaller opening between collar flaps allows for more tie knot variety.

3. Tab

skyfall james bond daniel craig

Can it be worn without a tie? NO

A rare style now, the tab collar's popularity has waxed and waned over the last century. Designer Tom Ford has attempted to bring back the style with James Bond, who he dressed for the latest 007 flick, "Skyfall." Unfortunately, this blip of popularity didn't continue.

4. Cutaway

Cutaway Collar

Can it be worn without a tie? NO

Designed to be worn with a very large tie knot, the cutaway collar takes its name from the fact that it literally looks like someone "cut away" part of the fabric. Think of it as an extreme spread collar that's more prevalent on red carpets than in boardrooms. 

5. Button-Down

Collarbuttonedskitch

Can it be worn without a tie? YES

Another collar that spent its early day in sport, the button-down collar was first attached to Oxford cloth button-down shirts. Today, the button-down style can even be worn with casual suiting. 

6. Club

Club Collar

Can it be worn without a tie? YES

The club collar is a unique style forwarded by an English boarding school that was looking for a way to differentiate its students from the rest. It peaked in the 1930s and has enjoyed a recent revival due to period shows like "Mad Men."

SEE ALSO: 7 outdated men's style 'rules' that you don't always have to follow

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NOW WATCH: 3 Websites That Will Transform Every Man Into A Modern Gentleman










'Father of digital trading' lists Greenwich, Connecticut's largest estate for $65 million

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Conyers Farm Estate

Thomas Peterffy is a billionaire that made his fortune in the stock market — but not in the traditional way. Peterffy​ was instrumental in bringing electronic trading to reality in the late 20th century.

Now he's selling his 80-acre estate in one of the most exclusive gated communities in Connecticut for $65 million — $20 million more than he paid for it in 2004, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Conyers Farm property has three guest cottages and a 22-slot horse stable (where​ ​Peterffy kept six horses), in addition to a 8,000-square-foot main residence. According to the listing, Peterffy's well-manicured abode is the largest estate in Greenwich.

Peterffy is selling the house because he no longer uses it as his primary residence.

David Ogilvy of David Ogilvy & Associates, associated with Christie’s International Real Estate, has the listing.

SEE ALSO: The 15 most expensive houses for sale in America

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The estate sits on 80 acres of former farmland in the billionaire enclave of Greenwich, Connecticut.



Conyers Farm originated as a 1,481-acre tract of land that was converted for luxury homes in the 1980s.



Since then, many billionaires and celebrities have moved into the area.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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The newly crowned Miss USA isn't afraid to talk about Donald Trump

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Donald Trump's bid for the Republican presidential nomination continues to attract controversy on a near-daily basis. Trump's recent comments about Mexican immigrants caused NBC and Univision to cancel the scheduled broadcast of the Miss USA pageant.

Despite the cancellation, the pageant went ahead as scheduled and aired on the Reelz channel. Olivia Jordan of Oklahoma won the competition and was immediately grilled by the media on the Trump situation. Jordan carefully navigated the questions, and we talked to her about her approach to this unexpected media firestorm.

Produced by Graham Flanagan

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Brew your iced coffee at home and save $100 a month

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Everyone loves iced coffee when it's hot outside.

But, spending $3.50 or more on a cup of cold brew, and waiting in line for 10 minutes for a barista to make it, is a waste of time and money.

It's basic math: If you buy a $3.50 iced coffee once every weekday, that's $70 a month. Factor in the days you grab multiple cups of Joe and you're easily spending $100 or more on coffee you can just as easily make yourself. 

Priced at $24, the Hario Cold Process Immersion Coffee Brewer is a cost-efficient solution for those who are looking to cut back on money-wasting habits and keep more of their paycheck in their bank account. 

According to Williams-Sonoma, the brewer is easy to use as well: "Just add ground coffee, pour cold water on top, chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, then treat yourself to a cup of smooth, aromatic chilled coffee." In the morning, simply pour your freshly made cold brew (the brewer also brews hot coffee or tea) into a to-go cup and go

Hario Cold Process Immersion Coffee Brewer, $23.94, available at Amazon; $24.95, available at Williams-Sonoma.


 

SEE ALSO: These 8 coffee-making gadgets are the secret to a perfect cup of Joe

READ THIS: You can make Grady's famous iced coffee at home

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Here's the easiest way to get more sleep and have more energy during the week

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woman sleeping on table

As much fun as it is to have a lazy Sunday after snoozing until late afternoon, your weekend habit of sleeping in isn't doing you any favors.

You can blame social jetlag. It works just like regular old jetlag, only it happens when our body clocks get thrown off by the gap between our weekend and weekday sleep schedules.

Luckily, there are ways to fix it. Here's how you can make sure your body clock stays on a more normal schedule:

1. Wake up at the same time every day.

Yes, it's hard, because there's no real reason to keep waking up at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. But staying in the groove is important. Frank Scheer, a professor at Harvard Medical School told Science News he has virtually no social jet lag thanks to early morning wake-ups from his kids.

Even making sure you're waking up a few hours within when you usually wake up during the week would be a lot better than waking up at 2 p.m. Think about it this way: The jet lag from a New York-to-Chicago flight isn't nearly as bad as a flight from New York to San Francisco.

2. Pick a job that lets you be outside in the sunlight — or make sure your office has good natural light

Like our ancestors, our bodies evolved to be awake when it's light out and asleep when it's dark. Dim offices with artificial light can mess up that cycle and trick our bodies into thinking it's later than it is. To fix this, find a way to get as much natural light as possible during the day by sitting by a window or taking walks outside throughout the day.

A man sleeps on a conveyer belt under an American Airlines logo at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York January 22, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

3. Expose yourself to sunlight in the early morning

Leaving for work before the sun has risen and you coming home after it sets can make you feel as if you're nocturnal. The more sunlight you get in the morning, the earlier your central clock will want to get up. By retraining this part of the body, the chances of getting social jet lag go down.

4. Steer clear of bright screens right before bed

As much fun as it is to scroll through social media before snoozing, the light our smartphones and computer screens emit confuses our body clocks because they wans to keep running as if it's still day time.

Instead of powering your body down, the light causes you to be more alert and ready to keep on going — even if it's way past your designated bedtime. So while those late-night Netflix binge sessions seem like a great idea for a relaxing Friday, it's best to switch off screens at least an hour you plan to go to sleep.

The takeaway

What all this boils down to keeping an eye on how you time your exposure to sunlight and sticking with a regular schedule. The more sunlight you get during “natural” waking hours, the earlier your body clock will be set. Having a regular wake-up and bedtime should help you avoid as much social jetlag as possible.

READ NEXT: Science has found the best strategy for improving your sleep

CHECK OUT: 23 incredible benefits of getting more sleep

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Take a fascinating tour of Obama's ancestral home village

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Obama Kenya 30

The oldest living relative of President Barack Obama lives in Kenya. His father was born there in 1936, and he is buried there now, in the village of Kogelo.

Obama is set to visit the nation of Kenya for the first time since he was elected in 2008, during a two-nation trip to Africa that began late Thursday night. The last time Obama traveled to Kenya was a little under a decade ago as a senator. 

It's a place where he has familial roots, and one that helped launch his swift political ascent — he wrote about Kogelo and his father in his book, "Dreams from my Father."

Though Obama's visit to Kenya is a first for a sitting US president, US officials have said he will not visit the village of Kogelo.

It's sure to be a disappointment to those who live in the village so closely tied to his family, and who, as a community, have already fully embraced his legacy. There's a Senator Barack Obama Primary School, multiple Barack Obama Safari tours, phone ringtones, a hotel that offers a Barack Obama Suite, and more. There are even young boys named after him.

Reuters recently published a collection of photos from Kogelo. Take a tour of the village through them below.

People hurry through the busy trading center in the village of Kogelo, west of Kenya's capital, Nairobi.



A motorcyclist wearing a T-shirt with the image of US President Barack Obama waits for fuel at the trading center in Kogelo.



The grave of Obama's father, Barack Hussein Obama Sr., and his grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama, are seen within their homestead in the president's ancestral village of Kogelo.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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20 stunning tennis courts to play in your lifetime

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mauna kea beachside tennis court at sunsetWhile people like to argue about grass versus clay versus hard courts, everyone can agree that the surface becomes secondary when the courts are this scenic.

We found the most beautiful tennis courts in the world that are open to the public.

Every tennis player should add these 20 courts to their bucket lists.

SEE ALSO: 40 courses every golfer should play in their lifetime

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Going, Austria: Stanglwirt Hotel

The rugged Wilder Kaiser mountain range in the Austrian Alps (which aptly translates to wild king), make for a breathtaking backdrop to your backhand in this eco-friendly resort.

Learn more here »



Kamuela, Hawaii: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Seaside Tennis Club

Eleven stunning seaside courts beckon with a salty breeze and epic views across Kauna'oa Bay. Hotel guests as well as those from sister hotel Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel can take private or group lessons, tennis clinics, or take part in round robin tournaments.

Learn more here » 

 



Positano, Italy: Il San Pietro di Positano

Befitting of a five star hotel that hosts the likes of George Clooney is this luxury resort’s epic seaside tennis court, which sits 384 steps down from the hotel between limestone cliffs and a private beach. Views span rugged cliffs and the Mediterranean, with Capri sparkling in the distance. Try booking the court around sunset for an especially breathtaking experience, then grab a drink at the hotel bar.

Learn more here » 

 

 



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This article of clothing makes men look instantly more put together in the summer

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The T-shirt's more structured, well-dressed cousin — the polo— is an article of clothing that makes men look instantly put together. They're also one of the most versatile styles of shirt; they'll complement the rest of your work wardrobe just as well as they will the shorts and boat shoes you wear when you're off the clock. 

In the summer, swapping your long-sleeve button-downs for polo shirts will prove exponentially more comfortable, too, since they have additional stretch and breathability. Avoid blaring brand logos and they'll look just as sharp as your go-to oxfords. Below, we found 11 of them for you to shop — all under $50. 


obeyObey Mercer Polo, $32.20 (originally $46), available at East Dane.[30% off]


perry ellis

Perry Ellis Textured Stripe Polo, $23.99-$42, available at Amazon.


original penguinOriginal Penguin‘Bing’ Slim Fit Short Sleeve Polo, $45.90 (originally $69), available at Nordstrom. [33% off]


levi'sLevi's Rillo Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt, $24.99 (originally 40), available at Amazon. [37% off]


us polo assnU.S. Polo Assn. Slim-Fit Cotton Slub Striped Polo Shirt, $21.99 (originally $44), available at Amazon. [50% off]


calvin kleinCalvin Klein Block Jacquard Polo, $37.68 (originally $65), available at Amazon. [42% off]


rvcaRVCA 'Sure Thing' Stripe Cotton Jersey Polo, $36, available at Nordstrom.


bossBOSS 'Vito' Regular Fit Pima Cotton Polo, $47.49 (originally $95), available at Nordstrom. [50% off]


j.crew1J.Crew Pique Polo Shirt with Embroidered Anchors, $49.50, available at J.Crew.


scotch & sodaScotch & Soda Printed Polo Shirt, $38 (originally $75), available at Scotch & Sodaand Amazon. [50% off]


grayersGrayers Modern Fit Slub Jersey Polo, $37.90 (originally $58), available at Nordstrom. [35% off]


 

SEE ALSO: Here's what you should look for when buying a briefcase

READ THIS: The right way to wear a skinny tie

Join the conversation about this story »










Enraged residents on the French Riviera are bracing for a visit from the Saudi royals

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An AFPTV screen grab shows the beach at Vallauris which will be cut off from the public during the Saudi royal family's stay

Nice (France) (AFP) - King Salman of Saudi Arabia arrives in France on Saturday for a Riviera holiday, with the closure of the beach in front of his villa incensing local residents.

While the king's three-week visit with an entourage of nearly 1,000 is a boon for the local economy, the closure of a public beach for the privacy and security of the royal party -- along with illegal construction work -- has sparked anger. 

Authorities brought forward the closure of the kilometre (half a mile) stretch of beach to early on Saturday to prevent an occupation of the area beforehand.

King Salman was due to arrive by private plane on Saturday afternoon at Nice airport and head directly to the private villa in Vallauris, on the Riviera between Antibes and Marseille.

King SalmanThe king's inner circle will be put up at the family's private villa, while some 700 other members of his entourage will be accommodated at top hotels on the promenade in Cannes.

Hundreds of other Saudis will be following the king on his holiday -- as is the tradition -- swelling the total number of Saudi citizens flooding into the southern French beach resorts.

"Clearly this is good news," Michel Chevillon, president of an association representing hotel managers in Cannes, said earlier this week

"These are people with great purchasing power which will pep up not only the luxury hotel industry but also the retail and tourism sectors of the town," Chevillon said. 

- Royal 'messing around' -

But not everyone is happy.

Beach access is normally open in France as it is the state that owns the coast, and tensions often flare when towns close them off partially by granting concessions to firms offering rentals of parasols and sunbeds.

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition protesting the "privatisation" of the beach in front of the Saudi king's villa.

"We recall that this natural zone, like all maritime public estates, is an intrinsic public property that should be available for the benefit of all, residents, tourists, French, foreigners or people passing through," the petition said.

"We ask the state to guarantee the fundamental principle of the equality of all citizens before the law," the text added.

French authorities may close off beach access for security reasons, however.

A ban on approaching closer than 300 metres (yards) of the villa by sea also goes into effect on Saturday.

Illegal construction work by the villa has also poisoned the atmosphere. 

Workers had tried to install a fence to close access to the beach during the king's arrival, but local authorities intervened and it was removed, as was a metal catwalk bolted to the rock cliffs upon which the villa sits.

A cement platform was also poured on the beach for an elevator up to the villa. Local authorities acquiesced on condition the elevator is removed after the visit. 

"We're sick and tired of this messing around," a local woman said ahead of the visit.

"I can see it's normal that you need to guarantee their security, but they should let us go for a swim."

 

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These bizarre 'face-kinis' are popping up on beaches across China

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In Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, new versions of "face-kinis" are incredibly popular to shield skin from the sun. Originally inspired by Peking Opera characters, "face-kini" creator Zhang Shifan has since altered the design to avoid scaring people, especially children. 

Produced by Emma Fierberg. Video courtesy of Associated Press and Reuters.

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The world's first plus-size supermodel is working to solve a $9 billion problem

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Fashion without limits emme

The plus-size fashion industry is facing a crisis. 

Full-figured women are more than willing to spend money on trendy clothing items, but complain that few retailers are providing women with fashionable options that work for them. 

Melissa Aronson, known professionally as Emme, is widely recognized as the world's first plus-size supermodel. She decided to get to the root of the problem by investing in a design program that trains students on how to create better plus-size clothing. 

Emme spoke to Business Insider about how she launched Fashion Without Limits at her alma mater, Syracuse University.

The program's curriculum teaches emerging designers how to craft designs for plus-size women.

"You've gotta go where the designers are taught," Emme told Business Insider.

Fashion without Limits emmeAlthough she initially planned to launch the program as a Kickstarter, she ended up joining forces with Syracuse University.

Emme notes that the general consensus among plus-size women is "I am more fashionable than what you are giving me — no more muumuus!"

The current, matronly one-size-fits-all isn't working, according to Emme.

"Once and for all, not all curves are the same," she said.

At first, this revolutionary curriculum was met with some resistance, she said.

But the rewards for learning how to build designs for plus-size women could be immense for the students and the retailers who hire them.  

"We wanted to have designers to graduate our fashion design school with an inclusive fashion education that when they would walk out of these doors, they would be able to be ... in high demand for those particular manufacturers and design firms that are looking to get into full figured," Emme explained. "They [manufacturers] are really, really nervous because there's such a very high cost to get into the business if the designer does not [know how to make a dress] soup-to-nuts [for a] full figure."

Emme says she worked with NPD analyst Marshal Cohen, who claimed retailers are missing out on $12 billion to $14 billion a year in sales from plus-size consumers. (IBISWorld reported the market was worth $9 billion in July.)

These figures show the plus-size industry is a highly profitable one.

fashion without limits winner nicole wezowicz

While retailers like Target have attempted to cash in on this industry with its plus-size line AVA + VIV, and Bloomingdale's offers designers such as Michaels Kors and Eileen Fisher in larger sizes, some stores still dismiss plus-size women.

Even if they market to them and sell clothing in their sizes, they still put these women in a corner — and sometimes, they do it literally.

"I think department stores are scratching their heads, saying — I'm not going to mention the specific department store, but I will say — do not put your full-figured department next to maternity or in the back near home goods," Emme told Business Insider. "Because women are starting to come through and live-tweet department stores!"

Average, nonsupermodels will have more options if designers know how to craft designs for women with bigger builds. Emme acknowledged that she's a supermodel, and not every woman has a team at her disposal to help find a perfectly fitting outfit. She said that "doesn't help the people that I represent." 

Most importantly, this initiative to have a wider range of designs will not only position students to have more profitable careers, but will create a wider range of options to plus-size women. After all, plus-size women are more than just plus-sized.

"This full-figured customer is hippie chick, she is preppy, she is conservative, she is more modern — she is all the personalities that you find in the Missy market. The full-figured customer is the same," Emme said.

"No longer is it one full-figured cut for all," she said.

But while more and more plus-size women's voices are getting heard — whether it be via petitions online or bloggers — Emme said this issue encompasses more than the plus-size community.

"Truly, this issue is not about plus size," she said. "It is a feminist and women issue."

You can follow #SUFWL and @Supermodelemme for updates regarding the initiative. 

SEE ALSO: Retailers are missing out on a $9 billion opportunity

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The BMW X6 M is definitely one of the weirdest cars I've ever driven

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BMW X6 M

It isn't a sports sedan. It isn't an SUV. I'm not sure that it's even a BMW, given my experience of looking at the German automaker's luxury cars.

This is what the BMW X6 M is: a "sport activity coupe," or SAC. It's certainly the oddest segment in the motoring world, outside of "shooting brakes" (two-door station wagons) and limos with hot tubs.

BMW has pretty well owned the SAC space, although last year Mercedes rolled out its GLE Coupe to challenge the bimmermeisters for supremacy.

There's the standard-issue X6, and there's the X6 M, given more warp and woof (much, much more woof) by BMW's M performance division. The run-of-the-mill X6 starts at about $61,000, but once the M dudes get finished with the car, BMW will sell it to you for $115,000 — nicely equipped, as in the case of the "Long Beach blue metallic" version with "Aragon brown full merino leather" interior I recently tested.

What does the extra $54,150 get you? Mind-bending, borderline-disturbing things, as it turns out. You could buy another car or two, obviously, with the difference. But then you'd be deprived of a driving experience so strange that, well, you'll feel incomplete. That is, if you need to drive an un-SUV four-door super-coupe that can give you whiplash if you aren't careful with the throttle; a car that should inspire confidence going around corners but with a curb weight of 5,300 pounds and the stance of a draught horse crossed with Optimus Prime, doesn't.

The X6 M certainly is fun in a straight line, however. The growling, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 creates a Matterhorn of torque when you're tooling around on the highway in the placid confines of gear eight and decide to flick it down five whole shifts to third, squeezing the throttle and unleashing the crazy. This car's middle name is "GO!"

Breaking up?

Actually, all of its names are "GO!" The g's come quick — quickest if you're in "Sport Plus" mode across the board, but fairly swiftly even when you're in "Comfort." You're ultimately not going that fast. But you are accelerating at a borderline-alarming pace. It sticks in you head. You're used to this kind of thing if you're driving an M4 coupe (I recently drove the convertible version). In the X6 M, the velocity scrambles your thinking. You're supposed to bond with the furious power of BMW's M cars. But with the X6 M, I kind of wanted a divorce.

BMW X6 M

The X6 M is an engineering fever dream. There's no reason not to treat it like a jolly old freeway cruiser. God knows I tried, making a run from New York City to the Hamptons on the Long Island Expressway. (I've done this in two Corvettes and a Ferrari, by the way, and they slipped easily into their six-lane alter egos as Buicks.) But that unholy turbo V8 in the X6 M taunts you. Slip the gearbox out of manual mode, adjust all the driving settings to the calmest possible modes, order up "Watercolors" on SiriusXM radio, and heck, switch on the cruise control — but no.

The mollified torque still looms like a wild animal stuffed under the hood. The car almost jerks. In fact, it does jerk, like an over-caffeinated panther with fast-twitch muscles. It seems coiled and ireful even when it isn't supposed to. It put me in the mind of the Incredible Hulk, mid-metamorphosis: It's almost as if those deeply rational BMW engineers decided to give free reign to something they'd rather not openly discuss. When you pop the hood, you expect to see molten lava. You can't understand why a fearsome plume of black smoke isn't coming from someplace.

Bizarre styling

The X6 M looks like a warrior who has showered off the blood of his enemies and slipped into a well-tailored Hugo Boss suit. It looks like it was made by Hot Wheels. It looks vaguely militaristic. (It could intimidate a Hummer.) All it needs is a cape. It makes an angry sound; its tires are too big and wide and fat, and the styling is thrusty and frankly bizarre. You kind of don't want to look at it. But then you do. And you sort of wish you hadn't.

BMW X6 M

Inside, BMW has done the usual BMW thing and made sure that as the driver of the Ultimate Driving Machine, you feel immediately familiar with the setup. The seat, the steering wheel, the paddle shifters, the instruments, the center console — you're enveloped in a reassuring, driver-centric BMW-ness. The leather upholstery is supple; carbon-fiber accents are present and skirt that line between stimulating and excessive, and for everyone else in the car the environment is comfortable. Cargo space is adequate, if not abundant.

BMW X6 M

Mind you, the X6 M is a potent piece of hardware. The V8 cranks out 567 horsepower — over 100 more than the Corvette Stingray! Why? Another 93 equestrians and you're talking about a Corvette Z06. Add three more horsepower and you're got a Ferrari 458. The X6 M does the 550-horsepower Range Rover Sport SVR 17 horsepower better. This is a mighty Wagnerian poleaxe of a motor. One doesn't want to argue with it.

Luxury to spare

It also ticks off every imaginable luxury box. The infotainment system is BMW's and still hard to use, but it does everything it's supposed to do. The sounds system is lovely. The interior styling cues get the "M" treatment, with blue and red stitching on the steering wheel and "M" badges tucked here and there. The seats have many adjustable positions, and they are heated and cooled. The rear seats are quite nice, and the rear climate controls, for what it's worth, are the best I've ever seen.

Still, that engine! With great power comes great responsibility. Under normal driving conditions, you can make use of about a tenth of what I suspect the X6 M can mete out. Nevertheless, as with the Corvette Z06 and the 650-horsepower active volcano many mistake for its power plant, you aren't so much driving a car as keeping a leash on the three-headed hound that guards the approaches to the underworld. Setting it free seems, always, like a very, very bad idea. Plus, it occupies acres of attention span. Daydreaming while driving is not advised.

It's almost like the Masters of M decided that they just weren't being taken seriously enough. Too many people had the wrong idea about what a BMW actually is. Remember the sweet little BMW 2002 of the 1970s, that spry and peppy sports sedan that defined what Bayerische Motoren Werke meant to its earliest adopters?

The X6 M ate the BMW 2002 and kept right on chewing. If the dystopia envisioned by "Mad Max" ever comes to pass, expect to see the X6 M among the survivors. The "sport" part of "sport utility coupe," in light of the X6 M's overall attitude, seems pathetically quaint. What "sport" does BMW have in mind? ICBM racing? Dodge ball with meteors?

BMW X6 M

Who would buy this thing?

I simply don't understand what you would do with a car like this. (Although when it comes to the regular X6, many customers know exactly what they want to do and are delighted to buy the car, which has been selling well.) It isn't roomy enough to function as an SUV. It doesn't really make you happy to look at it. Trying to cruise around in it induces anxiety. It doesn't want you to become one with its bimmerness.

Nothing bad will happen if you take a corner with a bit too much enthusiasm — the technocratic all-wheel-drive system supplies a check — but why would you risk it? It can't be a family car because it's actually something that you keep in the basement and cut loose when the Four Horsemen appear on the horizon. My children fell asleep in the back seat. I thought they were fools.

When I return a test car, especially a high-performance luxury machine, I'm generally a little sad. Not this time. I dropped the X6 M off at the garage. I didn't look back.

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16 ways to get more from household basics

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lemons lemon juiceFrom lemons to sponges to last night's leftover beer, there are a lot of household basics laying around that could be repurposed and put to use in smart, cost-effective ways.

Before you head out to buy new cleaning, beauty, or gardening products, take a look at this list of products and ingredients that may do the trick. 

Here are 16 household items that could save you an errand run and some cash:

Mandi Woodruff contributed to an earlier version of this article.

SEE ALSO: 13 tips to save up to $1,000 in 30 days or less

Lemons: Freshen up your home.

Lemons are all the firepower you'll need in the face of life's stinkier problems.

Couponsherpa.com suggests tossing leftover lemon peels into the garbage disposal and letting it whirl to get rid of any unsavory smells. 

You can also rub down your cutting board with half a lemon to freshen it up. During cooler months, cozy up to the fireplace and toss a few peels on the flames to add a citrusy hint to the air in your home. 

Check out 66 more life-changing things you can do with a lemon.



Vinegar: Pamper your pooch.

Vinegar may be pretty assaulting on the olfactory senses, but it is probably one of the most diverse products you have in your household arsenal.

Vinegartips.com recommends using it to make your pup's coat really shine. Just mix a cup of the white distilled variety with one quart of water, then rub down their coat with your hands.

The versatile ingredient can also be used to maintain skin and nails, soothe bug bites, remove stains, and maintain a healthy and green garden, according to the site.



Honey: Fight germs.

Winnie may have been on to something.

Some varieties of honey can be used as a very effective antibacterial agent, according to US News & World Report.

The most potent type, Manuka honey, is found in New Zealand, US News reports, but there are honey-based wound creams and lotions you can purchase through Honeymark International.

The sweet treat can also be used as a shampoo booster, hair conditioner, pore cleanser, and scar fader, according to Women's Health Magazine.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








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Science explains the 'dad bod'

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dad with sonIs there any way to put this delicately? Men, when they have children, get fatter. We’ve known this for a while, and now the first nationally representative sample confirms it.

In a study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, researchers at Northwestern tracked the body mass index of 10,623 fathers and nonfathers over several years. The typical 6-foot-tall man gained an average of 4.4 pounds in the years after having a child; the new dad who did not live with his child gained about 3.3 pounds. During the same age period, the typical childless man lost 1.4 pounds. Thank you, science, for explaining the dad bod.

The researchers did not interview any men, but in the press release for the study, they made layman guesses about why fathers gained weight. The men were now busy with babies, so they didn’t have time to themselves. Maybe the dads are on the night shift and wake up with an insane craving for Doritos. (Lead researcher Craig Garfield admitted his personal weakness was eating cheese pizza off his kids’ plates.)

Maybe they’re too tired to wear anything but sweatpants, so why bother? Maybe they’re temporarily off the dating market, so why bother? Maybe we don’t need a whole lot of explanation for why an infinitely demanding little being is incompatible with maintaining your fitness routine.

The researchers highlighted the study as an opportunity to think about men and obesity. Men often talk about the arrival of children as a chance for self-improvement: a moment when they will quit smoking or exercise more. Instead, their BMI inches up about 2 percent. Since a new father is making regular doctor visits with the baby anyway, the researchers suggest that perhaps the pediatrician should talk to him about his own health and mention the likelihood that his weight will creep up. 

huggies pregnancy belt The researchers did not interview any men, but in the press release for the study, they made layman guesses about why fathers gained weight. The men were now busy with babies, so they didn’t have time to themselves. Maybe the dads are on the night shift and wake up with an insane craving for Doritos. (Lead researcher Craig Garfield admitted his personal weakness was eating cheese pizza off his kids’ plates.)

Maybe they’re too tired to wear anything but sweatpants, so why bother? Maybe they’re temporarily off the dating market, so why bother? Maybe we don’t need a whole lot of explanation for why an infinitely demanding little being is incompatible with maintaining your fitness routine.

The researchers highlighted the study as an opportunity to think about men and obesity. Men often talk about the arrival of children as a chance for self-improvement: a moment when they will quit smoking or exercise more. Instead, their BMI inches up about 2 percent.

Since a new father is making regular doctor visits with the baby anyway, the researchers suggest that perhaps the pediatrician should talk to him about his own health and mention the likelihood that his weight will creep up. 

Join the conversation about this story »

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Japan is home to a unique form of bicycle racing where riders must survive this intense 11-month bootcamp if they want to go pro

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Japan Kierin School

There are just four sports that patrons in Japan can bet on legally. A form of bicycle racing known as keirin is one of them.

Keirin cyclists compete in two-kilometer track races; they start by following a pacer, then sprint to the finish line.

The sport started in 1948 and was created with gambling in mind. For a while its popularity grew, but it faced a decline in the 1990s and never fully recovered.

Even so, many still seek to join the professional ranks. But becoming a registered keirin racer isn't easy.

There is a special school that riders must attend; it has an acceptance rate of 10%. The training is intense, lasting six days a week for 15 hours a day for almost a year.

These photos, taken by Chris McGrath for Getty Images, take you inside the Keirin School in Japan and its intense athletic regimen.

SEE ALSO: The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

Morning wake up is at 6:30. Students prepare their bikes before training. They have 15 minutes to get ready before roll call, and then get loose and warm up ahead of training.



After roll call there's exercising, drills, and cleaning responsibilities. Breakfast is a big deal: Students consume 1,300 calories (double the norm) to prepare for hard physical work throughout the day.



Female keirin students run a set of steps during their morning jog. Becky James, who rode on the keirin circuit for a while, told the Daily Mail that "the girls all have really short haircuts and they have to wear the same uniforms. It’s crazy and very old school. It’s the same for the boys too. They were walking around in hats and shorts, and T-shirts had to be tucked in. And if they saw us they had to bow!"

Source:The Daily Mail



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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