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21 outrageous ways the super rich spend their money

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wealthy person car

What do you do with billions of dollars?

That's what Robert Frank, host of "Secret Lives of the Super Rich," tries to uncover on the CNBC show, which gives viewers VIP access into the extravagant lives of the wealthiest people on the planet.  

We sorted through clips of the show and CNBCs Instagram account, @cnbcsuperrich, and picked out the most lavish expenditures we could find. 

Here are 21 ways the super rich like to spend their money:

SEE ALSO: How celebrity coach Tony Robbins spends his millions

They can fly luxury underwater planes.

 

The latest toy for the super rich is a craft that flies underwater. "The minute we went under water, everything felt natural and calm, and it was just like flying," said host Robert Frank, who got to give it a whirl.



They can drive $4 million Lamborghini Venenos.

 

Former tech CEO and avid car collector Antoine Dominic is one of the three lucky people in the world who owns a Lamborghini Veneno, the priciest production car on the road as of 2014. He bought this $4 million car without even seeing it ahead of time, and didn't take it out for a spin until Robert Frank and CNBC begged for a ride. You can see clips from the maiden voyage here.



They can buy megamansions for their horses.

 

The super-rich pets live the high life as well. Pictured above is a "home" in an exclusive neighborhood in Florida worth tens of millions of dollars — a home built for horses, that is.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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12 pairs of sneakers you can get away with wearing at the office

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sneakersatwork

Sneakers are more than a workout staple. A quick walk down the street or around your office will prove it. But, there's a big difference between the Flyknits and Stan Smiths you spot your coworkers in and the sneakers you run 5ks in at the gym.

The former are more polished; some of them may not be meant for demanding physical activity at all.

Instead, this new class of sneakers — a class that can be described as purely aesthetic — is the perfect complement to gingham shirts and jeans on casual Fridays, so long as your HR department is open-minded when it comes to employees wearing casual-looking shoes at the office.

While wearing sneakers to work will require a certain amount of finesse — pairing them with your more tailored looks will take some practice— they're a much more comfortable option to consider when you don't feel like wearing leather lace-ups or loafers.

To get you started on the right foot, we found 12 sneakers for you to pair with the rest of your business-casual attire. Popular sneakers brands like Nike, adidas, New Balance, and more have many different styles to choose from. The search is narrowed down for you, below.


toms

Pair TOMS' light-wash denim sneaker with dark-wash denim jeans for a polished, casual Friday outfit.  

TOMS ‘Paseo’ Sneaker, $58.95, available at Nordstrom.


nativeNative Shoes is quickly becoming a go-to for people who want sneakers that are both sporty and stylish. They're also incredibly lightweight and airy, which make them perfect for summer.  

Native Shoes Apollo Moc, $70, available at Amazon and Need Supply.


nike

Nike's popular Flyknit sneakers looks just as sleek in the office as they do on the track — they're also available to shop in tons of colors. 

Nike Mens Free Flyknit 4.0 Running Shoes, $131, available at Amazon.


adidas

A pair of Stan Smiths will complement your gingham shirt and chinos very nicely. 

adidas Originals Unisex 'Stan Smith' Sneakers, $54.57-$154.76, available at Amazon.


brThey're not oxfords or brogues, but Banana Republic's trainers are definitely a step dressier than your average running shoes. 

Banana Republic Logan Sneaker, $105.99 (originally $118), available at Banana Republic.


calvin klein

If you'd prefer to skip laces, try slip-on sneakers. 

Calvin Klein Porter Mesh Slip-On Sneaker, $50.99, available at Amazon.


Screen Shot 2015 07 27 at 12.21.21 PMA bright splash of color on your feet will make bold statement about your personal style.

GREATS The Bab Low, $49, available at Greats. 


axek arigato

Neutral high-tops without logos will look more professional than Chuck Taylors. 

Axel Arigato Chukka Sneaker in Plain Grey Suede, $170, available at Axel Arigato.


nike 1

A subtle pop of color goes a long way in a stuffy office. 

Nike 'Air Max Tavas' Sneaker, $90, available at Nordstrom.


sperry

Sperry's slip-ons resemble work loafers, and they're just as comfortable as running shoes. 

Sperry Striper Leather Slip On Sneakers $85, available at East Dane. 


Madden Humpfry Fashion Sneaker, starting at $16.50, available at Amazon

When in doubt, keep your sneaker's color neutral and shape simple. 

Madden Humpfry Fashion Sneaker, starting at $16.50, available at Amazon.


Cole Haan Joshua Suede & Tweed Sneakers, $89.99, available at Saks off 5th

Dark colors, like navy and gray, are safe options for the office. 

Cole Haan Joshua Suede & Tweed Sneakers, $89.99, available at Saks off 5th. 


 

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

READ THIS: Here's what you should look for when buying a briefcase

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15 rare photographs of Iran's stunning palaces, mosques, and baths

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Vakil mosque

Iran is home to breathtaking mosques filled with intricate mosaics and a kaleidoscope of colors. 

But because professional photography equipment isn't permissible in most of these institutions, their stunning beauty often remains unseen

Self-taught photographer Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji is one of the lensman who's captured a rare glimpse of Iran’s mosques and religious structures. He frequently goes through weeks of extensive paperwork and red tape to conduct his work. 

Keep scrolling to get lost in the sea of colors snapped by this talented photographer. 

SEE ALSO: 12 gorgeous aerial photos of the seaside city of Marseille in southern France

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Step inside the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, located in Shiraz, Iran. Here, an array of stained glass windows transport visitors to a colorful paradise.



But to catch this stunning site, you’ll need to head to the mosque early in the morning. It was built specifically to reflect the morning rays.



Its rose hued tiles have earned it the nickname “Pink Mosque.”



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Billionaire Michael Bloomberg just won a bidding war for this historic London mansion

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Bloomberg London Mansion

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has acquired prime property in central London, and it didn't come easy. Although the mansion was listed for $23.4 million, it was purchased by Bloomberg for $26.5 million after a bidding war broke out among interested parties, according to the Daily Mail.

The mansion is a historic building that sits along the River Thames and can be accessed only by a private road.

Bloomberg also owns a $31 million abode in the Knightsbridge section of London. As reported by The New York Times, the gigantic new London headquarters of Bloomberg LP will be completed by 2016.

Lulu Egerton of Strutt & Parker Real Estate handled the listing.

SEE ALSO: 33 ridiculously cool buildings of the future

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Bloomberg's newest address rests in the exclusive Cheyne Walk section of London's Chelsea neighborhood, on the banks of the River Thames.



The residence is described as a "Grade II* listed building," which is London real estate speak for a historical building that's part of the slim 5.5% of Grade II listings on the market.

Source: Historic England



The house was originally built in 1715.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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20 unbelievable views of the beach from Business Insider readers

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beach best views

Last month we announced our first ever Instagram contest. We asked readers to submit incredible pictures of spectacular views around the world with the hashtag #BIbestviews.

Because we received so many entries, we decided to break down the winners into different categories. 

Here, we present the winners in the beach category. These Instagrams make us want to throw on our suits, grab a towel, and dive in.

Didn't submit a beach view? Not to worry, we'll be releasing more categories in the next week, so keep an eye out. Congratulations to all the winners — and thanks for your submissions!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best beaches in the world, according to travelers

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First stop is the Sivota beach, located in the upper west corner of Greece, captured by @jim.georgoulis.

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@trentniino took a hike to Lanikai beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

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@alijardine captured a beautiful sunset in Oahu, Hawaii.

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The 6 belts every man should have in his closet

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At the Articles of Style office, we don’t wear a ton of belts. We’re tailoring guys, more often seen in side-adjusters and trousers that are properly adjusted to fit our waists.

We also occasionally prefer the comfort of braces. But, of course, there will also be trousers with belt loops that need good quality belts.

Belts are one of those accessories that, if you buy quality and pick the right one, you shouldn’t have to replace it for a long time. I went through my personal collection, pulled out my most-worn belts, and put together a list of what I think would be a complete collection for a man’s wardrobe.

Here’s six belts that should have you sharply and appropriately dressed for any occasion.

SEE ALSO: The best men's watches at every price point

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The Black Dress Belt

This is the most formal belt in your collection. You should never wear a belt with a tuxedo or traditional formal wear, but if there’s a great suit that requires something black and dressy, we recommend a slim leather belt (1″- 1 1/4″) with a simple silver buckle.

If you can spring for an exotic skin, like this lizard, it will add a unique texture that is all luxury.

Our favorite online right now: the “Windsor” lizard belt by Trafalgar.



The Brown Dress Belt

In my personal collection this is the one that gets the most use. I wear a lot of tailoring, often with brown shoes (more brown in LA, more black in NYC). Again, for a dress belt we like something slim (around 1″ wide) and we prefer the exotics, like this American Alligator.

Our favorite online right now: the “Julian” America alligator belt by Martin Dingman.



The Rugged Denim Belt

For a casual weekend involving jeans and/or other workwear-inspired pieces, look for a belt that is a little wider (1 1/2″ or so) and cut from a thick, rugged bridle leather that is ready to take a beating.

Our favorite online right now: the “Double Prong” belt by Filson.



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These 12 online services can help you dress like a modern gentleman

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The modern gentleman is too busy to shop, but he still wants to look his best.

From subscription services like Trunk Club to a traditional internet retailer that simplifies the online shopping experience, these services can help you step up your style game without spending a lot of time.

Additionally, a guy who goes this route will increase the amount of relaxed, quality time he gets to spend on developing his look.

Some services will help you get a suit that fits great, while others will connect you with a stylist who gets to know what you like and can send you choices when you're ready.

Still more services make selections for you and send out cool stuff on a monthly basis.

Indochino brings custom suit making to everyone.

No tailor required — you just pick out your fabrics, measure yourself according to the site's easy-t0-follow instructions, and it will mail you a relatively high-quality suit without any of the fuss usually required.

Indochino's prices are reasonable for the quality offered.



An alternative to Indochino, Black Lapel also offers custom suit making.

Simply select your fabric, customize your garment with the pattern, pockets, and design you want, and then take your measurements and Black Lapel will mail you your suit.



Blank Label will make any custom wear you want, from shirts to suits, to your personal fit profile.

This obviously includes telling Blank Label your measurements, but it also asks things like: "What bothers you about the fit of typical off-the-rack shirts, and how would you like us to make your personal fit?"



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








The 24 must-read books of the summer

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One of the great things about summer is that it opens up some time — on vacation, on a day trip to the beach — to cross a few books off your reading bucket list.

Whether you're into an edge-of-your seat thriller or a riveting recap of recent history, we curated a list of the 12 best fiction and 12 best non-fiction books to read this summer. Take a look at the graphics below for our picks.

 BI_Graphics_Summer book fiction

BI_Graphics_Summer book non fiction

Get the books on Amazon:

"Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee »"Modern Romance" by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg »
"Tell the Wolves I'm Home" by Carol Rifka Brunt »"Your Band Sucks: What I Saw at Indie Rock's Failed Revolution (But Can No Longer Hear)" by Jon Fine »
"Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel »"The Argonauts" by Maggie Nelson »
"Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings" by Shirley Jackson »"Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy" by Judd Apatow »
"In the Unlikely Event" by Judy Blume »"The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown »
"The State We're In: Maine Stories" by Ann Beattie »"Getting There: A Book of Mentors" by Gillian Zoe Segal »
"The Sunlit Night" by Rebecca Dinerstein »"Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" by Barbara
Demick »
"The Beautiful Bureaucrat" by Helen Phillips »"Primates of Park Avenue" by Wednesday Martin »
"Finders Keepers" by Stephen King »"Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home" by Jessica Fechtor »
"Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War" by P.W. Singer and August Cole »"On the Move: A Life" by Oliver Sacks »
"Crooked" by Austin Grossman »"Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship" by Robert Kurson »
"Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng »"Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on the Decision Not to Have Kids" by Meghan Daum (editor) »

SEE ALSO: 23 books to save from the apocalypse

THEN: Follow @BI_Graphics on Twitter!

Join the conversation about this story »

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11 things you probably don't know about Vienna

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Austrian parliament

Our team of travel experts are, well, experts after all—so we know the importance of researching a destination before arrival (even if this means some frantic pocket guide perusals on the flight over).

But some things you just can't really learn or fully understand until you're in the city, especially if it's a characteristic that's a tad zanier or a bit different. That is, until now— for Vienna, at least. 

During our recent trip to Austria's capital, we visited 52 hotel properties, and made countless discoveries about the historic city that we hadn't know before.

Here are the 11 we think are the most important to pass onto you because a) you probably don't know them either and b) you probably should before you visit.

1. Vienna is a very formal place.

Home to the Hapsburg court for hundreds of years, Vienna hasn't shaken its courtly vibe. Though the empire fell in 1918, Viennese still rely heavily on formal greetings and addresses, and many dress more formally than Europeans do in neighboring cities. 

2. It is the largest wine-growing city in the world.

Vienna wine fieldsThere are over 1,700 acres of vineyards within Vienna's city limits, making Vienna the largest wine-growing city in the world. The vast majority of the wine produced is sold and enjoyed locally, versus being exported to other countries and continents.

3. Prostitution is legal.

While many prostitutes in Vienna are unregistered and therefore operating illegally, prostitution is legal in the city. Most street prostitution takes place in the Prater area; it is advised that those seeking these services visit a brothel rather than approaching someone on the street.

4. The Ringstrasse celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

Vienna RingstrasseVienna was one of the first capital cities in Europe to tear down its walls (under Emperor Franz Josef's command). The walls were replaced with a beautiful boulevard that makes a nearly three-mile loop around the city, creating what many call "the world's largest open-air museum."

Indeed, the area it surrounds is filled with gorgeous buildings and impressive museums. This year, this ring (Ringstrasse) celebrates its 150th anniversary with various festivals, musical events, and more.

5. The "free" bread isn't free.

Vienna breadWe're not just advising you to avoid the bread basket for the benefit of your waistline! Even in Viennese restaurants where the tables are set with bread baskets, diners will often be charged per piece.

6. The coffee culture is thriving.

Vienna coffeeViennese coffee houses are beautiful and grand, often referred to as the country’s public living rooms. A "melange," a combination of frothed milk and steamed coffee, is a Viennese classic.

Rather than grabbing their morning dose of caffeine to go, most visitors sit and sip, while enjoying various pastries and small breakfast items.

7. Vienna's airport has free Wi-Fi.

All those traveling through the Vienna International Airport have access to free Wi-Fi.

8. There are more graves than living residents.

Vienna gravesSpooky, we know. But the country's Central Cemetery, Zentralfriedhof, is one of the largest cemeteries in the world and has more graves in it than living residents. The Viennese have a reputation for being a bit fascinated by death, and the city is home to almost 50 cemeteries. The upside is that many of them are hauntingly beautiful.

9. The drinking water is delicious.

Emperor Franz Josef is not only to thank for the beautiful Ringstrasse, but also for Vienna's delicious drinking water. Via aqueducts built under his rule, water that is almost completely free of chlorine comes down from the mountains and supplies the city's taps.

10. Vienna's subway has the second highest per capital ridership in the world.

Vienna subwayVienna has an amazing public transportation system. The subway alone has the second highest per capita ridership in the world. Locals and visitors can also take advantage of the city's many railways, trolleys, and buses.

11. The opera is both amazing and affordable.

Vienna opera houseVienna is known for its thriving music culture that encompasses a vast range of genres—from underground electronic to the world-renowned State Opera.

Although true fanatics can splurge on premium seats (that can set you back hundreds of Euros), the opera house reserves numerous standing-room-only tickets that are sold for just a few Euros each shortly before each performance.

SEE ALSO: Why Vienna Was Named The World's Best Place To Live

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BILL NYE: America is making a big mistake

The 25 best cities for foodies around the world

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marrakesh food stalls

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to indulge in regional delicacies from around the world.

We combed through a recent Quora thread on the best cities for foodies, and pulled out the top food cities where you'll everything from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to scrumptious street food.

From Tokyo, which is home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, to Tel Aviv, where meals come with an array of fresh salads and appetizers, here are 25 cities that any foodie should cross off their bucket list.

 

SEE ALSO: 40 incredible restaurants you should eat at in your lifetime

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BANGKOK, THAILAND: In Bangkok, endless street stalls can be found with familiar dishes like pad Thai, which Thip Samai on Mahachai Road is known for. There is also a new trend of pop-up restaurants like Opposite, where chefs organize set dinners at fixed prices that are based on a theme like New Orleans, northeastern Thai, and a Roman dinner.

Source: Travel Channel, CNN Travel



BARCELONA, SPAIN: In Barcelona, you have an abundance of cured pork, Serrano ham, and cold cuts from inland Catalonia, but you also get fresh fish from the Mediterranean Sea. You can experience traditional Catalan cooking in areas like the Barri Gòtic quarter, sample tapas in various tapas restaurants like Cal Pep, and explore the Boqueria market for stalls of fresh produce and treats.

Source: Frommers

See the best places for foodies to eat in Barcelona »



BOLOGNA, ITALY: Food tours are popular in Bologna, Italy, the city that invented Tagliatelle alla Bolognese. You can sample the fresh mortadella and other cheeses of the Mercato di Mezzo market, browse the family-owned stores and artisan producers in the cobbled lanes of Quadrilatero, and end the day with a scoop of creamy gelato.

Source: National Geographic



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The music you like says a lot about how your brain processes information

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girl listening to music headphonesConfession: I've recently started getting into country music — a genre of music that used to make me want to change the radio station as fast as possible.

But as uncharacteristic as it is for me to delve into that genre, it makes sense for the way I react to the world around me, according to a recent study published in PLOS ONE.

In the study, researchers found that the types of music you like are linked to the way you process information.

The study was based off the idea that there are two ways people respond to their surroundings:

The first way is called empathizing, where someone is socially apt and can easily interact with those around them. The second way, called systemizing, describes a less sociable way of interaction where the individual interacts with others based on a pre-set notion of how they think they should act.

For example, when asked by a friend if their new hair cut looks good, a systemizer would tell the truth without considering their friend's feelings while an empathyzer would fudge the truth and saw what they thought would make their friend feel good. This type of systemizing is more common in men than women, according to a 2005 study.

In fact, this hypothetical haircut situation is one of the pyschological questions that psychologists from the University of Cambridge asked about 4,000 study subjets, who were recruited through a Facebook app.

First, the participants took a survey that asked psychological questions to determine whether they empathize, systemize, or had a balance of the two. To figure that out, participants answered questions like "I always get emotional while watching movies" with strongly disagree, disagree, agree, or strongly agree.

To rule out predispositions to certain types of music, they asked the participants to evaluate 50 songs from 26 genres and subgenres.

They found that empathic people tended to like mellow, unpretentious or contemporary tunes such as Norah Jones' "Come away with me" or Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah." This kind of music included country and folk songs, which is most likely where my recent obsession with country music factors in.  

The songs could express negative emotions or be a trendy techno song — the empathizers were into it. But, ask the empathizers to listen to punk or heavy metal, and their reactions weren't as favorable.

Systemizing people, on the other hand, tended to like high-energy music that conveyed positive emotions. Songs with a fair amount of complexity, like a complicated piece of classical music. People whose answers didn't have a clear distinction between systemizer or empathizer tended to have a mix of both music tastes.

Here's a graph of what kind of music empathizers (Type E), systemizers (Type S) or balanced (Type B) liked. The more positive the score, the more that group of people liked that particular musical characteristic. The more negative the score, the more people of certain groups disliked that musical characteristic.

journal.pone.0131151.g001.PNG

The mean age of the people involved in the study were around their mid-twenties, but some participants were as old as 61. The researchers controlled for gender and age. Even with gender and age playing a role, the connection between empathizer/sympathizer type and taste in music was still strong.

Knowing what types of music people like based on how they process information could be important information for companies like Spotify and Apple Music. "By knowing an individual's thinking style, such services might in future be able to fine tune their music recommendations to an individual," lead researcher David Greenberg said in a news release.

Interested in seeing if your thinking style matches your taste in music? Here's a quiz that can help you determine whether you empathize, systemize, or do a little of both.

READ NEXT: Science says these 2 personality traits predict whether you'll be a successful leader

CHECK OUT: Scientists discovered the personality trait that creative geniuses often share

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Monaco's Pierre Casiraghi tied the knot in one of the most tasteful royal weddings ever

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Two of the most important Italian families were joined on July 25 as Monaco's Pierre Casiraghi — the grandson of actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly — and Italian heiress Beatrice Borromeo said "I do" in the first of two wedding ceremonies. 

The civil ceremony in Monaco was limited to just 70 guests, but followed by a grand after-fête at the royal palace. A religious ceremony is scheduled for August 1 on one of the Borromeo family's private islands. Casiraghi, 27, is seventh in line to the Monaco throne and Borromeo, 29, currently works as a TV personality. 

The bride wore pink Valentino for the nuptials in Monaco's Pink Palace. 


T
he couple have been dating for seven years, according to People. 

Casiraghi is the son of Princess Caroline of Monaco (daughter of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III) and Italian businessman Stefano Casiraghi, who was killed in a boating accident in 1990. 

Borromeo is descended from the ancient Italian house of Borromeo, which traces its roots back to the 1300s.

Beatrice Borromeo Pierre Casiraghi

Following the ceremony, Prince Albert of Monaco (Casiraghi's uncle) hosted a short, carnival-themed party for 500 well-wishers in the palace gardens.

Then the bridal party moved to the luxurious and historic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo for an intimate reception and royal dinner.

Hotel de Paris (Monte Carlo)

Borromeo's choice of a pink wedding dress (finished with gold lace) wasn't just a nod to the Pink Palace. Princess Grace before her wore a pale pink wedding gown covered in French lace to her 1956 wedding. For the dinner at the hotel, Borromeo wore a floor-length white gown.

princess grace

 

SEE ALSO: Meet the former NYC waitress and Swedish reality show star who just became a princess

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How to sharpen knives with a coffee mug, and 10 other kitchen hacks you should know

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Sharp knives in kitchen

These cooking tips and tricks may not turn you into a gourmet chef, but they will save you time, money, and, in some cases, embarrassment. 

1. Invest in a proper knife.

A quality knife stays sharper longer, cuts better, and helps you save you money because it lasts forever. It's considered an investment for a reason.

2. Sharpen knives with a ceramic mug in a pinch.

Stroke the blade against the exposed, unpolished ceramic bottom and voilà, your former dull knife is ready for action. (But, at some point, you definitely want to get a real sharpener. A decent one can be had for about $15.)

3. Devour chicken wings the correct way.

Those two little bones cause so many issues, which is why we're thankful for this blogger. Watch how to remove the bones so you can enjoy the wing in its entirety without sacrificing precious meat. 

4. Use your thumb to see if your steak is cooked to perfection.

Old Homestead Steakhouse co-owner Greg Sherry shared a tip with us: Put your index finger and thumb together and feel the fleshy part of your hand below your thumb — that's what rare meat feels like. Do the same thing with your ring finger and thumb — that's medium. The pinky finger and thumb is well-done. 

5. Evenly roast veggies and fries without flipping them.

Simply pre-heat the cookie sheet or pan before you start roasting. Since the surface will already by hot, you won't have to worry about the mid-roast flip.  

6. Chill a glass of wine quickly with a handful of frozen fruit.

Putting ice in your wine isn't the end of the world — but it is frowned upon. A better, judgment-free alternative to ice is frozen grapes or berries, which can be plopped into wine or cocktails for an instant chill. 

frozen grapes

7. Grill fish on a bed of sliced lemons to avoid sticking.

Line your grill with sliced lemons and place the fish on top. This prevents it from falling apart and sticking to the grill while adding a slight citrus flavor. 

8. Bring flat Champagne back to life with a raisin.

No, we're not joking. Restore a flat bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne by adding one or two raisins to the bottle. According to Country Living, the dried fruit's natural sugars are the miracle workers. 

9. Clean and disinfect your grill with an onion.

Heat up your grill, cut an onion in half, and start rubbing down the grates. This will clean your grill and impart a savory aroma before you even start cooking. 

10. Juice a lemon with tongs. 

No juicer? No problem. Cut a lemon in half and push the end of a pair of tongs into the flat, flesh-side of the lemon. Simply twist the lemon around the tongs until all of the juice is expressed. 

11. Cut soft foods with unscented dental floss. 

For times when you need to slice a cake or soft cheese, grab some dental floss. Pull the two ends taught and use it like you would a knife.

SEE ALSO: 35 life hacks for the modern gentleman

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Tesla is coming to the Hamptons! (tsla)

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Tesla Hamptons Store

On Saturday, Tesla will open a pop-up store in New York's exclusive Hamptons resort community.

The locations, adorned with Tesla branding and built from shipping containers, will remain in Southampton for five weeks.

"The traveling pop up store ... was designed in house to allow quick setup and teardown in popular travel destinations," Tesla said in a statement.

"The mobility and convenience of this design allows Tesla to bring our unique retail approach to traveling customers in the Hamptons area."

According to the company, Tesla will be offering test drives in the Model S sedan. You won't be able to buy a car at the so-called experience center, however, just check out vehicles, gather information and design vehicles to be pre-ordered. In New York, Tesla can sell cars to consumers on only a limited basis, using its direct-sales model.

The Hamptons pop-up location will remain open for the rest of the summer, closing up and moving on in the first week of September.

Tesla expects to sell 55,000 cars in 2015 and will roll out it next vehicle, the Model X SUV, in the third quarter.

SEE ALSO: Check out 'Trump Force One' — Donald Trump's personal Boeing airliner

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The best ways to see Alaska's national parks

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Alaska is a state of superlatives, so it's fitting that the state's eight national parks contain the nation's highest peak, the largest landmass, and some of the wildest and most remote wilderness areas in the world.

Next year marks the centennial of the national parks, so there's no better time to plan a trip to see Alaska's natural wonders.

Alaska National ParksEach of the parks is distinct and you can experience them in a variety of ways, from a luxurious berth on a cruise ship to back country hiking, and everything in between.

Here are three ways to experience four of Alaska's most diverse national parks—Denali,Glacier Bay, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias—from mild to wild.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK TOUR BUSES

Denali National Park busesDenali National Park is a must for every Alaska itinerary. It offers a wealth of wildlife, from bears to moose, and if the weather gods are smiling, views of glorious Mt. McKinley (more commonly called Denali), North America's tallest peak at 20,320 feet. It's also easily accessible, connected by the state's highway system (it may be surprising for those in the lower 48, but most parks here are not accessible by car) and by the Alaska Railroad.

There's only one road into Denali and it's not open to private vehicles. You must either take a tour bus or a shuttle bus, and the difference between the two is vast.

The tour bus has narration about flora, fauna, and wildlife and offers a comfortable ride on a motor coach. For the best views of wildlife and Mt. McKinley, opt for one of the longer excursions, such as the 11–12-hour Kantishna Experience.

The national park's own shuttle bus offers more flexibility but less comfort on converted school buses with less narration. However, if your goal is to get outside and hike, this is your best bet, since you can hop on and off and pick up another bus going in either direction.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK FLIGHTSEEING

Denali National Park FlightseeingFor a different take on Denali National Park, and an "only in Alaska" experience, try a flightseeing tour. The focus will be on Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from base to summit, rather than wildlife. Most flightseeing leaves out of Talkeetna.

K2 Aviation has options at different price points, but we like the fly and hike trip where a floatplane lands on Moraine Lake for a hike in the shadow of Mt. McKinley. You're unlikely to meet other hikers in this pristine wilderness and the views are breathtaking.

Insider Tip: Alaska’s bush planes can take some getting used to. They are generally small, at six to ten seats (you may even sit co-pilot), with one to two propellers. If you have a tendency to get motion sickness, take a seat at the front of plane, sip cold water, and chew on mints or ginger candy. Also, focus on the beautiful scenery rather than trying to capture it in photos. Finally, feel free to talk to your pilot, a charismatic breed of Alaskans, who will surely try to put you at ease.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK DOG SLED EXPEDITIONS

Denali National Park Dog Sled ExpeditionsFascinated by the Iditarod? In love with huskies? Then seeing Denali from a dogsled may be just the thing for you. Denali National Park offers summer dog sled demonstrations and kennel tours where you can meet the dogs that help patrol the park in the winter. Sled dogs have an important cultural and historical role in Alaska and allow park rangers to have the least impact on the wilderness area (dog sleds being less disruptive to wildlife than a snowmobile, for example).

Earthsong Lodge offers Denali Dogsled Expeditions in the winter. On day trips or multi-day overnight trips, the park is essentially yours alone and you can even drive your own dogsled team.

Insider Tip: Check out Denali National Park's cute puppy cam for some heart-melting videos and live streams of the spring or summer litters.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK DAY BOAT

Glacier Bay National Park Day BoatSpectacular glacier views and migrating humpback whales are just some of the highlights at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Gustavus, the gateway to the park, is a 30-minute scenic bush flight from Juneau. It's also accessible by cruise ship, both small and large, and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, the least expensive option. 

If you're not already arriving a cruise, a day boat leaves from Glacier Bay Lodge every day and takes guests out on an eight-hour glacier and whale-watching trip. Smaller cruise ships, like Un-Cruise Adventures, come all the way into Bartlett Cove, but larger ships welcome aboard a park ranger for interpretive programs—all see stunning views of tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and whales.

The "glacier" in Glacier Bay may make you may think of a cold and icy landscape, but that couldn't be further from the truth in the summer. While the water is always cold, the air temperature is mild, in the 70s and the trees are lush—this is spruce-and-hemlock rain forest, after all.

Insider Tip: The best times to go to Glacier Bay are May and June, the driest months of the year. However, this is not the best time to visit Denali (late summer is better).

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK KAYAK BARTLETT COVE

Glacier Bay National Park KayakFor a view from the water and a bit more adventure in Glacier Bay National Park, take a sea kayak tour or rent one out of Bartlett Cove with Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks. From the kayak, you may see humpback whales who come into the protected cove to eat krill.

You can actually hear them breathing—the sound of pressurized air as they surface is unmistakable and unforgettable—as is the knowledge that they are floating in the same water with you, with only a thin kayak shell between you. Gorgeous Mt. Fairweather, one of the highest coastal mountains, and other peaks in the Fairweather range are also on prime display here. There is a sense of peace that kayaking in this wild place affords that's unlike any other.

Insider Tip: It's always a good idea to dress in layers and bring rain gear, as it may be sunny and warm one minute and chilly the next. Glacier Bay is tidal, so opt for a guided kayak trip if you're unfamiliar with reading the tides. For a wild adventure, rent a kayak and camp or take the day boat out to back-country camp.

GUSTAVUS INN

Gustavus InnIt's hard to imagine building a well-appointed bed and breakfast out of nothing, with no roads to bring building materials or fresh food in, but that's just what happened with the Gustavus Inn when a homesteading family arrived in 1928.

The family that currently runs the inn, and has since 1965, was another Alaska original story: Jack and Sally Lesh packed eight kids into a converted school bus and headed from Massachusetts to Alaska to try their hand at frontier living; three generations later, the family still runs the inn.

There is a vegetable garden and greenhouse that provide produce for the meals, made with other local ingredients. It's a comfortable base to relax and a short shuttle ride from Glacier Bay National Park. You can also charter a fishing expedition or take a ride on a loaner bike.

Insider Tip: Winners of the James Beard America's Classics award in 2010, the food, including sourdough pancakes with spruce tip syrup and rhubarb jam is not to be missed.

LAKE CLARK NATIONAL PARK BEAR VIEWING

Lake Park National Park Bear ViewingThe most famous spots to see bears in Alaska are Katmai National Park—you've seen the photos of bears plucking salmon from Brooks Falls—and Kodiak Island’s National Wildlife Refuge. For an immersive and exclusive bear-viewing experience, where you are one of tens instead of hundreds, head to Silver Salmon Creek in Lake Clark National Park.

On the edge of the wilderness in the Alaska Peninsula, in a remote park only accessible by bush plane or boat, you can witness coastal brown bears in the wild and often see a sow and her cubs.Silver Salmon Creek Lodge offers comfortable lodging and excellent trained bear-viewing guides that will take you close to the animals, which have become accustomed to humans but are very much still wild.

It’s an exhilarating experience to observe bears at close range with nothing separating you. Early in the summer season, they can be seen eating grasses or digging for clams at the beach, later in the season, they feast on the salmon that have returned to the creek. At the end of the summer, they dine on berries—2,000 or more a day. Each month offers a different viewing experience.

Click here for the full list >

SEE ALSO: The 5 most underrated national parks in America

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Here's what your college degree says about your drinking habits

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Your college degree says more about your drinking habits than you think. 

People who have graduated from college and make at least $75,000 a year not only drink more than those who haven't, but also prefer wine, a new Gallup poll finds. While eight in 10 adults in these socio-economic status groups say they drink, only about half of lower-income Americans and those with a high school diploma or less say they drink.

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Gallup's explanation for the difference in the percentage who drink?

Americans who have a higher socio-economic status have the means to purchase alcohol whenever they want to drink. However, Gallup also reasons that people with a higher income can afford to go out to restaurants and more frequently participate in social activities that involve drinking. 

Other factors that correlate with Americans' drinking habits include how religious people are and their gender. Of those polled, 47% of the people who attend church regularly say they drink while 69% of those who attend less often drink. Also, fewer women, 59%, reported drinking than men, 69%.

Overall, Americans are fond of their alcohol; 64% of Americans polled said they drink. Beer also takes the heart of Americans, as it leads as the drink of preference with 42% percent drinkers saying they prefer beer, as shown below:

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But for college graduates, they know their drink of choice is wine, 44%, as opposed to beer, which got 35% preference. Among college students, or poll-takers who had completed some college and high school or less, beer was the drink of choice:

 

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The poll was part of the Gallup Poll Social Series conducted during the same month every year. July surveys take a look at Americans' consumption habits. For this poll, 1,009 people living in the US of 18 years or older were interviewed. 

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15 photos from the most avant-garde party in the Hamptons

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Watermill Gala

Hamptons parties are famously lavish, but the annual Watermill Center Benefit marks the peak of the East End's social season. 

A playground for the museum's summer talent (mostly performance artists) and high-profile guests alike, the event is the passion project of Watermill Center artistic director Robert Wilson.

With fantastical installations and performance vignets at every turn of a maze-like forest, ArtNet writer Cait Munro, who was in attendance this year, dubbed it "the Burning Man of the gala scene".

Keep scrolling to see what guests like Jay McInerney and Rufus Wainwright saw as they made their way through the arty forest. 

 

SEE ALSO: Credit Suisse exec Bob Jain threw a party at his $15 million Southampton mansion, and things got weird

The Watermill Center spans eight-and-a-half acres of meticulously designed grounds.

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Guests arrived and first explored the outdoor performance art and installations, which range from beautiful...

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...to quirky.

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Here's when you should bring travelers checks on vacation

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Travel wallet with money, sim cards, cash and traveler's checksTraveler's checks might sound about as outdated as Walkmen, but you'll be surprised to find that they do still exist.

While fewer and fewer places accept them, and fewer and fewer banks dispense them, you shouldn't dismiss them entirely.

Here's a quick guide to the elusive traveler's check in 2015:

What is a traveler's check?

A traveler's check is a way to replace money so you don't need to travel with cash, and hail from a time when ATMs were nonexistent. Basically, you go to your bank and get checks issued for a predetermined monetary amount that you can then — technically— exchange anywhere for cash. Should they get lost or stolen they can easily be replaced, plus your money is safe as no one else can cash those checks but you. 

While nowadays not all banks still issue traveler's checks, there are modern updates on them out today, like prepaid credit cards that act as traveler's checks. More on that below.

When should I use them?

Traveler's checks were a product catered to an ATM-less market. Today, it generally only makes sense to use them when you're in a place where ATMs are few and far between, or if you'd be losing a lot of money on ATM fees with each withdrawal. 

There are also times when a foreign ATM simply will not accept your card or PIN. Traveler's checks are a good backup should that happen.

Another situation in which to use them is when you're traveling somewhere dangerous, and are legitimately concerned about getting mugged. Traveler's checks can only be cashed by you, and will require your presence and signature, thus saving you the hassle of having to cancel all of your cards should they get stolen, or having your bank accounts emptied.

Broken ATM, incorrect signIt might also be a good idea to give traveler's checks to kids and young adults who are traveling solo and don't have their own credit cards.

Finally, they might be put to good use in destinations with fluctuating exchange rates. Since traveler's checks can be purchased in different currencies, they'll help you avoid seesawing rates. In the same vein, they're good to have if you're going to have a layover in a different country (say, a day trip off a cruise ship) and only want to change minor amounts of money.

Even if traveler's checks aren't your primary mode of money, having a few emergency ones on you in case of an emergency isn't a bad idea. If someone steals your credit cards and empties your accounts, you'll still have some emergency funds to tide you over. And if you lose them, they'll be replaced.

However, you should never rely solely on traveler's checks either, as not all businesses accept them these days. They should be used in addition to cash or credit cards. Also note that some banks will also charge you for cashing your checks, so make sure to ask in advance.

How do I use them?

Since fewer and fewer businesses accept traveler's checks, be prepared to have to primarily cash them in at banks, especially since the businesses that do still accept them might be reluctant to accept large checks for small purchases.

However, some banks will also try and limit the amount you can change. Note that this also means adhering to banking hours.

You can also try your luck at hotels.

Another safe bet is to use only globally recognized brands —  checks from American Express, Visa, or Thomas Cook in the UK are more widely accepted around Europe.

Unless you're traveling alone, make sure to use checks that allow for two different signatures to get cashed, so that your traveling companion can cash them as well if need be.

Also, don't buy too many, because if you don't use them all you'll have to change them back to your home currency. Getting a whole bunch of different denominations helps too.

Where do I get them?

American Express
Amex still has paper checks. They also won't charge card holders any commission. You can find the nearest place to buy them through their website, though Chase and Apple Banks are a safe bet. 

MasterCard
MasterCard offers a prepaid card, and one that's accepted worldwide — or anywhere that accepts MasterCard. It looks like a debit card, but like with traveler's checks you'll get your money back should it get lost or stolen, as the card has a "zero liability" clause that protects you from unauthorized purchases. 

Travelex
Travelex sells Amex traveler's checks, but also has something called a "cash passport," which is basically a modern-day traveler's check in the form of a chip and pin enabled debit card that's easily replaceable, and not connected to your bank accounts. The twist here is that one card can carry up to six different currencies, which is great for world travelers or multi-stop trips.

Visa
Visa sells traveler's checks, but they also have something called the Visa Travel Money Card, which is essentially a debit card versions of traveler's checks — prepaid reloadable Visa debit cards that are accepted any place that takes Visa. Similar to traveler's checks these cards will be replaced along with their balance within around 24 hours. That said, reloading and ATM fees may still apply.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for TSA PreCheck

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