Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 115236 articles
Browse latest View live

You can finally own the same watch as James Bond — here's what it'll cost you

0
0

Daniel Craig James Bond Spectre Omega

James Bond has worn an Omega Seamaster watch since 1995's "Goldeneye," but never before have one of the watches been available for purchase — until now. 

The Omega Seamaster 300 "Spectre" will go on sale this September as a limited edition ahead of the film's October release.

Unlike commemorative timepieces released for earlier James Bond flicks, this watch is identical to the one on Daniel Craig's wrist in the film. 

Based on the 1950s Seamaster (a definite classic in its own right), the watch stands out with its newly added "lollipop" second hand.

The new Seamaster also has a 12-hour diving ceramic bezel that rotates in both directions, a strong homage to the watch's naval history. It's powered by an Omega Master Co-Axial caliber 8400 movement and encased with Omega's zirconium-based alloy, which it calls "LiquidMetal."

A gray and black striped NATO strap has the 007 gun logo etched into its metal strap holder.

The special model will retail for $6,450 and only a very-appropriate 7,007 units will be offered in a limited number of Omega boutiques.

In the last Bond movie, "Skyfall," Craig wore the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M.

Daniel Craig James Bond Spectre OmegaDaniel Craig James Bond Spectre Omega

SEE ALSO: Here's how to get your tie to look exactly like James Bond's

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: These are the watches worn by the smartest and most powerful men in the world











This ultra-rare supercar just sold for $13.75 million

0
0

McLaren F1 LM

Over the weekend at Pebble Beach, Sotheby's auctioned off an ultra-rare 1998 McLaren F1 LM hypercar for a reported $13.75 million

The final sale price falls within Sotheby's $12 million-$15 million projected value

The McLaren is the crown jewel of a collection of 65 cars an anonymous collector put up for auction this summer.

The Sotheby's car is one of 106 McLaren F1 vehicles ever built and just one of a handful in the "LM" specification. 

"The F1 is a technological tour de force and a real triumph in terms of packaging and design," McLaren Automotive executive chairman Ron Dennis said in a statement in 2010.

"Whether endurance racing or on road, it is supremely fast, agile, and yet comfortable. Its styling is enduring and will never fade."

Here's a closer look at the amazing McLaren F1.

SEE ALSO: 25 amazing cars cheaper than the back seat of a Bentley Mulsanne Speed

McLaren automotive was born from the racing team founded by legendary driver Bruce McLaren.



The team has dominated Formula One racing — winning 182 races and eight World Championships.



In 1988, McLaren obliterated the competition by winning 15 of the 16 races on the F1 schedule. Afterward, the team decided it was time to use its talents to build the ultimate road car.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








Blue Apron cofounder Matt Salzberg to speak at IGNITION 2015

0
0

Blue Apron Founder Matt Salzberg

Subscription boxes are all the rage right now, but few appear on as many doorsteps as Blue Apron — one of the hottest box brands feeding America today.

Speaking at this year’s IGNITION: Future of Digital event in New York City will be Matt Salzberg, cofounder of Blue Apron, the startup that's revolutionizing accessible cooking for the aspiring chef.

Thanks to a recent round of funding, Blue Apron has raised a $135 million Series D, putting the “unicorn” startup at a $2 billion valuation. The company has reportedly tripled in size and cites estimates of 3 million meals delivered per month by a team of over 1,800 employees.

At IGNITION, Salzberg will take the stage to discuss the shift in e-commerce and the booming box subscription industry. Join him and a crowd of 750+ senior executives to get the latest insight on innovation in media, tech, and marketing.

Take advantage of our early-bird pricing and get your ticket to IGNITION 2015 now.

IGNITION will take place December 8-9 at the Time Warner Center in New York City. 

Register Now

Follow @BI_Events on Twitter or join the IGNITION group on LinkedIn to find out who will be speaking at IGNITION 2015. 

SEE ALSO: What's next for the TV industry? Find out from CBS CEO Les Moonves at IGNITION 2015

AND: Facebook VP Carolyn Everson will talk marketing strategy at IGNITION 2015

Join the conversation about this story »










You can get a room in NYC for $39 a night on Airbnb — you just have to sleep in a van in Queens

0
0

Budget travelers rejoice — it's now possible to stay in New York City for under $40 a night. There's just one catch, it's in a car. One savvy Airbnb host has outfitted vans and iconic NYC taxis to serve as 'rolling rooms' for travelers. There are no bathrooms, but prices range from $22 to $39 for this tiny home adventure.

Video courtesy of Reuters

Follow BI Video: On Facebook

Join the conversation about this story »










An exercise scientist told us how working out for a short amount of time can produce big results

0
0

Woman working out

Interval training can be very powerful.

The idea is simple: You work out for a short amount of time in intense bursts that spike your heart rate, often alternating those bursts with gentler exercise that lets you catch your breath.

Recent research shows that these short bursts of intense exercise can provide some of the same health benefits as long, endurance-style workouts.

This is music to the ears of those of us who don't have a ton of time on our hands. But it does come with some caveats, of course. The work is short, but for it to have the desired effect, the work also has to be very hard.

Interval training is nothing new, but it's a big trend in the fitness world these days so when we recently spoke to Shawn Arent, an exercise scientist at Rutgers University, we asked him: What are the benefits of interval training? Here's what he told us.

"Quite a few. One, if somebody tells me that they’re time limited, and they don’t have time to work out — fine, do intervals. It's shorter and you’ll get the same benefit as a long duration cardiovascular exercise. It improves insulin sensitivity, and it increases fat loss.

"There’s also some evidence that with interval training, you maintain muscle mass compared to traditional cardiovascular exercise. So you lose fat, but you also hold onto the muscle better. So that’s an advantage. It’s a little shorter, but it’s hard, it’s demanding. And there are studies out there that say you can do high intensity interval training even in obese patients

"You can go hard, you can go long, but you can’t do both. With interval training, you're increasing caloric expenditure dramatically ... [and] for longer after you stop.

"Exercise is a stressor. Your body responds to stress in multiple ways. The biggest thing it does is it tries to adapt to the stress. If you apply a low intensity stresser, you don’t have to do much adaptation ... If you apply a high intensity stresser your body has a bigger response, it has to mobilize more resources to respond. The key, though, is recovering from that high intensity stresser. Because if we keep that high intensity stresser going, you’re going to break down.

"So what we’re doing with interval training is we’re applying a high intensity stimulus, that forces the body to mobilize resources — fat, enzymes, hormones, all the things that help the body react to the stresser. Then, what we do is remove the stresser and you recover ... and then you get stronger. The body basically does this — it says, ‘I’m not letting you do that to me again.’ So what does it do in response? It gets stronger and it gets more fit. So now if you try to do the same intervals, it’s not as hard! So what do you do? You go harder, now the body has to respond. So that’s why this stuff works the way that it does. Because at its core, exercise is a stress.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why BMI is BS










These 2 Ferraris alone sold for over $33 million at auction

0
0

We should be getting used to this. The 2015 Monterey Car Week wrapped up this weekend, and both the Saturday and Sunday auctions at Pebble Beach featured Ferraris bringing in big bucks.

Gooding & Company handled two big multimillion-dollar sales. On Saturday, this 1962 Ferrari "Sharknose" 250 GT sold for $16,500,000.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale

Gooding called this car a "one-of-a-kind" example of the Model. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for the personal use of Nuccio Bertone, combining two legendary names in Italian automotive design.

On Sunday, this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider saw a hammer price of $16,800,000.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Cal Spider

According to the Gooding & Company catalog, this Ferrari spent time in both California and Europe, and was once blue before being sold and repainted in the late 1960s.

That's $33.3 million, for two cars. Numerous other Ferraris were also auctioned in Monterey, demonstrating that the market for collectible cars from the Prancing Stallion is still going strong. Porches, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Mercedes, and Mustangs were also on offer, but the bottom line is that Ferrari continues to rule the classic car roost.

SEE ALSO: Check out these classic Ferraris that just sold for millions at auction in California

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why engineers think that sea lions are the answer to underwater robotics










These pictures show what it's like to be a hotel tester in China

0
0

Zhuang Jing checking for hairs on bedZhuang Jing is a professional Hotel Test Sleeper in Beijing, China.

Back in 2010, she was selected as one of three final winners out of a total of 7,800 candidates to start working for online company Qunar as a hotel tester.

She has slept in countless hotels, documenting her experience with the room and staff of each to help travelers make the best choice on where to stay.

We've put together this collection of photographs from Reuters that take you through a day in her life, revealing what it is hotel testers look for when they write their reviews.

SEE ALSO: 50 incredible hotels you should sleep in during your lifetime

FOLLOW US! Business Insider Travel is on Twitter

Zhuang Jing will sleep at selected hotels without disclosing her job. The entire process takes place secretly so that she can objectively review the hotel without any special treatment.



Once inside, she starts her testing process. For Zhuang Jing, it's crucial to pay attention to the smallest of details. Here, she checks the quality of the room's toilet paper.



She'll also test out the products in the bathroom. Here, she samples the hotel room's body wash.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: The 10 best cities in the world, according to travelers










The quintessential guide to getting booze at your favorite fast food restaurants

0
0

Starbucks recently announced that multiple locations will be serving wine and craft beer in the near future. Chipotle already sells margaritas to go along with its burritos. 

But what about your other favorite fast food restaurants?

Vinepair.com has assembled a handy guide to which fast food restaurants serve booze — and what kind (wine, liquor, or beer).

Where to get booze at fast food

 

 

SEE ALSO: Hundreds of Starbucks locations will soon offer a completely new menu

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Turns out the McDonald’s secret menu is real — here’s what happens when you try to order off of it











Here's the $11 million private island 'Shark Tank' star Barbara Corcoran is rumored to be buying

0
0

Tavern island

Real estate mogul and "Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran is reportedly on the hunt for a private island. 

Corcoran is said to be eyeing Tavern Island, a $10.99 million private estate off the coast of Rowayton, Connecticut.

The 3.5 acre island is appointed with an English Country Colonial main residence with six bedrooms and 360-degree views of the water.

First colonized by the English in 1651, the island previously served as a landmark for harbor pilots.

The name Tavern Island emerged after captains and crew members used the island as a drinking spot following a journey at sea. 

tavern island cannon

The 6,116-square-foot main home features a stone fireplace, two offices, an exercise room, and a steam room. Private Islands Magazine says the stone and construction materials used for the interior and exterior were brought over on frozen waters via oxcart. 

There's also a two-bedroom guest cottage that dates back to the 1700s, a boat house with a large game room, and a tea house with a private meeting room. 

tavern island room

As for amenities, the island boasts its own private beach, a 75-foot swimming pool overlooking the sea, and a fire pit.

tavern island pool

Back in the 1950s and '60s, showman Billy Rose owned the island, which he used to host extravagant parties attended by stars like Marilyn Monroe, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Barbra Streisand. 

Before that, screenwriter Lillian Hellman is said to have rented the guest cottage.

tavern island 2

Back in April, the New York Post reported that Corcoran had added a $10 million penthouse to her slew of properties. A private island would make for a nice getaway when she tires of high-rise living.  

Rick Higgens of Higgins Group Real Estate holds the listing.

SEE ALSO: Andy Warhol's legendary Hamptons mansion is back on the market for $85 million

FOLLOW US: Business Insider is on Instagram

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How Richard Branson gets fresh water on his private island










Use this map to see which vice your state craves the most

0
0

Screen Shot 2015 08 17 at 4.08.51 PM

Every place has its own particular vices — the things we know might not be the best for us but that we do anyway. Some of those vices are enshrined as cultural institutions, like gambling in Nevada, but others are less obvious.

Foursquare, the local search and discovery app, has teamed up with Mapbox to bring you an interactive map that shows what vices are particular to which states. You can either take a quiz or just browse the map.

For the purposes of the map, a vice was “loosely defined as an alcoholic drink, fattening food, dessert, or borderline controversial preference.” Foursquare says the vices also had to be popular, local, fun, and “satisfying.”

Here are some of the highlights:

  • New York enjoys Picklebacks 3173% more than any other state.
  • California loves In-N-Out Burger’sAnimal Style 3525% more than any other state.
  • New Hampshire craves Scorpion Bowls 409% more than any other state
  • Colorado (unsurprisingly) loves Marijuana 1125% more than any other state.
  • Arizona digs the uncommon  Prickly Pear Margarita 948% more than any other state.
  • New Jersey wants to scarf down Disco Fries 1660% more than any other state.

If you want to find out the rest of the Vices, see the map here.

SEE ALSO: Here's what your college degree says about your drinking habits

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We stopped by all of Ernest Hemingway's favorite bars in Havana, and they haven't changed a bit










26 tips to help you survive a long haul flight

0
0

Sleeping on plane, eye mask and ear plugs

Being trapped in an airborne metal tube for hours on end will take a toll on even the most frequent flyer.

But long haul travel doesn't have to be an uncomfortable experience. Here are here are some helpful tricks that'll make economy feel like first class — or in the very least, more enjoyable. 

1. Choose your food carefully

One study found that carb-rich foods such as spaghetti, whole grain bread, and oatmeal make it easier to cope with jet lag. According to the study, higher levels of insulin make it easier to transition from one sleep and eating schedule to another. Carb-rich foods help induce insulin secretion, which is why they may be helpful in preventing (or minimizing) jet lag.

2. Pack snacks

Being hungry when you're on the ground is uncomfortable enough, but at least you can run out and grab a snack. Hunger on a plane means either caving in and buying the outrageously expensive snacks on board, or sitting there and waiting till the next meal is served — if meals are being served.

Your best bet is to bring protein-rich snacks that will keep you feeling full longer. Think almonds, peanut butter and crackers, cheese, yogurt, or even protein bars.

3. Don't stuff your face

Woman eating yogurt on plane

According to Web MD, it's harder to digest while in the air, so although it's okay to eat, filling up isn't the best idea. In fact, depending on how long your flight is, you might want to eat just before boarding, and eat only snacks while on the plane. If you do choose to eat on the plane, keep in mind that warm foods are better than cold foods since they're easier to digest.

4. Request a special meal if you want to be served first

If you've ever sat next to a vegetarian (or someone who has requested a vegetarian meal) on a plane, you know that these "special" meals are the first to be served. So if you're hoping to get your food before everyone else — which means not having to wait for the full service and being able to get to sleep sooner — request a special meal. There are multiple kinds of meals you can request depending on the airline you're flying, from gluten-free to kosher, so make sure to check online before your flight.

5. Stay hydrated

While there's no magic number in terms of how much water to drink on a flight, health experts usually recommend drinking more than you normally do, seeing as air travel is incredibly dehydrating. Continue drinking throughout flight; don't wait until you're thirsty to ask the flight attendant for some water.

6. Avoid coffee

Caffeine will keep you up, dehydrate you further, and make you irritable. 

7. Drink green tea instead

If decaffeinated green tea is an option on your flight, you might want to take advantage. The drink has been said to help stave off the onset of jet lag.

8. Keep your alcohol intake to a minimum

flight attendant

If you're the kind of person who falls asleep more easily after a glass of wine, then by all means order a small bottle. But keep in mind that although alcohol is a depressant, it can act as a stimulant for the first few hours after you drink it, which means it might actually keep you up.

Drinking too much can lead to multiple issues such as dehydration and grogginess that will only exacerbate the dehydration you're already experiencing, and the jet lag you'll most likely experience once you land. There's also the chance that you'll get sick, and no one wants to spend the better part of a long distance flight in a cramped (and possibly not-so-clean) bathroom.

9. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

While sweatpants shouldn't be your go-to travel attire, it is a good idea to wear more comfortable loose clothing on a flight — especially a long one. For men, this can mean a pair of jeans and a T-shirt; woman might want to try leggings and a sweater.

10. Wear layers

Long flights can mean going from freezing to overheated and back again. In order to keep your body at a comfortable temperature, it's best to layer your clothing. Don't just wear a T-shirt and bring a heavy jacket. Instead, wear a T-shirt with a sweater or sweatshirt over it, and then consider bringing a jacket as well just in case. This 15-in-1 jacket is ideal for hassle-free travel.

11. Bring a scarf

Even though this likely pertains more to female travelers than male travelers, a scarf comes in pretty handy on a flight since it can be used as a fashion accessory, a blanket, and even lumbar support (see below). Even expert travelers swear by them.

12. Bring a neck pillow

Man Sleeping on Neck Pillow

Sure, they're not the hottest accessory out there, but your neck will thank you. Plus, being physically comfortable will improve your general well being, and is likely to help you sleep.

13. Bring lumbar support

Why airplane seats were designed with a curve is beyond us, but their C-shape does nothing for the human spine, which looks more like an S, thus causing passengers achy backs and necks. Wedging a pillow, blanket, or sweater behind your lower back will counteract the seat's shape, and keep your spine in its natural shape.

14. Bring noise canceling headphones or earplugs

The ambient roar of a plane's engine (and background noise in general) is said to cause stress. Noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs will not only block out that noise, but also block out other sounds that will keep you awake, like crying babies and flight attendants who are trying to serve a meal.

15. Download white noise or meditation sounds

In the same vein, white noise or meditation sounds can block our ambient noise, as well as help you relax and sleep better.

16. Bring an eye mask

3743454015_a13ccc42d3_b

It's not the most flattering look when you're flying, but blocking out light helps with jet lag, as light affects your circadian rhythm. It also mentally prepares you for sleep, and blocks out the early breakfast wake up on long-haul flights.

17. Wear compression socks

Compression socks will help you avoid "economy class syndrome," aka swollen feet and ankles, leg pain, and even blood clots and deep vein thrombosis that one gets from being seated or in the same position for too long.

18. Do some in-seat exercises

If compression socks are a little too much for you, you can do some in-seat exercises to get the same effect. Airlines like Qantas and Virgin even suggest exercises, and Qantas suggests engaging in them for three or four minutes every hour. Exercises include lifting your feet off the ground by a few inches and rotating them in circles, keeping your heels on the floor and pointing your toes up as far as you can, then pointing the toes down while lifting the heels up, and rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards.

19. Bring your own entertainment

This is a no-brainer, but bring enough books, magazines, games, and movies to keep yourself busy instead of relying on the possibly terrible in-flight movie and shelling out $5 for headphones. Reading material is imperative, as there will be at least an hour between take off and landing during which you can't use your electronics or watch movies.

20. Charge all of your devices and bring an extra power pack

Traveling drains your phone's battery — while you're waiting, you're probably playing games, texting, or checking weather, traffic, or delays. Make sure your phone and iPad are fully charged before you leave, or, bring some extra juice in the form of a power pack.

21. Snag a window seat

guy sleeping in plane window seatA window seat not only gives you a nice, solid wall to rest your head on for a more comfortable nap, but also means you won't be disturbed by passing beverage carts, and that you only have to get up when you need to go to the bathroom.

22. Sit by the plane's wing

Many experts claim that the seats by a plane's wing experience less turbulence, since they're closer to the plane's center of gravity.

23. Avoid bulkhead seats or those in front of exit rows

The former won't have storage space for your carry-on, and the latter won't recline.

24. Bring the flight attendants chocolate

Box of Chocolates Up Close

Apparently, when flight attendants fly privately, they bring the crew chocolate — make yourself popular and do the same, you may get some perks and preferential treatment, or, in the very least, some good karma.

25. Bring lotion, chapstick, and Evian spray

Dehydration is the worst part of every flight as the recycled, pressurized air (which comes from super high altitudes and has almost 0% humidity) leaves most passengers raisin-like. Counteract the dryness by bringing hand lotion, Evian spray, and chapstick.

26. Wear closed-toed shoes

In the case of an emergency, closed-toed shoes are your safest bet. There could be fire, debris, or shards of glass. Proper closed-toed shoes will also let you move faster if need be.  

SEE ALSO: 29 travel hacks that even frequent fliers don't know

FOLLOW US: BI Travel is on Twitter!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We snuck a camera inside a Cuban supermarket










How one woman saved enough to quit her job and move to Paris

0
0

Janice MacLeod Author Photo credit Krzysztof Lik

In early 2010, Janice MacLeod couldn't take it anymore.

She wanted out of her job as a copywriter at an advertising agency. And she didn't just want a new job. She wanted to quit and move to Paris and devote herself full-time to painting and writing. 

What makes MacLeod different from most is that she actually did it. She decided to drastically change her money habits and look for ways to save, minimize expenses, and sell off what she could. She aimed to save or make about $100 a day, which she could then turn into a $100-a-day travel budget.

After cutting corners for a year and blogging about 100 ways to spend less, MacLeod saved up $65,000 — enough to move to Paris in 2011 and use for two years of frugal living. She continues to live there today (with her new French husband) and has a book coming out about her journey called "Paris Letters."

MacLeod says anyone can buy themselves some freedom with a little time and creativity. Below, she shares with Business Insider 10 simple ways that she cut costs and financed her dream:

Traded clothes and bric-a-brac at the thrift store for a tax receipt. This contributed to my overall tax refund.

Added small price tags to the finished paintings I made in my house. Visitors often bought without me feeling like I was selling: Some paintings were $25 for small pieces, others were $250 for bigger paintings. 

Cleaned out closets like I was looking for loot. Sometimes I found some. Sure, I found the occasional $5 bill, but what I really found was coffee cards — many pre-paid coffee cards that still had small balances. I had a lot of free coffees that year.

Started making oatmeal and popcorn on the stove, rather than fancy breakfasts or snacks. Oatmeal may have been the biggest money saver. The regular, plain oatmeal. One big bucket is a lot of breakfasts. Eating oatmeal also filled me up, gave me energy and kept me from making expensive nutritional errors by buying muffins and goodies at the coffee shop. 

Paris Letters Janice Macleod

Went out on picnics instead of going to restaurants. Totally fun way to save money and visit friends. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this became good practice for a life in Paris. Picnics in parks and along the Seine are part of the culture. And it costs a fraction of what one would spend in a restaurant. Bonus: I used up the plastic utensils and chopsticks I had saved over time.

Stopped going to salad bars and started chopping my own vegetables. There is that joke about calling Whole Foods "Whole Paycheck." Before my grand money-saving scheme, I was always at the salad bar paying way too much for a salad I could have made myself for a fraction of the price. I changed my salad bar habit with a bit of planning. The key is to buy the vegetables at the market or farmers market, come home, and prep them for a salad right away. Not later. If I didn’t prep right way, the vegetables would lay to waste in the back of my refrigerator, forgotten and limp.

Started going to the library. Books, movies, and CDs are all free! Once I realized that I would travel after quitting my job, the library became the most wonderful place to find DVDs about distant places I may want to visit once I saved up enough to quit my job. Plus, I started listening to Italian and French language CDs, which came in handy later. 

Declined a few out-of-state weddings of people I wasn’t really close to. Sending them a more generous cash gift was more cost-effective financially and energetically. Let’s be real. If they were very close friends, I would have gone to the wedding. But there is nothing wrong with saying no to some invitations. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best Places In The World To Retire In

Join the conversation about this story »










How designers in 18 different countries photoshopped this model after being told to make her beautiful

0
0

4x3 beauty ideals

The idea that beauty may vary as much as language around the world is a popular notion — in 2014, journalist Esther Honig went viral after she sent her picture to graphic designers around the world asking them to make her look “beautiful.”

The campaign launched copycats like biracial Priscilla Yuki Wilson as well as Marie Southward who did it with a “plus-sized twist.” Now, a UK-based online doctor service has sent out a similar challenge, spotted on Complex.

OnlineDoctor.SuperDrug.com contacted content marketing agency Fractl to reach out to graphic designers around the world. The Fractl team sent a stock image of a woman posing in her underwear to designers in 18 countries — from the UK to Syria — to find out “how do perceptions of beauty vary across the globe.”

Some of the changes were sparse, but other designers made the model in the picture look like a completely different person. China and Italy in particular had the thinnest Photoshopped images while Spain and Colombia kept the woman fairly robust.

Keep reading to see how 18 designers from around the world envision beauty.

Here was the original picture found on Shutterstock. Fractl sent the image to freelance graphic designers with the message: "Photoshop her form. The idea is to Photoshop and retouch this woman to make her more attractive to the citizens of your country."



Fractl wanted to work with primarily female graphic designers. Four of the countries used male graphic designers on the condition that they have input from women. Here's the Philippines' take.



The designers were found on freelance job boards. Fractl did not disclose how much they paid the artists for their troubles. USA obviously gave its model a thigh gap.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: It's hard to believe this film about Benghazi is a Michael Bay movie










Take a tour of Cristiano Ronaldo's $18.5 million apartment in Trump Tower

0
0

Cristiano Ronaldo Trump Tower

Cristiano Ronaldo just injected jet fuel into the fiery rumors that he's moving across the pond when his contract with Real Madrid expires in 2018.

The New York Post reports that the Portuguese soccer star just dropped a cool $18.5 million on an apartment in New York City's Trump Tower. Before Ronaldo purchased it, the 2,500-square-foot pad belonged to Alessandro Proto — a business partner of Donald Trump's.

Bonnie Chajet of Warburg Realty handled the listing.

SEE ALSO: The 10 most expensive homes you can buy in New York City right now

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Ronaldo's new Trump Tower apartment on Manhattan's Fifth Ave doesn't look anything like a pad the stylish footballer might buy — yet.



The reason for the relatively modest apartment's surprisingly high price is that it an "L apartment" in Trump Tower. Read: It has uncompromising and panoramic views of Central Park.



The interior was designed by Juan Pablo Molyneux, who is well-known known for his "maximalism" style.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: The startling theory about why Chinese people save so much more than Americans










A Swedish author says he's created a book that can make anyone fall asleep

0
0

baby sleeping

If you're having trouble getting your child to fall asleep, you may want to buy a copy of "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep."

The 26-page book was written by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin, a Swedish author. And right now, it's #1 and #5 on Amazon's UK and US charts, respectively. (It's actually the first self-published book to top Amazon's charts.)

At first glance, "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep" looks similar to most kids' books for bedtime: According to the synopsis on Amazon, "you will follow Roger The Rabbit when he gets help from Uncle Yawn and the other friends to fall asleep in the evening."

But where this book differs from other childrens' books is its alleged use of psychological techniques, which don't appear to be independently verified.

So how does it claim to work? Forssen Ehrlin says he spent years developing techniques to help children relax — it even worked on his mother during a long road trip, he says — and spent "another three and a half years to come up with the perfect story, so that all the techniques were used in the correct order," he told The Telegraph. The "techniques" mainly have to do with pronouncing words slowly and calmly, emphasizing certain words and acting out gestures.

Hundreds of parents and online reviewers claim "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep" is the best way to get your child to rest and drift off in just minutes. Here's what some Amazon reviewers had to say:

My son is always such a night owl, and it was getting hard on all of us so I figured what the check, can't hurt right? I got the audio version since I wanted to try it out right away. Both of us were asleep before the book was over. Definitely becoming part of our bedtime routine!

I bought this for my almost 3 year old niece. She has always had such a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. She has NEVER before fallen asleep while being read a book. I read the reviews on Amazon and the Facebook page for this book. I was convinced it could help my sister get my niece to sleep and figured it's worth a shot. Last night was the first time she tried it. My niece fell asleep halfway into the book!!!! My sis continued reading the book until the end as instructed and my niece only woke up once to use the bathroom last night. We are amazed by this book and highly recommend!!

Wow — I just bought this and it works like a charm. My two year old daughter always fights sleep. It normally takes 1-2 hours & she was out cold within minutes. This will definitely be a regular part of our bed time routine.

There are two "critical" reviews of the book, and one of those reviewers claims he played the audiobook in the car for his son but fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his car, putting their two lives in danger. (Whether or not this is a fake review, you should obviously never listen to this audiobook while driving.)

On Amazon.co.uk, however, a full quarter of the reviews give the book only one star, with many parents saying it didn't work at all. 

If you're interested in falling asleep more quickly, or helping your little ones get to bed, check out "The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep" (it costs $12 for a paperback copy, but the audiobooks are cheaper), or download a free copy of the e-book from Forssen Ehrlin's website.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 9 non-chemical ways to fall asleep super fast











It's incredibly easy to be an American traveling alone in Israel

0
0

Israel alone 15

Israel is literally in the center of the never-ending turmoil of the Middle East. 

So it may surprise you that it's extremely easy and safe to travel there and it's an extraordinarily fun place to visit, even if you're an American traveling alone who doesn't speak or read Hebrew.

I recently spent a week in Israel meeting with the country's super hot tech startup scene.

When not in meetings, I spent some hours wondering through two of Israel's main tourist cities alone, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

I felt as safe (or safer) as wandering around San Francisco by myself.

 

SEE ALSO: The startup scene in Israel is going bonkers, and the Chinese are swooping in

When you first arrive in Israel, you are greeted by a huge, modern, international airport in Tel Aviv filled with travelers from all over the world. Israel is a major tourist destination for Americans, Europeans, Asians, and Africans, for instance.



If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a visa to visit Israel. It's not hard to get through the border, but do take Israeli security seriously. If you joke about your visit, or your travel plans are vague (no return ticket, hotels or Airbnb not booked in advance), you could be detained and searched for hours.



Make sure you contact your wireless carrier before you travel. I forgot to add the necessary international calling plan and when I landed, I had no service. It was the middle of the night in the U.S. it's so hard to get customer service at that hour. It took most of the day to get it sorted out, but then my phone worked fine. Fortunately, Google Maps worked even with no service. The GPS can track you if you have WiFi turned on.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: Tom Hardy makes a crazy transformation playing identical twins in this new gangster movie










Everything you need to know about 'ghosting' — the terrible way to dump someone that's becoming increasing popular thanks to dating apps

0
0

woman on phone

If you're dating someone and you decide to end it, there's a new, heartless way to break up with them. It's the act of ghosting: cutting off contact with them completely, ignoring their texts and their calls, and not providing an explanation for ending the relationship.

Also known as the "fadeaway"  — defined by Urban Dictionary as "quietly disappearing from someone you've met on an online dating site" — ghosting has surely always existed, but it seems to be increasingly ubiquitous, in part because social media and dating apps make it so easy to see when the person ignoring you is interacting with other people.

Ghosting has been written about extensively over the past couple of years. It became a highly publicized practice when it was revealed that actress Charlize Theron broke up with Sean Penn by ghosting him. And a lot of normal people are apparently doing it, too: A Huffington Post/YouGov poll from last fall said that of 1,000 American adults surveyed, 11 percent had ghosted someone before.

Ghosting doesn't just happen after a single rendezvous, either. Three months into their relationship — having met her parents and after a conversation about their relationship — Michael's girlfriend Linda ghosted him, Huffington Post reported in a story about the breakup practice.

"After his attempts to reach her went unanswered, Michael put on his cute-guy hat and delivered Linda's favorite cupcakes to her office — only to find out his name had been removed from the guest list at the gate," The Huffington Post reported.

"I’m glad there’s a term for this; it’s more accurate than 'dumped,'" a New York Times reader says. This reader was ghosted after 18 months of dating. "After three weeks of silence, I decided someone ought to issue an acknowledgment, and wrote him a note (by hand, sent via the post office) saying I was hurt and confused by his behavior, but had enjoyed good times with him and wished him well. It felt right to offer a sincere closing on my end, even if his actions were rude and immature. Maintaining my own integrity weakened the sting. In a sense, I, not he, was the one closing the door."

So why do people ghost their significant others? "Sometimes silence truly is the best response," the Daily Dot's Nico Lang wrote last month. And, Jezebel argues, “generally a person worthy of ghosting has really done something really, truly terrible.”

Dr. Nicole L. Cromer, a New York-based licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in relationship issues, argues that dating apps like Tinder enable ghosting. "Now that we can hide behind our phones and swipe right on Tinder to find our next date, it’s that much easier to be anonymous and to not take responsibility," she explained to The Date Report last year.

But at the same time, social media makes it harder to ghost: your interactions with other people are visible, even when you stop contacting your significant other.

The worst part of ghosting, it seems, is that it sends mixed signals. “If you go on more than three dates, you’ve indicated you’re interested,”Anna Sale, the managing editor and host of a WNYC podcast called “Death, Sex & Money" told The New York Times earlier this year. “To disappear after that is confusing.”

SEE ALSO: 'Tinder for elites' app The League had an exclusive party in Montauk with helicopter rides and celebrities — here's what went down

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This video of a slab of meat swiping right on Tinder is weirdly perfect










How to make your iPhone run faster

These are the only 15 skyscrapers to ever be called 'The World's Tallest'

0
0

Petronas Twin Towers

From the first 180-foot skyscraper in Chicago to the current world's tallest structure in Dubai towering over 2,700 feet, architects continue to aim high. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats (CTBUH) has catalogued the only 15 buildings to ever hold the title of "World's Tallest Building," from 1885 to present day. 

Keep scrolling to see every record-breaking building and find out which ones are still standing today. 

SEE ALSO: Saudi Arabia Prepares To Build The World's Tallest Building

DON'T FORGET: Business Insider is on Twitter

15. Home Insurance Building, 180 feet, Chicago, IL (1885)

William Le Baron Jenney is the architect behind the world’s first skyscraper. The 12-story building was the first of its kind to be constructed from materials other than wood following the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

In 1931, the city tore it down and built the Field Building, now known as the LaSalle Bank Building. 



14. World Building, 309 feet, New York, NY (1890)

Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher of the New York World newspaper, was the World Building’s original owner. Located on "Newspaper Row," this is where he ran his publication. 

Designed by renowned architect George B. Post, the World (also known as the Pulitzer Building) was the first New York skyscraper to surpass the iconic Trinity Church. In 1955, the city tore it down to grant greater automobile access to the Brooklyn Bridge.



13. Manhattan Life Insurance Building, 348 feet, New York, NY (1894)

Standing 348 feet to its lantern top, the Manhattan Life Insurance Building was designed by architects Kimball & Thompson for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company’s headquarters. In 1930, the French Renaissance-style building was demolished and replaced by the Irving Trust Bank’s headquarters. The site is located one block west of the New York Stock Exchange. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: What Adderall is actually doing to your body










The 10 best tourist attractions in the world, according to Lonely Planet

0
0

Grand CanyonLonely Planet has long been the backpacker's bible, and the savvy traveler's go-to guidebook.

The travel guide publisher just released its Ultimate Travel List, a bucket list of destinations assembled by its globetrotting team of travel writers and tourism experts.

Here are the 10 best tourist attractions in the world, according to Lonely Planet.

SEE ALSO: 23 pictures that show why travelers voted Kyoto the best city in the world

FOLLOW US: BI Travel is on Twitter!

10. Aya Sofya, Turkey



9. Alhambra, Spain



8. Iguazú Falls, Brazil



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: We snuck a camera inside a Cuban supermarket










Viewing all 115236 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images