• Every month, television-tracking app TV Time provides the most anticipated new shows.
• December includes Syfy's "Nightflyers," based on a novella by "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin; a new animated series from Guillermo del Toro; and a Netflix's first Turkish original series.

Fans of "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin's work are excited for a new show based on his 1980 novella, "Nightflyers," which debuts on Syfy in December.

Every month, Business Insider runs down the most anticipated new shows thanks to data from television-tracking app TV Time (based on its 13 million global users).

Besides "Nightflyers," December also includes "The Protector," Netflix's first Turkish original series, and a new animated series from the Oscar-winning director of "The Shape of Water," Guillermo del Toro.

5. "3Below: Tales of Arcadia"—Netflix, December 21

Description:"After crash-landing in Arcadia, two royal teen aliens struggle to blend in as they evade intergalactic bounty hunters."

4. "Memories of the Alhambra"— Netflix, December 1

Description:"While looking for the cryptic creator of an innovative augmented-reality game, an investment firm executive meets a women who runs a hostel in Spain."

3. "Tidelands"— Netflix, December 14

Description:"Ex-con Cal McTeer's return to her hometown of Orphelin Bay blows the lid off a generations-long conspiracy of silence around murder, durgs, and Sirens."

2. "The Protector"— Netflix, December 14

Description:"Given mystical powers by a talismanic keepsake, a young man embarks on a quest to fight shadowy forces and solve a mystery from his past."

1. "Nightflyers"— Syfy, December 2

Description:"Set in the year 2093, Nightflyers is a psychological thriller that follows a team of scientists aboard the Nightflyer, the most advanced ship ever built, as they embark on a journey to find other life forms. Their mission takes them to the edge of the solar system, and to the edge of insanity, as they realize true horror isn’t waiting for them in outer space—it’s already on their ship."

SEE ALSO: The 5 most anticipated TV shows returning in December

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NOW WATCH: The inside story behind the Marvel movie you were never supposed to see

Thanks to the popularity of shows like "Mad Men" and "Masters of Sex," people love to see what offices looked like back in the day — often through dense clouds of cigarette smoke.

We've rounded up vintage photos of what offices used to look like, so we can appreciate how far we've come in regards to technology, interior design, and even safety!

Keep scrolling to see what your office might have looked like back in the day.

One of the most glaring differences between offices now and in 1940 is all the smoking — cigarettes were everywhere.

Technically, there are still some states where it's legal to smoke inside an office — the only federal bans on smoking are on planes or in federal buildings.

However, you'd be hard-pressed to find an office building that allows people to light up at their desk.

And not just cigarettes — pipes were common sights as well. It's a far cry from the smoke-free offices of 2018, which have designated places outside for people to smoke in.

The popularity of the traditional tobacco pipe has been steadily decreasing since the '90s— though they're making a comeback with hipsters.

Before every desk had a computer, there was more space to spread materials out.

This is a far cry from the tech-heavy workplaces of 2018.

• A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday.
• Images and videos on social media show destroyed roads, schools being evacuated, and items falling off shelves in stores.
• Authorities have instructed planes not to land in the state and issued a tsunami warning for the aftershocks.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The full extent of the damage isn't yet clear, but people have already posted photos and videos on social media of what they experienced.

According to testimonies and videos of people on the ground, the earthquake tore apart roads, knocked items from shelves, and led schools to evacuate. Airports in Alaska reportedly instructed planes not to land.

One student said the earthquake cracked his school 'in half,' posting pictures of torn floors and ruined roads

Vine Road, outside Anchorage, Alaska, was reportedly devastated

And other roads have been severely damaged

Damage from the earthquake reportedly flooded parts of Anchorage's international airport

People in stores and coffee shops posted photos of items falling from shelves

Another student posted a video of his school evacuating

Other schools apparently suffered major damage

Things swung from ceilings

Office buildings sustained major damage

A local news station didn't escape the damage, either

Someone took a video from inside a courthouse, showing everyone hiding under desks

With the earthquake's aftershocks, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for Alaska's Cook Inlet region. You can find safety updates on the NWS Anchorage's Twitter feed.

This post has been updated.

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NOW WATCH: This mind-melting thought experiment of Einstein's reveals how to manipulate time

• New York-based audio company Master & Dynamic unveiled its first pair of wireless earbuds.
• The MW07 true wireless earphones are similar to Apple's AirPods, but more expensive.
• Master & Dynamic's wireless earbuds actually sound better than Apple's AirPods, and offer several extra nice perks.

New York-based audio company Master & Dynamic unveiled its first pair of wireless earbuds back in September, and they give Apple's AirPods a run for their money.

The new Master & Dynamic MW07 true wireless earphones are certainly more expensive than AirPods at $300 — Apple's wireless earbuds cost just $170 — but the most noticeable difference between the two products is the audio.

I personally have no problems about how AirPods sound. I like how they sound, in fact. But the MW07 wireless earphones do indeed sound noticeably better. The MW07s can can get much louder than AirPods, and they provide a deeper and richer audio experience in general.

I'd compare the audio difference here to the gulf between Apple's wired earbuds — the ones that come with every iPhone — and a pair of Beats headphones: Apple's solution isn't bad by any means, but Beats can get louder and have better overall range. To drive the Beats comparison home, the MW07 wireless earbuds are definitely more bass-heavy than AirPods.

Here's a roundup of other things I really like about the MW07 wireless earbuds:

— They come in four colors: "Tortoiseshell,""Grey Terrazzo,""Steel Blue," and "Matte Black." AirPods only come in white.

— When you take one of the earbuds out of your ear, it automatically pauses your music— just like AirPods.

— All of the controls involve small physical buttons on the earbuds, which are easy to find, and to remember what they're for: A button above the right earbud can play or pause your music, skip to the next song, go back to the previous song, or activate a voice assistant. And the left earbud has a volume rocker. AirPods have all of these functions, but you can't control all of them at once; you have to choose, in your settings ahead of time, which commands you want to attach to certain touch functions.

— The case charges your earbuds quickly. The case can charge 50% of its capacity in just 15 minutes, and you can reach 100% in 40 minutes. That's about in line with Apple's AirPods, which charge similarly quickly.

— The earbuds come with five different-sized eartips — from extra small to extra large — and two optional fit wings to form a seal with your ear canal for a better audio experience. I've tried plenty of other headphones and earbuds that offer tips and wings, but these are by far the most comfortable I've used. I didn't even have to change the default wings and tips that came on the earbuds out of the box!

— Music sounds really great. There's definitely an emphasis on bass, which isn't easy for small earbuds to produce, but everything sounds crisp and clear. I immediately noticed a big difference when I put in these earbuds after listening with my AirPods.

To be fair, there are some aspects of the MW07 wireless earphones that I don't like as much:

— The earbuds are relatively large. They're not uncomfortable to wear, and they also look good (in my opinion), but they almost look like small Bluetooth headsets.

— The metal case is lovely, but easily shows smudges. Apple's AirPods case is mostly white plastic, so marks and fingerprints don't show up easily. But Master & Dynamic's case for the MW07 earbuds is a fingerprint magnet.

These earbuds aren't perfect, but if you're considering an alternative to AirPods, Master & Dynamic has built a sturdy solution that's worth your consideration.

SEE ALSO: If you own an iPhone 6 or later that isn't holding its charge, now is the time to get your battery replaced

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NOW WATCH: 7 places you can't find on Google Maps

This is a preview of a research report from Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. To learn more about Business Insider Intelligence, click here. Current subscribers can read the report here.

Fintech hubs — cities where startups, talent, and funding congregate — are proliferating globally in tandem with ongoing disruption in financial services. 

These hubs are all vying to become established fintech centers in their own right, and want to contribute to the broader financial services ecosystem of the future. Their success depends on a variety of factors, including access to funding and talent, as well as the approach of relevant regulators.

This report compiles various fintech snapshots, which together highlight the global spread of fintech, and show where governments and regulatory bodies are shaping the development of national fintech industries. Each provides an overview of the fintech industry in a particular country or state in Asia or Europe, and details what is contributing to, or hindering its further development. We also include notable fintechs in each geography, and discuss what the opportunities or challenges are for that particular domestic industry.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Most countries in Europe have made some formal attempt to foster the development of domestic fintech industries, with Germany and Ireland seeing the best results so far. France, meanwhile, got off to a slow start, but that's starting to change. 
• The Asian fintech scene took off later than in the US or Europe, but it's seen rapid growth lately, particularly in India, China, and Singapore.
• The increasing importance of technology-enabled products and services within the financial services ecosystem means the global fintech industry isn't going anywhere. 
• Fintech hubs will continue to proliferate, with leaders emerging in each region.
• The future fintech landscape will be molded by regulatory bodies — national and international — as they seek to mitigate the risks, and leverage the opportunities, presented by fintech. 

 In full, the report:

• Explores the fintech industry in six countries or states, and identifies individual fintech hubs.
• Highlights successful fintechs in each region.
• Outlines the challenges and opportunities each country or state faces. 
• Gives insight into the future of the global fintech industry. 

Subscribe to an All-Access pass to Business Insider Intelligence and gain immediate access to:

	This report and more than 250 other expertly researched reports
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• There are two types of herpes: Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2).
• Genital herpes can cause painful sores.
• Herpes can be contracted in many ways including kissing, sharing straws, and having sex. 
• There's no cure for herpes but some medications can help with outbreaks. 

For those who have it, herpes can be a sometimes painful condition that often carries a social stigma with it. However, the herpes virus is actually incredibly common.

According to the CDC, more thanone out of every six people in the US between the ages of 14 and 49 have genital herpes.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization estimates that about 67% of people under the age of 50 around the globe already have the herpes simplex virus, also known as herpes Type 1.

INSIDER spoke withDr. Damian Jacob Sendler, chief of the division of clinical research at Felnett Health Research Foundation, in order to answer some common questions about the herpes virus.

Are there different kinds of herpes?

There are two types of herpes: Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2).

"Type 1 is the less invasive kind of herpes, characterized by the appearance of mouth sores," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER. People with Type 1 can also often experience pharyngitis, which is inflammation of the back of the throat.

"Type 2 is genital herpes, which causes the appearance of painful vesicles on or around the vagina or penis."

Both forms of herpes are contagious and usually lead to the appearance of painful sores on the body.

What's the most common way herpes is transmitted?

Any kind of contact with the secretions of someone with the virus can expose you to herpes. The contact doesn't need to be sexual — it can be as simple as sharing a soda straw or kissing a family member on the cheek.

"That's why our first encounter with Type 1 usually occurs in schools," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER. "Kids touch their mouth that might have cold sores, then they touch common areas, and other kids get infected through touch."

"The easiest way to get Type 1 is through kissing or contact with the sores," he said. You might also be exposed to herpes Type 1 through sharing eating utensils, lip balm, towels, or razors.

According to Dr. Sendler, kissing or sexual contact are some of the most common ways that the herpes virus is contracted.

"For Type 2, sexual contact involving semen and touching the lesions can get the virus transferred to someone's system," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER.

Using a latex condomcan help reduce your risk of contracting herpes during sex. However, since condoms do not cover the entire genital region and the herpes virus can be released from parts of the skin that do not have visible herpes lesions, it is still possible to get herpes while using a condom.

Can you get herpes from oral or anal sex?

It's a myth that you don't have to worry about contracting herpes from oral or anal sex. Having any kind of sexual contact with someone experiencing an active herpes infection puts you at risk of exposure.

"Oral sex is most effective, especially when someone has poor hygiene and allowed the sores to ooze and crust over the skin, creating an area of infection," Dr. Sendler explained.

Read More: 7 myths about oral sex you need to stop believing

Can you get genital herpes without having sex?

Contrary to what you might have heard, a person can have genital herpes without ever having had sex.

For example, Dr. Sendler explained that infants delivered vaginally by individuals with an active genital herpes infection are at risk of contracting herpes Type 2. This is because babies exiting the birth canal may come into direct contact with herpes lesions.

What are the most common signs of herpes?

According to Dr. Sendler, the most common sign that you may have a herpes infection is visible blisters around your mouth or genitals. It's also possible that you might experience systemic symptoms such as fever or fatigue.

"Most people come to see the doctor and say 'I have some painful sores' and it's almost always the sign of Type 1 or 2 herpes, depending on location," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER.

Read More:14 surprising symptoms of STDs you need to know

Can you have herpes without ever experiencing symptoms?

It's very possible that you may already have the herpes virus inside you, even if you've never experienced any obvious symptoms.

"The virus quickly integrates with our body cells and can live undisturbed until our immunity fails, either due to prolonged illness or immunodeficiency, becoming reactivated again," Dr. Sendler said.

The absence of sores or blisters doesn't mean that you haven't been exposed to the virus.

As Dr. Sendler explained, "the appearance of blisters will be different among people, depending on everyone's unique genetic and physiological predisposition to manifest symptoms of specific diseases.

This means that the sudden appearance of sores around your mouth or genitals should lead you to make an appointment with your doctor, even if you haven't experienced any recent sexual contact with someone who could have had the virus.

What's the difference between herpes and cold sores?

You may have heard that cold sores and herpes are related, but what's the actual connection between those annoying spots and the herpes virus?

"It's basically the same thing. Just a different name," Dr. Sendler clarified.

Cold sores are generally caused by herpes Type 1. Though they often present around the mouth, some people can also get them on the nose or fingers.

"Some also call cold sores 'fever sores,' as they might appear more easily when we're sick and our body is weaker with fighting infections," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER.

According to WebMD, about90% of people experience at least one cold sore at some point in their life. Although some people actually develop antibodies after the first infection and never experience a recurrence, around 40% of US adults have had more than one cold sore episode.

Is there a cure for herpes?

Unfortunately, there is currently no permanent cure for herpes Type 1 or Type 2. Although the condition can usually be treated and outbreaks can be greatly minimized for many people, Dr. Sendler explained that some viral strains are resistant to drugs.

"This is why every patient needs to monitor the recurrence of herpes and attend to treatment right away. For some people, it might be necessary to take antiviral medications for an extended period of time to kill off any sub-strains of the virus that have been resistant to treatment," he told INSIDER.

What are some factors that make you more likely to get herpes?

Dr. Sendler advised that when it comes to contracting herpes, there are no specific risk factors other than contact with secretions.

For oral herpes, Dr. Sendler stated that most new infections can be put down to "bad luck."

In the case of genital herpes or herpes Type 2, sexual contact with someone who has the virus is the primary means of exposure. This means that not knowing the sexual health status of your sexual partners might make you more likely to be exposed.

"If someone doesn't tell us they're fighting it, we are likely to get it," Dr. Sendler told INSIDER.

Will antibiotics help herpes?

Dr. Sendler cautioned that because antibiotics treat bacterial infections and herpes is a virus-based problem, you should not take antibiotics for a herpes outbreak. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause unpleasant side effects and may reduce their effectiveness for you and others in the future by contributing to general antibiotic resistance.

Although there may not be a cure for herpes, there are drugs that can prevent or shorten outbreaks.  It's best to talk to your doctor to figure out what might work best for you. 

How can you avoid getting herpes?

If you're looking to safeguard yourself against herpes, Dr. Sendler said that there isn't a perfect solution to avoiding the virus.

"Unfortunately, there is no easy way to prevent getting herpes, other than primary prevention of avoiding contact with the lesions. Thankfully, most people don't get herpes just by being next to someone who has it."

"When it comes to genital herpes, it is worth glancing at someone's penis or vagina to check for signs of 'pimples,'" he added.

He said using a condom and taking steps to determine the sexual health of any prospective partners can help you reduce your chances of being exposed to the virus.

Visit INSIDER's homepage for more.

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NOW WATCH: 4 lottery winners who lost it all

• Difference between college in Canada and the US include price, title and campus experience.
• Joel Westheimer, University Research Chair in Democracy and Education at the University of Ottawa, shares what makes college different in the two countries.
• We list 12 ways that college differs in the two countries.

From government structure to healthcare, there are some key differences between the US and Canada— and education is no exception. If you or someone you know is considering attending college in the Great White North or the US of A, there are a few factors to keep in mind, from the cost of tuition to the campus experience.

To unpack the distinctions between American and Canadian higher education, INSIDER spoke to Joel Westheimer, University Research Chair in Democracy and Education at the University of Ottawa.

Keep reading to learn 12 ways in which college varies between the US and Canada.

In Canada, what Americans call "college" is typically called "university."

As in other Commonwealth countries, college is called "university" in Canada. 

However, there are smaller institutions in Canada called colleges that grant certificates and diplomas as opposed to degrees.

In the US, no matter if you attend a college or a university, it's usually referred to as going to "college."

College is much pricier in the US than in Canada.

It's no secret that a college education typically costs less in Canada. In fact, it's one reason why an increasing number of US and international students are opting to attend school there.

According to US News and World Report, the average cost of private tuition in the US for the 2018-2019 academic year is $35,676, with public in-state tuition averaging to $9,716. Depending which province you're in, the average tuition for Canadian students ranges from $6,653 (Ontario) to $2,172 (Newfoundland and Labrador).

"Canada has a much better system for funding university education, a more egalitarian system," Westheimer told INSIDER, explaining that funding comes from both the federal and provincial levels.

One of the central cultural differences between the US and Canada is that Canadians view education as more of a right than a privilege, he said. This ethos has been the driving force behind student protests in Quebec over surges in tuition.

Admission to Canadian universities is based mostly on GPA.

In the US, standardized tests are part and parcel with the college application process. However, admission to Canadian universities is a bit simpler.

Outside of Quebec, where students are required to complete the Diplôme d'Études Collégiales (a diploma that qualifies you for pre-university and technical studies), Canadians need a secondary school diploma to apply for undergraduate university programs.

Generally speaking, universities and colleges will accept applicants with a GPA of 70% or higher (the equivalent of a 2.7-3.0 GPA, depending on which province you're from).

• Conservative member of parliament Sam Gyimah is resigning his cabinet position and backing a new referendum on Brexit.
• The former universities and science minister is the seventh minister to oppose Theresa May's Brexit deal and call for a "People's Vote."
• He said the deal would leave Britain "worse off, transformed from rule makers into rule takers."

LONDON — Conservative member of parliament Sam Gyimah is set declare his support for a second referendum on Brexit (also called a "People's Vote") after quitting Theresa May's government on Friday evening, multiple sources have told Business Insider.

Gyimah quit as universities and science minister on Friday in protest of the prime minister's Brexit deal with Brussels, branding the Withdrawal Agreement"naive,""EU first," and "not in the British national interest."

"Britain will end up worse off, transformed from rule makers into rule takers. It is a democratic deficit and a loss of sovereignty," Gyimah said, after becoming the seventh minister to resign over the divorce deal.

Gyimah is set to follow ex-transport minister Jo Johnson in backing the campaign for a "People's Vote," a referendum on the outcome of negotiations, according to multiple senior anti-Brexit campaigners.

Earlier this month, a senior source in the People's Vote campaign told Business Insider that up to three conservative MPs would declare support for another referendum in November, with Johnson being the first.

In a statement published on Friday, the MP for East Surrey hinted at support for another referendum. 

"We shouldn’t dismiss out of hand the idea of asking the people again what future they want, as we all now have a better understanding of the potential paths before us," he wrote.

BI understands that he will soon publicly declare his support for another Brexit referendum, piling more pressure on May as she faces the prospect of a landslide defeat in the parliamentary vote on her deal next week.

Gyimah — who was first elected to Parliament in 2010 — offered a scathing assessment of the deal May has negotiated with the EU in his statement. In it, he said the UK "will end up worse off, transformed from rule makers into rule takers" and be left with "a democratic deficit and a loss of sovereignty the public will rightly never accept."

The outgoing minister also accused May of ruling out red lines "that need to be considered seriously," such as extending the Article 50 negotiating process, as well as holding another referendum.

Justine Greening — ex-education secretary and People's Vote supporter — said her colleague's decision reiterated the "huge shortcomings" of May's deal and "the need to find an alternative path forward for Britain."

"His comments on the second referendum simply reflect the real choice confronting many MPs. He recognises trusting the people may be, in the end, the only way to break the gridlock in Parliament," she said.

Alex Sobel MP, a member of pro-second-referendum group Best for Britain, subsequently confirmed Gyimah's support. In an emailed statement, he said: "I look forward to Sam Gyimah joining the campaign for a vote on the final Brexit deal. We have the momentum in our campaign.

"If Theresa May cannot persuade her own ministers in her deal she can’t really believe that she has a chance when it comes before Parliament. The Government must now extend the article 50 process and present something to Parliament that we can vote for. If she can’t do that then she must make way for a Government who can or go back to the British people and let them decide."

SEE ALSO: Pro-EU MPs plot amendment to take over Brexit talks as Theresa May refuses to back down

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NOW WATCH: Megyn Kelly in 2017: 'I regret a lot' of the controversial stuff I've said on live television

• Netflix was originally called "kibble."
• It's technically been around longer than Google. 
• Netflix is responsible for 15% of the world's internet traffic.

It's hard to imagine life without Netflix, but there's a lot you probably don't know about the popular streaming service.

Read on to learn 19 facts about Netflix, from what it was originally called to how you can search for niche categories.

In its early stages, Netflix had a different name.

Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph told Fortune that the streaming service was originally called Kibble. Although the name was simply a placeholder, it referred to the idea that a product isn't a success unless "the dogs eat the dog food," as he phrased it.

In the future, there could be an "Ultra" membership tier.

In July, word got out (via the Italian blog Tutto Android) that Netflix would start offering members a new tier of service. The so-called Ultra plan would allow users to stream Ultra HD video and audio on up to four devices at once.

Currently, those with a Netflix subscription can choose one of three options that determine how many device screens they can watch simultaneously. A Basic plan costs $7.99, with Standard and Premium plans going for $10.99 and $13.99, respectively.

The Ultra tier is still in development, as Netflix spokesperson Smita Saran explained in an email to consumer electronics site CNET.

"We continuously test new things at Netflix and these tests typically vary in length of time," Saran wrote. "In this case, we are testing slightly different price points and features to better understand how consumers value Netflix."

Netflix made a goofy test film ― and you can still watch it.

You may have thought that "House of Cards" was the first original content that Netflix produced. But the service's first "original series" was actually a 2010 project called "Example Show."

The 11-minute test video (which you can watch here) is pretty goofy. "Actor," the episode's star, performs feats such as moon-walking while holding a laptop and reciting a monologue from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."

If that doesn't sound wild enough, the video is inexplicably subtitled with the line "There's no crying in baseball," which was borrowed from the film "A League of Their Own."

• A new study from Simply Be revealed stark differences between the Victoria's Secret Angels who have worn the Fantasy Bra and the average woman.
• There is a big difference between these Angels' and average women's appearances, bust sizes, dress sizes, and annual income.
• In November, Victoria's Secret's chief marketing officer Ed Razek said that the brand has no future plans to include transgender or "plus-size" models in the show.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is practically an institution in holiday TV programming, but lately, many people have been criticizing the brand for its lack of diversity in models and Angels. And according to a new study, the Victoria's Secret Angels are even more different from the average woman than you might have thought.

The study, which was conducted by United Kingdom clothing retailer Simply Be, compared the average US woman to the Angels chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra in the fashion show each year — an honor that's carefully chosen before the show.

According to the research, most Angels stand at 5'10" tall, wear a size six dress, and wear a bra sized 32A to 32D. However, most average women stand at 5'4" tall, wear a size 16 dress, and wear a bra sized 34DD to 36DD.

Angels tend to have blonde or brown hair while the average woman has brown or black hair. Although Angels have an average income of $4 million a year, the CNBC reports that the average woman in the US earns between $21,008 and $41,600 annually. 

By comparing stats from the models who wore the Fantasy Bra over the fashion show’s 23-year history to the average woman, it's evident that they don't exactly represent the average woman who might be watching the show and buying Victoria's Secret's products.

Read More: 14 things about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show you probably didn't know

But Victoria's Secret doesn't seem to have plans to change their Angel standards anytime soon 

Despite criticism, Victoria’s Secret doesn’t seem to be planning to change the standard for their models anytime soon. In an interview with Vogue, chief marketing officer Ed Razek said they have no intentions of including a plus-size or transgender model in the show in the future, claiming that viewers weren't interested when they tried to do a TV special for plus sizes in 2000.

"Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should," Razek told Vogue. "Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It's a 42-minute entertainment special. That's what it is. It is the only one of its kind in the world and any other fashion brand in the world would take it in a minute, including the competitors that are carping at us. And they carp at us because we're the leader."

Later, Razek apologized for his comments in a statement Victoria's Secret released via Twitter, saying, "To be clear, we absolutely would cast a transgender model in our show. We've had transgender models come to castings ... And like many others, they didn't make it. But it was never about gender. I admire and respect their journey to embrace who they really are."

Calls for body diversity in the show have become even more common in recent years and this year, model Robyn Lawley called for a boycott of the show on Instagram.

You can find all of INSIDER's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show coverage here.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why you shouldn't be afraid to fly, according to a pilot with over 20 years of experience

• Apple's stock has fallen sharply since the beginning of the month due to concerns over weak iPhone sales.
• The company and its fans insist the "services" will provide the next leg of growth.
• But Jeffrey Kvaal, an analyst at Nomura, cast doubt on that argument in a new research note.
• Apple's services business faces multiple challenges and could be hurt by declining iPhone sales, he said.

Apple's services business may not rescue it or its stock from declining iPhone sales. 

In fact, a drop in phone sales could hinder the company's services effort, said Jeffrey Kvaal, a financial analyst who covers Apple for Nomura Instinet. What's more, parts of Apple's services business already seem to be slowing, and others promise only slim profits at best, he said. 

"Services [are] not a panacea," Kvaal said in a research note published Friday.

Apple's shares have plunged over the last month over concerns that its iPhone sales are slowing. When it reported its earnings at the beginning of this month, the company offered lower-than-expected guidance for the holiday quarter. It also alerted investors that it would no longer be reporting unit sales of its phones and other devices, which many saw as a red flag that the company expected its iPhone sales to drop. Those fears have been compounded by subsequent reports that it has cut orders from its phone manufacturers and that Foxconn, its primary phone maker, expects a tough year ahead.

Apple and its backers have been touting its services business

In explaining why Apple would no longer disclose unit sales of its devices, company officials argued that they are no longer closely linked to its financial health. Thanks in part to all the services Apple now offers, it often sees much more revenue from its customers than just what they spend on its phones and other gadgets. Indeed, its services business, which includes revenue from Apple Music, its AppleCare warranty program, and its iCloud storage offering, is now its second largest after the iPhone and has been among its fastest growing.

By 2020, Apple expects its services revenue to double from the $24 billion the segment posted in the company's 2016 fiscal year. Some analysts who are bullish on the company's shares point to that growth as reason for their optimism.

Read this: Investors focused on Apple's disappointing iPhone sales are missing the company's hidden goldmine

But color Kvaal unconvinced. Apple's services revenue is linked to its device sales and particularly to the kinds of devices it's selling, he said. The company pushed up the prices on its phones over the last two years with its X models, and it seems to be having increasing trouble convincing customers to pay its premiums. Many consumers are either putting off purchases or buying refurbished phones instead, Kvaal said.

The services business faces numerous challenges

That's a problem for Apple's services business, in part because consumers are less likely to buy warranties on less expensive phones, he said. Such price-sensitive customers are also less likely to spend up for Apple's other services offerings, he said.

"We continue to believe services is tied to the quality of the installed base growth and not independent of units," Kvaal said. He continued: "We believe services growth is unlikely to be durable should units continue to decline and new iPhone user growth slows."

But there are other reasons to be skeptical of Apple's services story, Kvaal said. 

Much of the company's services revenue — some 36% by Kvaal's estimate — comes from its cut of sales through its app store. That business is slowing, he said. Sales grew by 18% in October, compared to 23% in Apple's last quarter, he said.

Much of that slowdown is due to China, Kvaal said. The bulk of App Store revenue comes from the sale of games. Unfortunately for Apple, the Chinese government has halted the approval of new games for sale while it sorts through a regulatory shakeup. That's put the brakes on game sales in China through Apple's App Store. Overall sales through the store grew just 8% on an annual basis in October, down from 17% growth in the prior quarter, Kvaal said.

Even if that regulatory mess gets sorted out, Apple faces other troubles with its App Store business. Companies that offer subscriptions, including Spotify and Netflix, are finding ways to convince their customers to sign up for them through their own websites rather than through Apple's App Store, Kvaal said. When customers sign up for a subscription inside an app, Apple charges the app maker a commission; it doesn't get that commission when they do so through the app maker's website.

What's more, Apple is facing a legal dispute that just reached the US Supreme Court that could potentially overturn its whole App Store business. 

Apple is confronting a "slowing App Store from multiple fronts," Kvaal said.

Don't expect Google to bail out Apple

In addition to the App Store, a sizeable portion of Apple's services revenue — 13%, according to Kvaal — comes from the money Google pays the company for the search traffic Apple sends its way by making Google the default search engine on the iPhone. Google has indicated to investors that such payments to Apple and other companies that send search traffic its way will grow more slowly in the future, and Wall Street analysts have been reducing their forecasts for how much Google will spend on such traffic acquisition, Kvaal said. That's a strong sign that Apple's revenue growth from Google likewise will slowdown, he said.

Part of the optimism about Apple's services business has come from the growth of Apple Music and the expectation that it will next year launch a streaming video service that it will offer on some kind of subscription basis. But Apple may not see a huge windfall from such a service, Kvaal warned.

The streaming video market is already crowded and getting more so. In addition to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO, Warner Brothers and CBS both offer streaming services. And Disney is getting ready to launch one of its own. Thanks to such competition and the major investment needed to produce original videos for the service, Apple's profits on its streaming video offering could be relatively slim, Kvaal said. 

All told Kvaal's not buying the bull case for Apple. Instead, he said, investors ought to sit on the sidelines; he maintained his "neutral" rating and $185 price target on the company's shares. Apple's stock closed regular trading Friday down 97 cents, or less than 1%, to $178.58.

"Apple is in too much flux to recommend for now," he said. 

• Read more:
• Apple told investors not to worry about iPhone sales — but now it seems worried about them
• Microsoft's surprising comeback over Apple is the outcome of two new CEOs with radically different game plans
• New AirPods didn't make the cut at Apple's big event — here's what else Apple left out
• Here are the 3 missing features that keep Apple's new iPad Pro from really replacing a laptop

SEE ALSO: Apple's $1,000 iPhones are turning it into a luxury brand — and it could lose a whole generation of customers

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Amazon wants to open 3,000 cashier-less grocery stores — and they'll have a major advantage over their competitors

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• If you need an ugly Christmas sweater that will speak volumes at your next holiday party, consider shopping at Tipsy Elves. 
• The "Shark Tank" alum responded to the growing demand for ugly sweaters by making it easy to shop funny designs and comfortable fabrics online. 
• The celebrity-favorite brand has hit the jackpot in this niche clothing category, selling over two million products and making over $70 million in sales to date. 

You can't go a weekend in December without being invited to at least one ugly Christmas sweater-themed function. Once a tacky piece of apparel that you might've been a little embarrassed to wear in public, the ugly Christmas sweater is now fully embraced as an essential part of the holiday season. The uglier and more outrageous, the better. 

Surprisingly, one of the most popular places to find a fun sweater for your holiday party wasn't born out of Santa's workshop. Instead, it's the brainchild of a former corporate lawyer, Evan Mendelsohn, and a former dentist, Nick Morton.

With an interest in internet marketing and a good eye for growing trends, Mendelsohn noticed one holiday season that it was difficult to find new Christmas sweaters online. He thought he could fill the void. He was joined by his former college roommate and then-endodontist, Morton, and in 2011 they began selling holiday sweaters online. 

They sold just over 5,000 sweaters during their first year and quit their jobs in 2012 to pursue their company Tipsy Elves full time. The last six years have shown that the risk was worth it. 

In December 2013, they appeared on an episode of "Shark Tank," during a season that saw fellow memorable pitches like Doorbot (later, Ring), Freshly Picked, Kodiak Cakes, Plated, and The Bouqs Co. While a number of these now-successful companies didn't receive funding, Tipsy Elves did, from judge Robert Herjavec. 

The orders, partnerships, and celebrity exposure moments have continued to roll in since. Tipsy Elves has now done over $70 million in sales and sold over two million products.

While its operations and growth plans are streamlined and strategic, its products are far, far from serious. The whimsical and oftentimes downright crude designs strike a chord with younger audiences and cut straight through the formal stuffiness of the holidays.

If you want to be amused, entertained, or faced with the struggle of picking out only one sweater to buy, scroll through its online shop. Rather than sugar-plums, you'll find visions of Santa riding a unicorn and angels with beer bongs dance through the designers' heads. You can show off your knowledge of pop culture with a Kardashian-inspired sweater, or sit yourself under the tree as a wrapped present. Hanukkah celebrants, you're not left out.

Sweaters range from $40 to $60, but you're not simply paying for the novelty, then putting up with the uncomfortable itchiness. They're actually soft and substantial, made from high-quality acrylic that won't shrink. 

We can't guarantee that your Tipsy Elves sweater won't offend anyone, so consider your audience as you put one on in the upcoming weeks. We would take the risk, though, in the name of unadulterated holiday fun. 

Shop Tipsy Elves sweaters at Amazon here

Check out more ways to prepare for the holidays:

• Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here
• 23 festive and fun Christmas decorations under $25
• 16 festive outdoor holiday decorations that'll brighten up your yard
• The best Christmas stockings you can buy
• The best places to buy Christmas and holiday cards online

Join the conversation about this story »

• Shake Shack is a chef favorite for chain burgers
• Whataburger's mustard sauce makes it stand out
• Five Guys' customizable burgers give them an edge

Chef-ed up hamburgers — that is, burgers made with premium meats and designer beef blends and labor-intensive toppings like caramelized onions — may be hyper-trendy, but sometimes all you want is a simple fast-food burgers.

Double that if you're a chef, short on free time and well, maybe burnt out of all the over-the-top burger creations taking over restaurant menus across America. We asked chefs to share their favorite fast food burgers from chain restaurants, so you can order like a pro next time you pull up to the drive-thru.

Shake Shack has lots of fans.

"Hands down, Shake Shack. It is fairly priced and delicious." - Dianna Daoheung, executive chef of Black Seed Bagels

"I have say Shake Shack's Shack Stack. Simply put, it's an umami bomb. The stuffed portobello, the cheese, the patty, the potato bun – I love everything about it." - Eric Sze, chef-owner at 886

"No other chain hamburger comes even close to a Shackburger at Shake Shack. When we opened Somerset, the Chicago Shake Shack location sent tons of burgers and fries to our staff for family meal and everyone was thrilled!" - Chef Lee Wolen, Somerset

"Shake Shack's ShackBurger is my jam.  When I'm trying to not eat meat I'll get the Shroom Burger and feel less guilty." - Billy Riddle, co-executive chef, Spice Finch

In-N-Out is super fresh.

"I ate two In-N-Out double doubles in one sitting. Its meat, produce, and bun are all super fresh. The burger itself aside, In-N-Out is family- and community-oriented, and the nostalgia, story, and warmth of familiarity of tradition for its region just makes the In-N-Out Burger that much more delicious." - Simone Tong, chef-owner of Little Tong Noodle Shop.  

Whataburger is a Texas classic.

"In Texas, the king is Whataburger. What makes it so delicious is the mustard, Whataburger is so different from the other guys when it comes to sauce. It's so mustard forward, which they blend with mayo to make a creamy sauce. I love to go into Whataburger and get what everyone is getting, a burger at 2 a.m. when I'm buzzed from honky-tonks." Chef Doug Adams of Bullard .

• North Carolina officials are delaying the certification of the results of the race for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District while they investigate possible election fraud. 
• In the November 6 election, Republican Mark Harris defeated Democrat Dan McCready by a margin of 905 votes after beating incumbent Rep. Robert Pittenger in the primary.
• State election officials are investigating potential absentee-ballot fraud as a possible cause for irregularities in the results from two counties in the district.

The 2018 midterm elections were held almost a month ago, but the results of a closely contested North Carolina congressional race are in doubt after the state elections board delayed the certification of the results to review allegations of ballot tampering and election fraud. 

In the November 6 election, Republican Mark Harris defeated Democrat Dan McCready by just 950 votes in the race for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District, after beating incumbent Congressman Robert Pittenger in the May primary.

But earlier this week, the North Carolina State Board of Elections and Ethics Reform voted unanimously to delay the certification of the results due to the number of mail-in ballot irregularities reported in Bladen and Robeson counties, including unusually high rates of absentee ballots being requested by voters but not returned.

 "We encourage all allegations of voter fraud to be investigated and prosecuted, and perpetrators should go to prison," the North Carolina Republican Party said in a statement Thursday. "However, Democrats are throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at the wall to try and steal an election." 

The investigation and move to delay the certification were not, however, spearheaded by Democrats. The Board of Elections is made up of four Democrats, four Republicans, and one unaffiliated member. 

Read more:Here are the results of the 27 most competitive House races in the 2018 midterm elections

"Today's news reports of the serious allegations in Bladen County are troubling,"the McCready campaign said Thursday. "I stand with voters all across the 9th district in wanting to make sure any wrongdoing is investigated and prosecuted regardless of the outcome of the election."

In at least six affidavits obtained by WSOC-TV, some witnesses described overhearing Leslie McCrae Dowless, a local political operative working on behalf of Harris, saying he hired 80 people to do "absentee" for the Harris campaign and would receive a $40,000 cash bonus if Harris won. 

Voters in Bladen and Robeson counties who submitted other sworn affidavits said they received absentee ballots they did not request and were canvassed at their homes by operatives who told them to fill out only a few races on absentee ballots. The canvassers told voters they would fill out the rest of the ballot and send it in. 

Bladen County not only had the highest rate of votes that came from absentee ballots at 22%, compared with up to 1.6% in any of the other counties in the district, but Harris won 96% of the absentee ballots from Bladen, compared with 62% of absentee ballots from other counties. 

Under North Carolina law, "ballot harvesting," or filling out and submitting absentee ballots on behalf of others is illegal. On Friday, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) decided in a 7 to 2 vote to hold an evidentiary hearing into the allegations before December 21 during a session closed to the public and reporters. 

While the North Carolina Democratic Party applauded the board's decision to conduct a hearing and delay certification, the North Carolina Republican Party and Harris campaign slammed the lack of transparency in the board's Friday proceedings. 

While the Harris campaign said in a Thursday statement that they are preparing for Harris to take office on Jan. 3rd, the fraud investigation and possible litigation over the election results could drag on for weeks, leaving control of the seat in limbo.  

As WSOC-TV reporter Joe Bruno said on Thursday, the state elections board doesn't need to determine that voter fraud influenced the outcome to order a new election. They only need to determine that "irregularities occurred to such an extent that they taint the results of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness."

Gerry Cohen, a North Carolina elections expert who served as chief counsel to the North Carolina General Assembly, told INSIDER on Friday that if the Board ordered a new election, it would be rematch of just the general election contest between Harris and McCready. 

The House Committee on Administration — which has the final say in the results of contested House races — could also vacate the results of the election and restart the entire process, which would include ordering new candidate filings, primaries, and a general election, Cohen added. Eventually, the full House of the Representatives could end up seating McCready instead of Harris. 

Bladen County has been the subject of voting controversies in previous years, though complaints against absentee-ballot results in 2016 were dismissed. "I’m very familiar with the unfortunate activities that have happened in my part of the state," NCSBE member Joshua Malcolm said Tuesday.

"And I am not going to turn a blind eye to what took place to the best of my understanding, which has been ongoing for a number of years, and which has been repeatedly referred to the United States attorney and the district attorneys to clean up," he added. 

SEE ALSO: Here are the results of the 27 most competitive House races in the 2018 midterm elections

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Megyn Kelly in 2017: 'I regret a lot' of the controversial stuff I've said on live television

This is a preview of a research report from Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. To learn more about Business Insider Intelligence, click here.

Emerging markets are going to be essential for e-commerce growth, as retailers in developed markets may soon reach saturation in terms of consumer growth.

For example, almost half of US households now have a Prime membership, diminishing Amazon's growth potential in the country. Meanwhile, in China, the world's largest e-commerce market, nearly half of the population is actively making online purchases, leaving little room for growth. 

However, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are worth keeping an eye on. E-commerce penetration rates in these areas hover between 2-6%, presenting a huge opportunity for future growth as online sales gain traction. Moreover, these regions are expected to grow at compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 31%, 32%, and 16%, respectively, through 2021.

This report compiles several e-commerce snapshots, which together highlight the most notable emerging markets in various regions. Each provides an overview of the e-commerce industry in a particular country, discusses influential retailers, and provides insights into the opportunities and challenges for that specific domestic industry.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Emerging markets are going to be essential for e-commerce growth, as retailers in developed markets may soon reach saturation in terms of consumer growth.
• India is the clear overall leader in e-commerce potential, but countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America are also worth keeping an eye on. Within Southeast Asia, Indonesia shows the most promise for retailers, as the government is loosening restrictions on foreign investments, and its massive population is gaining spending power and more access to internet. Meanwhile, Mexico is a retailer's best bet for expansion in Latin America, due to its stable economy and rising middle class, but Brazil may be gearing up to steal the top spot.
• However, doing business in these regions can be difficult. In most of these emerging markets, infrastructure is underdeveloped and the population is largely unbanked, making digital payments a challenge.
• If retailers can build a brand presence in these markets while online shopping is still in its nascent stages, they may become market leaders as e-commerce takes off in the regions. Moreover, these markets could provide new sources of growth for companies that would otherwise stagnate in more mature e-commerce markets.

 In full, the report:

• Explores the e-commerce industry in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
• Highlights the leading country in each region, as well as key e-commerce players there. 
• Outlines the challenges and opportunities each region faces.
• Gives insight into how these emerging markets may shape the future of e-commerce.

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• Olivia Pope had some killer fashion moments. 
• Neutrals were her signature.
• She also rocked capes. 

Kerry Washington is known for her excellent red carpet looks, but while she played Olivia Pope on ABC's "Scandal," her fashion was similarly stunning.

Costume designer Lyn Paolo took Olivia Pope's style to the next level and it's hard to deny that Washington's character was consistently one of the most fashion-forward characters on TV.

Here are some of Olivia Pope's best looks on "Scandal."

The first time Olivia wore a white trench coat is so memorable.

Olivia Pope handled all of her business in pieces that sent a message that she was in charge. Throughout the seasons, she wore many coats, particularly structured or belted coats.

The first time she wore a trench coat, however, was in the pilot episode and Paolo chose white, which became closely associated with Olivia and her "gladiators" over the course of the series.

"The Tory Burch white trench from the pilot started it all," Paolo told Fashionista.com. "We still have the trench and it is sadly a bit worse for wear, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Tory and her line because this coat started it all for ‘Scandal.'"

Handbags and coats or capes were always the centerpiece of Olivia's ensembles.

This Olivia Pope look is a classic. From the gloves to the elegant coat, this is the sort of stylish, yet understated outfit fans came to expect. Olivia wore gloves quite a few times on the show, but the association with the character started by happenstance.

"About four years ago the three-quarter sleeve length coats were in fashion again," Paolo told Newsweek. "We had one with a belt and [Kerry and I] were chatting about a scene where Olivia had to run down a hallway to see Fitz. We both said, 'You know, it feels a bit naked. It doesn't feel Olivia Pope worthy.' So we threw in some gloves."

Olivia Pope really knew how to rock a coat.

At the beginning of season five, things changed a bit wardrobe-wise for Olivia, with her wearing much more color.

Like many of Olivia's coats over the years, this one is dramatic, stylish, and sends a clear message that she's in charge.

Read More: 15 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Scandal'

Felix Sater, a Russian-born businessman with a checkered past, has emerged as a central figure in the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference.

Here's a rundown of Sater's background and why his name continues to pop up in relation to Mueller's ongoing probe.

Read more: The Trump Organization reportedly wanted to give Putin the penthouse in Trump Tower Moscow

SEE ALSO: Trump's team can't seem to get its story straight on whether Michael Cohen is a liar

Felix Sater, 52, was born in Moscow, but his family moved to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York, when he was 8 years old.

Sater has an extremely colorful history, involving bar fights, prison time, mob ties, and work as an FBI informant.

Sater, the former managing director of the real-estate development firm Bayrock Group, has close ties to the Trump Organization.

• The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the first major update of the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, was officially signed by the three countries' leaders on Friday.
• The new trade deal bears a lot of similarities to NAFTA, but there are major differences as well.
• Some of the key differences: increased dairy-market access for the US, a new sunset clause, and tougher auto rules.

Leaders from the US, Canada, and Mexico officially signed their new trade pact on Friday at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marking a major step toward overhauling the three countries' economic relationship.

The signing ceremony comes after the US and Canada sealed the deal on a new trade agreement in September that, along with an earlier US-Mexico agreement, opened the door to a rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

While the new deal, dubbed the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, has been officially signed by the three leaders — President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto — it must also be approved by each country's legislature before it can come into effect.

Trump and other US officials have called NAFTA dead, saying the USMCA is a wholesale overhaul of the agreement.

"Just signed one of the most important, and largest, Trade Deals in U.S. and World History," Trump tweeted Friday. "The United States, Mexico and Canada worked so well together in crafting this great document. The terrible NAFTA will soon be gone. The USMCA will be fantastic for all!"

But despite Trump's declaration, the USMCA still maintains large swaths of the original deal and is more of an update to the existing deal than a full-on rewrite. But there are some key differences. 

For instance, Canada scored wins with the preservation of NAFTA's state-to-state dispute-resolution system and cultural provisions that carve out a certain amount of the Canadian media market for domestically produced programming.

Other notable changes include increased dairy-market access, new auto rules, and a sunset clause.

Here's a rundown of some of the key changes in the deal:

• Review clause: The USMCA includes a 16-year expiration date and a provision that requires a review of the deal every six years, when it can be extended. It's less severe than the US' original demand for a sunset clause that would have forced each side to recertify the deal every five years to keep it in effect.
• Dispute settlement: NAFTA's dispute-settlement system, which allows member countries to bring grievances against other members over allegations of unfair trading practices, will remain the same, a key win for the Canadians. The investor-state dispute-settlement system, which allows investors to bring grievances against member-country governments, will be phased out for the US and Canada, while certain industries, such as energy, will be able to bring cases against Mexico.
• Dairy access: The US will be able to export the equivalent of 3.6% of Canada's dairy market, up from the existing level of about 1%. This is slightly above the 3.25% market access Canada would have given the US as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Trump pulled the US out of last year. In addition, Canada will get rid of the "Class 7" pricing system that was seen as disadvantaging US farmers.
• Access for other agricultural goods: Canada will give the US more access to its chicken, turkey, and egg markets, and British Columbia will allow the sale of US wines at its state-owned liquor stores. Mexico agreed to allow imports of certain US cheeses.
• Auto rules: Members must produce 75% of a car for it to pass through the countries duty-free, up from 62.5%. Additionally, 40% of each car must be produced by workers making $16 an hour or more to avoid duties.
• Tariff side deals: The US came to side agreements with Mexico and Canada that would largely protect the two countries from tariffs on imported autos and auto parts. Canada would be allowed to ship 2.6 million cars to the US without tariffs, well above the 1.8 million it sent last year, and send $32.4 billion worth of parts without getting hit by tariffs. Mexico's deal was similar, except the country can send $108 billion worth of parts.
• Commitment to not mess with currency levels: While the US, Mexico, and Canada do not actively intervene to strengthen or weaken their currencies, the pact to "achieve and maintain a market-determined exchange rate regime" could be a model for future agreements with countries that are more active in currency markets.
• Increased protections for intellectual property: The deal increases the copyright period in Canada to 70 years after the creator's death, up from 50 years, bringing the country in line with the US. Additionally, exclusivity for biologic drugs before generics can be produced will be increased to 10 years in Canada from eight years, a win for the pharma industry.
• Increase in the de minimis levels: The de minimis level is the amount of a good a person can take across the border without being hit with duties. Canada will increase the de minimis level for US goods to 40 Canadian dollars from 20 Canadian dollars; for cross-border shipments like e-commerce, the level will be boosted to 150 Canadian dollars. Mexico will also bump its de minimis level to $50 and duty-free shipments to $117.

SEE ALSO: Trump's new trade deal with Canada and Mexico is winning early praise

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NOW WATCH: Megyn Kelly in 2017: 'I regret a lot' of the controversial stuff I've said on live television

• On Friday, Ariana Grande debuted the music video for her hit single, "Thank U, Next," directed by Hannah Lux Davis.
• The video pays homage to four iconic female-focused movies: "Mean Girls,""Legally Blonde, "13 Going on 30," and "Bring It On."
• In the video, Grande embodies a main character from each film, played by Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, and Kirsten Dunst, respectively.
• Grande also enlisted a slew of her friends, former "Victorious" co-stars, fellow artists, and the films' original cast members to play other roles.
• Here are all the parallels and references you may have missed.

The video opens with a parody of a scene from "Mean Girls."

In the 2004 film, written by Tina Fey, a montage of characters describe their impressions of the high school's queen bee, Regina George.

Each impression — from, "I hear she does car commercials in Japan," to, "One time she punched me in the face; it was awesome"— describes the character's vast influence on her peers.

Grande's version of this scene, which she released as a trailer on Wednesday, touches upon her real-life characteristics, recent life events, and rumors about the pop star.

The first person who speaks to the camera is Colleen Ballinger, famous for her online persona Miranda Sings.

"One time on Twitter, I heard Ariana was pregnant, so I got pregnant so we could be pregnant at the same time," Ballinger says. "Turns out it was just a rumor."

Ballinger — a comedian, singer, actress, and YouTube personality, best known for her character Miranda Sings — has been friends with Grande for many years. They were close before Grande found pop stardom and have documented their friendship online using Ballinger's YouTube channels.

Grande has previously lamented the constant speculation that she is pregnant. During her "Carpool Karaoke" segment with James Corden, she said: "People really want me to be pregnant... Every other week, there's like, a pregnancy thing."

The next person is Jonathan Bennett.

"Ariana Grande told me my hair looks sexy pushed back," Bennett says. "She's not wrong."

This is a preview of a research report from Business Insider Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. To learn more about Business Insider Intelligence, click here.

Edge computing solutions are key tools that help companies grapple with rising data volumes across industries. These types of solutions are critical in allowing companies to gain more control over the data their IoT devices create and in reducing their reliance on (and the costs of) cloud computing.

These systems are becoming more sought-after — 40% of companies that provide IoT solutions reported that edge computing came up more in discussion with customers in 2017 than the year before, according to Business Insider Intelligence’s 2017 Global IoT Executive Survey. But companies need to know whether they should look into edge computing solutions, and what in particular they can hope to gain from shifting data processing and analysis from the cloud to the edge.

There are three particular types of problems that edge computing solutions are helping to combat across industries:

• Security issues. Edge computing can limit the exposure of critical data by minimizing how often it’s transmitted. Further, they pre-process data, so there’s less data to secure overall.
• Access issues. These systems help to provide live insights regardless of whether there’s a network connection available, greatly expanding where companies and organizations can use connected devices and the data they generate.
• Transmission efficiency. Edge computing solutions process data where it’s created so less needs to be sent to the cloud, leading to lower cloud storage requirements and reduced transmission cost.

In this report, Business Insider Intelligence examines how edge computing is reducing companies' reliance on cloud computing in three key industries: healthcare, telecommunications, and the automotive space. We explore how these systems mitigate issues in each sector by helping to efficiently process growing troves of data, expanding the potential realms of IoT solutions a company can offer, and bringing enhanced computing capability to remote and mobile platforms.

Here are some key takeaways from the report:

• In healthcare, companies and organizations are using edge computing to improve telemedicine and remote monitoring capabilities.
• For telecommunications companies, edge computing is helping to reduce network congestion and enabling a shift toward the IoT platform market.
• And in the automotive space, edge computing systems are enabling companies to increase the capabilities of connected cars and trucks and approach autonomy.

In full, the report:

• Explores the key advantages edge computing solutions can provide.
• Highlights the circumstances when companies should look into edge systems.
• Identifies key vendors and partners in specific industries while showcasing case studies of successful edge computing programs.

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