The Top 25 Places People Checked In On Facebook In 2013 Shows The Most Popular Destination In The World

Going on vacation seems to be less and less about having a good time and more for checking in somewhere on social media to improve clout to those who follow our lives online.

To prove this, Facebook has listed the 25 most checked-in places on the massive social network, from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa.

From sporting arenas to popular city squares, the list shows some of the most famous places all over the world.

Of the top 25 places, the common theme seems to be Disney, as four Disney theme parks made the list, from California,Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong, proving people want to see Mickey Mouse and friends all over the globe.

One thing that stands out about the list is there isn’t a check-in from New York City on the list, and this may be due to the fact that there isn’t one central location in which people would check in.

Here are the top 25 places people checked in during 2013, according to Facebook:

Argentina: Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires

Australia: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), East Melbourne, Victoria

Brazil: Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo

Canada: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia

Egypt: Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate

France: Disneyland Paris, Marne La Vallée

Germany: Reeperbahn, Hamburg

Hong Kong: Hong Kong Disneyland

Iceland: Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík

India: Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple)

Italy: Piazza San Marco, Venice

Japan: Disneyland, Tokyo

Mexico: Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City

Nigeria: Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja, Lagos

Poland: Temat Rzeka, Warsaw

Russia: Gorky Park of Culture and Leisure

Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

South Africa: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

South Korea: Myungdong Street, Seoul

Spain: Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Catalonia

Sweden: Friends Arena, Solna

Taiwan: Tainan Flower Night Market, Tainan City

Turkey: Taksim Square, Istanbul

United Kingdom: The 02, London

United States: Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Via: CNN, Top Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Read More

When Kids In Third World Countries Read First World Problems, They Suddenly Don’t Feel Like Problems

Ah, First World Problems. If you live in a western country, for one reason or another, you’re probably guilty of uttering one of these phrases.

Sure, minor inconveniences can really make a day unpleasant, but when put into perspective, having cold leather seats when you get into your car during the winter isn’t the end of the world.

Not having clean water, however, is an entirely different story. In order to highlight what “problems” actually are, Water Is Life launched the “First World Problems Anthem” video last year.

The video consists of people in the Third World reading tweets that were labeled with the hashtag #FirstWorldProblems. The stark contrast is sure to make the line at Starbucks seem like much less of a big deal.

Read More

Guy Who Posted Video Of Him Having Sex With Unconscious Girl On Facebook Is Cleared Of Rape Charges

A British man was cleared of rape today after he filmed himself having sex with a sleeping girl and posted a video of the act on Facebook.

22-year-old Stephen Brawn reportedly told the jury at Ipswich Crown Court that he should “never have been charged,”UK Mirror reports.

The woman, who may or may not have been passed out drunk during the encounter, told police she had not given her consent for the sex nor for it to be filmed.

She said she only found out about the video when a relative spotted it on Facebook last May.

Brawn admitted to posting the one-minute clip but claimed the woman had given consent to him filming them having sex while she slept beforehand.

A jury of eight women and four men debated the case for an hour before announcing a not-guilty verdict.

Judge John Devaux told the jury: “It is often said that the crown court is not a court of morals. He is charged with rape and you won’t convict him simply because he put footage of the act on Facebook.”

Prosecutor Charles Myatt said Brawn laughed when he was arrested on June 4. Brawn told the court that the woman wanted him to record the sex so she could watch it the following morning.

According to UK Mirror, the woman did ask Brawn to see the video the next morning and then had sex with him almost immediately afterwards.

When asked by barrister Steven Dyble why he posted the footage online, Brawn simply said: “I don’t know.”

Brawn told the court that he laughed at his arrest because he and the woman had exchanged nude photographs on their phones many times and he had filmed her performing sex acts on him before.

Brawn’s friend even testified that Brawn had told him the woman had provided consent to being filmed.

“I should never have been charged in the first place,” Brawn said.

“This case should never have gone to court if the police had done their job properly. They should have looked at this woman’s other mobile phone, which would have shown we had been swapping intimate pictures of each other.”

Via: UK Mirror, Top Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Read More

Artist Paints Models Their National Flags While Feeding Them The Foods Their Countries Are Most Known For (Photos)

If you’re looking for some art to hang in your kitchen, this could work. In a recent photo project by Jonathan Icher, a French photographer, body paint is used on models to transform them into national flags while eating primary foods associated with their countries.

Anastasia Parquet, a skilled makeup artist, is the mastermind behind the art on each model.

One of the photographs, for example, concentrates on a man as the American flag while eating a greasy cheeseburger. You get the idea! The photo series is called “Fat Flags.”

Check out the photo collection below. We think Icher should do more of these for each country!

 H/T: Visual News, Photos Courtesy of Jonathan Icher

Read More

Kate Middleton Looks Sexier Than We've Ever Seen Before in a Roland Mouret Gown

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Are we allowed to call Kate Middleton sexy or is that against some kind of princess etiquette?

We feel like the British tabloids would use words like "regal" or "stately" to describe the Duchess of Cambridge in this Roland Mouret gown, but that's A. not entirely correct and B. not our style. Catherine looks super hot in this winter white look, and we don't care which royal we're offending by saying so. 

"Royal" and "stately" are words you can use to describe a gorgeous ball gown or "smart suit" (as the UK set would say). This look is sleek, body-hugging, and effortlessly sexy. The choice of loose hair and a smokey eye only further enforces the heat Prince George's gorgeous Mum is giving off, and that bit of bling around her neck (yes, a $35 steal from Zara!) seals the deal.

And the best part of all—this is a recycled style! Kate isn't above wearing a perfect look twice, even if its bound to raise the Queen Mum's eyebrows, both times. 

Read More

Prince Harry and His Beard Finally Get to Starting Line of South Pole Trek

WWTW via Getty Images

And they're off! Almost!

Prince Harry, looking more rugged than ever now that his beard has grown in a bit, was finally able to make it yesterday to the official starting point of his 208-mile trek across the South Pole after he and his 12 teammates were delayed by a blizzard.

The royal and the former military servicemen he's making the journey with had been snowed in at Novo base camp in Antarctica and arrived at the start line, about 87 degrees south of Novo, a week behind schedule.

But at least it has given Harry more time to grow a natural face-warmer before he's, er, faced with even harsher elements, including minus-50-degree (Celcius) temperatures and 70- to 90-kilometer-an-hour winds.

The 29-year-old redhead's scruffiness made quite a splash at base camp among the reporters documenting his adventure, as did his joke on Monday to Sky News that older brother Prince William is jealous of him, because he's off on an adventure and Will is at home with a crying baby.

Harry said that his teammates, all of them former members of the military who lost a limb while on active duty in Afghanistan, "absolutely loved" going to Buckingham Palace to meet his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

BBC

"Every single person who takes part in this challenge is extraordinary," he said of his fellow South Pole Allied Challenge trekkers, who are raising money for other injured servicemen and women. "The fact these guys have made it to this point is extraordinary and I count myself incredibly lucky to be part of it."

The teams are expected to push off this weekend—weather permitting, of course.

Read More

Cressida Bonas Spotted Clubbing in London While Prince Harry Goes on South Pole Trek

cresSplash

Cressida Bonas had a very exciting Sunday funday.

The 24-year-old blond beauty was spotted leaving at KOKO Club in Camden, North London, around 3:30 a.m. early this morning. Bonas and her half-sister Isabella Branson went to support their brother Jacobi Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe whose DJ crew Housekeeping was launching a new event, Seven Deadly Sins at the famous venue.

Prince Harry's lady was dressed in an all-black, casual outfit with an oversized blue scarf that Bonas used to cover her face as she made her way through paparazzi.

WWTW via Getty Images

While Cressy danced the night away with her family, Harry's South Pole trek was faced with yet another delay due to poor weather conditions.

A snow storm and high winds have left the 29-year-old and his fellow Walking With the Wounded teammates—along with the two other teams competing—confined to their base camp at Novolazarevskaya Station, Antarctica, as of last night.

The young, handsome royal was photographed trying to stay warm by bundling up in layers and growing a little bit of facial fur.

The groups are hoping to reach the geographic South Pole by Dec. 16

Although the pair is spending some time apart right now, Cressida and Harry's relationship seems to be getting very serious.

In fact, earlier this month an insider told E! News that the two are closer than ever and that Prince Harry is definitely talking marriage.

"Seeing Prince William and Kate [Middleton] get married and settle down has had a real effect on Harry," the source explained. "He's just seen how happy they are and he's realized that he wants that too."

Read More

Kate Middleton Recycles Red Coat, Updates Looks—See What She Changed!

Getty Images

In news that should surprise no one, Kate Middleton has recycled yet another look. This time its a red L.K. Bennett coat, worn during today's Poppy Day event with husband Prince William.

The outerwear was the same Ami coat—from the brand's 2011 fall collection—that she donned to the exact same event two years prior.

Technically, the head-to-toe look wasn't identical though. This year, the Duchess of Cambridge ditched the oversize patent-leather red belt she cinched her waist with in 2011 and instead just opted for the simple wool belt that comes with the coat.

She also left her black suede knee-high boots at Kensington Palace (where we're guessing Prince George was as well) and went with black stockings and matching pumps. Coincidentally, the heels were, in fact, suede. Perhaps the temperatures hadn't dropped to boot levels yet.

Which coat style do you like best?

Read More

Kate Middleton Showcases Tiny Waist in Belted Red Coat, Shows Support for 2013 Poppy Day With Prince William

CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images

It's been less than four months since Prince George was born, but it sure looks like Kate Middleton's got her pre-pregnancy bod back!

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the duchess and Prince William greeted staff and volunteers at London's Poppy Day charity appeal. Kate, 31, wowed in a long, suitably red L.K. Bennett coat which was belted at the waist, drawing attention to her tiny waist and super slim figure.

The goal of this Poppy Day charity initiative is to raise 1 million pounds ($1.69 million) in a single day for the Royal British Legion, which provides monetary support for Armed forces members and their families.  It comes just before Remembrance Day, (Sunday, Nov. 10) when the British honor their fallen soldiers.

To help bring in donations for Poppy Day and draw interest in the cause, Kate and William also took a ride along the 1960s Routemaster bus with TV personality Barbara Windsor and volunteers. They even met with commuters outside of a London tube station.

Prince Harry was participating in Poppy Day, too. Along with Prince Philip, he attended a ceremony outside of Westminster Abbey in honor of those who lost their lives in military service.

Props to the royals for supporting such a good cause!

Duchess of Cambridge shows off her tiny waist in a belted coat. See her take a rare trip on public transportation.

Read More

Prince William Greets South Korean President at Korean War Memorial Ceremony—See the Pic!

WPA Pool-Richard Pohle/Getty Images

Prince William is really reppin' the royals these days!

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the future king of the United Kingdom greeted South Korean president Park Geun-hye at a ground-breaking ceremony revealinged the design for the Korean War memorial in London. While William met informally with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their 2011 State visit to London, his meeting with South Korea's first female president marked his first official time performing State duties typically handled by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Korean War, which spanned the years of 1950 to 1953, was between what we now know as South Korea, backed by the United Nations, United States, and Britain, and North Korea, which was then supported by the Commonwealth of China. Per London's Express, 85,000 British servicemen fought in support of South Korea and over 1,000 died

"This memorial will remind future generations of the remarkable fruits of British friendship which will forever be etched in the hearts of the Korean people," President Geun-hye told the paper.

William, said it was "an honor to be here," adding, "It's the least I could do. It's been a good opportunity for me to catch up and learn a bit more about the war."

A British veteran of the war, 82-year-old Tommy Clough, spoke with the papers about his interactions with the 31-year-old prince. "When he found out I was a prisoner of war, he asked about the conditions in the camp and about the climate," he said. "It means a great deal to have the future king of England here."

The actual memorial isn't expected to be completed until summer 2014, but just breaking the ground alone meant a lot to many. "It means everything to have this," one veteran said. "So many people don't know about the war. It came too soon after the end of World War Two and the country had had enough of war."

Makes sense. Later in the evening Queen Elizabeth II did take back her royal role. She, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew hosted President Geun-hye at a Buckingham Palace banquet.

Those royals sure keep busy!

Read More

Pink Galaxy Note 3 to pop up in US on November 11

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

US consumers awaiting the pink flavor of Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 may be able to snag one very soon.

The unlocked pink model is now up for preorder through online retailer Newegg. Selling at $750, the phone is scheduled to be released on November 11, according to Newegg's order page. The pink version is $50 more than its black and white counterparts.

So far, the pink Galaxy Note 3 doesn't appear at other major retailers, such as Amazon, BestBuy, or any of its wireless carriers. CNET contacted Samsung for comment and will update the story with further details.

The pink edition is now available for consumers in the UK, where it can be had for 620 pounds ($993) from Phones 4U.

Read More

Prince George's Christening Portraits Revealed—See the Royal Family in the Official Photos!

JASON BELL /CAMERA PRESS/ REDUX

The official portraits from Prince George's christening are here!

And yes, they are as elegant and delightful as you would expect from the stylish royals.

Just one day after the royal christening, Kensington Palace released four formal photographs, taken by Jason Bell in the Morning Room at Clarence House on Wednesday, Oct. 23, according to a statement from the palace.

The first photograph features the entire family: Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Middleton holding her son on her lap and Prince William seated, while Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Harry, Pippa Middleton, James Middleton, and Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton are standing.

JASON BELL /CAMERA PRESS/ REDUX

The second photograph features four generations of royals: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Prince William, who holds Prince George. This is the first photograph of the Queen, and the next three kings, pictured together.

JASON BELL /CAMERA PRESS/ REDUX

The third photograph is Prince George with his proud parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince George appears active and vibrant, with his little mouth open and his arms raised.

So precious!

JASON BELL /CAMERA PRESS/ REDUX

The fourth photograph is very similar to the first portrait, however the Middleton family is not present. Everyone is looking at the camera, except for the Queen, who is adoringly gazing at her great-grandson. Prince George is looking straight ahead, not making eye contact with his great-grandmother!

Prince George is wearing the handmade royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Morning Room, where the photo session took place, is steeped in rich tradition, which dates back hundreds of years. It was originally the Breakfast Room in John Nash's original design for the Duke of Clarence in 1825-1827.

The sofa, on which the group is seated, dates from about 1773 and is part of "a suite of gilt-wood seat furniture by Thomas Chippendale."

Plenty of artwork and other portraits decorate the ornate room, including a bronze bust of a young Queen Elizabeth II and a matching bust of her sister, Princess Margaret on a visible cabinet. An oil portrait of the young queen and her sister hangs above the same cabinet.

If you look closely in some of the images, you can see two photographs: one features Prince Charles and Prince Harry in Zulu Village, South Africa, in 1997 and another shows Prince Harry as a toddler. 

It was a small affair at the christening, only 23 guests were present. In addition to the royal family and the Middleton family, George's seven godparents and the six spouses among them and William's former nanny turned George's part-time nanny, Jessie Webb, marked the celebration.

"It has been a tremendously joyful occasion for everyone involved," a Kensington Palace spokesperson said in a statement issued after the 35-minute ceremony.

After the ceremony, it was back to Clarence House for tea and the top tier of Will and Kate's wedding cake. It's a British tradition for couples to freeze the top of their cake and then serve it at their firstborn child's baptism.

The royal wedding cake was an eight-tiered spiced fruitcake (they're not just for Christmas in the U.K.!), made by pastry chef Fiona Cairns.

What do you think of the official christening portraits? Tell us in the comments!

Read More

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince George Arrive at Royal Christening—See the Pics!

John Stillwell - WPA Pool /Getty Images

The big day has arrived! After Prince George's godparents and relatives entered the Chapel Royal in St. James' Palace on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Prince William and Kate Middleton gave the first glimpse of their 3-month-old son since his first official portraits were unveiled in late August. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will preside over the intimate service.

Prince George was dressed in a handmade replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II.

Kate's parents, Michael and Carole, arrived with her siblings, Pippa and James. William's younger brother, Prince Harry, came with his grandmother, as well as Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

John Stillwell/PA Wire/Press Association via AP Images

Hours earlier, the palace announced that seven people will share the responsibility of being George's godparents: Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl "Hugh" Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, Zara Tindall and William van Cutsem.

Get a glimpse of the adorable 3-month-old baby and proud parents Prince William and Kate Middleton as they enter St. James Palace.

The royal baby will be baptized in the Lily Font using water from the River Jordan. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned the silver font for the birth of their first child, Victoria, Princess Royal, in 1840. It has been used at every royal christening since 1841.

George's parents already bucked tradition by hosting the event in St. James' Palace as opposed to Buckingham Palace. "William and Kate are going to do things differently, and actually, their families are respectful of that," a royal source previously told E! News. "This won't be a case of a big rift. Christenings are not state occasions. They're private affairs and can be as big or intimate as the parents desire."

John Stillwell - WPA Pool /Getty Images

Following the 45-minute service, Prince George's paternal grandparents will host a private tea in Clarence House. Guests will be served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding cake.

Read More

Inside St. James' Chapel Royal: Prince George's Christening Is a Location Fit for a Future King

John Stillwell /WPA Pool/Getty Images; TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

If you're anything like us, Prince George's christening today left us positively intrigued and touched by the special ceremony, urging us to uncover every fascinating detail we could find.

First up: the stunning venue!        

Prince William and Kate Middleton selected the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace for the important occasion, a departure from previous royal christenings which have been traditionally held at Buckingham Palace.

The elegant wood-paneled space features black-and-white checkerboard floor at the foyer, stained glass windows and distinguished accents of gold and moss green décor for a truly impressive ambiance.

If you ask us, it's perfectly fitting for the (future) king!

The chapel has hosted a number of historical moments for the royal family over the years, although the last royal christening that took place there was back in 1998 for Princess Beatrice.

Most notably, however, in 1997, Princess Diana's casket was held in the chapel for five days, so her family and friends could pay their respects in private before her funeral at Westminster Abbey.

It goes without saying that the chapel is understood to be quite a sentimental place for William, and we couldn't have selected a more heartwarming venue to welcome his adorable son into the world.

Read More

See Prince William and Kate Middleton's Christening Pics Ahead of Tomorrow's Prince George Celebration

Anwar Hussein/WireImage

What better way to celebrate tomorrow's royal christening of Prince George than by taking a look back at Prince William and Kate Middleton's own christening pics?!

Ahead of tomorrow's celebration, let's compare the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's throwback baby photos.

In Will's adorable christening shot taken at Buckingham Palace in 1982 (Will was born Jun. 21, 1982), proud parents Princess Diana and Prince Charles look lovingly at their bundle of joy, who's wearing a long elaborate cream-colored gown. Charles sports a suit while Diana is dressed colorfully in a pink and white floral-print dress, pink hat and necklace.

MAVRIXONLINE.COM

Now for Kate's cute baby pic. In the shot, taken on Jun. 20, 1982 (one day before Will was born!), mom Carole Middleton holds baby Kate in her arms while Middleton stands close and flashes a giant smile while looking at their daughter. Michael sports dark suit similar to Charles while his wife wears a colorful dress, much like Diana's christening attire.

As for Kate's christening gown, hers appears to be whiter in color and a tad less elaborate than Will's.

As you already know, Will and Kate's royal baby boy Prince George will be christened tomorrow in a very intimate and private ceremony in Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace in London. George's uncle and aunt Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton will be in attendance.

Read More