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Security

2014-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

CVS and Rite Aid have stopped accepting Apple Pay, dragging customers into a confusing and annoying fight over payment politics.

The drug stores are part of a consortium of major retailers who oppose mobile payment technology like Apple Pay, mainly for two reasons.

One, they want to escape the 1.5% to 3% fees they pay every time you swipe your credit card. Two, they want to keep collecting data on shoppers.
To do this, the group started the Merchant Customer Exchange to develop their own payment network. The network is called CurrentC, and while it's only a coupon-and-rewards smartphone app now, it's designed to one day let you pay at the register without using your credit card.
Wal-Mart (WMT) led the effort to develop this, and it's been joined by Target (TGT), Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), Dunkin Donuts, Gap (GPS), Publix, Sears (SHLD), Shell, Wendy's and many more. And -- surprise -- no member of this group accepts Apple Pay.

'Apple Pay' may be safer than plastic

The result? There's a quiet battle underway over back-end banking systems you largely don't know or care about.
On one side, there's MCX, which boasts an impressive army of shops. By its account, there are 110,000-plus locations that process more than $1 trillion in payments a year.
On the other side are Silicon Valley giants, major banks and a few dozen brands that are trying to popularize this wireless technology.
The new iPhone 6 includes a tap-to-pay feature that works at any cash register equipped with something called Near Field Communication technology. It works at McDonald's (MCD), Starbucks (SBUX) and others.
But while CVS (CVS) and Rite Aid have the radio wave sensors at registers, they recently turned it off. Customers using any NFC technology -- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Softcard among others -- will now get rejected at the register and told to pay another way.
Rite Aid flipped the switch without warning Friday midday, and CVS followed suit late Friday night, according to a payment industry firm that was alerted at the time.
Related story: Elon Musk warns against unleashing AI 'demon'
On Monday, both CVS and Rite Aid defended their decision to switch off NFC payments. Representatives at both companies said they are currently "evaluating mobile payment options."
Meanwhile, MasterCard (MA) noted that customers are worse off as a result.
"We believe that people should be able to choose how they want to pay. We are disappointed that both Rite Aid and CVS have decided to block their customers from using the payment method of their choice," the company said in a statement.
Those familiar with this ongoing behind-the-scenes battle say retailers taking an anti-NFC stance are being shortsighted.
"It's very self-serving to the merchants. They're looking at their profits, versus looking at what's best for the consumer," said Ralph Dangelmaier, CEO of e-commerce payment software maker BlueSnap.
MCX did not return calls for comment. NFC expert Doug Yeager thinks tap-to-pay technology will win eventually anyway.
"Long term, most MCX merchants will cave in," Yeager said. "At the end of the day, what's more important? Selling items or trying to do it your way?"
But until then, expect a nonsense patchwork of payment options.

Urban infrastructure gets a second life

2014-10-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

Former life: Power plant

London's famed modern art museum is housed in a former oil-fired power plant on the banks of the River Thames.
Built in two stages between 1947 and 1963, the power plant featured a massive turbine hall over 100 feet high and nearly 500 feet long -- as well as a towering smoke stack in the center.
The building was nearly dormant from 1981 until work on the museum began in the late 1990s. The turbine hall was transformed into a grand entrance and display area -- its vastness often showcasing large pieces of art "to jaw-dropping effect," as Time Out London put it. The boiler rooms became the galleries. It opened in 2000, and is now one of the top three tourist attractions in the U.K.

Greatest urban projects of all time

2014-10-28T12:23:00.003-07:00

Venice may be known as the city of water, but it's actually built on wood.
Originally a chain of 70 or so marshy islands in a shallow lagoon, Venice's early inhabitants built on the few pieces of solid ground. As the population grew, new arrivals had to create their own solid foundations. By about 1,000 AD, they were driving solid oak logs -- 15 feet or so long with a pointy end -- into the soft mud and then building on top.
"The system was brilliant," said Deborah Howard, a former professor of architectural history at Cambridge who's written several books on Venice. "As they grew, more and more land was reclaimed on each island, until they all joined up."
Howard estimates that maybe 80% of the city now rests on these logs, which are protected from rot by the saltwater, becoming petrified and nearly as hard as stone. What endured was one of the world's greatest sea-faring, trading and cultural centers.

For $65 million, you can buy Miami's most expensive home

2014-10-28T12:22:00.003-07:00

The most expensive property for sale in Miami right now will cost you a cool $65 million.

Called La Brisa (The Breeze), the Coconut Grove compound sits on 6.9 acres, with more than 200 feet of waterfront property along Biscayne Bay.

The nine-bedroom Mediterranean-style home, which was first built in the 1920s, has undergone a major facelift. It last sold in an estate sale six years ago for $11.5 million.
Related: Mansions for under $1 million
"The [current] seller, an architect, did everything he could to restore it to its original state," said Coldwell Banker agent William Pierce.
The result? Nearly 17,000 square feet of completely renovated and restored living and outdoor space that includes original woodwork, restored windows and natural woods like Brazilian, teak and pine.

The seller tried to keep as much original detail as possible.

There's also Spanish tile roofs, balconies, walkways and patios galore, with almost every interior space opening up to the outside or providing views of the water.
A 500-foot canal borders the north end of the property and includes a docking slip that can accommodate a 70 foot yacht. The manicured grounds are filled with 100-year-old trees, tropical vines and a large lawn. There's also a shaded, spring fed pond.

The Munroe spring is named for an early owner.

A large, coral stone patio with a fire pit and sitting areas shaded by tall palm trees surrounds a large pool. There's enough room to entertain a couple hundred guests for outdoor parties.

The cool pool catches Bay breezes.

Where the seller didn't attempt to return the house to an earlier time were the kitchen and baths, both of which are modern and sleek.

Walk through the arched kitchen doorways right onto the patio.

As for the rest of the property?
"It's like traveling back in time," said Pierce.

Inside a $25 million Miami home

How to avoid homebuyer's remorse

2014-10-28T12:21:00.003-07:00

Big purchases often come with big expectations.

So it's no wonder that in a recent survey of 2,000 homebuyers, a whopping 80% said they regretted at least one thing about their home.

The number one complaint: The home just isn't big enough, mortgage information site HSH.com found. Others complained about a lack of closet space or that the place didn't have enough bathrooms. Bad neighbors were also a problem, as was a substandard school system.
A lot of those issues could have been avoided.
Related: Mansions for under $1 million
Take Kenny Kline, who thought he got a bargain on a fifth floor walk-up apartment in Brooklyn, N.Y., last year. At $720,000, the two-bedroom seemed like a good deal in Brooklyn's competitive real estate market.
But walking up and down the five flights of stairs grew tiresome quickly.
"I'm only 29 so I thought I could handle it, but trudging up those stairs multiple times a day with groceries, packages, furniture, whatever, has really taken its toll," he said. "Then, I hurt my back. That made the epic journey up and down even more insufferable."
He plans to "tough it out for at least another year," he said, not wanting to repeat the moving process -- and all of the costs involved -- so soon.
Related: 5 things to consider before tapping your home for cash
Of course, some factors, like bad neighbors, can't be anticipated. And some conditions change over time. Nearby property may be developed into a shopping mall or freeway, for instance.
For Amanda Haddaway and her husband, privacy became a big issue when they lived in their Frederick, Md., townhouse. They could look out their windows right into the units of neighbors, who could look into the Haddaway's home just as easily.
The two also needed more space. When they had moved in together, the townhouse just couldn't accommodate their combined stuff.
So they sold the home and built a big, new one on a six-acre lot in Woodsboro, Md.
"It's definitely much more peaceful where we live now; our closest neighbors are a half mile away," said Haddaway. "And we've been able to get rid of our storage unit."
Freelance writer Lauren Bowling bought a house in Atlanta in July 2013 when she was still with her fiancé. But three months later, they broke up.
"I don't hate my house but, as a single woman, it is way more space, upkeep and energy than I need right now," she said.
Related: Crowdfunding your home renovation. Should you do it?
She intends to keep it for a while since she'd like to try to recoup some of the money she spent on the purchase and renovations.
To keep you from buying a home you'll regret, Brendon DiSimone, a New York-based real estate broker and author of Next Generation Real Estate, offers up these tips.
Don't give in on your core requirements. If you know that having three bathrooms is important for your happiness but the house only has two, keep shopping.
Don't let yourself fall in love with a home that doesn't match your needs. Regret may not set in immediately but when it does, the fix, like adding a bathroom, might cost you plenty.
Don't cave in to a partner or spouse. If you believe you will be unhappy in the new house, don't let your wife of husband talk you into buying it. It will only cause resentment.
Know your give-in points. Everyone house hunts with a wish list, but there are some items that can be compromised. Tiny kitchens might be a deal breaker if you are an avid cook but maybe you can live without a den.
Calculator: Was my home a good investment?
Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment. Overpaying is one of the biggest sources of remorse, especially if buyers get involved in a bidding war. Bidding against other buyers can be exciting and entice homebuyers to throw their budgets out the window. But sometimes, it becomes more about winning than how much the house is worth to you.
"Ask yourself, 'Do I really want the house or do I want to beat somebody else out?'" he said.
Don't lose your edge. Once a shopper makes the decision to purchase a home, they sometimes overlook major issues. If the inspector finds dry rot in the joists or the appraisal comes in much lower than the sale price, stand your ground: either pull out of the deal or get the seller to lower the price to reflect the cost of the repairs.
Do your research. These days, there's a ton of information available on the web that can help you in your search for a new home. Sites like Trulia and Zillow offer all sorts of stats on the quality of school systems, walkability and access to restaurants, as well as crime, that will help you assess whether a neighborhood or area is right for you.

GM recalls will mean smaller bonuses for factory workers

2014-10-28T12:18:00.003-07:00

General Motors autoworkers will likely get smaller bonuses this year because of the automaker's huge recall problem.

GM (GM) made nearly no profit in the first six months of the year because of recall costs, which totaled about $2.5 billion. It is also funding a victim compensation program.

And those costs will affect how the company calculates profit-sharing for factory employees, the automaker said Monday.
Neither CEO Mary Barra nor a company spokesman would estimate employees' share of the profits because the year is not over. Barra spoke to The Detroit Free Press in an interview.
"If you look at the equation, (recall costs) do have an effect," Barra said. As far as the amount, she said, "We will evaluate that as the year ends."
GM has recalled about 30 million vehicles this year for a variety of issues, including a high-profile ignition switch flaw that it did not disclose to safety regulators or the public for a decade.
The recalls initially hit GM's bottom line, but last week, it posted a $1.4 billion profit in the third quarter.
Autoworkers had been taking home larger profit sharing checks as auto sales and profitability rebounded in recent years. The profit sharing program is based on the company's North American results.
Last year, GM paid about $7,500 to each employee in its U.S. factories, a record amount and an increase of 11% from the previous year.
The United Auto Workers union agreed to the profit-sharing arrangement instead of base pay raises in its last contract negotiation.
--CNNMoney's Chris Isidore contributed to this report.

GM's new Volt to be faster, more efficient

2014-10-28T12:16:00.002-07:00

General Motors' second-generation Volt will have more electric range, better performance and, GM promises, it will be even more enjoyable to drive.

"When we talk to our [Volt] customers, fuel savings isn't the first thing that comes out of their mouth," Larry Nitz, General Motors' executive vice president for vehicle electrification, told CNNMoney. "What comes out of their mouth is 'fun to drive.'"

The new Volt won't be unveiled until January at the Detroit Auto Show but GM has released some information about the car early.
The new Volt will be upgraded in three key areas, GM said. The battery pack, the gasoline engine and the electric drive system will all be improved.
The battery pack will use fewer batteries so that it can be smaller. It will be about 30 pounds lighter, too. The battery pack's weight will give the car a lower center of gravity for better handling and a more nimble and responsive driving feel.
Photos - Consumer Reports' Most Reliable Cars
It will also be able to store more energy than today's Chevrolet Volt battery.
"It would have been simple for us to tweak our existing battery to provide nominally increased range, but that's not what our customers want," said Nitz. "So our team created a new battery system that will exceed the performance expectations of most of our owners."
GM (GM) would not reveal the estimated all-electric driving range increase for the new Volt ahead of the car's official unveiling in January. Today's Volt can go about 35 miles on a full charge, according to EPA estimates, before the gasoline engine has to come on to generate electricity.
The car's electric-drive system uses two electric motors, as does the current Volt, but in the new car the two motors will operate together more of the time for improved performance. The new Volt will accelerate roughly 20% better, GM said.
The electric drive system is also more compact. Altogether, the electric drive system, which includes electric motors and gears, will weigh about 100 pounds less than the system in today's Volt.

Audi's driverless racecar

The gasoline engine, which generates electricity to drive car after the initial battery charge runs out, will also be changed. The new Volt's four cylinder engine will be better engineered for its role as a power generator in an electric car. It will also run on regular unleaded fuel. GM recommends premium fuel for today's Volt.
Since the car's introduction in late 2010 GM has sold almost 70,000 Volts making it the best-selling plug-in vehicle in America. In recent years, Toyota's Prius Plug-in Hybrid has come close but has not surpassed the Volt in annual sales, according to market analysts at J.D. Power and Associates. GM is expected to sell about 20,000 Volts this year.

The most innovative cities in America

2014-10-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

New York has made a lot of the digital age. The city hosts a thriving tech sector with 300,000 employees -- on par with Silicon Valley -- and city government is praised for its use of analytics in evaluating all manner of programs.
Its signature environmental initiative -- PlaNYC -- contains hundreds of objectives on everything from the number of breakwaters made from oysters to cubic feet of natural gas captured from sewage plants. As former mayor Michael Bloomberg would say: "In God we trust. Everyone else, bring data."
Current Mayor Bill de Blasio seems intent on keeping this emphasis on numbers, and he's expanding the city's environmental initiatives as well -- recently announcing a pledge to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050, largely by increasing energy efficiency in buildings.
Other innovations that put New York at the top of our list include a push for micro-apartments and affordable housing, redesigning streets to make them bike and pedestrian friendly, and pioneering the use of social impact bonds to attract private money into public projects. (Photo: Anthony Quintano/Flickr) --S.H.

Kim Kardashian hoards BlackBerries

2014-10-28T12:12:00.002-07:00

Kim Kardashian West can't get enough of BlackBerry.

The device is her "heart and soul." She even keeps extras on hand in case one breaks or the company goes "extinct."

"I love a BlackBerry(BBRY, Tech30), and every time I say that, people are like horrified that I have a BlackBerry -- and I don't understand that reaction," she said Monday at the Code/Mobile technology conference in California.
Kardashian and BlackBerry aren't exclusive. "I use the iPhone for social media," she conceded. Her online empire includes nearly 25 million Twitter followers, 24 million Facebook friends and 20 million followers on Instagram. She even has a wildly successful app, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.

But when it comes to tapping out email, there's nothing like a BlackBerry.
"I need to feel that board," she said. (Disclosure: This reporter has been accused of rarely putting his down.)
The problem, she said, is that she's fond of an older model that "they don't even have ... in the stores anymore," which leaves her shopping eBay(EBAY, Tech30) for replacements.
"I have like three lined up in my room so if they break ... and I'm down to two, I search 'til I find that third," she said. "I have anxiety that I will run out."
Related: BlackBerry says it's not about phones anymore
She worries that the company, which has largely lost the smartphone market to companies like Apple(AAPL, Tech30) and Samsung(SSNLF), will go under and leave her empty-handed.
"I'm afraid that it'll go extinct," she said.
The complete demise of Blackberry, which has a market cap of $5.5 billion, seems unlikely. But it may spin off or abandon the hardware business that Kardashian loves to focus on its software and corporate services.
BlackBerry stock climbed nearly 4% Tuesday morning.
Related: A BlackBerry ... designed by Porsche

Snowball app – Review

2014-10-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

You might have many different apps on your phone for texts and IMs. If you are tired of handling all of these apps individually, then you have some help now. This new app called Snowball unifies all your messaging apps in a single inbox. See how and what all it can handle for you.
Appearance

The Snowball app has a nice display to show all your messages received from varied messaging apps, including Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Line, WhatsApp, SMS, Viber, Slack, WeChat and Snapchat. Its inbox receives all your messages. These messages are organized by the names of contacts rather than applications. Your unread messages are always displayed at the top. The app sends all notifications in the form of floating circular pop-ups, as you may have seen for the Facebook Messenger app.
Performance

This new Android app is not a messaging app in itself, but only combines the functions of some common messaging apps. It efficiently pulls several notifications from varied apps using the open architecture of Android. The app also integrates smoothly with all messaging apps due to the flexibility of Android. While it is easily accessible, there are problems accessing it at some locations. This issue is currently being addressed.
Ease of use

The Snowball app is quite simple and easy to use. You only need to tap once on a pop-up notification that appears anywhere on your phone screen on the receipt of a message. It will be easily displayed in an inbox so you may go through all your conversations at your own convenience. Thus, this app makes your life simpler and easier.

Usefulness

Snowball gives you a faster way to communicate with your friends and loved ones. It also presents all your messages in an organized form so you may not have to check every individual messaging app as and when a message is received. This saves a lot of your time on a regular basis that can be invested in other useful activities. Additionally, Snowball connects several popular messaging apps that are commonly used by people. Still, it can be expected to support more such apps in future.
Value for money

receive complete value for money, as Snowball can be downloaded on your Android phones for free. However, you may have to check your Android version, as it may vary with device.

Runtastic Running & Fitness app – Review

2014-10-28T12:06:00.002-07:00

To help you reach your health and fitness goal, Runtastic has brought about its app called Runtastic Running & Fitness. This app is suitable for all users who are involved in fitness activities like running, jogging, walking and biking.
Appearance

Runtastic Running & Fitness is an Android app for tracking your running and other fitness activities. It has some amazing features to track your cardio workout on factors, such as distance, duration, burnt calories and elevation change. The app has a smooth display and a decent design. While you enjoy your workout, it is involved in real-time monitoring of your progress. The app helps you maintain several personal workout statistics using a workout diary and graphs. Through its advanced features, Runtastic supports you with both live and historic mapping of all your training sessions. You may even check your workouts in 3D using the Google Earth app.
Performance

The new Runtastic app is compatible with all Android devices, while its version may vary according to a specific device. It can also be integrated with your Android Wear. The app performs superbly when it comes to tracking real-time activity statistics. It uses GPS for activity mapping and tracking purposes. Its features are optimized to offer effective functionality.
Ease of use

The app is simple to use and offers a wonderful user experience. Runtastic is a fun and motivation app for users at all fitness levels. You may customize its settings to receive preferred statistics. It is also easy to share your activities on several social platforms.

Usefulness

Runtastic is a great app to achieve your exercise targets and develop a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is about building endurance through a cardio workout or running session, this app helps you track your fitness activity and reach your training goals accordingly. It keeps you motivated through cheerful messages during live tracking.
While this app delivers statistics in text and graphical formats, it also provides video coaching if you have made the required settings. You may easily pause your sessions and set your own goals for pace and calorie burning. Runtastic also lets you play motivational music using external apps and storage sources. In addition, it is highly beneficial when this app gives suggestions on health maintenance after your workout sessions.

Ferrari says 'We love you, America'

2014-10-28T12:03:00.002-07:00

To celebrate 60 years of selling exotic sports cars in America, Ferrari has unveiled a special car for the United States. Ferrari's American customers have always been especially fond of convertibles with big engines, so this car has a V12 and an open top.
It is essentially an open-air version of the $320,000 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta but with some major changes. The nose and doors, for instance, have been completely redesigned. The F60, with those seemingly small changes, will cost a whopping $3.2 million.
For Ferrari lovers, the price is no object. Eight Americans and two Canadians have already bought all 10 F60s being built.

Oil trades at $80. Russia budgeting for $100

2014-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Russia's budget is based on an 'alternative economic reality' where oil trades for at least $100.

Chrissy Teigen leaves Twitter after gun control tweet

2014-10-28T12:00:00.003-07:00

(CNN) -- Model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen is usually one of Twitter's more resilient members. But after getting lost in a "sea of hate and anger" on the platform, Teigen has tapped out.

The 28-year-old turned into a Twitter all-star after she joined in 2009, thanks to her irreverent sense of humor, prolific use and ability to tweet about pretty much anything.

But after getting a vitriolic response to her comments regarding the October 22 shootings in Ottawa, Ontario, Teigen posted that she's quitting Twitter for the (presumably) safer pastures of Instagram.

Here's what started it all: On Wednesday, as the shooting story unfolded, Teigen posted: "active shooting in Canada, or as we call it in america, wednesday. That's not a joke. It is a fact. ... I've lost faith in this world. Sorry if it comes off as being unemotional. There is just so much bad."

It seems the negative reaction fell on Teigen pretty quickly, as she then had to clarify that she was not making a joke at the expense of Canada, but as a sardonic observation about gun control in America. (Incidentally, it was just days before the Marysville, Washington, school shooting.)

However, that clarification apparently didn't change the tide of response Teigen received.

"You should probably stick to having your picture taken for a living," replied one user. "So, how much of an stupid bitch are you?" asked another.

At one point, Teigen posted a photo of the responses she was getting on Twitter, suggesting the platform should be more proactive about stomping out threatening tweets.

By October 23, Teigen was officially over Twitter.

"I can't see anything through the sea of hate and anger that is now my Twitter. Seriously I can't sift through it all," Teigen said. "It's gotten to the point people don't even see (t)he simplicity of the original tweet and have just wanted to get shaking-mad over something."

After sharing one more threatening message, this time from a Twitter user who hoped that "someone murders some(one) you love, like your f****t husband," Teigen posted what sounds like her final tweet -- at least for now.

"I feel sick," she said. "Bye Twitter. Taking my talents to Instagram."

Justin Bieber's strip show

2014-10-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Most people need encouragement to remove their clothing. For Justin Bieber, boos from the crowd will do just fine.

The 20-year-old singer stripped down to his skivvies at 2014's "Fashion Rocks" event on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, where he was greeted with a negative reaction from some in the New York audience.

As Bieber took the stage with model Lara Stone to introduce singer Rita Ora, there were some noticeable jeers mixed in with cheers.

The singer seemed unfazed by those who weren't pleased with his appearance at the show, turning to Stone and telling her that he doesn't "feel comfortable unless I'm in my Calvins."

Photos: Celebrities who love being naked

Bieber strips to the tune of ... booing?

"Calvins" as in his Calvin Klein underwear, which he proudly showed off to the increasingly enthusiastic crowd.

"Grandma always said kill 'em with kindness," Bieber tweeted. "And then strip on live national tv. Lol."

According to Bieber's Instagram, his striptease was impromptu. "Just stripped on national television hahahaha it wasn't planned lmao," he shared with his fans.

If nothing else, it seems Stone approved.

"Thanks for that @JustinBieber," the Dutch model posted to her own Instagram account.

Audi, Mercedes close in on BMW in luxury-car wars

2014-10-28T11:56:00.003-07:00

Audi, Mercedes close in on BMW in luxury-car wars

TAKAYUKI KATO, Nikkei staff writer

FRANKFURT, Germany -- BMW's global lead in premium vehicles is eroding amid robust demand for all of the top three marques.
BMW's sales rose 9% on the year to 1.32 million vehicles for the January-September period as second-ranked Audi reported 10% growth to 1.3 million and Mercedes-Benz a 13% jump to 1.2 million.
The race is tightening particularly between the top two, with Audi beating market leader BMW in July.

Audi's sales are fueled by the A3 Sedan, which debuted a year ago and now accounts for nearly half of the total. In addition to a 16% rise in China, where it sits atop the premium market, Audi even recorded 15% growth in the U.S., where it has trailed the other two.

     BMW posted firm gains of 2-4% for 3 Series and 5 Series models. The new X5 sport utility vehicle is driving the brand's sales with a 30% surge.
     Mercedes has the most momentum. The brand beat Audi in September sales, buoyed by strong demand in China, where it logged 30% growth for the first nine months of the year. New models of the high-margin S- and E-Class lines underpinned strong sales.
     Daimler, the company behind Mercedes, said earlier this month that operating profit in the passenger car division rose an estimated 29% to 1.6 billion euros ($2.03 billion) for the July-September quarter.
     Audi and Daimler each seek to knock BMW off its perch to become the premium-market leader by 2020. The race is expected to continue heating up.

The 7 best strength exercises you're not doing

2014-10-28T11:54:00.003-07:00

(Life by DailyBurn) -- Every exercise in your strength program has a purpose -- to help you build strength and muscle, burn fat, and improve your fitness. While there's a time and a place for nearly any exercise under the right circumstance, some movements are simply more effective than others. And it should be no surprise that the ones that build a foundation for skills that you'll use in real life will be the most beneficial for improving your fitness and quality of life.

DailyBurn: 5 CrossFit workouts that will kick your butt

5 exercises to avoid

Tom's tips: Workout from your chair

Trainer: work your core, you can do more

So how does a lifter ensure they're making all the right moves? If you've plateaued or just aren't seeing the results you're banking on, it's time to get back to basics with these seven moves. From increased strength, better core stability, greater athleticism, and improved overall health, these key exercises need to find their way into your routine.

1. Goblet squat

Squats are an exercise many people struggle to perform safely and effectively. Luckily, the goblet squat is a great progression from a bodyweight squat before squatting with a bar. Because the load is held in front, the core works double-time to keep you tall, while your legs work to control your movement down and stand back up.

DailyBurn: Low-calorie foods that will actually fill you up

How to: Hold a dumbbell with both hands underneath the "bell" at chest level, and set your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing slightly outwards (a). Push your butt back like you're sitting in a chair and descend until your elbows reach the inside of your knees. (b). Keeping your heels flat, pressing jnto the floor, pause at the bottom of the squat, and return to a full standing position. If your heels rise push your hips further back and work on partial ranges of motion until mobility and form improve (c). Repeat for four sets of 8-10 reps.

2. Pallof press

The Pallof press is one of those movements that looks confusing, but is actually incredibly simple and beneficial, says Mike Campbell, personal trainer and owner of Unleash Your Alpha. While you may not be hoisting heavy weight, the real challenge lies in resisting movement — in this case, rotation. That makes this an 'anti-rotation' movement, forcing you to engage through your entire core: obliques, abs, lower back, glutes and more. According to Campbell, the Paloff press will build great usable strength while adding athletic definition through the mid-section (in coordination with a sound diet).

DailyBurn: Carb cycling for weight loss: Does it work?

How to: Stand perpendicular to a cable column with the column's arm set around shoulder height. Grab the handle with both hands and pull it in to the chest, maintaining tension on the cable. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, and the feet, knees, hips and shoulders all remain square and facing straight ahead throughout movement (a). Holding the chest high, squeeze through the stomach and press the handle away from the body, extending the arms straight while resisting any twisting or rotation (b). It's at this point the resistance will be highest. Continue to engage your core, and ensure you remain square and straight and resist the rotational force. Bring arms back in to the chest and repeat for three sets of 10 reps per side (c).

3. Dumbbell row

Most of us spend more time training the "mirror muscles" on the front of the body, and neglect what we can't see, according to Campbell. But developing a strong back is key to balance things out, improve posture and avoid injury. The dumbbell row can help achieve all that, in addition building strong arms and a strong core. The main muscles being used are the lats, traps and rhomboids, which reinforce good posture by pulling your shoulders back and aiding the core in stabilizing your spine.

How to: Grab a dumbbell (20 pounds is plenty for most to start) and find a bench. Start with your left hand on the bench with left arm extended, while your right arm holds the dumbbell and right foot is on the ground (a). Retract your shoulders, brace your abs, and pull the weight up on the side of your body until the elbow passes the side of the body (b). Lower under control and repeat for three sets of 6-8 reps on each side (c).

4. Push-up

The push-up might appear basic, but it's one of the best exercises you can do. The functional movement is great for training the upper-body pushing muscles — the anterior deltoids, triceps and chest. It also requires you to engage your core and allows full range of motion in your shoulder blades, unlike the bench press.

How to: Start on your knees facing the floor with your hands at shoulder-width, planted directly under the shoulders. Assume a plank position by straightening your legs, supporting your weight with hands and feet (a). Squeeze your backside to keep your trunk engaged and lower your body slowly to the ground. The elbows should be slightly tucked — like arrows, rather than flared like the letter "T" (b). Descend until your chest is just above the ground and return to the starting position by fully extending your arms, and repeat (c). Note: If you can't do five push-ups with good form, elevate your hands on a bench or chair to begin building up your strength. If push-ups are easy, try elevating your feet on a chair on adding a weight vest. Make sure you're able to perform three sets of 12 push-ups with your bodyweight before adding a vest or elevating your feet.

5. Split squat

Traditional squats are great, but it's important to incorporate single-leg movements to develop athleticism and minimize training imbalances. The split squat, a stationary lunge, does just that. The split stance requires you to balance with a narrow base of support, firing up stabilizing muscles of the hip and trunk while training your quads, glutes and hamstrings to perform the movement. In addition to building lower-body strength, the single-leg nature of the exercise helps improve balance and increase flexibility and stability in the hips.

How to: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Next, take a step forward with your right foot, and a large step backwards with your left foot -- this is your starting position (a). Keep the front heel flat and descend into a lunge, bringing your back knee towards the floor. Stop just short of the knee touching the ground on the back leg with the front heel still flat on the ground (b). Pause for one second and return to standing. Perform 6-8 reps on your right leg, then 6-8 reps on your left leg, and repeat for three sets (c).

6. Lateral squat

The lateral squat combines two movements: a lateral lunge and a squat. The difference? The lateral squat is stationary. It requires you to move side-to-side, providing a great stretch on the groin and inner thighs while training the hips, thighs and trunk to work together. Life isn't strictly moving forwards and backwards. It's best that your training isn't either.

How to: Stand tall with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, heels flat on the ground and toes pointed forward. Initiate the movement by pushing your hips backwards, bending your left leg, and leaning to your left with your right foot angled out slightly (a). The left knee should be bent, left heel flat on the floor, and right leg extended with your weight over the left side of your body (b). This is one rep. Return to a standing position and descend doing the same movement on your right side to even things out (c). Perform six reps per leg for three sets.

7. Hip extension (glute bridges/hip thrusts)

One of the most important muscle groups for any trainee -- athlete, weekend warrior, or newbie -- is the glutes. Yet they are often neglected and underutilized from sitting for long periods each day. According to Campbell, "When we attempt movements from running to squatting without optimal hip movement we risk injury to our hips, knees and ankles. Getting glutes that not only switch on when they should but are strong is crucial, and that's where this simple yet powerfully effective movement comes in."

How to: Position the back of your shoulders across a stable bench, feet planted firmly on the ground, about six inches away from your butt (a). Squeezing the glutes, push through your heels to rise up into a bridge position with the hips fully extended. The shoulders down to the knees should be in line, with the knees bent at 90 degrees. Hold the position at the top, glutes, core and hamstrings engaged (b). Lower the hips down and repeat for three sets of eight reps (c). Beginners can continue with just bodyweight, whereas more advanced lifters can progress to rolling a barbell over the top of the hips for added difficulty.

With all these exercises, pay close attention to form and execution. Continue to add weight to each lift once you can complete two more reps than prescribed with your training weight. Keep it up and after a few workouts you'll start to notice rapid gains in strength and overall fitness. Within a few weeks you'll have these exercises mastered and be on your way to having a body that better serves you!

Platinum albums? Not this year

2014-10-28T11:53:00.002-07:00

(CNN) -- It's not a great sign for the music industry when the year's top-selling album is the soundtrack to a Disney movie.

So far in 2014, there hasn't been a single album from a music artist that's sold a million copies or more, according to Billboard.

While "Frozen's" soundtrack has done just fine, with just over 3 million units sold as of October 10, it seems music fans haven't been as eager about albums released by artists.

In fact, the two performers who've come closest to reaching platinum-level success in 2014 actually released their albums last year. Beyonce's self-titled artistic smash has gone on to notch 776,000 units so far this year, while Lorde's "Pure Heroine" has pushed 754,000.

Even the "Frozen" soundtrack is a holdover, as it arrived last November.

As for 2014 releases, Eric Church is so far the biggest hit. The country star's "Outsiders," which arrived in February, has sold 722,000, closely followed by Coldplay's "Ghost Stories."

But perhaps not all hope is lost: 2014 still has some major players up ahead. Taylor Swift will release her latest album, "1989," on October 27, and the Foo Fighters' "Sonic Highways" is slated for November.

And if all else fails, maybe someone can convince Beyonce to drop another surprise album.

Christian Bale to play Steve Jobs

2014-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

the role of Steve Jobs a go.

Aaron Sorkin has confirmed to Bloomberg that the "Dark Knight" actor has been cast in an upcoming biopic about the Apple co-founder.

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Sorkin, who wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film "The Social Network," about the founding of Facebook, is at the helm of the picture and said of Bale's casting, "What we needed was the best actor."

"He really is a phenomenal actor," Sorkin said. "He didn't have to audition."

Bale will be in every scene, Sorkin said, and it's an "extremely difficult part."

"He's going to crush it," Sorkin assured.

The film is reportedly based on the "Steve Jobs" biography by Walter Isaacson, which the late Jobs sanctioned. Jobs died in 2011 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kutcher portrayed the innovator in the 2013 film "Jobs." Bale -- best known for playing Bruce Wayne/Batman in the "Dark Knight" trilogy -- will next be seen in Ridley Scott's "Exodus: Gods and Kings."

Katniss is ready to fight in new 'Mockingjay' trailer

2014-10-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

CNN) -- The battle continues.

A new preview for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1" was released Wednesday. Titled "Choice," it shows Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss learning that Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is alive and advising the rebels to "lay down their weapons." Of course, there is plenty of action, as the warrior teen assures her supporters that she is there to help them fight the Capitol.

The clip was released at the same time as the track list for the soundtrack. Curated by singer Lorde, it's out November 17.

Lorde tweeted, "The people on this soundtrack are true heroes, and you're gonna be mindblown when you hear what they've created

'Hitch' TV show in the works at Fox

2014-10-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

(CNN) -- Will Smith's date doctor "Hitch" is setting up a practice on TV.

According to numerous reports, Fox is adapting the 2005 romantic comedy into a half-hour show, in addition to trying to create TV versions of comedies "Big" and "Monster-in-Law."

Smith starred in the movie "Hitch" as the titular dating guru Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, who would help ordinary men shape up and land the partner of their dreams. Eva Mendes co-starred as the woman Hitch falls for.

The movie has had a long shelf life, as it's still in regular rotation on cable after earning close to $370 million at the box office worldwide.

For the TV version, Fox has a script commitment in place for a concept that's being pitched as a "workplace comedy that explores dating and sexual politics."

Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, are attached to executive produce the project along with James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont.

Kaplan and Elfont, who've scribed "Can't Hardly Wait"; "Surviving Christmas"; and "Made of Honor," are tackling the "Hitch" comedy script.

There's no mention of whether Smith would be interested in filling the role of suave Alex Hitchens once again. Who else would you want to see play the role of Hitch?

***** World wide show biz *****

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Platinum albums? Not this year

Christian Bale to play Steve Jobs

the role of Steve Jobs a go.

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'Hitch' TV show in the works at Fox

* World wide show biz *