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Which dating app is right for you?

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Online dating is officially mainstream. "We met on Tinder" is the new "we met at a bar." Countless children have been born whose parents met on Match.com. According to a survey conducted by popular wedding planning site The Knot, online dating is the most popular way that currently engaged couples met, up 5% in just two years.

With so many options, it can be hard to know where to find the best crop of potential mates. Each of the dating apps out there has features that will matter differently to you depending on your lifestyle, what you want, and what's most important to you.

Whether you're looking for something super specific or have tried every app on the market, this handy guide breaks down what the deal is with each of these online dating experiences and who it's best suited for. Good luck out there!

Why it's awesome:

Let's just get this one out of the way. If you're thinking of dating apps, you're thinking of Tinder. They pioneered the now-ubiquitous swiping function, revolutionizing the world of online dating. What started out as strictly a hookup app has turned into one of the biggest matchmakers in the world. Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

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Who it's for:

Those wary of being catfished. Why it's awesome: Zoosk makes sure that its users are who they say they are by requiring a video selfie as verification. That doesn't mean you can't include that selfie you took that time with the insanely good lighting, but it does mean you're less likely to be scammed. That's the idea, anyway.
Get it here: Zoosk.com

Who it's for:

Picky people looking for something super specific. Why it's awesome: Instead of picking from an endless pool of profiles, Elite Singles lets you pick out exactly what you're looking for. There are separate pools based on location, religion, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. You can even break it down by profession if, for example, you only want to date teachers.
Get it here: EliteSingles.com

Who it's for:

People who trust experience over gimmicks. Why it's awesome: As one of the first online dating sites launched in 1995, Match has decades of data to back up their their algorithms. Match loves to brag about their success stories on social media, providing you endless inspiration when your dating life looks grim.
Get it here: Match.com

Who it's for:

Marriage-minded people ready to settle down. Why it's awesome: eharmony uses a comprehensive relationship questionnaire to match you with people based on your long-term compatibility. Their explicit goal is to "create more
meaningful connections that lead to fulfilling marriages," so if that's your goal as well this is the site for you. Get 30% off a 6-month membership at eharmony.com with code EHLOVE or 15% off 12-month membership at eharmony.com with code HARMONY12.
Get it here: eharmony.com

Who it's for:

Bold ladies who like to make the first move. Why it's awesome: In an attempt to correct one of the common complaints of dating apps — that women get spammed with tons of creepy messages — women are required to message first with Bumble. It also takes the pressure off of dudes who feel like they need to start the conversation every time. (Obviously with same-sex matches, either party can start things off.) Matches expire after 24 hours so you can't agonize over that opening line for too long.
Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

Who it's for:

Aspiring matchmakers or coupled up folks who missed the boat on dating apps and want to see what all the fuss is about. Why it's awesome: You're signed up for the app by a wingman (or wingwoman) who gets to find matches for you. It's essentially the online equivalent of "have you met my friend?" The genius of Wingman is that it takes the work out of online dating for you, and lets your non-single friends take a crack at it. This opens up a whole new market that dating apps have been missing.
Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

Who it's for:

Misanthropes looking for someone to complain to/with. Why it's awesome: Hater is a hilarious concept that might actually work. The app simply matches you with people who hate the same things as you. In the words of Mashblur Cassie Murdoch, it "lets you drop that idealized, perky version of yourself you’ve been putting in all your profiles and lets you show off your inner crank instead."
Get it here: Have a download link sent to your phone via Haterdater.com

Who it's for:

Men seeking men. Why it's awesome: Grindr has been the go-to dating app for gay and bi men since 2009. After launching Into, a new LGBTQ publication, they're also the creators of one of the most interesting digital magazines on the internet, according to Mashblur MJ Franklin. Now you really can say you're just on Grindr for the articles.
Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

Who it's for:

Trekkies, Potterheads, Whovians, gamers, cosplayers, and shippers of all fandoms. Why it's awesome: Those whose dating lives have to make room for their D&D schedules and would rather talk about Westeros politics than Trump's tweets might not have as much luck on mainstream apps like Tinder. Cuddli lets you geek out without shame. Users choose icons based on their passions, giving you the perfect icebreaker.
Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

Who it's for:

Career-motivated singles looking for an equally ambitious partner. Why it's awesome: The exclusive app screens based on educational and professional history in order to ensure that their dating pool is full of "intelligent, educated and ambitious" singles. To keep your work life separate from your dating life (and ensure your privacy), The League keeps your LinkedIn Connections and Facebook friends out of your queue. While it's been slammed as elitist, The League CEO Amanda Bradford claims it's actually a way for "alpha females" to find someone who celebrates and supports their drive.
Get it here: iTunes | Google Play

Avocado spread is a thing, but it's not as delicious as it sounds

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LONDON — Brits love an avocado. So much so, that people in the U are now buying more avocados than oranges.

But, just when you thought Britain's passion for the avocado couldn't get any more ardent, one store just launched avocado spread.

Alas, Tesco's avocado spread isn't akin to almond butter, or peanut butter. It's a dairy-free buttery spread that looks a lot like butter or margarine.

The spread contains 24% avocado oil, so it's similar to an olive spread, only it's made with avocado oil.

The avocado spread is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and is a source of vitamin A, D and Omega 3 fatty acids.

People on Twitter are not all that convinced, however...

The Force is strong at London's menswear shows

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Men's fashion is proving that it's a force to be reckoned with.

The men's fall 2016 season kicked off this week in London with a nod to the Star Wars phenomenon.

SEE ALSO: We asked total strangers which fashion trends they would snog, marry or avoid

Runway looks at Nasir Mazhar were strikingly similar to the Empire's favorite villain and father, Darth Vader.

Nasir Mazhar - Mens Fall 2016 Runway - London Menswear Fashion Week

A model walks the runway at the Nasir Mazhar Fall 2016 fashion show.

Of course no Dark Side would be complete without the commander's foot soldiers. Mazhar also featured black and white accessories fit for a Storm Trooper's armor.

Belstaff - Presentation - London Collections Men SS16

A model poses during the Belstaff presentation.
Craig Green - Mens Fall 2016 Runway - London Menswear Fashion Week

Visions of Chewbacca surfaced as models walked Lou Dalton's and Coach's runways in textured brown sweatsuits and oversized fur coats.
Lou Dalton - Runway - London Collections Men AW16

Lou Dalton - Runway - London Collections Men AW16

Coach - Runway - London Collections Men AW16

Two-toned jackets and cross-body bags at Belstaff and Coach mimicked Finn's look after he abandoned the First Order.
Belstaff - Presentaion - London Collections Men AW16

Belstaff - Presentaion - London Collections Men AW16

To all those attending London Collection: Men, may the Force be with you

People in Japan are squishing their babies' faces to look like rice balls

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We've been squeezing babies' cute faces since the beginning of time. But now, we're not just talking about pinching cheeks.

#RiceBallBabies, which has become a hugely popular meme in Japan, is inspiring people to squish their babies' faces into a shape that resembles a rice ball — by placing their thumbs under a baby's chin and framing their cheeks. Except, of course, these babies are way cuter than regular rice balls that you eat.

SEE ALSO: The Internet can't get enough of this girl dancing seductively with food

We'll show you. Here are some rice balls:

And here is a rice ball baby: Embedded image permalink

The meme can be traced back to Japanese comedian Masahiro Ehara, who squished his kids' faces into rice ball shapes in June, to the delight of Twitter. Embedded image permalink

Now everyone wants to post their own #RiceBallBabies — and maybe a rice ball pet, too. Embedded image permalink

Oh, Internet, thou art a land of wonders.

Vertical running: Elite athletes race up skyscrapers

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HONG KONG — One of the most grueling races in the world — up a 484-meter-tall tower — took elite runner Darren Wilson 11 minutes and 56 seconds to complete.

Wilson jokes that he must be "certifiably crazy."

Here's why: On Sunday morning, Wilson and two dozen other elite runners were among hundreds of participants who sprinted up the interior stairwells of the International Commerce Centre. At 118 stories, the tower is the tallest building in Hong Kong, and among the world's tallest structures.

The run took them to the 100th of the ICC's 118 floors in 2,120 painful steps. Wilson, a wiry 40-year-old from Adelaide, Australia, finished first in just under 12 minutes, pumping the air as he crossed the finish line before slumping to the floor for a well-deserved rest.

Suzy Walsham, 41, equally wiry and also from Australia, was the fastest woman, with her 13 minutes 47 seconds beating her last best time by nearly a minute.

An ordinary person would probably take an hour or two to to climb all those stairs on foot. But there's always the option of using an elevator — the express lift to the ICC's observation deck takes just 60 seconds.

Walsham and Wilson are among a growing number of people who have embraced "vertical running" as a sport.

“I just love it,” said Wilson, who got the vertical-running bug partly because of the training he does for his job as a firefighter. “For me, when I see skyscrapers on television or in the movies, I think 'I want climb that.'”

The concept of vertical running –- basically, running up skyscrapers -– has been around for many years. But it was not until 2009 that the Vertical World Circuit, a series of races up some of the world's tallest buildings, was launched as an annual event.

This year's season started with a dash up the Empire State Building in New York in February, and included buildings in Spain, France and Brazil, among others.

That four of the eight 2014 races took place in Asia (in addition to Hong Kong, there was Taipei, Shanghai and Beijing) is no accident, according to Lauri van Houten, vice-president of the International Skyrunning Federation. “There's been massive growth in the number of skyscrapers in the region in just the last few years,” she said.

Here's a sense of just how massive that growth is: China alone will have 154office towers taller than 300 meters by 2018, according to a report published in July. The United States will have 23.

Next year's locations and schedule have not yet been announced, but Hong Kong and New York are sure to feature again. Organizers are also working to get other skyscrapers, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai — the world's tallest building — on the list.

For many vertical-racing aficionados, the Vertical World Circuit series is an excuse to travel, and see the world. Views from many of the buildings are breathtaking:

But stair-running is also a serious physical challenge.

Ten minutes of walking uphill burns up 10 times more calories than 10 minutes of the same exercise on flat ground, partly because you're fighting gravity,according to data posted by Vertical World Circuit.

Many of the competing runners go two steps at a time; they also use railings to help pull themselves up, and to negotiate the corners inside the stairwells.

“The last 20 floors are always the hardest. It becomes hard to just lift your legs, and your heart rate goes through the roof,” said Walsham, whose training schedule includes gym sessions, 10-kilometer runs and racing up residential buildings in Singapore, where she works for an accounting firm.

“It's a huge challenge –- it's like it's you against the building, rather than you against the other athletes. Whether you win or not, if you finish, you conquer the building.”

The Taipei 101 in Taiwan is the hardest of the current series, according to Omar Bekkali of Belgium, who was the only runner on Sunday to have done all eight races this year.

“It's really tough — the steps in the Taipei 101 are a little higher than in the other buildings; you can really feel it,” said Omar, who came in fourth place in Hong Kong on Sunday.

For Wilson, the Sunday race was his first victory at the ICC, and he shaved seven seconds off the previous record, set last year by another Australian, Mark Bourne.

Wilson has a tattoo of the Empire State Building on the back of his left calf. Now, he may just have to add one of the ICC.

10 Serene Summer Destinations for Avoiding the World Cup Crowds

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This June, the World Cup will draw thousands of soccer fans to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For soccer fans, the host city is the ultimate summer destination.

For the rest of us, however, this is an excellent time not to go to Rio. A trip to the Brazilian capital city for the World Cup from June 14-21, including roundtrip airfare from New York and a six-night hotel stay, will cost about $3,800 per person, according to travel booking site Priceline.com.

Rio is a popular tourist destination even when it isn't hosting the biggest sports tournament in the world, and the World Cup has increased demand for flights by 222% and demand for hotels by 306%, according to Kayak.com.

If you're looking for a cheaper summer trip, here are 10 alternatives that offer all the sun and sand without the crowds. (Listed rates are based on packages listed on Priceline.com the week of April 21, 2014. Prices are per person and include airfare from New York City.)

1. Cape Town, South Africa

Kite surfers in Cape Town — People make use of good weather conditions as they kite surf at Scarborough, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

Veneto Hotel Package: $922

Cape Town has mountains, beaches, amazing vineyards and a somber yet inspiring history.

Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into South Africa's past. Buildings on the island were used as prisons and hospitals for those deemed socially undesirable. The island represents "the triumph of the human spirit, of freedom and of democracy over oppression," according to UNESCO.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica hanging bridge in the forest — Costa Rica offers tourists sandy beaches and tropical forests.

Barcelo Tambor Beach Hotel Package: $1,070

Not much needs to be said about Costa Rica, which has been a popular destination for years. There are beaches, there are zip lines through tropical forests, there are turtles ... You'll forget all about Rio as soon as you arrive.

The popularity of this Central American country has made it a prime destination for scoring travel deals.

3. Panama City, Panama

Panama Marriott Package: $1,187

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal. What better way to mark the centennial than by visiting one of Central America's most cosmopolitan cities?

In addition to the canal, the city has a rich cultural heritage. (And the beaches aren't bad, either.)

4. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel beach with umbrellas and chairs — Cozumel is a vacationer's paradise.

Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Package: $1,200

The island of Cozumel has snorkeling, sunbathing and the kind of beaches you've been daydreaming about.

Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Cozumel gets its name from the Mayan "Ah Cuzamil Peten," which translates as the "Island of Swallows."

5. Cartagena, Colombia

Buildings in Cartagena — Cartagena is a less-visited destination in Colombia, but that makes it easy to avoid the crowds.

Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavilion Package: $1,421

Beautiful architecture and vivid colors are abundant in the city, and the food scene has taken off in recent years, giving tourists a wide variety of culinary experiences to choose from.

6. Phuket, Thailand

Tourists on the beach in Phuket — Thailand’s sapphire blue waters, wildlife parks, delicious cuisine and raunchy red light districts have attracted tourists for decades.

JW Marriott Phuket Package: $1,970

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, offering beaches, deep-sea diving and luxurious resorts.

There are some great surfing spots around the island, and with average temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't want to get out of the water.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Package: $2,400

The city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has a wall around it that dates back to medieval times. Not only is it historic, it's gorgeous, too.

8. Sydney, Australia

Sculpture along the water — Artist Nerine's sculpture "Life Boat/Thuyen cuu roi" seen at Sculptures by the sea in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.

Holiday Inn Darling Harbour Package: $2,507

Sydney is home to the famous Bondi and Manly Beaches, among others. The iconic Sydney Opera House is also a must-see.

9. Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain

Marbella promenade — The beach cities in Spain are a popular destination among northern Europeans.

Puente Romano Hotel Package: $2,686

Marbella has long been a choice destination among celebrities and aristocrats, and it's easy to see why.

This Spanish city is situated on the idyllic Mediterranean, between Málaga and Gibraltar. There are more than 20 beaches and summer festivals keep the party going all night long.

10. Cairns, Australia

A koala looks at the camera — A koala at the Cairns Wildlife Dome.

Hilton Cairns Package: $2,777

Activities in Cairns are all about enjoying what nature has to offer.

After you go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and hang out with koalas in the Cairns Wildlife Dome, soccer will be the last thing on your mind.

MashBlur

Which dating app is right for you?

Avocado spread is a thing, but it's not as delicious as it sounds

The Force is strong at London's menswear shows

People in Japan are squishing their babies' faces to look like rice balls

Vertical running: Elite athletes race up skyscrapers

10 Serene Summer Destinations for Avoiding the World Cup Crowds

1. Cape Town, South Africa

2. Costa Rica

3. Panama City, Panama

4. Cozumel, Mexico

5. Cartagena, Colombia

6. Phuket, Thailand

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

8. Sydney, Australia

9. Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain

10. Cairns, Australia

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