NEWS BINGE 24 - Page 2 of 8 -

How to Find Out Your Ex-Husband’s Social Security Benefits..

How to Dig Up Your Ex-Husband’s Social Security Benefits: The Real-World Playbook
Everything Divorced Folks Need to Know — Without the Jargon

Table of Contents (aka what’s inside)
Intro

What Even Is Social Security?

Divorce + Social Security: What’s the Deal?

Can You Actually Get Paid Off Your Ex?

How to Find Out What Your Ex-Husband’s Social Security Looks Like

What Paperwork Do You Need?

Wait, Don’t Have His SSN? Chill.

When Can You Start Grabbing Ex-Spouse Benefits?

How Much Cash Are We Talking?

Can You Still Work And Collect The Ex Check?

Remarriage: Does It Mess Everything Up?

Busting Myths (Because People Love Drama)

What If Your Ex Hasn’t Filed Yet?

Sneaky Ways to Max Out Your Ex Benefits

Legal Stuff and Privacy (Don’t Be Creepy)

Dealing With the SSA (a.k.a. The Bureaucratic Jungle)

How to Actually Apply

Pro Tips from Money Nerds and Lawyers

Real People, Real Stories

https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/social-security/benefits-for-divorced-spouse

Conclusion: Go Get What You’re Owed

Intro
Alright, picture this: you’re divorced, staring down retirement, and suddenly you find out you might be able to snag some Social Security money based on your ex-husband’s work history. Didn’t see that plot twist coming, huh? This guide will break it all down — what you’re allowed, where to start, and how to make the SSA work for you. Forget playing detective on Google. Let’s actually get you paid.
What Even Is Social Security?
Basically, Social Security is the government’s monthly thank-you note to people who’ve worked (and paid taxes) forever. Retirees get it, so do folks with disabilities, and survivors after someone dies. For ex-spouses, there’s this thing called “spousal benefits” — if you check the right boxes, you could get up to half of your ex’s full benefit. Wild, right?
Divorce + Social Security: What’s the Deal?
US law (yep, real legal stuff — Title 42, Section 402 if you’re bored) says if you were married for 10 years or longer, are now single, and you’re at least 62, you might be able to dip into your ex’s Social Security pool. Important: you’re not stealing their check. They keep theirs. Their new spouse keeps theirs. No one’s taking a hit because you get yours.
Can You Actually Get Paid Off Your Ex?
Here’s the checklist:

Married at least 10 years
Age 62+
Single now (unless you remarried and divorced again)
Your ex is eligible for Social Security
Your own benefit is less than what you’d get as an ex

How to Find Out What Your Ex-Husband’s Social Security Looks Like
Step 1: Get yourself a “my Social Security” account on the SSA site.
Step 2: Round up marriage and divorce paperwork.
Step 3: Call or visit the Social Security office (1-800-772-1213 if you hate waiting in line).
Step 4: They’ll check if your ex is in the system and what you’re eligible for.
Step 5: Boom — submit your application (online, phone, or face-to-face).
What Paperwork Do You Need?

Your SSN (duh)
Your ex’s full name and birthday
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Proof you’re a U.S. citizen
Your birth certificate
Any old Social Security statements, if you’ve got ‘em

Wait, Don’t Have His SSN? Chill.
No worries — you don’t actually need his Social Security number. If you know his name, birthday, maybe where he was born, the SSA can track him down in their system. They won’t give you his personal info (privacy laws and all that jazz), but they will figure out your eligibility.
When Can You Start Grabbing Ex-Spouse Benefits?
You can file at 62, but you only get the maximum if you wait for “full retirement age” (somewhere between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year). File early and you get less. It’s like ordering the small fries instead of the supersize.
How Much Cash Are We Talking?
Tops, you can get 50% of your ex’s full retirement benefit. If you claim early, you get a smaller cut. You can’t double-dip — it’s either your benefit or the ex benefit, not both.
Can You Still Work And Collect The Ex Check?
You can, but if you’re under full retirement age and make more than $22,320 (for 2025), the SSA will start shaving dollars off your check. For every $2 you make above the limit, they knock a buck off your benefits. Annoying, but that’s the deal.
Remarriage: Does It Mess Everything Up?
If you remarry before age 60 (or 50 if you’re disabled), your right to ex-spouse benefits goes poof. Remarry after 60? You’re good. If you divorce (again), you might be eligible again. Social Security is weirdly forgiving about serial divorces.

Lituya Bay 1958: What Triggered the Most Powerful Tsunami…

Alright, let’s shake off the textbook vibes and get into it:

So, picture this: 1958, Lituya Bay, Alaska—middle of nowhere, right? But then, boom. This sleepy little fjord gets absolutely rocked by the biggest freakin’ wave anyone’s ever seen. We’re talking a monster—like, wave-so-tall-it-would-dwarf-the-Empire-State-Building kind of big. People still call it the most powerful tsunami in modern times, and honestly, it’s tough to argue with that. Nothing else even comes close.

https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/largest-tsunami-ever-recorded.htm

But where’s Lituya Bay, anyway? It’s tucked way up in southeast Alaska, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Not exactly prime vacation real estate, unless you’re into grizzly bears. The place sits right on the Fairweather Fault—think of it as Alaska’s personal earthquake vending machine.

Let’s rewind to the night of July 9, 1958. Everything’s chill until right before midnight, when the ground decides to throw a tantrum—a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. That’s huge. People on boats in the bay felt the water move before they even heard the rumble. Next thing you know, a chunk of mountain the size of a city block just peels off and crashes into the water. And that’s what kicks off the insanity.

So, imagine a rockfall so massive that it basically dropkicks millions of tons of earth straight into the bay. The impact? It launches a wave 1,720 feet high. No, that’s not a typo. One. Thousand. Seven. Hundred. Twenty. Feet. If you’re trying to picture it, just stack five Statues of Liberty on top of each other. Still not high enough.

How does this compare to other tsunamis? Not even in the same league. Most tsunamis are big, sure, but they’re nothing like this. Most waves barely get to the height of a two-story house. This thing was a skyscraper made of water.

A big reason it was so nuts? Gilbert Inlet. The geography there is basically a natural shotgun barrel. The landslide funneled all that energy into one spot, and the wave had nowhere to go but up—and then out. It wiped the forest clean off the hillside, like someone took a giant eraser to the landscape.

Let’s talk survivors. Howard Ulrich and his son were on a boat that night. He saw the mountain collapse, watched a wall of water charge his way, and somehow—seriously, how?—rode it out. His boat got tossed around like a bath toy, but he lived to tell the tale. Others, not so lucky. Boats were torn to splinters or just vanished.

Scientists went wild over this. Geological surveys, all sorts of nerdy number crunching, and now they’re even using satellites and 3D models to piece together what really happened. Turns out, it wasn’t just the quake or just the landslide—it was this perfect, awful combo.

Could it happen again? Well, yeah, technically. The fault’s still there, the mountains are still crumbling, and scientists are watching. But there’s better monitoring now, so maybe we’d get a heads-up. Or maybe not. Nature loves surprises.

Here’s the thing that makes Lituya Bay’s tsunami so weird: it didn’t cross the ocean and wipe out distant cities. It was like a sniper shot, crazy high but super local. That’s why scientists call it a “mega-tsunami”—a whole different beast from your standard earthquake-triggered waves.

After the dust settled, the bay was changed forever. Trees gone, new scars on the land, and people suddenly a whole lot more interested in what’s going on with Alaska’s geology. It woke folks up. Now, there’s more focus on monitoring, education, and making sure we’re not totally blindsided next time.

And of course, Lituya Bay’s wave is now a legend. It pops up in documentaries, books, and all sorts of “did you know?” lists. Scientists love it, disaster junkies are obsessed, and it’s the gold standard for mega-tsunami talk.

What’s the difference between a regular tsunami and this monster? Normal tsunamis are usually triggered by undersea quakes, and they spread across the ocean. Mega-tsunamis are local, caused by massive chunks of earth slamming into water. Other places have seen similar stuff—Lake Geneva in 563 AD, or that bonkers wave in Greenland in 2017—but Lituya Bay is the boss.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Be ready. Nature’s not messing around. Build smart, watch the warning signs, and maybe don’t park your boat under a crumbling glacier. Lituya Bay’s still teaching us about what happens when land, water, and tectonic fury all get together for a midnight party.

And honestly, even after all the science, there’s still a little mystery left in Lituya Bay. That wave? It’s got a legacy—and it’s not done making us wonder.

How Many Calories in a Hot Dog? Full Nutrition Breakdown…

How Many Calories in a Hot Dog? The (Actually Honest) Breakdown

Hot dogs. Yeah, they’re the MVP at every backyard BBQ and the unsung hero of every baseball game snack lineup. But, real talk—how many calories are you inhaling every time you wolf one down? And does it even matter if you’re going classic beef, vegan, or just loading it up with every condiment known to man?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/06/30/how-many-calories-in-a-hot-dog-buns-ketchup-and-mustard-facts/70331178007/#:~:text=The%20average%20hot%20dog%20contains,11%20grams%20and%20480%20mg.

Buckle up. We’re about to get into the nitty-gritty of hot dog calories—beef, pork, vegan, chili-cheese gut-busters, the whole crew. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s going on in that bun so you can eat ‘em smarter… or at least know what you’re getting into.

Table of Contents? Eh, let’s wing it. Here’s what’s coming:

Why Should You Even Care About Hot Dog Calories?
The “Average” Hot Dog (spoiler: there’s no such thing)
Calories by Meat (or Plant) Type
Bun Breakdown—Yeah, It Counts
Condiments and Toppings (where things get wild)
Brand Showdown
Combo Meals: Chips, Fries, Soda, Oh My
Cooking Methods: Grill, Boil, Fry, Regret
Are Hot Dogs Healthy…? (Do you really wanna know?)
Smart Swaps & Diet Tips
Regional Dog Styles (Chicago, NYC, etc.—yes, those matter)
How to Burn Off That Dog (hint: hope you like jogging)
FAQS, Myths, and Final Thoughts

Let’s go.

Why Even Bother Counting Hot Dog Calories?
Look, hot dogs look simple—meat tube, bread, go. But nutrition-wise? It’s a circus. Maybe you’re counting calories, maybe you’re just nosy. Either way, if you wanna keep your dad bod at bay or rock that summer bod, it helps to know what’s up.

And don’t even get me started on all these diets—keto, paleo, whatever Gwyneth Paltrow’s pushing this week. People are reading labels now. Hot dogs? They can be a calorie landmine.

The “Average” Hot Dog (Whatever That Means)
Let’s set a baseline. If you grab a standard beef frank (nothing fancy, no bun, no ketchup smiley face), you’re looking at:

Calories: 150-190
Protein: 5-7g
Fat: 13-17g
Carbs: 1-2g

But who eats it naked? Toss in a classic white bun and squirt of ketchup and mustard, and you’re staring down 325 calories. Not exactly rabbit food.

Example Breakdown:

Beef hot dog: 180
White bun: 120
Ketchup (tablespoon): 20
Mustard (teaspoon): 5
TOTAL: 325

Calories by Type: Not All Meat (or Plants) Are Equal

Beef: 180-200 (Nathan’s, Hebrew National, Oscar Mayer—basically the heavy hitters)
Pork: 160-180 (fattier, real talk)
Chicken: 110-130 (lean machine)
Turkey: 100-140 (health nut special)
Vegan/Vegetarian: 90-120 (plant squad, tofu, pea protein, etc)

Bun Calories: The Sneaky Culprit
Don’t sleep on the bun. It’s not just a meat holder, it’s a calorie trap.

White bun: 120
Whole wheat: 130
Gluten-free: 150
Brioche: 180-200 (fancy but dangerous)
Lettuce wrap: 5 (if you wanna feel sad)

Condiments: The Good, The Bad, The Creamy
Some won’t hurt. Others? Yikes.

Ketchup (1 tbsp): 20
Mustard (1 tsp): 5
Relish (1 tbsp): 15
Mayo (1 tbsp): 90 (it’s basically fat in a jar)
BBQ sauce (1 tbsp): 30-45
Hot sauce (1 tsp): 0-5 (go wild)

Toppings: Where Regret Lives
You wanna make it a chili cheese dog? Go ahead, but don’t pretend you didn’t know.

Shredded cheddar (1/4 cup): 110
Chili (no beans, 1/4 cup): 150
Bacon bits (1 tbsp): 50
Sauerkraut (1 tbsp): 5
Jalapeños (1 tbsp): 5
Grilled onions (1 tbsp): 30

P.S. – Chili cheese dog? Easily 500-600 calories. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Brand Showdown: Who’s Counting?

Hebrew National, Beef: 150
Nathan’s Famous, Beef: 180
Oscar Mayer Classic, Beef: 130
Applegate, Turkey: 100
Field Roast, Vegan: 110
Tofurky, Vegan: 90

Hot Dog Combos: The Real Calorie Bomb
Because just one dog is for quitters.

Hot dog meal (dog + sides + drink): 700-1200 (yep, that escalated quickly)
Chips (small bag): 150-200
Fries (medium): 350-400
Soda (12 oz): 140

Cooking Method: Grill, Boil, Fry, Repeat
How you cook it can change the numbers a bit.

Grilled: A bit less fat since some drips off (yay?)
Boiled: Less fat, but also less flavor (meh)
Pan-fried: More fat or oil, so yeah, more calories
Deep-fried (corn dog style): Add 100-200, and maybe some regrets

Nutritional Breakdown: Fat, Protein, Carbs, Sodium
(And that’s just the beginning, pal)

I could keep going, but you get the idea. Hot dogs are sneaky little calorie grenades. But hey, life’s short—eat the dog, just maybe not every day. Or, you know, at least own it when you do.

How Many Lakes Are in Texas? Full List and surprising…

How Many Lakes Are in Texas? Full List and Surprising Facts

Table of Contents:

Intro
What Counts as a Lake in Texas, Anyway?
Natural vs Man-Made Lakes (Yeah, There’s a Plot Twist)
So, How Many Lakes Are We Actually Talking About?
The Big Boys: Texas’ Largest Lakes
Teeny Tiny Lakes Texas Still Likes to Brag About
Top 20 Most Popular Splash Zones (Aka Lakes)
Lakes by Region—Because Texas is Huge
Secret, Hidden, or Just Weird Lakes
Texas History… But Make it Wet
Lakes & Money: The Economic Scoop
Green Stuff: Environmental Impact
The Critters: Lakes & Wildlife in Texas
Fishing (AKA, The Real Texas National Pastime)
Boating, Swimming, Water Shenanigans
Camping & Lakeside Resorts
Drought Drama & Water Levels
Reservoirs vs. OG Lakes
Freshwater vs. “Wait, Is This Salty?” Lakes
Lakes Near the Big Cities
Instagrammable Lakes (Photographers, Assemble)
Texas State Parks With Lakes
Where’s All This Water Coming From? (Major Rivers)
Are Texans Still Building New Lakes?
The Future: Water Storage & Lake Projects
Fun Facts to Annoy Your Friends With
Wild, Wacky Lake Names
Ghost Lakes (Cue Spooky Music)
Texas Lakes in Pop Culture
Wrap-Up: Why Texans Love Their Lakes

Intro
Everything’s bigger in Texas. Even the lakes. You drive across this state and you basically trip over a new body of water every few miles—some are so huge they look like inland seas, others are so tiny you could skip a stone clear across. Whether you’re into fishing, wakeboarding, snapping photos, or just floating around with a cold drink, Texas is loaded with watery playgrounds. But, seriously—how many lakes are there in Texas? Let’s go down the rabbit hole.
What Counts as a Lake in Texas, Anyway?
So, what’s a “lake” around here? Honestly, it depends who you ask. Most folks picture a big, blue, splashy thing you can drive a boat across. Officially, a lake is a chunk of water bigger than your average pond, made by nature or humans, usually fed by rivers, springs, or just Texas-size rain dumps. Here’s the kicker though—Texas counts man-made reservoirs as lakes. So our numbers? Way higher than states that only count the natural ones.

Real Talk:

Natural Lake: Mother Nature did all the heavy lifting.
Reservoir: Texans put up a dam and—boom—new lake.
Stock Tanks/Ponds: Small-time stuff for cows and crops. Not really “lakes” in the state’s eyes.

Natural vs Man-Made Lakes in Texas (Prepare to Be Shocked)
Ready for a plot twist? Texas has ONE natural lake. Yep. Just one. Meet Caddo Lake—kinda mysterious, honestly.

https://www.twdb.texas.gov/surfacewater/rivers/reservoirs/index.asp

Caddo Lake:

Sits on the Texas-Louisiana border (so, kinda shared custody)
Over 25,000 acres of cypress swampy goodness
Looks like a set from “True Detective”
Formed by a giant logjam way back in the 1800s

Man-Made Lakes:
The rest? All man-made. As in, over 7,000 of ‘em. Built for everything from drinking water to fishing tournaments, and, obviously, giving Texans more places to park their jet skis.

So, How Many Lakes Are We Actually Talking About?
Let’s cut to the chase. According to the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Parks and Wildlife folks, there are over 7,000 named lakes and reservoirs here. That adds up to more than 3.5 million acres of watery real estate.

Breakdown:

200+ “Major” Lakes: 5,000 acres or more. Big stuff.
1,000+ Medium: 500–5,000 acres. Decent for a weekend.
Thousands of Small Ones: Under 500 acres. Still fun if you like peace and quiet.

Wild Fact: Over 98% of Texas’ lakes? Man-made. Take that, Mother Nature.

The Big Boys: Texas’ Largest Lakes
In case you wanna know which lakes are flexing the most acreage, here’s the current top 10:
Toledo Bend Reservoir – 181,600 acres (yowza)
Sam Rayburn Reservoir – 114,500 acres
Falcon Lake – 83,654 acres
Lake Livingston – 83,000 acres
Lake Texoma – 78,420 acres
Lake Amistad – 66,465 acres
Lake Whitney – 23,560 acres
Lake Buchanan – 22,333 acres
Lake Travis – 18,622 acres
Possum Kingdom Lake – 17,700 acres

Notice a trend? All man-made. Man, Texans love their dams.

Teeny Tiny Lakes Texas Still Likes to Brag About
Sure, we’ve got some monster lakes, but Texas also officially recognizes some small fries—especially if they’re cool for wildlife or have a great fishing hole.

Examples:

Lake Theo (120 acres) – Caprock Canyons State Park
Lake Ratcliff (45 acres) – Davy Crockett National Forest
Lake Fryer (110 acres) – Up near Perryton

Top 20 Most Popular Splash Zones (Aka Lakes)
These are the spots everyone and their grandma hits up for boating, swimming, fishing, or just chilling:

Lake Travis
Lake Texoma
Possum Kingdom Lake
Canyon Lake
Lake Conroe
Lake Buchanan
Inks Lake
Lake Whitney
Lake LBJ
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Lake Livingston
Lake Fork
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Lake Palestine
Lake Austin
White Rock Lake
Lake Arlington
Lady Bird Lake
Grapevine Lake
Eagle Mountain Lake

Narrowing it down to just 20 is tough—there are hundreds more, but hey, these get the most love (and Instagram geotags).

Stick around, because Texas lakes are a whole thing—history, fishing, wild names, and even a couple lakes that just straight-up disappeared.

Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever Live: How to watch…

Pic credit: Rolling stone

Alright, basketball junkies, here’s the lowdown. Fever vs. Wings—yeah, that’s a must-see if you’re even remotely into hoops right now. Caitlin Clark’s already out here rewriting rookie expectations, and Arike Ogunbowale is basically allergic to boring games. Sparks will fly. Buckle up.

So, how do you watch? Because honestly, even the best game’s useless if you’re stuck watching blurry Twitter clips. Let’s break it down:

When & Where
Teams: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever
League: WNBA (duh)
Date & Time: [Plug in the date and time—don’t make me guess]
Venue: [Stadium goes here]
Watch on: ESPN, ABC, WNBA League Pass, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Amazon Prime, and like 17 other apps.

https://go.feverbasketball.com/indiana-fever-ways-to-watch

Why bother?

Caitlin Clark. She’s been everywhere, and for good reason. She shoots from the parking lot and doesn’t miss.
Ogunbowale—she’s got that “I’m dropping 30 tonight and you can’t stop me” energy.
Playoffs are creeping up, every win’s got weight.
And, let’s be real, these teams don’t like losing to each other.

On Old-School TV
Want to go classic? You’ve got options:

ESPN (and the rest of their family): ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3. Download the WatchESPN app if you’re fancy.
ABC: Sometimes they air games on the weekend. Pull out that antenna if you still have one.
CBS Sports Network: Not all games, but check your listings just in case.
NBA TV: Yep, they show WNBA games too. Sports bundle folks, this one’s for you.

(Seriously, check your local guide. Don’t come yelling at me if the game’s not on ESPN in your zip code.)

Cut the Cord? Streaming’s Got Your Back

WNBA League Pass: The real MVP for die-hards. Every game, every angle, every stat. $24.99 for the whole year. Or just buy single games if you’re on a budget.
FuboTV: Sports-heads love it. ESPN and ABC included. $75/month, but they lure you in with a 7-day free trial.
YouTube TV: ESPN, ABC, CBS in one place. Unlimited DVR, so you can pretend you were watching live. $73/month, 14-day trial.
DirecTV Stream: ESPN, CBS, ABC. $80/month, but hey, 5 days free if you’re “just trying it out.”
Hulu + Live TV: Bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+. $77/month, no trial, but hey, Mickey Mouse might soften the blow.
Sling TV: If you’re broke or just cheap, $40/month gets you ESPN via their Orange plan. First month is half off, because marketing.

Outside the U.S.?
You’re not out of luck:

WNBA League Pass Global: Watch anywhere, unless some blackout nonsense interferes.
ESPN Player/DAZN: Depending on your country.
TSN/Sportsnet (Canada): Some games air up north.
Sky Sports (UK): For the insomniacs watching from London.

And yeah, you can try a VPN if you want to dodge region blocks. I won’t tell.

Free? Yeah, It’s Possible

Free trials: FuboTV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream. Just remember to cancel or your bank account will hate you.
Local ABC: Antennas still exist. Shocking, I know.
Promos: Sometimes Hulu or Prime Video throws out a special WNBA stream. Keep an eye out.

On Your Phone

WNBA app: For League Pass subscribers.
ESPN app: Log in with your TV or streaming service—done.
Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu apps: Download, sign in, watch wherever (bathroom, bus, whatever).
ABC app: If it’s live in your area, you’re golden.

Pro tip: Turn on notifications or you’ll forget tip-off and cry.

What’s gonna happen?
Expect fireworks. Dallas is scrappy. Indiana’s got Clark-mania. Someone’s dropping 30. Someone’s getting dunked on (well, okay, maybe not, but you get me). If you love drama, you’re in for a treat.

Now go set your reminders. Don’t be that person asking for highlights after it’s over.

Does North Korea Touch Russia? The Truth About their…

Does North Korea Touch Russia? The Weird Little Border Hardly Anyone Talks About

So, here’s the thing: when people start rattling off North Korea’s neighbors, it’s always South Korea and China, right? But—plot twist—way up in the far northeast is this almost comically tiny border with Russia. We’re talking 17 kilometers (yeah, like a morning jog if you’re feeling ambitious). But don’t let the size fool you; this sliver of land stirs up way more drama than you’d expect for its size.

Let’s get into the geography, a bit of history, why this border even matters, and what’s going on there today. Spoiler: It’s not a bustling tourist hotspot.

Where Exactly Do Russia and North Korea Meet? (…And Why?!)
Here’s the geography lowdown: The Tumen River slices out the border between Russia and North Korea. This same river also helps carve out North Korea’s border with China. So, if you’re imagining some big buffer zone, forget it. It’s Russia, China, and North Korea practically elbowing each other for space.

Here’s the breakdown:

China: Whopping 1,352 km border
South Korea: About 237 km
Russia: Just 17 km (seriously, you could walk it in an afternoon if the guards didn’t shoot you)

The exact crossing? North Hamgyong Province (NK) meets Russia’s Primorsky Krai. If you squint at the map, you’ll see China, Russia, and North Korea almost touching at the same spot. Oh, and fun trivia—there’s only one way across: the Korea–Russia Friendship Bridge. The name’s cute, but the vibe? Not so warm and fuzzy.

A Quick and Dirty History of This Odd Border
Back in the 1800s, when empires were busy drawing lines on maps, the Treaty of Beijing (1860) handed Russia some real estate on the Sea of Japan. Fast-forward to 1945: WWII ends, the Korean peninsula gets split, and suddenly there’s a Soviet zone which eventually turns into North Korea.

Pic Credit: Newsweek

https://journals.openedition.org/chinaperspectives/806

After WWII, the USSR pretty much built North Korea’s government, and the two were thick as thieves during the Cold War. Border area? Used for moving troops and trade. But once the Soviet Union folded, that bromance cooled off real quick.

The Friendship Bridge (No, You Can’t Drive Across)
Let’s talk about this bridge. Built in 1959, it’s the only land link between the two countries. Connects Tumangang Station (NK) to Khasan Station (Russia). Cars? Forget it. This is rail-only territory—think freight trains lugging fuel and the occasional North Korean shipment of, I don’t know, crabs or coal. Don’t expect a traffic jam.

Trade: Mighty Quiet, But Symbolic
Russia isn’t North Korea’s main trading buddy (China’s got that locked down). But they do swap a few things—coal, energy, and sometimes North Korean labor (which, let’s be real, is dodgy under UN rules). Sanctions have put a big damper on most of this. Russia likes to play it cool—publicly following the rules, but nobody’s really sure what’s happening behind the scenes.

Pic Credit: Reddit

Military and Strategic Shenanigans
So, why does this baby border matter? Well, even though it’s tiny, it’s a strategic wildcard. Military surveillance is heavy, and if things ever go sideways for North Korea, this border could be a lifeline—or a backdoor. Russia loves to keep its options open, using the border as a bargaining chip when dealing with the U.S. and NATO. Classic.

Life on the Edge (Literally)
Don’t expect much action here. On the Russian side, Khasan is a sleepy little town (less than a thousand people, probably bored out of their minds). On the North Korean side? Tumangang is basically a checkpoint with guards and fences—think less “village,” more “do-not-enter” sign.

Crossing this border? You’d have better luck winning the lottery. Armed guards, fences, cameras, the works. North Korea isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat.

So yeah, North Korea does touch Russia. Barely. But that sliver of land? It’s got a story way bigger than its footprint.

“How Does 7/11 Day Work? Free Slurpee Deals, Rewards & Everything You Need to Know”

How Does 7/11 Day Work? The Real Scoop on Free Slurpees, Rewards, and All That Jazz

Pic Credit: The Economic Times

— Table of Contents (Yeah, it’s long. Skip around if you want) —

Intro: What’s the Deal With 7/11 Day Anyway?

A Quick Trip Down 7-Eleven Memory Lane

Wait, Why July 11th? Is This a Dad Joke?

What’s Up for Grabs?

Slurpee Free-For-All

Extra Deals (Because Why Not?)

Perks for 7Rewards Nerds

How to Actually Nab That Free Slurpee

Step-by-Step (It’s Not Rocket Science, But Still)

App vs. OG In-Store Vibes

Who Gets to Join the Party?

Age Stuff, IDs, and the “One Per Customer” Rule

How Long Does the Madness Last?

Start/End Times—Don’t Sleep On It

Is It Really All Day, or Nah?

Should I Bother With 7Rewards?

Why Sign Up (Besides Free Stuff)

How the Points Thing Works

Bonus Goodies Just for 7/11 Day

7NOW Delivery: Slurpees to Your Couch?

Pro Tips: How to Win at 7/11 Day

Dodge the Stampede

Best Times to Roll Up

Bringing the Squad

What’s the Catch? (C’mon, There’s Always Something)

Hidden Fees? Not Really, But Read This

Common Gripes + Easy Fixes

FAQ: 7/11 Day Edition

What’s New in 2025?

Fresh Deals

Wild New Flavors

Limited-Edition Swag

How’s This Stack Up to Other Free Food Days?

Battle of the Freebies

Other Days to Mark on Your Calendar

Social Media Contests (Win More Junk!)

No 7-Eleven Near You? Don’t Cry

Workarounds & Hacks

Behind the Curtain: How 7-Eleven Pulls This Off

Logistics Chaos

Marketing Hype

Keeping Those Slurpees Flowing

The Business Side (Yep, It’s About $$$)

Sales Surge

Brand Loyalty

The ROI Game

Slurpees & Sustainability—Are They Trying?

Paper vs. Plastic (The Never-Ending War)

How 7-Eleven’s Dealing With It

Final Thoughts (If You’re Still Here)

Conclusion

Intro: What’s the Deal With 7/11 Day Anyway?
So, every July 11th, people basically lose their minds over free Slurpees at 7-Eleven. It’s like a birthday party for the brand, but you get the present. And honestly, in the middle of summer? Genius move. But there’s more to it than just the free sugar rush—rewards, random deals, contests, and a boatload of hype.
A Quick Trip Down 7-Eleven Memory Lane
This whole thing didn’t start until 2002, believe it or not. They called it “Customer Appreciation Day” at first, which sounds kinda formal, but hey, free is free. 7-Eleven itself? Been around since 1927, back when you could buy ice blocks. Rebranded in ’46 to 7-Eleven, because, shocker, they were open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.—which was wild back in the day.
Wait, Why July 11th? Is This a Dad Joke?
No, it’s not a groan-worthy pun, it’s literally 7/11. July 11th. The date matches the store’s name. Marketing team must’ve high-fived themselves when they pitched that one.
What’s Up for Grabs?
Slurpee Free-For-All
The big draw is a free small Slurpee—just show up, grab one, and try not to spill it on your shirt. Get there early, though. Supplies don’t last forever.

Extra Deals (Because Why Not?)
Usually, they’ll throw in bonuses like cheap hot dogs, pizza slices, sodas, candy, and sometimes even a break at the gas pump. It’s like a mini carnival but indoors and probably stickier.

Perks for 7Rewards Nerds
If you’re in their loyalty club (7Rewards), you can snag exclusive deals, extra points, and sometimes get first dibs on promos.

How to Actually Nab That Free Slurpee
Step-by-Step (It’s Not Rocket Science)
Get the 7-Eleven app (unless you’re stubborn about your storage space).
Set up or log into your 7Rewards account.
Walk, bike, drive, or skateboard to a participating 7-Eleven on July 11.
Ask for your small Slurpee at checkout—try not to look too desperate.
Flash your barcode or phone number, rack up those points, and feel accomplished.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/07/11/free-slurpee-day-7-eleven-2025/84536859007

App vs. OG In-Store Vibes
The app sometimes drops extra coupons or bonus Slurpees, so if you’re into free stuff, might as well download it before the big day.

Who Gets to Join the Party?
Who Can Get the Free Slurpee?
Literally anyone who walks in (or limps, or moonwalks, whatever). No need to buy anything, but if you’re a 7Rewards member, it’s even sweeter.

Age Stuff, IDs, and the “One Per Customer” Rule
No age limit, no ID check. If you’re sending your kid in solo, maybe go with them so they don’t get lost in the chip aisle. Oh, and don’t get greedy—one free Slurpee per person. Hitting up five stores? Eh, technically against the rules, but I won’t tell.

How Long Does the Madness Last?
Kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on July 11 and runs till 11:59 p.m. (or until they’re out of cups). Some app promos actually stretch out for a week or so, just to keep the sugar high going.
Should I Bother With 7Rewards?
Why Sign Up?
Birthday freebies, member-only prices, bonus points, and random free snacks when you hit milestones. If you go to 7-Eleven more than twice a year, it’s probably worth it.

How the Points Thing Works
Ten points per dollar spent. Save up, cash in for snacks, drinks, or even gas if you’re living that car life.

Bonus Goodies Just for 7/11 Day
On the big day, members might get extra points just for grabbing their free Slurpee or knocking out certain app challenges.

7NOW Delivery: Slurpees to Your Couch?
Yep, 7-Eleven delivers now. On 7/11 Day, they usually roll out free delivery or bundle deals like “Spend $11, get $11 off next time.” Lazy people, rejoice.
Pro Tips: How to Win at 7/11 Day
Dodge the crowds by going early or late (but don’t blame me if the machines are bone dry by then). Bring a buddy to double up on deals. Download the app. Wear something you don’t mind spilling blue raspberry on.

—That’s the gist. Go forth, conquer 7/11 Day, and don’t forget to brainfreeze responsibly.

Why Cathie Wood Believes Bitcoin Is the Future: Full..

Why Cathie Wood Thinks Bitcoin’s Gonna Take Over: The Wild Price Call

Pic Credit: TheStreet

Alright, let’s just get this out of the way—Cathie Wood is basically the Beyoncé of finance. She’s the boss at ARK Invest, and honestly, she’s got more hot takes than a crypto bro on Twitter. Tesla, AI, genomics, blockchain—you name it, she’s probably already got a thesis and a prediction. But let’s be real: nothing gets people yelling on CNBC or Reddit quite like her Bitcoin forecast.

People hang on her every word when it comes to BTC. Why? Is she just stirring the pot for clicks, or does she actually have a legit angle on why Bitcoin’s going to the moon (and maybe Mars, too)? We’re talking six-figure Bitcoin, possibly even a million bucks per coin. Yep, she said it.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/01/06/cathie-wood-1-million-forecast-bitcoin/#:~:text=The%20scarcity%20of%20Bitcoin,coins%20are%20already%20in%20circulation.

Here’s what we’re gonna dig into:

Who is this Cathie Wood, and why does the market care what she thinks?
What’s her grand Bitcoin strategy?
What kind of research and numbers is she looking at?
Is there any historical juice behind this optimism?
What exactly is her million-dollar BTC prediction based on?
What does this mean for you and the rest of us normies?
What could still go wrong?
How to actually use this info without wrecking your life savings

Whether you’re a battle-scarred trader, a “just HODL, bro” meme lord, or you literally just googled “what is Bitcoin,” stick around. This is the inside scoop on why Cathie Wood is all-in on BTC—and why it might be the wildest bet of her career.

Chapter 1: Okay, So Who’s Cathie Wood?

Before we get into “number go up” territory, let’s actually talk about the woman behind the hype train. Cathie Wood isn’t just some suit on Wall Street. She’s got four decades of experience, and in 2014 she launched ARK Invest with one goal: bet big on the next wave of innovation.

What’s ARK Invest into?

Blockchain and crypto (duh)
Artificial intelligence (Skynet, but with more PowerPoint)
Tesla and electric cars (Elon’s biggest fan, probably)
DNA and gene stuff (science fiction, but real)
Robots and automation (Rise of the Machines, pt. 2)

Here’s the thing: when most investors freak out over volatility, she’s like, “Bring it on.” That’s pretty much why she became a rockstar with regular folks—especially after ARK ETFs went bonkers post-pandemic.

Chapter 2: Her Bitcoin Conviction (Started Way Before It Was Cool)

So when did she start waving the Bitcoin flag? Way back around 2015, when most bankers thought Bitcoin was just a scam for nerds and criminals. ARK Invest was actually the first public fund to jump into BTC, using the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.

Ever since, she’s been one of the loudest voices defending Bitcoin—even when the price tanked and everyone else bailed. Her team’s cranking out research about Bitcoin’s energy, supply, why it’s different from regular money… all that jazz.

Chapter 3: Bitcoin = Digital Gold (But Better, Apparently)

According to Wood, Bitcoin isn’t just a wild gamble—it’s the new gold, only smarter and faster. Here’s the short version:

Scarcity: There’s only ever gonna be 21 million Bitcoin. Governments can’t just “print” more. Math says so.

“Bitcoin is mathematically guaranteed to be scarce. That gives it a store-of-value property that gold can’t match in the digital age.” – Cathie Wood

Decentralization: No single government or central bank controls it. You basically can’t shut it down or fudge the numbers.
Portability: You wanna move $5 million in gold? Good luck. With Bitcoin, it’s a few clicks and boom, it’s anywhere on earth.

Chapter 4: Institutions Finally Get the Joke

One of her biggest calls was that the big dogs (banks, pension funds, mega-corps) would eventually start buying in. Guess what? She was right.

Some shoutouts:

Tesla bought $1.5 BILLION in BTC back in 2021
BlackRock (the biggest asset manager, period) launched their own Bitcoin ETF
Fidelity, your grandma’s retirement fund, now offers Bitcoin
MicroStrategy—Michael Saylor’s personal Bitcoin casino—holds over 200,000 BTC

If institutions even toss 2.5%–5% of their portfolios into Bitcoin, ARK says the price could rip past $500k. Not even kidding.

Chapter 5: The Halving Hype

Another thing Cathie’s big on: Bitcoin’s halving cycle. Every four years, the amount of new Bitcoin being created gets cut in half, making it even more scarce. Historically, this has meant the price goes ballistic after each halving.

Here’s the rundown:

2012: BTC at $12, goes to $1,000+ next year
2016: $650 → $2,500+
2020: $8,600 → $50,000+
2024: $63,000… so what’s next? Guess we’ll see.

With ETFs launching, inflation going nuts, and everyone freaking out about the economy, Wood thinks this next cycle could be the craziest yet.

Chapter 6: The Infamous $1 Million Prediction (And Why She’s Sticking to It)

This is the mic drop: In 2022, Wood told Bloomberg she sees Bitcoin hitting $1 million per coin by 2030. No typo. One, freaking, million.

Why so bullish? Here’s the logic:

If pension funds and sovereign funds just put a sliver of their cash into BTC, demand explodes.
With governments printing money like crazy, regular cash keeps losing value—making scarce assets like Bitcoin look even better.

And that’s only part of it. She’s betting on all these trends converging: institutional FOMO, global instability, governments devaluing their currencies, and the classic “fear of missing out.”

Look, that’s a wild number. But if there’s one thing Cathie Wood’s good at, it’s making bold bets and not backing down. Will she be right? No clue. But it’s gonna be a wild ride either way. So strap in.

How to Watch IND vs ENG Live: TV Channels….

How to Watch IND vs ENG Live: TV, Streaming & Everything Else for 2025

Alright, let’s get into it. There’s nothing like an India vs England cricket series to make fans lose sleep and forget about real-life responsibilities, right? If you’re wondering where and how to catch every single ball, don’t sweat—I’ve got you covered. Here’s your not-so-boring, actually useful guide to watching IND vs ENG live, whether you’re in Mumbai, Manchester, or stuck in the middle of nowhere with just your phone and a prayer.

Quick Look: What’s Happening?

So, India faces England in 2025. We’re talking a full-blown tour:

5 crazy Tests
3 ODIs
3 T20Is
Kohli, Root, Bumrah, Stokes—yeah, the whole squad’s there. Matches run from June to August, with games at iconic spots like Chennai, Lord’s, Ahmedabad, and Manchester. If you don’t watch, are you even a cricket fan?

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-tour-of-england/ind-vs-eng-live-streaming-how-to-watch-india-vs-england-3rd-test-match-online-and-on-tv/articleshow/122337461.cms

Where’s the Match on TV?

Here’s the no-nonsense list:

Country	Channel(s)
India	Star Sports, DD Sports
UK	Sky Sports Cricket
USA	Willow TV
Australia	Fox Cricket, Channel 7
South Africa	SuperSport
New Zealand	Sky Sport NZ
Canada	ATN Cricket Plus
UAE	CricLife, StarzPlay

Extra tip: Star Sports has regional commentary. So if you wanna hear the action in Tamil, Telugu, or whatever, just hit the right button.

Streaming: Where to Click, Tap, or Swipe

Platform	Region	Sub Needed?
Disney+ Hotstar	India	Yeah
Sky Go, NOW TV	UK	Yup
Willow TV App	USA	Of course
Foxtel Go, Kayo	Australia	You bet
SonyLIV	Select Regions	Usually
JioTV, Airtel TV	India (Mobile)	Often free

Watching in India: The Real Deal

TV: Star Sports 1 HD (English), Star Sports Hindi HD, DD Sports if you’re old-school or on Free Dish.
Online: Disney+ Hotstar (starts at ₹299/month). JioTV and Airtel Xstream are sweet if you already use those SIMs.
Hot tip: Hotstar regional channels = cricket in your language. Don’t sleep on that.

UK: Tea, Scones, and Cricket

TV: Sky Sports Cricket. You probably already have it, or at least your dad does.
Online: Sky Go (for subscribers). NOW TV is cool if you just want a quick pass for a day or a month—no contracts, no drama.

USA & Canada: Cricket in the Land of Baseball

USA: Willow TV (TV & app). Sling TV’s Cricket Pack is cheap and works; you’ll survive.
Canada: ATN Cricket Plus (TV), Hotstar Canada (if you can get it), Sling TV for streaming.

Australia, South Africa, and Other Spots

Australia: Fox Cricket & Channel 7 (TV), Kayo Sports or Foxtel Go for streaming.
South Africa: SuperSport (TV), DStv App (streaming).
UAE/Middle East: CricLife, StarzPlay.
New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ.

Free & Actually Legal Streams

JioTV and Airtel Xstream: If you’ve got the right SIM, you’re in.
DD Sports: Free Dish users, enjoy.
Warning: Stay away from dodgy sites promising “free streams.” You’ll just catch a virus (the computer kind).

On Your Phone? No Problem

Get one of these apps:

Disney+ Hotstar
JioTV / Airtel TV
Willow TV
Kayo Sports

Just make sure your WiFi isn’t trash and your phone isn’t from the stone age.

Apps to Download

App	Where It Works
Disney+ Hotstar	India, SE Asia
Sky Go	UK
Willow TV App	USA
DStv App	South Africa
Foxtel Go	Australia
Airtel Xstream	India

No Cable? Who Cares

You don’t need cable TV in 2025, come on. Use:

NOW TV (UK)
Sling TV (USA)
Kayo Sports (Australia)
Disney+ Hotstar (India)

It’s usually cheaper, and you don’t have to talk to customer service (thank god).

Want That Sweet HD or 4K?

Disney+ Hotstar Premium does 4K.
Sky Sports Ultra HD is fancy.
Kayo 4K (if the match is special enough).

Just make sure your internet isn’t dial-up. 10 Mbps for HD, 25+ for 4K. Otherwise, you’ll just watch a slideshow.

Don’t Get Scammed, Seriously

If a website looks sketchy or has 20 pop-ups saying “WATCH CRICKET FREE,” close it. Also, ignore random cricket apps on the Play Store. Stick to the official stuff. Trust me, you don’t want your phone bricked.

VPNs: The Sneaky Way

Sometimes, you just gotta pretend you’re somewhere else. VPNs let you do that. Use ‘em to unlock streams not available in your country—but hey, use them responsibly, alright?

Radio & Social Media: Old-School and Fast

Radio commentary: Still a thing, especially if you’re driving. Check local listings.
Live scores: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, Twitter—if you’re stuck at work, these are your friends.

Tips for Next-Level Viewing

Get snacks ready. No one wants to miss a Kohli cover drive ‘cause they’re in the kitchen.
Group watch? Even better. Cricket’s best with friends, or at least people to yell at.
Check the schedule so you don’t accidentally plan your mom’s birthday during the final.

Don’t Miss It

That’s it, really. Bookmark this, set your reminders, and don’t get caught googling “IND vs ENG live” at the last minute. This series is gonna be wild—don’t blink.

Now, go find your lucky jersey and tell your boss you’ll be “working from home” all of July and August.

Current Time in Liberia: What’s the Local Time Right now?..

Current Time in Liberia: What’s the Local Time Right Now?

Pic Credit: Britannica

Table of Contents (because who doesn’t love a good list?)

Intro: Why Are You Here, Anyway?
Where Even Is Liberia?
Liberia’s Time Zone—Simple Stuff
What Time Is It, Actually?
Daylight Saving? Not Here, Buddy
Liberia vs. The Rest of the World
How to Check Liberia Time (Like, Right Now)
Why Does Time Even Matter?
Time Tips for Tourists (Don’t Be THAT Person)
Time in Liberia’s Biggest Cities
Business Hours and How Folks Work
Liberia Time vs. UTC (Nerd Alert)
How Not to Mess Up a Time Conversion
Holidays and Timekeeping Chaos
Random Time Questions People Actually Ask
Set Your Clock—Don’t Be Late
Apps for Liberia Time (Because, Phones)
Airports, Airlines, and All That Jazz
Remote Work & Expats: Staying Sane
Wrap Up & Random Thoughts

Intro: Why Are You Here?
Look, maybe you’ve got a flight to catch, a Zoom call with someone in Monrovia, or you’re just killing time on the internet (hey, no judgment). Whatever the reason, you wanna know what time it is in Liberia. Well, you’re in luck—I’ve got you covered. We’ll run through the basics, some not-so-basics, and a few “wait, what?” facts about time in Liberia.
Where Even Is Liberia?
Alright, quick geography lesson: Liberia’s chilling on the West African coast, squeezed between Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Atlantic. Close enough to the equator that the sun basically ignores the calendar—no crazy daylight swings here.

Fast facts:

Capital: Monrovia (it’s humid, bring a fan)
Latitude: 6.4° N (if you care)
Climate: Basically hot and sweaty, with a solid rainy season from May to October. Dry season? November to April. Pack accordingly.

Liberia’s Time Zone—Simple Stuff
Liberia keeps it real simple: GMT. That’s Greenwich Mean Time. UTC+0, for the time zone nerds out there. No funky offsets, no “wait, is it an hour ahead or behind?” nonsense. Just plain old GMT.

pic credit: worlddata.info

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/liberia/monrovia

Time Zone Recap:

Standard Time: GMT (UTC+0)
Daylight Saving: Nah, they don’t mess with that
Abbreviation: You guessed it—GMT

What Time Is It, Actually?
Right this second? Well, unless you’ve got a live clock glued to your face, you’ll need to check a widget or Google it. (Seriously, just type “current time in Liberia” into Google. Boom, there it is.)

And here’s the best part: The time in Liberia doesn’t change. No springing forward or falling back. Your body clock will thank you.

Daylight Saving? Not Here, Buddy
Nope. Liberia doesn’t do daylight saving time. None of that “is it 2pm or 3pm?” headache. Most African countries skip it—makes sense when the sun rises and sets at pretty much the same time all year.

Why that rocks:

No confusing clock switches
Businesses stay on the same schedule, no matter the season
Great for places near the equator (like, duh)

Liberia vs. The Rest of the World
Wanna know how Liberia stacks up against other countries? Here’s the cheat sheet:

New York: 4 or 5 hours behind (depending on their DST drama)
London: Same as Liberia in winter, but London jumps an hour ahead in the summer
Delhi: A whopping 5 and a half hours ahead
Beijing: 8 hours ahead
South Africa: 2 hours ahead
Nigeria: 1 hour ahead

So yeah, if you’re calling someone in Liberia, double-check the time unless you like waking people up.

How to Check Liberia Time (Like, Right Now)
Don’t overthink it. There are literally dozens of websites (because the internet is extra like that).

Best picks:

Time.is
WorldTimeBuddy.com
TimeAndDate.com

Or just ask Google. It’s faster than scrolling through this list.

Why Does Time Even Matter?
You’d be shocked how fast things fall apart when people don’t agree on what time it is. We’re talking missed flights, botched meetings, diplomatic disasters, TV shows starting at the wrong hour—chaos. In Liberia, like everywhere else, solid timekeeping keeps the world spinning (well, kind of).
Time Tips for Tourists (Don’t Be THAT Person)
Visiting Liberia? Here’s the scoop:

Jet lag isn’t as brutal with a consistent time zone
Locals appreciate punctuality… but don’t stress if things start a bit late. It’s a vibe.
Double-check tour times, especially if you just flew in from a DST-crazed country

Time in Liberia’s Biggest Cities
It’s all the same, honestly. No regional time zones here.

Monrovia: GMT
Ganta: GMT
Buchanan: GMT
Harper: GMT
Zwedru: You guessed it—GMT

@leahova
Montana won’t even see this bow that they’ve banned the app #timezones #states #unitedstates #pacifictime #centraltime #indiana
♬ original sound – leahova

Business Hours and How Folks Work
If you’re doing business, a few basics:

Offices: Usually 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday
Government: 8:30am to 4pm
Lunch: 1 hour, usually sometime between 12 and 2 (don’t expect anything to happen during lunch)
Banks: 9am to 3pm

People respect time, but sometimes, “Liberian time” is more relaxed than what you’re used to. Roll with it.

(…you get the idea, right?)

Bottom line: If you need to know the time in Liberia, it’s GMT. No DST. Check your phone, don’t panic, and enjoy the rhythm of West Africa. And hey—if you show up a few minutes late? Just blame the traffic. Everyone else does.