NEWS BINGE 24

Dodge the Deluge: Texas Cities Where Floods Don’t Stand a Chance

When folks talk about Texas, sure, you get the classic imagery—endless highways, wildflowers, maybe a pit stop for brisket. But, let’s be real, if you’ve watched even five minutes of the news during hurricane season, you know not every part of Texas is created equal when it comes to floods. Some spots? Practically marshland. But others? Dry as a bone, baby.

Let’s say you want the big Texas experience minus the soggy living room carpet. Good news: some cities here barely know what a flood warning sounds like. I mean, nowhere is 100% water-proof (unless you’ve got a houseboat), but some places are honestly as close as you’ll get.

https://climatecheck.com/texas

So, I’ve rounded up the top Texas cities where you can chill out about flood risks—places with smart city planning, good drainage, and, well, not much rain. Whether you’re shopping for a new zip code or just want to sleep better during storm season, this list should help.

Why You Should Actually Care About Flood Risk in Texas

Look, Texas weather can go from “sunbathing on the porch” to “grab the sandbags” in about ten minutes, especially in hurricane season (June through November because Mother Nature has zero chill). The coast and spots near big rivers get hammered the most—think Brazos, Trinity, Colorado, all those guys. And then there’s the whole rapid development thing, where cities toss up concrete like it’s going out of style, which basically tells rainwater, “Hey, no room for you here—go flood my neighbor’s house instead.”

Plus, climate change is just making stuff weirder. More rain, less predictability. If you own a house or even just rent, less flood risk means cheaper insurance, less drama, and less time bailing water out of your garage. Trust me, it matters.

How These Cities Made the List

I didn’t just pick names out of a cowboy hat. This is based on FEMA flood maps, NOAA data, how cities plan for flooding, elevation, and whether the local government actually knows what the heck it’s doing when it rains sideways. Basically, these are the places that don’t get their socks knocked off every time there’s a thunderstorm.

Alright, here we go:

1. El Paso – The “We Forgot What Rain Looks Like” City
   Flood Drama: Almost nonexistent
   Where: West Texas

El Paso is basically the Texas version of Arizona—dry, high up, and not even on a hurricane’s radar. Average rain? Like, 9 inches a year. Your houseplants will suffer more than your basement.

Why Move Here?
You’re up at 3,740 feet, so rain’s gotta work hard to even get here. Desert ground soaks up what little does fall, storm drains are on point, and hurricanes don’t even know the way. Plus, you get killer sunsets, a cool cross-border culture, and—you ready?—it’s actually one of the safest big cities in the country.

2. Lubbock – Where Tornadoes Party, But Floods Don’t
   Flood Drama: Pretty low
   Where: Northwest Texas

Lubbock’s way up there (3,200 feet). No rivers, no coast, not much to flood. Sometimes you’ll get a gnarly thunderstorm, but giant floods? Nah.

Why’s It Work?
It’s dry, it’s windy, and they keep upgrading the infrastructure. You’ve got Texas Tech bringing in the college energy, houses don’t cost a fortune, and the city keeps growing.

3. Amarillo – Cowtown, Not Water Town
   Flood Drama: Low
   Where: Panhandle

Pic Credit: The Atlantic

Amarillo’s another one for the “rain, what’s that?” club. High ground, barely any annual rain, and the drainage is solid. Hurricanes? Please, those things can’t find Amarillo on a map.

What’s Good?
Chill pace, nice people, and just enough cowboy hats to keep it interesting. It’s perfect if you want affordable living without the flood headache.

4. Midland – Oil, Money, and Dry Feet
   Flood Drama: Also low
   Where: West Texas

Midland is famous for oil, but maybe it should get more hype for its anti-flood powers. Flat, arid land, hardly any rivers or lakes, so water’s not hanging around long enough to cause trouble.

Why Bother?
If you work in energy, the pay’s good. City’s modern, family-friendly, and, as a bonus, your basement won’t double as a swimming pool.

5. San Angelo – River City, But Still Dry
   Flood Drama: Low-to-moderate (but mostly just low)
   Where: West-ish Central Texas

San Angelo gets a bit more green (yes, there’s a river), but don’t sweat it—they’ve got levees, smart zoning, and decent river control. Floods are rare, and the city’s on top of it.

Why It’s Cool:
Downtown’s cute, the riverwalk is actually worth a stroll, and the community’s tight-knit. Good for families and retirees who want pretty views without flood insurance nightmares.

6. Abilene – Central Texas, But Basically a Desert
   Flood Drama: Low
   Where: West-Central Texas

Abilene’s got that dry, warm climate, and—get this—they actually bothered with drainage planning so when it does pour, the water doesn’t just sit around. No big rivers, so you’re safe.

Perks?
Urban comforts, but you still feel like you’re in small-town Texas. Not much flood drama, decent cost of living, and people wave at you in the grocery store.

So, there you have it. You can keep your feet dry in Texas—you just gotta know where to look. And hey, your insurance agent will probably thank you.

How to Dry Brush Your Skin: A No-Nonsense Beginner’s Guide

Alright, let’s talk dry brushing. You’ve probably seen it all over TikTok and Instagram—skinfluencers raving about it, wellness folks swearing it changed their life, maybe even your weirdly healthy aunt bringing it up at brunch. Seems almost too basic to do anything, right? But hey, enough people are obsessed that it’s gotta be more than just another fleeting wellness fad. Supposed perks? Smooth skin, better circulation, lymphatic drainage (whatever that really means), and a little pep in your step. Curious? Cool, keep reading.

Here’s your crash course: what dry brushing is, why you might want to bother, exactly how to do it (without mangling your skin), and how to sneak it into your routine without feeling like you’ve joined a cult.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-brushing

Table of Contents

• So, What Even Is Dry Brushing?
• Why Bother? The Supposed Benefits
• Should You Try It? (Or Nah)
• Picking the Right Brush (Because Yes, It Matters)
• When’s the Best Time To Do This?
• The How-To: Dry Brushing, Step by Step
• Wait, Can You Dry Brush Your Face?
• Aftercare: What Your Skin Wants Next
• Rookie Mistakes (And How To Dodge Them)
• How Often Is Too Often?
• Does It Actually Work? Real Talk
• Your Burning Questions, Answered
• Final Thoughts: Is Dry Brushing Worth Adding To Your Self-Care Game?

So, What Even Is Dry Brushing?
Exactly what it sounds like: you grab a brush (not the one for your hair, obviously), and go to town on your dry skin. No water, no fancy oils—just you, your skin, and a brush that looks like it belongs in a 1950s bathhouse. People have been doing this since, like, ancient Greece and Ayurvedic times. Basically, it’s supposed to wake up your skin, help circulation, and get your lymph system moving. Science? Eh, still out for lunch, but people swear by it.

Why Bother? The Supposed Benefits
Here’s what people say you get out of it:

1. Exfoliates Dead Skin
   Dry brushing scrapes off the dead stuff, so your actual skin can breathe. Bonus: your lotions absorb better after.
2. Gets Your Blood Pumping
   The brushing motion is like a mini workout for your skin—you’ll look a little pink and feel more alive.
3. Lymphatic Drainage (Yeah, That Thing)
   It’s supposed to help your body flush out the bad stuff faster. Are you turning into a detox queen? Maybe, maybe not.
4. Cellulite Looks Smoother (For a Minute)
   Some folks say their skin looks less dimpled right after brushing. Don’t expect miracles, but hey, even a temporary glow-up is something.
5. Wakes You Up
   People say dry brushing is like an espresso shot for your skin. You might just feel perkier after.

Should You Try It? (Or Nah)
Most skin types can handle it, especially if you’re not super sensitive. But:

• If your skin is crazy sensitive or dry, go easy—use a soft brush and don’t overdo it.
• Got eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds? Skip it. Seriously, don’t mess around.
• Pregnant or got gnarly varicose veins? Ask your doc first.

Picking the Right Brush (Because Yes, It Matters)
You want natural bristles, not plastic ones that feel like sandpaper. Firm, but not so stiff they turn you into a tomato. Long handle? Awesome for your back. Short handle? More control. Detachable heads are handy if you travel or just like gadgets.

Pro tip: Clean your brush once a week (germs are not cute) and swap it out every 6–12 months.

When’s the Best Time To Do This?
Most people do it in the morning, pre-shower. Gets your blood pumping and helps you wake up. But if you wanna wind down at night, go for it. Five to ten minutes tops—don’t go all marathon on your skin.

The How-To: Dry Brushing, Step by Step
Here’s how it actually goes down:

1. Start With Dry Skin (duh)
   Make sure both you and your brush are dry.
2. Begin at Your Feet
   Use long strokes, always brushing up toward your heart. It’s a lymph thing.
3. Legs & Thighs
   Go from ankles to knees, knees to thighs, still moving upward. Cover every patch.
4. Tummy & Back
   Circular motions on your stomach (go clockwise), straight lines on your back.
5. Arms & Chest
   Start at your hands, brush up to your shoulders. Be gentle on your chest—don’t go brushing your boobs, that’s a no-no.
6. Neck & Shoulders
   Light touch here! Sweep down from jawline to collarbone.
7. Shower Time
   Hop in a warm (not boiling) shower to rinse off all the dead skin.
8. Moisturize
   Your skin’s thirsty now—hit it with some coconut oil, jojoba, or whatever lotion you love.

Dry brushing for the face? That’s a whole other convo. Some people swear by it, others say, “Are you nuts?” Your call, but maybe start with the body before you attack your cheeks with a brush.

And that’s the basics. Not rocket science, but your skin might just thank you. Or at least, you’ll feel like you’ve got your life together for a few minutes.

How to Dry Brush Your Skin: A No-Nonsense Beginner’s Guide

Alright, let’s talk dry brushing. You’ve probably seen it all over TikTok and Instagram—skinfluencers raving about it, wellness folks swearing it changed their life, maybe even your weirdly healthy aunt bringing it up at brunch. Seems almost too basic to do anything, right? But hey, enough people are obsessed that it’s gotta be more than just another fleeting wellness fad. Supposed perks? Smooth skin, better circulation, lymphatic drainage (whatever that really means), and a little pep in your step. Curious? Cool, keep reading.

Here’s your crash course: what dry brushing is, why you might want to bother, exactly how to do it (without mangling your skin), and how to sneak it into your routine without feeling like you’ve joined a cult.

Table of Contents

• So, What Even Is Dry Brushing?
• Why Bother? The Supposed Benefits
• Should You Try It? (Or Nah)
• Picking the Right Brush (Because Yes, It Matters)
• When’s the Best Time To Do This?
• The How-To: Dry Brushing, Step by Step
• Wait, Can You Dry Brush Your Face?
• Aftercare: What Your Skin Wants Next
• Rookie Mistakes (And How To Dodge Them)
• How Often Is Too Often?
• Does It Actually Work? Real Talk
• Your Burning Questions, Answered
• Final Thoughts: Is Dry Brushing Worth Adding To Your Self-Care Game?

So, What Even Is Dry Brushing?
Exactly what it sounds like: you grab a brush (not the one for your hair, obviously), and go to town on your dry skin. No water, no fancy oils—just you, your skin, and a brush that looks like it belongs in a 1950s bathhouse. People have been doing this since, like, ancient Greece and Ayurvedic times. Basically, it’s supposed to wake up your skin, help circulation, and get your lymph system moving. Science? Eh, still out for lunch, but people swear by it.

Why Bother? The Supposed Benefits
Here’s what people say you get out of it:

1. Exfoliates Dead Skin
   Dry brushing scrapes off the dead stuff, so your actual skin can breathe. Bonus: your lotions absorb better after.
2. Gets Your Blood Pumping
   The brushing motion is like a mini workout for your skin—you’ll look a little pink and feel more alive.
3. Lymphatic Drainage (Yeah, That Thing)
   It’s supposed to help your body flush out the bad stuff faster. Are you turning into a detox queen? Maybe, maybe not.
4. Cellulite Looks Smoother (For a Minute)
   Some folks say their skin looks less dimpled right after brushing. Don’t expect miracles, but hey, even a temporary glow-up is something.
5. Wakes You Up
   People say dry brushing is like an espresso shot for your skin. You might just feel perkier after.

Should You Try It?
Most skin types can handle it, especially if you’re not super sensitive. But:

• If your skin is crazy sensitive or dry, go easy—use a soft brush and don’t overdo it.
• Got eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds? Skip it. Seriously, don’t mess around.
• Pregnant or got gnarly varicose veins? Ask your doc first.

Picking the Right Brush (Because Yes, It Matters)
You want natural bristles, not plastic ones that feel like sandpaper. Firm, but not so stiff they turn you into a tomato. Long handle? Awesome for your back. Short handle? More control. Detachable heads are handy if you travel or just like gadgets.

Pro tip: Clean your brush once a week (germs are not cute) and swap it out every 6–12 months.

When’s the Best Time To Do This?
Most people do it in the morning, pre-shower. Gets your blood pumping and helps you wake up. But if you wanna wind down at night, go for it. Five to ten minutes tops—don’t go all marathon on your skin.

The How-To: Dry Brushing, Step by Step
Here’s how it actually goes down:

1. Start With Dry Skin (duh)
   Make sure both you and your brush are dry.
2. Begin at Your Feet
   Use long strokes, always brushing up toward your heart. It’s a lymph thing.
3. Legs & Thighs
   Go from ankles to knees, knees to thighs, still moving upward. Cover every patch.
4. Tummy & Back
   Circular motions on your stomach (go clockwise), straight lines on your back.
5. Arms & Chest
   Start at your hands, brush up to your shoulders. Be gentle on your chest—don’t go brushing your boobs, that’s a no-no.
6. Neck & Shoulders
   Light touch here! Sweep down from jawline to collarbone.
7. Shower Time
   Hop in a warm (not boiling) shower to rinse off all the dead skin.
8. Moisturize
   Your skin’s thirsty now—hit it with some coconut oil, jojoba, or whatever lotion you love.

Dry brushing for the face? That’s a whole other convo. Some people swear by it, others say, “Are you nuts?” Your call, but maybe start with the body before you attack your cheeks with a brush.

And that’s the basics. Not rocket science, but your skin might just thank you. Or at least, you’ll feel like you’ve got your life together for a few minutes.

Can You Go to Two Universities at Once in the USA? Here’s the Real Deal

Alright, let’s just say the world of college is getting weirdly creative lately. People are out here trying to hack the system, juggle degrees, and squeeze every last drop out of their tuition dollars. So, maybe you’re wondering, “Can I actually be enrolled in two universities at the same time in the US?” Short answer: Yup, you totally can. Just don’t expect it to be a walk in the park—there are hoops, caveats, and, honestly, a lot of paperwork.

Why Even Bother?
Look, sometimes you want to speed-run your degree, save some cash, or just want to flex on your friends with your ultra-packed schedule. Maybe you’re thinking about pulling a double major at different schools or mixing online classes with in-person lectures ‘cause, hey, why not make life more complicated?

https://www.bellevue.edu/articles/can-you-be-enrolled-in-two-colleges-at-once

Alright, let’s break it down.

What’s Dual Enrollment Anyway?
Normally, “dual enrollment” is that thing where high school kids take college classes (overachievers, am I right?). But here, we’re talking about being a college student at TWO legit colleges or universities at the same time. Not summer camp, not a weekend seminar. Real, full-on enrollment.

This could mean:

• Taking classes at a community college and a big university at the same time
• One school online, the other in person
• Doing some fancy cross-registration through a consortium (‘cause you’re fancy)
• Or maybe just picking up some summer credits somewhere else

Is This Even Legal?
Yeah, you’re not breaking any laws by signing up at two places. The catch? You gotta get into both schools (duh), keep your grades up, and don’t mess up with the financial aid office, ‘cause those folks do not play.

Why Would Anyone Want This Chaos?
Here’s the lowdown:

1. Saving Money: Community college gen eds are dirt cheap compared to university prices, so a lot of people double dip to save big bucks.
2. More Choices: Maybe your main school doesn’t have that super niche class you want. Or you want to tack on a random minor. This is how you get it done.
3. Graduate Faster: Stack up more credits, graduate early, peace out.
4. Flexibility: Online classes at one school, in-person at another. Build a schedule that actually works for your life (and maybe your sanity).

Types of Dual Enrollment Setups

• Concurrent Enrollment: Basically, you’re on your own, taking classes at two schools at once. No hand-holding.
• Cross-Registration: Some schools are buddies and let you take classes at each other’s campuses. Like the Five College Consortium (Massachusetts) or the Claremont Colleges in Cali.
• Summer/Intercession: Grab some credits over summer or winter break at a different school, then transfer them back.
• Joint Degree Programs: Some schools have these “2+2” deals (2 years at one place, 2 at another) or some kind of undergrad+grad mashup.

Downsides & Nightmares
Sounds cool, but let’s be real, it’s not all breezy:

• Scheduling headaches: Good luck lining up classes and exams at two places. You’ll need a calendar the size of a billboard.
• Financial Aid Drama: You only get federal aid from ONE school. The rest? Figure it out yourself. Sometimes there’s a consortium agreement, but don’t bank on it.
• Transferring Credits: Not every class will count where you want it to. Always double-check or you’ll be stuck retaking “Intro to Obviousness.”
• Double the Paperwork: Two portals, two sets of advisors, twice the emails to ignore. You’re basically a full-time administrator at this point.

What About Financial Aid?
This is where things get spicy. You can only get your big federal aid package from your “home” school (the main one). Sometimes, if the schools are buddies and have a consortium agreement, you can swing some aid for classes at the other place. Otherwise, you’re on your own for those extra credits.

So, yeah, you can go to two colleges at once in the US. Should you? That’s a whole other question. If you’re organized, motivated, and maybe a little bit of a masochist, go for it. Just know what you’re signing up for—it’s not for the faint of heart.