You know it's a super slow news cycle when J. Lo changing her name (to Affleck) and Elon Musk sunbathing shirtless take over the internet...

And don't get us wrong - those are hard hitting stories. But we know you expect tippy top shelf content from us, so we made sure to dig deep this week. Hope you enjoy :)

As always, please forward IQNEWS to a friend if you're a fan!

Ready to feel small? A recent report from the United Nations projects Earth's population will reach eight billion people by mid-November, and reach a peak of 10.4 billion about 60 years from now.

More than half of these increases will come from just eight countries: the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

Eight billion is a mind-boggling number, but the “World Population Prospects” report notes that the global population is actually growing at its slowest rate since 1950, having fallen to less than one percent in 2020.

Some interesting tidbits from the report:

• Move over, China: In 2023, India will replace China as the most populous country.
• Gender parity: There are currently more men than women in the world (50.3%), but the gap should entirely close by 2050.
• USA holds firm: America will remain the third most populous country through 2050.
• We're getting older: By 2050, the number of people 65+ years old will be more than double the number of children under five.

Also notable is that growth isn't universal - Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia and Ukraine will shrink 20%+ by 2050.

Why buy a watering can when you can make one yourself? All you need is a plastic jug, a drill or sewing needle, and a few minutes of time.

1. Choose a plastic jug (preferably one with a handle) and clean it thoroughly to remove all traces of food or chemicals.
2. If using a drill, make sure the bit is clean, and drill holes in the lid. If using a needle, heat it over a flame and pierce holes in the lid.
3. Fill the jug with water and put the lid back on.

Voilà - you have a fully functioning watering can! Good for the environment, good for your plants, good for your wallet.

1. Due to coin flips, George Washington still makes decisions to this day.
2. There’s a decent chance that you exist simply because your parents friends started having kids and your parents didn’t want to feel left out.
3. You’ve never actually seen your ears. Only a reflection of them.
4. There's no reason we don't put on our belts in the other direction.
5. It’s "game over" even if you win.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Today I learned that female cats can be impregnated by more than one male cat during ovulation. This is why kittens from the same litter can look so different. (more here)

guffaw [ guh-faa ] - noun
a loud and boisterous laugh
Her remark sparked guffaws around the room.

Q: What's the most expensive painting ever sold?
A: (see below next section)