Ben Cost (@benjamincost) header
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Features reporter at @nypost. Former @shanghaiist food editor, former @shanghaiexpat editor, pork fat enthusiast. Yes, my head evokes an Easter Island Statue

Shanghai
Joined March 2012
Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)Photo by Ben Cost (@benjamincost)
My latest
Meet the Bigfoot hunters of the Hudson Valley — they’ve investigated hundreds of sightings, including one in a Dairy Queen dumpster trib.al/J4Hdgwn
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Chiricahua National Monument has officially been redesignated as a national park, becoming America’s 64th national park. Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” this spectacular Arizona landscape was shaped by massive volcanic eruptions and years of erosion, creating the towering rock pinnacles that define Chiricahua today.
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Ben Cost retweeted
A photographer captured this rare moment of a critically endangered sawfish swimming alongside a sea turtle in Western Australia. The photo by Matt Deakin is called "Ethereal Encounter" and won the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year award.
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He got it from his mama. Bear 89, aka Backpack, is the 2026 Fat Bear Week champ. Turns out hefty runs in the family. His mom, Holly the Duchess of Density, won in 2019. She carried him on her back as a cub and helped him survive a serious leg injury. Now her little Backpack has a crown of his own. 👑
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We have a CHONKION! The #FatBearWeek crown goes to: 🐻 Bear 89 Backpack 👑 Heavy is the bear that wears the crown. Like really heavy.
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Ben Cost retweeted
Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald premieres October 16. Directed by Judd Apatow. Built entirely from archival footage, personal photos, and rare home videos contributed by fans and friends, Norm tell his own story in his own voice.
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Ben Cost retweeted
Mahi mahi invade NYC as waters warm - and tri-state fishermen are racing for the boats and catching their dinners trib.al/90XoSRX
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Tim Curry, best known for his roles in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' 'Clue,' and 'IT' has sadly passed away. Rest in peace.
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“No way you wrote a 5 page essay without AI” Buddy, we wrote them without even reading the book.
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Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of Nirmal “Nims” Purja, following an avalanche in Pakistan that also claimed the lives of nine other climbers. Nims held multiple Guinness World Records titles including the most true-summit ascents of the 8,000ers (49 as of Sept 2025) and was the oldest person to climb Everest-Lhotse without supplementary oxygen (male). Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said: “Nims continually pushed the limits of what the human body is capable of, pioneering a form of mountaineering that challenged him as well as the entire climbing community. “His commitment to championing the incredible contribution made by the Sherpa guides and porters will also be a lasting legacy.”
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There are only 14 mountains in the world that rise above 8,000 metres. Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja summited every one of them in just 6 months and 6 days during Project Possible, achieving what many believed was impossible. Today, the world has lost a legend.💔 Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja 25 July 1983 - 1 August 2026 🕊️
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"Heart-breaking news for so many climbers around the world who had a friendship with this remarkable and unique man. We will never forget you, Nims, and your unstoppable spirit." — Bear Grylls.
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BREAKING: Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja has officially been declared dead following the devastating avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047 m) in Pakistan’s Karakoram. Further details to follow.
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So sad, not a mountaineer, but loved 14 Peaks and followed this guy's journey closely. Praying he's found.
On July 30th, an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan has left ten climbers missing, including Nirmal “Nims” Purja. Rescue efforts are underway, but are not expected to reach the mountain until Friday morning local time. outsideonline.com/outdoor-ad…
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I love how TSA rules are different at every airport and they look at you like you're a fucking idiot when you don't speak their regional dialect of security theater.
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A massive kangaroo stood guard on a sidewalk in the Australian city of Lake Macquarie, recently posted viral footage shows. abcnews.link/TcT5IIr
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If this is Messi’s last World Cup what a run it was. 🐐
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JUSTIN GAETHJE WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME 🔥 #UFCFreedom250
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A celebration fit for a champion 🔥 @Justin_Gaethje | #UFCWhiteHouse
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