Nightmare Before Halloween

Market fears lurk behind Wall Street's ghosts and goblins this Halloween. Rising debt, sky-high valuations, and hints of economic risk might shake up the financial "house of cards."

The haunting numbers? Interest payments are outpacing defense spending, a sign that debt levels are climbing higher than ever. Stock valuations are at their highest levels since the 2000s, leaving returns for many looking slim. It's no wonder some on Wall Street are bracing for the next fright after inflation and rate hikes.

So, as costumed revelers hit the streets, do Halloween jitters just pass, or will there be a real scare?

Beyond Seven

Were you raised singing that "the world is divided into seven continents"? Well, it seems things aren't as simple as we were taught in Earth science. It turns out that the number of continents can vary depending on how you define one, ranging from two to nine.

Here's the scoop: Scientists have traditionally defined continents based on two geological factors: elevation above the ocean floor and thick crustal layers. But now, thanks to new technologies like satellite and lidar mapping, some landmasses, like Zealandia, could qualify as continents. Iceland, too, is raised eyebrows, possibly sitting on its unique continental chunk.

So, is it time to rethink our seven-continent song? Scientists debate the issue, but one thing's for sure: our planet's continents have a complex history.

Royal Flush

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is taking the fan experience to new levels—literally, down to the bathrooms. Fans can now catch every slam dunk at the Clippers' new Intuit Dome without waiting in lines. He added 1,400 toilets to the arena, the highest ratio in the NBA because, in his words, "Nothing is worse than waiting in line for a bathroom."

Ballmer's thought of every detail. Unlike other arenas, Ballmer's restrooms have plenty of space, stalls, and no frills so you can return to the game quickly. Fans deserve a seamless experience. Mid-game, you need a charge? There's a USB-C charger at every seat. Want the full play-by-play from four angles? There's a massive Halo Board overhead.

So, while some billionaires go for luxury, Ballmer's all about function. The toilets are another way he ensures Clippers fans don't miss anything.

Dare to Watch

We're taking a deep dive into Halloween! From classic jump scares to chilling movies based on real stories, this collection is perfect for fans of the spooky season. Times writers, filmmakers, and horror stars rank top jump scare moments.

Plus, we've got a bonus: a collection of spine-chilling true horror stories.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

The Vibe of Halloween 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 9

The lifespan of a squirrel.

🗓️ Flashback:

1517 - Martin Luther sends his Ninety-Five Theses to Archbishop Albert of Brandenburg, sparking the Reformation.

1541 - Michelangelo completed the “Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel.

1918 - The Spanish flu kills 21,000 US people in a week.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran