The Dark Side of Election Fever

With just over a week until Election Day, American democracy feels shaky. Disinformation is coming in from all directions—foreign actors and domestic voices alike. One jarring example? The fabricated scandal surrounding Kamala Harris gained viral traction on platforms like X, where Elon Musk's influence further muddies the waters.

Even trusted institutions are feeling the heat. For the first time in over 35 years, the Washington Post announced it would not endorse a candidate. You could call it neutrality, but historically, this institution set the standard for democratic discourse, so its retreat is concerning.

Then there's the betting frenzy. With some hefty "whale" bets driving Trump's odds up to 66%, it's like a casino game with democracy at stake. It's hard not to ask: do these numbers shape the narrative, or does the narrative shape the numbers?

This election will be more than a vote at a time when facts seem to matter less than feelings. It's a test of where we stand on truth.

Cheap Eats, Costly Illusions

Food prices may seem out of control, but are they? Even though inflation rates have cooled, the perception of expensive meals remains high. A century ago, Americans spent almost half their income on food. It is around 13% today, yet eating out can seem extravagant to many.

For context, a 20-cent beer in 1913 should cost around $6.40 today, yet many bars charge closer to $10. Why? Traditional inflation measures don't capture rent, wages, and our changing expectations. Even as incomes rise, food prices' “sticker shock” has us questioning value at every checkout.

U.S. food costs are low by global comparison, but that doesn't mean we're not feeling the squeeze. It's less about the price itself than how these prices make us think, causing genuine concern in an economy where everything is incredibly challenging to obtain.

Bearly Believable

In a heartwarming twist, Paddington Bear—Britain’s favorite marmalade-loving visitor from Peru—now holds an official British passport! Rob Silva, the co-producer of the upcoming Paddington in Peru, shared that the Home Office surprisingly issued a one-of-a-kind passport for Paddington after the production team requested a replica for the film. The passport lists Paddington's full name as "Paddington Brown," his country of birth as Peru, and his species as "Bear."

In Paddington in Peru, our beloved bear visits Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears only to discover she has mysteriously disappeared. A guitar-playing nun and a daring sailor, played by Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, join Paddington on an adventure in the Amazon rainforest.

Featuring marmalade, mystery, and Paddington's signature charm, Paddington's latest adventure promises another heartwarming journey.

Feel Good Sunday

A Chopin waltz, hidden from the world for nearly 200 years, has resurfaced in New York’s Morgan Library & Museum archives. While exploring the museum's collections, curator Robinson McClellan came across a sheet labeled "Valse" in the composer's handwriting. With only 48 measures, this short, striking piece showcases Chopin's youthful, raw emotion. Legendary pianist Lang Lang has now recorded and invited listeners to experience this rare gem from one of history's most beloved composers.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Photos of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

🧮 Core Count: 10,000,000

The amount of money Americans spend on potato chips every day.

🗓️ Flashback:

1795 - Pinckney's Treaty (Treaty of San Lorenzo) signed by Spain and the U.S.

1982 - China announced its population has reached 1 billion plus people.

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

Fatih Taskiran