The Female Factor

In the high-stakes 2024 election, women are set to play a decisive role —and both parties know it. According to Trump's recent pitch as a "protector," he promises safety from crime and immigration. Many women are left wondering, “Protect us from what exactly?” Mainly when Trump's track record includes polarizing issues like abortion and gender roles.

Stats reveal where this divide deepens: White women voters prioritize the economy and inflation, closely followed by abortion rights. In swing states, younger women favor Harris heavily, outpacing Biden's margin of victory by 47 points. Traditionalists may like Trump's strategy, but it risks alienating suburban and independent women who value autonomy and control over reproductive rights.

There is a greater chance of women's votes being decisive than ever before in this election. The outcome? We'll soon find out if female voters prefer protection or autonomy.

Spooky Splurges

America's love for Halloween runs deep, and the numbers prove it! The estimated spending in 2024 will reach $11.6 billion, almost matching last year's record-breaking $12.2 billion. During this holiday, we spend $3.8 billion on costumes, $3.5 billion on candy, and $3.8 billion on decorations.

Some fun finds this year? There were 72 million trick-or-treaters. In addition, nearly every other yard had a 12-foot "Skelly" (yes, those iconic skeletons from Home Depot). Every household spent $51 to sweeten the season, and over 30 million pumpkins lit up porches nationwide.

Halloween's cost might linger after we pack up the cobwebs and store the costumes in the bottom of the bowl.

Choosing Sides (and Zip Codes)

It seems like America’s division isn’t just happening in politics—it’s showing where we choose to live. According to recent research, moving patterns shape neighborhoods and mirror the country's political divide. In the last election cycle, over 3.5 million people moved to Democratic-majority areas, while Republicans moved to Republican-leaning areas.

Buying a new home in an area that reflects your political leanings isn't a coincidence. Interestingly, even those who moved for non-political reasons—like climate, family, or job proximity—ended up in politically aligned neighborhoods.

Even slight changes in voter demographics can significantly impact the upcoming election, especially in key battleground states. Due to migration patterns over the past four years, Georgia, Arizona, and Florida have already become political hot spots. The geographic divide in America may widen as movers continue choosing communities where they "fit."

Home Sweet Batcave

Buying your first home on a beautiful island in Puget Sound sounds like a dream, right? That's exactly what Tom and his wife thought until they discovered they weren't alone. There were thousands (yes, thousands) of bats living in their attic, and they wouldn't leave quickly.

They journeyed to reclaim their homes because of their winged intruders and protected bat species. The couple's bat saga lasted over a year, filled with rabies scares, exclusions, and piles of bills. Even though they've had a few scares, they're determined to turn their lousy start around.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Behind-the-Scenes of Bollywood.

🧮 Core Count: 13

Stripes on the US flag. (representing the 13 original states)

🗓️ Flashback:

1922 - The Grand National Assembly of Turkey voted to abolish the Ottoman sultanate and depose Mehmed VI as Caliph.

2012 - Scientists have detected the first stars in the universe, which are estimated to have formed 500 million years after the Big Bang.

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

Fatih Taskiran