The Million-Dollar Banana

Remember that duct-taped banana that took the art world by storm in 2019? Well, it’s back and up for auction, with a price tag of up to $1.5 million. Maurizio Cattelan's famous fruit will be auctioned at Sotheby's this November, bringing fresh debate (and a fresh banana).

Cattelan taped a banana to a wall at Art Basel Miami Beach for those who missed the original buzz, and chaos ensued. Art lovers, critics, and curious onlookers flocked to see Comedian, making it a viral sensation. There were memes, endless commentary, and even a performance artist who ate a banana. Now, Sotheby's is letting everyone know what the piece is worth in this auction, along with a roll of duct tape for the lucky buyer.

There's more to this piece than just fruit taped to a wall; it's a statement on value and fame and, maybe, a reminder of how wild the art world can be. One thing’s for sure: Comedian is set to bring as much buzz in 2023 as it did in 2019.

Playing Both Sides

In a world of shifting power dynamics, some countries choose a different strategy: neutrality. The "New Neutrals" are over 100 nations that stay out of the tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing. Why? Their economic growth has been fueled by investments from both sides, driving a rise in foreign direct investments and trade.

In these neutral nations, which account for nearly a fifth of the world's economic output and over half the world's population, foreign investment is particularly from China, which relocates factories to avoid Western tariffs. Meanwhile, Russian oil has become cheaper, boosting trade flows.

Globalization might look different today, but it’s not gone; it’s just evolving. In redefining global commerce, these New Neutrals show that sometimes not taking sides can be the best strategy.

Black Mirrors

Imagine being taken without warning, hidden in a pitch-black prison for years, and held for political reasons. In Bangladesh, this was the reality for hundreds of people under Sheikh Hasina's reign. Journalists, activists, and even relatives of political figures were held in this underground prison known as the "House of Mirrors."

Mir Ahmad Quasem Arman, a survivor, shared his story after Hasina fell from power. His "crime" was the political standing of his father. He was deprived of all contact with the outside world for eight years. The goal? Break the spirit without ending the life.

The question remains: Can Bangladesh overcome the scars left by its "House of Mirrors"?

Blink-Worthy

Did you know your brain can comprehend a sentence almost as quickly as you blink? New York University researchers found that we process certain types of sentences in just 125 milliseconds. In sentences like "nurses clean wounds," this is faster than a quick scroll or swipe-our brains are almost instant grammar experts.

Brain scans show that we immediately understand the structure of words and sentences. We're wired to handle language with split-second precision, as the brain's language system kicks in almost as fast as it does for visual scenes. Despite minor sentence structure errors, our brains can still process the message.

Anyone designing text-heavy digital content could benefit from this breakthrough. We are well equipped to understand language quickly, whether we are creating headlines, social media posts, or even quick-glance road signs. This also answers a question that I am continually asked: "How do you read so many sources?"

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 100

A cat's minimum vocal cord number.

🗓️ Flashback:

1875 - The first performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in Boston, Massachusetts.

1978 - "Halloween," directed by John Carpenter, was released.

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

Fatih Taskiran