The Numbers Game by Alexandra Parada

Jennie went on The Jennifer Hudson Show and casually mentioned Banana Kick, a sweet Korean snack from her childhood. Days later, it sparked a global craze and helped boost Nongshim’s market value by $136 million. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British woman was awarded $50,000 after being compared to Darth Vader at work. And what was meant as a fun, Star Wars-themed team quiz turned into a serious HR issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1920, Charles Ponzi pulled off one of the most infamous financial scams in history by promising massive returns through a fake investment scheme. His name would go on to define the “Ponzi scheme,” a fraud that still traps investors today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Lehman Brothers filed the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, triggering a global financial crisis. The investment bank's downfall was fueled by risky bets on subprime mortgages and excessive leverage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1980, the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market, driving prices up nearly tenfold. Their plan collapsed on Silver Thursday, triggering massive losses and a historic market crash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February last year, Donald Trump launched a gold high-top sneaker called the “Never Surrender.” Retailing at $399, one autographed pair sold for a staggering $9,000, proving that in politics and sneakers, hype can carry a lot of sole . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TIME 100 is an annual list published by TIME magazine, featuring the 100 most influential people in the world. It includes leaders, artists, thinkers, and icons who have shaped global conversations. The list also highlights both positive and controversial figures based on their impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Japanese man, known as Toco, spent nearly $20,000 to live out a unique and surprising fantasy - becoming a dog. With a lifelike rough collie costume and a cage to sleep in, Toco embraced the life of his favorite breed, experiencing everything from belly rubs to walks on a leash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you pay $5 million for a private dinner with President Donald Trump? At Mar-a-Lago, that’s exactly what some of the world’s wealthiest business leaders are doing - exchanging staggering sums for face time with Donald Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shoji Morimoto, known as the "rental do-nothing guy," is getting paid $80,000 to do absolutely nothing. Once fired for lacking initiative, he turned doing "nothing" into a lucrative career.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Chinese calligraphy piece by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam raised $308,888 at an online charity auction for the Singapore Red Cross. The artwork, bearing the characters  “tong xin xie li, yu shi bing jin” which means “work together with one heart and move forward with the times”, was sold to philanthropist Mr. Fang Angzhen. All proceeds will support the Red Cross'...

Cheng Yongmao dedicated 20 years of his life to restoring the most dangerous section of the Great Wall of China. His relentless commitment to preserving this historic landmark, using ancient techniques and facing incredible challenges, has left a lasting legacy. Through his work, he has not only protected a national treasure but also ensured its authenticity for generations to come. See omnystudio...

Would you pay $8,600 for a single scoop of ice cream? That’s the price of  Byakuya, Japan’s record-breaking dessert crafted with rare white truffle, gold leaf, and sake lees. Extravagant or excessive? You decide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhine II sold for $4.3 million in 2011, becoming the most expensive photograph ever auctioned back then. A digitally altered image of a grey river under a grey sky, Rhine II stripped everything down, from people, buildings, distractions, to nothing. And behind the minimalism lies a deeper debate about value, art, and what makes a photo worth millions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

A substance so rare and unstable that just one gram could cost 84 trillion dollars. Known as antimatter, it's the most expensive material on Earth, capable of releasing unimaginable energy and disappearing in an instant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in 2004, the first-time voters of GE2025 represent a new generation stepping into Singapore’s democratic process. As they head to the polls for the first time, their voices will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s Parliament is growing from 93 to 97 seats for GE2025. The addition of 4 seats makes this election more dynamic, as political parties vie for control in a shifting political landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 new Single-Member Constituencies (SMCs) and 5 new Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) have been introduced, bringing the total number of new constituencies to 11 for GE2025. These changes are a response to growing populations and new developments, impacting 22 constituencies across Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1991, Hougang has been a stronghold for the opposition, with the Workers' Party maintaining control through fierce contests and a deep connection to its residents. A symbol of political resistance, Hougang continues to be a key battleground, where new faces and familiar names vie for the trust of voters in an ever-evolving political landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

The $13,500 election deposit is a key part of Singapore’s electoral system, required from every candidate seeking to contest in a General Election. This deposit is designed to ensure that only serious contenders step forward, with candidates needing to secure at least 12.5 percent of the vote to keep it, and if they fail, the deposit is forfeited. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Ang Mo Kio GRC is gearing up for a high-stakes three-cornered fight in the upcoming GE2025. With multiple opposition parties vying for the same ground, the dynamics of this three-way contest could change the electoral landscape.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, the PAP’s national vote share fell to 61.24% - its lowest since 2011, and a sharp drop from the SG50 high of 69.9%. It was a sign of shifting ground - a rising appetite for political diversity, close fights in traditional strongholds, and growing momentum for the opposition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of the credit card began in 1950, when business executive Frank McNamara had an unexpected moment of realization after forgetting his wallet during a dinner with clients. This simple mistake led to the creation of the Diners Club card, the first modern credit card, which allowed users to buy now, pay later . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A striking blend of nature, science, and conceptual art, The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living features a 13-foot tiger shark suspended in a tank of formaldehyde. Created by Damien Hirst in 1991, the artwork invites viewers to confront the raw presence of death while gazing into the preserved stillness of a once-lethal predator. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

It’s one of the oldest myths around: cats have nine lives. But where did that idea come from? With their graceful movements, air of mystery, and uncanny ability to land on their feet, cats have earned a reputation for being nearly indestructible. This myth spans centuries, rooted in ancient civilizations and passed down through folklore and cultural storytelling - from the sacred temples of...