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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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