Verbatim

‘We must, for the future of our children, turn back from this dangerous abyss.’

Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General, urging peace during a visit to Israel, where a spate of stabbing attacks has raised the prospect of a third intifadeh between the Israelis and the Palestinians

60

Number of career touchdowns by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, a mark the sixth-year pro reached faster than any other tight end in NFL history

52

Years an unidentified person kept two books from Portland State University’s library before returning them in October; the library does not charge late fees

‘I cannot and will not give up my family time.’

Paul Ryan, Republican congressman, offering to serve as Speaker of the House if divided GOP lawmakers unite behind him, but only under certain conditions, including that he won’t travel as much as previous Speakers

Hasbro

Toys for the new Star Wars movie helped lift profits by 15%

GOOD WEEK

BAD WEEK

Mattel

Declines in Barbie-doll sales sent earnings down 33%

‘I’ve never seen Netflix in my life. I have no idea how to get it.’

Bill Murray, actor, joking that it’s “unfortunate” that he’ll never see his own A Very Murray Christmas special on the streaming service in December

‘While I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent.’

Vice President Joe Biden, pledging to “speak out clearly and forcefully” on issues important to him during the remainder of his time in office after he announced he will not run for President

‘I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company.’

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul, on buying a 10% stake in Weight Watchers International; shares of the diet-program company more than doubled after the Oct. 19 announcement, netting Winfrey about $70 million in one day

401

Length, in feet, of a baguette in Milan that set a Guinness World Record for the longest one ever