Happy Holidays!!  I hope you get to spend time with family and friends over the holidays.

For the new folks dropping by for the first time, Thursday Numbers is where I take a look at the numbers behind the news and provide some commentary with them.  As I have said before, this information can be used to amaze your friends, family, and co-workers – and you may even be cooler to them after reading (and using) this information.

Today I add some holiday flavor to Thursday Numbers – so grab some Egg Nog and read on…

77,000,000

There’s a $77 million lottery ticket out there that has not been redeemed yet.  The deadline to turn in the winning ticket is Monday.  The winning numbers were drawn June 29 and winner has 180 days.

Oh my…

364,000

That’s how many new claims for unemployment were filed last week which is a 3.5 year low.

Things may be getting better…

756

According to a new poll from Gallup, “Americans estimate they will spend $756 on gifts this year.” That’s an increase of $70 from last year.

By the way, I have not started shopping yet…maybe I can just write a check for $756?

200

That’s how many miles a cat traveled under the hood of a car.

Meeeow….

40

The Obama Administration says that “If Congress fails to extend the payroll tax cut, the typical family making $50,000 a year will have about $40 less to spend or save with each paycheck. Over the year, that adds up to about $1,000.”

Have you Tweeted the #40dollars hashtag yet?  I did.

The House GOP is losing this battle.  Just think how peaceful the holiday season would be if there were some adults running the country…

27

Congressman Denny Rehberg announced the nomination of 27 students for appointments to America’s service academies for 2012.  Members of Congress get to nominate students each year.

Congratulations to all those nominated.  Nominating students for appointments to the service academies is one of the most important things elected officials do – the most important thing is helping constituents who have problems with Federal agencies…

24

I bet you did not know that December 24 is National Egg Nog day.

Drink up…spike it…have fun!

22

The Green Bay Packers are the favorite team in America getting 22% of the vote.  The former “America’s Team” (the Cowboys) finished second with 11%.

It sure is easy to jump on the bandwagon…

In case you were wondering, I have been a Kansas City Chiefs fan all my life and, in case you missed it, the Chiefs beat the undefeated Packers last Sunday…

17

According to Gallup, “Throughout 2011, an average of 17% of Americans said they were satisfied with the way things are going in the United States. That is the second-lowest annual average in the more than 30-year history of the question, after the 15% from 2008. Satisfaction has averaged as high as 60% in 1986, 1998, and 2000.”

I’m not satisfied; are you?

11

According to Gallup, “A new record-low 11% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, the lowest single rating in Gallup’s history of asking this question since 1974. This earns Congress a 17% yearly average for 2011, the lowest annual congressional approval rating in Gallup history.”

Nice job boys and girls…

1

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