Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. – E. B. White

Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” Are you ready for Christmas? Me neither…

In case you’re a first-time visitor, this is the weekly column where I take a look at the numbers that are in the news (in descending order) and provide commentary sometimes sprinkled with just a little bit of sarcasm.

This week’s topics include the Presidential debate, Montana Public Service Commission, climate change, Scholastic & James Patterson, unemployment, omnibus spending bill, red kettle, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Thriller, Golden State Warriors, inmates in Montana, and much more!

18,000,000

Tuesday’s Republican presidential debate on CNN averaged 18 million viewers, making it the third-most-watched primary debate of all time. (Source)

During some parts of the debate, it reminded me of an elementary school playground…

10,900,000

The Associated Press reported that the Montana Public Service Commission has rejected Montana-Dakota Utilities’ request for a $10.9 million electricity rate hike. (Source)

Good job!

2,000,000

According to a press release from Scholastic, best-selling author James Patterson is kicking off the holiday season with a thank-you gift to independent bookstore employees and school libraries: $2 million in grants and bonuses. (Source)

It looks like there are six winners in Montana – Congrats!

11,000

A report called “Economic Impact of Climate Change in Montana” says Montana could lose 11,000 outdoor jobs due to climate change. The Great Falls Tribune has the story HERE.

So – do you believe in climate change?

271,000

That’s how many people filed new claims for unemployment last week. (Source)

2,009

That’s how many pages are in the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill that is making its way through Congress. You can read it HERE.

1,060

A gold coin valued at $1,060 was dropped in a Salvation Army red kettle recently at the Columbia Falls (MT) grocery store. (Source)

Nice!

43

According to the Drudge Report poll asking, “Who won the 5th Republican Debate,” about 43% of those participating believe Donald Trump won. (Source)

31

USA Today reports that the 31st class inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will include N.W.A., Cheap Trick, Chicago, Steve Miller, and Deep Purple.

I am glad to see Cheap Trick and Steve Miller make it – REO Speedwagon should be in there, too.

30

According to Billboard, Michael Jackson’s Thriller has become the first album ever to be certified 30 times multi-platinum for U.S. sales, marking more than 30 million sales in the States. (Source)

You need that album, plus you should get “Hi Infidelity” – a multi-platinum album from the greatest rock band of all time, REO Speedwagon!

24

The NBA’s Golden State Warriors saw their winning streak end at 24 games when they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 108-95 Saturday night. (Source)

6

The Associated Press reported that the sixth state of Montana inmate has died from an ongoing illness since Nov. 10.

Let’s be careful in there…

## MERRY CHRISTMAS and/or HAPPY HOLIDAYS ##