Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies. – Robert Kennedy

Welcome to the first “Thursday Numbers” of December! 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 sarcasm.

This week’s topics include Taylor Swift, Victoria’s Secret, Steve Daines, OPEC, unemployment, Jon Tester, Tiger Woods, Nancy Pelosi, Big Mac, Steve Bullock, Montana Republican Party, and much more!

170,000,000

That’s how much money ($170 million) Taylor Swift made in 2016. (Forbes)

That is slightly more than your favorite independent blogger made…

3,000,000

The laciest, if not raciest, catwalk event of the year — aka, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show — is taking place in Paris on Wednesday (last) night. Among the anticipated highlights: performances by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, as well as a $3 million Fantasy bra modelled by Jasmine Tookes. (AP)

1,402,200

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced funding in the amount of $1,402,200 for the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University’s (MSU) College of Engineering. The funding will be used to study how best to improve accessibility and efficiency of rural public transportation.

1,200,000

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which accounts for a third of global oil supply, agreed to cut production by around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), or over 3 percent, to 32.5 million bpd, from January. (Reuters)

268,000

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

5,657

That’s how many users logged on to watch and participate in the Facebook Live event hosted by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.). According to Tester’s press office, some of the most popular topics and responses included spurring job growth, the importance of a quality education, and the need to combat climate change.

That’s a neat way to connect to constituents – and helping constituents should be every elected official’s first priority.

898

That’s Tiger Woods’ world ranking in golf. Woods, who will turn 41 at the end of December, is making his return to competitive golf Thursday (today) at the Hero World Challenge, with his first round of consequence in 466 days. (Yahoo Sports)

Golf is much better when Tiger Woods is playing.

134

U.S. House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader Wednesday. The vote was 134-63. (AP)

98

The Pittsburgh-area McDonald’s franchisee who created the Big Mac nearly 50 years ago has died. Michael “Jim” Delligatti was 98. (USA Today)

I am more of a quarter pounder with cheese guy. That’s not exactly true, I’m really more of a double quarter pounder with cheese guy (and a Diet Coke).

19

Happy 19th birthday to my sweetheart (RLB)! I love you!

10

Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s budget proposal for the next two years includes a 10 percent cut for the Montana Highway Patrol — a $7.7 million reduction that would mean the loss of 27 jobs, most of them troopers. (AP)

Let the jockeying begin!

9:1

Montana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Essmann sent a thank you email to Republican supporters in which he wrote:

This was one of the most successful elections for the Montana Republican Party in modern times and we achieved these victories despite being outspent 9:1 by the Montana Democrat Party and their special interest allies.

It was quite a historic victory for the Montana Republicans this year. Congratulations.

 

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