The most damaging phrase in our language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ – Grace Murray Hopper

Welcome to “Thursday Numbers!” 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, humor, and bluntness.

This week’s topics include Greg Gianforte’s fundraising, unemployment, squirrel problems, impeachment poll, Bronze Star, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, friends, city of St. Louis is #1, and much more!

1,090,000

Republican Greg Gianforte turned in another impressive quarter of fundraising for his 2020 gubernatorial run this weekend, bringing his four-month total to $1.09 million – more than twice as much as any other rival in either party. (MTN News)

It was also reported in the MTN story that Gianforte loaned his campaign $50,000 and reported spending about $22,000 of his own money on the effort, but the bulk of the money came from individual donors.

219,000

In the week ending September 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 219,000, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week’s revised level. (USDOL)

Thursday’s data is released at 6:30 a.m. Mountain time, well after this column is published. Click HERE to see Thursday’s unemployment data.

200

A Pennsylvania woman was driving her car when she smelled something burning and heard a strange noise. She popped the hood and discovered something a little nutty — A massive stash of over 200 walnuts squirrels saved for the winter. (CBS News)

51

Just over half of voters want President Trump impeached and removed from office, according to a Fox News Poll released Wednesday.
A new high of 51 percent wants Trump impeached and removed from office, another 4 percent want him impeached but not removed, and 40 percent oppose impeachment altogether. In July, 42 percent favored impeachment and removal, while 5 percent said impeach but don’t remove him, and 45 percent opposed impeachment. (Fox News)

It’s getting serious…

48

48 years ago Al Shryer was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions while serving in Vietnam. He never received his medal. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) presented him with the medal and accompanying citations for his actions. (The Electric)

Congratulations to Mr. Shryer!

10

Fans were barely in their seats for the decisive fifth game of the National League Division Series before the St. Louis Cardinals made history, becoming the first team to score 10 runs in the first inning of a postseason game en route to a 13-1 win. (ESPN)

The Cardinals will play the Washington Nationals, who beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, for the National League Championship. Game one is Friday.

5

Spending time in the company of good friends regularly has been shown to have a positive impact on health. But for many Americans, socializing in adulthood gets harder with age. A recent survey reveals that 45% of adults admit they find it hard to make new friends. In fact, the average adult hasn’t made a new friend in the last five years, according to the survey. (StudyFinds)

Who needs friends?

1

The city of St. Louis is No. 1 again for multiple types of sexually transmitted diseases per capita, according to the annual report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (KMOX)

Way to go St. Louis!

 

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