I can’t prove this, but I swear I used to be smarter, funnier, and less tired. – Unknown

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 and humor.

This week’s topics include Mega Millions, unemployment claims, Trump lies, Drew Brees, Article I/II impeachment votes, Steve Daines & impartial justice, obesity, Paul Manafort, Trump/Clinton/Johnson, and much more!

375,000,000

A lucky Mega Millions ticket holder will be celebrating the most amazing holiday season in 2019! A single ticket sold in Ohio matched all six numbers drawn Tuesday night to win the $375 million jackpot ($253.5 million cash). (MegaMillions.com)

252,000

In the week ending December 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 252,000, an increase of 49,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 203,000. This is the highest level for initial claims since September 30, 2017, when it was 257,000. The 4-week moving average was 224,000, an increase of 6,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 217,750. (DOL.gov)

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.

15,413

President Donald Trump continues to tell lies at a breathless pace. Trump as of Dec. 10 had told 15,413 untruths during his presidency, The Washington Post’s Fact Checker column reported on Monday. That’s an average of 14.6 lies for each of his 1,055 days in office. (HuffPost)

I can’t stand liars.

540

On Monday Night Football, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees broke Peyton Manning’s career touchdown record with a 5-yard pass to tight end Josh Hill midway through the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, giving him 540 for his career. Later in the game, he threw another TD giving him 541. (ESPN)

230 -197

That was the vote on Article I of the U.S. House Impeachment Resolution. One person (Gabbard) voted Present and three people did not vote. (House.gov)

229 – 198

That was the vote on Article II of the U.S. House Impeachment Resolution. One person (Gabbard) voted Present and three people did not vote. (House.gov)

100

Right after President Donald Trump was impeached in the U.S. House U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ campaign sent an email signed by Daines which said:

Let me be clear: I stand 100% IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT TRUMP and against the Democrats clear abuse of power. This impeachment SCAM must end and it’s why I’m calling on conservatives across the country to join me and stop this political hit-job!

I guess Daines forgets that he is supposed to provide “impartial justice” during the impeachment of Trump and not be “100% in support” of him.

Here is the oath that Daines will swear to:

‘‘I solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of ——— ———, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God.’’

It would be nice if those elected to serve in DC would put the country ahead of their freaking political party for once – or at least act as they do!

49

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that currently 40% of U.S. adults are obese. New research predicts that by 2030, about 49% of U.S. adults will be obese. In 29 states, more than half will be. (Yahoo)

It’s the holidays, and weekends, and wing Wednesday…

16

A New York state judge on Wednesday dismissed a 16-count indictment against President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort on double jeopardy grounds. (CNN)

The state will appeal, but Manafort could be pardoned by President Trump for the federal charges.

3

In case you missed it, Donald Trump became the third President in U.S. History to be impeached. (Buzzfeed)

Trump joins Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson.

Merry Christmas President Trump!

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