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People are like books; some deceive us with their cover, and others surprise us with their content. – 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 Service Employees International Union, debate viewers, unemployment, Guam compensation, federal hate crime, U.S. position in the world today, a new mini-moon, obesity, and much more!
150,000,000
One of the nation’s largest labor unions, the Service Employees International Union, which claims nearly 2 million members, is unveiling plans to invest $150 million in a nationwide campaign to help defeat President Donald Trump, a sweeping effort focused on eight battleground states and voters of color who typically don’t vote. (AP)
I bet all sides will have plenty of money to get their message out…
15,300,000
The chaotic final Democratic debate before the South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday averaged 15.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen television ratings. (CNN)
Although the ratings were high, it was not a good night for the CBS moderators. I half expected Jerry Springer to walk on stage…
219,000
In the week ending February 22, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 219,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 1,000 from 210,000 to 211,000. The 4-week moving average was 209,750, an increase of 500 from the previous week’s revised average. The previous week’s average was revised up by 250 from 209,000 to 209,250. (DOL.gov)
3,000
More than 3,000 native islanders on Guam are expecting to get long-awaited compensation from the U.S. government for their suffering at the hands of imperial Japan during World War II. (AP)
Good for them. They deserve it.
410 – 4
Legislation that would make lynching a federal hate crime passed the House 410-4. Three Republicans voted against the measure: GOP members Ted Yoho of Florida, Louie Gohmert of Texas, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky. The chamber’s lone Independent, Justin Amash of Michigan—who famously switched from Republican to Independent over his support for impeaching President Donald Trump—also voted no. (Newsweek)
The four who voted against it are morons.
53/60/37
Americans are more satisfied with the position of the U.S. in the world today than they have been since February 2003. Gallup polling reported that 53% are satisfied with the position of U.S. in the world today, with 60% thinking the U.S. rates favorably in eyes of the world. Only 37% of Americans think President Trump is respected by world leaders. (Gallup)
I think I remember most of the United Nations laughed at Trump…
6-11
A new mini-moon has been discovered orbiting earth! The object measures about 6 feet to 11 feet across and its orbit suggests that it entered Earth’s orbit around three years ago. (NBC News)
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore…
4
About 4 in 10 American adults are obese, and nearly 1 in 10 is severely so, government researchers said Thursday. The survey found that the obesity rate was 42% — higher than the 40% found in a similar 2015-16 study. The severe obesity rate was more than 9% in the new survey, up from the 8% figure in the previous one. (AP)
There seems to be a lot of fatsos running around…
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