Stats are sexy.

One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum. – Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)

Glorious action and noble risks. I want to be about that.

Many of you know I'm really into stats. I like trivia. I've found some interesting facts this week.

Last week the Economist, which I have just this month started reading after a subscription was generously gifted my way, reported on known oil reserves. If the world continues to produce oil at the rate of last year (and no new reserves are found), global supplies will last only 42 more years.

The US ranks 11th on the list of most reserves, with enough supply for 12.4 more years. Interestingly, China, who ranks 13th, only has enough reserves for 11.1 most years.

Looks like we'll all be importing a lot from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela (numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5). Does it seem like this data should light a fire under us to get energy independent- fast?

Hmm.

Next, unemployment rates:
US 9.4% in May
China 9% in May
Spain 18.1% in April
Turkey at 16%
Columbia 12%

Highest on this list (did not include all nations) was South Africa 23.5%
Lowest was Thailand under 2%

Interesting.

Next, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported on Top Ten 2008 military spending:

10. India $30 billion
9. Saudi Arabia $38.2 billion
8. Italy $40 billion
7. Japan $46.3 billion
6. Germany $46.8 billion
5. Russia $58.6 billion
4. United Kingdom $65.3 billion
3. France $65.7 billion
2. China $84.9 billion

and in first place, the United States spent $607 BILLION on the military in 2008.

Wow. The report goes on to note that the US spent seven times as much as #2 China, and that the United States has spent $903 billion on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since the conflicts began.

At www.buckner.org, I've learned that
$25/month provides a water purification system for 10 families in Mexico.
$25/month provides food for 10 children in Kenya each year.
$25/month provides medical care for 8 teens in Guatemala/year.
$25/month provides school uniforms for 15 children in Kenya/year.
$25/month provides education for 13 children in Ethiopia/year (textbooks, school fees, tutor, supplies).

I'll refrain from further commentary.

The numbers speak for themselves.