Opening Stuff
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
(Note: I used "he" in the above reference to an idiot. The Tids guy is not stupid!)
New England Journal of Medicine Department:
I think I have developed the next big medical science breakthrough story. Medical records from 2001-2009 detail the extremely rapid growth of Asthma to the point today where 1 in 12 Americans are asthmatic. During the same period the growth in pet ownership paralleled the increase of clogged lungs and bronchial tubes. The last decade saw a 12+% growth in fuzzy, furry animal ownership which correlates nicely with the increase in asthma cases. So these cuddly little tail wagging come under attack if I can get my repotr tot he right cable news channel
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in fruit salad.
The Question:
How many households own pets? Which types of pets are most popular? Which pets are the most expensive to maintain?
The Headlines:
--Market Struggling to Find Its Way; Sour Credit In Euro Countries Plus Lower Than Expected growth for Non-Manufacturing (Service) Industries And To Negativity.,--24/7 Analysis Of Anthony Decision Clogging Airways; Experts Backtracking At Rapid Pace; Marcia Clark Says Casey Verdict Worse Than OJ..
--178 Teachers And Principals Named In Georgia Bureau of Investigation Report On Wide Spread Cheating; Report Diminishes Achievements Of Award Winning School System; Falsified Test Scores Designed To Reach Goals That Would Trigger Fed Payments.
--China Raises Internist Rates To Cool Insulation.
--Portugal Credit Rating Downgraded.
--Massive Dust Storm Smothers Phoenix.
--New Terrorist Tactic: Surgically Implanting Bombs In Humans.
Cracker Department.
I've seen trailers for the new American version of the great British TV program "Prime Suspect". Once again the US TV industry has chosen over-the-top instead of realism. It appears not unlike the hatchet job on the equally great Brit drama Cracker. In fact, Cracker may have been the best of them all...until it waded across the pond.
You'd have wonder what a US filmmaker would do to the Stig Larson series.
Unintended Consequences Department:
Many big corporations in New York already have excellent benefits programs for domestic partners. But now in light of the passing of the Gay Marriage act that authorizes these benefits for a new class of married, the company legal departments are wondering if in fairness they should only give bennies to the partners that marry?
Just in case for a fleeting second you think that the US needs "Stimulus II", just remember that every job created under Stimulus I cost $270,099!
Separate AP reports indicate dissatisfaction at the Pentagon over Afghanistan and Libyan decisions. In Afghanistan, they say nothing has inproved that woujld merit decisions to reduce troop strength ether by the US or allies. They note that the war is still very hot with more Americans being killed now and at a rate similar to earlier years. They expect that some of the fiercest fighting is to come. The suggest there will be a resurgence of Taliban attacks that coincide almost directly with the rate of the draw down. Libya: Top Generals say that "unclear" objectives (from the start) is the reason that the Libyan thing is dragging on. That air support alone cannot secure victory for the rebels. They add that "We are losing the good will that this was supposed to create." Of course both of these brief analyses are from a pure military strategy point of view. Many of them may feel perhaps that we shouldn't be there, but their educated gut says, "bad way to leave." They are probably right realistically, but emotionally, not so much.
Now that I'm on a medical research and analysis kick, the next thing I will attack is the percentage of people with diseases who have practiced Yoga. For instance, Suryanamaskar seems to comfort people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But is it up to all of the other promises of minor medical miracles? But frankly, being a cynic, I don't actually believe that each position is a method of avoiding specific illness. But, of course opinion doesn't count when dealing with science. Unless of course, it is an out of control Tidster.
Almost Near: Chapter 27 continues. --"Wow! What was that for?" A beaming tucker looked at Audrey who was licking her lips with her tongue. Enjoying what she had tasted.
"That was for making me happy. That was for coming back. That was for something I have felt about you but was too dumb to say." She looked at him and then moved forward and kissed him again. "Now, get out and push the car so we can get out of this ditch."
"Oh, a bribe!" Audrey feigned a punch at his healing arm. "I'm agoin'. I' agoin'."
It only took a few seconds to get the car back onto the road. Tucker jumped back in, and Audrey floored it thrusting him back into his seat while he tried to snap the seat belt. "You seem a little energetic."
"Handsome men do that to me." Audrey was now wearing a beautiful smile of self contentment. "You know, I kinda liked you that first time you stepped timidly before my desk. But then, most of the time, I just poured myself back into my work. But after you left to go back to Lobster Cove, I decided that maybe it was time for me to at least be honest with myself."
And," Tucker finished, "You thought it a good idea to throw a monkey wrench into my confused romantic life."
"Did it hurt?"
"Not a bit." He looked out the window. But, "now what?" he thought to himself."
In 2050 India, will be the most populous country according to a future-cast from the US Census Bureau. India would have passed China by 2035. The US with 423 million will remain in third place. Surprisingly, the countries making the biggest population gains will be Nigeria and Ethiopia. Nigeria will grow from 166 mil to 402 M while Ethiopia will go from 98 M to 278 M. Think of the impact those third world style companies will make on the balance of the global economy and culture. Japan and Russian will fall to the 16th and 17th most populated!
Do you get the feeling, that Angelina knows something the rest of us don't? Joli and Pitt. Emperors of Africa.
423,000,000 Americans. Think about all the pets. Think about the asthma.
The Answer:
Today, 71.4 million Households have pets. There are 171.7 Mil Freshwater Fish, 93.2 Mil Cats, 77.5 M dogs, 15.9 M other small animals, 15M birds, 13.6 M reptiles, 13.3 M hporses and 11.2 M saltwater fish. All pets are expensive and the costs are growing especially for those owners who overindulge there "babies".Oh yeah...and 13% of dogs and 21% of cats are overweight and not allowed in McDonald's, or permitted to add sugary soda pop to their kibbles.
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