Worldmeters
If you liked the World Clock, you'll probably also like Worldmeters.
The beat of the solar system
Whimsical. Charming. The "beat" of the solar system. Two times around per tone for speedy Mercury.
How big is the U.S. military budget?
This article by the U.K. Guardian puts it in perspective:
[T]he United States spent a staggering $607bn (£402 bn) on defence in 2008. Currently engaged in what will likely be the longest ground war in US history in Afghanistan. Harbourer of thousands of nuclear weapons. 1.5m soldiers. Fleets of aircrafts, bombs and seemingly endless amounts of military technology.I know that many Americans would read the above paragraph with pride and contentment. I consider it succinct evidence that we are a paranoid war-mongering nation. I consider these enormous military expenditures tragic, considering all of the other things that we could and should be doing with most of that money.
Unconscionable credit card fees
How onerous are credit card fees. Consider this example described by the NYT:
Robert Triozzi . . . found that over a period of several years, Ms. Owens had paid nearly $3,500 on an original balance of $1,900. But Discover was suing her for $5,564, mostly for late fees, compound interest, penalties and other charges. He called Discover’s actions “unconscionable” and threw the case out.
Rich man feels left out.
The Onion reports on a rich man who is feeling left out of the recession.