Endeavor's Neat Numbers

87

The vast majority of teens in the United States, some 87 percent of those ages 12 to 17, now use the Internet. This amounts to about 21 million young people.

The most popular uses are text messaging, e-mail, and electronic social communities such as "MySpace.com," which has more than 55 million members.

A recent survey found that there are 3,000 MySpace members in the Emporium/St. Marys area. About 60 percent of sixth-graders report using the Internet; by seventh grade it jumps to 82 percent, rising to 94 percent for juniors and seniors.

67.4

Smoking is falling out of favor with Pennsylvanians. A poll conducted last week by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette found that 67.4 percent of respondents favor a ban on smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars.

Just over 17 percent say current laws are just right. About nine percent favor fewer restrictions.

74

Treasure Lake, the massive planned residential development near DuBois, has gradually been reclaimed by whitetailed deer populations that once depended on the habitat for sustenance.

After years of controversy, a controlled deer hunt was held starting last Saturday to coincide with the opening of archery season. Some 74 people were authorized to hunt on sections of undeveloped land in the area, in an effort to thin the deer herd.

47

In 2005, a record-low 47 hunting-related shooting incidents occurred in Pennsylvania. The 2005 incident rate of 4.92 per 100,000 participants also was the lowest on record.

0

One of the most pleasant numbers in the monthly report of the Pa. State Police barracks in Emporium is zero: the number of traffic fatalities.

Police did investigate 14 crimes and make nine arrests in September. They were also called to 14 traffic accidents, with three reported injuries. Police made three DUI arrests, only one of which involved a crash. They issued 93 traffic citations and 51 warnings.

2.73

There are now an average of 2.73 televisions in an American household. Interestingly, there are an average of 2.5 people in each household. So who's watching that .23 extra TV?

1M

Morgan AM&T of St. Marys has landed a $1 million Defense Department contract to improve body armor the plant produces for the U.S. military. The funds are designated for improved self-sintered silicon carbide, a ceramic material with flexible shaping to provide upper torso protection. The same Defense Appropriations Act also funded a 2.2 percent military pay raise.

299

Pete Rose's nickname, "Charlie Hustle," takes on a whole new meaning as he sells autographed baseballs for $299 each. The inscription is, "I'm sorry I bet on baseball." For another 50 bucks, he'll personalize the signature.