Numbers in the news

34.7M

There are 34.7 million U.S. residents who claim Irish ancestry. This number is almost nine times the population of Ireland itself (4.2 million). Irish is the nation's second most frequently reported ancestry, trailing only those of German ancestry.

946

There are now 946 billionaires in the world. At one time, millionaires were rare. Now, Forbes Magazine reports, there are so many that they're no longer counted. There are about 3 million of them in the U.S, and about 8.7 million in the world.

50

Biologists say we'll lose upwards of 50 percent of amphibian species within the next 15 years. That's primarily because their skin is permeable, allowing toxins to enter their bloodstream.

13.6

Labor union membership in Pennsylvania fell again in 2006. It's now at the lowest point since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began plotting the numbers: 13.6% in 2006, compared to 13.8% the previous year. Nationally, the figure fell from 12.5% to 12% during 2006. As recently as 1990, more than 20% of U.S. workers belonged to unions.

23

A study released this week says drug and alcohol abuse in college has become more excessive, with 23% of students nationwide meeting the medical threshold for substance abuse or dependence.

National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse President Joseph Califano Jr. said inaction by college leaders and others, as well as a public perception that drinking is a normal rite of passage, have perpetuated the problem. The study found that 49% of college students abuse drugs, engage in binge drinking or do both. Abuse of illegal and prescription drugs has soared. The number of students using marijuana daily is up more than twofold. Students using cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs rose by 52 percent.

Ann Sesti, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Center for Student Life, said she worries that such reports can backfire by suggesting to students "that this is such a common phenomenon and therefore ... this is what I need to do if I'm in this environment."

Califano is among those who advocate bans on alcohol advertising that is connected to collegiate sporting events.

36.13

One California public school sends parents a bill for $36.13 for each day their child has an unexcused absence. Scotts Valley School District figured the rate based on the amount of state reimbursement the district lost due to drops in its reported daily attendance.

2.5B

Did you fill out your NCAA basketball bracket in time? Between $80 and $90 million will be bet legally on the games in Nevada. That figure is dwarfed by the estimated $2.5 billion wagered in office pools and among friends, according to the FBI. The average NCAA pool costs a player $10.

7M

During fiscal year 2005-06, Pa. Game Commission revenue exceeded expectations by more than $7 million.

This increase was due largely to wildlife habitat timbering contracts, as the agency took advantage of a "blowdown" in a major cherry stand, and high prices in the timber market for cherry.

The increased market for coal and gas also pumped in more revenue.