Posted on: Sunday, November 23, 2008
Candy, strangers and holiday takes
Compiled by John MacIntyre
From January through August 2008, the number of new "functional candies" (providing nutrients like calcium, protein, fiber, etc.) that were released, according to a survey by the National Confectioners Association: 159
HELLO, STRANGER
Percentage of Americans who are uncomfortable when introducing themselves to strangers at a party, according to PrimaLoft's annual Comfort Zone survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media: 34%
Percentage of men who are very or somewhat comfortable introducing themselves to strangers: 72%
Percentage of women who are very or somewhat comfortable introducing themselves to strangers: 58%
HOLIDAY HIRING
On average, the number of seasonal workers each American manager responsible for hiring hourly workers plans to hire, according to a www.SnagAJob.com survey conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs: 3.7
Average number of seasonal workers hired during last year's holiday period: 5.6
Average pay per hour for a seasonal employee: $10
GOBBLE, GOBBLE
Estimated number of turkeys that will be eaten at Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation: 46 million
Average weight of a turkey purchased for Thanksgiving: 15 pounds
To have enough for leftovers as well as the feast, the recommended amount of uncooked turkey per person to buy: 1 pound
FEELING THE PINCH
Percentage of Catholic Charities operations that reported an increase in requests for financial assistance, according to a national survey by Catholic Charities USA: 86%
Percentage that saw more people requesting mortgage, rental or temporary housing assistance: 70%
Percentage that recorded an increase in requests for food assistance: 76%
OFFICE MORALE
Percentage of executives who cited better communication as the best remedy for low morale, according to a survey developed by Accountemps: 48%
Percentage of respondents who said lack of open and honest communication with staff tops the list of management missteps that can erode morale: 33%
Percentage who said recognition programs, which acknowledge an employee's efforts and achievements, are a good way to remedy low morale: 19%
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Percentage of consumers who plan to cut back on holiday spending, according to a Consumer Reports holiday shopping poll: 76%
Percentage of Americans who still carry debt from last year's holiday shopping: 6%
ID THEFT
Percentage of online consumers worry at least somewhat that they will fall victim to identity theft, according to the 2008 PayPal Trust and Safety Study, conducted for PayPal by Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom: 75%
Estimated percentage of online consumers in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. who have been victims of identity theft: 10%
Estimated percentage of online consumers in France, Germany and Spain who have been victims of identity theft: 5%
UNCLE SAM'S WRATH
Amount the U.S. got in settlements and judgments in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 by pursuing allegations of fraud committed against the federal government, according to the Justice Department: $1.34 billion
Estimated total recoveries since 1986, when Congress substantially strengthened the civil False Claims Act: $21 billion
Percentage of this year's recoveries associated with lawsuits initiated by private citizens (known as "relators") under False Claims Act provisions whereby a private individual who assists a government prosecution can receive all or part of any penalty imposed: 78%
CHRISTMAS SPENDING
Date this year of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, when Americans begin their Christmas shopping in earnest: Nov. 28
Percentage of Christmas shoppers who look through a newspaper for in-store specials, according to a survey by Taubman Centers: 46%
Percentage who peruse newspaper inserts: 59%
IDLE THOUGHT
"It is impossible to imagine Goethe or Beethoven being good at billiards or golf."
— H.L. Mencken, writer, editor and critic (1880-1956),/i>
Contact John MacIntyre at johnmacintyre@bwr.eastlink.ca.
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