Chart – 21st century has already created more goods than previous 1,900 years

  In the first decade of the 21st century, the population of the world produced more economic output than in the first 19 centuries of the common era combined. If people do make history, then two people make twice as much history as one. Since there are almost 7 billion people alive today, it follows …

Science Experiment: How fast can you react?

I love this piece from Scientific American, written in the format of a teaching lesson, instructing you how to perform a science experiment: How Fast Can You React? Key concepts: Reaction time Neuroscience Gravity Introduction Think fast! Have you ever noticed that when someone unexpectedly tosses a softball at you, you need a little time …

Gasoline use drops to 2001 levels – recent data shows

The following chart shows U.S. petroleum and gasoline usage for the same three-month period (Dec-Feb) going back to 1992. Note that petroleum usage is back to 1995 levels, and gasoline usage is back to 2001. Chart via Global Economic Analysis – (thx to Steven Witt for the tip)   This graph highlights a continuing U.S. trend …