Americans are working more and socializing less. According to a 2011 nationwide survey of 900 adults, 28% of employees felt overworked, almost 50% missed or were late for at least 3 social events last year because of work and 70% were better at fulfilling work responsibilities than family ones. When asked how they felt in relation to their job in the past month, the responses were: tired – 44%, stressed – 43% and underpaid – 35%. However, 31% felt confident, 27% felt valued, 25% felt content and 21% felt excited. The survey was sponsored by Ultimate Vodka –working more to increase business too.
The 40% of Americans who say they are active in religious organizations are more likely to be active in civic and social groups. The Pew Research Center found that religiously active people spend more than twice as much time participating in group activities. For example, 24% of Americans were involved in sports or recreation leagues for themselves or for their children (25% RA’s/17% NRA’s). Twenty-two percent were involved in charitable groups (34% RA’s/15% NRA’s). Fifteen percent were involved in political parties (22% RA’s/10% NRA’s). Therefore, I guess that it’s not surprising NRA’s were more likely to be political independents.
The average American consumes 1,926 pounds of food yearly. That’s almost a ton! This startling fact and its breakdown come from the Department of Agriculture. Dairy: 630 pounds of milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Meat and Poultry: 185 pounds of chicken, turkey, pork and beef. Wheat and other grains: 197 pounds. Fruit: 273 pounds – but most is water weight. Vegetables: 415 pounds – but most is corn and potatoes. Sweeteners: 141 pounds – including 42 pounds of corn syrup. Fats: 85 pounds – butter, as well as oils. Converted into calories this food represents 2,700 daily AND explains why one-third of Americans are obese.
More American women are becoming gun owners. In fact, target shooting is one of the fastest-growing, female sports. Female participation has almost doubled in the U.S. in the past decade – growing to almost 5 million since 2001. To become more female-friendly the target shooting industry is providing pink pistols and purses with holster slots. However, learning self-sufficiency isn’t the only reason women enjoy shooting. They say it also increases concentration, relieves stress and provides a sense of peace. Hmmm, I remember when women’s “target shooting” was just a quick trip to the discount store with a red bull’s-eye logo.
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