A Billion - Is it Only Debt or Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

The national debt clock indicates we are at $31 trillion. National Debt Clock: What Is the National Debt Right Now? (pgpf.org).   Congress in December raised the debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion and extend it into 2023. No, not $2.5 trillion debt but an additional $2.5 trillion! The maximum that the federal government is allowed to borrow!  It is the 14th amendment which qualifies the Country's debt obligations.  While Article 1, Section 8 itemizes the duties of Congress, including Debt.

Another statistic involving BILLION is the population of China and India each; according to their own census. They are the only nations topping a billion! 

Worldwide, in 2022, there are a total of 1.446 billion cars. 

• Over 33% of all vehicles worldwide are in Asia!
• While 28% are in Europe
• And 19% are in the United States

Conversely the very tiny ragweed pollen in one plant, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, is staggering!

"The primary culprit of fall allergies is ragweed pollen. A ragweed plant only lives one season, but it packs a powerful punch. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. These grains are very light weight and float easily through the air."

https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies…

BUT THE HAPPY BILLION STATISTIC IS THIS:

As of November 2022, the two official video uploads of the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" video, as featured on YouTube by Mountain Apple Company Inc, have collectively received over 1.259 billion views. While other statistics of this musician who perpetuates happiness include:

• On May 20, 2020, Google Doodle published a page in celebration of Kamakawiwoʻole's 61st birthday
• His lyrical interpretation of the song once "owned" by Judy Garland has been included in numerous  TV shows & these movies
  •  K-Pax, Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, Son of the Mask, 50 First Dates, Fred Claus, Letters to Santa and IMAX: Hubble 3D.
• Longest-leading number-one hit on any of the Billboard song charts Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 
  • 541 weeks on the World Digital Song Sales chart
  • 332 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 starting in 2011

Lastly, while not as widely publicized as his version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" are his own lyrics reflecting his faith as a Christian; which holds its own audience of equally appreciative and hopeful fans. Ke Alo O Iesu (In the Presences of Jesus). 

 Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - I Ke Alo O Iesu - lyrics, translationlyrics (karaoke-lyrics.net)

More News from Calabasas

• 8th Annual RC Worldrome: Encino Velodrome The 8th Annual RC (1/10th Scale Radio Controlled Auto Racing) Worldrome takes place Friday Jun. 14 thru Saturday Jun. 15, 2024 on the Historic Encino Velodrome.
• Starlight Bowl 2024 Summer Concert Lineup The Starlight Bowl summer City Concerts run from July 4th - Aug 24th in Burbank. Season Renewal Tickets go ON SALE May 6th. Regular Season Tickets go ON SALE May 15th.