


by Janet Spencer
If you started counting at the Stone Age about 200,000 years ago, and counted until today, the total number of humans that have ever lived would be about 108 billion people. Of those, 7% are currently alive. Come along with Tidbits as we consider the demographics of humanity!
• If you started counting in year 1 A.D., about 55 billion humans have lived on earth, including the 8 billion alive today.
• In the year 1 A.D. the world’s population was about 170 million.
• The population of the U.S., currently at 337 million, is 4% of the world’s population.
• The growth rate of the U.S. was 0.5% in 2023, lower than at any point since 1979.
• About 50 years ago, the average woman worldwide had four kids. Today the average has dropped to only 2 children per woman. In the U.S., the average is 1.6 kids.
• Out of the 30 countries with the highest birth rates, 29 are located in Africa. The one exception is Afghanistan.
• Countries with the lowest birth rates include Ukraine due to the war; Monaco due to the predominantly elderly population; as well as Japan and South Korea where career pressure is heavy. (cont)
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• The country with the oldest average population is Monaco, the tiny ultra-rich nation on the French Riviera where the average age is 55. Japan comes in 2nd at 43.
• The median age of residents of Monaco is longer than the life expectancy of people in many African nations, including Chad, Nigeria, Sudan, and Somalia. This means that when someone in Monaco reaches that country’s median age, they have already lived longer than the typical lifespan of someone in Africa.
• Although Japan has the highest percentage of its population that has reached the age of 100, the U.S. has a higher number of centenarians, with about 98,000.
• Globally, the male-to-female ratio of the population is pretty steady at 50-50, though it generally tips towards 101 males for every 100 females. However, at birth, the ratio is about 105 boys for every 100 girls.
• The country with the highest percentage of male citizens is Qatar, with 248 men for every 100 women due to the influx of migrant workers to perform manual labor. In second place is the United Arab Emirates (177 men for every 100 women), mainly for the same reason.
• Globally, women outlive men by an average of five years, and among older segments, women vastly outnumber men. In the U.S., for people aged 85 and older, there are only 56 males for every 100 females, according to the 2020 census.
• Alaska has the highest male-to-female ratio of 110 men for every 100 women, followed by North Dakota, which has 103 to 100.
• On the other hand, the District of Columbia has the lowest male-to-female ratio at 90 men for every 100 women. Mississippi ranks second to last with 93 men for every 100 women. (cont)
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Steve C From Belpre Found Tommy In Issue 1307
• Mississippi has the lowest life expectancy of all the states. It also has the widest gender gap where life expectancy is concerned, with men dying at the average age of 68.6 while women survive to the age of 75.2.
• Hawaii has the highest life expectancy at 80.7 years, due to the low obesity rate of 25%, one of the lowest in the country. The obesity rate in Mississippi is 39%.
• Other states with high life expectancy rates include California and Minnesota, at 79.0 and 79.1 years respectively, and Washington at 79.2 years.
• On the other hand, states like West Virginia (74.9 years), Alabama (74.9 years), and Kentucky (75.1 years) are among those with the lowest life expectancies, perhaps because of higher rates of chronic diseases and lower healthcare quality.
• In 1800, only 3% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. Today 58% do.
• In 1980, the median age for women to marry in the U.S. was 22, while the median age for men was 25. By 2023, that had shifted to age 28 for women and 30 for men.
• In 1980, 30% of American households consisted of married parents. By 2023, that had fallen to just 18%. In the same time period, households consisting of a single person living alone without children increased from 23% to 29%.
• Single-parent households with kids under 18 have held steady at about 7.5%. What changed between 1980 and today is whether it’s mom or dad taking care of the kids. Of the 10 million single-parent households in the U.S. today, 75% are single mothers, and 25% are single fathers. In 1980, 90% were single mothers and 10% were single fathers. (cont)
• In 1980, 17% of Americans age 25 or older had completed at least four years of college. By 2023, that had risen to 38%.
• In 1980, 21% of men had achieved at least a Bachelor’s degree, while women lagged behind with only 14%. However, by 2023, women surpassed men with 40% of women over age 25 achieving a Bachelor’s degree or higher, while only 37% of men did.
• Active duty military dropped from 2 million in 1993 to just 1.3 million today.
• There were 543,000 cops in the U.S. in 1993, compared to 706,000 in 2023.
• In 1980, Americans drove 1.5 trillion miles. This increased to 3.3 tillion miles in 2023. That’s a 115% increase in miles driven, while the population grew only 47%.
• In 1980, no one had a computer or internet connection at home. By 2023, 96% of U.S. households had some kind of a computer, while 92% had a broadband internet connection. 92% have a smartphone.
• In 2019, only 6% of working adults worked from home. That rose to 15% by 2022 due to covid. The municipality with the highest percentage of work-from-home adults is Washington, D.C., with 34%, while Mississippi has the least, with just 6%.
• What’s the most educated country in the world? Canada, with 63% completing some college-level education, followed by Japan, Ireland, South Korea, and the U.K. The U.S. comes in 10th with 50%.
• In 2023, 161 million Americans were working. Of those, 21 million worked for the government. And of those, 79% worked for the local and state government while 21% worked for the federal government.
• 92% of American households have access to at least one car, while 37% have access to two cars.
The 2Ingredient Dessert That's Cooler Than a Tropical Breeze
When the summer sun cranks up the heat, there's nothing more satisfying than a sweet, icy treat that doesn't require a trip to the tropics or a lengthy recipe. Enter the two-ingredient mango sherbet: a creamy, dreamy dessert that's as easy as it is refreshing. This simple dessert has roots in various cultures. In the Philippines, a similar treat called mango float layers graham crackers, whipped cream and ripe mangoes for a no-bake delight. In Taiwan, mango shaved ice combines fresh mango chunks, condensed milk and mango ice cream atop shaved ice, creating a popular summer dessert.
While these versions offer their own unique twists, the two-ingredient mango sherbet stands out for its simplicity and speed.
Why This Recipe Works
Minimal Ingredients: Frozen mango chunks and sweetened condensed milk are all you need.
Quick Prep: Blend the ingredients, freeze and enjoy. No ice cream maker required.
Versatile Texture: Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency or freeze longer for a scoopable treat.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients make this a cost-effective dessert option when compared to the cost of a tropical vacation.
Ice Cream, Sorbet and Sherbet What's the Difference?
It's easy to get frozen desserts confused,
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but here's the scoop: Sorbet is a refreshing, dairy-free treat made from fruit puree, water and sugar pure fruity goodness. Sherbet, on the other hand, sneaks in a little dairy, typically in the form of milk or cream, making it creamier than sorbet but still lighter than ice cream. And ice cream? That's the rich, creamy classic made with milk, cream and often egg yolks, delivering a decadent, indulgent experience. So, when you're craving something fruity and light, reach for sorbet. If you want something a little creamier, sherbet's your go-to. And for full-on indulgence, nothing beats a scoop of ice cream!
Yield: 6-8 servings
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
4-5 cups frozen mango chunks
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Combine the frozen mango chunks and sweetened condensed milk in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. For soft-serve texture, serve immediately. For a firmer consistency, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 hours. Scoop and enjoy!
This recipe is totally adaptable; you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or pineapples for a different flavor profile. But wait, there's more! You can easily customize this simple mango sorbet by adding just a few extra ingredients. Toss in a cup of berries, and you've got a delightful mango berry sherbet. Craving something refreshing? Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cool, aromatic twist. Want a citrusy kick? A splash of lime juice and zest will do the trick! And if you're in the mood for something you can hold in your hand, why not turn the
mixture into popsicles? The possibilities are endless, and each variation is as easy as the original recipe!
While this dessert is indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits: Mangoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides calcium and protein. While this dessert is fat-free, it contains quite a hefty amount of sugar. Enjoy it in moderation.
This mango sherbet is more than just a dessert; it's a mini getaway in a bowl. Its tropical flavor and creamy texture transport you to a sunny beach, all without leaving your kitchen. So, when the heat hits and you're craving something cool, whip up this simple treat and let your taste buds take a vacation.
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
• The name Michigan comes from the Ojibwe “mishigamaa,” which means “large lake” or “great water” with “michi” meaning “great” and “gama” meaning “water.”
• What’s the only Great Lake that does not touch Michigan? Lake Ontario. To remember the names of all the Great Lakes, remember the acronym HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior
• There are 62,798 inland lakes in Michigan with a surface area of at least 0.1 acres or larger. Of those, just over 11,000 are five acres or more in size. Overall, 1.3% of Michigan’s total area is inland lakes.
• Those lakes provide habitat for 154 species of fish.
• No matter where you are standing in the state, you are never more than six miles (3.7 km) from a body of water.
• The state has 3,224 miles (5,166 km) of Great Lakes shoreline, which is more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation.
• There are 129 lighthouses in Michigan, more than any other state.
• The boat named the J. W. Westcott II is a post office boat. It delivers mail to ships while they are underway, operating out of Detroit. It boasts the only floating zip code in the nation: 48222. It’s been operating since 1874. It has also been known to deliver pizzas to crews.
• In 1945, Grand Rapids was the first city in the U.S. to add fluoride to the municipal water supply as an experiment to see if it improved dental health.
• Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of tart cherries, providing 75% of the nation’s supply, headquartered in and around Traverse City. Tart cherries are primarily used for
and
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• In the early 1900s, 90% of the silk made in the U.S. was made in Belding, Michigan, “the silk capital of the world.” The factory, built by the Belding brothers, closed in 1935.
• The world headquarters of La-Z-Boy recliners is in Monroe, Michigan, founded in 1927.
• Domino’s Pizza and Little Caesars both started in Michigan.
• Pop singers from Michigan include Diana Ross (Detroit), Madonna (Bay City), Alice Cooper (Detroit), Stevie Wonder (Saginaw), Bob Seger (Dearborn) and Iggy Pop (Ann Arbor).
• Cass Technical High School in downtown Detroit has turned out some exceptional students including Diana Ross, John DeLorean. Ellen Burstyn, and Lily Tomlin.
• 47 people have been elected governor of Michigan over the course of 49 periods. Of those, just one came from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in the state, and one of the oldest cities in the nation. The town sits on the northern edge of the Upper Peninsula bordering Canada. In 1668, a French explorer and missionary named the settlement after Saint Mary, with “sault” being French for “waterfall” indicating the rapids nearby where natives gathered to catch fish. The town, with a current population of 13,000, is the onlytown in Chippewa County
• Grand Hotel stands on Mackinac Island located between upper and lower Michigan. It was built in 1887 by the local railroad to house tourists coming to the area. It boasts the World’s Largest Front Porch, which is 668 feet (204 m) long. Mackinac Island is named after the indigenous word meaning “big turtle.”
DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I retired four years ago and thought I had enough to cover all my expenses, plus some. But the rise in prices for everything has really hit hard. I can't afford to take my two Dachshunds, "Kili" and "Fili," to the vet for their annual checkups and shots. And I'm terrified what will happen if one of them gets sick. Do you know of any way I can cut expenses for pet care? Dave M., Santa Monica, California
DEAR DAVE: I completely understand. These are difficult economic times, especially on a fixed income. But there are lower -cost pet care options available.
First, contact Kili and Fili's veterinarian and explain your situation. Ask if they offer any discounts or payment options for care, or if they have any recommendations for free or low-cost care. Vets will work with you to keep your dogs healthy.
Next, contact the local Humane Society or shelter and ask the same questions. Shelters want pets to stay with their owners and have resources and contacts to help make their care easier and more affordable.
Ask about low-cost or free pet vaccination events (often called shot clinics). These take place in many towns and cities at least once a year. For less than half the cost of a routine visit (and sometimes free), these clinics give pets their required vaccines and may offer additional services like physical exams and blood tests. These are frequently announced online, but you may be able to locate one by contacting your town office or the local shelter.
The most important advice I have for you is: Don't go it alone. Tell your vet, close friends and family members about your financial situation and the care your dogs need. People are there to help just reach out.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
I didn’t think I’d ever be turned on my population statistics… But then I came to my census!
* Mix a quarter cup of salt in with two tablespoons of bath wash for a sudsy, refreshing, skin-soothing salt scrub.
* "Here is a fun game to play with a group of kids (and adults). Everyone gets a piece of paper and begins to draw something. The group leader (mom or dad, usually) says "Pass it left (or right)" and you pass your paper to the next person, who continues your drawing, and so on. We play this at the restaurant until the food gets there. The drawings are fun to look at later." T.T. in Ohio
* Here's a cheap trick to keep cut flowers fresh longer: Stir a tiny bit of sugar into the water in your vase. Then drop a penny in the vase.
* Long-sleeve shirts make great beach or lake coverups. They can be tied around your waist if you aren't using it, and they cover your whole arm.
* Need to put on a bracelet but have no
one to help with the clasp? Head to your home office supplies. Grab a large paperclip and twist it open so it is in the shape of an "S." Thread one loop of the "S" into the jump ring (where the clasp attaches) and use your hand to hold the rest of the paper clip. Bring the bracelet around your wrist and it'll be easy to attach!
* "Do you have trouble keeping ants out of your hummingbird feeders? How about giving them their own cup of sugar water? Put 1/2 cup of sugar water on the ground near where you hang feeders. Then check it when you change the feeder." G.B. in Pavilion, NY
Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.