The McDonald’s (USA) chain sells many tons of chicken and beef. In 2010, the corporation’s American franchises sold 725 million pounds of chicken and 800 million pounds of beef. They likely sell a lot of fries with that.

In 1999, Steven Streit was a radio programmer working in California when he had an idea to issue “credit cards paid up in advance” (later called debit cards). The intention was to sell the “new concept” cards to college students and their parents. The targeted population showed almost no interest. However, adults who had previously found it difficult to obtain credit or checking accounts bought the cards by the thousands (and eventually by the millions). Mr. Streit has made lots of money since 1999.

I am not certain that I would trust the information contained in this next item: Early tests indicate that human swimmers can repel man-eating sharks by wearing mildly powerful magnets. Some divers are attaching magnets onto their ankles, wrists and other body parts. All who have returned claim a 100% success rate.

How many pixels does your newest digital camera have? Some show-offs from France have developed a camera to be launched into space that is said to have a 1,000,000,000 pixel capacity. Not to be outdone – scientists and craftsmen in Chile have begun construction on a 3,000,000,000 pixel camera for the Large Synoptic Telescope. I suppose my Kodak Brownie will soon be obsolete.

It is hoped that you do not easily lose your appetite. I have just learned that the typical adult person is the proud bearer of 3 to 5 pounds of living bacteria. The bacteria cells we tote normally outnumber our human cells by a factor of 10 to 1.

The hypodermic needle was developed in 1853.  Ever since then it seems that medical personnel have been discovering things that need to be injected into our bodies.  Recent advancements in needle design have made the injections progressively less painful.  Some of us old fogies recall when receiving “a shot” really got one’s attention.  However, the smaller diameter needles with sharper points make some injections possible with a mere 1/20 of an inch piercing.  I sometimes suspect my “caregivers” obtain used needles from the local veterinarian and use those on me.  On the bright side, I should never again suffer from the dreaded hoof and mouth disease.

Well, I suggest that you wait for more data before relying on magnets to ward off predators such as great whites — and I wish you a delightful week.