Almanac observances

With Columbia Journalism School's test quickly approaching, I have begun to read the 2009 almanac. I'm not sure how much this has prepared me for my international affairs section of the test, however I'm amused by the knowledge I've gained. For instance, since 1970 the U.S.'s consumption of broccoli has increased by 1,040 percent. These facts have begun to annoy my roommate. 

This is good to know and makes me feel a little brighter, but I learned one fact that I found disagreeable. According to the Department of Commerce 0.6 percent of an American's income is disposable. This compares to 10 percent in 1980. The average Joe makes approximately $500 per week, if paid hourly (also according to my almanac). This means Joe can spend $3.00 on himself each week, $12 per month. 

People why so many people have credit card debt.