How many zeros in a billion?

I believe there are nine zeros in a billion. But this doesn't really put the amount into proper perspective. It's a million-million. So what? Just numbers on a sheet of paper.

Ever since the current recession began, we've been hearing the term "billions" come up many times, whether it's the amount of money dished out to the struggling lending institutions, the national budget and deficit, the automobile industry, or stimulus packages which don't seem to be helping the job market like they were intended.

So, the next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending your tax money.


For instance:

A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.





Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) asked Congress for $250 billion to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Interesting number. What does it mean?



Or... if you are a family of four your family gets $2,066,012.

Thanks to a contributing reader of this column here are some additional ponderings for the New Year while you're still trying to fathom how much is a billion.



If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?


If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

When someone asks you, "Apenny for your thoughts," and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?



When cheese gets it's picture taken, what does it say?


Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?

Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things?


Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one?

"I am " is reportedly the shortest sentence in theEnglish language. Could it be that "I do " is the longest sentence?




Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?