1.5 billion: Over the past two years, investors have poured some $1.5 billion into companies that make, market, or share scooters in cities around the world. In principle the elevation of a child's toy to adult commuting vehicle is meant to reduce congestion (and be fun) but the issue is fast becoming political as startled and annoyed residents pressure mayors to regulate the two-wheeled whizzers. The mayor of Paris has already vowed to crack down on the "anarchy."
50: The area of Venezuelan farmland planted with staple crops of rice and corn will fall 50 percent this year, owing largely to gasoline shortages that crimp farmers' ability to produce and transport their goods. In some parts of the country, rice fields are being left barren for the first time in 70 years.
32: Stars and stripes and...a crucifix? Thirty-two percent of Americans say you have to be Christian to be considered truly American, according to a new Pew study.
11: News that Christine Lagarde will be leaving her post as IMF Managing Director to become the next president of the European Central Bank has touched off fevered speculation about who will replace her. In its 73 years of existence, all 11 IMF chiefs have hailed from Europe: we'd bet that the twelfth will be too.
