Bryan's message is reminiscent of "The Onion" on-line newspaper article about how, in spite of decades of research, and advancements in medical science, with all the best minds, the death rate was still 100%--an appalling and unacceptable statistic!

>>> bcole <[log in to unmask]> 12/15 10:55 AM >>>
    I'm suddenly reminded of the "liars, damn liars, and statisticians" remark from a certain author....

        Some statistics I think we all should be concerned with is the fact that 99.9% of both Gore-voting and Bush-voting citizens will experience a fatality within their lifetime and that this is only humbled by the equally alarming statistic that 99.9% of all *other*-voting or even non-voting citizens will also experience a fatality at least one time within their life. Additionally, these statistics were bolstered by the realization that while 99.9% of people in surburbia and major cities experienced a fatality during their lives, a horrifying 99.9% of people in rural and "country" areas also experienced a fatality. There is even speculation that these statistics may indicate a general trend whose reach could spread to other countries!

     The analysis I draw from those statistics, gentlemen, (please feel free to research/rebuke them at your leisure) is that I'm sure there are more important things to worry about.

  -Bryan E. Cole
   (wondering about the 0.1 margin)