The Daily

Last year, Americans spent a record $6 billion (!!!) on Christmas decorations. 

More fun facts to get you in the spirit.

The average shopper spent $423.55 on Black Friday. That’s a lot of money! 

And today online retailers are expected to haul in $1.5 billion. 

theweekmagazine:

America has an energy addiction. 

reuters:

This Reuters graphic shows there have been 6,519 men, 190 women and 465 children killed in violence in Syria as of Feb. 5, 2012. The most fatalities in a single day since April of last year happened on Feb. 4, 2012 with 400 deaths reported.

The latest on Syria | Follow Reuters on Tumblr

[Graphic: REUTERS | Sources: UNITAR-UNOSAT, Syria Violence Document Center, syrianshuhada.com, syriamap.wordpress.com, news reports]

nationalpost:

Anyone But Romney: The race by the Republican right to find an ‘ABR’ continues
Contenders to Mitt Romney in the republican presidential race have emerged and then faded – support for the former Massachusetts governor one of the few constants in the nomination race.

Despite Mr. Romney’s inconstantly high poll rankings, the GOP can’t seem to fully embrace him. The National Post’s graphics team takes a look at the ups and downs of the race so far.

buzzfeed:

Hoping to hit stage five by Mid-October.

[The 5 Stages Of Vacation Grief]

Despite fears, few Americans have been killed by terrorist attacks since 2005. Last year, 15 private American citizens died (13 of them in Afghanistan) — down from 56 in 2005.

You’re not in Illinois anymore, Motorola employees. Our infographic predicts bumpy weather ahead for “Googlola.”

Our map of economic hell has all of this week’s bad news. Sorry, tumblr.