Stats - as they say, read 'em and weep. While the figures can't be taken as absolutely accurate, they are drawn from many sources and do give a 'best guess' real time example of some of the issues we're grappling with (sources include United Nations, EPA and the US Census Bureau). Nevertheless, some figures are more than a little dubious - particularly the generous amount of oil remaining. For those who want to watch not only how many people are being born, but also want to, er... watch them die - see Breathing Earth.
I predict there will never again be a two term president. Too many problems, too few solutions. Each human will need to learn this simple equation. X over Y equals Z. Where X is humility, Y is egoism, and Z is internal happiness.
Written in October 2008