BIG NUMBER: Do you wonder how much is $700 billion? That’s the amount the government paid for the Wall Street rescue, or bailout. Compare these events: NASA in fiscal 2009 will launch several space missions and pay for hundreds of people to operate a host of space telescopes and even remote robots on Mars and run a PR and media department that puts most large corporations to shame. The agency’s total budget: $17.6 billion, or 2.5% of the government giveaway. Try this: From 2003 through 2009, Congress has appropriated $606 billion for military operations and other activities associated with the war in Iraq. Social Security is a $608 billion annual program. You get the idea, $700 billion is B-I-G.

FIAT LUX: Many analysts fear the bailout because the cost must ultimately be borne by taxpayers. Contemplate this: Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate of the current population of about 305 million people, each person would have to pay $2,300 to fund the $700,000,000,000 bailout. That includes every, man, woman and child, even a one-day-old. Also, if each American paid a dollar a day, it would take more than six years to pay the money in full. But, one might argue that the $700 billion is a modest splash in the bucket of national debt, which has just surpassed $10 trillion— meaning each of us already owes $31,642. What’s next? Well, billions are commonplace and trillions are no longer a big deal, so I guess what’s next is quadrillions.

ALA MODE: When the economy slows and money is tight and food prices are high, sales in that category drop, sometimes significantly. Oddly, in recessions the sales of “sin stocks” usually rise. In case you’re wondering, sin stocks are foods and beverages that are not the healthiest for you. The chocolate market is growing rapidly, with retail sales rising 22% to $16.3 billion. Here’s why: 67% bought chocolate to satisfy a craving; 36% bought it as a reward for themselves, and 12% because they were sad or depressed. Sales of cigarettes and tobacco products increased 44% to $103 billion. The market for at-home alcohol has reached $77.8 billion, a 32% increase. If the economy doesn’t recover soon, we’re going to be a nation of fat, tipsy people.

PRESERVATION: Football, baseball, all sports, country music, rock-n-roll, so many professions have a museum, which usually incorporates a hall of fame. Why not a carpet— or floor covering— museum? We already have an industry hall of fame. I thought about this when I read that they plan to build a carpet museum in Kidderminster, England. They have received $3.15 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to establish “a major” museum in the Grade II Listed Stourvale Mill. Dr. Richard Taylor, Member of Parliament, said, “This is fantastic news. The museum will be a vital part of my dream— an industrial heritage trail— to become a major tourist attraction in Wyre Forest.” With news like this, can we not have a carpet museum in Dalton?

CELEBRATION: The Long Island Floor Covering Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Jan. 21 at a gala event at the Woodbury Country Club. Proceeds from the affair will go to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation. The special evening will pay tribute to the Association’s milestone achievement as well as honor floor covering retailers and contractors on Long Island and in New York City who have been in business for 50 years. Planning is under way and more details will be announced soon. For more information, reservations or journal ads, visit its Web site at www.LIFloor.com.