Percentage of parents of teens who describe teenagers today as "generous," according to a study commissioned by World Vision: 9

Percentage of parents who describe teenagers as "lazy": 58

Percentage who describe teens as "selfish": 53

Percentage of those teens who say the current economic climate has made them more aware of the needs of others: 53

WE WILL SURVIVE

When asked, "What are the one or two strengths of the United States that make you most optimistic about the future of the country over the next 20 years?," percentage of respondents who said strength/will of the American people, according to a Gallup Poll: 35

Percentage who cited military/defense/homeland security: 14

Percentage who said technology/innovation/ inventions: 6

KEEPING INFO FREE

Percentage of consumers who prefer that free online content remain free, according to a Nielsen survey across 52 countries: 85

Percentage who believe that if they already subscribe to a newspaper, magazine, radio or television service, they should be able to use its online content for free: 78

FAVORED NATIONS

Ranks of Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and Israel on the list of countries with the most favorable image in the eyes of the U.S., according to a Gallup Poll: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Ranks of Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, the Palestinian Authority and Yemen on the list of the least favorable: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

GOOGLING GRUB

Ranks of chili, meatloaf, cheesecake, banana bread and pancakes on the list of the top 10 most-Googled recipes in 2009, according to Restaurants and Institutions magazine: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

LIVING WITH LESS

Percentage of seniors who are receiving a smaller Social Security check this year than in 2009, according to a survey of elderly Americans released by The Senior Citizens League: 51

Percentage of seniors who have cut back on visits to the doctor or hospital outpatient services: 45

Percentage who have had trouble covering their heating, cooling or electric bills: 47

IDLE THOUGHT

"A beautiful thing is never perfect."

— Egyptian proverb