Yes, it was a hot year — temperaturewise — last year, notes Grumpy Editor.

Average global surface temperature in 2021 reached the sixth highest level since record keeping began 142 years ago. 

Average temperature across land and sea surfaces last year was 1.51 degrees above average over the past century, calculates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

That makes 2021 the 45th consecutive year in which global readings were above average.

Last year saw the hottest summer since 1936.

 

IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…

ARMY OFFERS BIG BONUS FOR RECRUITS.  The U.S. Army, seeking to attract highly skilled recruits, is offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to those who join for six years.

FEWER DOCK WORKERS POSE PROBLEMS.  The pandemic continues to affect unloading of about 100 container ships at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.  A big problem is with unavailable dock workers — about one in 10 of the daily work force, due to Covid-related reasons.

VETERINARIANS GROWTH SEEN.  A veterinarians.org study focusing on the census of veterinarians in the nation finds there is a projected growth of 17 percent in veterinary practice by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

POPE VISITS RECORD SHOP.  In Rome, Pope Francis came out of a record shop with a CD in hand.  He didn’t buy anything but shop owners gave him classical music.

CREDIT CARD SPENDING ON RISE.  Latest consumer data show credit card spending and debt levels are once again on the rise.  Federal Reserve data show revolving credit levels in November at $1.02 trillion, highest since March, 2020. 

BACK TO OFFICE STILL FROWNED ON.  The share of remote workers who would consider leaving jobs if they were asked back to the office before they felt safe rose to 55 percent as of Jan. 6, up from 45 percent a week prior, according to pollster Morning Consult.