Other risks have to do with whether you are a man or a woman.In South Asia, on the other hand, you have one chance in eight. For example, in the United States you have a one in 100 chance of dying before the age of five. Certain risks depend on where you are born.You have a one in 11,000 chance of being murdered, a one in 400 chance of being robbed, and a one in fifty chance of being burglarized.Your risk of being infected with flesh-eating bacteria is one in 170,000.There is a one in 23 million chance that you will die from drinking detergent.You have a one in 6 million probability of being injured in an elevator ride.There is a one in 12 million chance you will die from leaking gas.You have a one in 11 million risk of dying from an earthquake or volcano.Here are some numbers from an article I read some years ago that illustrate what I mean: In fact, the world is basically a dangerous place. Rappelling isn’t the only dangerous thing in the world. Maybe a little healthy fear is a good thing if it helps me stay safe. I know my fears were irrational, but there is some inherent danger in rappelling. As I started the descent, the engineer in me started to think about how ropes can fray and carabiners can break. I have always had a fear of heights, and before last week I had never rappelled. Don’t get the wrong impression I am not a great adventurer and I am definitely not an experienced climber. One of the highlights of the trip was rappelling down a 175-foot cliff below a double arch. Among other things, we kayaked on the Green River and mountain biked in the La Sal Mountains. Last week I had a great time with my son Tate and the rest of the priests and teachers from our ward on their annual high adventure trip. After saying lots of nice things, he concluded his note by saying, “Despite the fact that you graduated from the U, I think you’re a great guy.” So don’t worry: I am a great guy, and I am thrilled to be here at BYU with so many great students and colleagues. I recently received a very nice thank-you note from a graduating student. If that fact troubles any of you because of the long-standing sports rivalry, let me put your mind at ease. President Worthen mentioned that I graduated from the University of Utah. Thank you, President Worthen, for the nice introduction.
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