Message to base: All Clear

President Obama was on the front page of my morning paper today ("Obama to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan"). Why 33 thousand? Why not a good even 30K or 35K? If you look around in the news look for the number 33 you will see it pop up in many places.

33 killed by suicide bomber, 33% increase in FedEx profits,  33% fuel price increase, and so on.

The number 33 is like the secret handshake or a message to the base that all is clear and good and on track. Next time you see the number, look closer.