Numbers: Jul. 5, 1999

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37.4 million Number of Americans expected to travel more than 100 miles from home this July 4 weekend--the most in 13 years

9% Increase in travelers who choose not to go by car after last year

27% TV viewers who describe themselves as "stressed" while watching the evening news

51% Viewers "stressed" by watching Martha Stewart $15 billion Insurance money paid out in 1998 as a result of natural disasters worldwide

$93 billion Total estimated cost of damage caused by such disasters in 1998

3% Americans who are "very well informed," according to a survey of political consultants

77% Political consultants who say "unethical practices" occur in their business

51% Consultants who said they were sorry to see their candidate in office

Sources: AAA, Illuminations, Red Cross, Yankelovich Partners