Numbers: Jun. 7, 1999

12 to 13.5 billion Estimated age of the universe as revealed last week by the Hubble space telescope, in years

20 billion Previous high-end estimate for the universe's age, in years

$74 trillion Amount the universe would lose in Social Security payments by being 8 billion years younger, at an average of $9,240 per year

38 New shows premiering this fall on the six major broadcast networks, unveiled last week

29 Number of those shows that don't have any minority actors in their casts

2 Number of those shows that feature a minority actor in the lead role--both on UPN

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