And by one important measure, it is treasured more than ever, prompting some analysts to urge caution.
In 2007, the figure rose to 33,093 – the second highest number ever – prompting the government to take action.
[Daily News] The Mega Millions lottery pot has grown to $500 million, breaking records for the highest pot ever, prompting many New Yorkers to rush out and buy tickets.
MC: No one else in Fantagraphics' illustrious 40-year history had ever prompted the publisher to issue monthly comics — but you did.
Whether Big Brother producer Endemol will ever prompt the wave of nostalgic affection generated by its neighbouring west London site, closed after 53 years, remains to be seen.
Saul Bellow, on Riverside Drive in New York, was mourning his father: "Not that I was ever prompt at anything," he told Leslie Fiedler, "but life is particularly difficult in all departments just now".
"What would ever prompt a candidate for president to stand up to his own party and say you don't have to be afraid of me?" Mr. Coverdell asked.
Though his sins are never pardoned, Crabbe's portrayal of him isn't lacking sympathy: "a lost, lone man, so harassed and undone/Our gentle females, ever prompt to feel,/Perceived compassion on their anger steal".
Despite sharp falls in wholesale prices for coal and gas over the past year, household bills are as high as ever – prompting regulator Ofgem to refer the retail energy market to the Competition and Markets Authority.
