101.   Helms, R-N.C., a longtime critic of financial support for the United Nations, gave his blessings to the funding.

102.   If the Senate gives its blessing, Gov. David Waddington must give British approval, which should be automatic.

103.   If the Senate gives its blessing, Governor David Waddington must give British approval, which should be automatic.

104.   In Washington, State Department spokesman James P. Rubin said key rebel leaders gave their blessing to the plan.

105.   Kirk Douglas, the father of the groom, gave his blessing.

106.   Mirroring a spirit of multi-cultural diversity Mandela has fostered in South Africa, the Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities also gave their blessings to the marriage.

107.   Officials in a southwestern Oregon community have given their blessing to a new Presbyterian church.

108.   Ross asked Arafat to give his blessing to a meeting Thursday between Gold and Arafat deputy Mahmoud Abbas.

109.   Russian and Belarusian leaders gave their blessings to a controversial integration treaty, while the Russian media and liberal politicians assailed the plan Tuesday as potentially harmful to Moscow.

110.   Saddam, who held three hours of talks with Annan before giving his blessing to the deal, met Monday with his ruling command council and Baath Party leaders.