11.   A House vote on repayment had been scheduled for Thursday, and the delay came despite appeals by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan for immediate action.

12.   All this comes despite the longstanding assertion by George Mendonsa of Middletown, R.I., that he, in fact, is the sailor.

13.   All this comes despite the wildly surging popularity of mutual funds, whose returns are conveniently published in daily newspapers.

14.   All of this comes despite a renewed call for more family viewing.

15.   But success on the streets has come despite chaos at police headquarters that late last month led to the abrupt resignation of Police Chief Larry Soulsby.

16.   But the most recent advances have come despite softness in that sector.

17.   Chairman Michael Eisner noted that the gain came despite start-up costs for Animal Kingdom and a cruise line which is due to launch in July.

18.   Cora never hesitated coming despite what appeared to be a stop sign from third-base coach Glenn Hoffman.

19.   Cousins said the rebuff came despite a second, lower-priced, non-exclusive offer from Australian Information Media.

20.   He said the police never came despite repeated calls.