11.   For Nortel, the deal with Bay Networks caps a recent string of investments and acquisitions in Massachusetts.

12.   GE officials said the same logic works looking at a recent string of global acquisitions in the gas-turbine business.

13.   Gomez, of the CHP, said there is more than bad luck and the increasing desperation of some career criminals to the recent string of law enforcement shootings.

14.   In a recent string of television appearances, Perot has disputed the contention that a Perot candidacy would help Clinton at the expense of Dole.

15.   In Williamson County, the apparent murders near Hutto are the latest in a recent string of child homicides.

16.   It is little wonder that the supposedly omnipotent Finance Ministry failed to prevent the recent string of failures of financial institutions.

17.   It was the latest in a recent string of deadly Palestinian strikes on military targets.

18.   It was this shift, they said, that liberated Mrs. Kelly to make the recent string of votes that environmentalists are finding more palatable.

19.   Italy has had a recent string of art world misfortunes, however.

20.   MindSpring is ... justifiably proud of its recent string of profitable quarters.