11.   Although the case is under judicial review, the violent end of the enigmatic de la Burde seems as much a riddle as ever.

12.   And at the risk of seeming as narrow and unmerciful as the senator himself, ignorance and fearmongering extract a terrible price.

13.   And at times the speech seemed as much an argument for yet another campaign as a celebration of things past.

14.   And the governor continues to be dogged by the fact that voters seem him as far less ready to handle domestic and international matters.

15.   And, despite being the defending national champion, Kentucky seems just as hungry or hungrier than it was a year ago.

16.   Another judge could theoretically take over if Ito disqualified himself, but a mistrial seems at least as likely an outcome if he does.

17.   As everyone seems to be saying at the capital these days, just business as usual.

18.   As fan depreciation nights go, bowing out against the mighty Blazers seems as chronologically warped as giving hostages the bamboo treatment while the treaty is being signed.

19.   As president he seemed to defy age.

20.   As sleekly seamless as the art nouveau party gowns she wears so well, Beckinsale makes this tough assignment seem as easy and natural as it can be.