21.   Her father had taken her to the game as an early present, friends said.

22.   New Zealand got an early Christmas present Thursday from the Standard and Poors international credit rating agency -- un upgrade, reflecting confidence in its economic recovery.

23.   The homecoming was an early Christmas present for families and friends who welcomed returning sailors with signs, balloons and flowers.

24.   Christmas may be just three weeks away -- but the pacesetters in the major European leagues were handed few early presents at the weekend.