21.   Despite a long string of earnings gains that has made it a stock market favorite, Gillette Co. has hit a rough patch.

22.   Despite their platform, the Progressive Democrats have stuck with Fianna Fail through a long string of scandals.

23.   Dimbleby joins a long string of authors to profit from books about the royal family.

24.   Dole has held a long string of impressive appointive posts, including secretary of transportation, secretary of labor and Federal Trade Commissioner.

25.   During her long string of abusive marriages, Taylor-Black had never been a churchgoer.

26.   Earlier in the day, gale-force winds had begun buffeting the long string of barrier islands that form the fragile outer wall for much of the coastline.

27.   Even T-shirts in jersey are wrapped with long strings.

28.   Federal law enforcement officials believe that Mitnick has conducted a long string of computer and phone telephone network break-ins during more than two years on the run.

29.   For example, a rocket shaped like a penis inspires a long string of double-entendres involving cameo appearances by guest stars.

30.   For the Dodgers, the inning was just the last in a long string of might-have-beens.