21.   The Swiss watchmaker Piaget has opened its first US store -- only its ninth around the world -- as part of a stategy to raise its profile and profits.

22.   On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary committee will open the first of a number of hearings open to the public.

23.   The cream of the Indian diaspora opened their first meeting here Wednesday amid calls to emulate the overseas Chinese in spurring the economic development of their homeland.

24.   The group Bootleg Beatles opened the first of the two concerts.