21.   But the procedure has been deemed enough of a success that it is gaining popularity among professional athletes.

22.   But the siege appears to be bolstering his popularity among Palestinians angered by Israeli checkpoints and other restrictions.

23.   But while linking welfare payments to school attendance is gaining popularity among state governments nationwide, whether it works is far from clear.

24.   Carnivorous plants have wavered in popularity among gardening types.

25.   Certainly, she will be a stark contrast to Estrada, the hard-living former movie actor who reveled in his popularity among the poor.

26.   Clinton also tried to transfer his popularity among the Democratic faithful to Gore, who has had a difficult time rousing his party.

27.   Cocaine use is increasing, with crack cocaine gaining popularity among some marginal groups.

28.   De La Hoya finally seems to have sensed that while his popularity among Hispanics has skyrocketed, his pay-per-view and HBO ratings slowly have begun to erode.

29.   Despite his apparent wide popularity among many younger blacks, his only accomplishments have been inside his own Muslim group.

30.   Despite its storied history, its current champions worry about its increasing popularity among those who like to take the plunge at holiday time.