1.   And astronomy is hardly alone among the sciences in its poor showing of women at the top.

2.   And Piazza is hardly alone among the slumpers.

3.   And they would not be alone among legions of fans in finding it hard to move on from one of the most thrilling games in Boston sports history.

4.   AOL Time Warner is hardly alone among the media giants in trying to position itself for a digital tomorrow.

5.   Asthma seems to be alone among chronic disorders in showing such an increase in this country.

6.   BA has been virtually alone among European airlines in posting higher yields as a new breed of low-cost carriers forces down average fares.

7.   Balado was alone among superheavyweights.

8.   Bill alone among us has achieved what he set out to do, but the price has been high.

9.   Bonds is hardly alone among the mega-stars who seek bodily shields.

10.   British Prime Minister Tony Blair was alone among European leaders in expressing strong support Thursday for the U.S. air strikes.