1.   As people began spring cleaning and repairs, discount retailers and others that sell merchandise for the home reported strong gains.

2.   As work to reauthorize the welfare law begins this spring, lawmakers disagree over several specific issues, such as child care funding and benefits for legal immigrants.

3.   But when the economy rebounds, which economists expect to begin this spring, will the domestic oil industry be ready to ramp up oil and gas production?

4.   Christensen began the spring as a contender for the starting center-field job but was beaten out by Dave Roberts.

5.   He began the spring by pitching five consecutive scoreless innings and appeared content with the probability of starting the regular season with the Mariners.

6.   He also said Rocker could begin spring training immediately.

7.   Rocker can begin spring training immediately.

8.   That would bring the total of American assistance to nearly a half billion dollars since relief efforts first began last spring.

9.   The California company said negotiations with Hasbro began last spring and resulted in agreement on many major parts of a merger before breaking off last month.

10.   The government sent in soldiers and police units beginning last spring to put down ethnic Albanian rebels.