1.   Continental currencies that were tied to the mark as their governments clamped down on inflation have fallen by the same amount.

2.   Even the most hidebound outposts of classic duck rillettes here have been forced to modernize since the franc was declared extinct in favor of a continental currency last month.

3.   They have refused to surrender their beloved pound sterling for a newfangled Continental currency, but the British are about to cede some control over their venerable stock exchange.

4.   In Europe, a new continental currency and an expanded NATO will debut.

5.   The European Union cleared the way for its new continental currency, the euro, in the new year.