1.   We must also offer due gratitude for the continued absence of VAT on newspapers and books.

2.   Appearing at The Ball Park in Arlington Monday, Bush was asked about the continued absence of a commissioner.

3.   As far as the Spurs, while loss of Duncan and Robinson are demonstrably acute, what about a continued absence of Danny Ferry?

4.   A real loss for the Flyers was the continued absence of defenseman Paul Coffey.

5.   But Monday, nourished by the continued absence of new information, it was still relentlessly buzzing.

6.   Local Heisman hopes seem to be dwindling with the continued absence of J.J. Stokes and the continued presence of Rob Johnson.

7.   Wheat futures closed mixed amid the continued absence of bullish news.

8.   A continued absence of trust between Tokyo and Seoul is bound to have a negative effect on Japanese security and foreign relations.

9.   Another concern for the line is the continued absence of tight ends David LaFleur and Mike Lucky.

10.   Barak, a former military chief, said the meetings were a waste of time and the continued absence of a peace deal was likely to lead to bloodshed.