1.   The string of disappointments began when ImClone Systems of New York disclosed in late December that the FDA had declined to even consider its proposed cancer drug, Erbitux.

2.   The string of victories began last month at Pocono, where the efficient work of his pit crew late in the race put him out front for good.

3.   The latest string of events began Monday, with three separate attacks.

4.   The string begins Saturday night, when the defending league champions take a precarious one-point standings lead into their match against visiting Milan.