11.   Big purchases like automobiles and most appliances must be made in neighboring towns.

12.   Big purchases, especially anything that can be resold quickly, like a computer, on a card not usually used for major undertakings may indicate an unauthorized user.

13.   Big purchases by the Thai government temporarily raised the value of the baht.

14.   A Mercedes and breast implants were her first big purchases.

15.   But she did make two big purchases with her winnings, a Ford Escort and a GMC truck.

16.   Company executives dismissed the declines as a blip that came because several Bell companies delayed big purchases of networking gear until next year.

17.   DOLLAR GAINS STRENGTH The dollar rose against most leading currencies, helped by big purchases by Japanese buyers and by gains in the U.S. bond market.

18.   Even as they announced their big purchase, Deutsche Bank executives were uncharacteristically cautious Monday.

19.   For big purchases, most shoppers still use their credit cards.

20.   Gilbert said he doubts the move is a prelude to any big purchases.