11.   But he has been tarnished recently, first by a bad decision in hiring Ray Handley as coach.

12.   But the senior Japanese official said that if the United States did move toward sanctions, Japan would consider retaliating, at first by breaking off any further negotiations.

13.   Cornerback Robert Blackmon stepped in front of Ellard and made the interception, the first by Bledsoe against the Colts in six games.

14.   Davis eventually drew a walk and was replaced at first by Curtis, who stole second on a delayed steal.

15.   Dini returned last week from a trip to Iran, the first by a European foreign minister since the European Union lifted its ban on high-level visits there.

16.   First by bus, then foot.

17.   For all its inefficiency, the kitchen feels charmed, first by Mrs. Murphy and then by something else that happened.

18.   Fischer also convinced Defenders to establish its wolf fund, the first by a major conservation group to pay for damage done by predators.

19.   Fund investors have long been active on the Net, first by trading information in news groups.

20.   Haselman was cut down at the plate on a grounder to first by Juan Bell.