11.   Breaux, D-La., said this would help shore up Medicare but would not solve its long-term financial problems.

12.   Cost-cutting measures, however, have helped shore up some profit.

13.   Embree could help shore up a Braves bullpen that, aside from closer Mark Wohlers, has been a nagging concern dating back to last season.

14.   For much of the region, the biggest one-day gain in the yen against the dollar helped shore up exchange rates.

15.   In the meantime, the club brought up right-handed reliever Russ Springer to help shore up the bullpen.

16.   In Oyster Bay, N.Y., residents planted thousands of discarded Christmas trees to help shore up the dunes of Tobay Beach.

17.   Interest rates have been kept at relatively high levels to help shore up the peso.

18.   Investors exchanging dollars for pesos to buy shares helped shore up the Mexican currency.

19.   Lower rates may help shore up confidence among consumers and homebuyers, he said.

20.   Leisle and the Ball twins will help shore up a young defensive front.