11.   Consumers are taking advantage of those low rates to snatch up new and used houses and keep construction and resales close to record levels.

12.   IBM joins several large U.S. companies who have unveiled buybacks as their stocks soared to record levels.

13.   In contrast, a monitor in the pristine Organ Pipe National Monument in southwestern Arizona recorded particulate levels six or seven times lower than those in the urban area.

14.   In the last three years, an overflow of Silicon Valley professionals has moved in, sending the demand for housing, and prices, to record levels.

15.   Investors are again buying U.S. equity mutual funds at close to record levels after two months of below-average inflows, fund companies said.

16.   Meanwhile, while direct marketers learn to go on-line, consumers can expect their junk mail volume to increase this holiday season, possibly to record levels.

17.   Ninety-four people recorded levels at least three times the legal limit.

18.   On Wednesday, share prices rose sharply, extending a torrid, monthlong run and pushing most of the major stock market indexes up to record levels.

19.   Overburdened consumers have been defaulting on credit cards, pushing the personal bankruptcy rate nationally and in Massachusetts to record levels.

20.   Pump prices soared to record high levels this summer due to high demand and a series of snafus at state refineries, which reduced production levels.