11.   As the major league regular season nears its end, Mulder has pretty much become the ace of what may be the top three on any pitching staff.

12.   As the season neared, however, a slimmer, tougher, friendlier Nomo began to emerge.

13.   But it is not clear yet what the impact will be in other parts of the state as the lucrative autumn color season nears.

14.   But within current player ranks, voices of dissent have been few even as the season nears possible cancellation.

15.   Expectations are high as the season nears.

16.   He said gasoline prices are becoming more volatile as the summer driving season nears an end.

17.   Hoping for a ridership boost as the summer travel season nears, ValuJet Airlines is joining the Sabre computer reservations system used by travel agents.

18.   Routine bleacher joys, like shouting to the nearby visiting outfielders about their parentage, seemed all the more vivid as the season neared the stilling of the game.

19.   The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that the U.S. flu season is nearing its peak.

20.   The advertising awards season is nearing its peak as several organizations are about to present honors for effectiveness and creativity.