11.   The aging Mir, beset by a steady string of accidents this year, has seen a more quiet period since the successful repairs.

12.   The process has been delayed for months, however, by a steady string of appeals by defense attorneys.

13.   Tsibliyev and Lazutkin faced a terrifying fire shortly after they arrived at Mir in February and endured a steady string of breakdowns all through their six-month stint.

14.   Two dozen journalists are killed, and a steady string of kidnappings and robberies keeps aid workers from helping the region.

15.   Yeltsin has been sidelined by a steady string of illnesses, and his opponents and even former allies have questioned his ability to continue in office.

16.   Yeltsin has been sidelined by a steady string of illnesses, which forced him to cancel several foreign trips, including a visit to France set for last month.

17.   Yeltsin, who was sidelined by a steady string of illnesses, initially had only the words of praise for Primakov.

18.   News from the state is a steady string of occupied city halls, abductions, land invasions and armed clashes.