21.   Those hopes were dimmed by the growth statistics announced Friday.

22.   Thursday, though, the Yugoslav offensive intensified in Kosovo, dimming hopes for a quick end to the crisis.

23.   U.K. gilts tracked U.S. Treasuries lower amid concern Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan may dim hopes that interest rates will be cut.

24.   But heavy fighting also was underway elsewhere in the Bihac pocket, in Sarajevo and in other parts of Bosnia, dimming hopes for even a limited truce.

25.   But heavy fighting in the Bihac area, in Sarajevo and elsewhere dimmed hopes for even a limited truce.

26.   But chilly, damp conditions dim hopes for record-setting performances at the high-altitude event.

27.   But shelling and gunfire overnight Sunday dimmed hopes of a lasting truce.

28.   But the lava appeared to be speeding up, dimming hopes of saving Rifugio Sapienza.

29.   But the lava appeared to be speeding up, dimming hopes of saving the base station.

30.   But two top Liberian militia leaders, Charles Taylor and his ally Alhaji Kromah, have refused to join the talks, dimming hopes of any significant outcome.