21.   Alabama, already last in elementary- and secondary-school spending, first tried raiding its education fund to keep its promises.

22.   But after having the best season of his career last season in Triple A, the Florida Marlins released him.

23.   But if the smog lasts for months, or returns in force next year, popular patience will run thin.

24.   But if the Knicks are to last long in the playoffs, winning at home has to become a habit again.

25.   But not in Atlanta last week, and perhaps not anywhere else in America for some time to come.

26.   But other analysts are not so sure the reforms will last in the rush for economic growth.

27.   But it was an image that is likely to last in the pop memory of the Clinton presidency.

28.   But not even trauma experts are willing to predict how long this state of cordiality will last in America.

29.   But the good years never seem to last long in Louisiana.

30.   But the Huskers are playing for the title once again, the newest and perhaps most lasting dynasty in college football.