21.   During his long absence, you tended to forget just how good the Facilitator is at making things work.

22.   First baseman Jim Thome is back after a long absence, still searching for that sweet swing he usually displays.

23.   First to return after a long absence was Monica Seles.

24.   Frequent name changes and long absences can put a museum at a disadvantage.

25.   He pondered the reasons for his long absence.

26.   Heike Drechsler of Germany, the Olympic champion, is favored in the long jump and is returning to the heptathlon after a long absence.

27.   His long absence from the community made him a somewhat mysterious figure.

28.   His long absence from the community made him a somewhat mysterious figure here.

29.   His long absence from the French political scene had served to enhance his popularity here.

30.   In a way, Jackson filled the gap that Michael created with his long absence by fusing a glittery image, smart videos and slick urban pop.