1.   He reportedly found it very hard and was left hanging from his axes as both crampon placements broke loose nearing the top.

2.   In those days a mill was sold on the basis of good wind and being near the top of a hill.

3.   As the candidate sweeps the state in a last-minute bus tour, backers wonder whether he can survive if he does not place near the top.

4.   As the field neared the top of the stretch, Thunder Gulch darted between horses and moved to the lead.

5.   As you near the top of a hill, you look under the car in front of you to see if anyone is double-parked ahead.

6.   As luck would have it, the foundation sold the shares almost immediately, cashing in near the top.

7.   After four years on dialysis, with no sign that he was nearing the top of the transplant waiting list, Moshe Tati decided to buy a kidney.

8.   But it would be just as difficult for anyone watching Tuesday night to accept that Seles is not back to near the top of her game.

9.   Chalone Vineyards, the oldest winery in the region, comes near the top of any list, with its lean, minerally chardonnays and a luscious pinot blanc.

10.   Deeply prick the flesh with an ice pick, and fill to near the top with light rum, Cognac, Champagne or gin.