1.   A recent string of acquisitions, which include real estate brokerages Coldwell Banker Corp. and Electronic Realty Associates and the Travelodge hotel brand helped boost earnings.

2.   A recent string of court rulings suggest some of those customers will be getting more than just refunds.

3.   A recent string of deaths has prompted universities to take another look at problem drinking.

4.   Actually, considering his recent string of surprise successes, few would question his ability to do whatever he wants.

5.   After five weeks of U.S. bombing, the recent string of Northern Alliance victories took many by surprise.

6.   But Dunleavy has managed to defuse any problems, like when he sat down Stoudamire during the fourth quarter in a recent string of games.

7.   But the recent string of crackups has given Roach second thoughts.

8.   But there is something in the recent string of shootings that shocks even those who have become battle-hardened by life on our mean streets.

9.   Capping a recent string of stunning victories, Northern Alliance rebels opposed to the ruling Taliban reported that they had descended on the capital of Afghanistan without much resistance.

10.   Despite the recent string of highly publicized attacks, our beach was packed this weekend.