The sequel reached ridiculous heights of publicity even before it arrived on Sunday, shrewdly positioned by CBS in the plum spot right after the Super Bowl.

The history and circumstances surrounding this plum spot opposite the Mansion House, the 18th-century building that serves as the residence of the Lord Mayor, have made for an intriguing story of architecture and politics.

In the House, Mr. Vitter was given a plum spot on the Appropriations Committee, where he pursued money for local projects.

But that's of little consolation to those of us who fell for the news about how great a shape he is in and how he would be given a plum spot on the Anze Kopitar line.

Those numbers are so good that when Niederreiter returns he may find that his plum first-line spot has been filled.

But once it was renewed and given a plum spot following "All in the Family," its viewership spiked; the final episode, in 1983, was watched by roughly half the country's population.

On this afternoon, two days after his death, the plum spot was occupied by a couple who, unlike the former occupant, were hardly boldface names.

Every president has found ways to reward his top financial donors with plum spots.

In the afternoons, its canalside terrace is a plum spot for watching the boats go by on the canal; later on, it attracts a stylish, dressy crowd, with dance music at the weekend.

Chiboust, which enjoys a plum spot on Main Street here, is named for the Frenchman who created the gateau Saint-Honore, with its halo of caramelized sugar.