1.   A faster expansion rate means less time has elapsed since the expansion began with the Big Bang, the theorized moment of cosmic creation.

2.   Charts and graphs and a seemingly endless stream of statistics will attempt to show with scientific accuracy where and how the economic expansion began and where it is heading.

3.   Circumstances in most European countries are much less favorable to economic lift-off than they were when the current U.S. expansion began more than five years ago.

4.   In baseball, expansion began as a political tool.

5.   It was expanding rapidly, and today astronomers are convinced the expansion began when the universe was born in the inconceivably violent instant of the Big Bang.

6.   Like Whitewater, NATO expansion began with a poorly financed, poorly conceived real estate deal, sold to President Clinton by fast-talking policy hucksters.

7.   Sporting goods, office supplies and computer merchants have all consolidated quickly, and this infant-superstore consolidation started before real expansion ever began.

8.   That expansion could begin as early as two years from now, depending on how well the park performs.

9.   Tribal spokeswoman Joyce Dugan says the expansion will begin later this year.

10.   When the NBA ends its labor problems, the expansion Raptors will begin playing this fall.