91.   Salamet, a burly man with an expression as hard as his biceps, knows nothing of finance, but he understands that his world is falling apart.

92.   Shrewd, gregarious and hard as nails, a tireless promoter and reshaper of Providence, his honor gives his constituents both bread and circuses.

93.   Snowmaking was nonexistent, and the northwest wind barreled through the valley, scouring the snow to a crusty surface or as ice hard as porcelain.

94.   Since the start of the year, though, the little guys have not fallen as hard as their larger brethren.

95.   Small wonder that manufacturers are trying to make such feats as hard as possible.

96.   So we must wait now, and waiting can be as hard as mourning.

97.   So, as hard as this may be ... well, sorry for the unkind words, Mr. Davis.

98.   Sometimes, though, maintaining a smile is almost as hard as maintaining a pile of shirts.

99.   Some trainers say yes, that the track is hard as cement.

100.   Sometimes maintaining prosperity is just as hard as achieving it.