11.   Howland rejected the argument from Nichols attorney Michael Tigar that the speedy trial clock should have begun when he was arrested.

12.   The countdown clocks began ticking late Monday.

13.   The clock began ticking Wednesday toward a possible showdown between US Airways and the union representing its flight attendants.

14.   The clock began ticking Wednesday toward a possible strike by US Airways flight attendants.

15.   The seven astronauts arrived at Kennedy Space Center several hours before the countdown clocks began ticking.