41.   As things now stand, Tapani would finish this season six days short of qualifying for free agency.

42.   As things now stand, that nominee probably will be Gore.

43.   As things now stand, the Canadian-led international force may have no other choice than to drop food from airplanes.

44.   As things now stand, the students, some of whom have been accepted into college, will not graduate because they have been barred from taking final exams.

45.   As things stand now -- because the law according to Cuomo said no to execution -- who knows?

46.   As things stand now, all that Western governments are doing is tricking public opinion -- and putting off the moment of bitter truth.

47.   As things stand now, factory people, farmers and middle-managers already know about global hiring.

48.   As things stand now, Ferraro would be the only woman in a three-way race.

49.   As things stand now, Gore seems little interested in putting any daylight between himself and the president.

50.   As things stand now, it does not appear likely that the president will collect any easy victory in either country on issues of war and peace.