51.   He had struck caliche, a hard layer of calcium-rich soil that is almost as hard as a rock.

52.   He goes about his job just as hard as anybody.

53.   He hit the ball as hard as any major leaguer when he was a two-time All-Star.

54.   He was a dominant character who played the game as hard as anyone.

55.   He wields his hips like a hammer and puts shots on net that are as hard as cement.

56.   He throws, for all practical purposes, just as hard as Clemens.

57.   His heart must be as cold and as hard as the caves in which he hides.

58.   If cold hard cash seems cold and hard as a gift, author Nancy Dunnan suggests giving the newlyweds stock in a company with products popular with young people.

59.   If forced to choose between the two sports, I would choose surfing, on the theory that water is not as hard as concrete.

60.   If he worked out on the court and in the weight room half as hard as he does at posturing, there would be no questions or critics.