51.   The rumors have spread like sound waves, emanating from coffee shops and school-board meetings.

52.   The rumor has spread nationwide among parents and day-care providers.

53.   The rumor spread with the speed and intensity of a brush fire last weekend at Shea Stadium.

54.   They may have got the news over the Net, where rumors spread fast.

55.   Thousands gathered at the ferry dock there after rumors spread that another ferry had been hijacked.

56.   Thousands of people prepared for an attack on California as rumors spread that Japanese ships were spotted off Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

57.   Until it gets those estimates, it cannot consider the legislation, and rumors spread through the House on Tuesday that new delays were imminent.

58.   When rumors spread last weekend that Magic was returning to the NBA, Wilkens was initially against his Olympic participation.

59.   When rumors spread on the Internet that a player is wavering on a commitment, they adjust their plan of attack.

60.   Whether rumors had spread regarding accounting issues is not clear.