51.   And as usual, there is speculation about the coach.

52.   Analysts said the strong number seemed to contradict speculation about higher interest rates slowing down the housing market.

53.   And for the past few weeks, many workers have been preoccupied, if not paralyzed, by speculation about the future.

54.   And now as Giuliani prepares to present his fiscal plan Tuesday, there is speculation about how long two of his commissioners will stay.

55.   And the proposed merger has prompted speculation about a new round of consolidation in the airline industry.

56.   And speculation about their numbers ballooned initially because some were listed multiple times among the missing.

57.   And they dismiss all the speculation about them bowing to pressure from the House or right-wing groups who allegedly are threatening political retaliation.

58.   And speculation about progress, about the possibility of an imminent settlement, about the dates players could be ready to play again, was all the rage Thursday.

59.   And there will be the inevitable speculation about Phil Jackson, the former Chicago Bulls coach, replacing both of them.

60.   Apple Computer Inc. fell, and Sun Microsystems Inc. rose as speculation about an imminent bid for Apple waned.