1.   The old gods of labor seemed to be on his side.

2.   As always, the golf gods seemed to be leaning toward one player, and it was a surprise when Pavin prevailed coming down the stretch.

3.   Even the hockey gods seem to be smiling on the Stars now.

4.   Phil Jackson paid deference to the NBA scheduling gods Tuesday morning, but the gods seemed to ignore his gesture.

5.   But the gods seemed to be with FIFA and the French organizers.