1.   By noon, the barometer readings began to plunge.

2.   Such moments are quickly forgotten, though, once the readings begin and the magic of well-chosen words spills off the stage and drifts out into the summer air.

3.   The reading began Tuesday and was expected to take two days.

4.   The third reading began here on Wednesday.

5.   The dispute over state symbols, as the second reading was only just beginning, appeared to herald future problems over articles concerning the economy and executive powers.