21.   The labor situation is tied to the current booming economy.

22.   The league has never had games canceled because of a labor situation, but neither side is happy with the current agreement.

23.   The labor situation appears calm, at least for the moment.

24.   The labor situation, if anything, probably is worse now than any of those worried managers dared imagine when they first felt the crunch.

25.   The NBA prohibits team employees from commenting on the labor situation, threatening heavy fines for anyone who talks.

26.   The natural rate of unemployment -- the lowest rate consistent with stable prices --presents a much fairer view of the labor situation in Canada.

27.   The NBA labor situation becomes cloudier, with the league hoping an agreement is imminent but players and agents rebelling against the union that is negotiating for them.

28.   The players insist they are just as determined to stick together once Bettman acts, regardless of how nasty the labor situation may get.

29.   Then it was the labor situation.