31.   As things stand now, that would leave Mark Green, the public advocate and second in succession, as the incumbent Democratic mayor.

32.   As things stand now, the Angels have the best shot at him, although the Dodgers might have a chance, too.

33.   As things stand, both the Senate, which voted last week to lift the embargo, and the House have enough votes to override a presidential veto.

34.   As things stand, companies can enter into derivatives transactions that could cause hundreds of millions of dollars of gains or losses while leaving balance sheets temporarily unchanged.

35.   As things stand, government and private experts said, the industry is wasting tens of billions of dollars each year trying to catch ever-scarcer fish.

36.   As things stand, Kevin Faulk will be starting at running back over Lamont Warren, and Steve Israel is beating out Tebucky Jones at right corner.

37.   As things stand, Rose figures to start the season back in Pawtucket.

38.   As things stand, the ex-communists would probably do well.

39.   As things stand, the road to another Super Bowl is still open.

40.   As things stand, wine shipments are governed by a tangle of state laws, observed by some in the trade, largely ignored by others.