31.   As the battle for first place in luxury vehicle sales heated up last year, Ford Motor Co. insisted that winning was not its goal for Lincoln.

32.   At that point, winning was as hopeless as the final six minutes were for the Sonics at America West Arena.

33.   At the time, winning was the most important thing.

34.   Athletes learn quickly that winning is generally better than losing.

35.   Back when winning the Cup was a two-round ordeal, that would have been the equivalent of nine straight Cups.

36.   Because registration in most council districts is so heavily weighted toward the Democratic Party, winning the primary is generally tantamount to election.

37.   Besides, winning is not the top priority.

38.   Both women agree that while blood and sweat get you to the Games, winning medals is also about weather, officials, luck.

39.   ----- But if winning is not essential to a healthy bank account, it is for the competitive soul that beats in Woods.

40.   Actually, winning is no longer even a probability, which means credibility and image are now in danger of being fed to the wolves or Michael Irvin.