41.   As the show neared the end of its seventh season, however, things got increasingly ugly.

42.   As that season neared an end, he hit a home run.

43.   As the Cold War neared its end, the superpowers moved toward a reduction of their nuclear arsenals.

44.   As the afternoon neared its end and several TV network cameras hovered around Hamm for one more quick interview, DiCiccio wondered if any knew about her best attribute.

45.   As the flight neared its end, I tried to get her attention for a cup of ice.

46.   As he nears the end of his second decade here, Castiglione is in an ideal broadcasting groove.

47.   As the season nears its end, these numbers become more relevant as the teams fight for home-ice advantage in the post-season.

48.   As the ride nears its end, it is one that should be applauded, even by those who think golf begins and ends with the PGA Tour.

49.   As the Texas Longhorns neared the end of an immensely frustrating baseball season recently, a forlorn voice on the telephone concluded a lengthy summation of affairs.

50.   As they neared the end of their ghastly task, one of the group pulled out a chopper and menaced them.