71.   The city and state deserve credit for keeping the project going through lean years.

72.   The Islanders pulled out a late tie that night, but then slumped a bit, and naturally were asked about the return of the seven lean years.

73.   The idea never caught on, but Federal Express survived its lean years by carrying U.S. mail at night on its small jet aircraft.

74.   The lean years have given Japan companies, in some significant ways, a new perspective.

75.   The situation at Franklin Park, where George Lyons had experienced lean years as the pro, was critical.

76.   The setback comes just as French banks had begun to emerge from four lean years following a slump in property prices and a faltering economy.

77.   The Yankees have been all three since the lean years ended.

78.   There were lean years, when fields were short of name players, and Mingolla recalled a conversation he had with former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman.

79.   There were lean years, sporadic paydays.

80.   These goods found their way to Russia, where Acma made contact with GazProm, the single most lucrative relationship Acma built in those lean years.