1.   The commencement of the trial ended a period of intense speculation that Barry would reach a plea bargain with the federal authorities.

2.   At the buzzer ending the period, a multiplayer scrum broke out, featuring a fight between Bryan McCabe of the Islanders and Mike Wilson of the Sabres.

3.   A challenge by CNN would end a period of peace among potential cable competitors.

4.   Accelerating demand could also push prices higher, ending a period of little inflationary pressure.

5.   Foreign governments and international aid organizations were obliged to deal with Mobutu, ending a period of diplomatic isolation.

6.   The arrivals ended a period described by high school seniors as one of anticipation and dread.

7.   The closing of Tempo and two other news magazines appeared to have ended a period of relative political openness in Indonesia.

8.   The moves end a period of foot-dragging that was urged in part by protectionist forces in the West.

9.   The news ends a period of speculation about the future of Piaggio, which invented the sputtering two-wheelers after World War II.