The way in which a novel is ushered into the world can give scant indication of the fortune which it will find.
But that is nearly impossible during an 82-game season, when practice time can be scant and teams play four opponents in a week.
Regrettably, he will be obliged to learn quickly, since he can expect scant protection from a defence that has conceded more goals, 45 in 22 games, than any of their rivals.
The Taiwan News, in an editorial on Wednesday, said, "There can be scant hope for the renewal of public confidence in the central government's capability to respond to crises" unless most of the cabinet was dismissed.
"You have adapted the monarchy successfully to the modern world, and that has been a challenge because it is a world that can pay scant regard to tradition and often values passing fashions above enduring faith".
It is clear that there can be scant progress toward the president's goal without a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question, which has broken the hearts of countless diplomats.
Once their "difference" is discovered, they have to flee for their lives, into the Fringes where mutation is rife and sterilised humans whose shapes do not fit the ideal of the norm get by as they can with scant resources.
But he may also reap the political rewards of Keynesian projects for which he can claim scant credit, such as Crossrail, a new railway that will traverse the city, and construction for the 2012 Olympics.Londoners might well emerge from recession craving a new, gentler life, and this may chime with Mr Johnson's distaste for the boundless growth and development pursued by his predecessor.
But access to expensive lessons and materials can be scant for kids not born into privilege.
Though seasonal produce can look scant nowadays, and many farmers' markets are closed, we've rounded up a few good, winter vegetable recipes that are sure to warm you up to the task.
