1.   Almost simultaneously, the major chains have begun introducing Internet strategies, raising questions about the profitability of such ventures.

2.   As high-end restaurants experiment with cheese plates, lower-end chains may begin to offer varietal cheeses as well, such as Mexican cotija or Italian Gorgonzola.

3.   Auto sales are weak, shipping costs are declining for lack of demand, and many store chains are beginning to struggle.

4.   A few months ago, the Best Buy chain began featuring Alienware PCs in small kiosks in some of its stores.

5.   A spokeswoman for Taco Bell, Carol Anawati, said the fast-food chain began captioning all its television commercials last year after changing advertising agencies.

6.   According to the Journal story, most big retail chains have begun demanding an advance look at magazines and tabloid newspapers before they will allow them in their stores.

7.   After extensive media coverage of the violations, four major New England supermarket chains began a boycott of DeCoster eggs.

8.   Burger chains are beginning to offer health benefits to grill workers, and still some franchises have closed for lack of staff.

9.   But as sales slowed, the chain began closing stores, forcing the plan to suspend withdrawals, and to try to remarket the now vacant sites.

10.   But then the chain of events began.