31.   Industry observers say the potential deal is a pre-emptive strike against the Microsoft Network which is planning its fourth relaunch.

32.   Investors on Tuesday did not hold out much hope that any potential deal would provide much for shareholders.

33.   Investment bankers and communications executives floated an array of other potential deals Monday that would pair local phone companies with long-distance carriers or overseas phone companies.

34.   It is not clear from the statement whether it points to a potential deal with DreamWorks or refers to prior obligations the two men have with MCA.

35.   It was a potential deal breaker.

36.   Jodi Patterson, an IRS spokeswoman, declined to comment on any potential deal.

37.   Kushner-Locke, a television production company, is handling the potential deal.

38.   Mirant executives have previously talked about potential deals with financial institutions or insurance companies to tap into their investment-grade credit.

39.   Not everyone sees the logic in the potential deal, however.

40.   One question hanging over both potential deals is whether they would clear antitrust restrictions.