51.   Clinton has called for passage of a bipartisan measure offered by moderates that would soften the blow to food stamp recipients.

52.   Clinton wants to take longer to balance the budget to soften the blow to federal programs.

53.   Congress is helping to soften the blow of layoffs attributed to the Clean Air Act.

54.   Contassot says he needs time to soften the blow just a little, although the details have not been worked out.

55.   Dispatched workers get severance pay that softens the blow.

56.   Deferred sales charges triggered by the redemption of some mutual funds and early surrender fees on some annuities soften the blow of lost business.

57.   Employers can soften the blow by providing a cushion of money, a shoulder to cry on and a hand in finding a new job.

58.   Federal and provincial officials attracted Stream with the help of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment fund intended to soften the blow of the mine closing.

59.   For its part, a grateful Taiwan may seek to soften the blow Panama has suffered with promises of increased investment and aid.

60.   For some in Orange County, the settlement is good news, especially since a strong Orange County economy has softened the blow of the investment losses.