1.   Any delay would come as a major disappointment for the National Geographic Society, which is underwriting the study, which could cost several hundred thousand dollars.

2.   A House vote on repayment had been scheduled for Thursday, and the delay came despite appeals by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan for immediate action.

3.   DeLay had come to them, and he left the impression the rest of the leadership was with them as well.

4.   DeLay has come out from under the radar and is having fun dissing Democrats.

5.   Delay will come from the Democratic Assembly, which has few political weapons other than the ability to stall the process until the Republicans make concessions.

6.   Delays would come at a time of robust worldwide demand for oilseeds.

7.   For their part Republican leaders accuse Democrats of being obstructionists and say the delay comes from Republican efforts to prevent Democrats from engaging in profligate spending.

8.   In the event of an attack, another crucial delay could come in the time it takes to identify the contagion.

9.   Joe Lockhart, the White House press secretary, said the delay came at the request of the Greek government.

10.   Rain delays come to an end, ultimately.