1.   Although Jackson and Wentworth downplay the threats from on-line and telecommunications companies, they are clearly trying to carve out a niche that will see them through the storm.

2.   Although Armey downplayed the threat to his leadership, he acknowledged that he is lining up support to discourage potential rivals.

3.   But a top Kansas City Southern executive and some analysts downplayed the threat.

4.   But Jeff Sanderson, a general manager of business development at Microsoft, downplays any threat.

5.   In recent days, Israeli officials tried to downplay the threat and gave out little information.

6.   Information Minister Fernando Egana downplayed the threat.

7.   Like Dunn, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., was given no specific information about a potential strike, adding credence to those who downplayed the threat.

8.   Sharon convened a meeting of his top security officials Sunday night and Peres downplayed the threat of any attack beyond the usual threat from Palestinian militants.

9.   The observer team quickly downplayed the threat, but the conflicting signals ratcheted up tensions and created an impression that disaster-preparation efforts were confused.

10.   Traders and analysts downplayed the threat, waiting for further confirmation in the days ahead that the front could be severe enough to harm production.