1.   Betting around Ottawa remains that a front-office housecleaning will take place in the next few weeks, likely before the July draft.

2.   A decision is not likely before next month.

3.   A hearing is now likely before the state mental health commissioner.

4.   A spokesman for Major said no announcement is likely before next week on what Britain will do to restore consumer confidence in British beef.

5.   Comments from central policy-makers have sent out mixed signals as to whether another German rate increase is likely before the end of the year.

6.   His return was actually considered somewhat likely before the game.

7.   No final decisions on these issues are required or likely before the Israeli elections.

8.   The result will be known by the end of the year, most likely before Christmas, a Postal Ministry spokesman said.

9.   While a flurry of legislation was introduced just before Congress adjourned for the year little substantive action is likely before Christmas.

10.   A decision about his availability is not likely before kickoff.