1.   Blue chip issues were sharply higher, but the rest of the market actually declined slightly by the end of the day.

2.   Almost incredibly, stock valuations in Germany, measured by price-to-earnings ratios, were sharply higher than on the Nasdaq.

3.   Although the housing starts figures were somewhat weaker in January, the Commerce Department revised the December figures sharply higher.

4.   Although the number of allegations disclosed by Carnival to news organizations on Wednesday was sharply higher, company officials said most cases were less serious than indicated earlier.

5.   An unexpected frost or hurricane could wipe out the crop, causing shortages that would push prices sharply higher.

6.   And now, with maintenance costs sharply higher on the intricately restored landscape, they say they need a guaranteed source of funds.

7.   As always, political developments in the Middle East and Russia could send oil prices sharply higher.

8.   As if to acknowledge that point, last year the government embarked on a new course of sharply higher public spending on education, health and transport.

9.   Bank customers are paying sharply higher fees as financial institutions ring up record profits, a consumer advocacy group said.

10.   Black voters turned out in sharply higher numbers than in previous elections.