1.   There being no ink left in the pen, Pooley had pierced the points of his speculation through with defunct matchsticks.

2.   Both companies declined to fuel the speculation with any comments, but analysts who cover the industry were happy to stoke the fire.

3.   But NASCAR president Bill France Jr. definitively quelled the speculation with two simple, declarative sentences.

4.   Secretary of State Madeleine Albright also fueled such speculation with comments to reporters on Capitol Hill following a briefing for members of Congress.

5.   The company is also the object of bid speculation with its planned spin-off of its music unit expected to draw bidders.

6.   He has tried to staunch the speculation with four appearances since the first of the year.

7.   Savio, whose contract expires in June next year, has been the subject of recent transfer speculation with several European clubs reportedly interested in taking him on loan.

8.   There has been speculation with his popularity plummeting due to a wave of terror attacks and economic malaise, Rabin may not run again.

9.   Barry himself triggered the drug use speculation with the statement he issued last weekend announcing his temporary departure.