11.   And in fact, American companies once felt similar obligations.

12.   And in releasing its quarterly earnings on Thursday, the company was clearly feeling the financial pain of fumbling the rollout.

13.   And that was before the company felt the full effects of the terrorist attacks.

14.   And the company felt the pain acutely in its bottom line.

15.   As a practical matter, companies have felt safe deducting expenses that they incurred year-in, year-out.

16.   As copper dragged aluminum lower on the LME, aluminum companies felt the effect.

17.   Because of the increased competition, companies feel more driven to keep their advertised interest rates low and their annual fees at zero.

18.   Because demand far outstrips supply, companies often feel they must offer lavish salaries and stock options to recruit and retain workers.

19.   Because of the huge number of new designs, storage and distribution became so complex that the company felt it had to handle those tasks itself.

20.   Big companies are feeling the pinch, too.