21.   Boeing safety spokesman John Dern said the company is preparing two service bulletins.

22.   A negotiator told the kidnappers that the companies were preparing a higher bid.

23.   About ten junk-rated companies are preparing to sell bonds within the week, according to KDP Investment Advisors.

24.   Business confidence in the U.S. economy dropped in June as companies prepare for slower growth in spending and investments, an industry survey said.

25.   But both companies have been preparing for months for the introduction of the new Chevy pickup.

26.   But few people doubt that both companies are also preparing for the coming era of competition in the local telephone market.

27.   But for American Airlines at least, the review is not well timed because the company is preparing for a major predatory pricing trial.

28.   But telephone companies are also preparing to offer faster digital services.

29.   By not expanding production, but instead using inventories to meet customer demand, companies are preparing to emerge from the recession lean and profitable, he said.

30.   Columbia officials declined to comment on the documents obtained by The Times or on any plans the company has prepared.