21.   The junk ratings also mean that these big investors will not be buying more such debt.

22.   The higher ratings mean the state will have to pay investors less when it borrows money.

23.   The ratings mean that no South African corporation or governmental unit can claim a higher rating than what the firms have assigned to the country.

24.   The reason for all this commotion is ratings really mean no difference to these networks that rely on selling national advertising.

25.   A conditional rating means the FAA is working with the country to upgrade its standards.

26.   A lower rating usually means higher borrowing costs as the company is seen as a greater risk.

27.   An unsatisfactory safety rating means that a motor carrier does not have adequate safety controls in place.

28.   But for the Feds, a decent rating means something different.

29.   Conditional ratings mean that some problems were found and regulators are working on correcting them.

30.   Higher ratings mean more prize money, which has more than doubled since Woods joined the PGA Tour.