51.   The Kansas City, Missouri-based company blamed the decline on a slowdown in the housing market and lower lumber prices.

52.   The maker of plastic kitchen containers late yesterday blamed the decline on lower-than-expected sales and a strong U.S. dollar.

53.   The natural gas pipeline operator and petrochemicals company blamed the decline on lower petrochemical prices.

54.   The shareholders blamed the decline on the realization by investors that reports of a garbage crisis had been overblown.

55.   The sales decline is blamed in part on limited availability of some cars and trucks after United Auto Workers walkouts shut down some GM and Chrysler production.

56.   Thyssen blamed the decline on structural changes and big shipbuilding orders a year earlier.

57.   Polaroid blamed declines in international markets due to decreased demand for instant cameras and film, and retailer inventory reductions.

58.   A profit warning from Dell Computer sent stocks modestly lower Monday, but analysts cautioned against blaming the decline solely on earnings worries.

59.   Analysts blamed the decline on the dispute and worries over company earnings.

60.   Authorities blame the decline of socialized medicine.