1.   Among the decliners today was Linthicum, Maryland-based Ciena Corp., which makes components for long-distance fiber optic telecommunications networks.

2.   A common method for wiring homes is using a combination of new fiber optic and the old coaxial wires that cable companies now use.

3.   A few months ago, the company announced that it was merging with Metromedia Fiber Network, which makes fiber optic communications products.

4.   But Bell Atlantic said Tuesday that it wanted to re-evaluate its plans to use both fiber optic and coaxial cable.

5.   But wait long enough and the music tends to warble and cut in and out as if birds were roosting somewhere on the fiber optic lines.

6.   Cable is betting that fiber optic will be its great savior.

7.   Q. Are there enough miles of fiber optic lines in place, with broad enough coverage, to make your plans practical?

8.   The message, which the bombers knew would be faithfully communicated by satellite and fiber optic, is plain.

9.   Although earnings for its fiscal third quarter met forecasts, the fiber optic chip maker said it anticipates fourth-quarter profits will fall short.

10.   CommScope is a global leader in the manufacturing of coaxial cable, while Furukawa is a top Japanese producer of fiber optic.