1.  The standoff reprises a similar showdown between the White House and the Republican-controlled Congress last November.

2.  You see, as similar showdowns with jet skiers erupt at lakes all over America, rarely is there a cool-headed sheriff around to chill inflamed passions.

3.  After Japan and Norway lost a bid for approval of limited whaling, four southern African countries now face a similar showdown on the sale of elephant ivory.

4.  Similar showdowns in the past were resolved at the last minute by diplomatic interventions by either Moscow or Paris.

5.  Scotland and South Africa face a similar showdown in Group Three.