Entering 2006, fully one-third of our large employer clients are offering a (high-deductible plan) ... and we're hearing a lot more interest in total replacement strategies.

They wanted to bring us clients for one-third of our fee, and we refused to do that.

For one thing, our clients only have to pay a fraction of the cost that other places charge. Also, we're well known for our one-on-one personal attention.

The plan is to raise one-third of the £750m before the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and two-thirds afterwards. Beijing will get the excitement going - when the flame goes out, it will not be lit again until London.

The third one was high in the strike zone. I have my strategy against left-handers.

Creditors are so eager to get it over that they would have voted for the plan if UAL were offering a ham sandwich.