In surveys, focus groups and interviews, the company has heard the views of more than 3,000 city residents across America.

A spokesman said the company had not heard from the bidder.

He raised his voice so the whole company could hear him: "Come on, boys.

When the Japanese company heard of this, it threatened to back out of the deal.

The company first heard of the video's popularity in June 1998.

When another company hears about this, they say: Who needs the complication?

"Then tell to me, and this great company, the tale whereof I have heard."

But he conceded that the company had heard from some customers complaining about the prison program.

In two months, the company heard from only a quarter of the suppliers.

This was apparently the first the company had heard of it.