41.   After Big Tobacco swept through the capital, paying top dollar for integrity, it seemed there was no one left to buy.

42.   After the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in November, it seemed there was nothing Benjamin Netanyahu could say that Israelis cared to hear.

43.   Alas, it seemed I was not yet ready to join the postfeminist ranks of self-purchasers.

44.   But being sick seems like a terrible way to end what has been a banner year for the lady who growls like a caged tiger in song.

45.   But in fact, Giuliani has single-handedly set back the cause of bladder relief just when it seemed comfort might be in sight.

46.   But it seems it was the company spending much of the money for masterpieces by Picasso, Degas, Matisse, van Gogh and others.

47.   But it seems things are not that simple.

48.   But it seems anything is possible these days.

49.   But it seemed they were not alone in their views.

50.   But it seems no one is satisfied.