1.   During a quick visit to the compound with a military escort on Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere appeared calm, though an armored cordon remained.

2.   Rather, the atmosphere appears to have entered a regime in which East Coast storms are favored.

3.   Silva said the atmosphere appeared to be better than Monday, when nearly half of the students stayed home.

4.   Such a smoke-friendly atmosphere does not appear by accident.

5.   But the atmosphere appears so much improved that Blair may be able to make Conservative-type stands in negotiations without being isolated.

6.   But the atmosphere appears so much improved that Blair may be able to make tough stands in EU negotiations without being isolated.

7.   Despite the threats by the kidnappers, the atmosphere appears quite relaxed inside the home.

8.   In Pale itself, Sunday, the atmosphere appeared calm.

9.   Both sides stubbornly insist they are in the right, and the atmosphere does not appear favorable for substantive talks at this time.

10.   The atmosphere appeared to lighten.