31.   But industry watchers were divided over the long-term effect of the proposed settlement.

32.   But later Saturday evening, the news agency reported that Germany had blocked the proposed settlement.

33.   But Massachusetts and eight other states say the proposed settlement has too many loopholes and lets Microsoft continue to benefit from its past misconduct.

34.   But the people involved in the talks said some state officials were dissatisfied with the proposed settlement because it did not have adequate enforcement mechanisms.

35.   But the terms of the proposed settlement is a tantamount admission that the company allowed its men to damage and destroy women.

36.   But they chose to fight in Texas after a proposed national settlement of all suits got hung up in Washington, where it needs congressional approval.

37.   By resolving the Florida case, tobacco companies no longer face a long trial and adverse publicity that could affect deliberations over the proposed national settlement.

38.   Canada Safeway Ltd. spokeswoman Toby Oswald declined to provide details of the proposed settlement.

39.   Christie said he was pleased with the proposed settlement.

40.   Cigarettes, thanks to changes required under a proposed national settlement of litigation.