41.   But the bill became the subject of partisan squabbling and horse trading between the houses, and it was not clear whether it could be passed in time.

42.   But they cautioned that no agreement had been reached, and many other rumored joint ventures had failed to come to pass in recent years.

43.   But the law passed in May gave Department of Corrections Secretary Harry Singletary the authority to design the program as he wished.

44.   But they were passed in February by the pesky Oilers, who were riding the hot goaltending of Islanders castoff Tommy Salo.

45.   Call them marketing ships passing in the night.

46.   Catching two long touchdown passes in the first quarter of a game and then having no receptions for the next three quarters will do that.

47.   Congress could also amend the law it passed in October, eliminating the three obstacles that prevented Shalala from moving forward.

48.   Congress tried to develop rules but, amid much bickering, failed to pass regulations in time to meet its own deadline.

49.   Criticism of the measure has intensified since the intelligence bill was passed in mid-October.

50.   Despite considerable opposition from Senate Republicans, the package passed in June, and Pataki signed it in August.