51.   But neither side seemed eager to go to arbitration.

52.   But neither side seemed willing to back down.

53.   But neither side seems prepared to back away from a potentially dangerous showdown.

54.   But officials said that even without a promise, both sides seemed to understand that the West was unlikely to attack the Serbs and risk more hostage-taking.

55.   But neither side seemed eager to make concessions.

56.   But neither side seems happy.

57.   But neither side seems to have progressed beyond the silly games they have played throughout the lockout.

58.   But now, for the first time in years, the two sides seem close enough that a bipartisan agreement seems within reach.

59.   But on Friday night, both sides seemed listless, and there was no confrontation.

60.   But the real issue is whether Microsoft and the government will pursue substantive settlement negotiations, given how far apart the two sides seem to be.