1.   Although Bettman is not discouraging settlement talks, he will probably still hold the hearing.

2.   Although Osteen struck down the advertising restrictions, his decision allowing FDA regulation of tobacco has given state government negotiators leverage in settlement talks with cigarette companies.

3.   And a legislative victory could jump-start the stalled settlement talks.

4.   And an attorney for a Singapore investor was readying yet another arbitration complaint against Salomon last week when Salomon contacted the client to suggest settlement talks.

5.   And it apparently works more frequently than do settlement talks that lack a neutral mediator.

6.   And Humphrey was not brought into the recent round of settlement talks until they had begun.

7.   And they will alter the settlement talks by enhancing the position of one side or the other.

8.   And, finally, the NCAA, despite numerous adverse rulings, never seriously engaged in settlement talks until the eve of trial.

9.   And yet, in settlement talks with the government, the company has reportedly offered to do just that.

10.   Another proposal during earlier rounds of settlement talks was requiring the Microsoft board to create an independent oversight board that would report to the Justice Department.