1.  This determines the opening positions of buyers and sellers.

2.  As its opening position, Microsoft offered more modest proposals last week, including the elimination of certain restrictive contract provisions for computer manufacturers and Internet companies.

3.  Ben Thompson never raises his voice as he guides the four dancers into their opening positions.

4.  All appear to be opening positions that Sharon could choose to soften.

5.  But having staked out their opening positions, both sides should return to the talks prepared to show some flexibility as well.

6.  But it was clear from the opening positions of both parties that a vast gulf divides them, making a settlement difficult at best.

7.  Having staked out such a tough opening position, Putin may find it difficult to reach a compromise with Clinton.

8.  Labor experts note that bargainers often back off their opening positions as soon as serious negotiations begin.

9.  The Europeans rejected that on Monday in their opening position in a debate that is likely to go on into December.

10.  The pace of legislative activity on tobacco regulation quickened Tuesday as several influential senators staked out their opening bargaining positions.