11.   Their optimistic comments and predictions of revival after losing four of their first five games are not just talk.

12.   His optimistic comments were at odds with the gloomy picture Israeli leaders painted earlier Wednesday on the prospects for a settlement with Israel.

13.   On Tuesday, higher-than-expected U.S. retail figures and optimistic comments from the Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan provoked heavy euro selling in foreign money markets.

14.   They noted that his particularly optimistic comments that inflationary pressures are receding could allow the central bank to cut rates later.

15.   Leung pointed to improvements in tourism, re-exports, property and the stockmarket to justify his optimistic comments.

16.   Sentiment was boosted by optimistic comments by the company chirman.