1.   At the very least, he offers a sliver of hope for anyone still willing to believe that art matters.

2.   Fees generated from asset management and portfolio services at Merrill offered a sliver of protection against declines in its other business.

3.   Last week offered a sliver of hope that the worst of the economic downturn might be over.

4.   Rafi offered him slivers of the three brands.

5.   That money also serves as life support for hundreds of dying languages and offers a sliver of hope for the survival of customs overwhelmed by European-bred culture.