1.   Conrail ultimately opted to pursue a combination with CSX this fall.

2.   The Lakers backed away from Kersey last summer, opting to pursue Boston Celtics forward Rick Fox in free agency.

3.   With the recession and a lack of jobs, Jacobs opted to pursue running full-time under Craig.

4.   Australia has joined a small but growing number of countries that are opting to pursue progress on touchy human rights issues with Beijing one-on-one.

5.   Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire opted to pursue an independent presidential bid.

6.   London-born Izzet could have played for England but opted to pursue his international career with the country of his father.