1.   His optimism remains unflagging as he continues to sing utopian political and protest tunes.

2.   Optimism remains relatively higher in the North than in the southern part of the country.

3.   But progress in ending or easing the conflict has proved maddeningly elusive, and optimism remained scarce here on Tuesday night.

4.   But official optimism remains as bright as the sun symbol on New Mexico license plates.

5.   Fortunately for these plucky athletes, their optimism remains unflappable and, in the end, the nice Ducks beat the mean Everybody Elses.

6.   His optimism remains intact.

7.   While the gloom has lifted, optimism remains muted.

8.   There remains optimism among some expatriates.

9.   Traders said optimism remains high in the market.