OPTIMISM popularity and OPTIMISM trends

The long hard road ahead for the Arab spring

IN RECENT weeks the Obama administration has radiated optimism about the possibility of a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. The latest round of talks in Baghdad this week should lower those expectations. Tehran’s negotiators rejected a package offered by the United States and its five partners covering proposed confidence-building measures, and it demanded recognition of an Iranian “right”...

Following the huge success of the third Mary Katrantzou for Topshop capsule collection earlier this year, the high street store has announced it will team up with London Fashion Week star Louise Gray for a beauty and fashion line.

Sales of newly built homes in the U.S. increased in April, another sign that the long-struggling housing sector is finding its footing.

ISLAMABAD - Reiterating the stance of holding next general elections on time, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said people would decide about the next government in the first smooth and democratic transition of power and expressed his optimism that people will once again reposed their confidence and return them to power with thumping majority. Speaking at the inauguration a...

From Twitter to Facebook, to Google+, to YouTube, to Foursquare and more, social media use is the hottest thing in marketing. But does it really work?…

CAIRO — Under a blistering sun, Egyptians flocked to polling stations around the country Wednesday morning to elect a new president as the country’s most consequential vote in modern history got underway. Read full article >>

Asian markets, the euro and commodities fell Wednesday after comments by former Greek prime minister damped optimism ahead of a European Union summit. The Kospi was down 1.4%.

While it is far too early to predict an imminent solution, some guarded optimism seems justified that progress on the nuclear standoff with Iran may finally be obtainable.

The latest from ABC News and the Washington Post finds -- surprise! -- a close race: After months of aggressive campaigning on jobs and the economy, President Obama and Mitt Romney, his likely Republican challenger, are locked in a dead heat over who could fix the problem foremost on voters’ minds, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. The parity on economic issues foreshadows wh...

NEWARK, N.J. -- Zach Parise can usually be found sunny-side up, the kind of gentleman for whom every day brings a reason for optimism. So when the Devils' captain begged off his usual postgame obligations after the Rangers shut his team out in Game 3 Saturday afternoon, it was either a sign of frustration or a hint of fortitude and resolution to follow. On Monday night, Parise answered, lifting...

THE Australian dollar is higher as hopes grow that Greece will stay in the eurozone and after G8 leaders pushed for a pro-growth strategy.

THE Australian market looks set to open higher after European markets rose overnight and Wall Street closed up more than one per cent.

Pakistan said Monday it has ordered negotiators to conclude a deal with the United States to reopen vital supply routes to NATO convoys, as the alliance's chief expressed optimism that an agreement was near.

The NATO summit in Chicago is taking place not only in a presidential election year in the United States, but also in US President Barack Obama's hometown.

Israel struck by mixed feelings amid optimism in West that Iran nuke talks in Baghdad could end in agreement.

The U.N. nuclear supervisor arrived in Tehran early on Monday voicing optimism he could reach a deal to investigate suspected atom bomb research - a possible breakthrough that Iran may hope could help ease Western sanctions pressure and deflect threats of war.

IAEA head Yukiya Amano arrives in Tehran voicing optimism about reaching agreement on Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

The seventh Central China Expo, an important contract-signing and investment event for Central China, started Friday in Hunan province.

Consumer confidence in the first quarter of this year rose to its highest level since 2005, amid easing inflation and a cooling property market.

But clearly their overall optimism is fading

On his arrival at Simon Bolivar International Airport, in the state of Vargas, he said that apart from some discomfort, normal after treatment with radiotherapy, "I come with great optimism that this treatment has the effects we want and expect."

TOKYO (AP) -- World stock markets fell Monday as optimism over a move by China's central bank to encourage lending were offset by lingering uncertainty about crisis-struck Greece....

The census finds some 40 per cent of the population of Tyrrelstown in west Dublin was born outside Ireland, writesPAMELA DUNCAN

ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Critical last-ditch talks to form a coalition government in crisis-struck Greece foundered once more Sunday, leading the country one step closer to new elections, although the socialist party leader said he retained "existing but limited' optimism for a deal....

Talks to form a coalition government in Greece have so far failed to produce a solution, leading the country one step closer to the alarming prospect of new elections, although the socialist party leader said he retained "existing but limited" optimism for a deal.

New Jersey authorities express optimism during investigation into veteran's advocate's murderMom Asks Burglars to Return Her Son's Ashes

A new report heralds progress in many areas in Africa but cautions against unrealistic optimism. Louise Redvers reports

The All-Ireland champions’ league form was underwhelming but an improving injury list gives grounds for optimism, writes IAN O'RIORDAN

A new innovation can completely reshape an industry-- inspiring both optimism and debate. The development of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the 1980's ignited a buzz in the agricultural community with the potential for higher crop yields and better nutritional content, along with the reduction of herbicide and pesticide use. GE crops grew to play a significant role in the U.S., with more ...

Survey shows confidence at American SMEs is at its highest for a year as they boost recruitment and capital spending despite fears over the economy

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An index of confidence at small U.S. businesses rose in April to its highest in over a year as companies stepped up plans for hiring and investing, a survey released on Tuesday showed.

ISLAMABAD – AHMAD AHMADANI - Well-known scholars, writers, researchers and politicians on Saturday gathered here to admire the contribution of eminent scholar and social scientist Mowahid Hussain Shah on the launching of his book titled “Will & Skill”. Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Babur Hizlan was chief guest while Ch Shujaat presided over the function. General (Retd) Hameed ...

ISLAMABAD – AHMAD AHMADANI - Well-known scholars, writers, researchers and politicians on Saturday gathered here to admire the contribution of eminent scholar and social scientist Mowahid Hussain Shah on the launching of his book titled “Will & Skill”. Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Babur Hizlan was chief guest while Ch Shujaat presided over the function. General (Retd) Hameed ...

ISLAMABAD – AHMAD AHMADANI - Well-known scholars, writers, researchers and politicians on Saturday gathered here to admire the contribution of eminent scholar and social scientist Mowahid Hussain Shah on the launching of his book titled “Will & Skill”. Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Babur Hizlan was chief guest while Ch Shujaat presided over the function. General (Retd) Hameed ...

Optimism has been in shorter supply since the employment figures fell short of expectations a month ago. April's report is due Friday.

Driven by a rise in new businesses, services sector growth picked up momentum in April to 52.8, up from 52.3 in the previous month, and business optimism hit its highest level since last June.

Iranian official expresses optimism that upcoming talks will help lift sanctions aimed at Tehran's nuclear programme.

I'm about a week late talking about this, but I've mostly resigned myself to not doing really topical blogging these days. Anyway, there was a lot of excitement last week over the announcement that an all-star team of nerd billionaires is planning to do commercial asteroid mining. (The post title is a reference to the Sean Connery movie, not the post-Bloom County comic.) I find it kind of amusi...

Optimism reigned for the Eagles after the draft, but among the rival Giants, defensive end Osi Umenyiora said the team was making him look like "a greedy pig."

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans and Democrats expressed optimism Friday about sending a cybersecurity bill to President Barack Obama this year despite significant disagreements with the Senate and the White House....

On the one hand, a new day is dawning, and optimism is the spirit of the moment, and history is just a bunch of pizza-stained media guides shoved under my desk. On the other hand, this jersey — spotted by Reader John at the NFL shop in mid-town Manhattan on Wednesday — is fairly amusing. And it does capture the lingering fear among a certain segment of D.C. sports fans. Read full article >&...

Stephen R. Palumbi finds both stark warnings and buoyant optimism in an encyclopaedic take on the state of the oceans.

Chinese company Xiamen Jinzhi has released a line of "Hellen Keller" sunglasses. According to the Wall Street Journal, company spokesman Xiamen Jinzhi said "that they were aware Helen Keller was blind, but what they valued was her philanthropist spirit which spread optimism around the world." In other fun fashion news, Urban Outfitters is under fire [...]

Barcelona manager insists he is approaching tonight's clash with Chelsea with a lot of optimism amid criticism of his selection and tactics.

THE Queensland Symphony Orchestra, under chief conductor Johannes Fritzsch, is playing better than it has in years.

Investors cheer 1Q results from General Electric, McDonald's and other major U.S. corporations as optimism from Europe helped the mood.

Stay positive--it just might save your life. New research shows being a positive-thinking person can lead to protective benefits for the heart. The study found people with a positive look at life had a reduced risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events...from CBS News

Another analyst weighs in on the recent volatility in Apple shares and sees no cause for alarm.

One danger is that the talks with Tehran on its nuclear program could fail. The other is that they might succeed.The Obama administration faces two dangers in its nuclear negotiations with Iran, which began in a burst of optimism last weekend after the two sides managed to get through a day and a half of talks without anyone walking out.

Canada, U.S. still the best, but Europeans closing the gap

Nuclear negotiators for Iran and six world powers were making encouraging progress in bridging differences that have doomed previous meetings meant to reduce fears over Tehran’s atomic program.

US consumer sentiment slipped modestly in early April as higher petrol prices hit household budgets but optimism over the economic outlook lifted consumers' expectations, a survey released today showed.

Optimism tempers disappointment over 8-per-cent growth rate in first quarter

Though talks since 2004 on Iran’s nuclear program have produced no real progress, recent developments suggest some grounds for cautious optimism.

For Wigan fans still smarting from the injustices of Chelsea's offside goals at Stamford Bridge, the appointment of Phil Dowd here did not fill them with optimism.

Stocks avoided a sixth day of losses today: The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 both logged 0.7% gains while the Nasdaq jumped 0.8%. Alcoa (AA) beat big after hours last night, and with no other major companies reporting until Thursday, investors celebrated today: It ended up 6.2%, the Dow’s biggest gainer for [...]

While no one will say that consumer confidence and optimism are back, it was a bit stunning to see the Investor’s Business Daily/TIPP Economic Optimism Index so high, writes Chuck Jaffe.

U.S. President Barack Obama is set to meet with Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff in Washington on Monday amid optimism for closer ties with South America's rising economic power.

It's not just start-ups that radically innovate. Take, for example, Autodesk, the 3D design, engineering and entertainment software giant that, according to its President and CEO Carl Bass, continues to be "incredibly relevant" in the innovation economy. "The most creative people use our tools," Bass told me about popular Autodesk software like Sketchbook, Pixlr and Instructables, when I talked...

WE must recapture the feeling of optimism and clarity that once characterised Australia.

Business optimism is rising at its fastest rate since 2007, as fears over an imminent eurozone break-up abate, though companies are still opting for the safety-first option of hoarding cash.

Shares of wireless equipment vendor Aruba Networks (ARUN) are down 20 cents, or 0.9%, at $22.27 following the company’s analyst day meeting yesterday. Apparently, both bulls and bears on the stock walked away with something to reinforce their respective points of view: Bullish! Brent Bracelin, Pacific Crest: Reiterates an Outperform rating on the shares and [...]

Three days of oral arguments at the Supreme Court have given Republicans reason for optimism that President Obama’s health-care law could be heading for a legal defeat in a few months. But would such a victory for the GOP this summer mean political success for the party in November and beyond? Read full article >>

The Chinese diving team remains cautious when expectations of a gold medal sweep at the London Olympics are raised.

A slowly recovering construction market encourages distributor of plumbing and heating goods to raise dividend by one-third

(Reuters) - New York state looked on track to easily beat its April 1 deadline for passing its budget the second time in a row, but political analysts say that after several hurdles were cleared last week, optimism appears to have withered.

UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee believes an 'inspired' Christine Ohuruogu is back to her best and one of many reasons for optimism ahead of the London Olympics.

Stress tests showing most big U.S. banks are healthy fuels optimism for markets and economy

Scotland's surveyors report that optimism among house sellers is misplaced as buyers remain few and far between.

LONDON (Reuters) - British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Colin Moynihan expressed cautious optimism on Monday that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will uphold Britain's lifetime Olympic ban for drug offenders.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan said it would be hard to reach a deal to halt bloodshed in Syria, but expressed optimism after meeting President Bashar al-Assad for a second day on Sunday.

Cell based regenerative therapy with stem cells from bone marrow has been reported widely and used for more than 50 years. However, use of stem cells for regenerative medicine has only recently captured the imagination of the public, with media attention contributing to rising expectations of clinical benefit. Optimism that stem cells will provide a virtually unlimited source of selected cell t...

US stocks have coasted in higher as optimism increased that Greece will complete a crucial debt-swap deal.

European shares pushed higher today, with investors betting Greece will be able to pull off a key bond swap and avoid a chaotic default, and also reflecting optimism about prospects for companies with global exposure.

MENTAL health classes will be given to high school students to counter soaring depression and mental illness rates in adolescents.

(Reuters) - Consumer review website Yelp Inc made a sparkling market debut on Friday, buoyed by optimism ahead of Facebook's public listing and hopes for further successful public listings by Internet companies down the road.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Back-to-back surprises have given Democrats a burst of optimism that they can hold on to control of the Senate, a goal that seemed to be slipping from reach just weeks ago....

While Republicans point to the country’s ills, Barack Obama is presenting a message of optimism, which some say could backfire if the economy declines.

The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy likewise sees an improvement in the growth rate to 7.7%. Their optimism is well founded.

The nation's artists and audiences are full of life, says Anne Applebaum.

The home-improvement retailer's better-than-expected fourth-quarter results offer reason for optimism.

The most interesting thing about BASF’s 2011 results is that the world’s biggest chemicals maker is optimistic over the outlook for 2012

A poll says Americans are feeling better about the nation's economy but not about its politics.

“I understand the optimism people have here,” GE VP says of Israel. “It’s very much an energetic, can-do society.”

Steven Major, head of fixed income at HSBC, explains why he is optimistic about the future of Greece and the eurozone ahead of today's talks to finalise a second bailout for the Greeks.

Arsène Wenger may be under pressure but in Ryo Miyaichi he has cause for optimism, according to Bolton manager.

Stocks are surging, but such broad bullishness signals danger to sophisticated investors. One solution is to replace winning stocks with bullish call options, providing profits with the chance for more gains.

Oil steadied near $120 a barrel today, supported by tension between Iran and the West and hopes for a long-awaited Greek bailout deal.

LONDON (Reuters) - Auction houses pinching themselves after bumper 2011 sales are now turning their attention to 2012, amid cautious optimism that the two-year bull run for top works of art will continue.

Nothing like seeing a near-fullcourt shot drop in the basket to add optimism to your day.

At 71, the drummer makes no apologies for the signature cheer and optimism that infuse the nine-track album, out Tuesday.

LONDON (Reuters) - Digital music revenues rose eight percent in 2011 to $5.2 billion, but it was not enough to prevent another annual decline in the overall market to $16.2 billion from $16.7 billion in 2010.

Shalom Auslander’s “Hope: A Tragedy,” a comic novel about an older Anne Frank, questions the role of optimism in Jewish history and tradition.

NEW YORK (AP) -- The American Folk Art Museum, long plagued by financial problems, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new exhibition, renewed optimism for its future and its collection intact....

The optimism of those who ran the world's biggest economy, from the chairman of the Federal Reserve (pictured) downwards, has been laid bare by new revelations

Former President Jimmy Carter said he doubted that Egypt’s military rulers would fully submit to the civilian democracy they had promised to install, but he expressed optimism about the transition.

Release Time:  For Immediate Release East Room 12:51 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Please, please have a seat.  Thank you.  Well, welcome to the White House, everybody.  And Tim, thank you for that introduction. I could not have enjoyed more the meeting that I had this morning, because what thes...

FISCAL AUSTERITY, financial uncertainty and job insecurity test and challenge the will and resilience of people. They serve to erode self-confidence and to weaken a sense of hope and optimism about the future.

Worries about the state of our society as 2012 begins appear to be damaging the British capacity for staunch optimism (file picture).

Cautious optimism about an improving economy, especially on the hiring front, should help Wall Street finish the year higher.

Andrea Bruce, a New York Times photographer, peered into the lives of Iraqis over the last months of the war and captured quietly powerful portraits that show optimism and resilience.

Optimism about the new labor deal, some contrition on the Chris Paul trade, highlighted NBA Commissioner David Stern's remarks Sunday.

Optimism about the new labor deal, some contrition on the Chris Paul trade, highlighted NBA Commissioner David Stern's remarks Sunday.

In a year of turbulent change, there are, in fact, a few ways to look at recent developments and still be hopeful.

MUSIC legend Ian "Molly" Meldrum has taken another step in his recovery, with doctors revising his condition

Some men can get by on a wink and a smile - but those with less chiselled features make up for it with misguided optimism about their own appearance, a study claims.

Citibank sees little reason for optimism as the new year dawns

We were so deeply moved by the above video, of 14 year bullying victim Jonah Mowry bravely sharing his story with the world. Not just recounting how difficult it has been for him but also revealing how strong he is and how much he has to live for! That optimism in the face of [...]

Today's version of political optimism is not to promise the earth, but to safeguard what we have, says Matthew d'Ancona.

The heavy-manufacturing sector is booming, retail sales are rising and a weakening euro just spurs more optimism for the country’s exporters

Investors are uncertain whether the eurozone can solve its debt crisis. Will bond markets signal optimism or deepening scepticism in the week ahead?

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Regular attendance at religious services is associated with a more optimistic outlook and a lesser inclination to be depressed, compared to those who do not attend services at...