But, Eidson assures me, the problem is easier than it seems given experience and a good database.

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As you can imagine, we have a pretty good database of how much a variety of outdoor activities, from cleaning the bathrooms to providing liability insurance, costs.

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Just a good, simple database with clearly understood reports.

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The database is a good place to get basic comparative information, but it won't help you decide which emerging-market stock or bond to invest in.

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"A background check is only as good as the records in the database, so I think we all have a responsibility to report" mental-health records.

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Youku has developed a sophisticated monitoring system: dozens of editors watch new material and classify it, building a video database that can be used to find good content, but also to block undesirable clips.

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With these finely honed tools, reliance upon a blunt instrument like a database of payments to physicians appears unwarranted, and perhaps even risks doing more harm than good.

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Through a broker database, individuals or institutions can check to see if a broker is a good one (litigation, reprimands, firings, etc.).

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