West speculates that similar microphones could be used in cellular phones, where background noise can ruin conversations.

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McKinsey believes, however, that this increase in financial institutions' debt disguises a positive trend: much of the debt is now of a longer-term nature, so poses less of threat to the stability of the economy (it can't be called in at a moment's notice, to the potential ruin of the borrower).

BBC: UK's debts 'biggest in the world'

Wekesa, not unsurprisingly, says that no compromise can be made with the group he claims is out to ruin the sport in Kenya.

BBC: Fifa is tired of dealing with the problems in Kenya

Now that the Enron verdicts are in, you might be lulled into thinking that likely incarceration, financial ruin and public humiliation might dissuade other corporate leaders from behaving badly.

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The choice between ruin and prosperity would, in a sane world, not be difficult to make.

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Unless you live in California, Hawaii or Florida or some fancy place like that, the ground is probably going to be squishy with cold mud, and someone in your family is going to fall down face-first and ruin his or her Thanksgiving outfit.

WSJ: Jason Gay: The 32 Rules of Thanksgiving Touch Football

This is especially important in divorce situations, where one spouse may be tempted to spend irresponsibly on a credit card as a way to ruin the other person maliciously.

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