Many term them Jim Thompson houses, after the legendary U.S. silk trader, and in fact the houses had been moved by Thompson for a friend who owned them.

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Meanwhile, trialist Claus Jorgensen has refused a deal at Vale Park after manager Micky Adams offered the former Blackpool midfielder a short-term contract, and striker Steve Thompson has joined Blue Square North side Stafford Rangers on loan.

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While Swartzberg is encouraged by a projection that sales growth, which figures to get some boost from a gradual end to costly discount wars, may well exceed growth in marketing spending this year, Thompson thinks the long term is best served by spending what it takes to make Bud, Michelob and Busch cool again.

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Midfielder Thompson signed a short-term deal following his release by Rovers, while Mellor has joined on loan until the end of the season.

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Wachovia split the roles of chairman and chief executive last month, a sign Thompson's eight-year term at the head of the company was nearing an end.

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After appealing to the city council to overturn term limits, Bloomberg narrowly beat opponent Bill Thompson this fall to win four more years as New York's mayor.

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In something of the manner of John Neff, who delivered high returns for years at Vanguard Windsor by owning out-of-favor banks and carmakers, Thompson has amassed an exceptional long-term record with his unloved stocks.

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Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, said it was the long-term investment in grass roots activities that had led to Paralympic success.

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And with fellow forward Jerramie Domish linking up at the Skydome, Thompson is hopeful of success in front of the net next term.

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