The building used to be a worn-out theater, but it has been converted into a space containing spacious conference rooms, creative artwork, a large auditorium, and a rooftop patio that faces Comerica Park.

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But budget cuts or not, the streets have to be cleared, and replacing worn-out equipment can only be put off for so long.

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Most oil giants pulled out of the onshore U.S. in the 1990s, considering the assets too old and worn-out to be material to growth.

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Privately, some right-wing leaders admit that Mr Lavin is an expendable stop-gap until the 2005 election, when they expect that a worn-out Concertacion will be easier to beat.

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"Young players won't want to be an all-rounder if they see how quickly you get worn out, " he added.

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