Up to a point, the firmness of South-East Asia's currencies is helpful: it holds inflation down at a time when the subsidy cuts are causing popular unrest.

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Mr. Brannaman's techniques stress kindness (how you treat a horse reflects how you treat your family and other people in your life) combined with firmness. (Like Cesar Millan, TV's "Dog Whisperer, " he teaches humans how to be an animal's parent, not its friend.) Ms. Meehl's own techniques include astute showmanship and, in one instance, a shocking illustration that some horses remain immune to humane ministrations.

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He said that he had heard the call by supporters of Marine Le Pen for "the nation, borders, authenticity, authority, firmness", and that he shared centrist Francois Bayrou's concern to reduce the deficit.

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