The good news was tempered by a host of bad news.

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But this good news is tempered by a very different story.

FORBES: More People Are Dying At Home And In Hospice, But They Are Also Getting More Intense Hospital Care

However, the good news was tempered by a rise in the number of people without health insurance : 46.6m in 2005 compared with 45.3m in 2004.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

In fashioning an exit that allows for continuity and change, a good leader, tempered by a deep knowledge of himself, sees beyond his limits to the opportunities ahead for his organization.

FORBES: Leading at Your Limits

Their optimism is tempered with a good deal of skepticism, however.

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Long-term optimism tempered with short-term skepticism is a good way to look at business, the economy and stocks too.

FORBES: Short-Term Skeptic, Long-Term Optimist

But unlike Defoe's noble hero, Selkirk had been cast away for good reason: He was a violent, foul-tempered guy.

FORBES: Castaway

Seemingly every shred of good news Ford had to offer during the call was quickly tempered.

FORBES: Which Way Is Forward?