That's because having such a character on the payroll--someone to hear out whistle-blowing gripes from employees--can save a company a lot of money if it lands on the shady side of the law.

FORBES: Corporate Confidential

If you hear someone talking about "going out to hanguear (hang out) at the mol (mall)", that's Spanglish.

BBC: Life in Spanglish for California's young Latinos

Now despite the thoroughness of my mother's planning, which begins in August, someone receives a gift they didn't want, someone refuses to venture out into the subzero cold to hear a sermon and someone infects the entire family with a cold virus.

NPR: A Family Challenge at the Multiplex

Realizing you know a thing or two, and that someone out there wants to hear all about it, is a great feeling.

FORBES: Why Being a Mentor Kicks Butt

"When I hear a call coming out that we have to go rescue someone who refused to evacuate, and we are sending volunteer firefighters, that is what makes you nuts, " said First Selectman Carl Fortuna.

WSJ: Heroes Shine Amid Storm's Destruction

"We hear threats all the time, but rarely so specifically, and that someone has already carried out in the most cowardly way, " he said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS