Assuming, AMR Corporation does have the massive growth they expect. How much higher will the stock go from today’s price? At buying the stock at its price of 33.62/share. With earnings/share of 5.43 by years end. Now, we will have to figure out. What will the companies P/E be at the end of 2007? Today, the companies P/E is 42 and their forward P/E is 6.19.

What we are trying to do. Is figure out what P/E AMR be trading at by years end. To determine their future price. NOT what their forward P/E is. Next year, if AMR has a P/E of 12 with earnings/share of 5.43. The stocks price will be 65.16.

If you take AMR Corporation Ave P/E for the past ten years. You will get an average P/E of 6.08. This formula maybe skewed. Since, AMR has had negative P/E’s for many of the past years. So, I am going to take the industry’s current P/E average of 15. Just to be conservative. I’m going to take a few points off of the 15. Let’s say 11. So next year, I am officially saying, I think AMR Corporation price will hit 59.73 from 33.62. All assuming a earnings/share of 5.43

Since, Long-short mutual funds may help protect your gains. You had during that bull market. While, producing more gains during a bear market. Unlike, other mutual funds.

You can research more short-long mutual funds here.

With the market falling lately. It reminds me how long. It will take for the stock market to be at it’s top. Is it at the top now? Probably not. Still, I believe strongly that its coming again.

The FDA warns consumers not to eat fresh bagged spinach at this time. There has been an E Coli O157:H7 outbreak. Washing the spinach will not get rid of the bacteria. Based on the current information. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.

This has caused one death and several illnesses in 9 states, so far. 74% of bagged spinach comes from California. They currently do not know. Where the E Coli is coming from and who packaged the products.

Kroger’s has told all of their stores. To pull all bagged spinach off the shelves. As, many other stores. As of today, the grocery sector has been hit a little today. With reaction to the bad news.

The FDA states “E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.“

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As some of you know. U.S. hedge funds are very secretive about what they do. Also, almost ‘anyone’ can create one. Which has created a large amount of backlash. From the investment community, as a whole.

With hedge funds growing a huge amount of interest. Financial services are taking a piece of the pie. Moody’s Investor Service has created new ratings for hedge funds. The ratings are not based on investment strategies or portfolio risks. Since, hedge funds are not going to give out this information. The new ratings are based on ‘operational quality’.

Here is what Kathryn Kerle, vice president at Moody’s told Bloomberg about the new ratings. “These ratings are on the manager as opposed to the fund itself. Moody’s won’t rate the creditworthiness of hedge funds or the effectiveness of an investment strategy, she added.”

Moody’s will offer hedge funds a private rating. Before, they make the ratings public. This should intice fund managers to let Moody’s rate them. Of course, hedge funds can deny the ratings. Which wouldn’t let Moody’s publish the ratings and/or review their fund.

The ratings add little value to the largest hedge funds. Why would a huge hedge fund manager let Moody’s rate them? I can’t even think of a reason. I expect to see, growing and new hedge funds participate in the ratings. To have something to tell investors and grow. So, is this really going to help? They’re too many twists and directions to figure. It’s a step into the right direction, though.

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I am sitting here at the computer. It’s pretty late and I am watching an info commercial about Bare Minerals. Which is ran by Bare Escentuals. Bare Escentuals was posted in the past in the category going public. Where the company filed a registration to trade their company publicly.

You can learn a lot about a company by watching its advertising. If I was a woman, this commercial would have me sold. This isn’t a cheesy infomercial, like all the others. It appeals to womens feelings and looks, a double combo. They make it like they are talking directly to you when selling.

They also, create the best selling factor in the commercial, Proof. They have one women, that puts on the make-up infront of the cameras. Now, I am a guy and I was still able to tell a difference. The woman didn’t need makeup. Still the differences, were exactly what they said would be.

Besides, Bare Escentuals being able to create great commercials. How good is their product Bare Minerals? I would like to know for investment purposes. If their is any women out there that has tried Bare Escentuals. Please, comment about the product.

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I am really wanting to know. Whats going on with Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK)? This company has had great revenue growth the past 5 years. They still haven’t yet turned any profit!

I am quite upset about this. This business model should be profitable. They buy merchandise from retailers/other businesses at low costs, hence the “Overstock” name. Which they turn around and sell the merchandise online. Which should be a low costs operating business in itself.

See, Overstock.com is not turning any profits. Due to their high margins on costs. Such as, costs of revenue and their selling,general, & adminstrative expenses. Okay, I understand that the company has to pay bills. I just don’t understand why this company can’t turn a profit. Out of 800 million plus in revenue a year. Is management being payed too much? Do they need to make changes to their infrastructure?

The one thing that gets me thinking and worried. Is every year, their S,G & Adminstrative expenses are always rising just above their Gross Profit. Why is this?

Let’s take a look at their S,G & A expenses at a quarterly time frame. I used MSN Money for ostk’s financial statements here. Looking at 2006 1st Qtr and comparing the expenses to 2005 1st Qtr. In these two different quarters. They earned about the same Gross Profit. You would think the S,G & A expenses would be about the same too. right? Well, guess again. 2006 S,G&A expenses are about 42% higher than 2005′s 1st quarter.

While looking at 2005 4th Qtr compared to 2006 1st quarter. Revenue here is having little effect on their S,G,A expenses.

This alone leads me to believe management is being payed, or paying out too much. Now, don’t get me wrong. This could mean Overstock.com actually has good management, but they are just struggling with expenses. Instead, something deep down tells me to dislike this company. Due to bad management.

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I wish the company that owns Kangaroo shoes would go public. I think the company called Asco Group Limited owns this brand of shoe. I could just imagine how good this company could be. Their shoes are high quality and fashionable. The shoes have pockets on every pair, for money and other items.

The thing is, that their company has to be still growing. Only, place I have been able to find Kangaroos is in bigger cities. I live now, in a smaller area of 50,000. Where only a few people have heard of this brand. Now, I can’t even find a pair of this brand in stores. Maybe, I should become a wholesaler to these stores for Kangaroos.

These shoes are affordable too. Their prices range from $40-$70 dollars. I believe Kangaroos are available worldwide. The more I think about this brand. It makes me want to invest into them.

What do you guys think about Kangaroos shoes?

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Jones Soda Co. (NASDAQ:JSDA), On August 30, 2006 announced Resignation of Matt Kellogg, A Director of Jones Soda Co., gave written notice to the company of his resignation from the Board and Audit Committee, effective immediately. Mr. Kellogg has served on the Board of Directors for seven years, since May 1999. The company is grateful to Mr. Kellogg for his years of service and dedication to the company.

Also, On August 28, 2006 the company appointed Richard S. Eiswirth Jr. to the Board of Directors. In addition to his service on the board. Mr. Eiswirth will also serve on the company’s audit committee.

Mr. Eiswirth is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Alimera Sciences, Inc., serving in such capacity since October 2005. Prior to joining Alimera Sciences, Mr. Eiswirth was the chief financial officer and senior executive vice president of Netzee, Inc., a provider of internet banking solutions to community banks, from August 1999 to April 2002. He is also the founder of two consulting practices, Brand Ignition Group LLC and Black River Holdings, Inc. Mr. Eiswirth started his career in Arthur Andersen’s audit and business advisory practice where he was a senior manager and certified public accountant. His experience includes financial and accounting management, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and entrepreneurial and start-up operational activities. He received an accounting degree from Wake Forest University in 1991. Mr. Eiswirth also serves on the board of directors, and is the chair of the audit committee, for Color Imaging, Inc.

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August 31, 2006 – Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) today reported that its Board of Directors has extended the expiration date of the Company’s current share repurchase program and has authorized a substantial increase in the amount of shares that may be repurchased.

The program has been extended and is now  scheduled to expire in December  2009. In  addition,  the Board has  authorized  the  Company  to  repurchase  up to an additional $700 million of the Company’s common stock.

The current  repurchase program was authorized in March 2005 to repurchase up to $400 million of the Company’s  common stock and was scheduled to expire in March 2007. Through July 31, 2006, the Company had spent approximately $287 million to repurchase 8,254,326 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $34.82 per share.

The Board’s  latest  action will  enable the  Company to  repurchase  up to $813 million of the  Company’s  common  stock  from this date  forward.  Tiffany  had approximately 138 million shares of common stock outstanding at July 31, 2006.

Michael J. Kowalski,  chairman and chief executive officer, said, “The Board has
confidence  in  Tiffany’s  growth  potential  and ability to maintain  financial
strength,  and believes  this action  represents  an  appropriate  way to return
excess capital to shareholders.”

Also, Tiffany & Co reported their second quarter. Read it Here

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Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (NYSE:PIR) reported that sales for the four-week period ended August 26, 2006 aggregated $114,304,000 a decrease of 7.8% from $123,973,000 last year, and
comparable store sales declined 9.1%.
    

Sales for the second quarter were $370,698,000, down 12.5% from last year’s
$423,675,000, and comparable store sales declined 14.8%. Year-to-date sales of
$746,790,000 were down 8.3% from $813,989,000 last year, and comparable store
sales declined 10.9%. The Company will report second quarter results on
September 14th.
Read Full Press Release

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Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) today announced that on August 29, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period imposed by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, with respect to Mattel’s proposed acquisition of Radica Games Limited (NASDAQ: RADA), which was previously announced on July 26, 2006. In addition, on August 30, 2006, the German Federal Cartel Office terminated the waiting period with respect to the proposed transaction pursuant to the German Act Against Restraints of Competition. Termination of the waiting periods satisfies one of the conditions for closing the proposed transaction, which is subject to approval of Radica shareholders and other customary closing conditions. It is expected that the transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.

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CallWave, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALL), a leading provider of On Demand communications solutions to service providers and consumers, today announced that Kelly Delany has been appointed Vice President, Corporate Communications.

“We are very pleased to add Kelly to the CallWave team,” said David Hofstatter, Chief Executive Officer for CallWave. “She brings an extensive background in consumer and technology sales and marketing management. She also has valuable experience in marketing both established and development stage products which will be valuable assets to CallWave as we execute on the next phase of our growth strategy.”

Most recently, Ms. Delany served as Vice President Marketing at Sound ID, a privately held company, where she was responsible for the development and management of the company’s brand assets and establishing Sound ID’s leadership position with customers, prospects, and partners worldwide. Prior to joining Sound ID, Ms. Delany was with Somera Communications, a global provider of telecommunications products and services, where she oversaw the definition and execution of the company’s global marketing and investor relations strategy. Ms. Delany also served in senior marketing capacities at Oracle Corporation, AnswerThink and Ogilvy & Mather. Ms. Delany holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA.

Ms. Delany replaces Adrian van Haaften, Chief Marketing Officer, who has left the company to pursue other interests.

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In July 2005, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation (NYSE:KKD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (the “Registrant”), was sued by one of its area developers, Sweet Traditions, LLC, and its Illinois corporate entity, Sweet Traditions of Illinois, LLC, in the Circuit Court for St. Clair County, Illinois.  The case was subsequently removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. This litigation is described in the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2005 under “Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS — Litigation — Franchisee Litigation.” A settlement was reached between the parties and on August 25, 2006 a joint stipulation for dismissal of the litigation with prejudice was filed with the court.  The court dismissed the case on August 28, 2006. The resolution of this matter will not result in any accounting charge to the Registrant.

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H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today reported a net loss of $131.4 million, or 41 cents per share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2007, compared with a $28.0 million loss, or 8 cents per share, in the prior-year period. First quarter revenues were $540.8 million versus $615.0 million a year ago.

     “Except for Mortgage Services, each of our business segments performed in line with expectations during this seasonally slow quarter when we normally report an operating loss,” said Mark A. Ernst, chairman and chief executive officer. “But that was overshadowed by the impact of recent increases in mortgage loan repurchases.”

     As previously announced, the quarter’s net loss includes a total provision for losses of $102.1 million ($61 million after-tax, or 19 cents per share) reflecting the estimated recourse liability recorded by Option One Mortgage Corp. for loan repurchases and premium-recapture reserves. The provision includes $46.1 million related to loans originated during the quarter ended July 31 and $56.0 million related to loans originated in previous quarters, and it compares with a $16.9 million provision in the first quarter of last year.

     “We’ve modified our operating procedures and loan products to improve loan performance and profitability,” Ernst noted. “We have tightened underwriting criteria and pricing guidelines — especially in parts of the Midwest and other regions where delinquencies have been highest — while continuing to reduce origination costs.”

Read Full Press Release

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Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced that it has acquired Papirius s.r.o, one of the largest business-to-business suppliers of office products and services in Eastern Europe. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Papirius has annual revenues of more than $56 million, with operations in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovakia. Product offerings include paper and envelopes, filing components, toner, office furniture, writing instruments, cleaning supplies, refreshments and professional services.

“This acquisition extends Office Depot’s global reach and strengthens our presence in key international markets,” said Charles Brown, President, Office Depot International. “Papirius’ leadership in delivering a wide range of products and services to small businesses throughout Eastern Europe enhances Office Depot’s competitive position within this increasingly important region.”

“Papirius and Office Depot share the same passion for providing innovative products and services to help customers grow and prosper,” said Petr Sýkora, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Papirius. “Combining Office Depot’s multi-channel sales expertise with the current infrastructure of Papirius will give customers throughout Eastern Europe a wider array of solutions to keep their businesses operating with ease, efficiency, and superior customer service.”

Papirius, with more than 540 associates throughout Eastern Europe, will operate under the Office Depot International Division. Co-founders Petr Sykora and Jan Cerny will continue in their roles as Managing Directors for Papirius.

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I was searching for Economic Historical Charts on the internet today. I couldn’t hardly find any historical charts. So, I decided that I am going to create them on my own. All the U.S. economic data that I can get my hands on. It will be a tasks charting and graphing all this information.

So, this is why I will be making the charts and information available for a few bucks to you. Now, its not going to cost a lot, but I haven’t decided a price yet. I would like your input on what this would be worth to you. Even, if you think it would be worth $1.00. I still would like to hear from you about this.

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ISSAQUAH, Wash., August 30, 2006 – Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco”) (Nasdaq: COST) today reported net sales of $4.55 billion for the four weeks ended August 27, 2006, an increase of 11 percent from $4.08 billion in the same four-week period last year.

For the first 52 weeks of its (53-week) 2006 fiscal year ending September 3, 2006, the Company reported net sales of $57.78 billion, an increase of 11 percent from $51.86 billion during the similar 52-week period of the prior fiscal year.

The Company also announced the revision of its outlook for fiscal 2006 fourth quarter (17 weeks this year vs. 16 weeks in fiscal 2005) and fiscal year (53 weeks this fiscal year vs. 52 weeks last year) ending September 3, 2006. On May 31^st, during its third quarter earnings conference call, the Company stated that the then First Call consensus earnings per share estimates for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of $.77 and $2.33, respectively, were “at the high end of Company expectations”. Currently, earnings per share for the fourth quarter are expected to be $.68-$.71; and for the fiscal year $2.23-$2.26 per share. These estimates include a one-time income tax charge of approximately $.03 per share, further described below. Actual results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending September 3, 2006 will be reported on October 12, 2006, and are subject to further refinement in the closing process.

During fiscal year 2005, the Company reported earnings per share of $.73 in the fourth quarter and $2.18 for the fiscal year. The fiscal year 2005 results included several one-time items that in the aggregate positively impacted reported earnings by approximately $.07 per share in last year’s fiscal fourth quarter and by approximately $.14 per share for all of fiscal year 2005. As previously disclosed, exclusive of these items, the Company estimated its “normalized” fourth quarter and fiscal year 2005 earnings per share figures were $.66 and $2.04, respectively.

According to Richard Galanti, Chief Financial Officer of Costco, “The principal factor leading to our revised fourth quarter earnings outlook is lower-than-planned gross margins. In addition, approximately $.03 per share of the fourth quarter revision relates to accruing a reserve for income taxes of up to $14.8 million related to a non-recurring foreign tax assessment for a structure that had been utilized by the Company during fiscal years 2000-2005 and that was subsequently discontinued. We remain positive in our outlook for fiscal 2007 and beyond; and we would expect to open at least 35 new locations during the coming fiscal year.”

Costco will hold a conference call at 8:00 AM PDT (11:00 AM EDT) this morning, August 30th, with Jim Sinegal, President and CEO, and Richard Galanti. The phone number to participate on the call is (800) 399-8203 or can be accessed via a webcast on www.costco.com (go to Customer Service, Investor Relations, Financial Releases and click on the “Live Webcast” icon).

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Today THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) announced on August 25, 2006, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, purportedly on behalf of THQ Inc. (the “Registrant”), against the members of the Registrant’s Board of Directors as well as certain current and former officers of the Registrant. The complaint, styled Ramsey v. Haller, et al., alleges, among other things, purported improprieties in the Registrant’s issuance of stock options.  The Registrant is reviewing the allegations in the complaint and will respond appropriately.

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American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ:AEOS) reported a solid quarter year-over-year. American Eagle has a Total Liability/Equity Ratio of 0.342 on this quarterly statement. Which is excellent. Net Income rose about 14 million year-over-year. Take a look at the full financial statement.

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Today Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) released their quarterly financial statements for the end of July. This quarter hasn’t been to hot for Wal-Mart Stores. Their net income was down about 800 million. Despite their revenues being up about 9 billion for the quarter year over year. Anyways, check out their full financial statements for yourself.

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These companies have registered their securities to go public soon or/and to add securities to their company.

DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.

Rhapsody Acquisition Corp.

Shine Media Acquisition Corp.

Light Sciences Oncology Inc

Porter Bancorp, Inc.

ACA Capital Holdings Inc

Globalstar, Inc.

TAILWIND FINANCIAL INC.

SKY PETROLEUM, INC.

CAPELLA EDUCATION CO

Fortissimo Acquisition Corp.

Double-Take Software, Inc.

OPTIUM CORP

DIVX INC

CEL SCI CORP

Oasys Mobile, Inc.

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.

Tube City IMS CORP

BARE ESCENTUALS INC

COMMVAULT SYSTEMS INC

Hiland Holdings GP, LP

ELECTRIC CITY CORP

Stanley, Inc.

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Dana Corporation (other OTC issues: DCNAQ) is a leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, frame, sealing and thermal products. Dana designs and manufactures products for every major vehicle producer in the world and is focused on being an essential partner to its automotive, commercial truck and off-highway vehicle customers.

Read Dana’s monthly report here

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I love going to Barnes and Noble (NYSE: BKS) and reading. This is why I hope these investigations turn out false.

Anyways, a special committee of the Board of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the “Company”), assisted by independent legal counsel, is reviewing the Company’s stock option practices. As also previously announced, the Securities and Exchange Commission is conducting an informal inquiry with respect to the Company’s stock option practices, with which the Company is fully cooperating. On August 25, 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York requesting documents regarding those stock option practices. The Company intends to cooperate fully in responding to that subpoena.

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Pizza Inn, Inc.(Nasdaq:PZZI) – announced today a significant change to its supply chain. That will reduce costs at its wholly-owned distribution division, NORCO Restaurant Services Company. The company will dramatically improve its cost structure by outsourcing distribution services, resulting in savings on rising fuel costs and overhead and maintenance expenses. As, a result from the cost reductions. Franchisees will have lower product costs.

Pizza Inn has signed distribution agreements with two different service providers and expected to take effect on Nov. 1, 2006. SYGMA Network, a subsidiary of SYSCO Corporation (NYSE:SYY). SYGMA will be responsible for distributing Pizza Inn’s supplies to the midwestern and western parts of the country. Now, a privately held company based in Tennessee called Institutional Jobbers Co., will handle distribution to the eastern side of the country.

Tim Taft, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “This is one of the most significant events that has taken place at Pizza Inn in recent years. The cost savings we realize will improve franchisee economics without compromising the Company’s profitability. We also expect this change to be a catalyst for the recruitment of new franchisees to the system as well as future development from our existing base of operators.”

“If you look at the entire supply chain from manufacturing to the delivery of groceries to restaurants, outsourcing the logistics of delivering groceries to the restaurants was the ideal solution,” said Jack Odachowski, Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Pizza Inn. “Innovation and creative thinking have produced an exciting opportunity for Pizza Inn and its franchisees.”

Looks like management at pizza inn are creating value, as they should be. Thumbs Up.

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You could be making a huge valuation error. This is really simple and only requires middle school math. A lot of people use Debt/Equity Ratio for their valuations of companies. Most of these people just go to money sites and get a quick ratio’s. Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with these sites. However, there is something wrong with the Debt/Equity Ratio.

See Debt to Equity Ratio only factors in long-term debt. Which only long-term debt is divided by shareholders equity for that time period. What you should be using is a formula called total liabilities/equity ratio. Total liabilities is all debts that are owed by a company, not just long-term debt.

Long-Term Debts/Shareholders Equity = D/E

Total Liabilities/Shareholders Equity = TL/E

Off the top of my head take Ford Motor Company for an example. For the year end of 2005, using the Debt/Equity formula you will be getting around 11.91 D/E. When you use the Total Liabilities formula you will get about 20.4 for TL/E ratio for the same period.

Another example is Lucent Technologies. For the year end of 2005 the D/E ratio gives you 13.50. While the TL/E is 42.73. What a difference, a little over 3 times as much. Which the 13.50 is already high risk. Which 42.50 makes it outrages.

Now, on the other hand companies in good financial condition like Microsoft. Only have a Total Liabilities/ Equity Ratio of 0.735 on the year end of 2005.

For both of these valuation ratios lower is better, usually.

That is all I have to say for now.

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Here is the reason why I don’t own penny stocks. Atleast the one’s with a negative financial strength. Impreso Inc, Nasdaq: ZCOM announced that it is going to delist itself from the NASDAQ exchange. Basically, they can’t afford to pay fee’s to stay listed. They have decided to continue trading their stock on the pink sheets, if thats your thing. Read the whole report here.

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As one of my first posts I made. Was about Warren Buffett and his company Berkshire Hathaway buying up the stock of “NYSE: USG” Usg Corporation. USG recently went bankrupt and was allowed by the courts to pay back amounts in the billions to creditors and plaintiffs of asbestos lawsuits. They made a “Rights Offering Agreement” to raise money with various sharholders and companies. Other agreements were made with Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary National Indemnity Co. Which one agreement basically, was that Warren Buffett couldn’t takeover the company before seven years. Unless, other wise stated or initiated by USG’s board of directors and/or shareholders. If I remember correctly, but don’t qoute me on this. That Berkshire Hathaway could own up to about 30-40% of the company. By buying shares at market price. Which looks like Berkshire Hathaway has been doing.

Since, I last made a post on this subject. Berkshire Hathaway owned only about 13,469,274 shares. Which was a little after Berkshire purchased 6,969,274 more shares. Now, a few weeks later Berkshire owns as of 08/28/06 reported 16,700,992 shares of USG Corporation. (Look for Yourself  at the Reported Owned Shares). What is that, about 120,000,000 million dollar investment in 3 weeks. Of course, this is only pocket change to Berkshire Hathaway

Think about it, If somehow and someway that Berkshire takes over USG. Then, pays off all of the bills. How much would USG be worth then? Also, in my mind I don’t think Berkshire would have to pay of the bills of USG. Usg Corp, was growing their revenues and recorded 2006 2nd quarter PROFIT growth of 62%, despite the bankruptcy.

I just don’t know. Its a possibility. Just your own homework and ask an advisor about it.

Usg Corporation is a  Building Material Manufacturer with about 14,100 employees.

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CITY OF COMMERCE, CA – August 24, 2006 – 99¢ Only Stores® (NYSE:NDN) (the “Company”) reports that it is continuing procedures necessary for filing its fiscal 2006 Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and will provide an update to investors as to its expected filing date as soon as practicable.

The Company also reports that Jennifer Holden Dunbar, Peter Woo and Howard Gold plan to join the Company’s Board of Directors following the filing of the fiscal 2006 10-K.

99¢ Only Stores®, the nation’s oldest existing one-price retailer, operates 239 retail stores in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada, and also operates a wholesale division called Bargain Wholesale. 99¢ Only Stores® emphasizes name-brand consumables, priced at an excellent value, in attractively merchandised stores, where nothing is ever over 99¢.

We have included statements in this release that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. The words “expect” and “anticipate” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements appear in this release and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or officers with respect to the matters discussed in this release. The shareholders of the Company and other readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this release for the reasons, among others, discussed in the reports and other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the sections “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

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 REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 25, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Ann McLaughlin Korologos, chairman of the RAND Corp. board of trustees, has decided not to seek re-election to Microsoft’s board of directors at the company’s 2006 shareholder meeting.

Korologos’ decision was prompted by increasing demands on her time from other professional and personal commitments. She is completing her seventh year on the Microsoft board, having joined the group in January 2000.

“Ann has been an outstanding member of the Microsoft board,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. “Her contributions and guidance have been invaluable, and we appreciate her seven years of service.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure on the board of this worldwide, highly respected company; however, new responsibilities and opportunities force me reluctantly not to seek re-election,” Korologos said.

Other members of the Microsoft board of directors are Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft; Ballmer; James I. Cash Jr., Ph.D., former James E. Robison professor at the Harvard Business School; Dina Dublon, former chief financial officer of JPMorgan Chase; Raymond V. Gilmartin, former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck & Co. Inc.; David F. Marquardt, general partner at August Capital; Charles H. Noski, former vice chairman of AT&T Corp.; Dr .Helmut Panke, chairman of the board of management at BMW AG; and Jon Shirley, former president and chief operating officer of Microsoft.

INDIANAPOLIS— August 24, 2006—The Finish Line, Inc. (NASDAQ:FINL) (the “Company”) today announced revised sales and earnings guidance for its second quarter ending August 26, 2006 (“Q2”).

The Company stated it expects to report consolidated net sales for Q2 in the range of $335 million to $339 million, compared to $341.6 million reported for the second quarter ended August 27, 2005 (“Q2LY”). The Company expects comparable store sales results for Q2 to be in the range of -6% to -8% (negative 6 percent to negative 8 percent). This compares to previous guidance for Q2 of consolidated net sales of $352 – $362 million and comparable store sales of -3% to -6% (negative three percent to negative six percent).

The Company is revising Q2 earnings guidance due to the decrease in sales and pressure on product margins, as well as negative leverage on occupancy costs and selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company’s new guidance for Q2 diluted earnings per share is a range of $.19 to $.21 compared to previous guidance of $.25 to $.28 per diluted share.

Alan H. Cohen, Chairman and CEO stated, “For the second quarter we have continued to experience significant weakness in women’s performance running which was down double digits on a comparable store basis. The softgoods business also slowed in Q2 with comparable sales down double digits as well. Comparable sales for the quarter decreased 8% in June followed by an 11% decrease in July. August comparable sales are expected to be negative 3-5%. We currently anticipate that we will report inventory that is up 6-8% per square foot for the Finish Line stores at the end of Q2 compared to Q2LY.”

Future Sales and Earnings Guidance Policy

Based on uncertainty in our current business environment, the Company has changed its policy with regard to providing future sales and earnings guidance, and will no longer provide quarterly or yearly sales and earnings per share guidance. Through press releases and regularly scheduled conference calls available to the public, the Company will continue to provide investors with information and insight into strategic initiatives, growth and value drivers, and trend and industry data critical to understanding the Company’s businesses and operating environment.

The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, significant variability in net sales and comparable store net sales from quarter to quarter. Therefore, the results of the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other future period or year.

Certain statements contained in this press release regard matters that are not historical facts and are forward looking statements (as such term is defined in the rules promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended). Because such forward looking statements contain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: changing consumer preferences; the Company’s inability to successfully market its footwear, apparel, accessories and other merchandise; price, product and other competition from other retailers (including internet and direct manufacturer sales); the unavailability of products; the inability to locate and obtain favorable lease terms for the Company’s stores; the loss of key employees, general economic conditions and adverse factors impacting the retail athletic industry; management of growth; and the other risks detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward looking statement that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The Finish Line, Inc. is one of the largest mall-based specialty retailers operating under the Finish Line, Man Alive and Paiva brand names. The Finish Line, Inc. is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FINL. The Company currently operates 672 Finish Line stores in 47 states and online, 76 Man Alive stores in 16 states and 6 Paiva stores in 5 states and online.

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On August 23, 2006, Guitar Center, Inc. approved an increase in the base salary of its Chief Financial Officer, Erick Mason, from $320,000 to $350,000.  The increase is effective from August 1, 2006.

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On August 24, 2006, James F. McAnally, M.D. notified Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation of his resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr. McAnally’s resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company.

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OVERLAND PARK, KAN., August 25, 2006 – Applebee’s  International (Nasdaq: APPB),
today  announced  that it has  teamed  with  Tyler  Florence,  one of  America’s
favorite chefs and star of the Food Network, in a groundbreaking  partnership to
bring the culinary  creativity of a celebrity chef to more than 1,800 Applebee’s
Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants across the country.

Indicative of its  commitment  to bringing  great-tasting  food at  neighborhood
prices to diners  across  the  country,  Applebee’s  invited  Florence  into its
kitchen to create four  exclusive  menu items that will be  available  beginning
September 18. Applebee’s will be the first national casual dining  establishment
of its kind to offer  celebrity  chef  menu  items  and the only  casual  dining
restaurant in which Florence’s  culinary creations may be tasted. To support the
launch, there will also be a national multi-media advertising campaign featuring
Florence.

“For  more  than  25  years,   Applebee’s   has  been   committed  to  providing
great-tasting  food and we are  excited  to engage a  talented  chef like  Tyler
Florence to bring his unique,  American  cooking style into our  kitchen,”  said
Dave Goebel, president and chief operating officer of Applebee’s. “Applebee’s is
not only first in number of units,  sales and market share,  we are now first in
class in the casual  dining  segment by  providing  a new level of quality  menu
options from a renowned chef.”

“Being a chef on television for the last ten years has given me a lot of insight
on the way America really likes to eat, and when  Applebee’s  invited me to be a
part of the team, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Florence.  “Being a chef in
New York City, to ask everyone to come to me sometimes is a bit limiting, but to
actually bring my food to the American people – I’m really excited about it.”

The  addition  of  Florence’s  items to the menu is part of  Applebee’s  ongoing
effort  to  provide  great-tasting  food to  consumers.  Applebee’s  has made an
aggressive  move to  reinvigorate  its menu by infusing the Applebee’s menu with
great-tasting  options.  Including Florence’s exclusive dishes,  Applebee’s will
have introduced more than 20 new or improved menu items by the end of the year.

New items  will be  introduced  beginning  in  September,  providing  Applebee’s
customers’ taste buds the chance to enjoy a mouthwatering  variety of Florence’s
culinary  exploits.  Each dish reflects  Florence’s  passion for seeking out the
most flavorful, satisfying food from across the country and across cultures. His
unique  cooking  style  is  a  fusion  of  flavors  created  from  the  freshest
ingredients  that  inject a youthful  flair into an  already  outstanding  menu.

     
The new items include:
o    Penne Rosa with  Sweet  Italian  Sausage – Classic  penne  pasta  tossed in
     Tyler’s own  traditional  spicy Italian tomato cream sauce,  and mixed with
     ripe tomatoes and green peas. Topped off with hearty, sweet Italian sausage
     and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. Served with a sun dried tomato focaccia
     breadstick to soak up the flavors.
o    Herb-Crusted  Chicken  Topped  with  Italian  Country  Salad – Juicy  whole
     chicken breast coated in a light, crisp Panko crust and Italian seasonings.
     Topped off with a fresh baby arugula salad mixed with grape  tomatoes,  and
     fresh  mozzarella – all tossed in a creamy  Parmesan  dressing and finished
     with shaved Parmesan  cheese to provide a perfect  complement of flavors in
     every bite.
o    New Crispy Brick Chicken with Warm Spinach  Salad – Tender  petite  chicken
     split and pressed flat directly against a red-hot grill. The light marinade
     of rosemary and olive oil gets seared directly into the skin,  making it so
     crisp it crackles  with flavor.  Complemented  with a fresh  spinach  salad
     tossed  with warm bacon  dressing  and then  topped  with diced hard boiled
     eggs, caramelized onions and shaved Parmesan cheese.
o    Bruschetta  Burger – 100% Angus burger that’s  juicy,  robust – and like no
     other.  Crowned with a zesty pesto sauce and fresh  bruschetta mix, and set
     on thick wedges of mozzarella.  Served between grilled focaccia bread for a
     delicious  crunch.  Crispy  garlic  fries  sprinkled  with shaved  Parmesan
     complete this new classic.

The television,  radio, and internet  advertising  campaigns feature Florence in
the  kitchen  and  around  the  neighborhood,  introducing  the new menu and its
inspired tastes. Re-designed menus also include images of Florence and his food,
inviting customers to “Enjoy a Meal with Huge Flavor.”

About Applebee’s
Applebee’s  International,  Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops
franchises and operates  restaurants under the Applebee’s  Neighborhood  Grill &
Bar brand,  the largest casual dining concept in the world.  There are currently
1,876  Applebee’s   restaurants  operating  system-wide  in  49  states  and  16
international countries.  Additional information on Applebee’s International can
be found at the company’s website www.applebees.com.

About Tyler Florence
Chef Tyler Florence has a unique  perspective how Americans like to eat and cook
with a focus on  brilliant  and simple  cooking.  In 1995,  Florence  earned the
Executive  Chef’s  position at Cibo,  where his  contemporary  American  cuisine
received  praise from  numerous New York City  publications.  In 1998,  Florence
opened the much-anticipated Cafeteria in Manhattan as Executive Chef. Florence’s
Food Network  career began in 1996 and he has hosted  numerous  shows in his ten
years  with the  network,  such as “Food  911″,  “How to Boil  Water” as well as
“Tyler’s Ultimate” which premiered with a whole new season of shows in May 2006.
His cookbooks include “Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen”  (Clarkson Potter,  2003),
“Eat This Book” (Clarkson  Potter,  2005),  and “Tyler’s  Ultimate” that will be
released  on  September  26,  2006.  A graduate  with honors from the College of
Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in South Carolina, Chef Florence was
awarded an honorary  doctorate in 2004. He now sits on the board of the Culinary
Council for  Marshall  Field’s.  Tyler  lives in New York City and is  currently
working  on a  restaurant  project  of his  own,  Bar  Florence,  set to open in
Manhattan in 2007.

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DEARBORN, Mich., August 25, 2006 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today that Robert E. Rubin, director, chairman of the Executive Committee and member of the Office of the Chairman of Citigroup Inc., has resigned from the Ford Board of Directors. Mr. Rubin joined the board in 2000.

In a letter to Bill Ford, Mr. Rubin said: “As the Board undertakes its upcoming review of strategic options, Citigroup’s multi-faceted relationship with Ford could raise a question whether my relationship with Ford and Citigroup creates an appearance of conflict. Although no conflict currently exists and while I would have liked to remain involved, I have with great regret concluded that I should resign from the Board at this time.”

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford said:

“I greatly appreciate the many valuable contributions Bob has made to Ford Motor Company during his six-year tenure. He brought strategic thinking to every situation and has been a wise and generous counselor to me and to the company. However, I understand and respect Bob’s prudent decision to resign as we continue to explore future strategic options.”

Also, Read Robert E. Rubin’s Resignation Letter Here

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To the Record Holders of the 12% Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock of GNC Corporation:

     GNC Corporation (the “Company”) sent a conditional Notice of Redemption dated July 7, 2006 (the “Notice”) to the record and beneficial holders of the Company’s 12% Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) announcing the Company’s intention to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Redemption”). The Notice stated that the Redemption was conditioned upon the closing of the proposed initial public offering of shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Proposed IPO”) and that the Redemption would occur on the fifth business day following the closing of the Proposed IPO. The Notice also stated that an additional notice would be sent to the record holders of the Series A Preferred Stock announcing the closing of the Proposed IPO.

     The Company has determined to postpone the Proposed IPO due to current market conditions. Due to the postponement of the IPO, the Redemption cannot occur within the required 60 days of the Notice and, accordingly, the Company hereby withdraws the Notice.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (August 24, 2006) – Yesterday KB Home was notified by the staff of the Los Angeles regional office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the SEC will be conducting an informal inquiry into the company’s stock option grants. KB Home has informed the SEC staff of the status of an internal review being conducted by members of the Audit and Compliance Committee of its Board of Directors in conjunction with outside legal counsel. The company intends to cooperate fully with the SEC inquiry. Also yesterday, KB Home issued a statement to the media that referred to pending litigation. Three shareholder derivative suits have been filed in the past two months against the company and certain of its directors and officers. The suits generally allege breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the company’s stock option grants. The company is evaluating the suits and does not intend to comment on them other than through the filing of responses in accordance with applicable court rules.

Building homes for nearly half a century, KB Home is one of America’s premier homebuilders with domestic operating divisions in some of the top markets in the following regions and states: West Coast—California; Southwest—Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico; Central—Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Texas; and Southeast—Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Kaufman & Broad S.A., the Company’s publicly-traded French subsidiary, is one of the leading homebuilders in France.  In fiscal 2005, the Company delivered homes to 37,140 families in the United States and France. KB Home also offers complete mortgage services through Countrywide KB Home Loans, a joint venture with Countrywide Financial Corporation. Founded in 1957, and ranked the #1 homebuilder in Fortune Magazine’s 2006 list of America’s Most Admired Companies, KB Home is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “KBH.”

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On August 21, 2006, Ahern Rentals, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lender and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent and Lender. Amendment No. 1 contains the following material terms:

·                  Maximum borrowings under the loan agreement are increased to $250 million.

·                  The termination date is extended one year to August 21, 2011.

·                  The margin schedule was amended to lower the overall rate paid on amounts outstanding under the loan for any given leverage ratio.

The above is a brief summary of the Amendment No. 1 and does not purport to be complete

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On August 22, 2006 Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. (The “Company”) announced the retirement of Don Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer of Stater Bros. Markets, the Company’s principal operating entity, as of September 24, 2006. Mr. Baker will continue to assist the Company as a consultant for an undetermined period of time.

Jim Lee, age 55, has been announced as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of Stater Bros. Markets to replace Mr. Baker. Mr. Lee joined the Company in 2002 as Group Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and was promoted in 2005 to Executive Vice President of Retail Operations and Administration. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lee served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Wild Oats Markets from 1996 to 2001. On August 22, 2006, the Company issued a press release entitled “Jim Lee Appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Stater Bros. Markets.

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SINGAPORE  (August  23,  2006) – The  development  of The  Marina  Bay
Sands(TM)  integrated  resort (IR) was given a formal  kick-start  as Las Vegas
Sands  Corp.  (NYSE:LVS)  and the  Singapore  Tourism  Board  (STB)  signed the
official  Development  Agreement  today. The signing ceremony was a significant
milestone in the development of Singapore’s first IR and marked the handover of
the  Marina  Bay IR site to Las  Vegas  Sands  so the  company  could  commence
construction.

         LVS’   construction   and   development   teams  have  already   begun
pre-construction work on the site of the Marina Bay Sands. The company has also
started  pre-marketing  activities  to  ensure a steady  pipeline  of  Meeting,
Incentive,  Convention and Exhibition (MICE) events and pre-leasing initiatives
to fill the retail space component of the IR.

         “Based on our  operating  experience  in this region,  our proven MICE
model,  and our  established  relationships  with  travel  operators  and  MICE
planners  globally,  we are  confident  that we will  deliver on our promise to
Singapore,”  stated  Sheldon G.  Adelson,  chairman  and CEO of Las Vegas Sands
Corp.  “Together with Singapore’s  reputation and track record in the industry,
The Marina Bay Sands(TM) will become a powerful catalyst to propel  Singapore’s
status as a leading MICE hub.”

         “Following the  announcement of LVS’ successful bid, STB is pleased to
embark on this journey with LVS,” said Mr. Lim Neo Chian,  deputy  chairman and
chief  executive of STB.  “The  development  of The Marina Bay  Sands(TM) is an
important project for the STB, as well as for Singapore’s  tourism industry and
economy.  Besides boosting Singapore’s  attractiveness as a destination,  it is
also key to our aim to grow the BTMICE(1) industry and to draw more world class
tourism investments to Singapore so as to achieve our Tourism 2015 vision.”

         “The Marina Bay  Sands(TM) is on-track and on-target to be launched in
2009 as  planned,”  said  William P.  Weidner,  president  and chief  operating
officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.  “We are  excited  about our growing  momentum
with this important  project,  and will continue to update the Singapore public and  business  community  on what they can look  forward to as we  develop  all
components of the IR.”

         “In  particular,  LVS will work  closely with the STB and the relevant
government  agencies to ensure that The Marina Bay  Sands(TM)  remains  aligned
with Singapore’s economic,  social and tourism priorities,” said Weidner. “As a
committed  long-term  partner with Singapore’s  business  community,  we aim to
complement  and  synergize  with  the  existing  landscape  and  contribute  to
increasing the total pie.”

         LVS,  which was awarded the bid for  Singapore’s  first IR in May this
year,  will invest more than US$3 billion to develop The Marina Bay Sands(TM) -
one of the  largest  investments  in the world for a single IR. The  integrated
resort is  expected  to generate an  additional  S$2.7  billion to  Singapore’s
annual Gross Domestic  Product and to create 30,000  additional jobs throughout
the economy by 2015.

                                     # # #

Statements in this press release  which are not  historical  facts are “forward
looking” statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the
Private Securities  Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking  statements
involve a number of risks,  uncertainties or other factors beyond the Company’s
control, which may cause material differences in actual results, performance or
other  expectations.  These  factors  include,  but are not  limited to general
economic  conditions,   competition,   new  ventures,   government  regulation,
legalization of gaming,  interest rates, future terrorist acts, insurance,  and
other factors  detailed in the reports filed by Las Vegas Sands Corp.  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.
Las  Vegas  Sands  Corp.  (NYSE:  LVS)  is  one of  the  leading  international
developers of multi-use integrated resorts.

The Las Vegas,  Nevada-based  company owns The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and
the Sands Expo and  Convention  Center in Las Vegas and The Sands  Macao in the
People’s  Republic of China (PRC) Special  Administrative  Region of Macao. The
company is  currently  constructing  two  additional  integrated  resorts  both
scheduled to open in 2007: The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas and The
Venetian Macao Resort Hotel Casino in Macao.

LVS is also developing the Cotai  Strip(TM),  a  master-planned  development of
resort casino properties in Macao, and was selected by the Singapore government
to build The Marina Bay Sands(TM),  an integrated  resort  scheduled to open in
Singapore  by the end of 2009.  The  company  is also  working  with the Zhuhai
Municipal  People’s  Government of the PRC to master-plan  the development of a
leisure resort and convention complex on Hengqin Island in the PRC.

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PEORIA, Ill. – Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced today settlement of various lawsuits with Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), one of the leading heavy-duty truck producers in the United States and the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. Caterpillar and Navistar are building on their long-standing business relationship by signing a series of licensing and long-term supply agreements that are expected to increase business opportunities for both companies.

“Navistar is a very important customer to Caterpillar, and I’m pleased we’re able to settle our differences and move forward in a positive way,” said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. “This agreement provides a solid foundation for a continued long-term business relationship that benefits us both.”

Navistar Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ustian said, “This agreement sets in place the framework for further expansion of our long relationship with Caterpillar. I am extremely pleased that we have been able to reach agreement on issues that were a distraction to both companies and can concentrate on working together to continue to build a productive and prosperous relationship.”

Long-term supply agreements have been established for Caterpillar on-highway truck engines, fuel injectors and remanufacturing services. As part of the agreement, Caterpillar Remanufacturing will act as International’s lead global remanufacturing service provider. Under this new relationship, the parties will examine and explore opportunities to enhance the overall value of International’s remanufactured products and services.

“This opportunity is a natural extension to the remanufacturing program that we offer today for Cat branded truck engines,” said Steve Fisher, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for remanufacturing. “We look forward to the opportunity to support International’s initiative to increase truck value by offering a world-class remanufactured products program.”

“We are pleased to forge an alliance with Caterpillar Remanufacturing,” said Phyllis Cochran, International vice president and general manager of the company’s parts operations. “We will leverage Caterpillar’s product development capabilities to accelerate introduction of reman products at lower cost and improved quality.”

In clearing the way for the new agreements, Caterpillar and Navistar agreed on August 24, 2006, to settle all current and pending litigation between the two companies. As part of the litigation settlement, Caterpillar will receive an up-front cash payment and a three-year promissory note from Navistar. Based on Caterpillar’s current receivable balances related to the Navistar litigation, the settlement will result in an after-tax charge to Cat of approximately $50 million. Future incremental benefits from this expanded relationship are expected to more than offset the up-front loss. The third-quarter charge was not included in Caterpillar’s 2006 outlook issued with the second-quarter 2006 release. The 2006 financial impact of this agreement will be included in the company’s 2006 outlook to be provided in the third-quarter 2006 release.

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2005 sales and revenues of $36.339 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today announced that it expects to record a provision for losses of $102.1 million (after-tax amount of $61.3 million or 19 cents per share) reflecting an increase to the estimated recourse liability recorded by Option One Mortgage Corporation for loan repurchases and premium recapture reserves. The expected provision includes $46.1 million related to loans sold during the quarter ended July 31 and an increase of $56.0 million related to loans sold in previous quarters. The Company expects to increase the estimated recourse liability primarily as a result of recent increases in loan repurchases from its loan sale transactions. The increased level of loan repurchases, which have been noted industrywide, are primarily due to a higher level of repurchase requests from loan buyers and an increase in early payment delinquencies.

The Company will provide additional details when it announces its first quarter fiscal 2007 results on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006 after market close and will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and shareholders at 5 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. CDT) Aug. 31.   

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax, financial, mortgage, accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world’s largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries generated revenues of $4.9 billion and net income of $490 million in fiscal year

2006. The company operates in four principal business segments: Tax Services (income tax preparation and advice via in-office, online and software solutions); Mortgage Services (wholesale mortgage originations and loan servicing); Consumer Financial Services (investment and financial advisory services, retail mortgage loans, and banking products and services); and Business Services (tax, accounting and consulting services for midsized businesses). Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its services and products under three leading brands – H&R Block, Option One and RSM McGladrey.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — August 22, 2006 — Doral Financial Corporation (NYSE: DRL), a diversified financial services company, today announced it has appointed Calixto (Cali) Garcia-Velez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Doral Bank Puerto Rico. Mr. Garcia-Velez joins Doral from Citigroup, where for the last year he has served as president of Citibank West, FSB, the third largest thrift in the United States, with assets of $109.6 billion and approximately 12,800 employees. He will join Doral in September.

Doral Bank is a leading bank in Puerto Rico, providing a full range of consumer and commercial banking products and services. Mr. Garcia-Velez will be responsible for accelerating the consumer growth strategies at both units, as well as adding new products to Doral’s overall portfolio, including commercial activities such as development and construction lending. He will report to Glen Wakeman, Doral Financial’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Glen Wakeman said, “We are very pleased that Cali Garcia-Velez has joined Doral’s new senior management team. With years of experience in the Hispanic market, he brings to Doral strong expertise in consumer banking and a strong record of professional management success. We welcome to the Doral organization his experience and proven managerial leadership.”

Mr. Garcia-Velez, his wife Carmen and family will relocate to Puerto Rico.

Prior to serving as President of Citibank West, Mr. Garcia-Velez was president of Citibank Florida and business manager of Citibank North America’s South division, which included Florida, the Mid-Atlantic region, Puerto Rico and Texas. He began his professional career in 1990 with First Union Bank as a management associate in Florida. He joined Citibank Florida in March 1993 as a financial center manager. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.

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 Tax Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, dated August 24, 2006, relating to the registrant’s Corporate Portfolio Trigger Securities due 2013 as described in Amendment No. 1 to Pricing Supplement No. 68 dated August 22, 2006 to the Prospectus Supplement dated January 25, 2006 and the Prospectus dated January 25, 2006 related to Registration Statement No. 333-131266.

A letter about Morgan Stanley.

Morgan Stanley
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as tax counsel for Morgan Stanley in connection with the issuance of $1,456,000 Global Medium-Term Notes, Series F Senior Notes, Corporate Portfolio Trigger Securities Due 2013, described in Amendment No. 1 to Pricing Supplement No. 68 dated August 22, 2006 (the “Pricing Supplement”) to the Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus, each dated January 25, 2006 and related to Registration Statement No. 333-131266. We have reviewed the discussion set forth under the caption “United States Federal Income Taxation” in the Pricing Supplement and are of the opinion that the discussion is accurate.

     We are members of the Bar of the State of New York. The foregoing opinion is based upon and limited to the federal laws of the United States of America as contained in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury regulations, administrative decisions and court decisions as of the date of this letter

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On March 24, 2006, Zila, Inc. (the “Company”), certain of its domestic subsidiaries (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”) and Black Diamond Commercial Finance, L.L.C. (“BDCF”), the initial lender and administrative agent, entered into a $40 million credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement was amended on June 6, 2006 and on August 4, 2006. On August 18, 2006, the Borrowers entered into a Third Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Third Amendment”). Among other things, the Third Amendment: (i) reduced the minimum unrestricted balance of cash and Cash Equivalents (as defined in the Credit Agreement) required to be held by Borrowers at the end of each week; (ii) allowed for prepayment of indebtedness if such prepayment is in conjunction with the Stock Purchase Agreement by and between NBTY, Inc. (“NBTY”) and the Company dated as of August 13, 2006 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”); (iii) added as an Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) termination of the Stock Purchase Agreement on or before October 31, 2006; and (iv) waived the requirement to comply with the minimum unrestricted cash covenant for the week ended August 11, 2006.

     On August 13, 2006, the Company entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement to sell its Nutraceuticals Business Unit to NBTY for a purchase price of $37.5 million in cash (subject to a working capital adjustment and the retirement by ZILA of approximately $2.7 million of debt) plus up to an additional $3 million in cash contingent upon the performance of such division during the one-year period after the closing (the “Disposition”). The Disposition constitutes the sale of the Company’s nutritional supplements and cosmetics business, including its Ester-C^® and Ester-E^® product forms. In accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company will sell all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Zila Nutraceuticals, Inc. to NBTY.

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On August 21, 2006, Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (“Pinnacle”) and the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (the “LCRA”) entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Redevelopment Agreement (the “Redevelopment Agreement”) relating to Pinnacle’s downtown St. Louis project. Under the terms of the Third Amendment, the amount that Pinnacle is required to expend on the project has increased from at least $207.7 million to at least $325 million, plus the previously-required additional $50 million residential/retail commitment. Pinnacle has previously announced that it intends to build a $430 million project. The Third Amendment also extended certain deadlines in connection with the downtown St. Louis project. The other material terms of the Redevelopment Agreement are unchanged by the Third Amendment.

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On August 21, 2006, Northwest Airlines Corporation (“NWAC”), Northwest Airlines Holdings Corporation (“NWAHC”), NWA Inc. (“NWA Inc.”), and Northwest Airlines, Inc. (“Northwest,” and together with NWAC, NWAHC, NWA Inc., the “Companies”) entered into a Super Priority Debtor in Possession and Exit Credit and Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 21, 2006 (the “Credit Agreement”) with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent, and each of the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”).  The Credit Agreement provides that the Lenders will make term loans to Northwest in an aggregate original principal amount of $1,050,000,000 and revolving credit loans to Northwest in an aggregate principal amount of up to $175,000,000 at any time outstanding, of which up to $75 million can be used to issue letters of credit.  On August 21, 2006, Northwest borrowed all amounts available under the term loans and the revolving credit loans.  The proceeds of the term loans were used by Northwest to pay all amounts outstanding under Northwest’s Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 15, 2005 among the Companies and the various agents and lending institutions that are party thereto (the “Old Credit Agreement”), other than certain disputed amounts.  The amount of principal and interest repaid under the Old Credit Agreement was $983,700,000. Northwest intends to use the remaining net proceeds from the financing for working capital and other general corporate purposes.  All obligations of Northwest under the Credit Agreement will be guaranteed by each of NWAC, NWAHC and NWA Inc. and will be secured by Northwest’s Pacific route authorities and certain related assets.  All loans under the Credit Agreement mature no later than August 21, 2008, provided that if the Companies emerge from bankruptcy by such date such loans will, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, mature on August 21, 2013.  One percent (1%) of the principal amount of the term loans is payable annually commencing August 21, 2007.  The loans will bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.5%, subject to a 0.5% increase after the Companies’ emergence from bankruptcy in the event the loans are rated below certain thresholds by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or the collateral coverage ratio for the loans falls below 1.75 to 1.0.

The Credit Agreement contains a covenant requiring the Companies to maintain unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments in an amount not less than $750 million at any time.  The Credit Agreement also contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant such that Northwest is required to maintain a ratio of earnings (defined as operating income adjusted to exclude the effects of depreciation, amortization, aircraft rents, non-recurring non-cash charges and certain bankruptcy costs and to include the effects of interest income and governmental reimbursements for losses resulting from developments affecting the aviation industry) to fixed charges (comprising interest expense and aircraft rents) with respect to any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending with any fiscal quarter set forth below, of at least the ratio set forth below opposite such fiscal quarter:

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the obligations of the Companies may be accelerated upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  Such events include the following: (i) the failure to make principal, interest or fee payments when due (beyond applicable grace periods); (ii) the failure to observe and perform covenants (including financial covenants and negative covenants regarding liens, indebtedness and dispositions of assets) contained in the Credit Agreement; (iii) any representation or warranty made by the Borrower or any Guarantor in the Credit Agreement or related documents proves to be false or misleading in any material respect when made; and (iv) other customary events of default.

The Companies and their affiliates have other commercial relationships with certain of the Lenders.  From time to time, certain Lenders have provided investment banking and advisory services for, and furnished financing services to, the Companies and their affiliates.

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In accordance with the Medtronic, Inc. Principles of Corporate Governance requiring a director to retire at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders next following his or her 70^th birthday, Mr. Antonio M. Gotto, Jr. retired from the Board of Directors of Medtronic, Inc. at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on August 24, 2006 after 14 years of distinguished service.

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On August 18, 2006, David C. Wajsgras, a member of our Board of Directors and Chair of our Audit and Finance Committee, notified us that he has decided not to stand for re-election to the Board when his term expires at our 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 20, 2006. Mr. Wajsgras will finish out his term.

Mr. Wajsgras has informed us that his decision is not in any way because of a disagreement with the company on any matter relating to our operations, policies or practices.

The Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors has appointed Gary T. DiCamillo, an independent member of our Board, to replace Mr. Wajsgras on the Audit and Finance Committee, effective at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders provided Mr. DiCamillo is re-elected to the Board at such annual meeting. Our Nominating and Governance Committee has also appointed James R. Long, an existing member of our Audit and Finance Committee and an independent member of our Board, as Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, effective at the 2006 annual meeting. In addition, our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. DiCamillo meets all of the requirements of Nasdaq and the SEC to be a member of our Audit and Finance Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined by the SEC, and is financially sophisticated under Nasdaq standards.

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TRANSITION PERIOD AGREEMENT

THIS TRANSITION PERIOD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of this 23rd day of August, 2006, by and between McDonald’s Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Michael J. Roberts (the “Executive”), pursuant to the Company’s Executive Retention Plan (the “Plan”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Executive is a Tier III Executive under the Plan; and

WHEREAS, if the Executive complies with his/her obligations under the Plan, he/she will hereafter be entitled to substantial compensation and benefits under the Plan to which he/she would not otherwise be entitled; and

WHEREAS, the Executive is required under the Plan to execute this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Agreement: defined in the first paragraph above.

Company: defined in the first paragraph above.

Company Property: all records, documents, materials, papers, computer records or print-outs belonging to McDonald’s, including without limitation those containing Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.

Competing Business: any Person (and any branches, offices or operations thereof) that is a material and direct competitor of McDonald’s in any country in the world or in any state of the United States by virtue of selling, manufacturing, processing or promoting any product that is substantially similar to, competes with, or is intended to compete with, replace, or duplicate in the market any product that was sold or under development by McDonald’s during the five years (or shorter period of the Executive’s employment with the Company) preceding the date of execution of this Agreement or with respect to which the Executive has had specific knowledge and involvement.

Confidential Information and Trade Secrets: all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and their respective businesses (including, without limitation, any proprietary and not publicly available information concerning any processes, methods, trade secrets, research or secret data, costs, names of users or purchasers of their respective products or services, business

methods, operating procedures or programs or methods of promotion and sale) that the Executive has obtained or obtains during the Executive’s employment by McDonald’s that is not public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive’s violation of this Agreement), including without limitation, all valuable and unique tangible and intangible information and techniques acquired, developed or used by McDonald’s relating to its business, operations, employees and customers, which gives McDonald’s a competitive advantage in the businesses in which McDonald’s is engaged, including without limitation processes, methods, techniques, systems, computer data, formulae, patents, models, devices, compilations, customer lists, supplier lists or any information of whatever nature that gives McDonald’s an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use such data or information.

Executive: defined in the first paragraph above.

HR Official: the Company’s Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources (or any successor position).

McDonald’s: the Company and its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and related companies.

McDonald’s-Related Person: any director, officer, employee or franchisee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and related companies.

Other Separation Benefits: defined in Section 9(c) below.

Person: a person, firm, corporation, partnership, venture or other entity of any kind.

Plan: defined in the first paragraph above.

Recovery Period: defined in Section 10(c)(iii) below.

Release Date: the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date.

Released Persons: defined in Section 9(a) below.

Section 409A: Section 409A of the Code.

Section 409A Amendments: any amendments to the Plan (including without limitation to the forms of Agreement that are exhibits thereto) intended to cause (i) any compensation or benefit thereunder not to be subject to Section 409A and/or (ii) the Plan or any compensation or benefit thereunder to comply with Section 409A.

Section 409A Guidance: any official interpretation of or guidance respecting Section 409A, whether in the form of Section 409A, proposed, temporary or final Treasury Regulations, notices, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, private letter rulings, preambles or other formal or informal guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the Treasury Department or representatives thereof, or administrative or court decisions or other material that the Company, in its discretion deems relevant.

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Specified Competitors: the entities listed on Exhibit B hereto and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, as required by Section 1.02(b) of the Plan.

Stock Option Gains: defined in Section 10(c)(iv) below.

Violation: defined in Section 8(a) below.

2. Relationship of Agreement to Plan. The Executive hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan, and to fulfill all of his/her obligations under the Plan, including without limitation to render services as set forth in the Plan, to execute additional Agreement(s) as and when required by the Plan and to adhere to the Company’s rules and policies (including without limitation the Standards of Business Conduct). Any services rendered by the Executive to, for or on behalf of the Company shall be as directed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The provisions of the Plan, including without limitation the provision regarding administration in Article 2 of the Plan, are applicable to this Agreement and to the obligations of the Company and the Executive hereunder, and are hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement. However, any amendments made to the Plan, Continued Employment Period Agreement or Termination Agreement after the date of this Agreement will not apply to the Executive other than (a) any amendments to the confidentiality provisions and non-disparagement provisions to conform to the provisions of this Agreement, (b) Section 409A Amendments and (c) any amendments that would require the Executive to adhere to the Company’s rules and policies (including without limitation the Standards of Business Conduct) and to Section 6(c)(ii) of this Agreement.

3. Circumstances Requiring Agreement. The Executive has given notice pursuant to Section 4.01 of the Plan of his/her election to become a Transition Officer, and the CEO has consented to such election. Accordingly, the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date shall be November 1, 2006 and the Executive’s Transition Period shall be the period from November 1, 2006 to May 1, 2008. This Agreement constitutes the Executive’s Transition Period Agreement.

4. Compensation and Benefits.

(a) During the Executive’s Transition Period, the Executive shall receive the compensation and benefits provided for in Article 4 of the Plan, subject to (i) the Executive’s compliance with the requirements of the Plan and this Agreement and (ii) Section 4(b) of this Agreement. In addition, if the Executive remains employed through the end of the Transition Period and otherwise complies with the requirements of the Plan and this Agreement, including without limitation executing and not revoking a Continued Employment Period Agreement, the Executive shall receive the compensation and benefits provided for in Article 5 of the Plan during his/her Continued Employment Period. Finally, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment, he/she shall receive the compensation and benefits (if any) provided for in such circumstances under Article 7 of the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan (including Section 4.02(b) of the Plan) or this Agreement to the contrary, with respect to calendar year

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2006, the Executive shall be entitled to a full-year bonus payable in accordance with Section 4(b) hereof based on the attainment of actual performance goals and the other terms and conditions of the applicable bonus plan, without regard to the fact that the Executive’s Change in Status Date will have occurred prior to the date that such bonus would otherwise have been paid.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, the following provisions of this Section 4(b) shall apply in order to comply with Section 409A. Any cash amounts that would otherwise be payable under the Plan or this Agreement to the Executive during the first six months of the Executive’s Transition Period shall instead be paid in a lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months following the Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. The terms of the compensation and benefits to be received by the Executive under any Employee Plans and Compensation Plans, as contemplated by the Plan, may be modified as contemplated by Section 18 below. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) the continued participation in the Employee Plans and Compensation Plans to be provided to the Executive under the Plan and this Agreement shall be at the expense of the Executive until the first business day that is six months after the Executive’s “separation from service,” at which time the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such expense in a lump sum cash payment, and (ii) if the Company determines in good faith consistent with Section 18 of this Agreement that the Section 409A Guidance so requires, the Company shall notify the Executive of its determination and the exercise period of any stock options or stock appreciation rights shall be shortened.

5. Company Property and Confidentiality.

(a) Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that (i) it is the policy of McDonald’s to maintain as secret and confidential all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets; (ii) all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets are the sole and exclusive property of McDonald’s; and (iii) disclosure of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets would cause significant damage to McDonald’s.

(b) Company Property. The Executive agrees to turn all Company Property over to the CEO or the CEO’s designee, at or as promptly as practicable following the execution of this Agreement, except for Company Property that is necessary to perform his or her assigned functions during the Transition Period or the Continued Employment Period. The Executive also agrees to turn any Company Property that the Executive retains after the date of this Agreement pursuant to the preceding sentence over to the CEO or the CEO’s designee as soon as it is no longer necessary for the Executive to retain such Company Property in order to perform such assigned functions, and in any event not later than the last day of the Executive’s employment with the Company.

(c) Confidentiality. The Executive shall not, without obtaining the Company’s consent pursuant to Section 7 below, use, disclose, furnish or make accessible to any Person any Confidential Information and Trade Secrets obtained during the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (including, without limitation, during or after the Retention Period, the Transition Period or the Continued Employment Period) for so long as such information remains confidential or secret, except as required by the duties of the Executive’s employment with the Company.

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6. Other Covenants.

(a) Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that McDonald’s is engaged in a highly competitive, global business that requires the preservation of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. The Executive further acknowledges that McDonald’s has near-permanent relationships with vendors, affiliates, customers, suppliers, manufacturers, alliance partners, employees and service organizations, which McDonald’s has a legitimate interest in protecting. Finally, the Executive acknowledges that the covenants set forth in this Section 6 are reasonable under the circumstances, that he or she has the skill and ability to find alternative commensurate work not in violation of such covenants and the Executive has the wherewithal to support himself/herself and his/her family without violating such covenants, including without limitation the covenant not to compete provided for in Section 6(b) below.

(b) Noncompetition. The Executive agrees to not work for or provide services to a Competing Business or to the Specified Competitors during the portion of his/her Employment Periods that follows the date of execution of the Agreement and for two years following any termination of the Executive’s employment.

(c) Other Covenants. In addition, the Executive:

(i) shall not, at any time during the Executive’s employment with the Company

(x) Promote, sell or create any product sold by a Competing Business or a Specified Competitor;

(y) Provide marketing services, consultation or services to enhance the sales of a Competing Business or a Specified Competitor; or

(z) Use the McDonald’s name or any other brand name of McDonald’s, or the fact of the Executive’s affiliation or former affiliation with McDonald’s, in any manner that aids or benefits, or is intended to aid or benefit, a Competing Business or a Specified Competitor.

(ii) shall render services to, for or on behalf of the Company as directed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

(d) Exceptions. It shall not be considered a violation of this Section 6 for the Executive to engage in any of the following:

(i) The performance of services for and on behalf of an investment banking or commercial banking, auditing or consulting firm during the Continued Employment Period or at any time after the termination of the Executive’s employment, so long as the Executive is not personally engaged in rendering services to or soliciting business of a Competing Business or any of the Specified Competitors and does not disclose or otherwise use any Confidential Information in connection with performing such services; and

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(ii) Being the record or beneficial owner of up to one (1) percent of the outstanding voting securities of any publicly traded entity, provided that such investment does not create a conflict of interest between the Executive’s duties hereunder and the Executive’s interest in such investment or otherwise violate the Company’s rules and policies (including without limitation the Standards of Business Conduct).

(e) No Solicitation or Hiring of Employees. The Executive shall not, during the portion of his/her Employment Periods that follows the date of execution of the Agreement and for two years following any termination of the Executive’s employment, solicit or attempt to solicit any employee (other than the Executive’s administrative assistant), consultant, franchisee, supplier or independent contractor of McDonald’s to terminate, alter, or lessen that party’s affiliation with McDonald’s or to interfere with or violate the terms of any agreement or understanding between such entity, employee or person and McDonald’s.

(f) No Disparagement. The Executive shall not, during the portion of his/her Employment Periods that follows the date of execution of the Agreement and for three years following any termination of the Executive’s employment, directly or indirectly, (i) make any public disclosures or publish any articles or books about McDonald’s, its business or any McDonald’s-Related Person, or grant an interview to any representative of the public media, without the prior written consent of the CEO, or (ii) intentionally publish any statement or make any disclosure about McDonald’s, its business or any McDonald’s-Related Person that is disparaging, derogatory or otherwise casts a bad light on McDonald’s, its business or any McDonald’s-Related Person.

7. Consent Procedure.

(a) Seeking Consent. The Executive may seek the Company’s consent to engage in any of the activities prohibited by Section 6 above, by providing written notice thereof to the Company addressed to the HR Official, including a full and complete disclosure in writing to the Company of all the relevant facts, including without limitation the services to be rendered or activities to be engaged in, places of employment, performance of services or activities, compensation to be paid, expertise to be provided, amount to be invested, stock or debt to be received, and business plan or plans to be executed by such entity or person. The Company thereafter shall have fourteen (14) calendar days to consider the Executive’s contemplated activities as disclosed and shall in writing, either consent or object to such activities. It is agreed that consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(b) Binding Decisions. All decisions of the Company under this Section 7 shall be final and binding upon the Executive, and the Executive shall not engage in any such activities if the Company shall object.

8. Legal Compulsion.

(a) Notice. If the Executive reasonably and in good faith believes that he or

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she is or may be compelled by law or by a court or governmental agency by a proper proceeding to disclose Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, or to make a statement or take other action that would, absent this Section 8, violate Section 6(f) above (each such disclosure, statement or action, a “Violation”), then the Executive shall give the Company written notice thereof as far in advance of such Violation as is lawful and practicable, shall cooperate (at the Company’s sole expense) with the Company in its efforts to prevent such Violation from being compelled, and shall limit his or her Violation to the minimum compelled by law or court order, except to the extent the Company agrees otherwise in writing.

(b) No Violation. If the Executive complies with the foregoing procedure to the greatest extent possible without violating applicable law, then the Executive shall not be deemed to have breached Section 5(c) or 6(f) above, as applicable, as a result of the Violation.

9. Release Provisions. For the entire period of the Executive’s employment by the Company, including his Retention Period, up to the Release Date:

(a) Release. The Executive understands, intends and agrees that this Section 9 constitutes full, complete and final satisfaction of all claims, demands, lawsuits or actions of any kind, whether known or unknown, against McDonald’s and/or their respective directors, officers or employees (with McDonald’s, collectively, the “Released Persons”), arising at any time up to and including the Release Date, and the Executive hereby forever releases each Released Person from all such matters. This includes, but is not limited to, a release of claims, demands, lawsuits and actions of any kind relating to any employment or application for employment or franchise, claims relating to resignation and/or cessation of employment, claims alleging breach of contract of any tort, claims for wrongful termination, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, violation of public policy and/or negligence related to employment or resignation, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Illinois Human Rights Act, or any other state, Federal or local law prohibiting discrimination, and claims based on any other law, regulation, or common law, whether before any Federal, state or local agency, in any court of law or before any other forum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s release shall not extend to any claims (i) for benefits under Employee Plans that are qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) for compensation or benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the Plan as provided in Section 4 above, (iii) for compensation or benefits under any Employee Plan or Compensation Plan to which the Executive is entitled by the terms thereof, except as provided otherwise in Section 9(c) below and except to the extent such entitlements are specifically amended or eliminated by the Plan, or (iv) for indemnification under the Company’s policy on indemnification of officers and directors and coverage under any related insurance policies.

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(b) Advice, Time to Consider and Revocation. The Executive is hereby advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement. The Executive is further advised that he/she has a period of 21 days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and whether or not to execute it, which the Executive acknowledges that, after consultation with his attorney, he has waived. In addition, for a period of 7 days following the Executive’s execution of this Agreement, he/she has the right to revoke this Agreement, and no portion of this Agreement shall become effective or enforceable until such revocation period has expired.

(c) Other Benefits. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the payments and benefits provided to the Executive under the Plan are in lieu of any payments, benefits or arrangements to which the Executive might otherwise be entitled to under any Employee Plan or other plan or arrangement which provides for severance or separation (“Other Separation Benefits”), and the Executive hereby waives any and all rights and claims that he or she may now or hereafter have to any Other Separation Benefits; provided, that the foregoing waiver shall not apply to any right the Executive may have to any gross-up payments related to the excise tax on excess parachute payments imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code under any change of control employment agreement with the Company. The foregoing shall not be construed as affecting in any manner the Executive’s benefits and entitlements (if any) under any Employee Plan that provides pension or retiree medical or life insurance benefits.

(d) Acknowledgments. The Executive acknowledges having read and understood the provisions of this Section 9 as well as the other provisions of this Agreement, and represents that his/her execution of this Agreement constitutes his/her knowing and voluntary act, made without coercion or intimidation. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the release set forth in this Section 9 is being given only in exchange for consideration in addition to anything of value to which the Executive already is entitled. The Executive finally agrees not to file any lawsuits against the Company or any of the released entities or persons with respect to claims covered by the release given in this Section 9.

10. Remedies.

(a) Acknowledgments. In recognition of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, and in recognition of the necessity of the limited restrictions imposed by the Agreement, the Executive acknowledges it would be impossible to measure solely in money the damages which McDonald’s would suffer if the Executive were to breach any of his/her obligations under Sections 5 and 6 above. The Executive also acknowledges that his/her breach of any such obligations would irreparably injure the Company.

(b) Entitlement to Injunctive Relief. If the Executive breaches any of his/her obligations under Sections 5 and 6 above, McDonald’s shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies to which McDonald’s may be entitled under the Agreement or otherwise, to an injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain any breach

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or threatened breach, of such provisions, and the Executive waives any right to assert any claim or defense that McDonald’s has an adequate remedy at law for any such breach and any right to require, or request a court to require, that McDonald’s post a bond in connection therewith.

(c) Effect on Other Benefits. In the event of a breach by the Executive of any of his/her obligations under this Agreement, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action, the Company shall be entitled to:

(i) discontinue any and all payments and other benefits to which the Executive or his/her beneficiaries would otherwise be entitled pursuant to this Agreement and/or the Plan;

(ii) terminate any and all unexercised stock options then held by the Executive or by any transferee of the Executive;

(iii) in the case of any such breach occurring after the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date, require the Executive to repay to the Company the aggregate amount of cash payments received by the Executive from the Company pursuant to this Agreement and/or the Plan during the period commencing on the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date and ending on the date on which the Company requests such repayment (the “Recovery Period”); and

(iv) in the case of any such breach occurring after the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date, require the Executive to pay to the Company any Stock Option Gains (as defined in the next two sentences). “Stock Option Gains” with respect to the Executive’s stock options that were not vested as of his or her Change-in-Status Date means the aggregate amount of any gain recognized upon exercise of such stock options during the Recovery Period. “Stock Option Gains” with respect to the Executive’s stock options that were vested as of his or her Change-in-Status Date means the excess, if any, of (A) the aggregate amount of any gain recognized upon exercise of such stock options during the Recovery Period , over (B) the amount of gain that would have been recognized, had such exercises instead occurred on the Executive’s Change-in-Status Date.

11. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and the Executive and their respective heirs, representatives and successors.

12. Jurisdiction and Venue. Any action arising under this Agreement or between the Company and the Executive shall be instituted and brought exclusively under the jurisdiction and venue of the appropriate state or federal courts for the City of Oak Brook, Illinois, County of DuPage. The Executive hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts regardless of where the Executive may be domiciled at the time such suit is brought. It is further agreed that in the event the Company shall be required to institute any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, then the Company shall be entitled to recover its attorney fees and attendant expenses as part of any recovery.

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13. Captions. The captions of the Sections of and Exhibits to this Agreement are not a part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.

14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Plan, contain the entire agreement between the parties, and supersede any and all previous agreements, written or oral, between the Executive and the Company relating to the subject matter hereof. No amendment or modification of the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto unless reduced to writing and signed by each of the parties hereto.

15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

16. Severability. If any one or more Sections or other portions of this Agreement are declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not serve to invalidate any Section or other portion not so declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section or other portion so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall be construed so as to effectuate the terms of such Section or other portion to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

17. Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to any otherwise applicable conflicts of law or choice of law principles.

18. Section 409A Savings Clause. If the Company makes a good faith determination that any compensation or benefits provided under this Agreement, the Plan or any Employee Plan or Compensation Plan is likely to be subject to the additional tax imposed by Section 409A, the Company shall, in consultation with the Executive, use its commercially reasonable efforts to modify the Agreement to reduce the risk that such additional tax will apply, in a manner designed to preserve the material economic benefits intended to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement (other than any diminution that may be attributable to the time value of money resulting from a delay in the timing of payments hereunder for a period of approximately six months or such longer period as may be required). The Company and the Executive acknowledge that there is considerable uncertainty regarding the interpretation of Section 409A and, that Section 409A Guidance available at the time this Agreement is executed is incomplete and not definitive. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the Company may rely on such Section 409A Guidance as it, in good faith determines to be appropriate in implementing the foregoing in any Section 409A Amendments, and that the Executive shall be solely responsible for the payment of any tax liability arising under Section 409A that may result from any compensation or benefits received by Executive pursuant to the Plan or this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 18 shall otherwise affect the allocation of tax liabilities between the Company and its affiliates and the Executive that otherwise arise under applicable law.

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75 Territory Sales

$34.1 Million of Common Stock Repurchased

Second-Quarter Dividend of $0.12 per Share Declared

PARSIPPANY, NJ – August 24, 2006 – Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Revenues in the current quarter were $5.9 million as compared to $6.1 million in the prior year period. The company sold 75 territories during the quarter as compared to 52 territories in the prior year period. Net loss in the current quarter was $12.7 million ($0.36 per share), as compared to a net loss of $13.2 million ($0.35 per share) in the prior year period. The Company typically generates a net loss in the first and second fiscal quarters due to the seasonal nature of the tax preparation business.

“The momentum created during the 2006 tax season continues as we prepare to further expand our presence to reach even more customers in 2007”, said Michael Lister, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are also excited about the addition of Michael Yerington as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Michael brings over 25 years of experience leading a large retail network and meeting the needs of a large and growing customer base, which is a similar opportunity facing Jackson Hewitt.”

During the first quarter, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $34.1 million under its current $75 million program. The combined share repurchase programs in the current and prior year contributed 2 cents to the net loss per share in the current quarter due to the decrease in the weighted average shares outstanding as compared to the prior year period.

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock payable on October 13, 2006 to stockholders of record as of September 28, 2006.

3 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 Phone: 973.630.0821 Fax: 973.630.0812

www.jacksonhewitt.com

Franchise Operations

Revenues in the current quarter were $5.5 million as compared to $5.8 million in the prior year period primarily due to the elimination of other financial product revenues under the Company’s financial product agreements that became effective for the 2006 tax season. The decline was mostly offset by increases in all other categories of total revenues.

Financial product fees and other financial product revenues together declined by $0.9 million to $2.2 million for the quarter. Financial product fees are primarily earned during the third and fourth fiscal quarters for providing access to the Company’s offices and supporting the technology needs of the programs. Financial product fees earned in the first and second quarters are limited primarily to the Gold Guarantee^® product. The prior year first quarter also included $0.8 million ($0.01 per share) of other financial product revenues related to refund anticipation loans facilitated prior to 2005.

Other revenues of $2.3 million included the sale of 75 territories to franchisees. Other revenues in the prior year period of $2.0 million included the sale of 52 territories.

Cost of operations increased by $0.4 million primarily due to cumulative growth over the prior three years in the Gold Guarantee program. Marketing and advertising expenses increased by $0.2 million in anticipation of growth in the business during the upcoming tax season. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, largely reflecting higher commission expenses incurred due to the increased number of territory sales during the quarter. Loss before income taxes was $8.3 million, as compared to $6.9 million in the prior year period.

Company Owned-Office Operations

Loss before income taxes increased by $0.6 million to $6.0 million in the current quarter primarily due to off-season occupancy costs and other operating costs associated with the increased number of locations opened in 2006.

Corporate and Other

Stock-based compensation increased by $0.4 million as the Company granted additional stock options to employees during the current quarter. Interest income declined by $0.4 million as a result of lower average cash balances following the repayment of the Company’s term debt in the prior year period. Interest expense decreased by $0.8 million as a result of lower average debt outstanding. In the prior year period, the Company also incurred a $2.7 million non-cash charge ($0.04 per share) associated with the Company’s debt refinancing.

Conference Call

Michael Lister, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Heimbouch, Chief Financial Officer, will host a live webcast over the internet later this morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the quarter’s results. Please visit the Investor Relations tab of the Company’s website, www.jacksonhewitt.com, at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call in order to access the webcast.

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About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX), with over 6,000 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2006 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at www.jacksonhewitt.com. To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service^® office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.

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The Jean Coutu Group Will Receive $1.45 Billion in Cash and a 32.0% Common Equity Interest In Rite Aid, Making It the Leading Rite Aid Shareholder; Rite Aid Also Intends To Assume $850 Million of Jean Coutu Group Long-Term Debt

•                                          Transaction Accelerates Rite Aid’s Growth Strategy, Giving Company Scale Comparable To Its Major Competitors; Expected to be Accretive to Rite Aid Earnings Twelve Months After Closing

•                                          Transforms The Jean Coutu Group’s U.S. Regional Drugstore Investment Into Significant Interest in Major National U.S. Chain

•                                          Rite Aid President and CEO Mary Sammons Will Continue to Lead Company and Also Become Rite Aid Chairman; Michel Coutu, President of The Jean Coutu Group’s U.S. Operations, Will Become Rite Aid Co-Chairman

•                                          All Acquired Stores Will Be Re-branded Rite Aid

Camp Hill, PA and Longueuil, Quebec (August 24, 2006) – Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE, PCX: RAD) and The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. (TSX: PJC.A) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement on a transaction in which its US subsidiary, The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) USA Inc., will be merged into Rite Aid, strengthening Rite Aid’s position as the third largest national drugstore chain in the United States and creating the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast.  The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) USA includes 1,858 drugstores (337 Brooks stores and 1,521 Eckerd stores) and six distribution centers, all located primarily on the East Coast and in the Mid-Atlantic states.  All of the stores will be re-branded Rite Aid and Rite Aid headquarters will remain in Camp Hill, PA.

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Under the transaction, The Jean Coutu Group will receive $1.45 billion in cash, subject to customary working capital adjustments, and 250 million shares of Rite Aid common stock giving it a 32.0% common equity interest and 30.2% of the voting power in the expanded Rite Aid.  Rite Aid also intends to assume $850 million of The Jean Coutu Group’s long-term debt.  Based on Rite Aid’s prior one-month average closing share price, the transaction would be valued at approximately $3.4 billion.  The Jean Coutu Group will continue to independently act as franchisor and distributor for its Canadian network currently consisting of 327 franchised drugstores located in three provinces.

Upon completion of the transaction, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, there will be approximately 5,000 Rite Aid stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia, with coverage on both the East and West coasts.  The stores Rite Aid will acquire are located in 18 states, with Rite Aid currently operating in 14 of the states and adding Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Carolina and North Carolina to its national footprint. The combined fiscal 2006 revenues of Rite Aid and The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) USA were approximately $26.8 billion.

Mary Sammons will continue to lead Rite Aid as President and CEO while also becoming Chairman of the Rite Aid Board of Directors.  Michel Coutu, currently President of The Jean Coutu Group’s U.S. operations, will become Co-Chairman of Rite Aid’s Board and a member of the Board’s Executive Committee.  The Jean Coutu Group will name three other independent members to a 14-person Rite Aid Board, including Francois J. Coutu, Vice Chairman of The Jean Coutu Group, Andre Belzile, Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Affairs of The Jean Coutu Group, and Dennis Wood, one of the independent members of The Jean Coutu Group’s Board of Directors.  Robert G. Miller, the current Rite Aid Chairman, will continue to serve as a Director.  Also, Pierre Legault, The Jean Coutu Group’s Executive Vice President who was recently appointed to run its U.S. operations, will become Rite Aid Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, while Rite Aid’s current senior management team remains in place. As CAO, Mr. Legault will be responsible for finance, information technology and real estate and will be a member of the integration leadership team along with Ms. Sammons, Jim Mastrian, Rite Aid Chief Operating Officer, and Chris Hall, Rite Aid Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development.

Rite Aid expects the transaction will enable it to achieve significant cost efficiencies in the areas of merchandising, purchasing, advertising and distribution as well as administrative expense.  Net synergies are estimated to be $150 million after the first twelve months following the close, with some net synergies experienced during the first twelve months.  The company said it expects the transaction to be accretive 12 months after the close by $.09 to $.15 per diluted share. The company said it expects the transaction to be dilutive by $.03 to $.07 per diluted share for the first twelve months because of integration and non-recurring expenses associated with the transaction.  The estimate of dilution for the first twelve months does not include a gain or loss on any regulatory-required store dispositions.

Unique Opportunity to Accelerate Rite Aid Growth Strategy

Ms. Sammons said: “We’re very excited about this unique opportunity that dramatically accelerates our growth strategy, particularly in areas where we’ve been focusing our new store development.  The Brooks and Eckerd stores are in good locations with dedicated associates committed to serving their customers and their communities. Adding these stores to our company gives Rite Aid scale comparable to our major drugstore competitors, and we believe this enables us to compete more effectively in a highly competitive business.  We also look forward to bringing the Rite Aid shopping experience to four new states while at the same time, we continue our organic growth program with our very successful “Customer World” store design.

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Sammons continued: “Successfully integrating these stores requires a strong infrastructure like the one we have built at Rite Aid, with information systems and a supply chain already capable of supporting a significant increase in the number of stores. We believe the stores will also benefit from our proven front-end merchandising programs, innovative advertising and promotion programs, successful pharmacy marketing initiatives, solid supplier relationships, state-of-the-art technology and strong field structure.  With 70 percent of the acquired stores located in states where we already operate, we expect to leverage our systems, programs, best practices and executive management talent to improve profitability by achieving substantial cost savings and growing sales.  We’ll also capitalize on our leadership team’s expertise in retail mergers and turnarounds and plan to make a significant financial investment to improve the acquired stores. We look forward to working with Brooks and Eckerd associates to effect a smooth transition and create a distinctive health and wellness focused shopping experience second to none.”

Optimizes The Jean Coutu Group’s U.S. Investment

Jean Coutu, Chairman, President and CEO of The Jean Coutu Group, said, “We see this transaction as a unique strategic opportunity to optimize our U.S. presence by transforming our investment in a regional drugstore chain into the leading ownership position in a major national chain with the scale to better compete in the growing U.S. drugstore industry.  The Jean Coutu Group and its four designated Directors, who will be members of Rite Aid’s various Board committees, are proud to be associated with Rite Aid’s management.  We are confident that the team has the skills and experience to leverage its capabilities across a larger network.  At the same time, this transformational event allows us to deleverage our balance sheet, maintain focus on our leading Canadian franchise and should generate significant value for our shareholders.”

Rite Aid recently increased its sales guidance for fiscal 2007, citing positive pharmacy same store sales trends and continuing solid front end same-store sales gains. The company also remains on target with its organic new store development program with plans to open 800 to 1,000 new stores over the next five years.

Rite Aid expects to finance the transaction with a combination of existing excess cash on hand and through a combination of bank borrowings, the issuance of debt securities, the expected assumption of previously issued Jean Coutu Group 8.5% Senior Subordinated Notes in the amount of $850 million, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, and the issuance of 250 million shares of common stock.  In the event the $850 million Senior Subordinated Notes are not assumed by Rite Aid, the cash paid would increase to $2.3 billion and Rite Aid would issue additional debt securities to fund the increased cash consideration.  A financing commitment has been obtained from Citigroup North America, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Pro forma financial impact of the transaction on The Jean Coutu Group

The investment by The Jean Coutu Group in Rite Aid will be accounted for using the equity method in future periods. US operations will not be presented as discontinued operations considering the continuing involvement by the company in the business. The estimated proceeds on disposal of $3.4 billion are subject to fluctuation due to changes in the US dollar per Canadian dollar exchange rate and the Rite Aid share price until the transaction closes. Based on Rite Aid’s prior one-month average closing share price of $4.41 and an average exchange rate of 0.8885 US dollars per Canadian dollar, The Jean Coutu Group would have recorded an after-tax loss of approximately $140 million from the transaction.

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Closing of the transaction is subject to review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, Rite Aid stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions.  The closing date is dependent on these activities but could be as early as Rite Aid’s fiscal 2007 fourth quarter, which begins December 3, 2006 and ends March 3, 2007, and The Jean Coutu Group’s fiscal 2007 third quarter, which begins on November 26, 2006 and ends February 24, 2007.

The Brooks stores Rite Aid will acquire are located in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.  The Eckerd stores Rite Aid will acquire are located in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio.  The distribution centers Rite Aid will acquire are located in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Philadelphia, PA; Dayville, CT; Syracuse, NY and Bohemia, NY.  The transaction also includes The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) USA’s corporate headquarters in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Financial advisors for Rite Aid are Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking Inc. and Rothschild Inc.; exclusive financial advisor for The Jean Coutu Group is J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.

Joint Conference Call Scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time Today

Rite Aid and The Jean Coutu Group will host a joint conference call for analysts and the investment community at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, August 24, with remarks on today’s announcement by the management teams of both companies.  The conference call number is 1-877-654-4425 from within the U.S. and Canada or 1-706-679-0005 from outside the U.S. and Canada.  We suggest you dial in 10 to 15 minutes before the call.  The call will be simulcast via the internet and can be accessed through the websites at www.riteaid.com and www.jeancoutu.com in the conference call section of investor information as well as on www.StreetEvents.com and www.ccnmatthews.com.

A telephone replay will be available for 48 hours beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today and ending at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, August 26.  To access playback of the call, telephone 1-800-642-1687 from within the U.S. and Canada or 1-706-645-9291 from outside the U.S. and Canada and enter the seven-digit reservation number 5113848.

A playback of the call will also be available on the internet at www.riteaid.com, www.jeancoutu.com, www.StreetEvents.com and www.ccnmatthews.com starting at 2 p.m. Eastern Time today.  The playback will be available on these sites until 5 p.m. Eastern Time September 25, 2006.

About Rite Aid

Rite Aid Corporation is the third largest national drugstore chain in the U.S. in total revenues and store count with annual revenues of $17.3 billion, 3,319 corporate-owned stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia and 70,500 associates.  Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

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This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include our high level of indebtedness, our ability to make interest and principal payments on our debt and satisfy the other covenants contained in our senior secured credit facility and other debt agreements, our ability to improve the operating performance of our existing stores in accordance with our long term strategy, our ability to hire and retain pharmacists and other store personnel, the efforts of private and public third-party payors to reduce prescription drug reimbursements and encourage mail order, competitive pricing pressures, continued consolidation of the drugstore industry, changes in state or federal legislation or regulations, the outcome of lawsuits and governmental investigations, general economic conditions and inflation, interest rate movements, access to capital, the ability of Rite Aid to consummate the transaction with the Jean Coutu Group and realize the benefits of such transaction and our ability to assume the senior subordinated notes.  Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these and other factors, risks and uncertainties.  Readers are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “believe”, “estimate”, “contemplate”, and “possible”.

See the 8-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2006 for definition, purpose and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures referred to herein to most comparable GAAP financial measures.

About The Jean Coutu Group

The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. is the fourth largest drugstore chain in North America and the second largest in both the Eastern United States and Canada.  The company and its combined network of 2,185 corporate and franchised drugstores (under the banners of Brooks and Eckerd Pharmacy, PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Clinique and PJC Sante Beaute) employ more than 61,000 people.

The Jean Coutu Group’s U.S. operations employ 46,000 people and comprise 1,858 corporate owned stores located in 18 states of the Northeastern, mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.  The Jean Coutu Group’s Canadian operations and franchised drugstores in its network employ over 15,000 people and comprise 327 PJC Jean Coutu franchised stores in Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario.  Information about The Jean Coutu Group, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.jeancoutu.com.

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Aug. 24, 2006–Fred’s Inc.
(NASDAQ: FRED) today reported financial results for the second fiscal
quarter and six-month period ended July 29, 2006.
    Net income for the second quarter of 2006 totaled $4.3 million or
$0.11 per diluted share versus $3.5 million or $0.09 per diluted share
in the year-earlier period, representing an increase of 24% in net
income and 22% in net income per diluted share. The Company’s earnings
for the second quarter included stock compensation expense associated
with the implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123R, “Share-Based Payments” (SFAS 123R), totaling $0.01 per
diluted share; the Company recorded no stock compensation expense in
the comparable period last year.
    For the first half of 2006, net income was $11.6 million or $0.29
per diluted share compared with $10.2 million or $0.26 per diluted
share in the same period last year, representing an increase of 14% in
net income and 12% in net income per diluted share. The Company’s
earnings for the first half of 2006 included stock compensation
expense totaling $0.01 per diluted share; the Company recorded no
stock compensation expense in the year-earlier period.
    Total sales for the second quarter of 2006 increased 9% to $406.9
million from $373.3 million in the same period last year. On a
comparable store basis, sales increased 3.1% for the quarter versus a
0.8% increase in the year-earlier period. For the first half of 2006,
total sales also increased 9% to $823.8 million compared with $756.1
million in the year-earlier period. Comparable store sales for the
first six months of 2006 increased 2.5% versus a 2.1% increase in the
same period last year.
    Commenting on the results, Michael J. Hayes, Chief Executive
Officer, said, “As we announced earlier this month, we have seen
increased momentum in Fred’s sales through the first half of the year,
especially in the second quarter. Today, we are pleased to report that
this momentum has carried over to a strong bottom-line performance, as
we exceeded earnings expectations for the second quarter. Our higher
earnings for the quarter, 22% ahead of last year on a per share basis,
reflect the positive impact of the sales and operational initiatives
that we have set for 2006. In the second quarter we continued with
initiatives focused on better inventory control, managing markdowns to
a favorable level, and gaining leverage of our store and distribution
center expenses. As we look forward, facing a challenging economic
environment, we expect that these initiatives will continue to make a
positive impact on our performance and help us achieve our sales and
profit goals for the year.”
    Fred’s gross profit for the second quarter increased 10% to $115.0
million from $104.7 million in the prior-year period. Gross margin for
the quarter was 28.3% versus 28.1% last year, reflecting the
improvement in markdown controls. Gross profit for the first six
months of 2006 also increased 10% to $234.9 million from $213.8
million in the first half of 2005. Gross margin for the 2006
year-to-date period was 28.5% versus 28.3% in the same period last
year.
    Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second
quarter of 2006 increased to 26.8% of sales versus 26.6% of sales in
the year-earlier period. The recognition of stock compensation expense
this year under SFAS 123R accounted for most of the year-over-year
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses relative to
sales. On a year-to-date basis in 2006, selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to 26.4% of sales compared with
26.2% of sales in the first half of 2005.
    Operating income for the second quarter of 2006 increased 13% to
$6.2 million from $5.5 million in the year-earlier period. Operating
income was 1.5% of sales in the second quarter of 2006, the same
percentage as last year even though operating income for the second
quarter of 2006 included a 14-basis-point impact from stock
compensation expense. Operating income for the first half of 2006
increased 10% to $17.3 million from $15.7 million in the prior-year
period. Operating income for the first half of 2006 was 2.1% of sales,
unchanged from last year.

    Fred’s Inc. operates 673 discount general merchandise stores,
including 24 franchised Fred’s stores in the southeastern United
States. For more information about the Company, visit Fred’s website
on the Internet at www.fredsinc.com.

    A public, listen-only simulcast and replay of Fred’s second
quarter conference call may be accessed at the Company’s web site or
at www.earnings.com. The simulcast will begin at approximately 10:00
a.m. Eastern Time today and a replay of the call will be available
beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will run until
September 25, 2006.

    Comments in this news release that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which
could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected
in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, general economic trends, changes in
consumer demand or purchase patterns, delays or interruptions in the
flow of merchandise between the Company’s distribution centers and its
stores or between the Company’s suppliers and same, a disruption in
the Company’s data processing services, costs and delays in acquiring
or developing new store sites, and other contingencies discussed in
the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Fred’s
undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or
to reflect the occurrence of unforeseen events, except as required to
be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                          CONTACT: Fred’s Inc.
             Jerry A. Shore, 901-362-3733, ext. 2217
             http://www.fredsinc.com/

  
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DETROIT–August 22, 2006–Compuware Corporation (Nasdaq: CPWR) today announced
that the company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of an
additional $300 million of the company’s common stock. The company will purchase
Compuware stock on the open market from time-to-time based upon market and
business conditions. Upon completion of this program, the Board of Directors
will evaluate the possibility of future authorizations.

“Today’s announcement is a clear indication of the confidence that I and the
rest of Compuware’s management team and the Board of Directors have in the
fundamental strength and future prospects of this company, and at this point in
time we are convinced that repurchasing our stock is both a prudent and
responsible use of our resources,” said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter
Karmanos, Jr.

COMPUWARE CORPORATION

Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ: CPWR) maximizes the value IT brings to the
business by helping CIOs more effectively manage the business of IT. Compuware
solutions accelerate the development, improve the quality and enhance the
performance of critical business systems while enabling CIOs to align and govern
the entire IT portfolio, increasing efficiency, cost control and employee
productivity throughout the IT organization. Founded in 1973, Compuware serves
the world’s leading IT organizations, including more than 90 percent of the
Fortune 100 companies. Learn more about Compuware at http://www.compuware.com.
 

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On August 21, 2006, the Company entered into an Agreement with MedAllies, Inc., of Fishkill, New York, which provides for the endorsement of Bluegate as its preferred provider for network integration and managed services in the Hudson Valley area of New York State. Bluegate will provide each affiliated medical practice with its Medical Grade Network which includes secure internet connectivity, support services, security appliances (firewalls), assessments, access control software, and other internetworking tools. The Agreement is for a term of three years and may be terminated by MedAllies with 12 months written notice.

MedAllies, a technology service company, manages a community-wide health information technology platform which includes the Taconic Health Information Network and Communities (THINC) health information exchange(HIE) and a healthcare portal with interoperability between competing vendor applications.

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MINNEAPOLIS, August 23, 2006 – Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today announced the appointments of Ari Bousbib and Rogelio M. Rebolledo to its board of directors. Bousbib, president of Otis Elevator Company (Otis), and Rebolledo, chairman of The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) Mexico, will be Class 1 directors with terms expiring in June 2008.

“We are delighted to welcome Ari and Rogelio as the newest members of our board of directors,” said Richard Schulze, Best Buy’s founder and chairman of the board.  “Both are outstanding business executives with experiences and perspectives that will be valuable to our board, to our leadership and to our shareholders. The addition of these accomplished global leaders will enhance our board’s depth and strength, and help us better meet the dynamic growth opportunities of our company.”

Ari Bousbib

“Ari Bousbib is a talented global business leader who excels at providing the operating discipline and strategic thinking necessary to transform an organization,” said Schulze.  “He has deep knowledge of global markets, having driven Otis’ record revenue and profit growth largely outside of the United States.  His track record demonstrates his strategic and operating acumen, execution skills and bottom-line orientation.  Ari is a creative and innovative leader with considerable personal and professional integrity who will be a meaningful addition to our board.”

Bousbib has served as president of Otis Elevator Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) since 2002.  Before joining Otis as chief operating officer in 2000, Bousbib was UTC’s vice president, corporate strategy and development for more than three years.

Prior to joining UTC, Bousbib served as managing director of The Strategic Partners Group, an investment and M&A advisory firm, and before that was a partner at  global management and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. He joined Booz Allen Hamilton in 1987 and was elected to the firm’s partnership in 1992.

Bousbib attended Ecole Superieure des Travaux Publics in Paris where he earned a master’s of science degree in mathematics and structural engineering.  He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University in New York.

Rogelio M. Rebolledo

“Rogelio Rebolledo is an accomplished consumer packaged goods leader and a true internationalist,” said Schulze.  “Entrepreneurial by nature, Rogelio has deep expertise in opening and building businesses in new and emerging markets around the globe.  He has excellent marketing skills, a deep understanding of the consumer – especially in multicultural environments – and an evident passion for brand building.  We are delighted to have this energetic and committed leader join the Best Buy board.”

Rebolledo is chairman of PBG Mexico, a role he was appointed to in June 2006. He served as president and chief executive officer of PBG Mexico from January 2004 until being named to his current position.

Rebolledo began his 30-year career with PepsiCo in 1976 at Sabritas, the salty snack food unit of Frito-Lay International in Mexico. After several assignments at Sabritas, he was named president of Frito-Lay Brazil in 1982. He returned to Sabritas in 1984 and was promoted to president in 1986. In 1990, he spearheaded the acquisition of Gamesa, Mexico’s leading cookie company, and was appointed president of this new PepsiCo affiliate.

In 1993, Rebolledo’s role was broadened to lead the expansion of Frito-Lay into Latin America, which at that time was limited to Brazil, Puerto Rico and Mexico. By 2000, Rebolledo had led numerous acquisitions, building a strong salty snack system throughout Latin America with leading market shares in 17 countries. His responsibilities were again expanded in 1996 to include PepsiCo’s salty snack businesses in Asia and Australia, with operations in China, Korea, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Under Rebolledo’s leadership, this region grew in scale and profitability, delivering their best year ever in 2003.

Rebolledo was appointed president and CEO of Frito-Lay International in 2001, his last assignment prior to his retirement from PepsiCo at the end of 2003.

Rebolledo is a Mexico national.  He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the National University of Mexico and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.

The company’s shareholders will be asked to ratify the appointments of Bousbib and Rebolledo to the Best Buy board of directors when next convened for a meeting.  With the addition of Bousbib and Rebolledo, the size of the Best Buy board of directors will stand at 12.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 960 retail stores across the United States and in  Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com and BestBuy.ca), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com) and Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children’s Foundation.

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As previously disclosed in Note 3, RATE MATTERS, to the financial statements of American Electric Power Company, Inc., Appalachian Power Company, Columbus Southern Power Company, Indiana Michigan Power Company, Kentucky Power Company and Ohio Power Company (collectively, the “AEP East Companies”) under “Transmission Rate Proceedings at the FERC- SECA Revenue Subject to Refund” in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2006, hearings were held before an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) in May 2006 to determine whether any of the Seams Elimination Cost Allocations (“SECA”) revenues which the AEP East Companies had recognized should be refunded. The AEP East Companies collected SECA charges from December 1, 2004 through March 31, 2006. The SECA rates were established by the FERC to replace revenues that would otherwise be lost from FERC’s elimination of rates for through-and-out transmission service .

On August 10, 2006, the ALJ issued an initial decision finding that the rate design for the recovery of SECA charges was flawed and included items that were expressly excluded by the FERC. The ALJ found that the SECA rates charged were unfair, unjust and discriminatory. The AEP East Companies recorded approximately $220 million of SECA revenues, subject to refund and have reached settlements with certain customers related to approximately $70 million of such revenues. The unsettled SECA revenues total approximately $150 million. If the ALJ’s initial decision is upheld in its entirety, it would disallow $126 million of the AEP East Companies’ unsettled SECA revenues. The AEP East Companies have previously provided for a total of $22 million for possible refund, of which approximately $15 million relates to SECA revenues which have not been settled with the remaining parties. The AEP East Companies believe that major portions of the ALJ’s findings either conflict with previous FERC decisions or are without merit, or both. The AEP Companies must file exceptions to the initial decision by September 11, 2006 and replies to the exceptions must be filed by October 2, 2006. The AEP East Companies will appeal the ALJ’s decision vigorously.

This report made by AEP and certain of its subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although AEP and each of its registrant subsidiaries believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: electric load and customer growth; weather conditions, including storms; available sources and costs of, and transportation for, fuels and the creditworthiness of fuel suppliers and transporters; availability of generating capacity and the performance of AEP’s generating plants; the ability to recover regulatory assets and stranded costs in connection with deregulation; the ability to build or acquire generating capacity when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs through applicable rate cases or competitive rates; the ability to recover increases in fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates; new legislation, litigation and government regulation including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon and other substances; timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions (including rate or other recovery for new investments, transmission service and environmental compliance);resolution of litigation (including pending Clean Air Act enforcement actions and disputes arising from the bankruptcy of Enron Corp. and related matters); AEP’s ability to constrain its operation and maintenance costs; AEP’s ability to sell assets at acceptable prices and on other acceptable terms, including rights to share in earnings derived from the assets subsequent to their sale; the economic climate and growth in AEP’s service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns; inflationary and interest rate trends; AEP’s ability to develop and execute a strategy based on a view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities; changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom AEP has contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading market; changes in the financial markets, particularly those affecting the availability of capital and AEP’s ability to refinance existing debt at attractive rates; actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt; volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities; changes in utility regulation, including implementation of EPACT and membership in and integration into regional transmission structures; accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies; the performance of AEP’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans; prices for power that AEP generates and sells at wholesale; changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing or alternative sources of generation, and other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes and other catastrophic events.

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FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

     FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of August 21, 2006, among AMERISTAR CASINOS, INC., a Nevada corporation (the “Borrower”), the various lenders party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (the “Lenders”) and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Administrative Agent (all capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings provided such terms in the Credit Agreement as defined below).

W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the other agents party thereto are party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2005 (as amended, modified or supplemented through the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders agree to certain amendments to the Credit Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lenders wish to amend the Credit Agreement as provided herein;

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:

     1. Section 9.03 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (x) deleting the text “and” appearing in sub-clause (i) of said Section, (y) deleting the period (“.”) appearing in sub-clause (ii) of said Section and inserting “; and” in lieu thereof and (z) adding the following new sub-clause (iii) to said Section:

“(iii) in addition to any Dividends permitted to be made pursuant to sub-clauses (i) and (ii) above, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may make cash repurchases of its capital stock so long as the aggregate amount paid (or value of property distributed) in respect of all such Dividends shall not exceed $125,000,000.”.

     2. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (i) no Default or Event of Default exists as of the First Amendment Effective Date (as defined below) both before and after giving effect to this Amendment and (ii) on the First Amendment Effective Date, both before and after giving effect to this Amendment, all representations and warranties (other than those representations made as of a specified date) contained in the Credit Agreement and in the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects.

     3. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the “First Amendment Effective Date”) when the Required Lenders and the Borrower shall have signed a counterpart hereof (whether the same or different counterparts) and shall have delivered (including by way of facsimile transmission) the same to the Administrative Agent at White & Case LLP, 1155 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, Attention: May Yip-Daniels (facsimile number 212-354-8113).

     4. This Amendment is limited as specified and shall not constitute a modification, acceptance or waiver of any other provision of the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document.

     5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A complete set of counterparts shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

     6. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

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I just had an impulse about writing about technical analysis. I remember, a while back I traded some money in the forex (foreign exchange) markets. After visiting some forex forums. All people talked about was technical anaysis. I’m not going to bash technical analysis too much, but I think its retarded. Yeah it can work. Of course, anything can work in trading if people believe in it.

Just to prove my point that technical analysis is unreliable and doesn’t provide any facts. Is this one fact that turns any and everything technical analysis believes in upside down.

When financial data comes out for the forex markets, or stocks/etc. Technical analysis is thrown out the window. This is because real investors such as banks, funds, gov’t, etc., etc. look at the financials of countries and companies. These investors don’t invest money by “charting”, but only by financial data.

Financial data is what economies are made from. NOT “CHARTING”!

Okay, Glad I got that out of the way.

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Below is the transcripts for the 4th quarter earnings release conference call, for Bebe Stores Inc.

Read the transcripts here

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On August 22, 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved changes to its director compensation program set in 2004: increased the annual cash retainer for the Chair of the Compensation Committee from $10,000 to $15,000; increased the annual cash retainer for the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee from $3,000 to $10,000 and increased the annual cash retainer for the non-executive Chairman of the Board from $50,000 to $90,000. Annual cash retainers for the directors and the cash retainer for the Chair of the Audit Committee remain unchanged.On August 22, 2006, the Board approved amendments to the October 13, 2005 Stock Option and Restricted Shares Award Agreements for Mark C. Demetree and Phillip M. Martineau. The amendments provide for acceleration of vesting of each of their respective 4,036 restricted shares and 5,673 stock options. Under the revisions, the shares vested upon the date their term as directors expired, August 22, 2006.

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

On August 23, 2006, the Company filed an amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The amendment to Article IV, Section 1 increases the total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue to 101,000,000 shares, of which 100,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock of the par value of $0.01 per share and 1,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock of the par value of $0.01 per share.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On August 18, 2006 a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the District Court for the District of New Jersey against certain current and former officers and directors. The suit alleges that named parties breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by, among other things, making statements between November, 2004 and July, 2005 which plaintiffs claim were false and misleading and by allegedly failing to implement adequate internal controls and means of supervision at the Company. The suit seeks an unspecified amount of damages from the named parties and modifications to the Company’s corporate governance policies.Additionally, on August 21, 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York held a hearing on the Company’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint filed in 2005 by Murray Capital Management, Inc., as previously described in the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q. The Court granted the Company’s Motion to Dismiss without prejudice, and permitted the plaintiff 45 days to file an amended complaint.

As a result of the rights offering referred to in such press release, the exercise price of the Company’s warrants will be reduced to $30.69 per share of common stock, the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of each warrant will increase by approximately 4.63% and the conversion price of the Company’s convertible senior subordinated notes will be reduced to $16.42 per share. These adjustments will be confirmed in notices sent in accordance with the warrant agreement and the indenture for the convertible notes.

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On August 23, 2006, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of John G. Rice to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Infrastructure, succeeding David L. Calhoun, who has taken a position outside GE. Mr. Rice will continue as a vice chairman of the Company. The Company has appointed Lloyd G. Trotter to succeed Mr. Rice to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Industrial, and also named him a vice chairman of the Company. Mr. Trotter is currently the Executive Vice President, Operations.

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On June 1, 2006, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Red Hat, Inc. (“Red Hat” or the “Company”) approved, subject to stockholder approval, the 2006 Performance Compensation Plan (the “Performance Plan”). On August 17, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved the Performance Plan by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present, in person or represented by proxy, and voting at the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The summary of the Performance Plan below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Performance Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Purpose. The purpose of the Performance Plan is to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders and assist the Company in attracting and retaining executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries who, because of the extent of their responsibilities can make significant contributions to the Company’s success by their ability, industry, loyalty and services, by providing incentives and financial rewards to such executive officers. If certain requirements are satisfied, bonuses awarded under the Performance Plan to covered employees will qualify as deductible “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

Eligibility. Participants in the Performance Plan (“Participants”) are the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries who are chosen solely at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”). The Company may also pay discretionary bonuses, or other types of compensation, outside of the Performance Plan.

Awards. All awards will be paid in cash or, to the extent provided in such plan, share awards under a stockholder-approved stock plan of the Company. Payment to each Participant will be made no later than the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of the fiscal year of the Company in which the applicable performance period ends. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to defer receipt of the payment of an award that would otherwise be delivered to a Participant under the Performance Plan.

Maximum Award. No Participant in the Performance Plan may be granted performance awards that are denominated in shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) in any 12-month period with respect to more than 1,000,000 shares. In addition to the foregoing, the maximum dollar value payable to any Participant in the Performance Plan in any 12-month period with respect to performance awards that are valued in cash or property other than shares is $10,000,000.

Administration. The Performance Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall be responsible for the general administration and interpretation of the Performance Plan and for carrying out its provisions. The Compensation Committee has the authority to select persons to receive awards from among the eligible employees and set the terms and conditions of each award consistent with the terms of the Performance Plan. The Compensation Committee may establish rules and policies for administration of the Performance Plan and adopt one or more forms of agreement to evidence awards made under the Performance Plan. The Compensation Committee interprets the Performance Plan and any agreement used under the Performance Plan, and all determinations of the Compensation Committee that are not inconsistent with the Performance Plan will be final and binding on all persons.

Determination of Awards. Under the Performance Plan, Participants will be eligible to receive awards based upon the attainment and certification of certain performance goals established by the Compensation Committee over the applicable performance period. The performance goals that may be selected by the Compensation Committee include one or more of the following: revenue growth, net revenues, gross margins, net margins, operating income, pre-tax income, after-tax income, net income, net earnings, earning per share (basic and diluted), earnings before taxes, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, return on invested capital, return on equity, return on assets, economic value added (or an equivalent metric), cash flow from operations, cash flow per share, changes in deferred revenues, share price performance, total shareholder return, improvement in or attainment of expense levels, improvement in or attainment of working capital levels, attainment of strategic and operational initiatives, market share, gross profits, comparisons with various stock market indices, and/or implementation, completion or attainment of measurable objectives with respect to research, development, products or projects. Performance goals may vary by Participant and award and also may be based solely by reference to the Company’s performance or the performance of a subsidiary, division or business unit of the Company for or within which the Participant is primarily employed, or based upon the relative performance of other companies, or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to other companies.

The Compensation Committee may provide that attainment of a performance goal shall be measured by adjusting the evaluation of performance as follows: to eliminate the effects of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items and other unusual or non-recurring items, as well as the cumulative effect of accounting changes, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or identified in the Company’s financial statements, notes to the financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate any award that would otherwise be payable pursuant to the Performance Plan.

Nature of Payments. All awards made pursuant to the Performance Plan are in consideration of services performed or to be performed for the Company, or a subsidiary, division or business unit of the Company. Any income or gain realized pursuant to awards under the Performance Plan constitute a special incentive payment to the Participant and shall not be taken into account, to the extent permissible under applicable law, as compensation for purposes of any of the employee benefit plans of the Company or a subsidiary except as may be determined by the Compensation Committee or by the Board.

Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan

On June 1, 2006 the Board approved, subject to stockholder approval, an Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”). On August 17, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended Plan by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present, in person or represented by proxy, and voting at the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The summary of the Amended Plan below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amended Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

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Purpose. The purpose of the Amended Plan is to allow the Company’s employees, consultants, advisors and non-employee members of the Board who are selected to receive awards under the Amended Plan the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company.

Awards. A total of 13,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus any shares previously authorized and available for issuance under the Acquired Plans (as defined in the Amended Plan) and that may become available for issuance under the Acquired Plans, is reserved for issuance under the Amended Plan, subject to adjustment in certain events, including in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or other similar change in the Common Stock or capital structure of the Company. The Amended Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards described below. Awards under the Amended Plan may be either performance-based and designed to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, or discretionary. Subject to the Amended Plan limits, the Compensation Committee has the discretionary authority to determine the size of an award and whether it is intended to be performance-based.

Stock Options. Optionees receive the right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock at a specified exercise price and subject to the terms and conditions as are specified in the option grant. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Amended Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, and no stock option will be exercisable more than seven years after the date it is granted, except in the event of the optionee’s death or disability. The Compensation Committee will determine at the time of grant when each stock option becomes exercisable, with certain minimums. Payment of the exercise price of a stock option may be in cash, Common Stock owned by the participant, withholding of shares otherwise issuable with the consent of the Compensation Committee, other consideration permitted by the Compensation Committee or by a combination of the foregoing.

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock awards entitle recipients to acquire shares of Common Stock, subject to forfeiture of all or part of such shares by the recipient in the event that the conditions specified in the applicable award are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period established in such award. Restricted stock unit awards entitle the recipient to receive shares of Common Stock to be delivered in the future subject to such terms and conditions on the delivery of the shares as the Compensation Committee may determine. Any awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units which vest on the basis of a participant’s continuous active service with Red Hat or a related entity will not provide for vesting which, subject to certain exceptions, is any more rapid than one third of the award vesting after one year and the remainder of the award vesting pro rata over the following two years. Any awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units which provide for vesting upon the attainment of performance goals shall provide for a performance period of at least 12 months.

Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right (“SAR”) is an award entitling the holder on exercise to receive, at the election of the Company, either cash or Common Stock in an amount determined in whole or in part by reference to the appreciation in the fair market value of a share of Common Stock from the date of grant until the date of exercise. SARs may be granted without regard to any option or other award under the Amended Plan or in conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the Amended Plan.

Other Stock-Based Awards. Under the Amended Plan, the Compensation Committee has the right to grant other awards of Common Stock or awards otherwise based upon Common Stock or other property, including without limitation performance awards that may be paid in cash, Common Stock, other property or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee at the time of payment.

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Adjustments. In the event of a merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, dividend or distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off or similar event affecting the Common Stock, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, in addition to any provisions contained in the terms of a grant, adjust the number and kind of shares granted under the Amended Plan, the number and kind of shares subject to awards and the exercise price of outstanding stock options.

Transferability. Except as authorized by the Compensation Committee or the prior approval of the Company’s stockholders, no awards and no shares of Common Stock that have not been issued or to which any applicable restriction has not lapsed may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or a qualified domestic relations order. The Compensation Committee may provide in certain types of award for transfer to or for the benefit of the participant’s immediate family member, a family trust or any other entity established for the benefit of the participant or his or her immediate family member.

Change in Control. If provided in an award agreement, stock options and other awards granted to employees, non-employee directors, advisors and consultants under the Amended Plan may become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control as defined in the Amended Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, terms and conditions as may be set forth in an award agreement or determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion may supercede the Amended Plan.

Termination of Employment. The Compensation Committee shall determine the period of time for which any Awards under the Amended Plan will continue to be exercisable and the terms of exercise upon termination of a participant’s employment or service with the Company or its affiliate.

Administration. The Amended Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee or such other committee appointed by the Board. The Compensation Committee will select the employees of the Company and other persons who shall receive awards, determine the number of shares covered thereby, and establish the terms, conditions and other provisions of the grants. The Compensation Committee may interpret the Amended Plan and establish, amend and rescind any rules relating to the Amended Plan. The Compensation Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more directors or officers the right under an award agreement to grant, cancel or suspend awards to employees who are not directors or officers of the Company.

Amendments. The Board may at any time terminate, amend or suspend the Amended Plan as it deems advisable, subject to any requirement for stockholder approval imposed by applicable law, including the rules and regulations of NASDAQ (or any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Company’s shares are then listed or quoted). In addition, no action may be taken by the Board (except those described earlier under the heading “Adjustments”) without the approval of the stockholders if the amendment would (a) increase the number of shares that may be the subject of awards under the Amended Plan, (b) expand the types of awards available under the Amended Plan, (c) materially expand the class of persons eligible to participate in the Amended Plan, (d) amend the provision of the Plan that prohibits re-pricing of options, (e) increase the maximum permissible term of any option beyond seven years or (f) amend any provision establishing limitations on grants to individual participants.

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Compensation Arrangement with Chief Executive Officer

As previously disclosed by the Company in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2006 (the “June 29, 2006 8-K”), the Compensation Committee, on June 26, 2006, approved and adopted the Company’s 2007 Executive Variable Compensation Plan (the “EVC Plan”) and established the financial performance objectives that will be used to determine the amount of the cash bonus awards for the Company’s executive officers for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2007 under the EVC Plan. On the same date, the Compensation Committee approved the base salaries of each of the Company’s executive officers to be effective as of July 1, 2006. In addition, the Compensation Committee set the fiscal year 2007 target bonus amounts that may be paid to the Company’s executive officers, excluding Matthew Szulik, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The base salaries and target bonus amounts, as approved by the Compensation Committee on June 26, 2006, are set forth on Exhibit 10.1 of the June 29, 2006 8-K.

On August 17, 2006, the Board approved a fiscal year target bonus for Matthew Szulik of $500,000 under the EVC Plan.

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Jerry Yang, co-founder and Chief Yahoo!, has established a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for the trading of Yahoo! stock.  Under the plan, Mr. Yang transferred three million shares of Yahoo! common stock to a blind trust, which has complete discretion to trade the stock.

This plan is intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, and the Company’s Rule 10b5-1 Trading Program policy which permits certain corporate officers to establish “blind trusts” or prearranged trading plans to govern the sale of up to a specified number or dollar amount of shares of stock over a predetermined period of time.

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On August 17, 2006, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) received executed amendments (collectively, the “Amendments”), effective as of July 28, 2006, to the following loan and credit agreements (collectively, the “Credit Agreements”): (i) Note Purchase Agreement dated October 12, 2000 between the Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, as amended; (ii) Credit Agreement dated May 10, 2001 among the Company, various financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, as amended; and (iii) Private Shelf Agreement dated as of August 26, 2003 between the Company and Prudential Investment Management, Inc., as amended. The Credit Agreements each contain restrictive covenants, including limitations on the ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA and minimum ratios of consolidated income available for fixed charges to fixed charges. In light of certain non-recurring, non-cash restructuring charges and inventory write-downs taken by the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 in connection with a business transformation initiative, the lenders under each of the Agreements agreed to amend these restrictive covenants to account for these non-recurring charges and write-downs. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendments, Consolidated Net Income (as such term is used in the terms “EBITDA” and “Consolidated Income Available for Fixed Charges” in the Agreements) for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006, shall be increased by the aggregate amount of such non-cash restructuring charges and inventory write downs incurred during such quarter, so long as such aggregate amount does not exceed $32,000,000.

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SANTA CLARA, CALIF.), August 22, 2006 – National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today announced that it is lowering its revenue outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2007, ending August 27, 2006. The company now anticipates that revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 will be down approximately 6 percent sequentially from the $572.6 million in revenues that were achieved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The company had previously guided on June 8, 2006 that first quarter of fiscal 2007 revenues were expected to be down 2 to 3 percent sequentially.

The 6 percentage points of anticipated sequential revenue decline are comprised of:

National is not changing its guidance on gross margin percentage.

The company had originally guided that its first quarter fiscal 2007 gross margin percentage, which included an estimated $2 million of stock compensation expense, would be about the same as the 61.4 percent achieved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

National’s first quarter financial announcement and conference call are scheduled for September 7, 2006, at which time the company will discuss results in more detail as well as the outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor, the industry’s premier analog company, creates high performance analog devices and subsystems.  National’s leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, communication interface products and data conversion solutions. National’s key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays and a variety of broad electronics markets, including medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.16 billion for fiscal 2006, which ended May 28, 2006.  Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com.

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Below is a information about the admendment no.1 to the Pooling and Service Agreement.

THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1, dated as of July 25, 2006 (the “Amendment”), to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2006, among CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., as depositor (the “Depositor”), CITIMORTGAGE, INC., as master servicer and trust administrator (the “Master Servicer” and the “Trust Administrator”), CITIBANK, N.A., as paying agent, certificate registrar and authenticating agent (the “Paying Agent,” the “Certificate Registrar” and the “Authenticating Agent”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (the “Trustee”) (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar, the Authenticating Agent, and the Trustee entered into the Pooling and Servicing Agreement;

WHEREAS, the parties to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement desire to amend the Pooling and Servicing Agreement exclusively with respect to certain percentages appearing in Section 4.01(b)(ii);

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Defined Terms.

For purposes of this Amendment, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, all capitalized terms which are used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.

SECTION 2. Amendment.

The first paragraph under Section 4.01(b)(ii) is amended by deleting the percentages appearing therein and replacing them with the percentages as underlined below:

(ii) On any Distribution Date, the portion of (a) all net Liquidation Proceeds and Insurance Proceeds with respect to any Group 1 Mortgage Loans that were the subject of a Final Recovery Determination in the related Prepayment Period and (b) all Principal Prepayments received in respect of the Group 1 Mortgage Loans in the related Prepayment Period, allocable to principal and not included in the related Senior Principal Distribution Amount, will be allocated on a pro rata basis among the following Classes of Subordinate Certificates (each, an “Eligible Class”) in proportion to the respective outstanding Certificate Principal Balances thereof: (i) the Class B1 Certificates, (ii) the Class B2 Certificates, if on such Distribution Date the aggregate percentage interest evidenced by the Class B2 Certificates, the Class B3 Certificates, the Class B4 Certificates, the Class B5 Certificates and the Class B6 Certificates equals or exceeds 2.90% before giving effect to distributions on such Distribution Date, (iii) the Class B3 Certificates, if on such Distribution Date the aggregate percentage interest evidenced by the Class B3 Certificates, the Class B4 Certificates, the Class B5 Certificates and the Class B6 Certificates equals or exceeds 1.85% before giving effect to distributions on such Distribution Date, (iv) the Class B4 Certificates, if on such Distribution Date the aggregate percentage interest evidenced by the Class B4 Certificates, the Class B5 Certificates and the Class B6 Certificates equals or exceeds 1.20% before giving effect to distributions on such Distribution Date, (v) the Class B5 Certificates, if on such Distribution Date the aggregate percentage interest evidenced by the Class B5 Certificates and the Class B6 Certificates equals or exceeds 0.65% before giving effect to distributions on such Distribution Date and (vi) the Class B6 Certificates, if on such Distribution Date the percentage interest evidenced by the Class B6 Certificates equals or exceeds 0.30% before giving effect to distributions on such Distribution Date. If any of the foregoing Certificates is not an Eligible Class, any amounts allocable to principal and distributable pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(ii) will be distributed among the Certificates that are Eligible Classes in the manner set forth above.

SECTION 3. Limited Effect of Amendment.

Upon execution of this Amendment, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement shall be, and be deemed to be, modified and amended in accordance herewith and the respective rights, limitations, obligations, duties, liabilities and immunities of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar, the Authenticating Agent, and the Trustee shall hereafter be determined, exercised and enforced subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of this Amendment shall be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for any and all purposes. Except as modified and expressly amended by this Amendment, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and all the terms, provisions and conditions thereof shall be and remain in full force and effect. Reference to this Amendment need not be made in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement or any other instrument or document executed in connection therewith, or in any certificate, letter or communication issued or made pursuant to, or with respect to, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, any reference in any of such items to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement being sufficient to refer to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement as amended hereby.

SECTION 4. Binding Effect.

The provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto, and all such provisions shall inure to the benefit of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar, the Authenticating Agent, and the Trustee.

SECTION 5. Governing Law.

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the obligations, rights and remedies of the parties hereunder shall be determined in accordance with such laws.

SECTION 6. Severability of Provisions.

If any one or more of the provisions or terms of this Amendment shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining provisions or terms of this Amendment and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions or terms of this Amendment.

SECTION 7. Section Headings.

The section headings herein are for convenience of reference only, and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

SECTION 8. Counterparts.

This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar, the Authenticating Agent, and the Trustee have caused their names to be signed hereto by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the 25th day of July, 2006.

On August 18, 2006, AMERCO (the “Company”) and certain of its subsidiaries amended the $465 million hybrid real estate backed loan (the “Real Estate Loan”) entered into with Merrill Lynch Commercial Finance Corp. The Real Estate Loan was originally funded June 8, 2005 and due on June 10, 2010. U-Haul International, Inc. is a guarantor of the Real Estate Loan. The amount outstanding on the Real Estate Loan prior to the amendment was approximately $242 million. Immediately following the amendment the amount outstanding on the Real Estate Loan was approximately $300 million.

The amendment will increase availability on the Real Estate Loan to $500 million and will extend the final maturity date to August 2018. All other material terms of the Real Estate Loan, including terms regarding payment, interest rate, defaults and use of funds were not amended. Concurrent with the amendment to the Real Estate Loan, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract hedging the rate on the initial $300 million borrowed under the Real Estate Loan.

The description of the foregoing matter is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the amendment to the Real Estate Loan, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

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Jack B. Binion, Chairman of Wynn Int’l Marketing, Ltd., has entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Purchase Plan, dated August 23, 2006, with Thomas Weisel Partners LLC (the “Plan”). The Plan calls for the orderly purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock over a period from August 23, 2006 to November 30, 2006, subject to certain conditions.

This trading plan is intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s insider trading policy. Rule 10b5-1 allows corporate insiders to establish prearranged written plans to buy or sell a specified number of shares of a company stock over a set period of time.

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On August 18, 2006, Jennifer L. Minton, Oracle Corporation’s Senior Vice President, Global Finance and Operations and the Company’s chief accounting officer. Informed the Company of her intention to step down from that role effective October 11, 2006 following the filing of our Form 10-Q for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2007. She is retiring from the Company on November 30, 2006 after 17 years for personal reasons. Her resignation is not related to any disagreement with senior management or with the Company’s accounting or operating policies. The Company has commenced a search for her replacement.

 These companies have registered their securities to trade publicly on an exchange or are adding securities to their company.

First Mercury Financial Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filing

TideLands Oil & Gas Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Eagle Rock Energy Partners L.P. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Alliance Bancorp Inc. of Pennsylvania – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Citizens Community Bancorp Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Marathon Acquisition Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Allegiant Travel Co. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Omni Financial Services, Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

I ran into a site owned by Mark Cuban today. I like the site. He short sells stocks he believes are going to go bankrupt. Due to fraud and corrupt activities. The site is called ShareSleuth.com.

They posted on Aug. 7 about a company called Xethanol XNL. I laugh my butt off on how Mark says, “When a company says they are operating a plant to produce a product, and that plant has no utilities, I want to short that stock.”, Makes me laugh everytime.

Read this post below:

http://sharesleuth.com/2006/08/moonshine_blindness.html

I am going to explain some of the basics of understanding how money works in our economy. For example, what happens when the federal reserve lowers interest rates? I will get to that question later. Right now, I am going to start out by explaining the money supply.

What is the money supply? Money Supply is the amount of money the Federal Reserve Bank makes available for people to buy goods and services. There are different categories for the level money supplied is defined. Such as M-1,M-2, and etc., etc. M-1 is coins, paper bills, money that is available by writting checks, and money that is held for traveler’s checks. M-2 is everything in M-1 plus money in savings accounts, mutual funds, market accounts, certificates of deposit.

Why Does the Money and Supply Need to be Controlled? Think about this. If the Gov’t and the Federal Reserve made twice as much money available as there is now. What would happen to prices?

Prices would go up, as people keep buying and the demand for items go up. Yep, you guessed it. This would be called inflation. The saying of “too much money chasing too few goods”. This is a good way of remembering how the basics of Inflation works.

What happens when the Federal Reserve raises and lowers interest rates? First of all, the Federal Reserve is the banker’s bank. Your hometown FIDC bank, borrows money from the Federal Reserve and passes it on to you.

When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates. This discourages member banks from borrowing and reduces the number of available loans. Resulting, in a Decrease in Money Supply.

Now, lowering interest rates. Will have the opposite effect. Which will encourage member banks to borrow MORE from the federal reserve. Then increase the number of loans available, which will Increase the Money Supply.

Hmm.. This kinda of makes a little more sense, of why the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to hedge against inflation. Almost, like the Federal Reserve takes money out of our economy. When we have to much money in the economy for our own good. Remember, this is a little part of inflation and interest rates. There can still be other effects and ways to hedge of against inflation.

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These companies are going public soon or have added securities to their company.

Fonix Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filings

Patriot National Bancorp Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Santa Monica Media Corp. - Amended -

View their amended filing

Commonwealth Income & Growth Fund VI – Amended -

View their amended filing

Quadriga Superfund – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

GoldLeaf Financial Solutions Inc. – Amende -

View their amended filing

Yesterday, I received a “Proof of Claim and Release” and notification of Nortel Networks Litigation Settlement. A few years ago, in may of 2003. I bought $1,000 of NT common stock, on a pure growth play. Then sold the stock for a 3 cent lose. I found a better growth play at the time.          

I haven’t read all of this notice yet. So far, I am understanding that I probably will be getting only about $60. This is assuming Nortel Networks loses the case. Also, assuming that the sum of payments payed out is same as the notice states.

Who knows maybe I will get $400. Just kidding, probably not.

If you are part of the “class member” in the lawsuit. I would love to hear from you or anyone else with thoughts about this.

Update: 08/29/06 

Okay guys, I have made an update to this posts. Since, I am getting a lot of views on this post everyday. Must be a hot topic in Canada right now. Anyways, if your looking for official and more information on this topic. Visit http://www.nortelsecuritieslitigation.com/

I hope this helps.

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Here is a list of companies that filed for registration of securities. These companies are going public soon, or have added securities to their companies.

Vonage Holdings Corp. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing    

Home Diagnostics Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing    

Neiman Marcus, Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

These companies have registered with the gov’t or amended their forms. To trade their company on public exchanges.

PRG SCHULTZ International Inc – Amended -

View their amended filing

Bare Escentuals Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

IMARX Therapeutics Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

BroadVision Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

StoneLeigh Partners Acquisition Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Macro Securities Depositor, LLC – Amended -

View their amended filing

Acologix, Inc. - 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

BreitBurn Energy Partners L.P. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Hansen Medical Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Crocs, Inc. – Amended -

View their filing to add securities to an prior effective regsitration

Farmstead Telephone Group Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Continental Resources Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

InterAmerican Acquisition Group Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Neiman Marcus Group Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Today, I was looking up stocks in the residential construction industry. These stocks have been beaten up lately. I did find one stock that I plan on watching for in the future,”TOA” Technical Olympic USA, Inc. This industry is so beaten up by interests rates and the decline in home buyers. I really don’t know how much farther these stocks can drop. I believe interest rates are going a lot higher. Within the next 5 years or so. Which would result in less home buyers, I would think. As of now, I believe a lot of these residential construction companies are somewhat undervalued. Compared to the overall markets valuation, which I believe is overvalued, now.

Anyways, TOA – Technical Olympic USA financials are looking pretty solid so far. FYI, I haven’t yet done an in-depth analysis. I plan on doing it in the future. This is like a rough draft.

MSN reports this company of having a debt/equity ratio of 0.24. Which is pretty good compared to their industry. The company itself reported that they had earnings per share of 1.13 and 1.10 diluted, in the second quarter. Which is better than 0.82 and 0.79 diluted from year to date earnings per share. Out of the first 6 months this year. They have had a net income of 122,600,000. Compared to last years first 6 months net income of 72,100,000. Also, MSN reports this company of having a P/E ratio of 2.40. While TOA stock price is at 11.03 currently. MSN reports a book value of $18.44 a share.

This company looks like, its financial statement is in good health. Growth has been continuing almost everywhere.  Also, at a first glance without in-depth analysis. The company looks like it has less risk associated with it. Than a lot of other residential construction companies out there. I just don’t know, how much more can the economy keep beating this industry down. Anyways, do your own homework on TOA. Then maybe ask an advisor about it.

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 The companies below have amended/or registered for trading their securities on an exchange.

Genutec Business Solutions Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

NNN Healthcare/Office REIT Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing for real estate securities

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Basic Care Networks Inc. - Amended -

View their amended filing

First Look Studios, Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Whitney Information Network, Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing

Global Technology Industries, Inc. – Admended -

View their amended filing

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

MV Oil Trust – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

MV Partners LLC. – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Crocs, Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filing 

Dekania Corp. – Amended -

View their amended filing

ActivBiotics Inc – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

Pantheon China Acquisition Corp. – 1st filing -

View there registration filing

Leap Wireless International Inc. -  Amended -

View their amended filing

Rubincon Ventures Inc. – 1st filing -

View their registration filing

InnerWorkings Inc. – Amended -

View their amended filings

EMTA Holding – 1st Filing -

View their registration filing

I am going talk about, what I believe is the most important factor in finance.  Value of money in time. What I am saying here. Is that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future. What would make money less valuable tomorrow than today? I have three major factors.

1) Inflation – A price increase in an economy. The purchasing power of a dollar in future years will be less than it is today. If inflation is 5% next year. Today’s dollar purchasing power will only be 0.95 cents next year. ($1.00 – 5% = $0.95 cents)

2) Risk - Uncertainty about the future declines the value of money. Most investors like to have cash today. Than uncertain promises of cash tomorrow. As more time goes on, the greater the risk that is associated with an investment.

3) Liquidity -  Is how easily assets can be turned into cash. Assets of marketable securities are easy to turn into cash. On the other hand assets such as, Buildings, Plant Equipment, etc. are harder to turn into cash. The risks associated with investing in low liquidity assets must be justified by the future return.

Future Value of an investment. Is finding out, how much your cash value of an initial investment. Will increase in the future of once the expected return is known. For example, You deposit $1,000 into a savings account at 5% interest a year. By next year the $1,000 will be worth $1,050. Next year after that would be compounded to $1102.50 and so forth.

Present Value is the cash value of future returns, once a discount rate has been applied. The discount rate factors in the value of money after risks, and uncertainty of time.

High risks means high discount rate. Then visa-versa, Low risks means low discount rate. For example, if stock A is assigned a 10% discount rate. Then stock B has a discount rate of 20%. Stock B has more risks associated with it than stock A.

 - Longer that the expected time goes by on an investment. Higher the discount rate should be.

- When federal interest rates increase. So, should discount rates increase as well.

For example: If I expected future income of $1,000 3 years from now, on an investment. With a discount rate of 15% annually. 

 $1,000/1.52 = $657 Present Value of Future Income.

1 + .15 = 1.15  Discount Rate.

1.15 x 1.15 x 1.15 = 1.52  Discount Rate for the next 3 years.

Basically, this means is that the future income of $1,000. We expect to receive 3 years from now. Will be worth $657 in present day value, instead of $1,000.

Anyways, I will talk more about present value a little later. So you will get a better understanding, if needed. This is just the beggining to understanding finance.

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If I was you, I would look more into the stock “AZ” Allianz AG. They are in the insurance industry. They also do a few other operations. As of today their stock price is 16.37. If I remember correctly, they are based in Germany. Last quarter alone, they received 7 plus dollars a share in earnings. Approx. 2+ dollars more than year-to-date quartly earnings. This company runs sales in the billions. MSN reports approx. 64 billion already in the first two quarters of this year. They have tons of free cashflow. Also, they have little to none long term debt.

I don’t have enough time to do a in-depth analysis. So, I recommend you check out this stock for yourself. Do your own homework, then maybe ask an advisor about it.

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These companies have filed /amended for registration of their securities. So their company can begin trading on major exchanges.

Marathon Acquisition Corp. – Admended -

 View their amended Filing

eHealth Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Trust – 1st filing -

 View their registration Filing

DB US Dollar Index Master Trust – 1st Filing -

View their registration Filing

Hiland Holdings GP, LP - Amended -

 View their amended Filing

Hydrogen Power International Inc. – Amended -

View their amended Filing 

Superior Offshore International Inc. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

Hostopia.com Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

Horizon Lines Inc. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

Biovex Group, Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

MACRO Securities Depositors, LLC. - Amended -

 View their amended Filing

Information Services Group Inc. – 1st Filings -

 View their registration Filing

MEDecision, Inc. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

UNION STREET ACQUISITION CORP. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

World Energy Solutions, Inc. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

Viragen Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

Energy Services Acquisition Corp. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

IPG Photonics Corp. – 1st Filing -

 View their registration Filing

Gordon & Co. – 1st Filing -

 View registration Filing

PRG Schultz International, Inc. – Amended -

 View their amended Filing

I have not been writing and researching stocks too much, within the past few days. To the visitors and feed readers, that come here often.  I would like to apologize. I will be trying to write original posts, soon. Instead, of just repetitive information. That I have been posting, lately. I have been at the hospital for the past week, visiting my sister. This site will have a lot more information soon.

These companies have registered to open their securities for trading on aug 10th.

KBW Inc. – 1st filing – * on August 11th

View their registered filing

NEFF CORP. – Amendment -

View their registered filing

VIRTUAL RADIOLOGIC CORP.- 1st Filing -

View their registered filing

CONSTELLATION ENERGY PARTNERS LLC.- Admendment -

View their registered filing

THERMAGE INC. – 1st Filing -

View their registered filing

Double-Take Software, Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registered filing

Applied Precision, Inc. – Admendment -

View their registered filing

CADIZ Inc. – Admendment -

View their registered filing

Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. – Admendment -

View their registered filing

Global Geophysical Services, Inc. – 1st Filing -

View their registered filing

Corpas Investments, Inc.

Paving Stone Corp.

Wastech, Inc.

More information about the suspension here. PDF needed

SENORX INC. – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

GENEVA ACQUISITION CORPORATION – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
  

GNC CORPORATION – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

G-III APPAREL GROUP, LTD. – 1st Filing -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

WILLDAN GROUP, INC. – 1st Filing -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

ALLIS-CHALMERS ENERGY INC. – To Add Securities to A Prior Related Effective Registration Statement Filed-

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

SUNGARD DATA SYSTEMS INC. – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

FIRST SOLAR, INC. – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS
 

HAWKEYE HOLDINGS INC. – *Amendment -

VIEW THEIR AMENDED REGISTRATION FORMS

I have just added another category. That will be watching for stocks with potential to make money.  Only, for informational purposes only, of course. This category is called “Stocks to Watch”.

How do you pick your stocks? No really. Do you throw darts?  Maybe, you spend a few hours or days reading about the stock. Go through the financial statements. Search for low P/E and other Valuations. If you do this, that is fine. This is just a small part of it though.

There is way more to it than that. The simple two words of Risk and Return. The meaning of these two words are so broad, its absurd. Somewhere, within the Risk and Return universe. There are valuation methods, that explains what price your stocks true worth is. This would tell someone. If the current price of a stock is under or overvalued. Of, course though this one valuation wouldn’t tell you too much. Have you ever heard of WMCC or WACC? Some of you have I know, but others I know haven’t. WMCC and WACC are more valuation methods that are used.

I will explain more later on. I just wanted to point out. That there is much more to evaluting stocks. Than just reading and doing financial statement valuations.

 Again, Thanks for Visiting

Do any of you remember?  When people were selling Nokia Corp. like crazy? This happened about 2 years ago. The stock was at 22 and within 4 months it was down to 12. You were hearing in the news that Nokia was losing market share in europe. Their style of hand phones were outdated. SELL!, SELL!, SELL! This all was the cause for the manic selling.

Go two years back and look at Nokia Corp. finances. Two years ago they had no debt, their free cashflow was huge, about 2,000,000,000 at all times. Their revenues were growing every year by billions and still is. Remember, when people said they were losing market share? Well, They were actually gaining market share, overall in the world. It was just in europe. Where they were losing a few percentage points of market share.

I am telling this story becuase there is a lesson to be learned here. Do Your Own Homework. The news, reports, and etc. were saying stay away from nokia. While at the time I was trying to convince my Aunt to Buy!, Buy!. She likes to invest a little. Also, she didn’t listen either, lol. Now, the stock is up about 100% in two years.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiary National Indemnity Corp, owned by Warren Buffett .  Acquired 6.9 million shares at $40/share of USG Corp. This was part of the “Rights Offering” Agreement.  Now, Berkshire Hathaway owns 15% of USG. There are limitations and other agreements involved with USG and Berkshire Hathaway.Which some limitations and agreements could last for the next 7 years.

At the end of 2005 USG claimed for chapter 11.  Due to many asbestos lawsuits. Since, then USG Corps. stock has dropped approx. 50%. Now, they recently made agreements to pay differ amounts in the billions. There are several hundred more cases of asbesto still pending.

It will be interesting to see. What will Berkshire Hathaway do later on. Warren Buffett has been known to take advantage of companies during setbacks. The thing here is that USG was a pretty solid company. Actually, USG is continuing to grow there revenues, despite the set backs. So, I think USG Corp. is worth watching in the next several years.

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I will be posting some random thoughts about stocks. When I do. They will be added to the category called random ramblings.

I will be sharing finance lesson’s that I have learned in my life. In the category section called finance lesson’s. I hope this information will be useful to you.

The category called Insider Trading will bring attention to heavy insider trading. Whether it is good or bad, you decide.

This post is explaining a little about the category called Hidden Factors. This category will be unrevealing hidden factors that companies might try to hide. Just as, inflated earnings and other information that is hidden.

I am just explaining what the Stock News section of the site is for. This is going to be about anything news related to stocks. News from quarterly earnings, down to the scandels of wall street.

Again, Thanks for visiting

I am just explaining what the Big Investors Money category is for.  This section of the site, will be keeping track of the top dogs on wall street. Where are the investors like Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, Bill Gates, and etc. putting their money? What stocks are they buying and selling?

Thanks for visiting

Welcome to my new stock blog. I will be creating a portfolio of stocks that I pick. The stocks that I pick will be mostly based on fundamentals. I will be commenting on other stocks and/or whoever I disagree with.

About 2 years ago, I went to college for finance. It was boring and I can read text books on my own to learn about finance. So, I dropped out with A’s and B’s. Now, it will be nearly impossible to get a finance job anywhere. That’s okay, I believe I am smart enough to make my own way in this world. So, I know quite a bit, but I am no certified professional.

Anyways, Post comments even if you disagree. Be Active.