There is nothing contentious about obtaining court approval for a trip outside of North America. Court approval for international travel is normal and is not bothersome or any burden to Mr. Black or his counsel.

Traveling in the off-season can make a huge difference in travel costs to any destination. The more experienced travelers these days are making efforts to avoid going anywhere during the 'best' time to be there. That's the most expensive and most overcrowded time to be there anyway.

Next year will be spent concentrating on preparing for the trial in Chicago commencing in March of '07, and I doubt very much whether (Black) will be a newsmaker next year, let alone Business Newsmaker of the Year.

I don't think in Illinois a foreign lawyer has been given that status before at the federal level.

Mr Black asserts his innocence without qualification... (and) has, at all times, acted in good faith.

Everything that we know about the United States tells us that they will not respect any protective order here. They will do whatever they can to get the evidence.