While second-quarter sales were disappointing, the group remains on track to deliver full-year earnings of $769 million, or $800 million before capital management.

Autonomy is getting half of its sales in the U.S., has laid out a solid strategy with original equipment manufacturers, has a solid management team and market opportunity,

The big surprise here is that even if we take out auto dealership and gasoline station sales, we're still up by one percent. This is a summary of consumer spending that is replete with unexpected vigor.

The big surprise here is that even if we take out auto dealership and gasoline station sales, we're still up by one percent, ... This is a summary of consumer spending that is replete with unexpected vigor.

Despite the slippage in home sales there is no evidence of any nationwide softening of home prices, though it may be difficult to avoid some slippage in the price of residential real estate if only because a slower pace of home sales is likely for 2006,

The money is staggering. You want to make sure the band is happy out there. Record sales are so dismal, bands want to tour more often. That's where they're making the money.