Clear Channel Poor Strategy

Clear Channel (NYSE:CCU) testifies before Congress about audio flag technology. The broadcast flag system is a technological method identifying content as copy-protected and involves the formation of rules that classify how devices must handle flagged content (restricting or allowing certain uses like multiple copying or playback). Audio Flag technology promises to help prevent the unauthorized downloads of music without appropriate compensation to the record label and or artists. Clear Channel makes the case that because of changes that HD radio is bringing which are expensive (approximately $100,000 per station or $400,000,000 for the industry) they should not go the extra mile and support audio flag. Their reasoning is incredibly weak. Radio needs content. If economic theft persists they will eventually marginalize their business model. People listen to radio because of the specific content not because the call signs sounds clever. Actually they are missing another major revenue stream. If you could monetize downloads you would be very valuable.

Boeings Guidance Is It?

Boeing (NYSE:BA) announces that the second quarter numbers will reflect settlements with the US Gov’t for a wide variety of infractions. Also they will need to make settlements with the Australians and Turkish Gov’t because they are late on providing airborne warning systems. I like getting to a clean slate on all this. It’s still a little fuzzy on what the numbers are. So was this news already reflected in the stock price? Curiously they also refer to the country of Turkey as the Turkish client. Like who else buys airborne surveillance systems? Does Boeing really have it right? Or are they just up to date on their fines.

Amarin Warm and Fuzzy

Amarin Corporation plc (Nasdaq:AMRN) keeps the corporate drum beating by announcing successful enrollment of enough candidates in the phase III clinical trials. The press release goes on to explain the potential merits/windfall that successful results may bring. No comment on when the trial may come to a close. No caveat’s that this is still a long way off. Just keeping everyone warm and fuzzy. Step right up and place your bets.

Fedex vs Teamsters

Federal Express (NYSE:FDX) recently posted some impressive gains. But look out! The party may have some unexpected house guests. The teamsters are looking to make a major organizing move within the ground division. Also the US Postal System will start using UPS (NYSE:UPS) aircraft to help deliver some of their volumes. Revenues for UPS and potential rising costs for Fedex

Jargon Alert Callaway

Golf and the stock market have an insidious way of creating a sweet anticipation. Follow these Pied Piper words from Callaway (NYSE:ELY) “The Ely Callaway Performance Center expands its namesake's vision with golf analysis technology unrivaled in the golf industry. Consumers will experience the highest level of swing analysis and
service inside the Center's gleaming fit bays that bristle with golf's most accurate and up-to-date measuring devices. Services will include instant club alterations, clubs built from scratch to a golfer's specifications -- with the latest in Callaway Golf's OptiFit(TM) technology affording immediate access to hundreds of driver customized head/shaft combinations.” God to hell with investing I just want to be a good golfer.

Weekend Follies June 24-25, 2006

The following stocks release information at odd-ball hours over the weekend when investors are typically not looking at their screens. Basically they are sneaking news out and hoping to call it disclosure. Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY),Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY),Auxilium Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AUXL), GenCorp Inc. (NYSE: GY) Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTI),PrimeWest Energy, (NYSE: PWI), Bennett Environmental Inc. (AMEX: BEL),Talisman Energy Inc. (NYSE: TLM)

Brower Piven Starts 4 Securities Class Actions

The law firm of Brower Piven, A Professional Association announced that four separate securities class actions were commenced on behalf of shareholders of Brooks Association (Nasdaq:BRKS), Erie Family Life Insurance (Nasdaq:ERIE), Herley Industries (Nasdaq:HRLY) and Home Solutions of America (AMEX:HOM). Check out www.browerpiven.com for details. Busy week at this law firm.