Well, first, the whole everybody is "blacked out" meme is hearsay

On the face, it appears to be the case, but we have not, nor would there be any requirement for a company to officially announce that anyone is "blacked out"

In fact, it isn't even clear what that would mean

I suppose there is a sort of collective understanding that any communication, from any individual who may be in possession of material information pertaining to any activities of the company, which could be used as basis for advantaged or "insider" trading, has now been restricted

...and I believe that is exactly what has happened

That all staff who obviously have, probably as a minimum, as much interest in what is happening as we do, have been given a heads up

I think we are that close, and that would be an understandable mangement action

I also doubt that such internal disclosure would happen very much in advance of full public disclosure to minimize the possibility of leaks, deliberate or otherwise from occuring

So based on this additional rumor, I think the case for next week is enhanced