These are the points at this stage that really stick out for me...

From NOT's offer, this quote..."Noront has waived all the unsatisfied conditions of the original Offer, including the condition that at least 66 2/3% of the total number of common shares outstanding (calculated on a fully-diluted basis) would be validly deposited under the Offer by the Expiry Time."

Compare this to Cliff's offer...."The transaction between Freewest and Cliffs, as amended, is subject to a number of conditions, including obtaining the approval of at least two-thirds of the Freewest shares voted at a special meeting of shareholders, and a simple majority of the Freewest shares voted at the special meeting, other than shares held by certain officers of Freewest."

Following up on this point, all NOT needs is 1/3 of the shares to block the Cliff's deal. Then they need only to continue to extend the date for more and more shares until they gain control.

Another thing....lots of emotion on here and the FWR board. Some pretty nasty attack adds directed at Mac. I'd say some pretty valid points with regards to defending Mac's compensation. I think if we look at all the facts....Mac's position with FWR, duration, and compensation over that period of time and compare that to the not one, but the many new faces at NOT....and thier combined compensation to date relative to duration of their time with NOT....if it's not that clear to you, it's quite clear to me. Figure it out before you speak.

And....showing some emotion of my own....let's just say I haven't forgot about Windfall and the news blackout following the takeover of NOT. Some would prefer we forget....don't let this cloud your judgement on current events they say....well, I think it is all quite relevant. Sure Wes arrived after all that, but who's really pulling the strings here?

Further...on the topic of news blackouts.....well, I certainly can't prove anything...purly just speculation...but...I always seem to feel the NOT team is withholding certain information....something quite material I might add. That run up in July on 35 million shares traded over two days; and not just for NOT, but also FNC in particular ....we still haven't seen anything that would explain the big run up for FNC. I'm somewhat convinced still, that there was some sort of step out towards FNC and for strategic reasons, the NOT team chooses not to inform the public just yet. What's confusing though is; why doesn't FNC just drill one deep hole to prove or disprove this point once and for all?

Continuing on this line of thinking.....why this policy on no visuals. I have made the point time and time again, this policy benefits some (let's call them insiders) at the disadvantage of others (retail in particular). All this drilling at AT-12....fow what? I haven't a clue....besides speculating. These drills with 1500 meter depth capacity....do we know yet if the deposit runs down to 1500 meters and open at depth yet....again, I haven't a clue....but, I bet some know....for sure. Why can't we all know at the same time....this whole transparancy promise; I'm not buying it.

On a happier note.....just look at all the publicity this has attracted...numerous add's...some slanted. Regardless, attracting much attention. People I've talked to about the ring of fire are now approaching me, telling me they've heard something on the news or read something about this area....they are becoming interested and want to know more.

In summing up my thoughts....lots of blue sky ahead for several companies in the ring of fire.