RE: News of interest-Yes, I got the same info in talking to Bob yesterday. Seems there is a meeting early next week with the JV candidate and hopefully a decision just a few days after that. It sounds encouraging but Bob did not want to say that anything is for sure since these deals can be very volatile. Having said that, it is enough to make them hold off on the drilling until they decide if the JV is on or not, as it may be that the JV partner will be doing the drilling. In the event thaqt it doesn't go through, the plan is to drill with ESO money regardless (Mikwam). He did say that there MAY be some news that could make the ESO shareholders very happy campers coming out in the near future. We shall see... There are other things going on behind the scenes. Bob reminded me that the ESO is in a good position and that they don't have to and will not settle for any crap joint ventures but this one sounds like they are in intense negotiations. With the second round of cash being injected from the FED over the next three quarters, I think that these companies will all be eager to move ahead and hopefully get the lead out. Should be an interesting year ahead.