Gotta love the last line - "I will have more of the biggest names in Hip-Hop to announce real soon". They are trickling out the news, milking each PR. No sense blasting a big PR when you don't have everyone's attention. I like how they work. Also, it's showing strength around 20, and, the borad is getting snippy - that means folks with an agenda are paying attention as well - more eyes, more movement. we're getting more day traders, we need more investors now. Let it roll.

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I expected the same in July for a mid-year update - it never came - I don't think they're interested any longer in providing updates to share holders. I wonder if we'll even get our quarterly numbers. Not producing those would be a real signal as to where this company stands I should think. I believe our best indication of PBLS over the next few months is not what they do but what they don't do - if they can't keep alive even the modest reporting they were doing up to this point, well, that would say quite a bit in my opinion.

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Yes, they need to reassert some of that connection. For those looking short term with this stock, the more celebs the better, and the more news about that, better still. For those looking long term, just two words of warning: Planet Hollywood. There are differences between the two, but I keep those two words in the back of my mind in case I start getting greedy.

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SSC,

And look at the PR strategy - very organized in my opinion. Take the Cavuto show as an example. First a generic PR about cnn, bet, and other national tv coverage for the opening. A PR on the appearance with Cavuto. The appearance on Cavuto. The PR restating the message given on Cavuto's program. For one event they are getting three PRs - plus the communication being done at the actual "event" being PR'd. Each time they repeat their mantra, and get the word to a growing audience. That's good PR. I think, IMHO, that you're correct that we're seeing the first vestiges of the PR monster that's coming. If we get an announcement on celebs who will be attending, we start getting news venues seeking HTRE out - now that's good PR... let's hope we get that news soon.

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I'd love to see a PR confirming celebs who will be present and who may also be performing there. This is hte week to capitalize on PR to bring new buyers in, so let the PRs roll.

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agreed. Any pink, cover your bet and tuck away a little profit on the first spike. Let shares ride free after that as long for as long as your stomach can handle it.

I see this as stronger on marketing than delivering - meteoric rise, quick fall back when reality sets in, drift lower to earnings based trade levels.

There may be an initial spike, profit taking and a bit of a dip, then new buyers bellying up and driving it higher as the word spreads, before the quick plunge to reality.

Be nimble.

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The recent detail on the opening gave me everything on my Christmas wish list except an Oprah spot. So I'm happy there. The o/s is fairly large, so I'm not expecting a 10 dollar spike like other stocks in this category, but a dollar or two wouldn't be bad. Throw in some fevered buying and a little hype, and things could go much better. We've been over 40 cents on less assured expectations of opening dates, etc in the last few years, so IMVHO, tripling that into a buck plus is realistic with the o/s we have.

But hey, I'll take any thing north of here.

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they appear to be doing everything right - BET MTV VH1 - a confirmed date - red carpet and celebs - this looks like a great short term play at the very least.

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I think PBLS is doing a good job of discouraging investors (not flippers) all by themselves. They don't need any help from the boards. Still holding my remaining shares, waiting for a decent price to recoup some of the loss. Hope springs eternal.

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Can someone flick the lights on the way out?

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I think the best we can hope for is a show like the Today show or Good Morning America doing a spot if HTRE can get the requisite celebs there to make it a ratings draw. That would require a lot of hoopla in the morning prior to the real opening (a little pre-publicity). If they could get a music channel (MTV) or BET to cover the opening party as well, that would be a plus. But I agree, where's the money coming from to advertise? Unless HTRE can convince others via star power to cover it at their cost I wouldn't get too excited about the publicity. JMHO.

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I'm actually a pretty cheerful guy in all things but Pbls. And besides, puppies are cute the way they bounce after kicking them. Can you think of a reason besides dire necessity why we're still trending toward 2.5 billion? I'd be happy to hear good news on that point, and i do mean that honestly.

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And the total so far in trading is around 120 thousand - double the dump of shares. There can be no reason to be dumping additional shares on the market unless they need cab fare home. I think that's the final nail in this coffin.

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Shelby,

I don't think your post to Chilar puts a positive spin on anything either. If I'm reading it right, you're suggesting that a series of companies that were losing money got the better of PBLS by having PBLS buy them, got some investment out of PBLS, and then, when PBLS Management was unsuccessful at making them profitable (their whole intent in the first place), finally cut them loose. So is your argument that PBLS management mis-managed our investment dollars over the last few years, is easily deceived, and only now has cut the company to the bones and beyond? Somehow, I don't feel much better...

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No idea at this point beyond their org chart, and I even read that with a whole container of Morton salt...

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If your name was edgarcaycehopeful and warren buffet passed on some cash with that handshake to PBLS, well, that would just mean that a year later we could commiserate with one more person on this message board. ;)

I've enjoyed the responses - any and all could cause a spike. Let's hope at least one plays out.

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Wouldn't that be a nice gesture on their part, during this upcoming holiday season? I would shake his hand if he did that (but I'd still check to see my watch was still there).

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Even so, we'd still need PBLS to be in some business (are any left?) in order to compute a fair PPS. ;)

While we pick at each other and Pbls's carcasses, does anyone wish to hazard a guess as to some piece of news that might get this stock to spike, even modestly (serious and silly answers welcomed).

Some possibilities:
PBLS management replaced
A jury award to PBLS (even a reasonable expectation of such and a number to go with it per their supreme court victory)
Pigs fly?

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Whirl,

This was the first pink I invested in. Based on the potential for a Katrina windfall, a near recession proof housing market, the pit, etc. I thought they would need to be criminal or stupid not to turn PBLS into a profitable company. Now I just feel criminally stupid for believing they could make it happen. Break even on my investment is my big dream now, getting out at a minimum loss acceptable. My attention is profoundly elsewhere these days than here, besides checking to see if I squeeze a bit more blood out of this drying turnip.

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I agree. Announcing an actual date (and sticking to it) is better, even if it's a little further out. But that notice should also include detail that provides assurances (such as the promotion campaign kicking in, opening night party is set, etc) that the date will be met, unlike the comments made in the past that have come and gone. I hope they deliver this year. It would be a great Hip Hop Holiday gift.

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I googled htre regarding news - I would think that if they were days away from opening, there'd already be a PR blitz in the works based on the firms they've hired but couldn't find anything beyond the Htre pr. So I don't think they are days away, at least I hope not. To open up without a meda blitz to raise awareness of htre (and consequently attract new investors) would be the height of silliness based on their star power and connections. I'm hoping they're a little further off from opening, would like to see some PR trickling out to the press, some notices about celebs attending the grand opening, big hip hop party planned, TV spots in the works, etc. Opening without that would be a major mistake in planning in my opinion. We'll see I guess.

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If they truly are days away from opening, I'd expect the stock to be moving more. I think there's some doubt in the PR's claim based on the reaction today. If they are opening soon, I'd want to see every celebrity they can get their hands on at the soda shop for the opening and the PR firm should be cranking up overtime getting cameras etc there.

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Grafix,

This line in the report struck me when I read it the first time and even more seeing it here:

"City officials say they've not delayed the project."

There could be, among city officials, multiple reasons to delay a hip hop soda shop, one of which could be a not-in-my-backyard attitude. I'm not sure of the make-up of the council (I suppose I can go look), but that statement appearing in the article implies the reporter was also wondering if the town was trying to kill the project- why else ask?

HTRE needs to open at least one shop in order for real PR to be launched and to get the stock to move. I've been waiting a couple years for that. Without a definitive opening date set, the PR machine can't do much to generate the hype that will move this stock, regardless of their celebrity connections and experience. It will founder IMO until then. But when the date is set, they appear to have the connections to get the word out, generate interest, and perhaps get this baby to spike.

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Chilar,

I agree, PBLS has a way to go to make me a long again. Currently I'm a long only because it's not worth it to sell, but seeing new life in the pps may make me become a more active part time flipper to get me back to break even - if not here on another stock I've been watching. I think PBLS taught me well that being a long on any pinkie (unless those shares are riding free) is a fool's game.

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Whirl,

A big question might be does PBLS need a big infusion of cash from this lawsuit to keep its business alive? We can't answer that based on the recent unaudited numbers. Without the cash cow of the pit at the moment, is litigation their true cash cow in the short term? If yes, that could pressure on both sides to settle on a number agreeable to both parties. Once the money arrives (and let's not get too far ahead of ourselves in expecting them to get a large lump of cash), would it be applied to furthering their businesses, go into executive pockets, pay off debt, reduce the O/S, or some combination, etc. What they choose to do with any money becomes very critical. Any decision PBLS makes right now is critical.

And then there's all those other questions we've been asking for three years, the ones Sawdin reminded everyone of today. But at least there's some hope in getting a run on the pps and the stock moved on news, that's good for flippers and long term holders.

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The big questions now are whether

a) we can hold on to at least the majority of the jump
b) is the dollar value of the settlement already baked into the PPS now - wouldn't a 10 mil settlement for example account for about .004 increase across 2.5 bil shares?
c) what's the timeframe for receiving any settlement and what will PBLS do with it when / if they get it?

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Good news: Renewed faith in the PBLS legal team. This was not an easy case to win, and shows PBLS has good legal counsel.

It will be interesting to see how much selling occurs on this good news today.

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I assumed concrete crushing went with VP and MR - with nothing verifiable now, I don't count it among the assets, but you missed another selling opportunity for PBLS for the material besides the levees -- Seems to me there's a market for concrete shoes down there as well....

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How would that help PBLS? As far as we know, we're not in the sand and gravel business any longer.

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As an old Pitt alum, I hope you're right.

The big question now is, will what's left of PBLS be overcome, to take a line from the civil rights anthem?

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Roach,

To read something this fun, I'll sign up. Civil Rights?

Go Steelers.

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Is it too early for the Ralley Monkey? Wait, i know the answer to that, it's far too late for the Rally Monkey now that it's suffering from ebola.

MCDuck's analysis of the PR was spot on, but in terms of the comment PA made about not raising the o/S and A/S, well, I'd like a little clarity on what happened to the shares set aside for the "partners." If he could just say one of the following, it would be helpful:

1. Though the shares we released were for the partners that never materialized or the deal that was never real, we still sold them on the open market, diluted our stock, in order to assist with our cash flow problems. We don't intend to do anything to reduce those shares except the potential for a buyback as stated in the previous PR.

2. Those shares set aside for our non-existent partners, along with shares received for the preferred deal thus far will be retired, reducing our O/S by _____ shares.


Number 2 would be preferable. Just saying they are living with the damage caused from them being scammed (I do recognize the irony of that statement) seems a bit short of the mark for me, and suggests a lack of interest in really changing our current position.

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PBLS is still at it -

In times like these, it's best to ask - WWPD - "What would Paul do?"

One day, issue an angelic, honest and open letter to shareholders:

"As to any of the accumulated dividends that may not as yet been paid to holders of our preferred stock, it is our plan to bring these dividend payments current over the next sixty days or so, as our restructuring program progresses."

And he also says, "We do not intend to increase our "Authorized Shares" of common stock or preferred stock above the current levels".

Follow that up with the slammer (we all expected any way):
"the Company is terminating the "Voting Preferred Stock Participation Program" that was originally announced on February 15, 2007."

Maybe when PA had our attention the first time, he could have mentioned (at the very least) the intention of cutting the preferred deal when he was lauding their efforts of becoming current in terms of paying the divvies that are past due for the preferreds. But hey, why should the company be honest and sincere in a PR about being honest and sincere?

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It was all over in the first line when he emphasizes he isn't providing a professional PR, and instead supplies a personal one. . . there has to be at least one professional PR in the bag somewhere, why can't they pull it out? I don't care if he went to church. I don't care that he's hearing from irate investors or feels maligned. I don't even care what the crimes are that were committed except in terms of how they've affected PBLS and how PBLS was susceptible to the ruse. I do care what the current state of the business is, and a personal PR doesn't give me that. This company needs to go on record (not a phone conversation, not an email) with a detailed assessment of the state of the union. The rest is nonsense.

But hey, maybe this PR will lead to a revival in PBLS, they can go town to town, erecting tents and spreading the good word, one investor at a time. People will flock to see the light of the good work they're doing down there in NO, and then, brothers and sisters, we will break the string that kept us dangling over the pit of despair in the land of penny stocks and ascend to the holy ground of AMEX! Yes, certs in hand, we will be among the elect to share in the sweet fruits of PAs bounty. I feel the spirit of stock market riches flowing through me -

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Xylan,

A better scenario would be the scrapping of the Pref IIIs, getting bought out by a holding company that specializes in turning around companies with promise that are under-performing (hey, didn't PBLS used to say they do that?), change the management, and get PBLS back on track. That's on my christmas wish list at least, along with a four foot tall Big Lou Robot and an air blaster...

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Mr. Dale:

"so I am still hoping there is more CAN DO left in the bowels of the company."

That could be rephrased to say "I am hoping that there isn't only doo - doo in their bowels to send to the can." LOL

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Saw,

Believe me, I wish you could. My portfolio and I would be far happier. This was the first pinky I invested in, because I truly thought that with where they're located and what their plan was (the pit, construction, oil and gas, and personal jets) that they'd have to be complete idiots or criminals not to make a solid company out of such prospects. The pit as a cash cow, a near recession proof construction area, on the cutting edge of a growing private jet business - it seemed all the right choices initially and then it started going to far, they let exuberance get the better of them (buy buy buy) and I think they grew faster than their skills could manage. It's an old story and a common one. It's sad it's happening here. But I'm getting tired of waiting for them to come to the realization many of us on this board have. At least, I don't really see them fessing up to the degree needed. GLTY - I'm still looking for the right exit.

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Gandalf,

During this year's buying spree, if the unaudited financials are an indication, there were no increases to mineral reserves or hard assets (leaving the likely explanantion any of the companies they purchased technically own very little, with the exception of leasing agreements and potentially debt). Or, the numbers aren't being updated correctly. Or, ...

There are comments made that PBLS needs to cut out the dead wood, etc, and focus on their strengths. That leads me to think that PBLS is incapable of executing their basic business model:

Acquisition – to buy quality companies in our core business areas (their judgement seems to be suspect based on the number and potential number of companies leaving the fold)

Development – to strengthen and streamline our current holdings and new acquisitions by creating operating efficiencies and by providing capital resources coupled with the backing and support of a seasoned management team (If their core strength is making companies more profitable through their strong management skills, the excuse that these acquired companies are "under-performing" is a double indictment of PBLS management - they chose poorly, and could not execute the second item of their mission - improving the acquired companies bottom line).

I won't even comment on item 3 of their mission. If PBLS can't deliver on their basic business model, except in supplying excuses for why they can't do it, I don't see them moving forward any time soon.

For anyone to invest more in this company (or for me to take my current sell order off the table for a portion of my shares) they'd have to prove basic competency in executing their business model and mission. So far that's a no for me until transparency and an improving bottomline proves otherwise.

Oh, but it's just a pinky, so maybe they don't have to do any of this... three years into their five year plan, their plan seems to be unraveling.

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Whirl,

I was with you until the last line, unverified PRs are worse than any bickering here. The market (whose voice is also more important than any of ours) is doing a big yawn right now on these unaudited financials. If Progas were figured in - what would these numbers look like - is it revenues or losses with Progas that aren't listed? If progas isn't in, what else isn't in these numbers that maybe didin't even get a footnote? The selective release of information is far worse than our bickering, always will be. But I'm happy they can at least paint an apparent rosey enough picture to keep us falling further for now. That's something I guess.

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