67 billion according to Reuters Estimates

Storied Hotel Offers Presidential Inauguration PackageBEDFORD, Pa., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa hasplayed host to 11 US presidents and was once considered the "Summer WhiteHouse" of James Buchanan.So, it's only fitting that the recentlytransformed, historic property is inviting guests to experience this year'sinaugural festivities as well as its own rich history with the "PresidentialInauguration Package."The resort re-opened to rave reviews in 2007 following a meticulous$120-million restoration.With the Springs Eternal Spa featuring treatmentsshowcasing the benefits of the native, mineral rich springs, one of the firstgolf courses ever designed in the US and horse-drawn carriages, the propertyevokes its grand dame era.Yet, it still has all the modern conveniences andcomforts for today's traveler.To illustrate the property's rich place inAmerican history, when Buchanan announced he would not seek re-election, hedid so from the steps of Bedford Springs.His decision paved the way forAbraham Lincoln - from Illinois, like President-Elect Barack Obama - to seekthe presidency."This is an opportunity for Washington, DC-area residents to escape theinauguration crunch," said Scott Stuckey, general manager of the Omni BedfordSprings Resort, "or for those who haven't been able to find a room in theDistrict to commute from our property to experience the festivities."Close to the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 70, theresort is a convenient two-hour drive from Baltimore and Washington, DC, 90minutes from Pittsburgh, three hours from Philadelphia and four hours from NewYork City.The package is available beginning this weekend, from Friday, January 9ththrough Sunday, January 25th with a minimum two-night stay required.Pricesstart at $149 per night and include a buffet breakfast each morning in theCrystal Dining Room for up to two guests per room.Rates for the Omni BedfordSpring Resort & Spa's "Presidential Inauguration Package" are exclusive oftax, gratuities and the resort fee of $20 per room per night.The resort canalso arrange for transportation to Washington, DC for an additional fee. Details, terms and conditions are available at omnihotels or guests maycall 1-800-THE-OMNI.About Omni Bedford Springs Resort & SpaLong heralded for its healing waters and restorative environs, the OmniBedford Springs Resort's origins date back to 1796 when its seven originalmineral springs lured guests for a healing cure.A classic "springs resort"with many of the original buildings and architectural elements still in place,the restored and expanded Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa features the30,000 square foot Springs Eternal Spa, five restaurants, meeting and banquetspace, retail shops and a variety of recreational activities.The landmarkresort recently became part of the Omni Hotels' portfolio of luxuryproperties.About Omni HotelsOmni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences at 43 luxuryhotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinationsacross North America.From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamicbusiness settings, each location features four-diamond services, includingaward-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitnessoptions.Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported byits "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spotdecisions to meet or exceed guest expectations.Guests can locate hotels andbook accommodations by visiting or by calling1-800-THE-OMNI. SOURCEOmni Bedford Springs Resort & SpaCaryn Kboudi of Omni Hotels, 1-972-871-5625, ; or KarenMoraghan of Hunter Public Relations, 1-908-876-5100, . NEW YORK (Reuters) - Medical device maker Stryker Corp (SYK.N) posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter sales on Friday and forecast double-digit earnings growth for 2009 that could top estimates, lifting its shares 5.7 percent.

Hot StocksFourth-quarter sales rose 3.6 percent to $1.72 billion, fueled by demand for its orthopedic implants, but would have risen 7.7 percent if not for negative foreign exchange factors.Analysts' average sales forecast was $1.67 billion, according to Reuters Estimates.Stryker reaffirmed that it expects a 2008 profit, excluding restructuring charges, of $2.82 to $2.84 per share, an increase of 18 percent from 2007. The company in December trimmed its 2008 outlook due to a cutback in purchases of its hospital products, which range from surgical instruments to beds and stretchers.For 2009, the Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company forecast earnings of $3.12 to $3.22 per share, up 10 percent to 14 percent from expected 2008 results. Analysts' average forecast is $3.15."Despite great uncertainty in the global economy and continued pressure on hospital capital expenditure budgets, we believe the strength of our global franchises combined with our focus on cost controls will allow us to deliver solid top line growth and double-digit EPS gains in 2009." Stryker Chief Executive Officer Stephen MacMillan said in a release.MacMillan in December noted that recessions typically have had little impact on the company, but noted that Stryker sales were being crimped by ongoing reductions in hospital capital expenditures amid the economic downturn.Global orthopedic implant sales rose 4.2 percent to $1.02 billion in the fourth quarter, Stryker said on Friday, while revenue from MedSurg equipment rose 2.8 percent to $701 million.Stryker shares were up $2.21 to $40.79 in late morning trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The company will provide detailed fourth-quarter results on January 27.(Reporting by Ransdell Pierson; editing by John Wallace, Dave Zimmerman) Hot Stocks.

First and foremost, give credit to the Cincinnati Bengals for coming into a hostile environment, staying calm, taking advantage ofopportunities, and getting the win.The Bengals player of the game should be Bruce Arians He was able to singlehandedly stop the Steelers offense. With 40 passes and only 17 rushes, he made the Steelers a one-dimensional team to the delight of the Bengals defense, because that is the goal of every defense.I'm also going to call out Mike Tomlin, because he sat by and let it happen. As a former defensive coordinator himself, he should know this Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher wouldn't have let this happen. It's okay to be a passing team, but you have to keep the defense honest.For example, the Bengals continued to run the ball even if it wasn't successful to slow the Steelers' pass rush. Late in the game, the Bengals were able to have more success running the ball and taking time off the clock because the running game tires the defense.Besides refusing to run the ball, Arians stuck with the empty backfield, even though three out of the first five times the Steelers used that formation, it resulted in sacks. The other two resulted in a batted ball and a four-yard gain on a pass to Heath Miller.So why stick with it The Bengals blitzed like mad, so why not go to the coaching 101 book and counter that with moving the pocket, screens, and draws Instead Arians countered with deep routes and long developing plays! Makes no sense to me!Arians too often abandons the run and becomes enamored with the deep passing game, which other teams see and take advantage of. He has made very few "splash" plays in the return game (which is why he made the team), makes bad decisions in the return game, and is not very good on the coverage units.

Give his gameday roster spot to a LB in order to improve the coverage unit. QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, Jan 09 (MARKET WIRE) The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence andMinister of the Atlantic Gateway, together with the Honourable JoseeVerner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced thecontract award for the Canadian Forces' new medium-sized logistic trucks.Under the contract, the Canadian Forces will be receiving 1300Militarized Commercial Off-the-Shelf (MilCOTS) vehicles."In line with our Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government of Canadacontinues to deliver on its promise to equip our Forces with the toolsthey need to do the jobs we ask of them," said Minister MacKay. The new fleet of trucks represents an essential investmentfor the Canadian Forces."It's essential for Canadian soldiers to be provided with qualityequipments to perform their duties," said Minister Verner. "These trucksare another example of our government's commitment to provide adequateequipment for the Canadian Forces."The $274 Million contract was awarded to Navistar Defence LLC following acompetitive procurement process. Canada will take delivery of the firsttrucks in the summer of 2009, with all the trucks to be delivered within18 months after the contract award.The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to this contract,which means that Navistar Defence LLC will generate one dollar ofeconomic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from thecontract. The maintenance and repair of the MilCOTS vehicles will besupported commercially through a well-established local dealer network,benefiting Canadian industry and local economies.The MilCOTS vehicles are the first element of the Medium Support VehicleSystem (MSVS) project. The MSVS project will provide a replacement forthe current medium logistic trucks, which have been in use since the1980's and are reaching the end of their service life.