ALSO NOTED: Countrywide posts surprising, massive loss; Analysts upgrade Wachovia;and much more...

Company News:
> HSBC, Lone Star extends deal date. Article
> S&P credit markets hits McGraw-Hill earnings. Article
> Countrywide posts a surprising, massive loss. Article
> More criticism of the Bear Stearns "bailout." Article
> SkyBridge Capital invests in Capital Returns. Article
> Analysts upgrade Wachovia. Article
> Citigroup says to sell Royal Bank of Canada. Article

And Finally... Boost productivity by slacking off more at work. Article