Wow.  Thank you for the insight.   I was unaware that such things might be going on.  I never would have imagined that there would be so many speculators / investors perusing this, and other boards, that  might be so easily influenced by rumors.

On the MM / Specialists,  I understand that for NYSE and AMEX there is one assigned to each stock.  Or, is it one assigned from each broker / company?   Either way, this person sounds to be in a tremendous position of influence.  When something drastic happens to the stock price, are these folks in cahoots?