text: information along with certain assumptions about future events. 
  
  Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal actions, medical 
  
  costs, and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to 
  
  change in the near term. 
  
  ***R E C E N T A C C O U N T I N G P R O N O U N C E M E N T S***
  Increase in expense in 2003 is due to accelerated vesting upon the 
  
  In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued 
  retirement of plan participants. 
  
  Interpretation 46R (FIN 46R), a revision to Interpretation 46 (FIN 46), 
  ***I N C O M E T A X E S***
  “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” Fin 46R clarifies some of the 
  The Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, 
  provisions of FIN 46 and exempts certain entities from its requirements. 
  “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This Statement uses an asset and lia- 