Guided by adisciplined approach to capital allocation and aggressive asset managementthe Company partners with premium brands such as MarriottR Ritz-CarltonRWestinR SheratonR WR

Guided by adisciplined approach to capital allocation and aggressive asset management,the Company partners with premium brands such as Marriott(R), Ritz-Carlton(R),Westin(R), Sheraton(R), W(R), St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R),Hyatt(R), Fairmont(R), Four Seasons(R), Hilton(R) and Swissotel(R)* in theoperation of properties in over 50 major markets worldwide.For additionalinformation, please visit the Company’s website at * This press release contains registered trademarks that are the exclusiveproperty of their respective owners.None of the owners of these trademarkshas any responsibility or liability for any information contained in thispress release.SOURCEHost Hotels & Resorts, Inc.Investor Relations, +1-240-744-5800. FORT WORTH, TX, Apr 23 (MARKET WIRE) — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) (NYSE: BNI)–Quarterly earnings were $0.86 per diluted share, which included a$0.19 per share charge related to an unfavorable coal rate case decisionand an $0.08 per share loss on unwinding interest rate hedges on debt nolonger expected to be issued. This compares to first-quarter 2008 earningsof $1.30 per diluted share.–Freight revenues decreased $831 million, or 20 percent, to $3.31billion compared with the first quarter of 2008 as loads handled decreased14 percent.

The 20-percent decrease in freight revenues included areduction in fuel surcharges of approximately $325 million and a $96million charge related to the unfavorable coal rate case decision.–Operating expenses decreased $631 million, or 19 percent, to $2.76billion compared with the first quarter of 2008. The reduction in operatingexpenses was driven by strong cost controls, decreased unit volumes andlower fuel expenses resulting from decreased fuel prices.Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) (NYSE: BNI) todayreported quarterly earnings of $0.86 per diluted share, which included a$0.19 per share charge related to an unfavorable coal rate case decisionand an $0.08 per share loss on unwinding interest rate hedges on debt nolonger expected to be issued. This compares to first-quarter 2008earnings of $1.30 per diluted share.”During the first quarter of 2009, BNSF’s focus on cost control and avariable cost structure enabled us to weather a difficult economicenvironment,” said Matthew K Rose, BNSF Chairman, President and ChiefExecutive Officer. “BNSF continues to manage through the recession and iswell positioned to take advantage of the eventual economic recovery.”First-quarter 2009 freight revenues decreased $831 million, or 20 percent,to $3.31 billion compared with $4.14 billion in the prior year. The20-percent decrease in revenues included a decrease in fuel surcharges ofapproximately $325 million and a $96 million charge in excess of amountspreviously accrued related to the unfavorable coal rate decision. Theremaining variance was due to lower unit volumes as a result of theeconomic downturn, partially offset by improved yields.Coal revenues were $863 million.

Excluding the $96 million charge relatedto the unfavorable coal rate decision, coal revenues increased $5 million,or 1 percent, reflecting improved yields on slightly lower unit volumes.Agricultural Products revenues were $187 million, or 22 percent lower thanthe first quarter of 2008. Lower unit volumes caused mainly by reduceddomestic loadings and international grain shipments were partially offsetby improved yields. Industrial Products revenues declined $220 million, or23 percent, to $719 million, which included a decline in unit volumes thatwas driven by lower demand for construction products and building productsand was partially offset by improved yields. Consumer Products revenuesfell $333 million, or 24 percent, to $1.05 billion, on lower internationalintermodal, domestic intermodal and automotive volumes due to economicconditions.

Decreased fuel surcharges driven by lower fuel prices alsonegatively impacted revenues of each of the business units.Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2009 were $2.76 billioncompared with first-quarter 2008 operating expenses of $3.39 billion. The$631 million decrease in operating expenses was driven by strong costcontrols, decreased unit volumes and lower fuel prices, which decreasedfuel expenses by about $300 million.First-quarter 2009 interest expense increased $64 million, or 48 percent,to $198 million compared with $134 million in the first quarter of 2008.This increase was primarily attributable to a $43 million loss onunwinding interest rate hedges on debt no longer expected to be issued,and the unfavorable coal rate case decision further increased interestexpense by $9 million.Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation’s subsidiary BNSF Railway Companyoperates one of the largest North American rail networks, with about32,000 route miles in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF RailwayCompany is among the world’s top transporters of intermodal traffic,moves more grain than any other American railroad, carries the componentsof many of the products we depend on daily, and hauls enough low-sulfurcoal to generate about ten percent of the electricity produced in theUnited States. The Nationals 2008 season so far has been one of disappointment.  They currently sit in last place with a 22-30 record and nine games out of first place. 10 players from the Nats opening day roster have been on the disabled list and its not even June yet. As a Nats fan it is hard to be optimistic but I have decided in the midst of this tumultuous season to take a look at a few bright points for the near future. TheNationals new stadium: The dimensions make it a more of a hitter’s parkthan RFK which should help the Nationals young hitters make the adjustmentto the majors.  Attendance isn’tquite where it should be but you also have to consider that the Nationalsballclub isn’t performing to the levels it is capable ofJonRauch: At 6″11′ 290 lbs. Chubb Reports First Quarter Net Income per Share of $0.95 and Operating Incomeper Share of $1.43; Combined Ratio Is 88.1%WARREN, N.J., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Chubb Corporation (NYSE:CB) today reported that net income in the first quarter of 2009 was $341million or $0.95 per share, compared to $664 million or $1.77 per share in thefirst quarter of 2008.Operating income, which the company defines as net income excluding after-taxrealized investment gains and losses, declined to $514 million from $620million in the first quarter of 2008.Operating income per share decreased13% to $1.43 in the first quarter of 2009 from $1.65 in the first quarter of2008.Net written premiums for the first quarter decreased 7% to $2.7 billion.