Word of the Day

Commodity

Even if you don't think you do, you already know plenty about commodities. Want us to prove it? No problem.

What makes oil produced in Saudi Arabia different from oil exported from Nigeria? It's the same thing that makes the corn you ate at last summer¿s barbecue different from the corn used to produce ethanol. Stumped? Well, don't feel bad, it's a trick question. The answer? Absolutely nothing. Corn is corn no matter where it comes from -- just as wheat is wheat and natural gas is -- right! -- natural gas. (Though the quality may differ, the make-up is uniform.)

So, in less elaborate terms, corn and oil (and all other commodities) are homogenous goods that can be processed, resold and more often than not, used as an input to the production of other goods or services. These goods are traded on a commodity exchange, thus setting the price-per-barrel (or other metric unit) used to value them.

Now pay attention, here's a question that indeed does have an answer: What is the difference between a commodity and a stock? While a stock can tank and become worthless, a commodity cannot have its value be wiped to zero. One other difference: Most commodities are traded in futures, meaning traders buy and sell where they think the price of a product will be at a certain point in the future. Stocks trade based on the value of the underlying company at that point in time.

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Monday, June 30, 2008

Westaff's 60th Anniversary Celebration Raises More than $6,000 for Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation

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Comtex

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Jun 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Westaff, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTF), a leading provider of staffing services, raised more than $6,000 this past Tuesday, June 30, 2008 when it hosted a fundraiser event benefiting Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). The fundraiser was the final event in a series of community and corporate activities commemorating the staffing leader's 60th anniversary.

"Though our approaches may be different, Westaff and ARF share a commitment to enriching people's lives," commented Westaff Chief Operating Officer Steve Russo, who presented ARF Development Director Bobbe Hengst with the company's donation at the event. "ARF's dedication to matching people and animals equals Westaff's dedication to matching employers and employees. We are thrilled to support their commitment and celebrate 60 years of helping our neighbors with recognition of their great work."

Area business leaders joined Westaff and ARF representatives at ARF's Walnut Creek Campus for the celebration. In addition to enjoying the cocktail reception, guests participated in a raffle and silent auction, the proceeds from which contributed to the overall event total. Special guests, members of the ARF Pet Hug Pack, a volunteer group of pets and owners who make 39 visits a month to hospitals, rehab centers, schools and adult day care facilities throughout Contra Costa County, joined other dedicated ARF volunteers in educating the crowd about ARF programs and provided guided tours of the ARF facility.

"Community and corporate support are key to ARF's ability to rescue animals and provide programs that bring people and animals together," said ARF Development Director Bobbe Hengst at the event. "Westaff's support is greatly appreciated. Not only will the funds raised this evening better the lives of many animals and people, the awareness raised by bringing new members of the community to our campus is invaluable to sharing our mission."

About Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation

Created in 1991 by Tony and Elaine La Russa to address the needs of companion animals, ARF saves dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and brings people and animals together to enrich each others lives. Based in Walnut Creek, Calif., ARF strives to create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care. For more information, please visit www.arf.net.

About Westaff

Westaff provides staffing services and employment opportunities for businesses in global markets. Westaff annually employs in excess of 125,000 people and services more than 20,000 client accounts from 179 offices located throughout the United States, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.westaff.com.

SOURCE: Westaff, Inc.

Westaff,
   Inc. Stacy Spivack, 925-952-2521 Senior Marketing Manager, sspivack@westaff.com or KRT Marketing for Westaff, Inc. Rachel
   Loya, 925-284-6255 rachel@krtmarketing.com

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