NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Happy Friday folks ...

H.R. BLOCK: Somewhere beyond ironic, out near absurd and pathetic is where this story lies. H.R. Block, the company that sells tax advice to millions of Americans says that it goofed on its own tax return. It said underestimated its state tax rate and that it owes $32 million in back taxes. If ever there was a company that shouldn't make this kind of mistake! (The company also said that business was off this year due to a slow start to the tax filing season. HUH? What does that mean?.... The CEO later admitted the company was suffering from self-inflicted wounds. Time to lick 'em!) Stock (Research) has been all over the place and should be down on this news -- the company says it will have to restate earnings going back to 2004. And yet... and yet ... that's when you buy a stock. When it's down. I say wait a day or two, then pounce. The company still has a great brand. And let me ask you this: Do you think more or less Americans will need tax advice in the years to come? Precisely!

SEARS: So the company is going to turn up to 60 of its freestanding stores into a concept called "Sears Grand"? Rah. If you think I sound underwhelmed, you're right. Yes Sears coming out of bankruptcy and combining with Kmart -- all under the auspices of (Fast) Eddie Lampert -- has been a big hit for investors. But have shoppers been flocking to the store in droves? Me no think so. The company keeps scrambling with various strategies -- this one will add some food to its traditional offerings. Will this draw customers away from Target or Wal-Mart? Not! After peaking last summer at over $150, SHLD (Research) is now at $120 and holding. Party's over. Avoid.

ANHEUSER BUSCH: BUD was a great American stock. From 1985 until 2003 the stock climbed from about $2 to nearly $60. Then stock went flat. And worse ... falling to the low $40s. The problems weren't new: More Americans drinking wine and cocktails, imports and micro brews. The company knew all about that and was fighting back with new drinks, stakes in foreign brewers and in micros. Seems like the gang in St. Louis simply took their eye off the brew. Well now I think Big BUD is back. Last night the company says that its business is on track again: earnings will grow in '06, as it raises prices and cuts costs. Stock (Research) is not dirt cheap, but not that expensive. I like. (Note: yes I know this is the second beer stock I've done this week....but hey, go with what you know ... and the flow.)

Loose Change: Was out in Chicago yesterday moderating a panel for the Chicago Executives Club. We had Hank Paulson of Goldman Sachs, Ed Liddy of AllState, and Norm Bobbins of LaSalle Bank. Big Howdy to the 1,200 folks who attended....Ed Liddy had a good idea. We were talking about Sarbanes Oxley and he asked, "If CEOs have to sign to validate their financial statements, why shouldn't politicians also have to sign something too?" Good question!

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E-mail Andy Serwer at serwer@fortunemail.com.