Prospectus excerpt:  SECURITY OFFERED............................. 3,000,000 shares of 6.97% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock").

MATURITY..................................... The Preferred Stock does not have any maturity date nor are we required to redeem the Preferred Stock. Accordingly, the Preferred Stock will remain outstanding unless we decide to redeem it. In addition, we are not required to set aside funds to redeem the Preferred Stock.

RATE....................................... Investors will be entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends on the Preferred Stock at a rate of 6.97% per annum of the $50.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $3.485 per annum per share). Dividends will accrue from the date of original issuance, which is expected to be November 16, 1999.

FREQUENCY.................................. Quarterly in arrears, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.

PAYMENT DATES.............................. January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each year, beginning January 31, 2000.

DRD PROTECTION............................. If, prior to May 16, 2001, Congress enacts amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that reduce the percentage of the dividends-received deduction below 70%, the amount of dividends payable on Preferred Stock will be adjusted to offset the effect of that reduction. However, we will make no adjustment to the extent that the percentage of the dividends-received deduction is reduced below 50%.

RANKING...................................... The Preferred Stock will rank, both as to dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, over our common stock (and any other stock junior to the Preferred Stock).

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.......................... Beginning November 16, 2009, we will have the option to redeem the Preferred Stock at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption price of $50 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date.

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS........................... If we are dissolved, liquidated or wound up, holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of any assets available for distribution to stockholders, up to $50 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the liquidation payment date. Payment of this liquidation preference must be made before any payment is made to the holders of our common stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon our dissolution, winding up or liquidation.