It’s the calm before the fury. Next week will be huge for the market as many big companies are reporting earnings.

Will we see forward momentum due to good earnings surprises or will we hit a brick wall? One thing is for sure; next week is shaping up to be very entertaining and pivotal.

Take a partial look at the slew of companies reporting earnings next week:

Back in November we talked about Carl Ichan boosting his share in Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI) and how it might be a sign of good things to come.

At that time, Blockbuster was trading at $3.88. Today, it closed at $2.42. Not exactly going the right way.

So what’s wrong with this stock? Is there any hope?

If you own Ruth’s Hospitality Group (NasdaqGS: RUTH) stock and purchased anywhere close to one year ago or later, you’re in a world of hurt.

About one year ago this stock started stuttering and when it fell, it fell hard.

On July 18. 2007—one year ago from this writing—RUTH closed at $17.53, which was down a little from it’s $20ish highs a couple months prior. The next trading day is closed up 4 cents higher and that would be the end of RUTH.

From there it’s been a rollercoaster right down—August 07 $16s, September 07 $15s, October 07 $14s, November 07 $12s, and so forth.

Recently, I embarked on a journey to teach children about the importance of understanding money. I think it’s important to get them started young. One idea I had was to have them purchase one share of Disney stock and frame it.

As it turns out, some adults were asking me how they could do this as well.

Last year I started looking into whether or not Yahoo (Symbol: YHOO) might rebound. I determined that if they did, it would be quite some time. And it looks like I was right.

This month has been particularly hard for Yahoo stockholders. Just one month ago Yahoo’s stock was at $23.80. Today, it fell to $19.18—a 24% decline. So we’ve got to ask the question. Just where is the bottom for Yahoo?

Just a couple months ago Blockbuster (Symbol: BBI) looked to be on the way up. In fact, it did climb. But, the bottom fell out and it dipped down into the $3 arena.

Many investors have left for greener pastures, but one is taking advantage of the newfound value.

The stock market is fierce right now. Many on Wall Street are talking about how they’ve never seen a ride like this. Even the pros are having a tough time. But, is there money to be made?

I’ve been following Hovnanian Enterprises (Symbol: HOV) for some time and it’s been a trading bonanza of late. Just today, the stock dropped to $10.83 and then rose to a close of $12.57.

In after-hours trading, HOV dropped 7% to $11.68. Tomorrow could be another good day to trade this stock.

Revlon (Symbol: REV) reported a second-quarter loss of $11.3 million, or two cents per share, Wednesday.

President and Chief Executive David Kennedy cited multiple reasons for the smaller than expected loss.

Sales growth, benefits from restructuring actions started last year, and cost control shaped second-quarter performance, Kennedy said.

Revlon surged upward on the news. Shares roses 12.5% and closed at $1.17 on Wednesday.

Reader Question:

Six Flags (Symbol: SIX) had been hammered in 2007. Has everyone jumped ship or is there more downside?

Financial Rebel Answer:

First, it’s foolish to look for a bottom. The bottom is $0. Instead, look for a stock that has bottomed and is recovering.

As to Six Flags, I’ve been following this stock for quite some time and I’ve made money with it. Back when “the accident” occurred, I knew it was time to get out. Since that point, the stock has been down.

It’s a play on the buzz of the future—clean tech—more specifically, solar power. But, how far away from viable solar power are we really? Probably further than you think.

First Solar (Symbol: FSLR) is a classic example of what Wall Street mojo can do. In late May 2007, First Solar started its amazing bull run to $120. But why?

The stock is traded on unbelievable buzz—and momentum works both ways. Recently, First Solar announced earnings of $0.58 cents per share, which shows incredible improvement over last year’s $0.05 cents per share loss. Or does it?