NP previously stated that he could only fathom perhaps using up to 10% of these 100,000,000 shares, and that was at a share price of $ 3 or less. With the current share price, I would guess this would drop that number to 5% or less. Having these shares approved gives the company wiggle room to raise fast cash should they need to. I do believe that NP has a strong inkling that something in the way of a deal / financing is ready to break loose, in which case no shares would be sold. This is an intelligent backup plan from our smart and wiley CEO who is thinking ahead. I have heard, but cannot confirm, that these extra shares would possibly be of use in some way in thwarting a hostile takeover. Perhaps someone else with knowledge of such things could address that point?