Monday
After accompanying my son to a crowded Guitar Hero III midnight release party last weekend, I have new respect for Activision (NASDAQ:ATVI). Unfortunately, analysts expect the company to hit a sour note on Monday and post a small loss for its latest quarter. That should change in the current quarter, especially with the long lines of people forking over $90 to $100 last Sunday for the new guitar-riffing game.

Tuesday
Diamond engagement rings shine on Tuesday, as Blue Nile (NASDAQ:NILE) steps up, perhaps on bended knee, to discuss its third-quarter financials. The stock doesn't appear cheap, but it's never really traded at a bargain multiple, for two good reasons. First, stellar growth. Earnings are expected to climb 45% higher to $0.16 a share for the period. Second, market-thumping performance. The online upscale jeweler has beaten Wall Street's expectations in 12 of its first 13 quarters as a public company.

Wednesday
Router rooters will cheer -- or jeer -- when networking giant Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) reports on Wednesday. It should be a healthy showing. Analysts see profits inching 16% higher, to hit $0.36 a share for the quarter.

Thursday
If things go well with that Blue Nile engagement ring on Tuesday, The Knot (NASDAQ:KNOT) should come in handy. The wedding-planning site, helping with everything from wedding-reception service providers to online bridal registries, attracts more than 3 million unique monthly visitors.

Earnings are expected to chime in at $0.10 a share in its latest quarter. That's less than the $0.11 per share The Knot earned a year ago, but the company's working from higher tax rates and more shares outstanding (since acquiring The Wedding Channel) this time around.

Friday
Let's close out the trading week by taking a roller-coaster ride at Six Flags (NYSE:SIX). The third quarter is the one time of year when the regional amusement-park operator is profitable. Attendance figures and per capita guest-spending amounts have been looking good so far this season, but Wall Street still sees a smaller profit from the company, given its investments in beefing up the guest experience.

Until next week, I remain,
Rick Munarriz