Exhibit 12.1

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

		Years ended November 30
(Dollars in thousands)		1999			2000		2001			2002			2003
Income (Loss) from continuing operations before taxes		$	(11,966	)	$	20,289	$	(32,403	)	$	(30,102	)	$	11,558
Fixed Charges:
	Interest		40,462			38,739		35,406			36,812			36,511
	Preferred stock dividends accrued		—			—		—			—			4,169
	Interest factor portion of rentals		1,560			1,440		1,710			1,920			1,650
			42,022			40,179		37,116			38,732			42,330
Earnings before income taxes and fixed charges		$	30,056		$	60,468	$	4,713		$	8,630		$	53,888
Preferred stock accretion and accrued dividends		$	10,569		$	11,848	$	13,282		$	14,887		$	12,274
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock accretion and accrued dividends			N/A			1.16x		N/A			N/A			N/A
Earnings inadequate to cover fixed charges and preferred stock accretion and accrued dividends		$	22,535			N/A	$	45,685		$	44,989		$	716

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