While many on Wall Street focused on the second quarter earnings of Lehman Brothers, they may have overlooked something odd that occurred behind the scenes. In connection with this morning’s earnings report, Lehman issued a detailed financial appendix breaking down its balance sheet by various asset groups. But behind the numbers there was another story—the story of a persistent bit of data that no one caught until it was too late.

More after the jump.

Dell’s warning that it expected profits lower than previously forecast led to a dive in the company’s share price today. Company executives explained that profits would be lower due to pricing decisions aimed at reinvigorating growth.

I can’t help but wonder if maybe Dell should try to find out what’s happened to Steven, the “Dude! You’re getting a Dell” dude. Remember him? At one point he was so wildly popular that Dell was selling “Dude Gear”—hats, t-shirts, cd-cases and backpacks featuring the famous tagline.

Like Steven, however, the Dude Gear’s been dropped by Dell. Other than that four-year-old press release, no trace of Dude Gear remains on Dell’s website. I couldn’t even track down any on E-Bay.

Anyone want to donate a Dude t-shirt to DealBreaker.Com? Or at least send us a picture?

Dell Dives After Earnings Warning [Market Watch]