In consideration of the performance of the Executive Duties, the Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual base compensation during the Employment Period at the rate of Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars (USD$500,000) per year (the “ Base Salary ”). During the Employment Period, the Board (or a committee thereof) may, at its sole discretion, additionally increase (but not decrease) the Base Salary. No additional compensation shall be payable to the Executive by reason of the number of hours worked or any hours worked on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, by reason of special responsibilities assumed (whether on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates), special projects completed, or otherwise. All Base Salary payable hereunder shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices ( e.g ., timing of payments and standard employee deductions, such as income and employment tax withholdings).