Mustard Seeds Investment Club (MSIC)

[gemmerling]

GameCom Engages Magnum Financial Group

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2001--GameCom Inc. (OTCBB:GAMZ - news), www.GameComInc.com -- a leader in interactive Internet gaming -- today announced its engagement of Magnum Financial Group LLC, a Los Angeles-based financial communications specialist, to assist in broadening the company's audience within the investment community and financial media.

Michael S. Manahan, a principal at Magnum, offered: ``At Magnum we seek out early stage companies that we believe have the potential for exponential growth, allowing those companies to transition to senior exchanges such as Nasdaq or the American Stock Exchange, and to obtain the support of major investment banking firms and institutional investors.

``Our investment community contacts are looking to get in on the ground floor before our clients' companies become well known, and thereby achieve superior returns on their investments. We believe GameCom fits very well into this profile, and our objective is to assist management in building stockholder value.''

Manahan continued: ``We are also enthused about GameCom's business. Clearly the trend in video games is towards participatory game play across an Internet platform. Growth in this sector is expected to be substantial in comparison to the overall game market.

``Further, with the recently announced acquisition of Ferris Productions Inc., the world's largest virtual reality company, GameCom is well poised to become a leading multi-tiered entertainment provider. It would not be unreasonable to expect GameCom to mirror the successes of such companies as Electronic Arts and THQ Inc.''

Commenting on Magnum's engagement, L. Kelly Jones, GameCom's chief executive officer, remarked: ``After an exhausting search and much due diligence, we are pleased to bring Magnum on board. We intend to ensure that both our current and potential stockholders hear the company's short-range accomplishments and long-term plans for accelerated growth.

``We are implementing a multi-tiered campaign to get our story and investment opportunity out to the public. By engaging Magnum, we have signaled the launch of this campaign. Magnum, a specialist firm, was hired to bring our stock price and resulting market capitalization in line with our plans to take GameCom to the next level.''

About GameCom

GameCom, based in Arlington, is a fully reporting, publicly traded Texas corporation. GameCom designs, manufactures and assembles 'Net GameLink(TM), an interactive Internet gaming concept featuring network-enabled gaming kiosks. GameCom recently announced the acquisition (subject to shareholder approval) of Ferris Productions.

Based in Phoenix, Ferris (www.FerrisVR.com) is the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of integrated hardware and software technology to the immersive virtual reality industry. The company has stated that upon completion of the acquisition, the combined companies are expected to generate approximately $5 million in revenue for 2001.

About Magnum

Los Angeles-based Magnum Financial Group LLC is a financial communications, corporate development and financial advisory firm representing middle-market and micro-cap companies as well as those companies planning to become public. Magnum is well recognized for its knowledge of the capital markets, communications strategies and substantial contacts in the investment community.

For more information, visit www.magnumfinancial.com.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

Magnum Financial Group LLC, Los Angeles
Kari Rundquist, 213/488-0443
[e-mail]

[Ruellit]

Thats when the GAMZ rocket will launch Greg, clock is ticking, engines are running!



muel <g>

[gemmerling]

Muel,

He only knocked my socks off three times. That is just because he got tired LOL. I was really impressed with the amount of people that came into the VR zones since it was a weekday. I can't wait to see the market reaction when the Ferris deal gets shareholder approval.

Take Care,

Greg

[Ruellit]

Tremendous post Greg,
Sounds like you had a lot of fun with your family and found out a lot of usefull information for us investors. Really now how many times did your son knock your socks off? I think GAMZ might finally be on it's way!



muel <g>

[gemmerling]

Report of Ferris Products at Fiesta Texas with product links. This is the company GAMZ is merging with.

I went to Fiesta Texas Tuesday and met Steve Wooley regional manager of 6 Theme Park locations. He explained all the virtual reality products to me and I tried out most of their products. Steve was very knowledgeable of all of Ferris’ operations. Ferris has two virtual reality zones at this location. The first zone I saw had an awesome location attached to a pizzeria. This location was always crowded due to the flow of customers from the pizzeria. The prices ranged from 3 to 5 dollars per experience. All Ferris products are easy to upgrade. There were also monitors above all the products so customers can view the action. Here is a description of all the products at this location.

1. VR sensory theater – My whole family tried this product and the kids loved the racecar VR experience. They have a few experiences in this 3-seat theater such as traveling underwater and through the mountains where you sense different smells such as pine and the ocean etc. The price here is 3 dollars per experience.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_ThreeSeat.html

2. The Universal VR unit - There are two of them at this location. This system allows players to put on a headset and fight each other as Jedi knights of course my son kept beating me.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_UniverseVR.html

3. The Third experience they had is called Combatica where you stand in a circle and your kicks and punchers are registered by a camera and cause the fighter on the screen to react. My six-year-old was able to do some amazing moves on this machine.

http://www.provisionentertainment.com/combatica.htm

4. The Forth experience is called Virtuality were you are a virtual boxer. There are two units so you can box a friend. This game is funny to watch since these kids are punching like crazy you need to be careful not to come close to them since they can’t see you and may knock you out.

http://vr-atlantis.com/vr_systems_guide/35.html

5. The Last experience is called Universal experience system. There are two units where you can sit down and play a first person shooter game. This picture is a similar unit.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_VRSD.html

My observations of this location. I was amazed at the constant stream of visitors. I dropped by the location about four time’s thoughout the day and always saw at least a few customers. During my first visit all the machines were occupied. The VR systems have been around for awhile so the VR technology isn’t the greatest however they still do a great business. The VR Theater will be upgraded to use the new 360-degree photorealisim technology probably when Ferris’ finishes shooting the Red Barron and US skiing projects. Ferris should also be coming out with new products soon so they can stay on the cutting edge in the virtual reality market. Ok on to the second zone. This location doesn’t have the traffic that the other location has but there was a steady stream of visitors that seemed to love the Cyberpods. There were some Crane prize machines outside to help draw people to the location. The air conditioning also helped.

1. VR sensory theater.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_ThreeSeat.html

2. Two Universal PC’s that had Star Wars on them. They were .50 cents a game. In my opinion Ferris will probably replace all the Universal Arcade systems with Netgamelink systems because their technology is far superior then anything out there in the industry. If you can integrate the awesome graphics the Netgamelink system can produce and add a Virtual reality headset the system should blow people away. Don’t know what is involved in doing this but it seems doable.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/PC_UniverseArcade.html

3. There were four Cyberpods that were in use frequently. The graphics on these systems were pretty good and the game was Unreal Tournament, which is a great game. People came out of the units giving each other high fives it was pretty cool.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_cyberpod.html

4. There were two Global VR Vortek products there that also got some play.

http://www.quantum3d.com/stories/globalvr.htm

5. There were two Universal VR units there as well.

http://www.ferrisvr.com/html/VR_UniverseVR.html

This location had a lot of space where Netgamelink systems will probably be placed. I told Steve all the awesome details of the Netgamelink system and he was looking forward to seeing the production model. The last one he saw didn’t have the integrated joystick control panel.

I think we all will be pleasantly surprised when we see the revenue numbers these zones produce.

Take Care,
Greg

[Ruellit]

Intel's Checkup by Motley Fool

Intel's Checkup

Over the next few months, the Rule Maker Portfolio will examine each of its stocks. Intel, our largest holding, goes first. Declining revenue, gross margins, and cash flow are disheartening, but the balance sheet is still in relatively good condition. It's raining hard in the chip industry and Intel has gotten wet, but it remains the dominant player in a growth business.

By Todd N. Lebor (TMF TeeTime)
July 10, 2001

Spring has come and gone, but it's never a bad time for cleaning. So, over the next few months, the Rule Maker Portfolio will be reviewing its current holdings one at a time. Today, we start with our biggest holding, Intel (Nasdaq: INTC).

Currently Intel comprises a little more than 15% of the Rule Maker Portfolio, and judging from the numbers below, I couldn't be happier.

Last Qtr Last 12 Mos
Sales Growth (16.5%) 7.0%
Gross Margins 51.7% 59.7%
Net Margins 7.3% 24.7%
Cash-to-Debt Ratio 8.5 11.7
Flow Ratio 1.26 0.98
Cash King Margin (22.2%) 6.0%

I know. You're thinking I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. But even though the trend line for every financial measure is in the wrong direction and some fail to live up to our stringent criteria, Intel remains profitable and cash-rich. As I wrote last month, Intel is currently scraping its knuckles on the bottom of the semiconductor cycle and still remains a profitable and healthy company.

Sales growth is dismal, but we've seen this before. In fact, this is the pattern with Intel. In Q2 1998, revenue growth was negative, gross margins dropped to 48.9%, the Cash King Margin was negative, and net margins were way off their highs. That happened to be the bottom of the last semiconductor cycle and here we are again. Surprise, surprise, surprise! Intel is in a cyclical business and the investors with linear extrapolitis can only see red. Those who understand the nature of the industry and Intel's place in it can rest easy. We see the trees through the forest.

For the 12-month period following Intel's slide that ended in Q2 1998, it posted revenue growth of 14.7% and free cash flow growth of 145.9%. Gross margins improved 240 basis points and the same short-term investors that bid the share price down jumped back on the Intel bandwagon and drove the price up.

A few numbers that have concerned me for some time are the days sales outstanding (DSO) and days inventory outstanding (DIO). These numbers have been trending up and we want them as low as possible. A low DSO means Intel is collecting its receivables quickly and a low DIO means there is less risk of inventory write-offs. (See this article for a more indepth explanation.)

Q101 Q400 Q300 Q200 Q100 Q499 Q399
DSO = days sales outstanding
DSO 51.0 45.0 45.9 43.4 41.5 39.4 41.5
DIO = days inventory outstanding
DIO 68.3 58.2 50.6 43.1 45.4 44.0 50.4
DPO = days payable outstanding
DPO 99.0 56.5 61.9 51.1 47.1 41.6 43.4
CCC = cash conversion cycle
CCC 20.2 46.7 34.7 35.4 39.8 41.8 48.5

However discouraging the DSO and DIO uptrend is, Intel is managing its cash conversion cycle very well. Basically, it is paying its bills at a slower rate than it is collecting them. As DSOs and DIOs have increased, so have DPOs, so the cash conversion cycle has actually shortened. That's a good thing.

The CCC measures the number of days it takes a company to purchase raw material, convert it into a finished good, sell the finished good, and collect payment on that product. Although Intel is being more generous with its collections, it is taking even more leeway with its suppliers (no doubt as a result of its prowess in the industry) and maintaining a relatively steady cash conversion cycle.

How did we react in early 1998 when Intel was bottoming? That's when we starting buying Intel and for a while there it looked like we were master investors. (For a while there, it looked like everybody was a master investor!) Yet, as Rich pointed out in a recent column, Intel has changed quite a bit since then, so we need to revisit why we invested in the first place.

Intel was the dominant player in the chip market. Check. Intel's products were going to play a significant role in the world over the next five years. Check. Intel was highly profitable. Check. All these characteristics still exist and I'd argue that its dominance is only enhanced by the hazy forecast. Competitors like Motorola (NYSE: MOT), AMD (NYSE: AMD), and Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) also have to figure out how to navigate the unexplored seas ahead. Intel's balance sheet gives it a leg up on the competition in times like these.

The balance sheet shows $10 billion in cash and another $2.3 billion in long-term investments. Sure, that's down from $11 billion in cash and $9.8 billion in long-term investments a year ago, but much of that money was spent on capital expenditures. Plus, the move to 0.13-micron technology and 300-millimeter wafer technology is expected to save billions. Intel is gearing up for its future as a manufacturer of all kinds -- networking, communications, and PC -- of chips. Management has proved that it can be the most efficient producer of microprocessors on the planet. Now it must translate that to other types of chips and chipsets.

Debt is a paltry $1.2 billion. However small, this amount has always bothered me. Why would a company with so much cash take on any debt? Well, digging into the 10-K, we see that the nearly $400 million represents non-interest bearing "drafts payable" and the majority of the rest ($600 million) was incurred in connection with the construction of a manufacturing plant in Ireland. Interest is payable in Irish punt and hedged to limit interest-rate risk, so that's reassuring. I can only assume that the political goodwill Intel is earning far outweighs the economic cost.

Over the last decade or so, the Irish government has been pushing its lush green countryside as a tech manufacturing haven. Motorola, Intel, Compaq (NYSE: CPQ) and Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) are some of the largest employers in Ireland. The Emerald Isle has even been jokingly referred to as the 51st U.S. state. So, when the Irish government offers you low-interest financing, you take it and get on with business. The amount is nominal to Intel and based on the $738 million in average long-term interest-bearing debt during calendar 2000 and an interest expense of $35 million for the year, Intel's average interest expense was 4.7%. That's less than what it's earning on its invested cash. This is an example of positive leverage.

If we expected our companies to continually improve margins and never allowed for market corrections, we wouldn't need such tough criteria. We'd need a crystal ball. The reason I'm so pleased with Intel is precisely because it's flexing its financial muscle and it appears the years of disciplined conditioning are paying off.

I'll touch on Intel's valuation next week. Remember, it's important to account for the cyclical nature of a company like Intel when estimating its future cash flow.

Fool on.

Todd Lebor is a co-manager for the Rule Maker portfolio and lives in Alexandria, VA. At the time of publication, he owned shares of Intel. Todd's other holdings can be found online along with the Fool's complete disclosure policy.

http://www.fool.com/portfolios/rulemaker/2001/rulemaker01071...




muel <g>

[Ruellit]

Thanks for bringing it over Greg, everytime I read one of Kelly's email I'm awestruck by his ability to write in terms that are easy to understand and warm, besides making his intelligence obvious! Think we have a winner here and am surprised that it hasn't flown yet!



muel <g>

[gemmerling]

GAMZ CEO Shareholder e-mail sent out today.....

Friends and shareholders:

It's been awhile since I have communicated with you, so I thought it appropriate to advise you what we've been doing since our last press release.

Essentially, it's as simple as: we're diligently proceeding on consummation of the Ferris merger.

From the perspective of both GameCom's and Ferris' managements, it's a "done deal" for all practical purposes. Ferris has moved its Dallas-area satellite sales office into GameCom's headquarters, and we're finalizing plans to move all of the combined company's operations to Phoenix, including GameCom operational personnel. Steve Haag is already on his second out-of-town trip regarding Ferris' theme park operations.

As you can see, we are in fact proceeding with combining the two companies.

However, the proxy statement process has been a bit daunting. Essentially, we have to get our accountants to combine the companies' audited financial statements backward in proforma manner, so that the proxy statement will reflect how the operations would have looked if the companies had already been combined.

I am hopeful of having a draft of the proxy statement any day now from our securities counsel, and we should have the proforma financials by the end of the week. I'm hoping for filing by the middle of next week, and then we'll be awaiting any SEC review and comments. I expect that we'll get the proxy statement out by the end of the month, and I'm very hopeful that the merger will be completed by the middle of August, so that the 2nd quarter 10-Q will be for the combined company.

We have been hard at work on business opportunities as well. Bob and I, and the current boards of directors of the two companies, have interviewed several IR/PR firms, and we're hopeful of a decision as soon as the end of this week. We'll probably hold up on any further news releases, including one I know you're going to like, until we've retained an IR/PR firm, and then let the "pros" handle the releases.

All in all, this has been a very productive, although admittedly quiet, couple of months for GameCom/Ferris.

These are simply my personal comments, and should not be relied upon in your investment decisions. I strongly urge you to conduct your own due diligence with regard to an investment in GameCom. I respectfully refer you to GameCom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

L. Kelly Jones, GameCom CEO

[bluecheap]

muel, Perhaps TOMORROW part of the answer to your question about (FONR) will become a little more clear. Until then, perhaps you need to go to my first post, click on that Aberdeen announcement and if you already read it, perhaps PONDER it this time.
Also click on the GE Medical site and PONDER also...

We'll SEE what a Day may bring ;^)
BlueCheap

STAY LOW, BE NIMBLE & SHOOT QUICK !

[Ruellit]

BlueCheap,
Can you tell me why I should buy FONR? The chart below looks like they are a little overbought right now!
http://www.askresearch.com/cgi-bin/chart?symbol=fonr&country=USA&Submit=Get+quote

muel <ggg>


Whatever advertisement appears below was not selected or approved by me, and appears under my name without my permission or authorization.

[bluecheap]

muelhead, my BlueCheap handle is taken from my investment strategy criteria, part of that is mostly stocks under $5.00 rather than those high over priced "Blue Chips". I have taken a small amount of cash several years ago and turned it into an amount I would have only dreamed of. I own a LARGE Number of FONR shares which was accumulate by using the profits from trading the stock since 1994. My position is FREE of cost many many times over.

To see my strategy go to http://www.razor.home.dixie-net.com

YES I am tooting the (FONR) horn as I am well up on what is going on with Fonar and I bet if you stay tuned over the course of the coming week, weeks, month & months you'll AGREE I was RIGHT ON TARGET...

These are my Perceptions

BlueCheap

STAY LOW, BE NIMBLE & SHOOT QUICK !

[Ruellit]

Welcome to the board BlueCheap, and with as much noise as you're making over FONR, maybe we ought to check it out. Thanks for bringing it over, love your signature!


muel <ggg>

[bluecheap]

(FONR) & WHY Investors may want to Know !

I have Traded (FONR) since 1994, built up a HUGE number of shares by taking profits on 20% to 400% moves. This stategy has allowed me to accumulate a large (FONR) position that I would have otherwise not been able to afford.
Open Price today was price is $2.12 and in my opinion FONR will perhaps move UP FAST as the company is fast
attracting attention from Wall Street investors. I am expecting some interesting developments THIS MONTH .

Allow me to SUM UP by suggesting that anyone just go read & PONDER that recent announcement where Fonar sold their new FDA approved Open MRI technology, the Stand-UP Open MRI to the University of Aberdeen of Scotland.
See this link. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010611/2024.html

I am convinced FONR is going to SOAR. Who ever said a picture is worth a thousand words was RIGHT
Just GO look at this link.................
GE Medical is going to sell MEGA- TONS of Fonar's OPEN MRI Products
http://www.gemedicalsystems.com/rad/mri/products/fonar/positional.html

SO MY REASON FOR INVESTING IN (FONR) IS SIMPLY FOUND IN THE COMMENTS ABOVE as well as Reading the Aberdeen announcememt and Viewing the GE Medical web site wording & pictures of this FONAR Technology..

FULL TIME Investor/Trader for Profit. Seldom hold stock Long Term and have Hundreds. I Seldom invest in any stock over $5 per share. Those that might want to view my Strategy, see at Home page FREE to all.
http://www.razor.home.dixie-net.com

These are my Opinions and Perceptions,
Regards,
BlueCheap

STAY LOW, BE NIMBLE & SHOOT QUICK !

[gemmerling]

Kelly GAMZ CEO was just interviewed today on the Taxin Network.

Highlights of the interview.

1.Interactive Computer gaming industry and the sector that GAMZ is pursuing Per-per-use will see a 10 fold increase over the next five years to 1 Billion dollars according to Forrester Research.

2.Ferris is described as the largest virtual reality company in the world. The virtual reality test drive ride they did for Buick last year was well received and gave their technology a lot of exposure and set the stage for future contracts with other companies.

3.Kelly said it would be a major disappointment if they didn’t apply for listing on a major exchange this time next year.

4.After the merger the combined company should produce 5 million in 2001 and 9 to 11 million in 2002. In 2002 they should have substantial revenues and no-debt. They should also be profitable by the end of 2001.

5.The Red Barron virtual reality ride that is currently being produced will be filmed in a biplane.

6.The next project is with a Major Auto Manufacture and will involve down hill skiing and will be used for the Olympics.

7.The company is currently talking to museums and currently trying to promote the technology as an alternative to the IMAX Theater.

Greg

[gemmerling]

GameCom planning VR attack

By: DENELL RUSSELL, Staff writer June 22, 2001

Arlington-based GameCom Inc., an interactive computer gaming designer and manufacturer, played its corporate cards right in April and walked away with a valuable virtual-reality chip in Ferris Productions Inc.
The newly combined company is fashioning its first project, a virtual-reality promotion for Red Baron Pizza, said GameCom (OTCBB: GAMZ) Chief Executive Officer L. Kelly Jones. The company projects that the merger will yield more than $5 million more in revenue this year than the companies totaled as separate entities last year. Jones said the company is planning a plethora of projects that will run the gamut of virtual-reality uses. Phoenix-based Ferris has a solid foothold in the worldwide virtual reality industry, and Jones believes the marriage of the two companies furnishes a perfect business vehicle.

"We realized it would take (GameCom) too much time to get us to where we wanted to be (through internal growth)," he said. "We wanted to find the right private company compatible with us.

"I think we've got a real chance to ring the bell," he said.

With Ferris, the compatibility was there and the corporate pieces fit, he said. Jones credits the company's product compatibility with being key to the successful merger. GameCom's key product is 'Net GameLink, an interactive Internet gaming platform housed in networked kiosks that GameCom designs, manufactures and assembles. Ferris makes integrated hardware and software for virtual reality applications. Ferris designs, develops and deploys its technology.

Now, with both products to play with, the combined company plans to create virtual-reality projects for industries including entertainment, manufacturing and education, Jones said. The company wants to replicate the immense virtual-reality success Ferris had with Buick's 2000 LeSabre promotion, he said.

With that project, virtual reality was in the driver's seat. Participants went along for the ride by donning headgear to virtually "test drive" a LeSabre, picking up Buick-sponsored pro golfer Ben Crenshaw along the way, he said.

The Buick project comprised eight minutes of changing scenes, including a bellman banging the car's hood to alert the driver of Crenshaw's presence, Jones said. Changing weather conditions added to the drama, he said. For example, it rained, and when the windshield cleared, the driver had been zapped to a different location. The experience assaulted the senses, Jones said.

"This virtual reality is very, very exciting," he said. "It's not the typical computer images, it's photo-realistic virtual reality."

The GameCom/Ferris version of virtual reality employs technology that films a 360-degree radius and creates a different experience for each person, he said. For the Red Barron project, GameCom/Ferris will incorporate the Red Baron's vintage airplane, putting riders into a virtual cockpit, he said. The company expects the project to be completed by mid-July, Jones said.

Other projects, though, are waiting in the wings, Jones said. GameCom/Ferris envisions extending virtual reality to museums, science centers and military and police training operations. The company also wants to double the 15 theme-park contracts it currently holds, he said.

"We think the key to the future of this industry is making PC (personal computer) games easy to play in an arcade setting," he said.

With the Ferris component, upcoming projects will continue building on the expertise built during the Buick project to provide a full-blown, "immersive" virtual reality experience, from smelling jet fuel or grass to hearing radio music or gunshots, said Steven Haag, GameCom/Ferris marketing director.

"Ferris has defined virtual reality as real - sight, sound, smell. You supply the emotions," he said.

The gaming and virtual reality industry's popularity stems from the reality it forges, he said. Immersive virtual reality will increase its hold in the entertainment and "edutainment" industries. Virtual roller coasters will join the equation, as will mine trains complete with the illusion of broken tracks. Edutainment will take participants on virtual trips to pyramids, and the professional training element will let cops fire virtual bullets at bad guys and help doctors treat phobic disorders such as fears of flying and public speaking.

Haag said GameCom/Ferris designs its products to stand apart from competitors. For example, GameCom's kiosks have color-coded computer-development housing units that easily can be slipped out by turning thumb screws, Haag said. The design renders tools unnecessary, making assembly, maintenance and upgrades easy.

"Every other video unit has to be broken into and surgery done," he said.

At some future date, GameCom/Ferris will break in a new corporate name for the combined identity, Jones said. They will probably seek advice from marketing companies and focus groups, but plan the GAMZ trading symbol, he said.

On the employment front, employee integration will mean extending stock incentives and relocating one Ferris employee to the Arlington headquarters, Jones said. Ferris has nearly 300 employees, including seasonal theme park workers, he said, and GameCom has seven employees.

A Ferris satellite sales office in Irving will be relocated to Arlington, Jones said. Also, completing the merger logistics the company will take two to three months of low-volume, behind-the-scenes work. The only items pending to make the merger official are filing a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and conducting a GameCom shareholder vote, he said.

Ferris is privately held and will not require a shareholder vote to complete the deal. But the transition process also included having Ferris' and GameCom's financial statements audited, a first for Ferris, Jones said.

The immensity of the companies integration has proved to be - unlike the company's products - not all fun and games. The logistics have included providing GameCom/Ferris shareholders with shares in both companies, but not until the math was done to determine the correct distribution ratios. It also included complying with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and making frequent trips to New York to meet with investors, he said.

"As you can imagine, the logistics of combining the two companies are monumental," Logistics aside, though, the interactive gaming meeting virtual reality means synchronizing the virtual reality experiences, sharpening the technical end and customizing promotions and advertisements for a wealth of potential clients, Haag said.

"It's a win, win, win situation," he said.


Contact Russell [e-mail]

©Fort Worth Business Press 2001

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=1977543&BRD=1427&PAG=461&dept_id=185827&rf...

[Ruellit]

Reverse Splits Rarely Revive Stock of Troubled Companies

By AARON ELSTEIN, WSJ.COM

Less is more. With increasing frequency and urgency, companies are reciting this mantra as they seek reverse stock splits to lift ultra-depressed share prices. Webvan Group, for instance, is asking shareholders to approve a 1-for-25 reverse stock split at the online-grocery company's annual meeting on June 29. By reducing shares outstanding to 19 million from 480 million, the Foster City, Calif., company hopes to prop up the value of its stock, which went public at $15 in 1999 but hasn't traded over $1 since Nov. 27, 2000. The company also hopes to preserve its listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, retain employees and attract investors who shun ''lower priced securities,'' Webvan says in a recent regulatory filing.

But Webvan shareholders might want to know the story of Maxicare Health Plans. Shares of the troubled health-care management company in Los Angeles had fallen to 44 cents when it used a 1-for-5 reverse split on March 28. The stock got an immediate boost, jumping to $2.44 on Nasdaq. Then on May 25, the company's California operation filed for bankruptcy reorganization, and its shares stopped trading that day at $1.25. ''A troubled company is a troubled company, no matter how you split its stock,'' says Greg Kyle, president of Pegasus Research, a New York stock-research firm.

In swelling numbers, one-time highfliers listed on the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange are seeking reverse stock splits in last-ditch efforts to keep their names on investors' radar screens. But if history is any guide, this maneuver -- common among ''penny stocks'' but rare until recently among listed stocks -- usually fails to save struggling companies.

Excite At Home, an Internet portal whose shares reached $99 in 1999, Tuesday said it will ask shareholders to approve a reverse split of up to 1-for-4. Others companies to recently seek reverse splits include E-Stamp (up to 1-for-13); Egghead.com (up to 1-for-10); Beyond.com (up to 1-for-15); Leapnet (1-for-5); Quotesmith.com (up to 1-for-6); and Salon Media Group and Tickets.com, which haven't specified the terms of their proposed splits. Through June 15, 25 companies had sought shareholder approval for reverse splits, according to the Investor Responsibility Research Center in Washington, compared with 17 in all of 2000. But the center uses a database of only about 4,000 companies, and a search of proxy filings over the past six months shows that at least 86 companies listed on Nasdaq, Big Board, or American Stock Exchange have filed this year for reverse splits. Nevertheless, delistings are rampant. According to the National Association of Securities Dealers, 145 companies were delisted from Nasdaq through April 30 because their stock prices fell too low, compared with 46 through the same period last year.

Reverse splits carry little weight with investors unless they come with a credible recovery plan. ''Reverse splits might lengthen a company's runway, but if it isn't accompanied soon after by plans for how the company is going to restructure its operations and get new financing, it doesn't mean much,'' says John Lewis IV, president of Gardner Lewis Asset Management, Chadds Ford, Pa.

Officials at Webvan insist they have a viable turnaround plan. Spokesman Bud Grebey says the company has a new chief executive, Robert Swan, formerly its chief operating officer and a one-time executive at General Electric. The company has about $115 million in cash and equivalents and is working with Goldman Sachs Group to raise $25 million. Assuming it can raise the needed cash, Mr. Grebey says, the company's business plan ''presents a clear path to profitability in the second half of next year.'' Webvan posted a first-quarter loss of $86.1 million, or 18 cents a share, compared with a loss of 17 cents in the year-earlier period. But first-quarter revenue was $77.2 million, compared with $37.5 million a year earlier. Indeed, some investors are willing to gamble on Webvan. ''A few of these Internet companies in dire trouble are going to rise from the ashes,'' says Mr. Lewis, who recently increased his stake in Webvan to about 3.4 million shares. ''I don't know if Webvan will be one of them, but it's possible.''

But the odds are certainly against Webvan and other companies counting on reverse splits. One study showed that among 76 companies that did reverse stock splits between 1976 and 1991, 20 went out of business within three years. The others underperformed the market by an average of 33% over a three-year period. Prem Jain, a professor at Georgetown University who co-authored the study with Victor Defeo, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said they chose not to update it ''in part because we do not believe that the conclusions would change.''

''Make no mistake, a reverse split is an act of desperation,'' says Barry Siegel, chairman and chief executive of Driversshield.com. ''It sends a terrible signal that management has tried everything it knows to lift the stock price and nothing has worked.'' The Plainview, N.Y., auto-fleet management company considered a reverse split earlier this year, but shareholders balked. Its stock nevertheless recovered, and the company recently was told it could keep its Nasdaq listing.

Nasdaq listed companies with stocks trading for less than $1 for 30 consecutive trading days are in danger of delisting. Companies in this strait generally have 90 days to get their stock back above $1 and keep their listings, which is widely seen as critical in attracting institutional investors.

A handful of companies have beaten the odds against reverse splits. One is 7-Eleven, the Dallas convenience-store chain that completed a 1-for-5 reverse split in May 2000. That brought its stock up to $20.94 the day of the split from $4.19. Analysts say 7-Eleven turned around its fortunes by reducing debt and improving earnings. The earnings improvement was magnified by the split. Because of the split, its earnings per share jumped in 2000 to 98 cents a share from 18 cents the prior year, even though profits rose by only 30%. The split also had an important psychological effect in raising 7-Eleven shares above $10. ''The stock was seen as a single-digit midget and a lot of institutions just wouldn't touch it,'' says Jonathan Ziegler, an analyst at Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown.

But Webvan and other latent penny stocks, generally defined as those trading for less $5, face an uphill fight to regain investor attention. The Securities and Exchange Commission has ''suitability'' rules designed to discourage inexperienced investors from buying penny stocks. At Merrill Lynch, the largest retail brokerage, brokers are prohibited from recommending shares that aren't rated by the firm's research analysts, a spokesman said. And the spokesman said the analysts generally don't rate penny stocks. Analysts at Goldman Sachs, which underwrote Webvan's IPO in 1999, aren't rating the company's shares while the firm's investment bankers try to raise funding for Webvan.


muel <ggg>

[Ruellit]

From 247Profits

Greetings,

A radically new chip has just come to market.. In a joint
venture, Intel (INTC:NASDAQ) and Hewlett-Packard (HWP:NYSE)
have created the 64-bit Itanium processor. The chip uses a
completely new processor architecture, and represents a bid
to move into the high-end workstation and server market,
which is currently dominated by Sun Microsystems
(SUNW:NASDAQ). Since it will support Unix-based operating
systems, it may also be an attempt to take a step back from
the tyranny of Microsoft.

Intel and HP spent the better part of a decade developing
the Itanium. It's fast, cheap, and there are already 25
manufacturers lined up to produce it. Everyone but Sun. HP,
IBM and Dell have already incorporated it into their
machines, and Compaq is about to follow. Sun is feebly
protesting that the folks at Intel don't actually know what
they're doing.

They do, but they're not making a big deal about this chip.
Possibly because they don't want to spook their massive
customer base, which has spent three decades using a type
of chip that may quickly become obsolete because of this
new development. Intel invented the microprocessor, but has
been trying to successfully reinvent it for years. It looks
like they've finally done it.

The other exciting news of the day is that President Bush
has just signed his new tax bill into law. The US$1.3
trillion bill offers the biggest tax cut in two decades,
reduces income taxes across the board by 3% starting in
July, and creates a new 10% bracket.

Now, Uncle Sam is warming up his check printers and licking
his stamps. The new tax bill means a US$300 refund per
taxpayer, and US$600 per head of household--no strings
attached, absolutely free! Knowing the American consumer,
most people will blow this cash in a whirlwind shopping
spree.

But Hammer readers could double it on their next
investment. To avoid the herd, and turn your US$600 into
US$1200, click here: www.hammeronline.com/hammeredgen.

Until next time,

Michael Riska


See ya,
muel <g>

[Ruellit]

LOL When they do GAMZ will go to the big boards.

DYODD & MYOD
muel <ggg>

[gemmerling]

Muel - Thanks. Can't wait for the Big Analysts to put their money where their interest is so GAMZ can trade on autopilot and raise that altitude LOL.

Greg

[Ruellit]

Looks like it will be on it's way soon Greg. btw, you do an awesum job of staying up on this, congrats!

DYODD & MYOD
muel <ggg>

[gemmerling]

Muel - I agree! This news is great and it means that GAMZ has another weapon available to fight the MM's with. They need the stock price over 3 dollars to get on AMEX. Now they can help support their stock price since they agree with us that it is undervalued and cut down on the MM manipulation.

Take Care,

Greg

[Ruellit]

Good catch Greg, more good news from management!

DYODD & MYOD
muel <ggg>

[gemmerling]

E-Mail from CEO of GAMZ Kelly Jones

Friends and shareholders:

Attached is this morning's press release announcing GameCom's intent to begin repurchasing the company's shares in the open market, as well as the GameCom's intent to complete the redemption of more than 750,000 shares of the company's outstanding shares.

Quite simply, this directors' resolution reflects our opinion that GameCom's shares are presently under-valued, and are indicative of the confidence we have in our "new" company, once the formalities of shareholder approval of the Ferris acquisition have been achieved and the deal has been consummated. (By the way, for informational purposes, we are hopeful of the merger's completion by late June or early July.)

Please recall our board's omnipresent goal -- and one that is shared with Ferris' management -- to take this company from the OTC Bulletin Board to an established exchange, either the AMEX or the Nasdaq Small Cap. Among other requirements, that move will require a share price of $3 or $4, respectively.

Knowing what we know about the combined company's potential, R&D, and projects in the pipeline, we believe the goal of moving to an exchange is obtainable within a not-too-distant timeframe. While we intend to use our revenue and other capital to fund operational growth and to reduce our combined debt with a view toward significant earnings per share in 2002, it is our board's belief, and now our publicly-stated intent, that another important use for the company's funds is to acquire what we consider to be under-valued shares. The obvious result will be to reduce the company's float, with the intended effect of ultimately increasing earnings per share.

As long as we consider our shares to be under-valued, it will be our intent to make a priority of acquiring the company's shares from the open market.

hese are simply my personal comments, and should not be relied upon in your investment decisions. I strongly urge you to conduct your own due diligence with regard to an investment in GameCom. I respectfully refer you to GameCom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

L. Kelly Jones, GameCom CEO

[gemmerling]

GameCom Initiates Plan to Re-Purchase Shares and Complete Redemption

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2001--GameCom, Inc. (OTCBB:GAMZ - news), www.GameComInc.com -- a leader in interactive Internet gaming -- today announced its intent to re-purchase the company's shares on the open market, and to complete a redemption of 778,291 of its currently-outstanding common shares.

GameCom and Ferris Productions, Inc., www.FerrisVR.com, the world's largest virtual reality entertainment company, announced on May 23rd that the due diligence period contained within GameCom's contract to acquire Ferris has been successfully completed by both companies, and that the acquisition of Ferris by GameCom is now complete subject only to the filing of a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and subsequent shareholder approval. It is anticipated that the merger will be consummated by late June or early July.

``GameCom's board has authorized the company, from time-to-time, to re-purchase the company's shares in the open market, up to a current maximum authorization of 1,000,000 shares,' stated L. Kelly Jones, GameCom's chief executive officer. ``This buyback will not commence until after the merger is consummated, and we begin to successfully implement the combined company's business plan. However, as an early-stage company, we are acutely aware of the need to keep our public float to a minimum. This authorization gives management the tool to reduce the float if we find the company's share price attractive in the marketplace. Although the authorization is obviously subject to market conditions, corporate financial success, and available cash, it represents the board's stated intent and plan to reduce the currently-outstanding shares of the company.'

``I applaud this move by GameCom's current board of directors,' commented Bob Ferris, president of Ferris. ``Once I serve on the board after the acquisition, it will be my intent to continue this re-purchase initiative.'

GameCom also announced its plans to complete the redemption of 778,291 of its common shares, as previously authorized by the board of directors, prior to consummation of the Ferris acquisition. ``The effect of this redemption will be to reduce the number of outstanding shares by that number, at minimal cost,' commented Mr. Jones.

About GameCom:

GameCom, based in Arlington, Texas, is a fully-reporting, publicly traded Texas corporation. GameCom designs, manufactures, and assembles 'Net GameLink(TM), an interactive Internet gaming concept featuring network-enabled gaming kiosks. GameCom recently completed the 'Net GameLink(TM) system, and is now engaged in the sales and marketing of this innovative concept.

About Ferris:

Ferris, based in Phoenix, designs, develops, and distributes technically-advanced products for the entertainment, simulation, promotion, and education industries. Ferris is the largest and fastest growing provider of integrated hardware and software technology to the immersive virtual reality industry.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by the words such as ``plans,' ``expects,' ``believes,' ``anticipates,' or ``intends.' Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. GameCom urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

GameCom, Inc.
L. Kelly Jones, 817/261-GAMZ
[e-mail]

[EZ2]

Watch ITOO ~~~ starting to fly w/ bill approved (link posted on Archie's Corner).
Good Trading/Investing Everyone !!
EZ:)

[EZ2]

From CBS Marketwatch ~~~ Many Happy ERTHlings !!!!!!
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&gui...

EZ:)

[Ruellit]

Thanks for the tip Greg, just put it on my watch list!

Later
muel

[gemmerling]

Muel - FYI I hear that FIXN will move this week took a 5000 position at .05 to see what happens. Current bid .045 ask .05.

Greg

[Ruellit]

Good catch Greg, thanks for bringing it over. GAMZ will surely be in the spotlight soon.

Later
muel

[gemmerling]

Letter from GAMZ CEO Kelly Jones:



Friends and shareholders:

Attached is this morning's press release announcing Ferris' contract with Red Baron Pizza.

This is a significant release for a couple of different reasons.

First, this is obviously a very nice piece of business for the new, combined company. Red Baron Pizza approached Ferris and desired an aviation version of Ferris' hugely successful virtual reality test drive created for Buick. Although it is a big project financially, the real opportunity presented is that it affords us another avenue to demonstrate the huge potential for the commercial exploitation of Ferris' unique photo-realistic virtual reality.

I can advise you that there are more of these types of projects currently in the advanced negotiation stage.

This release also is the first tangible evidence of the process of integrating the two companies. Please recall that the due diligence phase of our merger agreement has been successfully completed, and the only remaining hurdle to consummation of the merger is filing the proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the subsequent shareholders' approval.

With the merger accomplished from a practical standpoint, Bob Ferris and I are moving forward with integration of the companies. We are working toward standardizing employee compensation, policies, contracts, agreements, etc. As we have previously advised you, the corporate offices (and a satellite sales office) will remain here in Arlington, but we will run all the operations from Ferris' current Phoenix offices. We are proceeding with relocation plans in accord with this decision.

I will of course keep you advised as to our progress, and we hope to be able to forward the proxy statement to you by mid-month or so. I am obviously pleased and excited to be merging GameCom with a company with as much potential as Ferris, to say nothing of the established revenue stream the combined company will immediately have.

These are simply my personal comments, and should not be relied upon in your investment decisions. I strongly urge you to conduct your own due diligence with regard to an investment in GameCom. I respectfully refer you to GameCom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

L. Kelly Jones, GameCom CEO

[gemmerling]

GameCom/Ferris Announce Project for Red Baron Pizza

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2001--GameCom, Inc. (OTCBB:GAMZ - news), www.GameComInc.com, today announced that Ferris Productions, Inc., www.FerrisVR.com, has entered into a contract with Red Baron Pizza to create a customized virtual reality experience for the Red Baron Stearman Squadron on its cross-country tour.

Red Baron Pizza, www.RedBaron.com, a subsidiary of Schwan's -- the home delivery of fine products company -- requested Ferris' technical staff to create a virtual experience to place air show spectators in one of Red Baron's vintage Stearman open-cockpit biplanes while it performs its exciting stunt routine. Visitors will sit in the virtual cockpit, don a headset, and be able to view a 360 Degree experience, as if actually getting a first-hand view of the breathtaking biplane stunts.

GameCom announced its acquisition of Ferris on April 18, 2001. Last week, GameCom and Ferris jointly announced that the due diligence phase of the contract has been successfully completed, and GameCom's securities counsel is presently preparing the proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and subsequently to be submitted for approval to both companies' shareholders. The transaction is expected to be finalized in late June.

Ferris' highly successful multi-sensory, photo-realistic virtual reality projects are the first of their kind in the promotional and advertising industry.

``We are excited to announce this virtual reality project for Red Baron Pizza,' said Bob Ferris, Ferris' president. ``Last year, we set a new milestone by producing the first photo-realistic virtual reality experience for the promotional and advertising industry when Ferris developed the highly successful virtual test drive for Buick. We will again 'raise the bar' by incorporating current-year technological advances into the Red Baron project.'

``This Red Baron project is an example of the industry presence and technological capability Ferris will be bringing to GameCom,' commented L. Kelly Jones, GameCom's chief executive officer.

About GameCom:

GameCom, based in Arlington, Texas, is a fully-reporting, publicly traded Texas corporation. GameCom designs, manufactures, and assembles 'Net GameLink(TM), an interactive Internet gaming concept featuring network-enabled gaming kiosks. GameCom recently completed the 'Net GameLink(TM) system, and is now engaged in the sales and marketing of this innovative concept.

About Ferris:

Ferris, based in Phoenix, designs, develops, and distributes technically-advanced products for the entertainment, simulation, promotion, and education industries. Ferris is the largest and fastest growing provider of integrated hardware and software technology to the immersive virtual reality industry.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by the words such as ``plans,' ``expects,' ``believes,' ``anticipates,' or ``intends.' Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. GameCom urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

GameCom, Inc.
L. Kelly Jones, 817/261-GAMZ
[e-mail]
or
Ferris Productions, Inc.
Bob Ferris, 602/470-1177
[e-mail]

[Ruellit]

Thanks Arch, got it done!

[Archangel]

Muel, you need to update the research site link in your iBox. It reverts to the homepage because we are out of beta. Others look ok!

Arch

[Archangel]

Muel, had wrong symbol on first effort...lol

Arch

[Archangel]

Arch's Revised Long List

http://www.quicken.com/investments/quotes/?defview=FULL&symbol=ABMD+ADVR+AMAT+CSCO+EMC+QQQ+SSTI+...

Arch

[Ruellit]

Greg here's the link to the ABRG board here a Ihub.
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/board.asp?board_id=172

[Ruellit]

Energy companies are hot and will be getting hotter as long as Bush and Cheney are in office! Abrg has just become profitable in a big way and is on the verge of continued revenues and the possibility of a reverse merger with Venture Energy, which ABRG owns 75% of! Could be huge, more likely will be big!

[gemmerling]

Muel - thanks for the tip on ABRG I will take a look at it again. Energy plays have been hot recently.

Greg

[Ruellit]

Greg, Im ready for that, btw, you might want to check out ABRG soon, it's going to pop soon!

[gemmerling]

Muel - Your welcome. The GAMZ/Merger pricing period starts Friday and will go for 10 trading days. IMO we should hear a lot of GAMZ/Ferris news during that time. Things could start to get interesting:)

Take Care,

Greg

[Ruellit]

Nice web site and write up on GAMZ Greg, thanks for bringing it over!

[gemmerling]

New GAMZ Profile on Taxin Website....

http://www.taxin.com/ic10.htm

http://www.taxin.com/index.html

Take Care,

Greg

[gemmerling]

GAMZ was added to the Bull Sector Video Game Stock list.

http://www.bullsector.com/videogames.html

Take Care,

Greg

[gemmerling]

E-Mail from Kelly Jones CEO of GAMZ

Friends and shareholders:

I am pleased to forward this morning's press release, in which both GameCom and Ferris announce that the respective due diligence reviews have been successfully completed. In other words, the deal has now received a final "go" by both companies' boards, and we are proceeding to file the necessary merger documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The planned schedule of events is as follows: First, GameCom's securities counsel, working with the accountants, will prepare a proxy statement utilizing the "new" company's pro forma combined accounting estimates. It is estimated the proxy statement will be filed with the Commission in approximately two weeks. We cannot, of course, predict SEC review time, but we do know that proxy statements get priority over other types of filings, so we are hoping to be able to mail the proxy statements to our joint shareholders by mid to late June, with anticipated shareholder approval, and completion of the merger, around the first of July.

Please read the press release carefully, as this is the news you have been waiting for. Our updated financial predictions, updated within the last two days, predict revenue for the current 2001 calendar year in excess of $5,000,000. Also, please note that we are cautiously optimistic of actually having positive income per share for the current year. Further, we intend to accomplish this during 2001 while at the same time virtually eliminating all corporate debt. This clears the way for significant positive earnings in 2002.

Will we meet those projections? Obviously, we think so, or we wouldn't make them public. Time will tell. However, both Bob Ferris and I well know that you don't win any points with the analysts by over-promising and not delivering. After we get through the merger process, and the companies are successfully integrated, we'll be in a position to begin our quarterly and annual revenue and earnings projections -- estimates that we'll obviously be accountable for to both the shareholders and the analysts.

Bob Ferris and I are in New York for another round of meeting with brokers and analysts. My last two trips to the City have gone exceptionally well, but have been more preliminary in nature. This trip, and the meetings we have planned, will of course be more focused, based on today's news. I have every confidence GameCom's story, now combined with that of Ferris, will be well-received.

Now that the due diligence period has passed, and GameCom's acquisition of Ferris is all but a "done deal," please allow me a few comments on this great company we're acquiring. While I understand that I may be fairly criticized for my comments on the ill-fated prior deal, I liked this deal from my very first conversation with Bob Ferris. His management style is very akin to mine, and he also holds a very long-term perspective.

The acquisition of Ferris broadens GameCom's market perspective. Although we share the same common beliefs regarding the future of interactive online gaming -- the switch to PC-based platforms -- both companies reach the same result by different methods. GameCom simplifies PC games by its proprietary EasyPlay software, while Ferris does it by its patented Universal Control Board hardware, which quite frankly and by royalty agreement, is the method powering some of our competition. We are very excited about the dominating prospects the combined company will have by combining the two approaches.

Ferris also operates "Virtual Reality Zones" in 15 major theme parks, such as Six Flags, Busch Gardens, and Carnival cruise ships. Wait until you see the testimonial videos from Six Flags and Circus Circus, which we'll soon have up on a new, combined web site under construction! These theme park operations not only provide Ferris a solid and dependable revenue stream, but it also offers Ferris with huge market exposure, as well as permanent test beds for new ideas and new technology.

I am very excited about Ferris' commercial opportunities for virtual reality. One quick demonstration of the virtual reality "test drive" featuring PGA professional Ben Crenshaw that Ferris recently completed for Buick was all I needed to see. Ferris' unique 360 degree photography is simply awesome. Again, wait until you see the testimonials from Buick's marketing department! The commercial opportunities are staggering.

Finally, Ferris brings to GameCom great people -- starting with Mr. Ferris. Now that he is "almost" GameCom's president, please allow me to welcome him on behalf of our shareholders. Bob is in many ways my antithesis. He's quiet, reserved, conservative, thinks before he talks and acts, etc. We'll make a fine team, and I'm excited about the prospects of building an even greater company with him.

These are simply my personal comments, and should not be relied upon in your investment decisions. I strongly urge you to conduct your own due diligence with regard to an investment in GameCom. I respectfully refer you to GameCom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

L. Kelly Jones, GameCom CEO

[gemmerling]

GameCom and Ferris Ratify Acquisition

ARLINGTON, Texas & PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2001-- GameCom, Inc. (OTCBB:GAMZ - news), www.GameComInc.com -- a leader in interactive Internet gaming -- and Ferris Productions, Inc., www.FerrisVR.com, the world's largest virtual reality entertainment company, today jointly announced that the due diligence period contained within GameCom's contract to acquire Ferris has been successfully concluded by both companies.

GameCom has instructed its securities counsel to prepare the proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and subsequently to be submitted for approval to both companies' shareholders. The transaction will be completed as soon as such shareholder approval has been obtained.

``GameCom's due diligence review of Ferris went exactly as anticipated,'' commented L. Kelly Jones, GameCom's chief executive officer. ``Ferris delivered volumes of information to GameCom, all of which confirmed the representations contained within the contract. Additionally, our on-site review in Phoenix further expanded and confirmed our very positive impressions of Ferris.''

``As GameCom is a fully-reporting public company, our due diligence was a bit easier,'' said Bob Ferris, Ferris' president. ``However, we were pleased that our due diligence review of GameCom confirmed its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the representations contained within our acquisition agreement.''

``We are hopeful of completing the acquisition during the month of June,'' Jones said. ``Obviously, we cannot predict the review the Securities and Exchange Commission will give to our proposed proxy statement, but we expect prompt shareholder approval as soon as the Commission approves presentation of the proxy statement to our shareholders.''

``The completion of this merger will give our new combined company projected revenue for 2001 in excess of $5,000,000, with the distinct possibility of positive per-share earnings by the end of 2001,'' Jones stated. ``The combined company's operations will be based out of Ferris' current Phoenix office, while the corporate and sales functions will be based out of GameCom's Arlington offices.''

About GameCom:

GameCom, based in Arlington, Texas, is a fully-reporting, publicly traded Texas corporation. GameCom designs, manufactures, and assembles 'Net GameLink(TM), an interactive Internet gaming concept featuring network-enabled gaming kiosks. GameCom recently completed the 'Net GameLink(TM) system, and is now engaged in the sales and marketing of this innovative concept.

About Ferris:

Ferris, based in Phoenix, designs, develops, and distributes technically-advanced products for the entertainment, simulation, promotion, and education industries. Ferris is the largest and fastest growing provider of integrated hardware and software technology to the immersive virtual reality industry.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by the words such as ``plans,'' ``expects,'' ``believes,'' ``anticipates,'' or ``intends.'' Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. GameCom urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

GameCom, Inc.
L. Kelly Jones, 817/261-GAMZ
[e-mail]
or
Ferris Productions, Inc.
Bob Ferris, 602/470-1177
[e-mail]

[Ruellit]

Good catch EZ, looks like that vacation did you some good! Thanks for bringing this over!
muel

[EZ2]

Muel - Keep an eye on XMLG ------ could be launch pad time!!
EZ:)
==========
iWay Software and XML Global Announces New eBIX XML-Based Integration Server
May 21, 2001 6:00:00 PM ET

Partnership Aims to Reduce Integration Costs by

Delivering XML e-Business Solution

SUMMIT 2001, ORLANDO, FL, May 21 /PRNewswire/ - iWay Software, an Information Builders company and market leader in middleware that accelerates e-business initiatives through the rapid integration of complex back-office systems, and XML Global Technologies (OTC BB: XMLG), an XML middleware company, today announced an OEM agreement to develop and market a joint e- business integration solution for complex enterprise environments. Under the terms of the agreement, XML Global and iWay Software will partner to develop and market an entirely XML-based integration solution to be branded eBIX (e- Business XML Integration Server).

eBIX will integrate XML Global's GoXML(TM) Transform, a patented transformation engine for dynamic exchange of XML, EDI, and other data formats with iWay Software's XML server and complete Enterprise Adapter Suite. The complementary technologies will unite in a new XML-based server product that will allow Business Analysts and Systems Integrators to access the extensive information assets contained in more than 120 applications and data sources on 35 platforms. The combined product masks the complexity of back-end systems, allowing users access to all of the valuable assets in the enterprise.

"This product opens up new worlds of e-business communications," said iWay President John Senor. "XML includes formats that a wide array of organizations can agree on, but XML documents frequently must be populated from legacy applications and data which are hard to reach. With our ability to open up old legacy systems and new e-business applications to XML, our customers will be able to create better integrated applications than ever before."

"One of the greatest challenges in e-business today is finding transformation technologies that will cost-effectively breathe life into legacy databases and add value to a firm's information assets," said Gordon Ebanks, Executive Vice President of XML Global. "The combined iWay/XML Global solution will give organizations a one-stop solution to this problem, allowing them to leverage their information assets in a wide variety of Web-based applications."

The eBIX product will be available immediately through both iWay Software and XML Global. The two companies will work together to promote the eBIX product through joint sales and marketing efforts and will also jointly support the product through their professional services organizations.

About iWay Software

iWay Software, an Information Builders company, is a market leader in middleware that accelerates e-business initiatives through the rapid integration of complex back-office systems. The company provides e-business-to- enterprise (e2E) integration technologies that enable e-commerce, B2B, EAI, and mobile business applications. Specializing in connecting new e-business applications to back-office systems including legacy information sources, iWay Software provides unparalleled access to more than 120 nonrelational, relational, transaction, and application sources. For more information about iWay software, visit www.iwaysoftware.com

About XML Global Technologies, Inc.

XML Global Technologies, Inc. provides an XML-based data integration platform, GoXML(TM) Foundation, and an application-to-application integration platform, GoXML Central. These products form a core framework for additional expansion as the enterprise builds or enhances its infrastructure. GoXML Foundation includes:

Searching: GoXML Search, a scalable, context-based XML search engine that delivers precise results.

Transformation: GoXML Transform, a transformation engine for dynamic exchange of XML, EDI, and other data formats.

Storage: GoXML DB, a native XML database with a high-performance query engine.

GoXML Central is an XML platform for global participation in electronic marketplaces. It uses ebXML methodologies and is designed for interoperability, allowing businesses to find each other, form trading partner agreements, and conduct business electronically. XML Global empowers its clients to build and manage technology platforms for Web services, net markets and e-business initiatives. For more information, visit our Web site at www.xmlglobal.com.

Forward Looking Statements
--------------------------
All statements are based on XML Global Technologies, Inc.'s current
knowledge and specific assumptions with respect to future business decisions.
The actual results of XML Global Technologies, Inc. may differ materially from
those indicated by these forward looking statements as a result of various
important factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the Risk
Factors section of XML Global Technologies' recent registration document, SB-
2/A, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


SOURCE XML Global Technologies, Inc.


© 2001 PRNewswire

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[gemmerling]

GAMZ CEO interview 5/18/01 highlights...

Kelly was interviewed on the Taxin show last Friday. Here are the highlights of the interview.

1. Kelly Jones and Bob Ferris will be meeting with producers(Taxin describes them as a step above brokers) on Wednesday 5/23/01 in New York. From GAMZ's 10QSB Filing Date: 5/15/2001. News will be released by 5/23/01.

http://www.freeedgar.com/Search/ViewFilings.asp?CIK=1085243&Directory=1005477&Year=01&SE....


2.1. Manner and Basis of Conversion. In the Merger, each outstanding FERRIS Share shall be changed into a number of shares of GAMZ determined by dividing $10 million by the "Average Price" as defined below, and dividing the quotient by the number of Ferris Shares outstanding as of the Effective Date. Not later than May 23, 2001, the parties shall issue a public announcement indicating that both companies have satisfied their respective due diligence inquiries, and stating whether as of that date both companies intend to close the transaction. The Average Price means the average closing price for GAMZ shares on the sixth through fifteenth trading days immediately following the parties' public announcement, but under no circumstances shall the Average Price be lower than $.25, or higher than that number which assures that Ferris shareholders will receive a majority of the GAMZ common shares outstanding immediately following the Merger, provided, however, that if GAMZ has provided the loan referred to in Section 7.2.5, then in computing the number constituting a majority of the outstanding GAMZ common shares there shall be excluded any GAMZ common shares issued, or issuable upon conversion or exercise of securities issued, to raise the amount required for that loan.

As examples, if the Average Price is .20, the Ferris shareholders would not receive in the aggregate 50,000,000 shares of GAMZ stock, but rather would receive 40,000,000 shares. If the Average Price is .50, the Ferris shareholders would receive 20,000,000 shares of GAMZ stock. If the Average Price is .75, the Ferris shareholders would receive 13,333,333 shares of GAMZ stock. If the Average Price is .90, the Ferris shareholders would not receive 11,111,111 shares of GAMZ stock, but rather would receive 13,281,341 shares of GAMZ stock, which is one more share than GAMZ's current number of issued shares. [this example assumes that all GAMZ' redeemable shares have in fact been redeemed.]

2. He also said that many people will be surprised when they hear the names associated with this BB stock.

Take Care,

Greg

[Ruellit]

Good post alexed, interesting concept! Thanks for bringing it over!

[alexed]

Livin' on Dividends
...how and why they matter so much
by Jeff Fischer ([e-mail])



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALEXANDRIA, VA (August 25, 1998) --Two weeks ago, Phil Weiss wrote something in the middle of a Cash-King column that I knew should be called to attention here. In fact, Phil's statements merit being the focus of an entire column. Though we've discussed the importance of dividends numerous times, perhaps we haven't done so convincingly or succinctly enough. We'll try to do that today.

Phil recently wrote the following on the subject:

"The real power of dividends comes from owning a stock over a long period of time. Say that you purchase a Cash-King that currently has a dividend yield of 1.5%. If the dividend is increased by 12% per year, then it will double every six years. This means that in twelve years, the dividend return on the original investment will be 6%.... Better yet, if you go out another six years (for a total of eighteen), then the dividend yield on the original investment will be 12%. This is just a different way to look at the power of compounding.

"I've seen Rob [a C-K writer] state in the Cash-King folder that his goal is to be able to live off his dividends when he retires. Believe it or not, if you start investing in Cash-Kings early enough, this could happen -- quite likely, in fact. If you take my example out for a total of thirty years, then you'll end up with a 48% return on your original investment per year [in dividends alone]. With those kinds of dividends coming your way, there may be no reason to sell your Cash-King stocks [for] additional income."

Got that, fellow Fools?

The fact that years from now you could be earning a 48% annual return on your original investment through dividends alone -- steady, near certain income -- is astounding. It's also part of the reason why stocks outperform all else over the long-term, and why you need to invest for the long-term in order to truly benefit from owning leading, growing companies.

Consider some numbers.

Stock of the Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) has compounded 16% annually since 1919, but that's only if dividends were reinvested. The company came public at $40 per share. A single $40 share from 1919 is now worth over $5 million. But, without dividends being reinvested, your $40 share is now only worth $250,000 -- a $4.75 million difference. Over the seventy-nine year period, a $40 share has paid over $21,000 in dividends alone, which, reinvested, made all the difference. Not reinvested, a person simply received small checks every three months that were probably frittered away through the years -- blown on hula-hoops and drive-in movies.

One share of Coca-Cola in its first year has become 62,500 shares through stock splits and dividend reinvestments, and the investment is now earning an annual dividend of $37,500. Yes, an initial $40 investment now earns $37,500 in dividends alone every year. A bond this isn't.

But let's consider our stocks.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has grown its dividend 16% annualized each of the past ten years. It now pays $1.00 per share in dividends. Assuming that JNJ can increase its dividend 11% annually for the next thirty years, the company would be paying a $23 annual dividend in the year 2028, giving us a 33% annual yield on our initial shares and the shares we're buying now. A $23 dividend might sound crazy, but after stock splits are considered it would be a more conventional number, and easier to grasp. (Meanwhile, the split-adjusted cost-basis of our initial JNJ shares might be in the low teens or even single digits in a few decades. How would you like to be your own child, inheriting your portfolio!)

Of course, there's no guarantee that JNJ's dividend payout will continue to grow -- or continue at all, some might argue. I believe that the dividend will do both, though -- continue and grow -- because it's institutionalized and the company, assuming momentum, is in a position to continue the practice.

Campbell Soup (NYSE: CPB) is our highest-yielding stock. It pays a 1.60% dividend yield, or $0.84 per share annually. Following our additional $200 investment in Campbell that we announced yesterday, we'll own about eight shares of the stock, granting us $6.72 in annual dividends. If we reinvest them with Campbell we'll pay a 5% fee, or thirty-three cents in the first year. Maybe we don't want to reinvest the dividend in Campbell stock and pay this constant 5% fee (up to $3). Our $420 investment in Campbell growing 11% annually becomes $3,650 in nineteen years, paying a $58 yearly dividend based on the current yield. A 5% fee on this amount is just about $3 -- the upper limit -- meaning that we'd be paying the maximum 5% fee on every reinvested dividend right up to the end. A 5% commission for nineteen years is far too high.

So, imagine if instead we enrolled in Coca-Cola's (NYSE: KO) dividend reinvestment plan. Critics complain that the stock currently only yields 0.70% -- indeed, that's a somewhat paltry amount. But, we could receive Campbell's dividend in cash for free and use it to buy more Coca-Cola for free as well. What this would mean is that for the first few years, we'd be receiving at least $1.44 annually in dividends with which to buy more Coca-Cola stock. (This number is obtained by adding Coke's $0.60 annual dividend and Campbell's $0.84 dividend.) At current prices, our first Coke shares would effectively yield at least 1.82% and for at least the first few years, and all of this payout would be reinvested in more Coke stock.

In fact, if we initially owned only a few shares (say two) of Coca-Cola and eight shares of Campbell Soup, we'd receive $6.72 in annual Campbell dividends and $1.20 in Coke dividends, or $7.92 total. On $160 worth of Coca-Cola shares, that's a giant 8% dividend yield to reinvest in more Coca-Cola. (Of course, our Campbell shares would effectively yield us nothing, but there'd be no fees, either.) Meanwhile, we'd wait for Campbell to remove its dividend reinvestment fee before reinvesting our Campbell dividend in its stock.

It's a thought.

I hope that this column and Phil's words help to reiterate the giant impact that dividends can have on an investors' lifelong success. If you'd like to discuss dividends, numbers and certain companies further, please visit the Drip Companies message board.

Fool on!

--Jeff Fischer