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Saw this on a message board. Enjoy!
Ban 'em all!
I've been reading on a fantasy football
website how the nicknames "Redskins" and "Chiefs"
will not be used when describing the teams in
Washington and Kansas City. It seems that the
"R" and "C" words are just too insulting to
American Indians.
Well, I say it's about time! These team nicknames
ARE offensive. I can't believe the NFL even
allows such things! But we cannot stop by just
banning the Redskins and Chiefs. We need to ban
ALL of the team nicknames -- because each and
every one is an ugly insult to somebody or something.
"Come on," you say? "Not every team nickname is
offensive!" Oh contraire! And I'm prepared
to prove it.
Let's take care of nearly half the league in
one fell swoop. Fifteen NFL teams are names
after animals. So what could be wrong with calling yourself an Eagle, a Dolphin or a Seahawk? Plenty!
People for the Ethical Treatment of animals says,
and I quote, "that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment."
There you have it. PETA says we can't use animals
for ENTERTAINMENT. Football is entertainment.
So say goodbye to the following nicknames:
Cardinals
Falcons
Ravens
Bills
Panthers
Bears
Bengals
Broncos
Lions
Colts
Jaguars
Dolphins
Eagles
Rams
Seahawks
And what about the Packers? They honor the people who slaughter and package some of these fine animals PETA loves so much! Ban 'em!
Speaking of slaughter, do we really need to be celebrating rapists and pillagers? I say NO WAY! So it's time to ban the Vikings, Raiders and Buccaneers.
And then we have the Patriots. A bunch of white males who cried "liberty and justice for all" while at the same time disenfranchising women and minorities? What an insult! Ban 'em.
The Cowboys? How dare they celebrate the very people who slaughtered the Redskins in the first place? Ban 'em!
The Saints? Can't believe Americans for the Separations of Church and State ever let this team off the hook. Ban 'em.
The Giants and the Titans? They make short people feel bad.
And as far as Tennessee goes, any state responsible for giving us 8 long years of having to listen to Al Gore ought to suffer as much as possible. Ban 'em.
The Jets? These polluters of the air make most members of the Audubon Society blanch. Can't have that. Ban 'em.
My beloved Steelers? Yes, they too must be banned. Steel workers pollute the environment, just like the Jets. Ban 'em.
Now we come to the Chargers. Thought you might get me on this one, didn't you? Nope. The Chargers might remind all those poor people in California that they have no electricity.
Can't make those crunchy-granola left-coasters feel bad! Ban 'em.
The 49ers? People who raped the land in order to satiate their greed for gold! That's a no brainer. Ban 'em.
Finally, we come to the Browns. I'm not sure what's so bad about a Brown, but frankly anything coming out of Cleveland is an insult to the rest of us. Ban 'em!
And, my friends, we must ban 'em all soon! Next year, the Houston Texans will enter the league. Texas used to be part of Mexico, and the Mexicans haven't forgotten it. Let's not get an entire country mad at us. Ban 'em before they incite a
war with our neighbors to the south!
So there you have it. We simply can't stop with banning the Redskins and the Chiefs. For the sake of the children, every NFL nickname needs to go. Ban 'em all.
Excel - Greg
Hi Reid. I understand you may have some knowledge about Scottrade. I'm changing brokers. Scottrade has a local office which I like for when you have problems. It isn't as easy to get rid of you in person then over the phone. Likes and dis-likesof them? TIA!
Excel - Greg
Thanks Arch! Anyone see this? Interesting.
New York Broker Buys RJT.Com Parent
BY GRACE SHIM
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
RELATED LINKS
» RJT.com
The pool of online brokerages got a little smaller Wednesday when New York-based TD Waterhouse Group announced its acquisition of Omaha-based R.J. Thompson Holdings.
Chief Executive Randall J. Thompson
R.J. Thompson Holdings is the parent company of RJT.com, which allows day traders to directly place orders in the stock markets through "direct access" trading. RJT.com will serve as the active trader division for TD Waterhouse, with integration of the two companies expected by the first half of next year.
"It was one of the pieces that Waterhouse was missing," said RJT.com founder and Chief Executive Randall J. Thompson.
Steve McDonald, chief executive of TD Waterhouse, called the acquisition "an excellent opportunity for us to further expand our presence in the active trader arena."
TD Waterhouse, which is the second-largest U.S. brokerage with 3.1 million customers worldwide, would not disclose the acquisition price. Upon regulatory approval, the deal will close sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, which begins Oct. 1.
RJT.com President Ted Price said the cash deal had been in the works for a while, but he declined to elaborate.
Thompson said the ownership change will not affect service for its 13,440 day traders.
Thompson said the company and its 42 employees will remain in Omaha. And, for the time being, the company will keep the RJT.com name.
But, with the sale, there are two title changes. Thompson becomes the director of the active-trading division for TD Waterhouse. Gregory P. Gilgenast, RJT.com executive vice president and director, becomes the vice president of the technology group for TD Waterhouse.
"We couldn't be happier with the Waterhouse transaction," Thompson said. "We feel comfortable with the folks at TD Waterhouse."
RJT.com is a 19-month-old firm started by Thompson, a former executive with Omaha-based competitor Ameritrade Holding Corp.
RJT.com found a market with its low-priced stock market trades - a $5 fee for any type of trade.
That's $3 less than Ameritrade, a discount broker known for its $8 equity trades.
Ameritrade is the fourth-largest online brokerage in the United States. From 1991 to 1993, Thompson was the president of Accutrade, an Ameritrade subsidiary.
Brokerages have been hit hard by the volatile market and economic downturn, and analysts have long predicted that brokerages outside the top 10 would be acquired.
Thompson acknowledged in a March interview with The World-Herald that he was open to that possibility.
"If something comes along, and the fit is right and it provides value for our shareholders, we certainly will consider it," he said.
Richard Rzasa, chief information officer for TD Waterhouse, said the company was interested in RJT.com because it had superior technology and a good business model and its executives were knowledgeable.
Todd Halky, research associate for Putnam Lovell Securities in New York, said TD Waterhouse was a little late getting into the lucrative direct-access market compared with its competitors. But he said TD Waterhouse probably got RJT.com for a better price because it paid cash.
"This allows them to make sure they can offer a product to the entire spectrum of the online brokerage community," he said. "This just rounds out their product offering."
TD Waterhouse trades on the New York Stock Exchange. Its stock opened at $8.75 per share Wednesday and closed down a penny.
Excel - Greg
America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful or so you used to be
Land of the Pilgrims pride, I'm glad they'll never see.
Babies piled in dumpsters, Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty, your house is on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.
From sea to shining sea our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love and a need always to pray.
So many worldly pastors tell lies about our Rock,
Saying God is going broke so they can fleece the flock.
We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown,
When earth is but His footstool and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless judges who throw reason out the door,
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God from whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do, but stem the evil tide?
If we who are His children will humbly turn and pray,
Seek His holy face and mend our evil way,
Then God will hear from Heaven and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.
But America the Beautiful if you don't then you will see,
A sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from thee.
By Judge Roy Moore
Excel - Greg
Matt. You said they are.........
They are cleaning out the marketplace...
Shaking weak/small money out.
Kind of reminds me of what big business chains are doing to the Mom and Pop small businesses. Once again the little guy gets it.
Excel - Greg
Leave it to them to make more rules. Unbelievable!
Chicago, Illinois (Active Trader) If you're an active trader, you're probably aware of the new day-trading rules that go into effect on Sept. 28.
In a nutshell, you will be classified as a "pattern day trader" (PDT) if you make at least four day trades (stocks or options) in a five-day period. A day trade is considered any position entered and exited within the same trading day. However, if the day trades comprise less than 6 percent of your total trades in that period, you are not a pattern day trader.
Beginning Sept. 28, anyone who qualifies as a PDT must have at least $25,000 in their account and must have a margin account. Day trading will not be allowed in cash-only accounts of less than $25,000.
You may also be classified as a PDT if your trading firm has reason to believe you'll qualify. For example, if you take day-trading classes at a brokerage, they will likely classify you as a PDT if and when you open an account with them rather than waiting five days to watch your trading.
PDTs face a new margin situation, with the most significant rule changes being that the minimum account size for PDTs will now be $25,000 and buying power will increase from 2-1 to 4-1 (the complete rule changes can be found in "Execution Solution," Active Trader, September 2001, p. 90).
While that is easy enough to understand, there is some confusion regarding the new rules. Specifically, the big questions seem to be:
Can I still trade with less than $25,000 if I am using a cash-only account?
What will happen on Sept. 28 if I am a PDT and I have less than $25,000?
What exactly constitutes a day trade?
The bad news
Beginning Sept. 28, anyone who qualifies as a PDT must have at least $25,000 in their account and must trade from a margin account. Day trading will not be allowed in cash-only accounts of less than $25,000.
If your trading style will qualify you as a PDT, and you do not have $25,000 in your account, your broker will be forced to close your account on or before Sept. 28 (this is an NASD rule, not a rule created by your broker). We have already heard from day traders who have received letters from their brokers telling them if they don't have $25,000 and a margin account by Sept. 28, their account will be closed.
It will be up to broker-dealers to ensure that underfunded customers do not day trade. Because firms will likely be subject to fines from NASD Regulation if they are lax in enforcing this rule, it's safe to say they will be closely monitoring the trading activity of their customers. Any individual day trading in an underfunded account faces the possibility of having his or her account restricted or outright closed.
In and out
The new rules have a very strict definition of a day trade. If you open and close a position in the same day, you've completed a day trade. If not, you haven't. Trades held overnight, even if they are exited before the opening bell, are not considered day trades.
If you never open and close a position in the same day, the rule changes are insignificant.
However, partial exits (e.g., you buy 1000 shares of XYZ in the morning and sell 500 shares in the afternoon) are considered day trades. If, though, if you sell the remaining 500 shares later in the afternoon, the one entry and two exits still only count as a single day trade.
There is still some grey areas in the rule. For example, suppose a trader enters a position in XYZ at 10 a.m., adds to the position at 11 a.m. and makes another addition at noon. He then gets out of the trade in the afternoon in three stages — at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Does this count as one day trade because it is only one stock? Or three day trades, because there were three "round trips?" This has not yet been made clear, although it's likely a moot point because anyone with that trading style would almost certainly qualify as a PDT.
The bottom line
If you never open and close a position in the same day, the rule changes are insignificant. If you're truly a swing trader — you hold all your positions overnight or longer — you could do so with $5,000 if you chose to (although it's highly discouraged). Be careful, though — for every 100 trades you make, only six have to be day trades for you to qualify as a PDT.
Some direct-access brokers already have a $25,000 requirement to open an account. However, many do not, and if you're an undercapitalized day trader at one of these firms, the hard truth is that you may have to find something else to do with your money.
Copyright © 2000-2001, Active Trader® Magazine,
Chicago, IL
Excel - Greg
NVC. The Movie. Coming SOON to a theater near you!
http://www.dfilm.com/mm/mm_route.php?id=79809
Excel - Greg
Hi All,
Below is an article from a Pastor website I read. It is my opinion that it is long past due for Pastors to speak up in the pulpit even if this legislation doesn't go through. It is more important then ever that the issues of today are spoken about in a Biblical manor. The government should have no say on what we teach in the HOUSE of God! It is high time we back up our Pastors to let them know we will stand up for them if we go to court. Are we going to continue to sit by and put God in a box and say we are to fear our government? That our God isn't big enough to take on the government? So we keep his teachings in a box? I say NO! The very issues a lot of our Pastors are afraid to speak out about are taking our society further down into the pit of hell. It's time to say we won't sit by anymore. We will speak up for what God has said is right in his book. The book of LIFE!
Patrick Henry's famous cry, "Give me liberty or give me death!" was uttered by the patriot in a Richmond church. But that was before the IRS.
Throughout American history, the pulpit has been a powerful force for positive change. From courageous preaching against the evil of slavery to the temperance movement to the crusade for humane child-labor laws, churches have led the nation to greater righteousness.
Today, however, many pulpits have fallen silent on the most vital moral issues of our time. Why? One reason is fear of the IRS. Many pastors are afraid that, if they speak out on such controversial political issues as abortion, homosexual rights, pornography and others, the IRS will revoke the tax-exempt status of their churches.
Although this fear is largely unfounded, and the clergy enjoy the First Amendment's protections of free speech and the free exercise of religion (which includes moral instruction), liberals use the threat of IRS action to intimidate and silence.
Rep. Walter B. Jones (R-N.C.) has introduced legislation, the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, to stop potential IRS intimidation and preserve the right of pastors to speak out in defense of biblical morality and traditional family values, and to comment on the vital political issues of the day. --Ken Connor, FRC
Would such a law make a difference in your boldness from the pulpit? Send us your thoughts by fax to (719) 531-3347 or by e-mail to pwb@family.org.
Please forward this to everyone you know!
Excel - Greg
Matt. I agree with Muel. An other box to explain would come in handy.
Excel - Greg
Changing brokers. Anyone here using Scottrade?
Do you like it?
What don't you like about it?
Thanks!
Excel - Greg
Matt. Go gettum!
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=169129
Excel - Greg
Changing brokers. Anyone here using Scottrade?
Do you like it?
What don't you like about it?
Thanks!
Excel - Greg
Changing brokers. Anyone here using Scottrade?
Do you like it?
What don't you like about it?
Thanks!
Excel - Greg
Changing brokers. Anyone here using Scottrade?
Do you like it?
What don't you like about it?
Thanks!
Excel - Greg
A man was stopped by a game-warden in Northern Michigan recently with two buckets of fish leaving a lake well known for its fishing.
The game warden asked the man, "Do you have a license to catch those fish?" The man replied to the game warden, "No, sir. These are my pet fish."
"Pet fish?!" the warden replied.
"Yes, sir. Every night I take these here fish down to the lake and let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back into their buckets, and I take 'em home."
"That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that!"
The man looked at the game warden for a moment, and then said, "Here, I'll show you. It really works."
"O. K. I've GOT to see this!." The game warden was curious now.
The man poured the fish into the lake and stood and waited.
After several minutes, the game warden turned to the man and said, "Well?"
"Well, What?" the man responded.
"When are you going to call them back?" The game warden prompted.
"Call who back?" The man asked.
"The FISH."
"What fish?" The man asked.
Excel - Greg
Matt. No idea on what RBs numbers are. But I can tell you this. I've done some digging in the past. I found one guy with 9 aliases. 7 of them I could prove.
I've had people say on the RB board that my board is nothing but a pump board. LOL!
I've never deleted any post with a different veiw of the company.
But the ones on RB that complain are the ones who never call the company and lie for their own financial position.
Chat has taken away posts on my board because there is so many of us there every day and night. We have to be the most active chat on i-hub
Excel - Greg
Hi Matt. Some people use quote tracker I believe it's called. I have streaming qoutes. But I just want realtime to have one more way to drag people away from RB.
Excel - Greg
Mi Matt. Where is the chairman information in the Ibox to deal with posts?
You have an idea when realtime quotes will be here?
Excel - Greg
One night at a small church in Atlanta, Georgia, a man shared how he had
become a Christian while in Sydney, Australia. "I was at the street corner
in Kings Cross," the man began, "when I felt a tug on my sleeve. Turning,
I found myself face to face with a street bum. Before I could say
anything, the man simply asked me, "Mister, if you were to die tonight,
where would you spend eternity?' That question troubled me over the next
three weeks," the man continued. "I had to find an answer, and I ended up
giving my life to Christ."
The pastor of the Atlanta church was amazed that a man on a street corner
could have such an impact. But imagine his amazement when, three years
later, another man came to his church and gave an almost identical
testimony. He, too, had been at Kings Cross in Sydney when a derelict had
pulled on his sleeve and then asked him, "If you were to die tonight,
where would you spend eternity?"
This second man, also haunted by the street bum's question, eventually
sought and found an answer in Jesus.
Shortly after hearing the second testimony, the pastor of that small
church in Atlanta had to be in Sydney for a missions conference. On one of
his nights off, he went to Kings Cross to see if he could find the man who
had been mentioned at his church by two different people. Pausing on a
street corner to look for someone like the street bum he'd heard about, he
felt a tug at his jacket. He turned, and before the poor old man could say
anything, the pastor blurted out, "I know what you're going to ask me!
You're going to ask me if I were to die tonight, where would I spend
eternity?"
The man was stunned. "How did you know that?" he inquired. The pastor told
him the whole story. When he finished, the man started to cry. "Mister,"
he said, "10 years ago I gave my life to Jesus, and I wanted to do
something for Him. But a man like me can't do much of anything. So I
decided I would just hang out on this corner and ask people that simple
question. I've been doing that for years, mister, but tonight is the first
time Ever that I knew it did anybody any good."
Author Unknown
Excel - Greg
An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna.
The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The American then asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish.
The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.
The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor."
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But senor, how long will this all take?"
To which the American replied, "15-20 years."
"But what then, senor?"
The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions, senor? Then what?"
"Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
Excel - Greg
It was an unusually cold day for the month of May. Spring had arrived and
everything was alive with color. But a cold front from the North had
brought winter's chill back to Indiana.
I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just
off the corner of the towns-square. The food and the company were both
especially good that day.
As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There,
walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly
goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work
for food." My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and
noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads
moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal,
but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our
separate ways.
I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward
the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange
visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some
response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some
purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the
office until you've at least driven once more around the square." And
so, with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's
third corner. I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the storefront
church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked, feeling both compelled
to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on.
The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an
invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest
visitor. "Looking for the pastor?" I asked.
"Not really," he replied, "just resting."
"Have you eaten today?"
"Oh, I ate something early this morning."
"Would you like to have lunch with me?"
"Do you have some work I could do for you?"
"No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would
like to take you to lunch."
"Sure," he replied with a smile.
As he began to gather his things. I asked some surface questions.
"Where you headed?"
"St. Louis."
"Where you from?"
"Oh, all over; mostly Florida."
"How long you been walking?"
"Fourteen years," came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same
restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond
his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence
and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a
bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life.
He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen
years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the
beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a
large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the
tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those
services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God. "Nothing's
been the same since,"he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking,
and so I did, some 14 years now."
"Ever think of stopping?" I asked.
"Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me.
But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles.
That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out
when His Spirit leads."
I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and
lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and
then I asked: "What's it like?"
"What?"
"To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your
sign?"
"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once
someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that
certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to
realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts
of other folks like me."
My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his
things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come
Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For
when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a
stranger and you took me in." I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could
you use another Bible?" I asked.
He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too
heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it
14 times," he said.
"I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see."
I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed
very grateful. "Where you headed from here?"
"Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon."
"Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?"
"No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right
there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."
He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his
mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours
earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his
things. "Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked.
"I like to keep messages from folks I meet."
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my
life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of
scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you," declared the
Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future
and a hope."
"Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers,
but I love you."
"I know," I said, "I love you, too."
"The Lord is good."
"Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.
"A long time," he replied.
And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I
embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things
on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New
Jerusalem."
"I'll be there!" was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his
bed roll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see
something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"
"You bet," I shouted back, "God bless."
"God bless." And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left
my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon
the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for
the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves
neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of
my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without
them. I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of
me, will you pray for me?"
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world
and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two
hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry.
"See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...
Excel - Greg
Matt. Can you do anything about the amount of system recources chat uses? Thanks!
Excel - Greg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HE is not here
author unknown
Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was
still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller,
often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and
make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if
a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time,
however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.
One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation.
As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy
really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger
children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five year gap
between his age and that of the other students." Mrs. Forrester cried softly
into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no
school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had
to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at the snow outside
the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to
sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal
illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other
youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction.
Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any more time
trying? As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am
complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she
thought.
Lord, please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she
tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he
limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss
Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other
students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She stammered, "Wh--why
that's very nice, Jeremy. N--now please take your seat."
Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter.
Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new
life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg.
"Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back
tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Miss Miller, "the children responded enthusiastically--all except for
Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even
make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death
and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call
his parents and explain the project to them.
That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and
waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to
shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the next
day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they
placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After
they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.
In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign
of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground, we know that
spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg,
Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris
held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a
beautiful butterfly. Yes, that's new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly
and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."
Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too,
showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My daddy helped
me, he beamed.
Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty. Surely it
must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he did not understand her
instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she
did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for
another.
Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my
egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is empty." He looked
into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too." Time
stopped.
When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was
empty?" "Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His
Father raised Him up." The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran
out to the schoolyard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely
away.
Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid there respects at the
mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them
empty.
Excel - Greg
Q & A with John Howell from another shareholders questions.
I am writing in an effort to put together a better
understanding of what is really going on in the
building of our business.
Okay, here we go. Please take your time in answering
each question as thorough as you possibly can.
On the expansion from the Livermore facilities to
Pleasonton, does the research at Livermore continue
to evolve?
JH) So there is no confusion, Livermore and
Pleasanton are towns close to
each other. When we speak of the activities in
Pleasanton, we are speaking
of the continuation of activities that were started
in Livermore. In that
regard, the research that started in Livermore is
continuing in Pleasanton
and at other remote locations.
When I first started reading of the severing of
employment of Al and Mike, as well as others in
Pleasonton, I became fearful. I am appreciative of
their efforts, and as I continued to read, I was
reassured, to say the least, of the collaberation of
Dr. Greaves and Dr. Propp with the remaining
consulting engineers.
How many engineering consultants are now working
on "the product development" of our initial design?
JH) Probably the reason you always see "R &
D" referenced as connected is
because development can't be disconnected from
research. In the context of
our technology, it is not possible to speak of one
without including the
other. Therefore, to answer the question as to how
many are working on
product development, it is dependent on what day you
ask. We have an
accomplished team of engineers that are working to
commercialize the core
technology. As consultants they don't spend every
waking hour working
exclusively on our technology so the count varies
from day to day. Our task
is to allocate all the intellectual assets at our
disposal for maximum
efficiency. We believe we are moving at optimum
speed towards our
objectives.
At what estimated percentage has our initial design
product been developed?
JH) I will not be satisfied giving any
quantitative number to that
question until we have finished a field ready
prototype. At that point I
will be 100% sure we have a beta prototype of a
product.
Is Dr. Greaves "newly engaged technical assistance"
to further enhance this development? and if so,
wouldn't this be also a form of research? or is Dr.
Greaves involvement to assist in influencing the way
in which the product is brought to market? via
consulting to an anonomys company?
JH) As has been discussed, research never
stops. Dr. Greaves brings a
unique balance of being the ultimate theoretician and
a proven entrepreneur.
Going from R&D to a finished product and doing it
within budget to make a
profit requires the ability to navigate the industry
obstacles. Both Dr.
Greaves and Dr. Propp have proven that ability.
Are we to understand that with Dr. Propp can we
expect to receive assistance bringing the product to
market in a hostile environment? Did he not deal
with different companies with Adaptive Networks
technology? Are there similarities in the paths
which must be taken? or will the assistance come in
the form of addressing transmission noise? i'm
willing to bet that's not all is it?
JH) For a number of years Dr. Propp has been
conceiving of, designing and
developing products that transmit data over copper
wires in an environment
that many considered impossible. He is our kind of
man.
John, you know ThaT There is a whole loT of rumor
going around abouT a cerTain company, and why noT, iT
makes sense To me, does iT To you as well?
JH) CuTe.
Finally, Mr. Berkowitz was quoted "The changes augur
well for the future of the company and for the
development of the technology."
The obvious changes he is refering to is at the
management level, yes? With that being said, and
knowing the influence of Dr. Greaves with companies
addressed in prior PR's, is Mr. Berkowitz fortelling
our future, via the networking of personnel within
our latest agreements of 6-25-01, 8-6-01 and 8-13-01?
JH) The value of the networks that
associates or employees or consultants
bring to the table can only be measured with
results. Knowing the results
we forecast, it is only logical that we would network
with those that create
a network total value is greater than the sum of its
parts.
John, thank you so much for your time. We know that
there are many enemies, but I'd like you to know that
there are many of us which are doing what we can to
have an infuence in keeping your strength up. I know
that your mind is alert and that you will receive
wisdom because of it.
JH) It is the support of shareholders such
as yourself that make this such
a rewarding and interesting experience.
One last thing, is there a strong possibility that I
may be able to take some extra time off to spend with
my family in some far off island in say... late
October or early November. No speculation please,
lol.
JH) As you may have learned, my speculations
are anemic in specifics.
Have a good evening.
Excel - Greg
Matt. He should get points for creativity. Spamming in private email. LOL! Unbelievable!
Excel - Greg
Take this anyway you want to. But. Below is from I-box from this board. It would be nice to keep on track.
The focus of this board is to discuss issues related to the site, such as rules, feature requests, etc.
MB
Excel - Greg
Dear God, are You still awake?
Have You got a minute or two?
You're pretty good at understanding,
And I really need to talk to You.
You see, Mommy came to tuck me in,
Like she does every night.
I was trying to play a trick on her,
Since she can't see without the light.
I was going to close my eyes
And pretend to be asleep.
But when I heard her crying,
I didn't dare let out a peep.
She started talking to You, God.
Did You hear the things she said?
Could You hear what she was saying
As she stood beside my bed?
Why would Mommy be so sad?
I wondered just what I had done,
And then I began to remember it all
As she named them one by one...
This morning we worked in the garden,
But, honest, I really didn't know
That if I picked all those little yellow blooms
The tomatoes wouldn't grow!
Charlie and I were trying to be helpers,
'Cause I know that's what Mommy needs,
But I don't think she was too happy with us
When we pulled up carrots instead of weeds.
Mommy said we should stop for the day,
She decided we had helped quite enough.
I sure had worked up an appetite...
I didn't know gardening was so tough!
We had peanut-butter and jelly for lunch,
And I shared too much, I guess...
But I didn't realize until I was done
That Charlie had made such a mess.
Mommy said she needed a nap,
She had one of her headaches today.
She told me to keep an eye on my sister
And find something quiet to play.
Well, God, do You remember all those curls
You gave my little sister Jenny?
We played barber shop...very quietly...
And now, well, she doesn't have any.
Boy, was Mommy mad at me...
I had to go sit on my bed.
She said never to cut "people hair" again.
I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead.
We sat and watched poor old Albert,
I just knew he must be so bored
Going round and round in the same place all day,
Wouldn't You think so, Lord?
I didn't think it would hurt to let him out for awhile.
I mean, mice need exercise, too.
By the way, have You seen Albert lately?
He's been sort of missing since two.
Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day.
She said we needed fresh air.
But when Daddy came home she told him
he was trying to get something out of her hair.
We thought Mommy needed cheering up,
So we decided to brighten her day.
But, God, did You see the look on her face
When we gave her that pretty bouquet?
We had gotten a little bit dirty,
So Mommy said to get in the tub.
"Use soap this time," she reminded,
"And please don't forget to scrub."
Charlie didn't like the water too much,
But I lathered up real good.
I knew Mommy would be so proud of me
For cleaning up like I should.
I went downstairs to the table,
But during dinner it started to rain...
I'd forgotten to turn off the water, it seems,
And I hadn't unplugged the drain!
I decided right then it was just about time
To start getting ready for bed,
When Mommy said, "It's sure been a long day,"
And her face began turning all red.
I lay there listening to Mommy
As she told You about our day.
I thought about all of the things I had done
And I wondered what I should say.
I was just about to tell her
That I'd been awake all along,
And ask her to please forgive me
For all of those thing I'd done wrong.
When suddenly, I heard her whisper,
"God, forgive me for today...
For not being more understanding
When those problems came my way...
For not handling situations
In the way You wanted me to...
For getting angry and losing my temper,
Things I know You don't want me to do.
And, God, please give me more patience,
Help me make it through another day,
I'll do better tomorrow, I promise...
In Jesus' name I pray."
Wiping her eyes, she kissed me
And knelt here beside my bed.
She stroked my hair for a little while...
"I love you, precious," Mommy said.
She left the room without ever knowing
That I'd been awake all the time.
And God, could we make it our little secret?
You know, just Yours and mine?
I'm sorry I was so much trouble today,
I really didn't mean to be...
Daddy says it's tough being a kid sometimes,
But I think it's harder on Mommy than me.
Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening.
It's sure nice to know You're there.
I feel so much better when I talk to You
'Cause You always hear my prayer.
And I'll do better tomorrow, I promise...
Just You wait and see!
I'll try not to be so much trouble again,
But, God, please give more patience to Mommy...
...Just in case!
Amen
Excel - Greg
Working for me now Matt. It wasn't for me for over 3 hours. Oh well.
Excel - Greg
Matt. Is chat working? Or is it just my computer? Can't get in.
Thanks
Excel - Greg
New Visual and Adaptive Networks Inc. Sign Technology Development Agreement; Adaptive Networks Co-Founder to Join New Visual Advisory Board
SAN DIEGO, Aug 13, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New Visual Corporation (OTCBB: NVEI)
announced today that the company has entered into an agreement with Adaptive
Networks, Inc. to collaborate with the New Visual engineering consultants to
expedite the design and commercialization efforts of New Visual's broadband
transmission technology over telephone wire. In addition, Dr. Michael Propp,
co-founder and president of Adaptive Networks has been named to the New Visual
advisory board.
Adaptive Networks is the leading developer of high-speed power line networking
technology and is currently developing high-speed communications technology and
silicon for residential home networking. Adaptive's technology wins include
becoming the ISO standard for power line communications aboard refrigerated
container ships and an IEC standard for automated meter reading. Under the
direction of Dr. Michael Propp, Adaptive's proven ability to commercialize
high-speed data transmission products will facilitate the efforts of New
Visual's engineers. According to Ray Willenberg Jr., CEO of New Visual, "With
this agreement, we multiply the efforts of our staff and experience in this
field many times over. It is our privilege to be teamed up with such a proven
and innovative team."
In addition, Dr. Michael Propp has been named to the New Visual advisory board.
In that capacity he will advise the board of directors, management and the
technical advisors on commercialization strategy and technology development
issues. As co-founder and president of Adaptive Networks, Dr. Propp holds five
key patents and several patents pending in technology for power line
communications and communications over noisy and distorted media. He is also
author of several papers in the field of complex dynamic systems. Dr. Propp
holds an SB/SM EE and Ph.D. EE from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. Propp stated, "We are pleased to be a part of this intriguing development.
New Visual has assembled quite a team of expert advisors and consultants to
collaborate towards commercializing a novel broadband transmission achievement.
I view this opportunity to work with the New Visual engineers and technical
advisors as an important extension of our previous efforts in broadband
transmission."
About New Visual
New Visual Corporation is pioneering the development of a proprietary broadband
transmission technology with the mission to utilize existing copper
telecommunications infrastructure to deliver data and content to the office or
home at fiber optic transfer rates. Through its NV Technology, Inc. subsidiary,
New Visual is developing technology that will allow the bundling of voice,
video, and data over existing copper telephone wires, potentially eliminating
the need for fiber optic cable to the home or office. New Visual's common stock
is traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol NVEI.
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release,
this press release includes forward-looking statements made under the "Safe
Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including but
not limited to the following: product development difficulties; market demand
and acceptance of products; the impact of changing economic conditions; business
conditions in the Internet and telecommunications industries; reliance on third
parties, including potential suppliers, licensors, and licensees; the impact of
competitors and their products; risks concerning future technology; and other
factors detailed in this press release and in the company's Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.
CONTACT: New Visual
Rich Wilson, 619/692-0333 (Media)
John Howell, 619/692-0333 (Investor)
or
Fleishman-Hillard for New Visual
Bridget Stachowski, 619/237-7717 (Media)
Excel - Greg
Twister. I disagree with you.
You said.....
Nothing released accounts for the recent increase in share price.
Read below from most recent PR..............
The reorganization will leverage the newly engaged technical assistance of Dr. David Greaves, founder and Chief Scientist of Virata Corporation and a well-respected lecturer at England's Cambridge University, and Dr. Michael Propp, co-founder and President of Adaptive Networks, Inc. in collaboration with the team of engineering consultants already at work on New Visual's technology.
Now ask yourself this. Who would be leveraged as Larry the lawyer likes to use to fill the CTO position?
Wouldn't it make sense to have Dr Greaves be that person? John and Ray has continued to point to cambridge PR and Dr Greaves as to the importance of that earliar announcement.
With that in mind. And with the fact of work being performed at Cambridge and in California I would have to come to the conclusion Dr Greaves will fill that position. The share price rise could be a slow reaction to people waking up to the big picture. I expect this coming week to have a good portion of that picture revealed.
As far as your thoughts on units being built. I agree. Those things take time. But. If you form the right alliances the timelines can be advanced rapidly.
As far as getting sucked into a false rally goes I believe this.......
If you are here to daytrade that is probably good advice if we have no news.
But if you have done DD and this is an investment then it won't really matter in the end. Except for my pride at not finding the bottom. LOL!
Excel - Greg
FATHER'S LOVE LETTER DEVOTIONAL
This is an excerpt from the Father's Love Letter Devotional written by Barry Adams Copyright 2000 Devotional Thought 41 of 53
"He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you".
Romans 8:31
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? NIV Bible
Many times when we are feeling discouraged, it is as if the whole world is against us. It is like we are swimming upstream, constantly fighting a powerful current that seems to be pushing us downstream despite all our efforts. It can be a frustrating experience to feel that we are going one way and everyone else is going in another direction.
The reality is that in the world we live in, we will find many people and obstacles that will seem to be in direct opposition to where we are going. This can be a very discouraging and lonely reality unless we take Romans 8:31 to heart.
The truth is that God is for us, not against us. Not only is He on our side but He is in our corner cheering us on as He plans great things for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
If we can grasp the truth of our Father's heart towards us, it will not matter who is opposing us or what is standing in our way! For we will be confident that our Heavenly Daddy is the biggest, strongest, most loving person in the universe and has declared to the heavens that He is for us! What will you say in response to this declaration?
PRAYER
Father I thank You for being for me and not against me. I believe that Your love causes all things to work together for my good. I renounce every lie that says that You are against me and not for me. Jesus demonstrated Your love for me and has convinced me of Your unfailing acceptance and affection. I thank You that I will be forever Your child. In the name of Your beloved son Jesus I pray, AMEN.
Excel - Greg
Hi Matt. Do you have an estimated timeline for real time quotes available to us you could give us? Thanks!
Excel - Greg
Just got off the phone with John Howell. We had a good conversation about todays PR. I asked John if he could give me the reason for the parting of ways.
John stated there was a difference of opinion on the skeduling of future development of the technology. It had nothing to do with meeting current development timelines. I hope this helps.
I also asked if we will hear about the position being filled shortly. The answer was yes and we will hear other factors also regarding todays PR.
Read Destineys and Benmacks post on the ZOO board. I believe they both have a good grasp of the different types of situations that confront engineers and the reasons behind them.
The rest of the posts there are ZOO DOO!
Excel - Greg
New Visual Reorganizes Technology Development ...
SAN DIEGO, Aug 6, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New Visual Corporation (OTCBB:NVEI) announced today that the company has taken proactive measures to re-organize its technology development efforts. These measures include changes in management and operations. Ivan Berkowitz has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the company is adding new technical advisors, and operations will be reduced in Pleasanton, California. Due to the re-organization, the employment of COO Allan Blevins, CTO Mike Shepperd, and other employees in Pleasanton has been severed. Only the Pleasanton employees are affected and the company continues to employ the engineering consultants in Northern California who have been working on the Company's technology development.
The reorganization will leverage the newly engaged technical assistance of Dr. David Greaves, founder and Chief Scientist of Virata Corporation and a well-respected lecturer at England's Cambridge University, and Dr. Michael Propp, co-founder and President of Adaptive Networks, Inc. in collaboration with the team of engineering consultants already at work on New Visual's technology.
Adaptive Networks is the leading developer of high-speed power line networking technology, currently developing high-speed communications technology and silicon for residential home networking. Adaptive's technology wins include becoming the ISO standard for power line communications aboard refrigerated container ships and an IEC standard for automated meter reading. New Visual continues to form relationships with other industry partners in a variety of research and development efforts designed to shorten the time to market for products derived from its technology.
Advisory board members Drs. Kenneth Rubinson and Henry Beck will also play a pivotal role in the development of the Company's CuOCX technology. The Company is also adding additional industry experts to its advisory board.
Ray Willenberg Jr., CEO and president of New Visual noted, "We feel these proactive measures enhance our ability to deliver the technology to market as quickly as possible. While we remain excited about our technology and the progress in its development, we have reached a point in our efforts where, in order to take our technology to the next stage, it is necessary to bring in others with expertise in several specialized niches in this field. Moving forward, there is a collective sense of enthusiasm as we work with the world-class team now coming together to participate in our efforts."
Ivan Berkowitz, a board member since August of last year, brings years of Wall Street finance, merger & acquisition, technology development, and business development experience to the Company. In addition to a large base of domestic and international contacts, his appointment as Vice Chairman reflects New Visual's emphasis on strengthening management and operations.
Mr. Berkowitz stated, "I am pleased to take on a more active role in shaping New Visual's future. The people involved in this venture are extremely talented and I expect that our combined efforts will set the stage for multi-faceted alliances with other industry partners. These changes augur well for the future of the company and for the development of the technology."
About New Visual
New Visual Corporation is pioneering the development of a proprietary broadband transmission technology with the mission to utilize existing copper telecommunications infrastructure to deliver data and content to the office or home at fiber optic transfer rates. Through its NV Technology, Inc. subsidiary, New Visual is developing technology that will allow the bundling of voice, video, and data over existing copper telephone wires, potentially eliminating the need for fiber optic cable to the home or office. New Visual's common stock is traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol NVEI.
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, this press release includes forward-looking statements made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following: product development difficulties; market demand and acceptance of products; the impact of changing economic conditions; business conditions in the Internet and telecommunications industries; reliance on third parties, including potential suppliers, licensors, and licensees; the impact of competitors and their products; risks concerning future technology; and other factors detailed in this press release and in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
CONTACT: New Visual
Rich Wilson, 619/692-0333 (Media contact)
John Howell, 619/692-0333 (Investor contact)
or
Fleishman-Hillard for New Visual
Bridget Stachowski, 619/237-7717 (Media contact)
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2001 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ELECTRONIC
GAMES/MULTIMEDIA
HARDWARE
NETWORKING
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MANAGEMENT
CHANGES
SOURCE:
New
Visual
Corporation
Copyright 2001 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
08/06/2001 09:06
BW
Excel - Greg
July 27, 2001
Appreciated
Read: Matthew 26:6-13
What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. —Matthew
26:13 Matthew 26
6
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper,
7
a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume,
which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they
asked.
9
"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to
the poor."
10
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She
has done a beautiful thing to me.
11
The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
12
When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for
burial.
13
I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the
world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
The heroes and heroines of the Bible often take us by surprise. The woman
in today's Scripture reading is a prime example. She was singled out by
Jesus to be mentioned wherever the gospel is preached. She had
scandalized some of those dining with Jesus by her breathtaking
generosity. In anticipating Jesus' death, she had anointed Him with
costly perfume that was worth more than a year's wages.
"Why this waste?" asked those at the table who expressed a concern for
the poor. Had these same people been attending Jesus' funeral rather than
a dinner with Him, I believe they would have reacted differently. Yet,
when this woman showed Him her lavish love while He was alive, she was
severely criticized for such waste.
We can learn a valuable lesson from the devotion of this woman. We need
to break out our best perfumes for the living. Yet all too often we wait
until someone dies to show the appreciation that we are reluctant to show
in life.
Is there someone who comes to your mind, a friend or family member, who
would be honored and encouraged by an expression of your love and
appreciation? Then do something to show it—while the person is still
alive! —HWR
Give praise to people young and old,
Encourage them while they are near;
For when they've gone to their reward,
Your loudest praise they will not hear. —D. De Haan
Don't put off until tomorrow the loving words you can say today.
Excel - Greg
THE PASTOR'S WEEKLY BRIEFING
Vol. 9, No. 30 -- July 27, 2001
==============================
IN THIS ISSUE:
Good Morning, Colleague (by H.B. London Jr.)
Pro-Gay Bully
Groups Boycott NAACP
Faith in Medicine
Pro-Family Votes
The News at a Glance
From My Perspective (by Ken Connor)
==============================
------------------------------
GOOD MORNING, COLLEAGUE
by H.B. London, Jr.
SAYING THANKS
I was walking through the airport in Denver last week and I heard my name paged. At first, I didn't respond, but when I heard it again, I dialed the operator. I was instructed to go to the information desk in Concourse B for a message. The attendant there handed me an envelope with my name on it. When I opened the enclosed card, the words, "I prayed for you today," were in bold type at the top. The handwritten message that followed the printed one also blessed me: "Thank you for your ministry to pastors all over the nation. May God bless you richly this day! Thank you for letting God work through you." It was not signed.
I was on my way to a very challenging ministry assignment and really believe the Lord knew I needed someone to say to me, "It's going to be okay ... just be yourself."
As I reflected on that situation, I thought, "How creative of someone to take the time to encourage me and to do it anonymously." And then I thought, "When was the last time I walked into someone's life unannounced ... just to say thanks?"
There are so many of your colleagues who could use a note or a call this very day -- something that lets them know they are not alone. How about you? Who prays for you?
I just wanted you to know we are here for you. You matter to us -- give us a call (877-233-4455). "But we ought always to thank God for you" (2 Thess. 2:13).
------------------------------
PRO-GAY BULLY
In an extraordinary ruling, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the constitutionality of San Francisco's controversial domestic-partner benefits ordinance. The 1997 law requires all businesses with city contracts to offer benefits to the domestic partners of company employees.
In making its ruling, the judges decided that, if an Ohio company, S.D. Myers, wants to keep its contract with the City by the Bay, it must comply with the ordinance and offer domestic-partner benefits at its home base in Ohio.
It was the company's electrical-transformer maintenance contract with San Francisco that led to the court battle. But the ruling conflicts with Myers' moral foundation, according to Craig Osten, spokesman for the Alliance Defense Fund, which funded the legal challenge. "It's a small Christian company that has religious objections to homosexual behavior," Osten explained. The S.D. Myers official logo includes a scripture reference from Acts, Osten said, and their corporate Web site even includes a page explaining salvation.
Greg Baylor, with the Center for Law and Religious Freedom of the Christian Legal Society, finds the ruling extremely troubling. "It worries me because the San Francisco government is basically refusing to acknowledge that we're a diverse country," Baylor said. "They're trying to use their economic power as a purchaser of services and goods in the marketplace to change things even in places other than San Francisco."
Baylor is also troubled about the fact that the requirement has nothing to do with the service being performed. Yet, the court ruled the ordinance was not an "undue burden."
An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is being considered.
------------------------------
GROUPS BOYCOTT NAACP
For many years, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has led boycotts against everything from segregation to a state's use of the Confederate flag in the name of civil rights. Now, the NAACP is itself the target of a boycott -- and by one of its own.
The African-American group, Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny, is asking blacks nationwide to protest the NAACP's left-leaning politics, which have thrust the group into the "socialist wing of the Democratic Party," according to BOND founder and president Rev. Jesse Peterson. "Pay the NAACP no money. Pay it no mind," wrote Peterson in announcing the boycott.
Conservative, pro-family African-American groups, like BOND and Project 21, are breaking ranks with the NAACP because they feel the organization's current leadership has kowtowed to Democratic allies and has lost touch with mainstream African-Americans. They hope the boycott will reform that.
BOND, which has adopted the slogan "Rebuilding the Family by Rebuilding the Man," is particularly disappointed at the NAACP's inaction against broken homes -- the "real problems in the black community," it says.
------------------------------
FAITH IN MEDICINE
What would you think if, on your next visit to the doctor, he or she offered to pray with you? That may soon become more common, as a new generation of doctors is trained to treat the "whole" patient.
Dr. Stanford Shu is on the cutting edge of a new movement that seeks to meet patients' emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs. He mentors physicians in training at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California. "Ideally, we'd like to teach the students how to see the patients as Jesus would see them," he said.
Experts say about 75 of America's 125 medical schools currently have courses on spiritual care. The downside to that, however, is that many of those courses also contain New Age thought.
------------------------------
PRO-FAMILY VOTES
Pro-family voices were instrumental Monday as the House Judiciary Committee voted to approve the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 (H.R. 2505). The legislation, sponsored by Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) and Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), would place a comprehensive ban on all forms of human cloning. This measure now moves to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.
Meanwhile, a bill that would expand the ability of religious groups to fund social programs with federal dollars is on its way to the Senate. The president's faith-based initiative, named the Community Solutions Act, passed the House July 19 despite Democratic objections that recipients would be exempted from federal anti-discrimination rules.
------------------------------
THE NEWS AT A GLANCE
* In a controversial ruling condemned by pro-life groups, religious officials and the medical community, France's high court of appeals, the Cour de Cassation, has ruled that disabled children whose mothers did not have the chance to abort them are entitled to compensation in a sort of "wrongful life" action. In a July 13 decision, the court awarded monetary compensation to 17-year-old Nicolas Perruche from doctors who did not detect that his mother had rubella while pregnant with him. The mother claimed she would have had an abortion had she known her son would have been born disabled. The case sets the dubious precedent of giving children the right "not to be born," said the BBC.
* Philip Morris, the world's largest cigarette maker, has expressed regret that a report was prepared for the company by a consulting firm arguing that smokers save the state millions of dollars by dying early. The report was prepared for the Czech Republic government, which sold its state tobacco industry to Philip Morris in 1990, giving the company four-fifths of the domestic cigarette market. It was intended to discourage new cigarette taxes through a blunt cost-benefit analysis that cited "lower costs of health care, savings on the care of retirees and the cost of housing for the elderly due to the shorter average life span of smokers."
------------------------------
FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
by Ken Connor
The Centers for Disease Control have for years been touting condoms as an answer to preventing the spread of venereal disease. Now, Congressman Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) is pointing to a report that shows, in his words, "there is no scientific evidence that condoms prevent ... most sexually transmitted diseases."
The HHS report concludes, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that condoms provide universal protection against gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, chancroid, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes." FRC medical advisor Dr. John Diggs has long maintained that condoms provide no protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer.
As a liability lawyer, I know that we will soon see infected students bring suit against school boards. The students will charge they were deceived by school officials who distributed condoms claiming they give "protection" against deadly STDs. And I think those students will win!
(Ken Connor is the president of the Family Research Council.)
==============================
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All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Please feel free to send this e-mail message to a friend or colleague.
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THE PASTOR'S WEEKLY BRIEFING is published each Thursday evening for pastors and other Christian leaders by the Pastoral Ministries department of Focus on the Family, a ministry sustained by the prayers and contributions of supporters.
(Editorial staff: Dan Davidson, Julie Locke, Jan Bird, Roger Charman)
For additional information, encouragement and support, visit our Web site at www.parsonage.org.
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Excel - Greg
Matt. Story time? I would have paid money to have seen this......
On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African lady had found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating. "What seems to be the problem, Madam?" asked the attendant. "Cant you see?" she said, "You've sat me next to a kafir.I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!" "Please calm down, Madam," the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class."
The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers.) A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self-satisfied grin.
"Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class." Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues: "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone should be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person."
With that, she turned to the black man and said, "So if you'd like to get your things, Sir, I have your First Class seat ready for you."
At which point, the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the man walked to the front of the plane.
Excel - Greg
Virata Reports Its First Quarter Fiscal 2002 Results
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jul 25, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Virata(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:VRTA) today reported results for its first quarter fiscal 2002 ended July 1, 2001. Revenues for the first quarter were $20.3 million, an increase of five percent over revenues of $19.4 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2001 and a 27 percent reduction compared with net revenues for the first fiscal quarter of 2001. The as-adjusted loss per share of 15 cents compares with an as-adjusted loss of 23 cents in the prior quarter and an as-adjusted profit of 2 cents in the corresponding quarter last year.
"Industry analysts project that global DSL installs will more than double this year based on continuing strong consumer demand for broadband services," said Charles Cotton, CEO of Virata. "While there is always the potential for swings in channel inventories in a fast-growing market, we believe the brunt of the correction is now behind us. Virata is well-positioned in key growth markets including China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan."
Quarter Highlights
-- Virata announced the release of an 802.11b reference design
for manufacturers of wireless devices, such as wireless access
points, and wireless-to-Ethernet or wireless-to-broadband
routers.
-- Virata also announced the world's first turnkey multi-platform
embedded UPnP software solution which the company believes
will bring everyday home appliances and consumer electronics
products to life as it enables them to intelligently
communicate with each other and with the outside world through
a UPnP-powered residential gateway.
-- Virata integrated key security software into release 8.0 of
its ISOS platform meaning customers will be able to quickly
add security features with minimal cost and development time.
-- Zhone Technologies has licensed Virata's vCore DSP software,
which includes signaling, fax relay, voice processing and
voice compression algorithms and protocols, making Virata the
sole provider of critical DSP software for all of Zhone's
existing and future converged network products.
-- At the Supercomm show in Atlanta, Virata announced and
demonstrated that it was the first vendor to integrate the DSL
Forum's recently ratified TR-37 auto-configuration guidelines
into a technology platform.
-- Virata's Aluminum 200 shdsl chipset successfully achieved
interoperability with other suppliers of this new symmetric
DSL technology.
Financial Results Detailed
Excluding amortization of purchased intangible assets, UK National Insurance Contribution on stock options, non-cash stock compensation expense and restructuring charges, Virata reported an as-adjusted net loss of $9.3 million, or $0.15 per pro forma basic and diluted share for the first fiscal quarter; compared with a loss of $14.2 million, or $0.23 per pro forma basic and diluted share in the prior quarter and a $1.0 million as-adjusted net income for the same quarter one year ago, or $0.02 per pro forma basic and diluted share. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $44.6 million or $0.71 per basic and diluted share for the first fiscal quarter of 2001. This compares to a net loss of $42.0 million or $0.67 per basic and diluted share in the prior quarter and a net loss for the same quarter one year ago of $12.8 million or $0.26 per basic and diluted share.
About Virata
Virata provides communications software and semiconductors to manufacturers of DSL, wireless, satellite, and other broadband networking equipment. Virata's suite of processor-independent software products provide developers with complete, field-proven implementations of networking functions, including ATM, MPLS, and web servers, removing the need to write and validate new software code.
Virata also pre-integrates its extensive suite of communications software with its powerful and cost-effective communications processors to create Integrated Software on Silicon(TM) (ISOS(TM)) products. These ISOS solutions assist customers in developing a diverse range of broadband wireless and wireline equipment including DSL modems, gateways, routers, and integrated access devices targeted at the voice and high-speed data network access and customer premises markets. Virata's products also help equipment manufacturers to simplify product development, reduce the time it takes for products to reach the market and focus resources on product differentiation and improvement.
Virata is a principal member of the ATM Forum, Bluetooth SIG organization, the DSL Forum, HomePNA, ITU, MPLS Forum, OpenDSL consortium and UPnP Forum. A publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Virata was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information, please visit www.virata.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Due to increasing uncertainties in the company's market, the company's degree of visibility on future revenues and earnings and associated confidence level in forecast information is less than in past quarters. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those relating to general business and economic conditions, evolving industry standards, the pace of development and market acceptance of our products, those of our customers and the DSL market generally, the rate of DSL deployments, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties, changes in customer order patterns and the product volume of such orders, the financial condition of our customers, risks of customer loss, the impact of competitive products and technologies, competitive pricing pressures, manufacturing availability and risks, dependence on third party suppliers, the uncertainties associated with international operations, the possibility of our products infringing patents and other intellectual property of third parties, risks due to limited protection of our intellectual property, product defects, costs of product development, our ability to attract and retain employees, the company's ability to extract value from acquisitions, manufacturing and government regulation and other risk factors listed from time to time in the reports and other documents Virata files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, the report on Form 10-K for the 12 months ended April 1, 2001. Virata assumes no obligation to revise or update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Note to Editors: Virata is a registered trademark and Helium, Beryllium, Aluminum, ISOS and Integrated Software on Silicon are trademarks of Virata Corporation. All other trade, product, or service names referenced in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
VIRATA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, unaudited)
July 1, April 1,
2001 2001
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 256,686 $ 321,923
Short-term investments 173,474 166,007
Accounts receivable, net 6,715 14,093
Inventories 13,854 19,664
Other current assets 7,553 4,647
----------- -----------
Total current assets 458,282 526,334
Property and equipment, net 18,483 15,881
Intangible assets, net 319,020 346,947
Long-term investments 66,151 9,640
Other assets 5,244 6,095
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 867,180 $ 904,897
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 4,683 $ 10,167
Accrued liabilities 10,933 2,372
Accrued employee benefits 4,526 4,591
Accrued National Insurance
Contribution on options 6,895 6,945
Deferred revenue 4,004 3,809
Capital lease obligations, current 1,871 1,351
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 32,912 29,235
Capital lease obligations,
long-term 1,007 1,367
Other long-term liabilities 333 311
----------- -----------
Total liabilities 34,252 30,913
----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock 64 63
Additional paid-in capital 1,138,797 1,136,581
Accumulated other
comprehensive income 706 752
Unearned stock compensation (13,514) (14,900)
Accumulated deficit (293,125) (248,512)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 832,928 873,984
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 867,180 $ 904,897
=========== ===========
VIRATA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data, unaudited)
Three Months Ended
July 1, July 2,
2001 2000
----------- -----------
Revenues:
Semiconductor $ 17,345 $ 21,465
License 1,141 4,157
Services and royalty 1,693 968
Systems 98 1,106
----------- -----------
Total revenues 20,277 27,696
----------- -----------
Cost of revenues:
Semiconductor 10,682 14,092
License -- 124
Services and royalty 486 186
Systems 183 458
----------- -----------
Total cost of revenues 11,351 14,860
----------- -----------
Gross profit 8,926 12,836
----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Research and development 12,945 5,032
Selling and marketing 5,343 4,366
General and administrative 4,806 3,318
Restructuring costs 6,038 --
National Insurance
Contribution on options -- 2,520
Amortization of intangible
assets 27,927 9,949
Amortization of stock
compensation 1,386 150
Acquired in-process
research and development -- 1,170
----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 58,445 26,505
----------- -----------
Loss from operations (49,519) (13,669)
Interest and other income, net 4,906 884
----------- -----------
Net loss $ (44,613) $ (12,785)
=========== ===========
Basic and diluted net
loss per share $ (0.71) $ (0.26)
=========== ===========
Weighted average common
shares -- basic and diluted 63,097 48,417
=========== ===========
Adjusted basic and diluted
net income (loss) per share(A) $ (0.15) $ 0.02
=========== ===========
Pro forma weighted average
common shares -- basic 63,097 48,417
=========== ===========
Pro forma weighted average
common shares -- diluted(B) 63,097 55,311
=========== ===========
(A) Adjusted net income (loss) per share excludes the
restructuring costs, the National Insurance Contribution on
options, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of
stock compensation, and acquired in-process research and
development charges. Total charges of $35,351 and $13,789 were
excluded for the three month periods ended July 1, 2001 and
July 2, 2000, respectively. The pro forma adjusted income does
not include the pro forma impact of income tax.
(B) Pro forma weighted average diluted shares include
approximately 6,894 potential common shares issuable upon the
exercise of stock options and warrants for the three month
period ended July 2, 2000, using the treasury stock method
CONTACT: Virata
Kelly Karr, 408/566-1026 (PR)
kkarrvirata.com
James Fraser, 408/566-1098 (Investor Relations)
jfraservirata.com
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07/25/2001 20:41
BW
Excel - Greg
Bug. Here ya go.
jhowell@newvisual.com
Excel - Greg