Olddog: The scheduling order with the handwritten date of trial was signed on 9/8/05. The parties have worked hard and have followed the order. They appear to be ready and no one has requested a continuance. I don't think Judge Ward would reschedule without some good reason, BUT every trial lawyer will tell you that no trial date is certain until it actually happens. Too much can go wrong. We'll know more Monday when I call his briefing attorney again.