Segregation of Church and State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Segregation of Church and State - Essay Example r, p. 2-6).At present the separation of church and state1 is a predominant rule of United State's government and some other democracies. It tries to defend religious liberty and to avert unfairness or elimination on the basis of religion. In the United States, the partition of church and state has roots in the First Amendment to the Constitution. Additionally,The amendment maintains that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. " Courts have ruled that this amendment prohibits government from assisting an official or favored religion, or hindering with the practice of belief. (Hamburger, p. 21-89) Furthermore, various other countries, counting Australia, France, with Japan, also back division of church and state. Several countries, for instance the United Kingdom, continue separation in some regions but distinguish particular religions as reputable (national) churches.

Faust and Job Essay Example for Free

Faust and Job Essay While he was yet speaking , there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee† (Bridge Builder’s Bible, Job. 1.12-16). Job loses his possessions, his children,and he suffers health wise. He becomes very ill, but no matter what life brought him he still remained faithful to God. Job could have easily given in as Faust did. In this life we have choices to make whether they be good or evil. We must suffer the consequences for every wrong deed we choose. It takes a strong will power to be determined to do right like Job. Faust believes there is a narrow limitation on the world in which he have been living until he interacts with Mephistopheles. Faust feels he knows enough about philosophy and heros of old legends. He now recalls for a divine law that proves that this action is the ruling force of the universe. This pact deal that was made was set up to fail Faust. Faust did not believe in a heaven or hell, which means he is betting his life rather than selling his soul. In Faust’s mind he is not sure if a eternal life even exists. If he gave up the world that he was living in he really felt that he would be just giving up something that dissatisfied him any way. Faust’s desires is not so much an evil one, but the idea that he has made this pact deal with the devil brings on many concerns about this decision he has made. The devil is unsure of his own ability to fulfill all the request that Faust made to him. However, the devil accepts these challenges and make sure the pact deal is signed in blood. Faust is very eager at this point to taste all the aspects of life that he thinks he have neglected. Although at first Faust rejects the offers made by Mephistopheles, he still ends up given in to this temptation. Faust should have kept his belief when saying, â€Å"the world’s pleasures cannot end his doubts or satisfy his needs† (Cliffnotes:Faust study iii). Faust is being taking advantaged of because Mephistopheles knows Faust’s weaknesses. He knows that Faust is striving to understand the universe and his place in it, while Mephistopheles has something totally different in mind from Faust. Faust just happened to be at the crossroads in his life. He was a very well-esteemed man and an intelligent scholar who was highly looked on. The book of Faust came out during the eighteenth centuries, so attitudes then may have had an impact on how people, in particular Goethe may have viewed life. During that time attitudes were focused more toward earthly life and beyond. Looking at Faust attitude compared to Job’s, I see that Job was strong while Faust was weak. I find them to be different from each other just by viewing who gave in to this trick. It is plain to see that Faust gave in and Job stood his ground. It means a whole lot when someone can stand their grounds and not be moved by nothing in this world. Job’s world was in turmoil, but this did not interfere with his faith nor the confidence he had. Satan was concerned with getting souls that he can keep for eternity. He used any tactics he could to seduce Faust. The Devil offered earthly things to blindfold Faust. The Lord did let Mephistopheles know that when he grants him permission to engage in Faust’s life, Faust will be fully aware of the righteous path, whether he chooses it or not. I believe at this point Faust is beginning to see Mephistopheles for who he really is. I had came to this conclusion personally when I read these lines: â€Å"Your real being no less than your fame Is often shown, sirs, by your name, Which is not hard to analyze When one calls you the Liar, Destroyer, God of Flies. Enough, who are you then? Part of that force which would Do evil evermore, and yet creates the good. What is it that this puzzle indicates? I am the spirit that negates. And rightly so, for all that comes to be Deserves to perish wretchedly;’Twere better nothing would begin. Thus everything that your terms, sin, Destruction, evil represent- That is my proper element. You call yourself a part, yet whole make your debut† (Goethe 705)? Mephistopheles was a smooth talking and slick which reminds me of Satan himself. Job at some point in his life wished he had never been born. How can anyone fault Job for feeling the way he did after going through these horrible storms in his life. He had to face these mountains and conquer his fears. I do understand Job was human, so he had a right to feel saddened or possibly even lonely. Faust longs to find something absolutely enduring so that he can end his alienation. He rather ignore reality just to have pleasures fulfilled for a few years rather than having something that will please him forever. Faust understands life, but he wants to dig deeper into the truth about supernatural things. In return for his search on this he turns to magic which leads him to making this pact deal with the devil in the first place. Satan plan he had for Job did not work as God said. Mephistopheles tries to criticize God by saying he made an imperfect world. However, he did help God carry out his will through using this pact deal with Faust. Satan main goal and purpose is to defeat God by taking over every soul. It is evidently true just reading: â€Å"And in return, what do you hope to take? There’s so much time so who insist? No, no! The Devil is an egoist And would not just for heaven’s sake Turn into a philanthropist. Make your conditions very clear; Where such a servant lives, danger is near† (Goethe 711). It is obvious that Mephistopheles is not on Faust side. Once he get him right where he wants him he is going to surely take his life. What good can come from someone when they encourage another human being to take their life. No friend would want to see you die. I consider that to be for someone who hates you and they must be cold-hearted. One comes to know good by knowing evil. A person can not come to know God without knowing this knowledge. True knowledge is gotten only from experience. Just like the Devil Mephistopheles often speaks the truth to get what he wants. Faust wanted much and he was never satisfied so greed began to take over his life. Job was satisfied with what God had given him and that is how he was able to stand on the word of God. He return for Job’s pain God restored to him everything that he had lost. He gave him back more than what he had before. Faust struggle with self worth causes him to have an inability to have faith in God. However, God does not give up on Faust. Believe it or not God gives us many chances in this world today because he has not given up on us either. God knew Faust struggled, but he allowed him to reach his low point in order to draw him back. Mephistopheles duty was to lead Faust down a dark road. If Satan could have done the same thing to Job he would have, but Job was too strong for him. Therfore, Satan fault a loosing battle with Job. In the process Faust is responsible for three deaths in this story, although he was influenced by Mephistopheles. God has given us the spirit of unlimited belief.The battle really begins in our mind. It is our will and emotions that control what we do or think. We must stop limiting God by the level of our faith or belief. He is and will always be the God of the impossible. People must demand that Satan leave them alone and not just ask this. It is good to know that by the power of the holy spirit we have authority over Satan to tell him what to do. Satan must be put in his place. Satan is a great pretender, so don’t be deceived by his fierce growl. I am encouraged knowing this scriptures, â€Å"and put on the whole armor of God so that ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked† (Bridge Builder’s Bible, Ephesians6.11-18). After being tested it feels good to know t hat someone passed their test and did not fail. I must be strong myself and not get caught up in the crossroads of my own life. People must have faith in order to make it in this world. Nothing can compare to what God has to offer us in heaven. God is amazing and he is the almighty whom we must answer to. It is great to have Job like attitude and not Faust attitude towards life. I encourage people to be strong in the Lord, having much faith. Works Cited Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Faust. New York:W.W Norton Company, 1984. Lawall, Sarah, ed. The Norton Anthology of world literature .London: Castle House, 1909. Rod Parsley. Bridge Builder’s Bible. Deerfield: International Christian Publishers, 1997. Cliffs Notes -The Fastest Way to Learn. Wiley Publishing, Inc. 2000-2010 Faust, Parts 1 and 2. 11 November 2010 .

Biography of Thomas Jefferson Essay example -- Essays Papers Bio Presi

Biography of Thomas Jefferson Third President of the United States of America. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the third president of the United States and a creator of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was a philosopher, politician, scientist, architect, inventor, musician, and writer. Thomas Jefferson was also one of the smartest leaders in history. His father was named Peter Jefferson, a very rich Farmer from Virginia. Thomas's Mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, was part of the Randolph family. The Randolph Family was a big part of Virginia history, and also very rich also. Peter and Jane Jefferson moved to Goochland county, because Peter had just gotten 400 acres of land there. Thomas Jefferson was born in the log cabin in which the family lived. Thomas Jefferson was the third child out of four brother and six sisters. Two years after Thomas was born, William Randolph, a cousin of Mrs. Jefferson and a close friend of the family, died. His will requested that Peter Jefferson move to his estate, take care of the house and land, and make sure Randolph's four children get educated. The Jefferson?s remained at Randolph's estate for seven years. The estate was called Shadwell. Thomas Jefferson was quite the little intelligent boy. At age nine, Thomas Jefferson Started Latin, Greek, and French Studies at a boarding school. Thomas liked to Horse back ride, Canoe, Hunt, and fish. When Thomas was fourteen years old, his father passed away. Thomas Jefferson was the oldest son, so Thomas had to take care of the family. Jefferson was a tall, slender boy with sandy reddish hair and fair skin that freckled and sunburned easily. A serious student, Thomas also enjoyed the lighter aspects of the education of a Virginia gentleman. Jefferson learned to dance and play the violin. Weekends and holidays Thomas spent either at Shadwell entertaining guests or at his friends' plantations. After two years at William and Mary (A College in Virginia?s capital city), Jefferson left to study law. Thomas still studied French, Italian, and English history and literature. In 1767, Jefferson was chosen to the practice of law in Virginia. Jefferson's main source of income was his land. That?s because most lawyers didn?t make enough money back then. On New Year's Day, 1772, Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton, a 24-year-old widow. Patty... ...cts. "I cannot write volumes on a single sheet," Adams wrote plaintively, "but these letters of yours require volumes from me." Jefferson and his friend Adams, both of whom had played such great parts in the winning of independence, died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826. Jefferson left detailed instructions for his burial in the graveyard of his estate. A simple monument was to mark his resting place. Thomas Jefferson specified that the monument was to be made of coarse stone so that "no one might be tempted hereafter to destroy it for the value of the materials." Thomas Jefferson wrote his own epitaph: Here was buried Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of American Independence Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom And Father of the University of Virginia These achievements were to be inscribed on the monument, and "not a word more ... because by these, as testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered." Jefferson's wishes were carried out, but vandals later overturned and broke the stone. A careful reproduction now marks Jefferson's grave. Sources: Microsoft Encarta http://encarta.msn.com/ www.whitehouse.gov

Performing and Visual Arts

Performing and Visual Arts Mia Debrowski ARTS 100 August 27, 2012 Jordan Handler Performing and Visual Arts If there is one thing in this life that cannot be escaped, it is art. Art takes over our visual, audio senses as well as sensation of touch at times. Not only does art take over our senses but it does something very wonderful to our mental status. It raises awareness and stimulates our brains. Some art can touch us on a very deep emotional level. The very definition of art may vary from one person’s opinion to another.It has been said that for centuries the many have debated without resolution of defining the word â€Å"art† (Sporre, 2011). The definition of performing and visual art can be described as a creative form of communication through several different outlets. These may include plays, music, paintings, sculptures, dance and so much more. My personal experience with art has been such a positive influence in my life. Art has always been my escape. When I w as a teenager I was going through some hard family times.On my lunch break at school Iwould go into the music room and teach myself how to play the piano. Typically I get frustrated very easily when I do not know how to do something and I do not pick up on it right away. My fingers were not limber enough for piano, I knew how to read music but had no idea where these notes were located on the piano, I was clueless. For some reason sitting at that piano calmed me, I never once got frustrated. To this day music is still an outlet for me. More often then that it includes dancing to go with it.I love to dance for fun, dance away my stress. I adore watching true dancers perform more than anything. I often watch the Television show So You Think You Can Dance on Fox. There has been so many times that the performance has made me cry. There are several things that go into this amazing performance making me cry. The choreographer turn their story into a vision of dance in their head and pair it with the perfect song. A choreographer can have a great dance but without the perfect dancers then it will never come across right.The dancer has to have the raw emotion come through their performance as well. The wardrobe also helps create this character the dancer is trying to portrait. When all of these elements are paired together just right it creates a truly magical experience for me. I think humans cannot help ourselves in creating art. We are a very creative, intelligent and emotional species. I think that art is our way of expressing ourselves, telling our stories and reaching out to others. Art creates a common ground for people that they may not otherwise have.One of the first things infants do is coo at themselves almost in song. When an infant gets to a point where they can stand or walk first instinct is to bounce when they hear music. To be without art would to be without emotion and passion. It seems that it is almost encoded into our DNA to have creativity and ar tistic abilities, even if it is in just the mildest form. References D. J. Spoore, Perceiving the Arts: An Introduction to the Humanities. (pp. 1-235). Upper Saddle River : Prentice Hall. Performing and Visual Arts The definition for visual and performing arts is: skill that requires public performance, as acting, singing, dancing. To discuss personal experiences with the visual and performing arts as a creator, performer and audience member will be addressed, followed by the values of studying visual and performing arts, the indication why visual and performing arts is created, and how it reflects to society. Some of the experiences I have on Visual and Performing arts are as a creator, performer and especially an audience member.I had been involved in music since the 5th grade. I loved being a part of a choir and the great benefits it had towards me even till this day. My most memorable moment was when I made the top 5 soprano list in the Phoenix Union High School. It has taught me a lot about team work, perseverance, and confidence. My experience with being an audience member for visual arts expands as each year comes. Lots of my experiences come from back in high school, only four years ago . With the help of my performing art teachers I was about to see many varieties of performances.They include Madame Butterfly, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Traditional Mexican Folk Dance (La Rondalla) and Jazz Mad. As an audience member, I really enjoy what the visual and performing arts has in store for all of us. I support and encourage strongly the importance of art, music, dance, theater and all that the visual and performing arts has to offer. I think it’s an amazing way for one to express themselves as well as so many emotions and cultures. As someone who is studying to become a teacher, the value of studying the visual and performing arts is just as important as knowing your own career.So many values can be cherished from the visual and performing arts. For someone who is teaching it should have the feeling of accomplishment when you find your own student enjoying what they are producing. The value of finding comfort in what you taught is being translated in a positiv e energy. Sporre â€Å"When a person Studies the mechanics of internal combustion engines, the intended result is that he should be better able to understand, design, build, or repair such engines, and sometimes he should be better able to find employment because of his skills, and thus better life†¦Ã¢â‚¬â€œ For living is a vocation we have in common despite our differences. † (p. g. 3) Humans are known for being creative people. People create of participate in the visual and performing arts because it’s a ways for them to express themselves. Whether it’s just a hobby or a career; this is a way for people to examine and communicate with the world. Sporre â€Å"Humans are a creative species. Whether in science, politics, business, technology, or the arts, we depend on our creativity almost as much as anything else to meet the demands of daily life. † (p. g.5)Sporre â€Å"Recognizing the artistic principles and influences all around us makes our world more interesting and habitable. The arts are elements of life with which we can and must deal and to which we must respond every day. We live with the arts because their principles permeate our existence. Specifically, the aesthetic experience provides a way of knowing and communicating in and of itself, separate from other ways of knowing and communicating. The arts play important roles in making the world around us a more interesting and habitable place.â€Å"(p. g. 2)In conclusion, my experiences in visual and performing arts with regards to creator, performance and audience member are involved in today’s world. I strongly believe in the values that the visual and performing arts has to offer and the end reward that it gives to each individual that is a part of it whether if they are performing, creating or watching. Humans are creative people and their participation in visual arts is performed every day and is influenced by society. Performing and Visual Arts Performing and Visual Arts Mia Debrowski ARTS 100 August 27, 2012 Jordan Handler Performing and Visual Arts If there is one thing in this life that cannot be escaped, it is art. Art takes over our visual, audio senses as well as sensation of touch at times. Not only does art take over our senses but it does something very wonderful to our mental status. It raises awareness and stimulates our brains. Some art can touch us on a very deep emotional level. The very definition of art may vary from one person’s opinion to another.It has been said that for centuries the many have debated without resolution of defining the word â€Å"art† (Sporre, 2011). The definition of performing and visual art can be described as a creative form of communication through several different outlets. These may include plays, music, paintings, sculptures, dance and so much more. My personal experience with art has been such a positive influence in my life. Art has always been my escape. When I w as a teenager I was going through some hard family times.On my lunch break at school Iwould go into the music room and teach myself how to play the piano. Typically I get frustrated very easily when I do not know how to do something and I do not pick up on it right away. My fingers were not limber enough for piano, I knew how to read music but had no idea where these notes were located on the piano, I was clueless. For some reason sitting at that piano calmed me, I never once got frustrated. To this day music is still an outlet for me. More often then that it includes dancing to go with it.I love to dance for fun, dance away my stress. I adore watching true dancers perform more than anything. I often watch the Television show So You Think You Can Dance on Fox. There has been so many times that the performance has made me cry. There are several things that go into this amazing performance making me cry. The choreographer turn their story into a vision of dance in their head and pair it with the perfect song. A choreographer can have a great dance but without the perfect dancers then it will never come across right.The dancer has to have the raw emotion come through their performance as well. The wardrobe also helps create this character the dancer is trying to portrait. When all of these elements are paired together just right it creates a truly magical experience for me. I think humans cannot help ourselves in creating art. We are a very creative, intelligent and emotional species. I think that art is our way of expressing ourselves, telling our stories and reaching out to others. Art creates a common ground for people that they may not otherwise have.One of the first things infants do is coo at themselves almost in song. When an infant gets to a point where they can stand or walk first instinct is to bounce when they hear music. To be without art would to be without emotion and passion. It seems that it is almost encoded into our DNA to have creativity and ar tistic abilities, even if it is in just the mildest form. References D. J. Spoore, Perceiving the Arts: An Introduction to the Humanities. (pp. 1-235). Upper Saddle River : Prentice Hall.

Microsoft: An Overview

There are many factors that must be considered when â€Å"scoping† out a company for a potential merger or acquisition. I being the CEO of a major competitive software manufacturing company look for many things. Things such as strategic planning, financial performance, technological advances and marketing opportunities are just some of the factors that must be looked at when considering another company for acquisition. In this case, Microsoft Corporation is our target. I will be examining the above-mentioned factors before making my decision on whether or not an acquisition will be feasible. Microsoft Corporation was founded in 1975 by William H. Gates III. The company, which was inspired by Gates, had a vision of computers powered by software developed by the company being a way of life. The goal was to integrate computers into people†s everyday lives. The company started out in Gates† garage with primitive technology and unlimited aspiration. Today the company has grown to be the world†s number one software developer and manufacturer. The company offers a very diverse line of products ranging from home user applications to high tech business software. Microsoft develops and manufactures a full line of games, web publishing, and most importantly, it†s number one piece of software, Windows 2000 and ever-popular Office 2000. The world basically runs on Microsoft software. The software is shipped with 70% of the world†s computers giving Microsoft a total of over 19 billion dollars in revenues for 1999. Microsoft has recently emerged in the world of Internet Service Providers (ISP†s) to become a competitor of the well-known America Online. The Microsoft Network (MSN) as it is known offers users the same advantages of the leading ISP†s while incorporating its own technology to make the online experience more user friendly and technologically advanced than the others. MSN allows users to interface their online work with their regular operating software to allow for easier web publishing, more advanced multimedia presentations, and quicker processing time. There have been many issues concerning Microsoft†s strategies. Many say that the company is only in the market to take over and monopolize. As a matter of fact, the United States Government is currently in a civil anti-trust case against the company. Evidence and criticism has been brought against them in order to try to stop them from monopolizing. In the past five years, Microsoft has made over forty acquisitions of companies of all sizes. It seems now that they are doing more investing in companies rather than taking over. Microsoft holds large investment positions in NBC, Nextel Communications, AT&T, NTL Inc. , Qwest Communications and United Pan-Europe Communications. Of course those are only the largest investment positions of 200 million dollars and over. There are many other small investment positions as well. This is just one of the strategies of the company, as a result of all of their investment positions, it allows them to increase their market share through exposure in different markets. Another strategy that Microsoft adheres to is to be the most technologically advanced software developer in the market. Microsoft has always been the leader in technology when it comes to all types of software, whether it is for home user or business. It is said that within the next few years, many people will begin to live in â€Å"smart homes. Microsoft is currently developing technology that will enable a computer to run an entire household, without the user being home! It is this type of technology that keeps Microsoft ahead of the rest of the competition. This goes hand in hand with the expected $3. 8 billion expected investment in R&D in fiscal 2000. It is no wonder why the government is trying to break up this enormous super power of a company! A critical strategy that Microsoft is part of is immense globalization. Microsoft has marketing locations in over 73 countries worldwide. This is a big part of Microsoft†s strategy because it allows them to gain exposure all over the world, which will influence businesses and homes all over the world to become part of the Microsoft network of software. Financially Microsoft has always been a top performer. Since the company went public in March of 1986, the company has grown to 325% of its original size. In fiscal year 1985, the company had a net income of $24 million, as of fourth quarter 1999; the company had a net income of $7. 7 billion. Total stockholders equity in fiscal 99 was over $28 billion. Numbers like these are not very common in the software developing and manufacturing business. Most of Microsoft†s revenues come from Licensing Agreements. Licensing Agreements are software agreements that companies enter into with Microsoft for the permission to install and use Microsoft software in their business. When new software is available, the company has a choice to renew their lease agreement of use other software, the latter not being too wise. This brings me to the topics of competition and threats. True there is competition in the world of software, lots of it. The biggest competitor with Microsoft is a company called Red Hat. Red Hat manufactures a platform known as Linux. Linux is strictly business application software that is used by large corporations for implementing inventory systems, databases, and the like. Another source of competition comes from a company known as Novell. Novell is known for Novell Netware. This is business application software that is used mainly in financial institutions like banks and brokerage firms. This software is used for logging transactions at banks and brokerage firms, while maintaining an internal network within the company. Red Hat and Novell only occupy about forty to fifty percent of the market share combined. One should keep in mind that behind these two software platforms is Microsoft†s NT Server Client software powering the servers that allow the companies to use this software! Basically, even thought there is competition, Microsoft still is able to gain a piece of the market share by being one step ahead of its competition. A big issue for Microsoft that is becoming a growing threat to the company is Software Piracy. Software Piracy is committed by making illegal copies of the software and perhaps even selling it. This is a very common act today with the ease of using a CD burner. In fact, many businesses operate on illegal software, which in turn hurts the revenues of Microsoft. Microsoft is currently working on programs that cannot be copied to blank disks in order to protect themselves from this threat. Currently, anyone who knows where to get the software from illegal web sites can download them absolutely free. Once this software is downloaded to a hard drive, it can be written to a CD and then re-written, an infinite number of times from that one CD that was originally used. It is clear to see that this can become quite harmful if not taken care of promptly. This is especially done with businesses. However, they do buy one copy of the software from Microsoft and then copy it onto all of the computers in the office, thereby saving themselves large amounts of money. It is a proven statistic that in some companies, there exists over five hundred copies of illegal software that are being used in normal business operation. It is easy to see how this can create a loss for Microsoft, no doubt that this problem will be resolved in the future. Another threat to Microsoft as I mentioned before is the ongoing Anti-trust case that is currently pending. In this case, the government is trying to break up Microsoft into perhaps a number of smaller companies, which would allow for more competition to enter the market. Bill gates sees this as a better opportunity to further diversify the line of product that Microsoft delivers. This will actually give Microsoft a better chance to scope out different markets and perhaps develop new products for PC†s and businesses that will better enable other countries to prosper. As the CEO of my firm, I have a very involved decision to make. I feel that the wisest decision would be to not acquire Microsoft. Microsoft is a company that is a pioneer of software and is fully established and in order to be able to take them over, my company needs to be able to continue what Microsoft started. My company does not have the type of funds to be able to take over Microsoft, nor do we have the market cap to cover a stock for stock purchase. However, there is one consideration that I may make, that is, to form a joint venture with Microsoft. I feel that this will benefit us both in many ways. First, our technology can be combined in order to make the worlds top software developer and manufacturer that will occupy every sector of the software industry. Our manufacturing plants can be consolidated and re-structured to cut costs, wile adapting to manufacture the new software line that my company would introduce. Our management team can be re-structured as well so that strategic planning and decision-making will better implement our new ideas and technological advances. Finally, our market share will be greatly increased because of the ability to be exposed to countries that we are not currently involved in. I feel that a combination of our companies would be probably the most beneficial event that could occur in my company. Microsoft has proven itself to be the number one software company in the world; together we would be unstoppable. One problem with this joint venture would be the matter with the pending Anti-Trust case, which would probably be further fueled by this joint venture. Whatever the outcome of the case, which by the way seems to be nearing a settlement, I feel that the newly formed company will be the best thing that has happened in software since 1975.