Practice News Story 8: Business

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Oct. 31, 2007

Google Bids for Time Warner at $60 Billion

Palo Alto, CA - Time Warner Inc. (TWX) received a hostile takeover bid from Google Inc. (GOOG) today. After speaking with Industry Analysis Paul Kim, the extreme nature of this takeover is explained. According to Kim, Google has offered $60 billion in debt, cash, and stocks. The debt is measured at $5 billion, the cash at $10 billion, and the stock at $45 billion. The cash, he says, is an added bonus. CEO of Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, says that they will do their analysis which may take a month.

Dr. Eric Schmidt CEO and Chair of Google, said, "We saw the need to add content production to our company quickly. They are one of the biggest content producers; we are one of the biggest content distributors. Merge content production with content distribution. It make good sense to us." He also commented that this takeover has been under consideration for under six months.

Terry Semel, CEO and Chair of Yahoo, Steve Balmer, CEO of Microsoft, and William Gates, Chair of Microsoft, all offered no comment.

Practice News Story 7: Speech

Posted: 4:45 p.m. MT Nov. 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania

"...this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."  President Abraham Lincoln's words resounded across the bloody battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  The war is not won, but the favor seems to have turned to the Union's side.  The President commented following his address, "United we stand, divided we fall."  He gave this address as a dedication of the countless graves created over a short three day period.  "...We cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow - this ground..."  In saying this, he emphasizes the terrible losses from both sides.  We are unable to do anything more that what has been done already by these soldiers to hallow the ground.  By the valiant and honorable efforts of both sides, freedom "...shall not perish from the earth."

95 Miles or 75 Yards

Its about 95 miles from New York to Philadelphia.  Its not much more than 95 mile from Los Angeles to San Diego.  Its over 2,000 miles from my house to the little town of Ouzinkie, Alaska.  Why does it torture me so much more now?  Even when I think that the 95 miles is the distance traveled by roads.  In reality, it's only 75 on a strait shot.  I think of 75 and translate it into yards.  That's only three lengths of a swimming pool.  An honestly, that would be just as painful.  No distance large or small, near nor far, would change the agony I feel now as long as I couldn't get there.  Why do I need to get there? Because its my job to help.  My job to protect.  My job to comfort.  My job to LOVE!   But alas, there is one thing I can still do: pray.  Ask and ye shall receive, right?  Yes.  I will pray for my job to be done even though I'm not there.  75 yards or 95 miles, God will get it done.  He will help.  He will protect.  He will comfort.  He will LOVE!  I know he will.  Without Him, I wouldn't be able to do my job as well even when I'm in person.

To someone who has reason to fear, God said: "Look unto me in every thought: doubt not, fear not." (D&C 6:36)  "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil because thou art with me..." (Psalms 23:4)  That is the attitude that we all need.  With God, we have no reason to fear.  I know that my prayers will travel the 95 and 75 and more.  They will help get the job done...I know it.  You wondering what my job is?  It's one of promise, of Love, of honor, and cherishing.  What's my job? 

Husband.