Extra Practice News Story #9: Investigative

Huge Philanthropic Endeavor Headed for Africa
Posted: 1:02 p.m. MST, March 30, 2007

Logan, Utah- Multi billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner are planning to possibly combine their resources to create, “The biggest project that’s been undertaken in the areas of education and health,” said Bill Gates. I was able to speak with them briefly after I witnessed them coming off of a private jet together in Africa. They were there to meet with some local African officials to discuss some of their ideas.

Bill Gates wants the projects to affect Africa on a local level, he said that that is why they were meeting with the local officials; to determine the local needs and discover how they might raise the quality of life. Malik Ok, a local African Mayor, seems very excited about this opportunity. He said, “I feel so honored to be contacted by them.” He said overall that the main goal for these projects would be dealing with education. He commented of Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner, “They want to teach my people how to fish not just give them a fish … they want to teach them to do things better.”

Bill Gates said that he is planning on pulling out of Microsoft in 2008 and working full time on philanthropic endeavors. He said that they have two goals to accomplish … to raise education and to eradicate diseases. He commented, “What better place to do that than Africa.” It seems that the African people will be very receptive from what Malik Ok said, “Overall my people seem confident that something positive will come out of this.”

When asked about the connection between the Gates’ and Ted Turner they both commented that they don’t have a formal relationship, but they recognized their similar goals and want to combine their resources for this endeavor. They are both putting a lot of money and time into these kind of projects, I have found several other things that they are doing. Below are some links to more information about them:

Bill and Melinda Gates: Founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalHealth/
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalDevelopment/


Ted Turner is involved with several Foundations, here is a list of a few of them: Better World Fund Inc., United Nations Foundation, Captain Planet Foundation, The Turner Foundation. Working Together to Solve Global Concerns The UN Foundation has identified four areas of particular interest: Children's Health Environment Peace, Security and Human Rights Women and Population. (www.unfoundation.org)

Practice News Story #9: Investigative

Biggest Philanthropic Endeavor is in the Works
Posted: 10:15 a.m. MST, March 29, 2007

Logan, Utah- A week ago I witnessed Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates get off of a private jet together, and they met with some local African officials. Since then I have been able to meet with them and gather a little information about a huge project that might soon be underway. They are planning to possibly combine their resources and create, “The biggest project that’s been undertaken in the areas of education and health,” said Bill Gates.

Bill Gates is planning on pulling out of Microsoft in 2008 and working full time on these philanthropic endeavors. He said that they have two goals to accomplish … to raise education and to eradicate diseases. He commented, “What better place to do that than Africa.”

A local African Mayor, Malik Ok, seems very excited about this opportunity. He said, “I feel so honored to be contacted by them.” He said overall that the main goal for these projects would be dealing with education. He commented of Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner, “They want to teach my people how to fish not just give them a fish … they want to teach them to do things better.”

Practice News Story #8: Sports

Jazz Pull Out Victorious
Posted: 8:56p.m. PT, March 23, 2007

Los Angeles, Calif.- The Utah Jazz hit two big three-pointers within the last two minutes of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers to seal the deal. The Jazz ended up winning the game 106-99. Some of the key players tonight were: Derek Fisher, Paul Milsap, and CJ Miles from the Jazz; also Elton Brand from the Clippers.

Rookie Paul Milsap has had great back to back games, he played a big part with the Jazz getting these two consecutive wins. Head coach Jerry Sloan said, “It’s great to have him come in and have a great game.” Derek Fisher, who also came out strong tonight said, “I love feeling like I can do something to add some energy to the fire.” Sloan also seemed pleased when he said, “The Clippers came in with a lot of energy and we matched that in the second half … it’s always good to get a road victory.” This was probably a good turning point for the Jazz, seeing how they lost their last four road games.

Marty Burns, an analyst for Sports Illustrated said, “This solidifies what I’ve been saying about Sloan all year … hands down, my opinion is Sloan for coach of the year … the Jazz are ending the season much higher than expected.” From the Utah Jazz official website, it says “Now entering his 19th season as head coach of the Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan is the longest tenured coach with one franchise in major professional sports. He led the Jazz to consecutive NBA Finals in 1997-98 and is the fifth-winningest coach in NBA history.”

Extra Practice News Story #7: Business

Time Warner Inc. Has Been Offered a Takeover Bid
Posted: 1:45 p.m. PT, March 9, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif.- Google Inc. (GOOG) is interested in purchasing Time Warner Inc. (TWX), the news just broke that Google made a hostile takeover bid. The purchase price has been reported at $50 billion in cash and stocks. Google has given Time Warner a 30 day period to make a decision about this matter. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will need to approve this takeover after negotiations have been made in order for this merge to actually take place. Each of the representatives from both companies told very little detail about the deal, and said that the details will be negotiated. Analysts seem excited about this move and what it will do for the industry.

The CEO for Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, seemed very surprised when he said “This is the only written offer we’ve received for the entire company.” He said that the timing seems interesting where things are moving so quickly in the industry and the distribution is changing. “We have to think globally,” he commented. Time Warner plans to take the entire 30 days to determine whether the value is worth it, and how they will actually benefit from this move. He showed concern for the current employees when he said, “We are going to make the best decision to take care of our employees.”

Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, said that when they offer a bid they try to overestimate the value with hopes of winning the bid. He commented that this is a perfect merger to bring distribution together. He said the timing is a lot better then it was for Time Warner and AOL, and perhaps this merger could be a second life for AOL.

Paul Kim, an industry analyst from Traditional Aerial Securities Inc. commented that the stockholders are ready for this move. He talked highly of Google as an overall company by saying “Their customers are happy and they are growing fast.” He also said that if this merge were to take place, there will definitely be some advancements in this Internet age. He feels that this move will be a “Major catalyst in other companies doing the same thing.”

Practice News Story #7: Business

Google Inc. Offers Takeover Bid to Time Warner Inc.
Posted: 10:15 a.m. PT, March 8, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif.- Google Inc. (GOOG) has put in a takeover bid to Time Warner Inc. (TWX). The purchase price has been reported at $50 billion in cash and stocks. Time Warner has been given 30 days to review the offer and negotiate this deal with Google.
As far as any further details they will be negotiated.

CEO of Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, said that they plan to take the full 30 days to determine whether the value is worth it or not. He said that Time Warner has never been given a written offer for the entire company. He plans to analyze how Time Warner would benefit from this move and to make the best decision to take care of their employees.

CEO of Google, Dr. Eric Schmidt, commented that they always try to overestimate the value when they offer a bid. They round up with hopes of being successful with the offer. He said, “We try to have good relations with the companies we would like to merge with.” He feels that this is a perfect fit at this time bringing distribution together. He hopes to give AOL a second life.

Paul Kim, an industry analyst said that he feels that this is a great move. He said “This will be a major catalyst with other companies doing the same thing.”