IT Update - CNN reported the week of 15 Feburary that WINDOWS XP and 2000 operating systems source code had been obtained and posted on the Internet.  It was thought at the time that one of Microsoft's subcontractors may have been the source of the leak although no futher information was provided.  What this may mean to us is that we can expect more viruses and worms in the future and they may be even nastier and possibly more damaging than ever before.  Be certain to keep your virus software as up to date as possible. Don't use it you say.  Hmmm, you might want to rethink that decision.  Does anyone remember when the Internet was actually fun?

Web Site Update - As Ralph mentioned in the President's Corner, there is a new web page on the site covering the WINS member's only auction rules that is now board approved.  I hope you'll all take a look at it so that you can help make the auction run more smoothly.  View the rules HERE!. Your comments, as always, are welcome.

WINS Design Contest Update - Well, the token design contest is over and the final results are posted.  I would like to point out that there were some good ideas presented for the obverse design, but I am not as impressed with the reverse designs.  Yes, I know, I won the obverse design so it's expected that I might be happier with those designs.  Ah, but I also won the reverse design too however, that doesn't necessarily mean I like the design.  I was hoping for a more coin-like obverse/reverse, but we wound up with a more token-like reverse.

In case anybody's interested, it was Doug Prather's idea (yup, our very own editor) to use the design from Mexico's early 8 reale, while I put it all together and made it look pretty.  I was actually a little surprised it was more popular than my man 'n boy theme which I thought really exemplified WINS and the passing along of the hobby to younger generations.  But, it was beat out so I suppose I was mistaken.  As for the reverse design that won, well I've never been a strong one for having my name plastered on a token and would much preferred to see a graphic image instead.  Surprise, I found myself in the minority on this too.  However, it was a lot of fun and I don't mind in the least that I am now the proud owner of a high grade proof 1995 silver quarter (Doug let me have it).  I hope Max enjoys the high grade SBA for if you didn't read it elsewhere, in the best tradition of Joe Garbarini, I asked it be sent to him for his outstanding effort.

Auction Update Auction 20 is scheduled for March 13, 2004 and is in the process of having data loaded.  Got a coin or two you no longer need?  How about placing it (them) in the auction?  See the auction rules page concerning how to do it.

Thank you kindly,
JD White, WINS#7