LATEST NEWS FLASHES!--No.247     DO/TS    4/96
--By WS Staff

1. The Passing of Postfach 241
         God bless you! This notice is to inform you that Postfach (PF) 241, the Family's international mailbox in Zurich, has now been changed to a new number by the post office system. Any mail addressed to PF 241 in the years to come will be forwarded to our new box, and the postmaster has assured us it will be handled with typical Swiss efficiency. (Other firms in Zurich which have changed their mailing address have had their mail forwarded faithfully for up to 30 years!)
         But from this time forward, please use the following address in place of PF 241:

         The Family
         Postfach 3624
         8021 Zurich
         Switzerland

         There's no need to change the PF 241 address on any literature or tools that already bear it. But if you're going to print new material, or reprint or publish material with this former address on it, then it would be best to change it to the new address above. Thanks!

2. Beware of Computer Viruses!
         Since the Family is using computers now more than ever--and some Homes have Internet access--we wanted to pass on a word of caution regarding the danger of contracting computer viruses. A computer virus is a destructive or pesky program written by an unscrupulous programmer that either degrades the performance of your computer, destroys data files and programs on your computer, or both. Computer viruses often have the ability to reproduce themselves and spread--similar to medical viruses.
         Viruses are becoming more and more insidious and widespread in this day and age, especially since access to the world of cyberspace is only a modem and mouse click away. Information and free programs on the Internet can be useful for many purposes, but what you must watch out for is the possibility of inadvertently downloading program files contaminated with viruses. Text or data files are usually safe --or have been until recently, when a new macro-type virus has been detected in some Word for Windows files!
         Viruses can also be passed on by means of infected floppy-disks. We would therefore suggest that you always assume that a floppy someone has given you may be infected. Be prayerful and make sure you take the proper steps to ensure that these disks are virus-free before using them or the files that they contain. Viruses are rampant in pirated software--that is, illegal copies of commercial software programs. We have even experienced a computer being returned from a repair shop, infected with a virus as the result of a technician inadvertently using an infected diagnostic program.
         Viruses can be counteracted with a simple virus-checking program. A good anti-virus program will both scan your computer for viruses and then clean or get rid of them. We recommend the use of McAfee's VirusScan. Versions of VirusScan are available for DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95. They each come with instructions on how to install and use them. The programs are easy to use and will keep your computer free of viruses, if used properly. However, new viruses are joining the ranks every day, and in order to ensure that your computer is always clean, your virus-checking program must be updated regularly. McAfee's VirusScan provides updates on a regular basis. Therefore, in order to ensure that your computer does not contract any newly designed viruses, we recommend that you upgrade your virus checking program regularly. McAfee's VirusScan (version 2) will check your Word for Windows files and install macros to purge out any Word macro viruses (which are rare, TTL).
         The purpose of this LNF is to increase your awareness of computer viruses, but we by no means want to alarm you or make anyone fearful. On the other hand, we do want to make clear that viruses can be very damaging to valuable data stored on your computer! They can spread like wildfire, destroy your data and cause all kinds of other problems. Furthermore, much time can be wasted trying to figure out what is wrong with a computer that's been infected. We have encountered many viruses on floppy disks that come our way, and have heard of the same thing happening to many offices and Homes. This does not have to be! If you cannot afford to buy or get ahold of one of the above-mentioned virus-checking programs, there are many free programs available that will alert you as soon as a virus is detected on a floppy disk or program, allowing you to repair the problem right away.--And since these programs are free, you shouldn't have much trouble finding one that will suit your needs. If you are unable to find a suitable anti-virus program, because of your location or otherwise, then please write your Reporting Office and ask them to assist you.
         As a word of encouragement, if preventative measures are taken to counteract viruses, we know that the Lord will do His part in keeping our computers free of the machinations of the Enemy. Again, if you aren't using an up-to-date anti-virus program now, then please get one as soon as possible! Make sure that you scan every program file that you download and every floppy disk that you receive from someone else.

3. WS MUSIC MEMO!
         We hope you're enjoying the various WS audio tapes that have been sent to you over the past months. Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support for the WS audio studios which are helping to make them possible! They couldn't do it without you!
         With this "music memo" we want to take a little time to share with you some music news, as well as answer a few related questions that have come our way recently.

GP Scripture Song Tape "Power Tower"
         Most of the Family did not receive "Power Tower" until after GN 658, "New Music for a New Day," and so upon hearing this tape, some Family members asked if this is the type of "new music" that was referred to in that GN. Others asked why most of the songs were recorded by our veteran adult lead vocalists rather than our newer teen/YA vocalists. We hope the following explanation will help you understand this tape's history and outcome.
         Most of the songs for "Power Tower" were written and recorded some time ago, but production was shelved due to other pressing audio productions. So finally, when it worked out for there to be time to finish "Power Tower," rather than re-recording the songs' tracks and having the songs resung, which would have been quite an expense and would have further delayed the release of this tape, we decided to get it out as it had been initially produced.
         The music for "The Lion, the Dragon and the Beast" was specifically designed all around to be "heavier" and heftier. However, "Power Tower" was not meant to be a "step up" from "The Lion, the Dragon and the Beast" in its music. Instead, it was meant to be more along the lines of "Fear Not." "Power Tower" focuses on victory and overcoming, whereas "Fear Not" is more along the lines of comfort and consolation.
         According to the worldwide stats, our GP Scripture song tapes seem to be rather popular items, appealing to all age groups. It is our hope that "Power Tower" will also prove to be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to Family members and the GP alike who are looking to Him for overcoming power.

Credits on the FTTs
         For your information, after each song title on the FTT labels we have put the lead vocalist(s) and composer(s) credits. First comes the main singer(s) of the song, secondly the composer(s) of the song's melody, and thirdly the composer(s) of the song's lyrics: Singer(s) / Music Composer(s) / Lyric Composer(s).
         If the same person(s) wrote the music and the lyrics, their name(s) will appear only once on the credit line. If the same person(s) wrote the music and the lyrics and sang the song, the credit line will simply be the name of that person alone.
         There are many others whose names are not shown on the credits, but who also play a big part in the production of the songs, such as those who go over the lyrics when they are sent in for approval and help polish them further, the studio arrangers who produce the song, the auditioners of the final recordings, the technicians who help master the tapes, plus all those precious Family members who help get it into your hands! God bless them all! Thank You Jesus!

GP previews
         While continuing to forge ahead with their FTT work, our studios are also trying to work into their schedule the recording of GP songs destined for new GP DTD tapes. While we want to keep the Family inspired with new Family music, we also know it would be inspiring for you to receive new GP audio tools, right? So what the studios are going to be doing is this: Once some of the GP-destined songs are final recorded, rather than waiting until about 15-16 GP songs are finished (the average number needed to put together one tape), these GP songs will be included on FTTs as they are done. That way, you can start enjoying them right away! Then, once all the songs needed for a new GP tape are finished, the GP tape will be compiled and released.
         We are explaining this to you for two reasons: firstly, so when you hear these more GP-oriented songs on the DO/TS FTTs, you'll understand why, and secondly, when the full GP tape is released, you'll know why you're getting these songs again.

         Please continue to send in your comments and reactions to the new tapes on your monthly TRF, as we enjoy hearing from you, and take note of your questions and suggestions. We love you!

         Your WS family


Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family