text: The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $19.7 million, $14.3 million and $4.8 million, 
  re s p e c t i v e l y. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998 were increases of 
  $10.9 million, $5.4 million and $9.5 million, re s p e c t i v e l y. 