Most people think the Super Bowl will be about just the Patriots and the Giants squaring off against each other. For the Israeli company Radvision Ltd. (NASDAQ: RVSN), the actual game will be an afterthought. The small company that has a cutting edge video-conferencing technology will be playing an important role in the Pre-game show.

It was announced that along with LifeSize Communications, Radvision, will connect NFL stars in Phoenix and U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington during Super Bowl XLII using high definition video communication systems.

"Even football stars have heroes, and the players have tremendous respect for our nation's men and women in uniform," said Coach Charles Hatcher.

With the market experiencing a continued downturn and with Thanksgiving upon us, I thought we could highlight two stocks that have been turkeys so far this year (dogs maybe be more appropriate, but 'tis the season). However, unlike our favorite bird, these are poised to fly.

Radvision (NASDAQ:RVSN), which specializes in video conferencing over IP and 3G networks, has lost more than 40% YTD. It has produced successive earnings disappointments. While it has great technology, it has been struggling to execute its business plan. It's important to note however, that it has a very close relationship with Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), and every few months rumors surface as to a potential M&A. I think that management has taken the Cisco relationship for granted and hasn't done enough to hustle new business.

That being said, as I mentioned the stock is down over 40% on the year. The company today received permission to purchase up to $30 million in stock. While some may see that as a PR stunt to boost the stock, more interesting was that Yehuda Zisapel, a former Chairman of the Board of RVSN and the brother of the company's current Chairman of the Board, bought $2 million of stock. With the stock getting creamed so far this year, I would look at it as a nice turnaround play going forward.

Inferential Focus, Inc. was the subject of Barron's interview this past weekend. This research driven company combs the world looking for new investment trends.

One emerging trend that could prove profitable for investors is the Department of Defense's need for a new generation of military satellites and communications networks in general. Technology exists, and could easily get into the hands of potential enemies, that can jam communications between U.S. spacecraft and ground stations by messing up the current DOD satellites that serve as central communications point for all these devices. A simple ground station based in any country could potentially mess up the communications of our military.

To solve this potential problem, the DOD has embarked on a $34 billion project to build a whole new global networking system similar to the Internet called GIG, or Global Information Grid. The DOD's goal is to make this network the most secure communications network ever to exist.

The companies that are going to benefit from this build-out are Globecomm Systems Inc (NASDAQ: GCOM), SAIC Inc (NYSE: SAI) and Radvision Ltd (NASDAQ: RVSN). My knowledge about these companies is severely lacking. Please send in comments if you know anything about this satellite build-out or these companies.

MAJOR PAPERS:

• The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reported that the Bush administration has agreed to join in regional talks with Iran and Syria over Iraq, which are being launched by the Iraqi government next month.
• Also in the Wall Street Journal, billionaire investor Carl Icahn is pushing Blockbuster Inc's (NYSE: BBI) board to withhold some of CEO John Antioco's $7.6 million bonus.
• In what could be good news for Merck & Co Inc's (NYSE: MRK) Gardasil vaccine, a study suggested the prevalence of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer, is greater than previous estimates had suggested, reported the Wall Street Journal.
• According to the Financial Times (subscription required), Russia has increased the pressure on a key asset held by TNK-BP, BP p.l.c. ADS's (NYSE: BP) Russia venture, as BP CEO Lord Browne arrived in Moscow for talks of a possible transfer of part of a key asset to the state.

OTHER PAPERS:

• The Economic Times of India reported that confectionery-maker Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is acquiring a 51% stake in the food and beverage business of the Godrej group for about $54 million.
• Investor's Business Daily's "New America" column highlighted Radvision Ltd (NASDAQ: RVSN).

The Israeli stock market has been reaching record highs as economic growth has been strong. Despite today's GDP report showing a sharp drop due to the summer war, the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange rebounded finishing the day on a positive note.

Some Israeli companies listed on the NASDAQ are having quite the day:

Orckit Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ:ORCT) is a manufacturer of telecommunications networking equipment. ORCT shares are up more than 9% today. Rumors in Israeli newspapers mention the company gaining a new important client in Asia. Market cap: $147.7 million. 52-week range: $6.75-$31.22. Afternoon price: $11.36.

NICE Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:NICE) shares are up more than 5.5%. NICE makes data recording products for financial institutions and other companies to monitor interactions with their customers. Market cap: $1.1 billion. 52-week range: $21.55-$32.80. Afternoon price: $32.45.