Question: I have web pages that may or may not need to do some pre-processing before it can be displayed to the user. What I have done is to display this page with a message (e.g. "please wait ..."), then do an http-equiv refresh **to the same page**. When it refreshes to the same page, the pre-processing is done and the actual content is displayed.

Will this harm me in terms of SEO?

Answer: 
In Head First Java, there is a nice explanation of static. Static means stable not changing thats obvious from meaning and its quite obvious that it does not change.

Static mean sharing in Java. There is a nice picture where two child sharing one ice cream and showed static variable analogy. For more info please read Head First Java.
> 
> Definition of STATIC 1 : exerting
>  force by reason of weight alone
>  without motion 2 : of or relating to
>  bodies at rest or forces in
>  equilibrium 3 : showing little change
>  4 a :
>  characterized by a lack of movement,
>  animation, or progression b :
>  producing an effect of repose or
>  quiescence 5 a :
>  standing or fixed in one place :
>  stationary b of water : stored in a
>  tank but not under pressure
> 
> 
> 

just apply the definition to a variable...