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by Rachel Armstrong
SOCORRO, N.M., Aug. 24, 2004 — Two new issues of New Mexico Geology have been recently released. One focuses on earthquakes in New Mexico and the other on assemblages of Late Pennsylvanian marine invertebrates in the Holder Formation along Dry Canyon in the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico.
The February issue of New Mexico Geology features an article on the seismic ground shaking that could possibly occur within the Albuquerque– Belen– Santa Fe corridor from future earthquakes. The authors have developed a series of nine color foldout earthquake hazard maps that portray potential ground shaking in the Albuquerque area. Ground motions were calculated for a postulated M 7.0 scenario earthquake along the north-south-trending Sandia–Rincon faults along the base of the Sandia Mountains.
Compared to other regions in the western U.S., the article states, the hazard in the central Rio Grande rift is viewed as moderate. However, the occurrence of a large earthquake near the Albuquerque metropolitan area could be very damaging due to its location in the Albuquerque Basin where amplification of ground shaking is likely and because of the presence of traditional adobe construction.
The May issue explains that the Holder marine invertebrates have been studied very little, and this article discusses two very different groups. The first group, which lies in mudstone, consists primarily of gastropods and bivalves. The second group, which is embedded in shale and limestone 49 to 66 feet above the first group, consists of more than 100 different marine species.
According to the article, the absence of certain organisms that are only able to live in specific concentrations of saltwater suggests that there were abnormal marine conditions. It also states that the different species in these groups are unique in New Mexico's Pennsylvanian period.
Another article informs readers that the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science's paleontological database, which includes over 35,902 New Mexico fossils, is now online and available to the public. The website, http://188.8.131.52/nmmnh/web/default.html, does not include sensitive geographic locations, but does include a vast array of data on fossils from over 5,630 locations.
The periodical also includes a report on the New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair, a memorial article about J. Paul Fitzsimmons, and abstracts from talks given at the New Mexico Geological Society's annual meeting held this April.
New Mexico Geology is published quarterly by New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR), a service division of New Mexico Tech. A subscription to the award-winning journal costs $12 per year, or $22 for two years. Individual issues may be purchased for $3.50 each. For more information about New Mexico Geology, or any other NMBGMR publication, write to the Bureau Publication Office, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, call 505.835.5410, or visit the Bureau's website at http://geoinfo.nmt.edu.


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Great post! Very informative
Extra, Extra: Books on the Menu for March 2nd
Combine Dr. Seuss and your local newspaper for some reading and writing fun in your classroom or at home.
How would you like to dine with Sam-I-Am, the Grinch, the Lorax, and the Sneetches?
Ted Geisel, the children's author otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, once remarked in an interview, "If I were invited to a dinner party with my characters, I wouldn't show up."
Seuss was probably concerned about how all the Whos and the Wockets and the Wumps would behave together in one room, but he might have also been thinking of his stomach!
Worried perhaps that the menu would be green eggs and ham and cake made with peppermint cucumber sausage-paste butter?
What would be on the dinner table in Seussville?
It's a fun thing to think about. Ted Geisel firmly believed that a rich imagination was one of the most important possessions in life. Normal everyday things — just like the simple act of reading the newspaper — were the kinds of things that triggered Dr. Seuss's creative juices. These activities will help kids take their imaginations out for a walk today!
- Seuss's Sam-I-Am mounts a single-minded campaign to introduce another Seuss character to the culinary delights of green eggs and ham. Read for other kinds of persuasive arguments in the Op-Ed section. Then write your own Op-Ed to convince family or friends to eat an unusual (real or imagined) food or adopt a new healthy diet.
- Look at the classified ads in today's newspaper. Find the "Help Wanted" section and look for jobs in the food service industry. Write an ad looking for a chef with the unique qualifications to prepare a bill of fare appropriate for your favorite Seuss character(s).
- Find a news story about a place in a foreign country. Find out what some of the meal time customs and traditions around food are in this country. Compare this to your own eating habits. Then create an etiquette booklet for dining in one of Seuss's imagined lands.
- Scan your newspaper for grocery store advertisements. Create your own produce, dairy products, or canned goods sale of the (real or imagined) foods Dr. Seuss's characters eat.
More 'read it, eat it' Seuss fun!
|Tasty Accompaniment
|Scrambled Eggs Super!
|Scrambled eggs with exotic stir-ins
|The Butter Battle Book
|Bread and butter
|Bartholomew and the Oobleck
|Green Jell-O
|Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!
|Pizza, milk and cake
|McElligot's Pool
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
|Fish or fish-shaped crackers

subset: commoncrawl


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Grassrooters Get Results!
Judith Dillard and Lee Mentley Are Lobbying for Your Lives
Today, Judith Dillard is a treatment advocate for Women Alive, but at an earlier time, she was homeless and fighting to survive.
While Dillard is leading a more stable life today, she hasn't completely buried the past. Drawing from her experiences, she lobbies elected officials on HIV/AIDS issues, most recently as a participant in the California AIDS Lobby Day and AIDSWatch in Washington, DC.
According to Dillard, speaking out is especially important for women.
"Unless women in Los Angeles County stand up for themselves and speak out about our quality of life and our standards of care, and get involved in the decision-making processes, then we are always going to be left out," Dillard said.
"We need to become one in this epidemic," she continued. "I feel we are letting the politicians divide us up into white gay men, African Americans, and on and on. I think we should all come together as one voice because we are all fighting the same fight: the epidemic itself. We are fighting for our rights as people living with this disease.
"We need to stand up and be counted as one voice. If we do that, it would be a powerful voice. We can advocate for the right purposes."
Lobby We Must
AIDS Lobby Day, held in April, gave Judith Dillard and many other concerned people from all over California the opportunity to help educate their elected representatives about HIV/AIDS issues. Participants shared personal experiences to convey the need for appropriate funding for HIV/AIDS programs, access to quality healthcare and treatment for all people living with HIV/AIDS, and rational legislation and public policies that promote the health, welfare and civil rights of all people affected by HIV/AIDS.
"We can always get someone from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to show charts to elected officials," said Rick Louis, AIDS Project Los Angeles' grassroots coordinator. "But individuals who live with HIV or who come from communities that have been heavily impacted by the epidemic are another kind of expert that can give elected officials a great insight as to why specific issues are important."
AIDS Lobby Day is the annual statewide HIV/AIDS lobbying and education event, sponsored by the California HIV Advocacy Coalition (CHAC). It allows California residents who are concerned about HIV/AIDS issues to meet with their State Senators, State Assembly members and their staffs, in order to show support for specific bills in the Legislature which could benefit people living with HIV/AIDS or help prevent new infections, as well as budget items which fund important programs and services.
This year, Lobby Day focused on maintaining sufficient funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, as well as testing and prevention programs, and basic needs such as housing and employment.
|Activate! U., an annual political organizing workshop in Los Angeles, draws scores of individuals each year. Shown above are participants in this year's session. (Photo: Paul Antico)
Priorty Setting
Dillard particularly wants more money focused in the area of HIV prevention, housing and substance abuse. At first, she said, she was intimidated about speaking out about her life's experiences.
"If it takes me getting up there and saying I did survival sex when I was homeless even when I knew I was HIV positive; I would have sex for money without a condom, because all I was thinking about was surviving," she said. "If it takes all of my life experiences to get them to open their eyes to see that they need to put money out specifically to certain areas I will do that. Maybe my life wasn't in vain even though I did all of these things maybe it was for a purpose. This is the purpose, to show people that specific things have to happen, and other things can't keep happening if we are going to prevent the spread of this disease.
"There are still women out who are doing the same thing I was doing. We need to reach those women. That's my priority."
Person-to-Person Education
Lee Mentley, who lives in East Los Angeles, has also played an active part in the California HIV Advocacy Coalition. He participated in AIDS Lobby Day as well, and he too is interested in promoting prevention.
"I want to see an awareness that HIV/AIDS doesn't just affect people in West Hollywood. We've got to take the energy that we've taken to educate the gay community and it has to go out and educate the minority communities, because this is where the new demographics are," said Mentley.
"Person by person, it is so important that people are educated and the best way to educate them is to tell them personal stories," said Mentley. "We are going to talk to senators and legislators about specific legislations as laid out in our priorities that we get from California HIV Advocacy Coalition.
"But it's also important for them to hear stories and to know that people in their communities are impacted by HIV and AIDS, and what they can do to make things better."
For more information about how you can become involved in CHAC's and APLA's lobbying and advocacy efforts, call Rick Louis at (213) 201-1378.
This article has been reprinted at The Body with the permission of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).


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If, for any reason, you cannot take that prescription, simply notify your provider by sending him or her a message using the built-in messenger. Your provider will recommend an alternative treatment.
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Direct messaging with your provider will be available for 7 days after your visit.
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Checking in on… the MVCPosted by rtmsf on February 8th, 2010
Patrick Marshall of White & Blue Review is the RTC correspondent for the Missouri Valley Conference.
Current Records and My Standings (Conference Standings) (Last Week)
- Northern Iowa 21-2 (12-1) (1)
- Wichita State 20-5 (9-4) (2)
- Illinois State 16-8 (7-6) (3)
- Indiana State 14-10 (6-7) (7)
- Missouri State 16-8 (6-7) (6)
- Creighton 12-12 (7-6) (5)
- Bradley 12-11 (7-6) (8)
- Drake 11-14 (6-7) (4)
- Southern Illinois 13-10 (5-8) (9)
- Evansville 6-17 (0-13) (10)
2010 Bracketbusters—The people in Bristol announced the 11 TV matchups for this season's Bracketbusters for Friday and Saturday, February 20th and 21st, while the other conference commissioners matched up the rest of the games of the other 76 teams. Here are the matchups for the Valley teams and TV info for those selected to play on the ESPN family of networks:
- Northern Iowa vs. Old Dominion, Friday, February 19th, 6PM, ESPN2
- Wichita State @ Utah State, Saturday, February 20th, 11PM, ESPN2
- Nevada @ Missouri State, Saturday, 2PM, ESPN2
- Morehead State @ Ilinois State, Saturday, 4PM
- Indiana State @ Green Bay, Saturday, 7PM
- Loyola (Ill.) @ Creighton, Saturday, 8:35PM
- Drexel @ Bradley, Saturday, 7PM
- Drake @ Cal State-Northridge, Saturday, 9PM
- Western Michigan @ Southern Illinois, Saturday, 2PM
- Illinois-Chicago @ Evansville, Saturday, 7PM
Valley coaches in favor of expanded tournament—On the weekly Missouri Valley Conference teleconference, the question of expanding the NCAA Tournament to 96 teams was deemed pretty favorable by the coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference. With the Valley looking at a one bid for the third straight year, I guess you could understand why they would like it. However, I still think it takes away from the integrity of the hard work done throughout the season and the build-up would not be the same when teams are expecting to go to the NCAA Tourney by default every year.
Northern Iowa declared MVC champs—Ok, so mathematically several teams have a chance to catch up and tie or overtake Northern Iowa, but come on, with five conference games remaining, Northern Iowa has basically run away with the Valley regular season crown while all the other teams are just beating each other up. When the Panthers knocked off Wichita State last week, they staved off their final threat in the regular season.
Rivalry Week in Full Swing—The known rivalries in the Valley will all be in action this week. Creighton heads to Carbondale to take on Southern Illinois where the Salukis are looking to respond to the blowout the Bluejays handed to them last season on SIU's home floor. The Battle of I-76 between Bradley and Illinois State will be played again with Bradley seeking revenge for getting run off the court a couple weeks ago at Redbird Arena. Drake and Northern Iowa hook up again as well in an in-state matchup.
Northern Iowa (2-0 this week, 20-1 in last 21 games, 5 game win streak)—The Panthers are getting every team's best shot, but they are continuing to find ways to win. Against Wichita State on Wednesday, the Panthers survived a late rally by the Shockers to get the win. Saturday they came from behind to beat Southern Illinois and Adam Koch scored the team's last 11 points. They hope to continue their domination against Drake and Bradley this week.
BUMPY HIGHWAY FOR 2nd-9th
Bradley (2-0 this week) – After going 0-2 last week, Bradley turned things around to go 2-0. This is just one example of how the rest of the Valley has played this season. A winning shot by Will Egolf gave Bradley a thrilling victory over Drake. It is a big week for the Braves this week as they get a shot at the top of the conference with Northern Iowa and Illinois State. The other good news for them is that both games are at home.
Wichita State (1-1 this week)—The Shockers just seem to be coasting through under the radar for the most part. After losing a heartbreaker against Northern Iowa for their chance to try and catch them, the Shockers had to rally from 15 down in the final nine minutes against a shorthanded Indiana State team to pull out a victory. It's the little things that players like Aaron Ellis bring to the court for the Shockers that has helped them become so successful this season. Games against Evansville and Missouri State should give Wichita State the opportunity to lock down their second place standing in the Valley.
Illinois State (1-1 this week)— Win one, lose one….that is the mantra of the Valley over the past several weeks and the Redbirds have not been left out. The big troubles have been road games with last week's loss coming at Indiana State. Illinois State is now 1-5 on the road. With Bradley and Creighton on tap this week, can they get a road victory? The other question—is Osiris Eldridge not playing as well this season compared to last? Appears that way.
Missouri State (1-1 this week)— The Bears are the highest scoring team in the Valley as well as trying to be a great defensive team as well. In their win against Creighton this week, they displayed both as they went on 11-1 and 17-0 runs to take the Bluejays behind the woodshed, 70-52. Creighton only had 30 points with nine minutes to go. Southern Illinois and Wichita State give the Bears opportunities to move up this week.
Creighton (1-1 this week)—Creighton, like Illinois State, has big problems winning a road game. After getting crushed at Missouri State this week, the Bluejays are now 2-11 in road/neutral games this season and it looks like they may not get a road victory the rest of the year. Luckily they have two home games this week against Indiana State and Illinois State. It is so dire for Creighton fans now, that the focus is almost off the men's basketball team as fans find the Creighton Dance Team more interesting.
Indiana State (1-1 this week)—The Sycamores took a big blow this week losing point guard Harry Marshall along with Dwayne Lathan to injuries suffered during the Illinois State game that will pretty much take them out until the end of the season. They had a valiant effort against Wichita State on the road, but didn't have enough gas to keep the Shockers from stealing the victory down the stretch. Creighton and Drake are on the schedule this week.
Southern Illinois (1-1 this week)— The Salukis couldn't upset the Panthers even though they hoped their depth would be key this week, so they continue to be an average team. Tony Freeman had weird feelings playing a game in the state of Iowa again. They got a victory against Missouri State, but cannot relish in it too much because they turn around and play them again this week along with doormat Evansville
Drake (0-2 this week)—Drake had a nice run, but they have now lost three of four games. The three losses have all come on the road. Josh Young keeps getting accolades before he is crowned the school's all-time scoring leader. They host conference leaders Northern Iowa this week and travel to Indiana State.
Evansville (0-2 this week, 14 game losing streak)— Colt Ryan averaged 24 points in his two games this week against Creighton and Bradley. Before the end of the season, Ryan will shatter the freshman scoring record for this school. Unfortunately, the Purple Aces continue to lose. With the City of Evansville building a new Arena and the Aces expected to play there, will there be enough people in the seats to make the switch? Wichita State and Southern Illinois the next ones to beat up on the Aces.
Pretty much every game is key in the Valley this week, but here are the best matchups and a couple most people should be able to watch on TV.
- 2/9—Illinois State @ Bradley (Local TV)—Yes, most won't be able to watch this one, but Bradley has declared a "Blackout" as the Redbirds try to come in and sweep their home-home series this season.
- 2/10—Northern Iowa @ Drake (Local TV throughout Iowa) –This game has to get mentioned because of an in-state rivalry and the Panthers are ranked in the top 25 so every game is important for them.
- 2/13—Illinois State @ Creighton (Local TV in Omaha and Illinois)—This game will determine who will likely play on Thursday night in St. Louis in the MVC Tournament.
- 2/13—Northern Iowa @ Bradley (Fox Sports Net)—Either at home or on the road, the Panthers have been dominating the Valley. Can it continue in Peoria?
- 2/14—Missouri State @ Wichita State (ESPNU)—The Shockers hope to lock in second place in the Valley with this game


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Riverside, Calif- Back on the track after a week pause due to finals, the Gauchos quickly found their mid-season stride at the UC Riverside Spring Break Classic. In it's inaugural year, UC Riverside assembled a high caliber field of ten combined teams stretching from as far east as Ithaca, NY and as far north as Fargo, ND. There were five Big West teams in the field including UC Santa Barbara.
The Gaucho men won the men's overall team title with 117pts. The Gauchos have won their first four meets to start the season going back to the Gaucho Round Up (vs. Westmont & Pepperdine), All-Cal Champs (vs. UCSD, UCR & UCI) and also claiming the UC Riverside Dual meet. In dual meet scoring, the Gaucho men have a record of 15-0 to start the year.
Men's Team Scores
Southern Utah 101
Cal St. Norrthridge 99.5
Cal St. Fullerton 93.5
UC Riverside 87
Cornell 70
UC Irvine 64.5
North Dakota St. 49.5
Northern Colorado 34
Wyoming 9
On the women's side, the Gauchos took 6th in overall scoring. Highlighted by several impressive individual performances, the UCSB women added several performance marks to the Gaucho all-time list.
Women's Team Scores
Cal St. Northridge 154.5
Cornell 133.5
North Dakota St. 106.5
Southern Utah 93
Cal St. Fullerton 67
UC Riverside 48
UC Irvine 40
Northern Colorado 35
Wyoming 7
Combined Event Results
On Friday, the Gauchos wrapped up the multi-event competition. Sophomore Ike Okpara paced the Gauchos with a new lifetime best score of 6254 to take 5th in the men's decathlon. Okpara had personal bests in the first four events to start the second day. His second day marks were 16.66 in the 110HH, 124'6 discus, 10'10 Pole vault, 140'7 javelin and 4:58.41 in the 1500m. Also completing the decathlon were freshman Jeff Oechsli, Darion Williams, Brendan Weaver and Gavin Koehn. Oechsli tallied 5874 to lead the group. In the women's heptathlon, Tori Usgaard used a 111'6 javelin PR to score 4773, the third best score of her career. Competing in a different section, the heptathlon and decathlon did not factor into team scoring for the meet.
Vaziri 3:44.62!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shyan Vaziri provided the performance of the meet by turning in a 3:44.62 effort in the 1500m. At the time of this publication, that time currently sits #6 on this years NCAA Outdoor Performance list. After the first lap, which Vaziri came through in 59.8, all in attendance at the UC Riverside track stadium took notice and by the second 400m split there was a buzz that something special was taking place. Vaziri hit his second split perfectly and crossed the 800m mark in exactly 2:00. Holding his smooth form and light footwork, Vaziri hit the gas pedal crossing the line with one lap to go as the official ringing the bell exuberantly signed the final lap was on. 58 seconds was all it took for the final split and Vaziri broke the tape in a new PR 3:44.62, the metric equivalent of a sub-4 minute mile.
Melissa Rake Leads UCSB Throws Squad
To conclude a six throw series where she exclipsed her previous personal best on each throw, sophomore Melissa Rake unleashed a 144'3 effort in the womens javelin to win the event. That mark moves Rake into third all-time in the UCSB record books and is the current Big West Leading mark at the mid-way point of the season.
In the men's javelin the Gauchos took the 2-3-4 spots highlighted by freshman Jerrick Zhang's mark of 183'2. Freshman Matthew Kuskey took third with a 176'11 and Spencer Neste added a 173'5 performance in a key scoring event to start the day for the Gauchos.
In the men's hammer, Albert Hughes hit a new personal best throwing 184'6 to take third overall. Hughes also threw 156'7 to take fourth in the men's discus.
In the women's hammer, Hanna Person threw a new lifetime best 167'11 to take fourth overall. Person's mark moves her to 8th all-time in the UCSB record book.
Heather Hawes threw 148'1 in the women's discus to crack the UCSB all-time lists for the first time in her career. Hawes took 6th overall in a stellar field of Big West throwers.
Distance Notes
Adam Avila started the track events with an outstanding 9:18.76 effort in the 3,000m steeplechase. Avila ran wire to wire with North Dakota States Brett Kelly and narrowly got edged at the line to Kelly's 9:18.22 as both raced hard to the finish.
In the women's 1500m, Maxine Goyette set a new PR with a time of 4:38.61. So far this spring, Goyette has set new bests in the 3,000m steeplechase and in the open 3k.
Bryce Rausa, stepping down to the 1500m in just his third race of the season, hit a fine 3:51.23 effort to take sixth for the Gauchos. That is the second fastest time of Rausa's career and shows last years Big West bronze medalist in the 1500m is quickly regaining his form.
Freshman Andrew Verdin continues to impress in his debut season with the Gauchos. Verdin ran 3:52.45 in the 1500m to take seventh in a men's field of 29 runners.
Tyler Brady clipped almost a second off his lifetime best in the 800m to win Saturday in 1:52.08. The senior outsprinted a talented group of youngsters which included 6 freshman in the top-10, all at 1:55 or faster. The saavy veteran put his racing skills on display as he closed the race with 300m to go, cutting through the homestretch headwind like a warm knife through butter.
Back in action for the Gauchos was Greg Dotson. Dotson ran 1:55.24 in the men's 800m. That makes seven Gaucho men at 1:55 or faster so far this spring.
In the women's 3000m, Tori Tsolis hit a new lifetime best with a time of 10:08.66. Tsolis took fifth overall in a group of 22 women. Also in the 3k for the Gauchos was Bailey Miller who ran a fine 10:20.33 to take the seventh scoring spot.
In the men's 3,000m, sophomore Bryan Guijarro found himself locked in a battle with Southern Utah's freshman sensation, Mike Tate, who was the 5th place Big Sky finisher this fall in cross country. Trading the lead and racing like two seasoned veterans, Guijarro went on to take second with a time of 8:23.55 to Tate's 8:22.60. Guijarro ran step for step with Tate, a 4:03 mile man, on the last lap, showing incredible range considering he ran the 10,000m in last years NCAA First Round competition.
Not to be outdone in the men's 3,000m was freshman Anthony Monroy. Monroy finished fourth with an impressive time of 8:34.45.
In the men's 100m, Evan Walker ran 10.86 to take fourth on a day where a prevailing headwind kept the short sprints from heating up.
Jessica Johnson took fifth in the women's 400m with a 56.64 effort.
In the men's 400m, Eric Severiano cracked the 49 second barrier with a 48.73, sixth place run.
Shannon Trumbull ran 14.46 in the women's 100m hurdles for 9th.
Senior Sean Johnson took fourth with a time of 14.49 in the men's 110HH.
Field Event Notes
Freshman Laurel Shepperd hit a new lifetime best in the women's triple jump with a mark of 38'6.25.
Oscar Pearson and Chris Brooks hit long jump marks of 22'10 and 22.2.25 respectively to take 3rd and fifth for the Gauchos.
Pearson also jumped 45'1.5 in the triple jump to take seventh overall.
Jessica Emde jumped a new season best in the high jump with a mark of 5'6.5, good for third overall.
Junior Katie Lee tied for fifth overall in the women's pole vault with a season best vault of 11'9.75.
In the men's shot put, senior Pat Smith hit a season best mark of 49'3.75, taking sixth for the Gauchos.
Cal Nevada Championships up next for the Gauchos
Next weekend the Gauchos will return to UC San Diego for the Cal Nevada Championships, which is a long time running scored meet between collegiate teams in California and Nevada. The competition will start Friday with running event prelims and select field events and conclude Saturday with the running event finals and other select field events.


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Reviewed by Radele R. (age 10)
I liked this book because it is very interesting and very different from books I usually read. The part when Louis tried to carry the box to Mrs. Jewel's classroom reminded me of my dad and his friend getting all sweaty when they were changing our backyard fence on a hot day. This story made me feel different because I was amazed how Louis Sachar put more then one mystery in this very exciting book. My favorite character is Louis because he was trying to do a nice thing for Mrs. Jewels when he tried to carry the fragile box all the way to her classroom.
I recommend this book to people who like to read books about mysteries. If you have a hard time reading books, this might be a good one to try because it is very easy to read. Also this has two mysteries in one book! The mysteries are so interesting that you won't want to stop reading it.


text: Rescue Lane (Ridgepole Pt 10), Sky Valley GA 30537, Rabun Co. Back To List 8 photos - click photo for slideshow $10,000 0 Bedrooms 0 Full Bathrooms 0 ¾ Bathrooms 0 ½ Bathrooms Land Lot Status: Active Subdiv. / Location: Sky Valley Description large wooded building lot in secluded area of sky valley golf resort! Property Schools Description: Land Lot Status: Active Year Built: N / A Fees: 0 Tax Info: 174.55, 2017 Elementary: Rabun County Primary/Elementar Middle: Rabun County High: Rabun County General Information Platted Subdivision, Exterior General: Clubhouse, Golf Course, Retirement Community, Security, Underground Utilities, Paved Street, Underground Utilities, Gentle Rolling Lot Descr: Gentle Rolling Lot Area: 1/3 - 1/2 Acre; Utilities: Cable Tv, Electricity, High Speed Internet, Propane, Septic, Telephone, Underground Utilities, Water Listing Provided Courtesy Of: Poss Realty The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange/Broker Reciprocity Program of Georgia MLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than RE/MAX of Rabun are marked with the Internet Data Exchange/Broker Reciprocity logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. The broker providing this data believes it to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. © 2019 Georgia MLS. All rights reserved. Data updated as of: 05/18/19, 6:33 AM ScheduleA Visit Save ThisListing RequestMore Info Email AFriend Share &Bookmark Print ThisListing ShowOn Map SchoolInfo AreaInfo MLS IDX Search Powered By ListingWare


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DENVER — Failed leadership is one reason some veterans hospitals are falling short as others excel, Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Sloan Gibson said.
Gibson told a convention of wounded combat veterans in Denver on Tuesday that more VA employees will be disciplined as the agency tries to root out the causes of a scandal over long waits for health care and falsified data.
Gibson planned to visit the Denver veterans hospital on Wednesday before leaving Colorado to tour facilities in Seattle and Portland, Oregon.
The VA has been shaken by reports that veterans died while waiting for treatment and allegations that workers falsified records to cover up the delays, in some cases so the workers could collect bonuses.
The agency announced last week that it planned to fire two supervisors and discipline four other employees in Colorado and Wyoming accused of falsifying health care data.
"These were the first in what I expect will be a long series of announcements of personnel actions," Gibson told the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization of veterans who received the medal for combat wounds.
Gibson said when he visited the troubled Phoenix VA hospital, some employees choked back tears describing the obstacles they encountered in trying to care for veterans.
"What I saw was leadership failure, mismanagement and chronic underinvestment," he said.
Leadership was the difference between the Phoenix facility and the well-run veterans hospital in San Antonio, he said.
"Everywhere I turned I saw excellence" at the San Antonio facility, he said. "But for leadership, Phoenix could have looked like that."
Gibson praised Congress for approving $16.3 billion to help shorten the waits, including $10 billion for veterans to get care from private doctors, called purchased care. The White House said President Barack Obama plans to sign the bill Thursday.
Veterans who live in remote areas or need specialized care should be able to see outside doctors, Gibson said, and they can help in emergencies, such as the current VA crisis. But he cautioned that outside care has limits.
"Purchased care is not a replacement for a strong and vital veterans health care system," he said.
Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP


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WHY IS the message of a poor Galilean preacher "good news for the poor"? Does he show the poor a way of escape from their misery by providing a vision of spiritual wealth? Is the message he brings suited especially for those who live in poverty and for them alone?
We cannot stop proclaiming Jesus' words today, just because for some people they sound like "pie in the sky."
How blest are you who are in need, the kingdom of God is yours. How blest are you who now go hungry, your hunger shall be satisfied. How blest are you who weep now, you shall laugh (Luke 6:20-21).
Blacks, Chicanos, and Indians, the poor minorities of North America, need the fire of these words to warm their hearts. Prisoners of oppressive governments need these words. Harassed and helpless masses running desperate behind messiahs of the right and the left in the Third World need these words. Indigenous peoples of South America, chased by the oil companies and their native agents, need these words.
These words of Jesus for the poor point to the fact that there is a God who sees and judges, who is not indifferent to the human drama behind their poverty. The history of the world is not in the hands of the powerful and the rich.
Samuel Escobar was president of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Canada, and a contributing editor when this article first appeared in The Post-American, the forerunner to Sojourners.


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63rd Castellorizian Spring Debutante Ball 2016 Full (Offical Photos)
The Castellorizian Association of NSW together with its Board of Directors has markedly exceeded expectations this year at their 63rd Spring Debutante Ball at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel. Upon entrance, guests were greeted with the sight of exquisite flower arrangements, candles and gift tokens, which were but a prelude to a superlative affair. Honoured Guest was the distinguished Professor Helen Zorbas AO, CEO of Cancer Australia. Congratulations to all. My photography encapsulates the lively spirit of a stellar evening enjoyed by all present.Read More


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text: Hi, we are experiencing a problem with the whitelist/blacklist on the global preference (but also in the per-user preference). From the ispconfig interface i'm able to setup the whitelisted address but the whitelist it's not consider from the mailserver (postfix). Mmmh try to explain better with an example. --- Eg. Destination email (email domain hosted on ispconfigserver): [email protected] Sender email (external email): [email protected] From the ISPCONFIG interface I browse in "Email" -> "Global Filters" -> "Postfix Whitelist". There I have added a new "Whitelist Record" with the following data: Server: mydestinationdomain.com (the server where mydestinationdomain.com it's hosted) Whitelist Address: [email protected] Type: Recipient (but I have tried also with Sender, and the results are not changed..) Active: yes (actived) After that, i have tried to send an email from [email protected] to [email protected] and was marked as SPAM... --- My ISPConfig version is 220.127.116.11 Someone can put me some istruction on what I can try in order to get the whitelisting working? I hope to have explain in clear way what's my problem. Thank you. Mark


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Term: Villanelle
A villanelle is one of the more complex forms. It is written in five tercets, in which the first and last lines of the first stanza alternately appear as the last lines of the subsequent stanzas, with a final quatrain repeating both lines together as the last two lines. There are only two rhymes through the whole poem, the tercets rhymed aba and the quatrain abaa, and the lines usually in iambic pentameter.
William Empson's introduction to his villanelle, 'Missing Dates', admits how rigid the rules are (and that his has a "stiff" quality") but points to Auden's naturalistic use of the form. Anne Ridler, however, in introducing her 'Villanelle for the Middle of the Way' points out that "to use very strict form is a help, because you concentrate on the technical difficulties of mastering the form, and allow the content of the poem a more unconscious and freer release". Her poem demonstrates this, with its looping meditation returning on itself just as the refrain lines do.


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Thanks for another great year!
Magic of the Night is the ultimate Halloween illusion show! Combining mystery and magic with the spookiness of October, magician Stephen Knight has created a show that appeals to young and old alike. We're gearing up for future performances, and we might even be coming to your city this fall! Stay tuned to see what 2014 has in store!
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Sheet music downloads have become the preferred method of acquiring classical music repertoire. Created by professional musicians, EveryNote.com presents classical sheet music download of over 20.000 popular and hard-to-find music scores over 1000 composers. A major Internet provider of classical sheet music files download online, EveryNote.com offers the largest and most complete digital sheet music download library on the Web in the world. Instantly download, view and print your favorite classical music score. Everynote.com currently offers thousands of classical music compositions for Piano, Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Classical Guitar, Voice, Chamber and Choral music.Many more instruments, composers, genres added every day! EveryNote.com has been featured in The New York Times, Globe and Mail, Musical America and many other publications.
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One of the greatest violin pedagogues of all time, Leopold Auer produced the greatest violin virtuosos: Mischa Elman, Jascha Heifetz, Nathan Milstein, Efrem Zimbalist, Georges Boulanger, Benno Rabinof, Kathleen Parlow, Toscha Seidel, Essy Brown, Max Rosen, Thelma Given, Mischel Piastro, Mark Pester, Oscar Shumsky, Shinichi Suzuki, and many others. Like the great pianist Franz Liszt, Auer emphasized the interpretation, style, violin tone, rather than the technical issues. Tchaikovsky dedicated his Violin Concerto to Auer. In 1918, Auer moved to America and became a violin professor of the Curtis Institute and the Juilliard School.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wes Walz or Darby Hendrickson for Assistant Coach?
Minnesota Wild Assistant Coach Mike Ramsey stepped down from his position earlier this summer. Ramsey had been with the Minnesota Wild since the start of the franchise. Some names that have been mentioned as a possible replacement include former Minnesota Wild fan favorite Wes Walz and former Mr. Hockey, Minnesota Gopher, and Minnesota Wild player, Darby Hendrickson. The Star Tribune mentioned the two names but clearly it is all speculative. I would approve of either hire, as both coaches would bring a younger attitude and have played for the organization. To purchase any Minnesota Wild tickets next season check out Ticket King!
Posted by MN Wild Freak
Labels: Darby Hendrickson, Wes Walz
2 comments:
both are good character guys. i think id prefer walz over darby...just comes off a better players coach
- July 29, 2010 at 11:04 AM
I always thought Wes Walz had a little crazy in him - didn't he refuse to play because his skates had worn out? I think he has too much OCD to be a players coach.
- August 3, 2010 at 12:39 PM
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That was made by St. John's Crystal, Isle of Man, and I was outbid on eBay for one of them!!! You see, I know a little about glass........and stuff!!
The top line of the signature, reminded me of "Zanetti", I think it reads "Zane Murano" maybe??Luca Zane?Dan
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Walls of Flesh
By Scott Wilson
Word Count: 691
"How can you stand it?" Jake asked.
"It doesn't get any easier, nor do you ever get used to it?" Patricia said.
Jake fiddled with the shotgun shell absent-mindedly, looking at the boarded up window. Only a small ray of light broke through the double layered four by two boards to give any indication of what time of day it was.
"Careful with that, boy," Patricia said. "You don't want to blow your nuts off."
Jake quickly put the shell down. He didn't know if she was serious or not about it, but didn't fancy taking the chance anyway. He was only twelve and had never held a firearm before he met Patricia. Patricia couldn't believe he'd survived for two months by himself and never used a gun. Luckily, Jake was quite small for his age and very agile. He was able to get into just about any small nook or cranny he found to hide from "them." He's scared the living crap out of Patricia when he's crawled out of the air-conditioning duct above her when she'd settled in for the night.
"How did you manage to get in here?" she said. "I thought I'd sealed every possible entrance to this place."
"Under the floorboards," Jake said. "There's a crawl space under your house. Don't worry; I don't think any of "them" could get in there."
"How'd you get into the AC from under the floor?"
Jake shrugged, "Up the wall, into the roof, then found an opening in the air-conditioner. Looks like some repairman or someone never put it back together properly."
"Do you think I'd fit in there?"
Jake looked her up and down and shook his head. She was not broad, but she was quite tall and Jake didn't think she'd be able to make it around some of the tight corners in the ducts.
"Bugger it."
The beam of light disappeared momentarily, then shone back in the small room.
"Someone's out there," Jakes said.
Patricia pumped a shell into the chamber and moved to the window. Outside, she could just see a figure moving around the pile of corpses. They were chest high and reeked horribly. Flies and maggots moved about the bodies, rippling and pulsating in an almost hypnotic rhythm. The corpses were six deep, making an effective barrier around the small office. To get to the windows now required anyone to climb over the rotting wall of flesh, which was almost an impossibility for both the living and dead.
"What is it?" Jake said.
"Looks like someone from the army or something?"
"Are they...one of them?"
Patricia looked out the gap again. She saw the figure pouring some liquid over the rotting corpses; it smelt like petrol.
"Crap!" Patricia yelled. "We've got to get out; they're going to torch the place.
Patricia rushed past Jake, scrambling to the back door of the office. It opened inwards, so they should be able to get over it to get out. She pulled on the door handle, but it wouldn't budge.
"I can smell smoke!" Jake yelled.
Patricia pulled on the handle again, pushing against the wall with her foot. Smoke poured into the office rapidly from the front walls, glass shattered from the heat behind the boards.
"There's people in here!" Patricia yelled. "Don't burn the bodies. You'll kill us."
Jake coughed harshly. He climbed back into the air-conditioning vent and hurried back along the ducts blindly. Smoke already filled the small vents, making it impossible to see more than a foot in front of him.
Patricia pumped a shell into the door, hoping it would loosen whatever blocked it outside. Blood and grey fluid oozed through the hole. She yanked on the handle again, this time it gave a little.
"Help!" she yelled.
Smoke filled Patricia's lungs, asphyxiating her quickly. She felt dizzy and fell to her knees, pulling the door open a foot. The last thing she saw before passing out was a large, rotting hand securely fastened to the doorknob.
Walls of Flesh
Out Of Control
Posted by Scott Wilson
Out of Control
By Scott Wilson
Word Count: 120
James walked casually down the road, whistling a happy tune and feeling quite chipper. After receiving a promotion that afternoon, James felt on top of the world.
"Evening, ma'am," James said to an elderly woman walking towards him.
The woman looked up and a startled expression sprung across her face. She lifted a hand slowly to point behind James.
"What?" James said, turning around quickly.
A blue and red figure hurtled towards James out of the sky, grabbing him with cold and blue, clawed hands. James flung his arms around trying to break free.
"No...not now!" James yelled.
The zombie superhero tore at James' neck with tough, yellow fangs as he flew off clumsily.
Submission Guidelines
The Fringe is open to submissions of poetry, flash fiction and short stories of any genre. Stories accepted will be published online in our Ezine and also in the monthly pdf magazine.
We are also open to submissions from artists for inclusion in the magazine.
Submissions should be in RTF format or in the body of the email. Send email submissions only to email@example.com
Currently we only offer payment for one story selected as the feature story in the monthly pdf magazine only. The successful author will be contacted to organise payment via paypal for a $5AUD payment. Authors of other accepted stories published on the webzine and in the pdf copy will receive a copy of the pdf version of the mag the story appears in.
We are open to unpublished and previously published stories up to 40,000 words in length.
About The Fringe Magazine
Here at The Fringe Magazine we publish Short Stories, Flash Fiction, Poetry in all genres and reviews of books, roleplay games, music and movies.
Our variety seems to be hiting the mark with over 100,000 views of our Online Magazine with a good spread across all articles.
Our variety seems to be hiting the mark with over 100,000 views of our Online Magazine with a good spread across all articles.?xml:namespace>From surveys we've conducted, our readers are like most people and enjoy reading all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction.
With over 350 readers visiting our site each day, we listen to the voice of the masses and try and procure books in all genres to review. To date, we have reviewed over 600 books, including; non-fiction reference, music, art, photography, gardening, cooking, Self Help, architecture, design, biographies and roleplay games.
We also review fiction in all genres; Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Horror, Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Western. We also publish Author Interviews, Paintings, Sketches, Art Work, Art Work by Susie Wilson, and non-fiction articles. The only thing you won't find at The Fringe Magazine is a bad review, if we don't like something, we won't put up a review at all.
You will also find music and dvd reviews and the occasional interview with musicians and actors.
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Memory cards are already a thing of the past, but soon you may not even need a hard drive to save your games. Sony is telling developers that the PlayStation 3 will soon be able to save games to the cloud, reports Kotaku. The new service means that PS3 users will be able to upload all their game data to remote servers, making it accessible on any PS3 they log into with the same PlayStation Network account.
Unfortunately, the new service will only be available to PlayStation Plus subscribers, Sony's equivalent of Xbox Live premium accounts. Developers can also opt out of the new service, should they not want their games to allow cloud saving. Players can also opt out of the service, should they desire. The service will be called "Online Saving" and be included in Sony's upcoming 3.60 firmware update.
The service takes Sony yet another step deeper into cloud computing. How long before the major console manufacturers begin backing up almost everything to the cloud? It may only be a matter of time before we see companies pop up to compete with OnLive, the only game streaming service currently on the market.
Still, the benefits are immense. Game consoles routinely crash, are broken, or are lost due to theft or natural disaster. Having a remote backup of all game saves means that more room is available on the PS3 to save other things and gamers can rest assure that their high score in Resistance can be stored forever.
The 3.60 firmware update should be available in the coming weeks.


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Buddhacarita Home PageFirst Chapter
The Sanskrit text of the Buddha-carita was published at the beginning of last year [i.e 1894] in the 'Anecdota Oxoniensia,' and the following English translation is now included in the series 'Sacred Books of the East.' It is an early Sanskrit poem written in India on the legendary history of Buddha, and therefore contains much that is of interest for the history of Buddhism, besides its special importance as illustarating the early history of classical Sanskrit literature.
It is ascribed to Aśvaghoṣa; and although there were several writers who bore that name, it seems most probable that our author was the contemparary and spiritual advisor of Kaniṣka in the first century of our era. Hiouen Thsang, who left India in A. D. 645, mentions him with Deva, Nāgārjuna, and Kumāralabdha, 'as the four suns which illumine the world;' Julien's translation, vol ii, p. 214.01 but our fullest account is given by I-tsing, who visited India in 673. He states that Aśvaghoṣa was an ancient author who composed the Alaṅkāra-śāstra and the Buddha-carita-kāvya, — the latter work being of course the present poem. Besides these two works he also composed the hymns in honour of Buddha and the three holy beings Amitābha, Avalokiteśvara, and Mahāsthāma, which were chanted at the evening service of the monasteries. 'In the five countries of India and in the countries of the Southern ocean they recite these poems, because they express a store of ideas and meaning in a few words.' See M. Fujishama, Journal Asiatique, 1888, p. 425.02 A solitary stanza (VIII, 13) is quoted from the Buddha-carita in Rāyamukuṭa's commentary on the Amarakoṣa I, i. 1, 2, and also by Ujjvaladatta in his commentary on the Uṇādi-sūtras I, 156; and five stanzas are quoted as from Aśvaghoṣa in Vallabhadeva's Subhāṣitāvali, which bear a great resemblance to his style, though they are not found in the extant portion of this poem Professor Peterson has remarked that two stanzas out of the five occur in Bhartṛhari's Nīti-śataka.03.
The Buddha-carita was translated into Chinese We have for the present classed the Buddha-carita with the Mahāyāna Sūtras in default of more exact information.04 by Dharmarakṣa in the fifth century, and a translation of this was published by the Rev. S. Beal in the present series [of the Sacred Books of the East]; it was also translated into Tibetan in the seventh or eighth century. The Tibetan as well as the Chinese version consists of twenty-eighth chapters, and carries down the life of Buddha to his entrance into Nirvāṇa and the subsequent division of the sacred relics. The Tibetan version appears to be much closer to the original Sanskrit than the Chinese; in fact from its verbal accuracy we can often reproduce the exact words of the original, since certain Sanskrit words are always represented by the same Tibetan equivalents, as for instance, the prepositions prefixed to verbal roots. I may here express an earnest hope that we may ere long have an edition and translation of the Tibetan version, if some scholar can be found to complete Dr. Wendzel's unfinished labour. He had devoted much time and thought to the work; I consulted him in several of my difficulties, and it is from him that I derived all my information about the Tibetan renderings. This Tibetan version promises to be of great help in restoring the many corrupt readings which still remain in our faulty Nepalese MSS.
Only thriteen books of the Sanskrit poem claim to be Aśvaghoṣa's composition; the last four books are an attempt by a modern Nepalese author to supply the loss of the original. He tells us this honestly in the colophon, — 'having searched for them everywhere and not found them, four cantos have been made by me, Amṛtānanda, — the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth.' He adds the date 950 of the Nepalese era, corresponding to 1830 a. d.; and we have no difficulty in idendifying the author. Rājendralāl Mitra in his 'Nepalese Buddhist Literature' mentions Amṛtānanda as the author of two Sanskrit treatises and one in Newārī; he was probably the father of the old paṇḍit of the Residency at Kāṭmāṇḍu, Guṇananda, whose son Indrānanda holds the office at present. Dr. D. Wright informs me that the family seem to have been the recognised historians of the country, and keepers of the MS. treasures of sundray temples. The four books are included in this translation as an interesting literary curiosity. The first portion of the fourteenth book agrees partly with the Tibetan and Chinese, and Amṛtānanda may have had access to some imperfect copy of this portion of the original; but after that his account is quite independent, and has no relation to the two versions.
In my preface to the edition of the Sanskrit text I have tried to show that Aśvaghoṣa's poem appears to have exercised an important influence on the succeeding poets of the classical period in India. When we compare the descriptions in the seventh book of the Raghuvaṁsa of the ladies of the city crowding to see prince Aja as he passes by from the Svayaṁvara where the princess Bhojyā has chosen him as her husband, with the episode in the third book of the Buddha-carita (ślokas 13-24); or the description's of Kāma's assault on Śiva in the Kumārasambhava with that of Māra's temptation of Buddha in the thirteenth book, we can hardly fail to trace some connection. There is a similar resemblance between the description in the fifth book of the Rāmāyaṇa, where the monkey Hanumat enters Rāvaṇa's palace by night, and sees his wives asleep in the seraglio and their various unconscious attitudes, and in the description in the fifth book of the present poem where Buddha on the night of his leaving his home for ever sees the same unconscious sight in his own palace. Nor may we forget that in the Rāmāyaṇa the description is introduced as an ornamental episode; in the Buddhist poem it an essential elelment in the story, as it supplies the final impulse which stirs the Bodhisattva to make his escape from the world. These different descriptions became afterwards commonplaces in Sanskrit poetry, like the catalogue of the ships in Greek or Roman epics; but they may very well have originated in connection with definite incidents in the Buddhist sacred legend.
The Sanskrit MSS. of Nepal are always negligently transcribed and abound with corrupt passages, which it is often very difficult to detect and restore. My printed text leaves many obscure lines which will have to be cleared up hereafter by more skilful emendations. I have given in the notes to the translation some further emendations of my own, and I have also added several happy conjectures which continental scholars have kindly suggested to me by letter; and I gladly take this opportunity of adding in a foot-note some of which I received too late to insert in their proper places Dr. von Boehtlingk suggests 'saujā vicacāra' in VIII, 3, and 'vilambakeśyo' in VIII, 21, — two certain emendations. Professor Kielhorn would read 'nabhasy eva' in XIII, 47 for 'nayaty eva,' and 'tatraiva nāsīnam ṛṣim' in XIII, 50. Professor Bühler would read 'priyatanayas tanayasya' in I, 87, and 'na tatyāja ca' in IV, 80.05.
I have endeavoured to make my translation intelligible to the English reader, but many of the verses in the original are very obscure. Aśvaghoṣa employs all the resources of Hindu rhetoric (as we might well expect if I-tsing is right in ascribing to him an 'alaṅkāra-śāstra'), and it is often difficult to follow his subtil turns of thought and remote allusions; but many passages no doubt owe their present obscurity to undetected mistakes in the text of our MSS. In the absence of any commentary (except so far as the diffuse Chinese translation and occasional reference to the Tibetan have supplied the want) I have necessarily been left to my own resources, and I cannot fail to have sometimes missed my author's meaning.
Prāṁśulabhye phale mohād udbāhur iva vāmanaḥ;
but I have tried to do my best, and no one will welcome more cordially any light which others may throw on the passages I have misunderstood.
The edition of the original text was dedicated to my old friend Professor F. Max Müller, and it is sincere gratification to me that this translation will appear in the same volume with similar translations from his pen.
Feb 1, 1894.
Buddhacarita Home PageFirst Chapter
last updated: August 2005


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News & Events
For the Media
Clarkson University to Host National Bioenergy Day Events on October 17
Clarkson University will celebrate the first-ever National Bioenergy Day on October 17 with a variety of events and activities, along with the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, bioenergy generators, woody biomass and switchgrass crop producers and processors, trade associations, and other universities.
National Bioenergy Day activities at Clarkson begin at 1 p.m. in the Student Center (#13 on the map at http://www.clarkson.edu/about/clarkson_map.pdf ) and will include a tour of biomass demonstration projects, including an energy cabin and greenhouse digester. At 2:15, a poster session and reception will feature biomass projects across the region. Mark Bryden, program director of the U.S. Department of Energy Ames Laboratory Simulation, Modeling and Decision Science Research Program, will speak at 3:00. Senior Project Manager Ellen Burkhard will speak about NYSERDA's Biomass Combustion Programs at 3:45, and a panel discussion will follow with state and regional biomass energy researchers and development partners at 4:00.
The complete list of Clarkson activities is online at http://bit.ly/1e654Jk . The events are free and open to the public.
Other regional events include a 1-2 p.m. Shrub Willow Biomass Harvest Demonstration at Agens Farm, 7453 East Ava Road in Boonville, N.Y. The demonstration is managed by biomass energy supplier Celtic Energy Farm, and is a collaboration by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and ReEnergy Holdings. Celtic Energy Farm also has plantings in the Cape Vincent area.
"As part of the vision to create and retain jobs in sectors important to the North Country's future, our Regional Economic Development Council's strategic plan includes the commitment to creating the greenest energy economy in New York State," says Clarkson President Tony Collins, co-chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. "The plan has actively identified the need to invest in large and small clean energy technology businesses, including biomass."
"The first National Bioenergy Day is an opportunity to educate the public about the value of bioenergy powered by wood and agricultural crops in terms of environmental sustainability and renewable jobs and revenue for rural economies," says New York Biomass Energy Alliance Executive Administrator Alice Brumbach.
In addition to consumer awareness, Brumbach says the October 17 nationwide event is also intended to inspire legislative support for the bioenergy industry. Activities in Washington, D.C., will recognize local events across the U.S.
The New York Biomass Energy Alliance is a coalition of individuals, businesses, and organizations working together to enhance support, understanding and use of sustainably produced farm and forest biomass as a source of renewable energy. The Alliance serves as a sounding board for both entrepreneurs and public officials.
Sponsors and supporters of National Bioenergy Day include the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, Clarkson University, American Council on Renewable Energy, National Association of State Foresters, Biomass Power Association, Pellet Fuels Institute, Forest Landowners, Biomass Thermal Energy Council, and other groups and associations.
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.


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Feasibility Studies
Due Diligence
Contact | Copyright 2005-2011 © Coast-To-Coast Storage.
Articles Published by RK Kliebenstein
The great debate
By RK Kliebenstein
Many investors struggle with the decision to develop a self-storage property from scratch or acquire an existing site. Their answer is likely to be a matter of economics, but additional considerations should be included in the analysis.
This trite but true real estate notion of "location, location, location" could never be more important than in consideration of self storage ownership. A mature first generation store can easily compete with a state-of-the art property if its location is superior. Conversely, a poorly located store, such as one in an industrial park or at the end of a cul-de-sac, can be buried by a development project in a locale with higher traffic and better visibility. No sacrifice should be made when it comes to location quality.
Most investors would argue the choice to develop or acquire seflstorage is driven by one of the purest of economic theories: risk vs. return. The following juxtaposition outlines the benefits and drawbacks involved in acquisition and development of self storage. A case could easily be built for either strategy.
» Return
There are few "deals" in the current self-storage market. In fact, it's a seller's market. Capitalization rates have never been lower (or prices higher), and thus returns for most projects are weak. Should a buyer elect to buy at a very low cap rate (7 percent?), all will be well—as long as cap rates remain low and continue to decrease. If cap rates rise, as some investors predict, buyers could face problems. The increase may outrun any gains in income from rental-rate increases.
Anticipated returns for an existing self storage property may be down 10 percent to 12 percent cash-on-cash, and internal rates of return may be in single digits. It should be noted that the ability to leverage existing properties at a higher initial level than development sites affects this analysis.
All-time highs in vacant-land costs coupled with unprecedented increases in raw materials and supplies have eroded developers' yields. Despite this diminution in profits, the "pay day" in self-storage lies in new builds. The increase in value from vacant land to an operating business is substantial and almost always outperforms acquisition targets.
Pro forma returns for self storage development projects (including the difference in leverage) are considerably higher than for acquisition. In fact, good development projects offer an infinite level of return at retirement if construction financing is in place, allowing the project to develop mature cash flows. Even with conservative pro forma incomes, most development projects will offer cash-on-cash returns in excess of 20 percent and internal rates of return at least in the mid-teens.
» Risk
Typically, self-storage acquisition occurs after a project has reached stabilization. Given this assumption, the buy target has a "proven" market. Historically, unless there are extenuating circumstances, physical occupancies do not significantly erode over time. In fact, rental-rate growth provides for increased gross potential income and, ultimately, greater profit and value.
The lack of available properties means the location risk is typically fixed for buy targets. Since most markets do not offer a selection of acquisitions in various locations, "what you see is what you get" sites make this a static analysis. Great concern should be given to projects in sub par locations.
Product type, including amenities, may be fixed or limited by the physical attributes of the existing site. Demand for features that are not practical or possible at an existing property may put the site at risk. For example, if a self-storage facility cannot provide climate-controlled space, it may be unable to meet the needs of the market. A buyer should forecast the need for amenities that might increase costs, for example, the addition of individual door alarms.
The inherent risk in development projects is the length of rent-up. The projected time to achieve stabilized occupancy is nothing more than a guess, hopefully an educated one. Pro forma lease-ups vary from market to market, depending on project size and type. They can range from 12 months, which is rare, to 48 months.
One of the beauties of the self-storage development opportunity is the ability to select the "right" site. While this is tempered by availability, if the risk is too great, the developer has the option of looking for an alternate location.
A "clean sheet of paper" in the development process allows new projects to meet current demand. It can also produce designs adaptable enough to meet future market needs and shifts at relatively low cost. Flexibility in the development plan may allow for the addition of amenities at less expense.
» Deployment of Capital
Aside from risk adversity, the capital component is the largest advantage of existing self storage projects. Typical leverage of up to 80 percent of the purchase price is available in acquisition financing. This lower capital requirement may allow the investor to spread risks over a wider variety of projects and locations. Sponsor quality and experience is not typically the driving influence for acquisition lending.
One of the most significant barriers to entry in the development of self-storage projects is capital intensity. While every situation is unique, typical leverage requirements for a development project range from 65 percent of cost to 75 percent of appraised value at completion of construction. The level of leverage and comfort with the developer is typically dependent on the proven abilities and experience of the sponsors.
» Personal Guarantees
It is customary for acquisition loans to offer long-term, non recourse financing in which the strength of the property and proven cash flows are the primary strength of the loan. This may mean less stringent requirements on the borrower with regard to credit worthiness, financial strength and experience.
While the value of a self storage project must substantiate the lending decision, the primary criteria for construction lending are often based on the strength of the developer. This requires the sponsors to possess financial strength, development and/or construction expertise and experience, as well as a strong self-storage background. While not all-inclusive, this summary of salient differences in the buy vs. build decision can help. It is simply a matter of risk vs. reward.
Choosing a Self-Storage Feasibility firm, what to pay, what to expect
By RK Kliebenstein
Is it always necessary to conduct a self-storage feasibility study when developing a self-storage project? If you meet any of the following criteria, you probably do not need to seek a self-storage professional to analyze your project:
If you meet any of the above criteria, consider yourself blessed. If you meet two or more and are open to blind dates, I have several relatives you need to meet! All kidding aside, there seems to be some mystique surrounding the process of conducting a self storage feasibility study. Who should you use? How much will it cost? What should you expect? Let's look at the procedure from the very beginning.
» Finding a self storage Feasibility Firm
Referrals are great, but if you are referred by someone who just thought he got a good report, it doesn't do you any good. In addition to a referral, seek other references. It is also a good idea to go into the open market and shop your options. I suggest investigating some of the following sources.
Go to industry tradeshows and visit the exhibits of companies that conduct self-storage feasibility studies. A good firm will be highly visible and available to answer questions. A tradeshow is a commitment. On average, it costs a company approximately $5,000 to exhibit (including travel and materials). If a firm is not willing to invest in meeting new prospects, you must wonder why. It could be the company just couldn't make it to a particular show; or it could be it is too busy to take on new business, financially unsound or just generally unavailable.
Articles And Seminars
Look for a firm that contributes to the industry in ways other than advertising and marketing and keeps abreast of self-storage developments beyond its particular focus. Seek a well-rounded professional who has experience and expertise in acquisitions, management, brokerage, training, operating, financing and development. Perhaps the firm has written articles or conducted seminars on some of these topics. Not only are these good ways to learn more about the self-storage feasibility process, but they may provide insight to the quality of the firm.
Trade Associations
It is a good idea to deal with firms that are members of state and national self storage associations--preferably ones active in the associations' activities. Giving back to the industry is an important part of the business process. It keeps consultants in touch with reality.
The Internet
These days, most reputable companies will have a website of some sort. If you search for a firm online, there are some things to look for: How informational is the firm's website? Can you view self-storage feasibility reports online? Are there other samples of the firm's work? Are fees listed? What about descriptions of levels of service? Are consultants' resumes posted? What kind of information is the firm willing to share?
» Cost
Last year, I had Lasik eye surgery. Tempted as I was to use the doctor with the lowest price, I had to ask myself, is this a price- or quality-driven purchase? I submit that if you are putting millions of dollars at risk (or borrowing that kind of money), saving a few thousand dollars on a study is probably not in your best interest. Here are some hints on what you can expect to receive in the different price ranges. Keep in mind that in addition to the fee, the client is expected to pay for travel and expenses.
$0-$2,999 Self Storage Feasibility
Fuhgeddaboudit. For that kind of fee, there is not much quality research or analysis a consultant can do. A knee-jerk reaction is the best this kind of analysis can produce. Pay for sufficient research so you can form an educated opinion.
$3,000-$4,999 Self- Storage Feasibility
The average consultant should charge around $75 per hour for his service. For this kind of fee, expect a one-day quickie. By the time travel and report-preparation time is included, the consultant cannot really afford to spend more than 35 to 45 hours total in this fee range. If he loses a day in travel and it takes two days to prepare the report, you might only expect him to spend a day or two on research and formulation of opinion. This fee should get you a decent report with the benefit of the consultant's instincts, but not a lot of documentation. If you are not using the report for a lender or investor, this may be all you need to spend.
$5,000-$8,000 Self Storage Feasibility
In this fee level, you should expect a very high level of service. The consultant should be spending about 40 hours or more on research alone, and at least two to three days in gathering market information. The report should be very comprehensive and demonstrate to your banker or investor the level of research and analysis that went into the consultant's opinion. At this fee level, you should also get a loan package in addition to the self storage feasibility study. (For more information, see the accompanying sidebar.)
$8,001-$10,000 Self- Storage Feasibility
This fee range should provide lots of follow-on service. The original assumptions should be updated and included at this fee, and you should get some design consulting. A unit mix is a must, so this level of service should include a beginning layout of the site, marketing plan, management plan and plenty of phone-consulting time. The consultant should invest well over 125 hours into the project. You should expect at least three to four days in the marketplace, and a significant amount of follow-up. You should also expect the consultant to offer to interact with engineers and architects in the process.
» Getting Started
You should expect the firm will send you a letter of engagement or professional-services agreement. If it uses a one-page agreement, it may say something about the relationship you can expect, i.e., shortcuts throughout the process. While the agreement or contract should not be in volumes, it should address at least the following:
» Consultant Qualifications
You should expect to pay a deposit of approximately one-half the fee, plus expenses or a travel advance at the time you execute the agreement. The consultant should provide quotes for air fares and try to save you money by booking one to two weeks out.
When obtaining a self storage feasibility study, gather the following information about your consultant:
Where did the consultant receive his training to become qualified to consult? What kind of formal or informal training does the firm have?
» The Report
Subject to its purpose, the report should contain the following essential elements:
Community Analysis
How much does the consultant research the local community? What historical perspective does he have? History repeats itself; knowing the roots of a community helps a consultant to know how it can support your project.
Neighborhood Analysis
What comments are made about the neighborhood, its growth and composure? How are commercial and retail activity characterized? What does the consultant report about residential activity?
Site Analysis
What does the consultant say about the site? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Competitive Analysis
Who are the competitors? Most important, how do they compare to your project? Where are they located? Does the consultant profile their amenities so you can compare apples to apples? Which competitors are primary and which are less important?
Rate Analysis
How many competitors' rates does the consultant survey? Do they match your unit mix? What can he tell you about why the rates may be higher or lower? How easy is it to compare profiles of the competition?
Unit Mix
How did the consultant derive your unit mix? Some would argue there is no formula that can determine a unit mix. It is an analysis based on market research, competitive data and experience.
Market Definition
What are your primary and secondary markets? Does the consultant use nice circles to define a market? Rarely is a market circular--railroad tracks, freeways, golf courses, commercial developments, mountains and major arterials can divide it. A good consultant defines the market by man-made, natural and socioeconomic barriers
Market Analysis
Does the consultant know how you will get to stabilized occupancy? Does he know from where your tenants will come? Has he discussed barriers and competitors relative to the market?
Demographic Analysis
A good study will define the primary market and analyze the demographics within it. Ask to see examples of defined market-demographic analyses. A thorough report will not only recognize and analyze the demographics of your site, but will pull reports on competitive sites to determine similarities and differences. Beware of postal counts--they do not tell the whole story.
Economic Analysis
What data does the consultant provide to determine the economics of the deal? You should see month-by-month budgets for at least five years. This data will be needed to determine returns on investment. How thorough are the pro formas? Do they allow for expense and income increases? How do they treat the lease-up period? How does the consultant determine what your operating reserve should be to carry the project during negative cash-flow periods? Is this a "plugged" or calculated number?
Exit Strategy
How are you going to exit this investment? What kind of guidance does the consultant provide? Does the report define institutional-grade criteria, and how does your project stack up? The consultant should perform three pro forma evaluations: base case, pessimistic (worst case) and optimistic (best case). He should be able to comment on how he stressed the analysis to determine the variances to base case.
Square-foot-per-capita Analysis
It is one thing to analyze the square foot per capita, but an entirely different analysis to compare it to others in your market, the top 50 and 100 U.S. markets, then the whole country. How recent is the consultant's data? How many comparisons does the report cover? How does the square foot per capita relate to the market area as defined by barriers, not circles?
Cost Analysis
To determine the return on investment, the consultant must determine how much money you are going to invest, which means a rough cost estimate is required. How does he obtain this number? How much detail does the report provide on the assumptions?
Return Analysis
How does the consultant determine if the project is viable? At minimum, you should see internal rates of return, developers' yields and cash-on-cash returns for a period of five to seven years. Look at the assumptions and make certain the consultant can tell you how he came up with the returns. Most important, how does the consultant comment on the returns specific to your project?
The accompanying sidebar provides a list of what you should see in your report. There is no substitute for hard work, sound research and prudent analysis. The instinctual, subjective analysis is invaluable when the consultant puts his experience to the test, but a good consultant can only arrive at an educated decision through research. Do not settle for shoddy or minimal investigation. Ensure the consultant avoids shortcuts and gives you the benefit of thorough fact finding and an educated opinion.
For a detailed list of self-storage consultancy firms with contact information and links, visit the Inside Self-Storage online buyer's guide at www.insideselfstorage.com and click "Consulting."
Science or seat of the pants?
By RK Kliebenstein
Some people are fortunate enough to have the Midas touch when it comes to selecting self-storage sites. The rest of us, however, need concrete guidelines and a lot of luck. What would constitute the ideal storage site? One that is:
The site would also have:
» The Scientific Approach
In the case of most development, the site will fall short of the mark in one or several of these categories. There are several search tools available to developers who are willing to make a greater than average investment in locating good sites. Keep in mind, however, that even the most sophisticated tools do very little if you do not have proper staff, experienced in self-storage, to operate them.
Demographic Applications and Services
There are demographic software programs that allow you to create layers and filters to search areas according to specific parameters. These criteria might include population density, income, land availability, traffic count, zoning, cost and size. To my knowledge, no single application catalogues all of these factors. One could be created, but it would be time-consuming and require data from a number of dissimilar sources.
There are a number of demographics services that can assist you in gathering data. The best are available online and integrate with mapping applications. Do not bother with those that are driven by ring studies. Markets are rarely circular (i.e., contained in a perfect radius). If there are any, I have yet to see them. There are a few sophisticated, GPS-driven mapping applications that allow easy data importing. The best two are MapPoint by Microsoft and Street Atlas USA by DeLorme.
Just a step down from the GIS interface is standalone chartography, which requires a dynamic link to demographic data. Adding zoning layers and parcel data will be labor-intensive but can be done. The better of these applications will permit you to import data, such as that collected from competitors in an area, from Access or Excel databases.
Computer Hardware
It would be very difficult to use any of these tools if they were only available through your desktop computer. The best solution is to create and gather the data on a desktop machine and network it via wireless connection to a laptop computer for field use.
The laptop should not just have wireless access but allow you to use the Internet even when you're not in a "hot spot" (like at Starbucks). I suggest a CMDA or similar wireless card. Your desktop and laptop machines must have at least 1 gigabyte of RAM (memory), 100 gigabytes of hard-drive space and fast processors. From there, you can weigh your options for size, weight and screen size. The desktop computer should have at least one 24-inch LCD or plasma display. If budget allows, have more than one. Wireless keyboards and mice are a given.
Digital Camera
This will help you compare features of various sites once you're back in the office. Again, you can debate the issue of physical size and added functions, but you need at least a 3.0 mega-pixel resolution and 1 gigabyte of storage. I personally opt for the Casio Slim Series, which offers form and function in a very small package. Transferring images from your camera to your computer is any easy challenge to address. The new cardto- CD direct transfer looks really inviting.
This choice is governed by whether you have your own transportation or are traveling to markets where you must rent. A conversion van is my first choice. It gives you room to set up an onboard office and allows for easy placement of LCD monitors. The generators can provide continuous power. Give me an endless budget, and I would have that previously mentioned desktop computer networked into the van! If this dream machine isn't practical, a good compromise would be a comfortable vehicle with an inverter and plenty of 12-volt power.
Seat of the Pants
Even if you equip yourself with a techno-office and ride, there is still an important component missing. It doesn't even require electricity. It is the "H" factor, the most fallible of all: the human being. You can invest thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars and still not be at the top of the game if you do not have experienced eyes and ears to collect, interpret and analyze your data.
There is something that just feels good about the right site; and an experienced professional will be able to create a self-storage success even on a less-than-perfect location. Instinct will tell him traffic patterns, site con- figuration, visibility, access, and site size and price are optimal. In the end, there is no technological substitute for the self-storage development and ownership experience.
Let's take a look at the "perfect" site selector. We'll call this person "Sam."
Do you get the picture? Site selection is easy if you are incredibly wealthy, politically connected or superhuman. For the rest of us, it requires sound research, reliable data, experienced assistance and all the right tools.
Be a wary buyer
By RK Kliebenstein
Due diligence is one of your first steps when shopping for a self storage facility, or a vacant parcel or building to convert to self-storage. When considering the purchase of a vacant land parcel or building to convert to self-storage or an existing storage property, one of your first steps is to organize your due-diligence effort. You can perform minimal tests and be subject to caveat emptor, or you can examine the asset carefully, become well-informed, and approach the seller with a caveat venditor attitude. Let the unprepared seller beware an educated buyer!
The most common question novice developers ask is "Where do I start?" Following is a partial list of necessary tasks common to new development, conversion or the purchase of an existing site:
In the case of a new development, you'll also need to evaluate the following:
Finally, if you're purchasing an existing property, you'll need to look at all the books and records, business-license requirements and the structural report.
» Go Team
If you attempt to go the DIY route, you can probably compile a lot of the information. The problem is you may not have the expertise to decipher it. For example, consider issues related to environment, survey and title, which require specialized knowledge and skills.
Many of the above tasks require the assistance of professionals. The time to assemble your due-diligence team is before you find a property, not while the clock is ticking. There are some industry consultants who can walk you through the entire process, or you can shop the services separately. Following is a list of experts you may want on your team (some are specific to development projects only):
Make sure all hires have self-storage experience. If they don't, understand there will be a learning curve. A seasoned expert is well worth the cost, especially when it comes to your broker, consultant, land planner and real estate attorney.
An experienced architect and general contractor will also be worth their weight in gold. No matter how many projects these people have completed, lack of industry expertise will cost you time and money. On the other hand, someone who knows the business will help you cut costs and minimize errors. Just remember that even specialists are human, so be patient and diligent with everyone on your team.
» Keep It Organized
Many a 5-by-5 unit could be filled with the paperwork from a good acquisition. Much of it you may want to save for a subsequent sale or refinance. These days, you can digitize your records, but you'll still have to deal with a tree's worth of paper. This is why organization is critical in due diligence.
To minimize expenses and create a logical flow, tackle tasks in a precise order. For example, the survey must be ordered before the title work can be done. Before you order the survey, you need to know the requirements of your financier and the legal owning entity. This will help establish the scope of work for the surveyor and the certification to avoid additional charges and delays in closing. The same is true for the environmental reports—the reliance language, parties and the scope should be defined in advance of the engagement.
» Challenges Along the Way
Not every seller is going to be cooperative during the due-diligence process. Sometimes a seller is reticent to provide complete financial records or even basic information. Other times, he may exert pressure on the buyer by insisting on a short due-diligence period. This increases the cost of the transaction—everything you spend on services is at risk because the deal may never close.
In either case, it may be best to walk away from the purchase. Compromising here could have consequences down the road if you decide to refinance, for example. Unless you have very deep pockets, it's best to let some Mr. Megabucks take on the risk instead.
» How Much Should You Expect to Spend?
Depending on how much time and expertise you have to handle some tasks on your own, you can expect to spend to spend $25,000 to $45,000 on due diligence for the acquisition of an existing property (less title insurance) and $60,000 to $90,000 for a new development (less fees for the general contractor and architect). This is what you should expect to pay before the closing, which means risk is involved. Good stewards will watch the timing and release of professional authorization to minimize damage on deals that don't close. Start with a good real estate broker, and then use a good real estate attorney.