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French Authorities award SRI Label to 21 mutual funds managed by Mirova
Mirova, the Natixis Asset Management subsidiary dedicated to responsible investment, has been granted the French Government-backed SRI label for 21 of its managed funds, spanning its entire product range and representing 2.2 billion euros of assets under management (source: Mirova as of June 30, 2016).
Created by the French Ministry of Finance in early 2016, with the support of Asset Management professionals, this public Label aims at giving Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) management an extra visibility with savers. It will make to easier for investors to identify financial products integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into their investment process. To qualify for certification, funds must satisfy several requirements, including:
- Transparency vis-à-vis investors (in terms of investment objectives and process, analysis, portfolio holdings, etc.)
- Use of ESG criteria in investment decision making,
- Long-term approach to investing,
- Consistent voting and engagement policy,
- Measured and reported positive impacts.
Mirova's commitment to SRI dates back to over 30 years ago, and has always been driven by the conviction that sustainable development themes provide investors with solutions that create environmental, social, and financial value over the long term. By granting its entire retail fund range – featuring 3 fixed-income and 8 equity strategies – with this newly brand new public label, Mirova is acknowledged as a demanding pioneer of responsible investment.
Philippe Zaouati, CEO of Mirova, reacts to the news: "As we are fully committed to responsible investment, it was only natural for us to submit a great number of the funds managed by Mirova and largely distributed throughout our various networks for labelling. The grant of these labels demonstrates the relevance of our rigorous and global approach. Although we are convinced that responsible finance could play a role in solving the challenges we currently face throughout the world, it can only be developed with the support of the general public. These labels give investor confidence, along with means to measure the real impact of their investments."
Any reference to a ranking, a rating or an award provides no guarantee for future performance results of the fund or its manager.
SRI labelled fund list
- Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund
- Horizon Actions Monde
- Mirova Europe Sustainable Equity Fund
- Fructi Actions Européennes
- Mirova Euro Sustainable Equity Fund
- Fructi Euro ISR
- Ecureuil Bénéfices Responsable
- Mirova Global Energy Transition Equity Fund
- Mirova Global Water & Agriculture Equity Fund
- Mirova Europe Real Estate Securities Fund
- Foncier Investissement
- Mirova Europe Environmental Equity Fund
- Ecureuil Bénéfices Environnement
- Fructi Actions Environnement
- Insertion Emplois Dynamique
- Ecureuil Bénéfices Emploi
- Fructi Emploi France
- Mirova Green Bond Global
- Mirova Euro Sustainable Aggregate Fund
- Fructi ISR Obli Euro
- Mirova Euro Sustainable Corporate Bond Fund
Funds are subject to risk of capital loss.
The characteristics, fees and risk return profile connected to investment in the fund are described in the Key Information Investor Document (KIID) of theses funds. You must examine the KIID, which will be given to you prior to subscription. The KIID and periodic documents are available from Mirova upon request and on the www.mirova.com and www.nam.natixis.com websites. These funds are either managed by Mirova or Natixis Asset Management.
About Natixis
Natixis is the international corporate, investment, insurance and financial services arm of Groupe BPCE, the 2nd-largest banking group in France with 35 million clients spread over two retail banking networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne.
With more than 16,000 employees, Natixis has a number of areas of expertise that are organized into three main business lines: Corporate & Investment Banking, Investment Solutions & Insurance, and Specialized Financial Services.
A global player, Natixis has its own client base of companies, financial institutions and institutional investors as well as the client base of individuals, professionals and small and medium-size businesses of Groupe BPCE's banking networks.
Listed on the Paris stock exchange, it has a solid financial base with a CET1 capital under
Basel 3(1) of €12.4 billion, a Basel 3 CET1 Ratio (1) of 11.0 % and quality long-term ratings (Standard & Poor's: A / Moody's: A2 / Fitch Ratings: A).
(1) Based on CRR-CRD4 rules as reported on June 26, 2013, including the Danish compromise - without phase-in except for DTAs on tax-loss carryforwards and pro forma of additional phase-in of DTAs following ECB regulation 2016/.
(2) Figures as at June 30, 2016
About Mirova
Mirova offers a global responsible investing approach involving Equities, Fixed Income, General and Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Impact Investing, and Voting and Engagement. It has €6 billion in assets under management and €40 billion in Voting and Engagement. Its team of circa 60 multidisciplinary experts include specialists in thematic investment management, engineers, financial and environmental, social and governance analysts, project financing specialists and experts in solidarity finance.
www.mirova.com @Mirova_RI
Source: Mirova – 30/06/2016.
Mirova - Limited liability company - Share capital €7 461 327,50 - RCS Paris 394 648 216 – Regulated by AMF under n° GP 02014 - 21 quai d'Austerlitz – 75013 Paris
About Natixis Asset Management
Natixis Asset Management ranks among the leading European asset managers1 with €349 billion in assets under management and 712 employees2. Natixis Asset Management offers its clients tailored, innovative and efficient solutions organised into six investment divisions:
Fixed income, European equities, Investment and client solutions, Structured products and volatility developed by Seeyond, Global emerging developed by Emerise, and Responsible Investing developed by Mirova.
1 Source: IPE Top 400 Asset Managers 2015 ranked Natixis Asset Management as the 46th largest asset manager based on global assets under management, and by the country of the main headquarters and/or main European domicile, as of 31 December 2014.
2 Source: Natixis Asset Management - Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited as of 30 June 2016.
Reference to a ranking does not indicate the future performance of the fund manager.
Seeyond is a brand of Natixis Asset Management. Emerise is a brand of Natixis Asset Management and Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited with teams in Paris and Singapore. Natixis Asset Management Asia Limited is an asset manager, 100% subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management.
Mirova is a subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management.
Natixis Asset Management - Limited liability company - Share capital €50 434 604,76 - Regulated by AMF under n°GP 90-009 – RCS Paris n°329 450 738 - Registered Office: 21 quai d'Austerlitz – 75 634 Paris Cedex 13.
Press Contacts:
Sonia Dilouya - Natixis
Phone: +33 1 58 32 01 03
Email: email@example.com
Bérengère Savelli – Mirova
Phone: +33 44 50 58 73
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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I watched the first Super Bowl in 1967, and it was one of the great TV viewing experiences of my life.
The resonant, rock-steady call of play-by-play announcer Ray Scott and the 35-10 throttling that my beloved Green Bay Packers gave the brash Kansas City Chiefs was all any teenage sports fan could hope for — and then some. The pageantry, primitive as it was by today's outrageous standards, was pretty exciting to a 17-year-old boy.
I have watched every Super Bowl since, hoping to recapture that TV high. But I won't be watching this one Sunday on NBC.
I made that...

subset: commoncrawl


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Historic Newport Mansions
Eleven meticulously preserved and restored estates compose the famous Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Islands. The Newport Mansions date back to the 1700 and 1800s. The grand homes were primarily the summer residences for America's high society such as the Vanderbilts. The estates are of myriad architectural styles including Victorian and Gilded Age. Tours of the Newport Mansions include inside views of certain estates. The Breakers, owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt, II, is the most famous of the Newport Mansions, and features 70 rooms. The Elms mansion most often reminds visitors of the Great Gatsby. The Hunter House is also a popular stop along the Newport Mansions tour. The mansions are within walking distance of each other. Special events at select mansion are held throughout the year.


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Watch Two Miraculous High School Buzzer-Beaters — Which One Is More Impressive? [VIDEOS, POLL]
March Madness isn't just for the college game.
Take a look at these two buzzer-beaters. One is an unlikely game-winning three-point shot that came after an inbounds pass bounced off the backboard during a Michigan state regional final between Sacred Heart and Fulton that gave Sacred Heart a 49-47 win.
The other is a wild, nearly full-length shot as the halftime buzzer sounded in a sectional playoff game in Iowa for Central DeWitt in its matchup against MOC-Floyd Valley. The basket was made by a player who averages 1.3 points per game and wound up being crucial, since Central DeWitt won, 69-67.


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Here at Azamara Club Cruises, we love to travel. And we know other people who love to travel. So every December, we find ourselves wondering "What's the perfect holiday gift for a travel lover?"
Luckily, we have the email addresses of several travel experts. So we posed the question: what travel-related gifts do you plan to give, or hope to receive this year? The result is a list that features something for everyone, from luxury lovers to tech junkies. Thanks to these great gift ideas, your holiday shopping just got a little easier!
Lee Abbamonte, Writer
"My number one gift would be a comprehensive annual travel insurance policy. That is some real value that people often forget about, or don't like to think about - but you're always happy when you have it, and have peace of mind."
Great suggestion, Lee! That's a great gift for anyone who has travel plans in 2015.
Bonnie MacLaird, Blogger
"A nice two time zone watch - or how about access to all the First Class airline lounges!"
We love the Zürich Weltzeit watch from NOMOS, perfect for the busy world traveler.
Jenna Pimentel, Photographer
"I'm snap happy with my camera and my iPhone. So for me, I can't live or travel without portable chargers that provide extra juice for my iPhone and iPad. It's awesome for when you're out and about, or on a long-haul flight. Nothing is worse than when you want to take that last video or picture and your phone dies. Nooooo!"
Jenna recommended this stylish charger from Photojojo, which holds two full 100% charges AND has two USB ports, so you can charge two devices at the same time.
Carrie Finley-Bajak, Writer
"The top of my list is a universal global wi-fi account that works everywhere, with unlimited data. The next best thing would be a membership to a wine of the month club that is catered around a destination or region that I want to discover. Love at first sip."
Great idea, Carrie! It sounds like Cellars Wine Club's "International" package is for you. It's the perfect gift idea for people who love travel and wine. Here's another idea - one of these top ten cruises for wine lovers!
More Gift Ideas From the Azamara Team
Check out even more great gift ideas for travel lovers on our Pinterest page! Below are some of our favorites:
The Olloclip 4-in-1 camera lens is perfect for Instagram-loving wanderlusts.
This Moleskine Voyageur Traveller's Notebook will make a thoughtful gift for anyone with an Azamara cruise coming up. What a great way to keep a diary of your adventures!
The ideal gift for someone who's just come back from an Azamara cruise? These mini photobooks! What a fun to show off your Instagram photos in real life.
For the seasoned traveler on your holiday shopping list: a cork globe to keep track of the places you've been.
Don't forget to put an Azamara cruise on your own wish list! And from everyone at Azamara Club Cruises, Happy Holidays!
Other Blogs You May Like...
The best shore excursions for active people
No matter where you journey on your next cruise, to see the real beauty of a destination you need to head out and explore – we believe the real treasures...
Viewing The World Through A Local Lens
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." – Mark Twain Why do we travel? Not just to check items off a bucket list, or snap...
The 16 Most Iconic Bridges In The World
In 2018 we're making a 102-day journey from Sydney to London, giving you the opportunity to see two of the world's most iconic bridges. In anticipation...
Are you excited for your next Azamara voyage?
Enter your email address below for exclusive offers, updates, and news. Don't miss out!


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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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Giovanni Battista Mazzaferrata short biography
One of the important Italian composers, Giovanni Battista Mazzaferrata studied with Tarquinio Merula. Mazzaferrata was appointed master of the chapel at the Vercelli Cathedral. Other Mazzaferrata's services included the Accademia della Morte in Ferrara. Mazzaferrata's compositions played a significant role in formation of the younger generation of composers. Mazzaferrata's both secular and sacred works were popular and were included in many editions and reprints.
More Songs sheet music download on EveryNote.com
Songs sheet music download on EveryNote.com
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What battle strategy can i use to kill ssseth in the jungle and anoobis in the crypt?
I just took Anoobis down with a Taurog-worshiping Monk.
In other news, Monk is still a top tier class (even if damage after defence rounds up and not down now). Taurog is quite good (spell piety loss isn't crippling like the beta, and +10 base attack is...really good). But more to the point, Taurog and Monk are disgustingly good together as Taurog gets both Monk's defences up to near the 66% cap, while also subtracting 5 more damage on top of that (circumventing the cap), and Taurog gives Monk a badly needed +20% attack.
I'd be surprised if there's a Class/Deity combo stronger than Taurog Monk, to be honest. Taurog more than doubles Monk's physical effectiveness, and due to double regen Monk was already a contender for best physical class.


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The recent discovery of state Rep. Jesse White's multiple online personalities making anonymous attacks on his constituents cast a light on the dark reality of the Internet and cyberbullying.
The anonymity provided by the Internet oftentimes can be hurtful to those being targeted, but even vicious attacks aren't necessarily illegal because they're typically protected by free speech.
Cyberbullying, once thought to be a tool utilized mostly by young kids and teens on social networking sites, is becoming an increasingly popular way to attack others or humiliate them.
Mary Jo Podgurski, director of Washington Hospital Teen Outreach, said it typically is the product of someone who is "not courageous enough" to have a face-to-face disagreement with an opponent.
"It's a very easy and anonymous way to be a bully," Podgurski said. "People do really hurt each other. It's a very vicious cycle."
In her experiences, she's noticed young people usually stick to sending nasty text messages or posting attacks through Facebook. It's the adults who are more comfortable with anonymous comments through Internet message boards or even posting lewd photos of an ex.
"It's an underhanded way to slander someone and hit them hard," she said. "You can make specific insults, and they don't think it's traceable."
And, in most cases, it is very difficult for average people who are being attacked on Internet to find their cyberbully.
Tracking a cyberbully
All Internet users leave behind a cybersignature that can be traced to a computer or Internet provider, but unlocking that information can be nearly impossible for the average person.
When a television station first reported that White was behind anonymous attacks on a Marcellus Shale website, the Observer-Reporter staff began investigating whether his alter egos also left comments on the newspaper's website. It took hours to match White's Internet protocol address from his verified account to two messages he posted under the pseudonym of Janice Gibson earlier this year.
In most cases, though, people must utilize the courts to reveal information, through which investigators can subpoena Internet records.
North Strabane Township police Detective John Wybranowski handles the cybercomplaints in the department and said they're seeing more cases involving harassment on Facebook than anything else. He said it's often difficult to determine if a crime has been committed since what a person is permitted to say under free speech laws must be taken into consideration.
"A threat of violence we have to take very seriously," he said.
Although the district attorneys in Washington and Dauphin counties are investigating White's comments, it's unknown if he broke any laws with his online antics. Prosecuting such crimes can be difficult, Wybranowski said, adding many police departments don't have the training or resources to handle these investigations.
First, an officer needs to obtain a court order to obtain the Internet Protocol number identifying the computer a suspect used to post the information. Next, a search warrant needs to be signed by a judge giving police permission to enter a home and seize electronic devices.
"The amount of work needed to investigate cyberbullying is phenomenal," said Wybranowski.
That adds another level of difficulty, he said, because there can be four or five devices in a home, and each would need to undergo a forensic examination.
"Then you have to resolve that all the way back to determine who did the posting," he said, adding that it's often easier to extract a confession, especially when more than one person has access to computers in a residence.
"In Pennsylvania, the laws need to catch up with the technology, and it's changing so fast," he said.
There are various bills snaking their way through the state Legislature that would deal with cyberbullying or target online impersonators.
House Bill 764 would make it illegal for someone to use another person's name to create a website, post messages on social networking sites, open an online account or send electronic messages. Ironically, White voted in favor of this bill just three weeks before his online personalities were revealed.
Joseph Schwerha, an associate professor of business law and technology at California University of Pennsylvania, said it might be difficult to enact laws and enforce them when free speech is so important for our society. He pointed to other countries that crack down on radical beliefs many would consider offensive but must be allowed here.
"We've always protected speech at the cost of illegitimate opinions," Schwerha said. "There are parts of the world where there are hate speech laws, which we protect in the U.S."
But Schwerha, who has worked on cybercrimes and online identity theft for two decades, said the anonymity of the Internet sometimes brings out the worst in people. What he found most interesting about White's situation is that he created an army of faux online personalities to support his opinions and push forward his agenda.
"When people don't have to reveal their true identity, they seem to say or do things they wouldn't otherwise because they can shield their reputation," Schwerha said.
Online message boards attached to news articles offer readers an outlet to express themselves, but also an opportunity to launch attacks against their foes.
When the Observer-Reporter redesigned its website in November, Editor Liz Rogers said they hoped the new commenting feature would engage readers and produce energetic conversations. Instead, she said, it spawned a "mob mentality" of nasty comments that were nearly impossible to police by the staff.
"It degenerated into a bunch of name-calling and insults," Rogers said. "It just got downright nasty."
The newspaper pulled the plug on the commenting feature in March after one reader – not Jesse White – continuously posted lewd comments and personal attacks aimed at staff members despite attempts to block him from the site. Rogers said the newspaper could eventually restore the message board, but only if it can implement a system that requires readers to register using their real names and email addresses.
"We were extremely disappointed about how it turned out," Rogers said. "It wasn't constructive. We hoped the dialogue would be something that would benefit both the community and staff."
Podgurski isn't surprised that the comments quickly turned ugly. She pointed to a recent online cereal advertisement that featured a biracial family. Despite receiving many supportive comments, it had to be censored because of the unrelenting attacks by a few users.
"Sometimes they're just so flat out disrespectful that you don't want to post them," Podgurski said. "We're suppose to have the Golden Rule."
Ultimately, she thinks that the online discourse displayed by Internet users is just an indication of the times.
"They see a lot of anger in the political theater and on the media. I think it's cultural," Podgurski said. "We have a cultural problem with respect, and cyberbullying is a part of that."
Staff writer Scott Beveridge contributed to this story.


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Meet your fellow owners in our Owners Clubs
Pontiac Vibe Prices Paid and Buying Experience
I am on the same boat as wux and kathyc2. My hang up is cash for clunkers. I would not get the loyalty rebate, but this is what I was told on my test drive. More rebates and incentives on G6 then Vibe as Vibes are selling just fine, but there is not any reason to change any incentives as all of these Pontiacs need to go. In fact you will see the '10s(2.4 1SB) now being offered at invoice of 19k where air conditioner is standard. I drove a car with no preferred package,auto, air but with premium wheels and the dealer had the price at 16862 with the loyalty credit built in. Unfortunately, I was told that I would need to add 1k back for the loyalty not applying to me.0
Tiger, don't know if it's been announced to the public yet, but my dealer tells me July rebates are the same for 2009 models and 2,500 for 2010 models. Even on the 2010's supply is limited, so if you are interested you probably shouldn't wait too long.0
Kathyc, I just saw the rebates for 10 as you had mentioned and you are right, the supply is limited for sure. I am waiting for the cash for clunkers details to worked out.0
Good luck! Hopefully, there will still be some around.
Just sealed the deal on a 1.8 w/ air, auto and perferred. Pick it up tomorrow.
Are you going with the 1.8 or 2.4?0
Enjoy the new ride! I am looking at a 2.4. Please post your price if you can and the model year. Did u take the rebates or the 72 month 0%?0
There was a trade in involved, so discussing price is moot. I did get a very good deal though!
We test drove both the 2.4 and 1.8 quite a bit, and while the 2.4 did have quite a bit more power, the 1.8 was sufficient. The extra 4 MPG w/ gas at 2.50 was not much more, but my guess is during the course of ownership gas will be double to triple current prices.
We came out better much taking the rebates since only 60% was financed and my credit union has rates currently at 4.6%.0
wux Posts: 18Here is the price information on a Red Vibe GT we got on 6/30/2009:
Current MSRP: $20,875 + $1,050(Auto) + $700(Sunroof) + $295(Alarm) + $53(CargoCover)+$635(Dist. Charge) = $23,615
Current Invoice: $22,215
Price paid: $17,425+$300(SC car tax) +275 (other fees)=$18,000
Hope it may help.
1) Dealer had this car since 9/2008 at a then lower MSRP of $22,000 and Invioce of $20,783.
2) We were told that there is a $680 dealer added "car care protection system" on the car, not sure what it is, likely worthless.
3) We also had $3,441.47 GM card reward, so final cost for us is $14,558.53.
4) Would like to trade in our silver 03 base vibe with 65,000 miles and top condition. Did not work out, as dealer's offer was very low. Edmunds' trade-in value is about $6,900. We'll be happy to get that much. How hard will it be to sell the car? What is the best way to it?
Sounds like you got a great deal. $300 below the OLD invoice amount!
Not sure if this is the best way to sell privately, but these methods have been successful for me in the past.
1. Totally detail the car inside and out. Make it as clean and shiny as those on the lot.
2. Take it to a well known trusted garage (I've used the dealer garage) and pay for them to give it a total inspection, the same as if you were looking to buy the car. Make sure you get their written checklist and make copies to give to those interested in buying.
3. Get the Carfax report on it and also make copies.
4. Advertise both on the internet, paper and on free community bulletin boards.
5. Put for sale signs on the car and make sure it is at visible well traveled areas.
6. Let family, friends and co-workers know that is for sale. Even if they aren't looking they may know someone who is. Buying from someone you know or knows someone you know makes people more open to buying privately.
7. Use the internet to really research how much you should ask. Look how many similar vehicles are for sale in your area, and how much they are asking. Leave yourself some wiggle room between the asking price and how much you really want. No one wants to pay full price for anything!
Good luck!0
Just saw this on Pontiac site for 2.4L -> 12877.93.0
bh1973 Posts: 1I just paid $13990 for a brand new (80 miles) 2009 Vibe 1.8 auto w/preferred power package (sticker was $19650). With tax & tags I was otd for $14415.50 in North Carolina. If I add the $140 for the one way rental car to pick it up + $40 I spent on a Carfax, I was just under $14600.
Got it from a guy on Ebay who bought it for 16800 otd - a ton of GM cash he had accumulated. His intention was to sell it so he could pocket the difference. But he was unable to get his original asking price, so he put it on Ebay for $13990 in the hope it would be bid up. It wasn't and I got it.
This was about $2100 less than I could have worked a dealer down to on an otd price. I financed with a 60 month, 3.9% loan from Pentagon Federal that I plan on paying back in half the time, so add about $720 in interest.
I'm thrilled with this deal! I would have preferred a 2009 Mazda3 hatchback, but would have been hard pressed to get a manual for under 19k otd.0
gflights Posts: 1White Manual Vibe with Anti-theft, 2.4L, A/C Front/rear vents, $150 audio system and that is with all discounts and negotiations in Burlingame, CA. I have not ever had a GM car in my life nor had I accumulated any of those 'GM Points' or what not.
Good or sour deal?
The car was just delivered from another location and I can possibly refuse delivery, or not.
$16.5K puts the actual car price ~$14.5K because 9.25% tax, license and registration neared $2K0
jfritsch Posts: 958I'm assuming the msrp is about 21000. This is a good deal on this vehicle. I'm sure we are talking about an 09.
Congratulate yourself for not voluntarily being on GM's leash with the GM card. Cards with cashback you can spend on anything or low interest rule. Having GM "allow" more points on heaps they need to move, and limiting points on hot models was for the birds. (as is GM itself now)
Good luck
White Manual Vibe with Anti-theft, 2.4L, A/C Front/rear vents, $150 audio system and that is with all discounts and negotiations in Burlingame, CA. I have not ever had a GM car in my life nor had I accumulated any of those 'GM Points' or what not.
Good or sour deal?
The car was just delivered from another location and I can possibly refuse delivery, or not.
$16.5K puts the actual car price ~$14.5K because 9.25% tax, license and registration neared $2K0
I've gotten an offer from the dealer on a 2009 GT with Automatic and A/C. Credit union members get "Supplier pricing" + $250 cash back. The OTD offer was $20,583. This includes about $1500 in tax, title and transfer fees plus $2750 in rebates. The dealer also included $915 in "Event Savings". It's not clear from the dealer site what that includes.
Going by Edmunds, Invoice + Destination - Holdback should be about $21,200 before rebates. With $2750 in rebates + $915 in "Event Special", is $17,535 a reasonable price to start as my base before factoring in dealer profit? Also, there's a $500 manufacturer to dealer incentive through the end of the month.0
Some of the local dealers have 2009 GTs for sale as new that came from other dealers out-of-state. They all include the destination fee on the window sticker. But wouldn't that have been paid by the first dealer? If so, does that mean that can be negotiated as part of the price?0
The destination fee is part of the price... If the first dealer paid it, then you can guarantee that the next dealer paid the first dealer the full amount that they were out on the car...
In other words, the second dealer's cost is the same as the first dealer..
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator0
"In other words, the second dealer's cost is the same as the first dealer.."
Sure. I get that. But normally destination is considered non-negotiable. In this case, I'm wondering if it can at least be negotiated since it's no longer "required"? I also noticed that the out-of-state cars have lower MSRP. Is that an indicator that they have been sitting around for a while (besides having come from out-of-state)?0
The destination is broken out.. but, it isn't paid separately... It's just part of the price of the car... like the base price, or any option..
Out of state cars having a lower MSRP? Two possibilities...
Older inventory, before a price increase..
Or... PZEV cars sometimes are priced about $200 more vs. non-PZEV cars.. These are usually found in CARB states.. Not sure if this even applies to Vibes (or even if a CARB state could sell a non-PZEV car.
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator0
OK. I'm sure the dealers would balk at giving up the destination charge but I can always ask.
I'm pretty sure that those lower MSRPs are from older inventory.0
fartlekman Posts: 1Wow...even lower than in July? I paid 13,400 for a 09 hot red metallic Vibe 1.8 liter manual trans just last Thursday!
I'm trying to work out a deal for a 2010 Vibe w/ sun and sound, chrome wheels, cargo cover, fog lights. Dealer took $1500 ($500 cash back + $1,000 for four "$250 coupons" he can give away) off the "supplier price" of $23418. So, I'm looking at $21,918 - less $3500 for CARS program, $1,000 GM Card earnings, and $750 for USAA member discount... for a grand total of $16,668 + MD 6% tax and fees.
After reading some of the forums, I'm thinking I should counter the supplier starting price with something closer to $22,000, even though Edmunds TMV is $23,170 (which is only $248 less than dealer's supplier price). Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!0
Build your car using this site so that you can see GMS (employee) pricing. Compare the employee pricing with the supplier price before any rebates. The $500 from the dealer is standard. The $1000 is not so that's something to keep in mind when comparing prices as that's money they are giving that you don't have to give up. When I was comparing supplier to employee pricing on the 2009s, there wasn't a huge gap between the two, about $400.0
Thanks for your input, novidriver. I found out late yesterday that GM just added an additional $2000 cashback for the 2010 Vibe. So, I jumped at it (MSRP - $24,260. My cost, after $2500 cashback, $3500 CARS, $1K GM Card, $750 USAA discount, $1000 dealer "coupons" is $14,668. Even w/out the CARS discount, it's about 25% off MSRP.) OTD price, w/ MD 6% tax, title fees, etc. = $16,341. We're picking up the new car tomorrow!0
Very nice! Now I wished I could have waited a week so I could have gotten my first preference on color for a new Vibe and a model a year newer than I bought! Oh well, it was still a good deal, just not as good as the one you're getting!0
johnb62 Posts: 3Just purchased one of the last 09's in my area about three weeks ago. Base version, 1.8 liter, automatic, air....Cash for clunker $4500 plus $4000 rebates and GMS pricing I financed $9,696 with $100 down....I love this car. Only 1k miles and am already getting 32.6 in mixed driving.0
May I ask all the features of your car?
I got a 1.8L auto w/ air, dvd, power everything, and cargo cover for OTD price of $12K... I'm sure I paid a bit more than I should have.. but I'm curious what extra options your car had.0
Sorry.. forgot to add that OTD = w/ Cash for Clunkers 4.5K0
coffmlu Posts: 20So how much should I expect to pay for a 2010 with the preferred package, Automatic, and AC? MSRP is 20285 and invoice is $19246. It looks like there is still $3000 cashback available. So, invoice minus that is $16246. Should I be able to get it for less than that? Thanks for your help!0
This discussion has been closed.


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The second part of the synchromystic trilogy: "Contact? Check!". In this installment we continue looking into the WTC and Giza connection using Arnold Schwarzenegger and the West Kennet Checkerboard ("Pyramid Stargate") crop circle as synchromystic grid map.
The motivation: to establish that higher consciousness is in fact in contact with us right NOW (indeed, how could it be otherwise?). This can be interpreted as coded messages left by vastly intelligent non time or space bound interstellar entities (sometimes this is a helpful belief system) but more simply and elegantly, in my mind, just the awakening of the self into cosmic consciousness. The small mind waking into Buddha mind. The lifting of the veil of Maya (2012 resonance). And the end of the Kali Yuga...or some such pseudo spiritual rambling, you know the type.
Part 3, soon...
Thanks to Craig for emailing me about the WTC Poster Pi symbol!
Who is the Master who makes the grass green? - Zen Koan
A few words on synchromystic theory: When I look into a subject in pop culture, take pyramids for instance, patterns start to appear. The helicopter and the taxi are good examples. When you look long enough a kind of meta-narrative starts to unfold, told non-locally through connections to the central theme, in this instance the pyramid. Obviously, part of the story is in one's own mind and belief system. This is no reason for dismissing the result, but important for the viewer to bear in mind (the viewer is encouraged to draw his/her own conclusions on sync points). You can branch off and start looking at the taxi or helicopter itself, which adds more contextual patterning. 'Corn' is another example of a subject that keeps popping up when looking into this sync web. I have not yet tried to put it (corn) into context, but I have many ideas about how it fits. Actors, set design and words, literally anything, are deconstructed for connections and synchronicities. It is as if you are starting to look at the neural pathways of God or Brahman. Made visible by the Internet and the impending eschaton perhaps? Nexus points or nodes (like pyramid or helicopter) where ideas come together start sticking out of the seemingly chaotic noise of concepts and data points. 'Checkerboard design' or 'helicopter' become nexus points in the hive mind, which no matter where or how it is represented, becomes relevant. Even more so if seen in the presence of other important information bits (example Arnold/Taxi/Helicopter/Reptilian Alien, etc, all in "Predator"). This is either a small taste of the emerging new consciousness ranted upon at length by the ever blossoming spiritually open-minded or, to the sceptical, evidence of a new breed of techno-neurosis. Either way it helps me feel connected to a seamless pattern of such awe-inspiring beauty and elegance that I am humbled into a state of divine awareness of the immediate moment and its unlimited potential (sometimes...I still have bad days). That in itself is reward enough for me. The '2012' and 'Illuminati' themes are 'exterior' level games; 'internally' all is already bliss, union and perfect balance. Yet I am very happy 'externally' to be part of the game and welcome the perceived challenges ahead.
Oh yes, this was supposed to be about synchromystic theory, hmmm...just look at the videos and keep asking yourself, "Who is the Master that makes the synchromystic magick, really?"


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Google Analytics is a fantastic tool with a lot of functionality but many webmasters don't get the most out of their Google Analytics account. Kind of like we don't use all of our brain, you may not be using all of the Google Analytics' functions. Here are 9 Google Analytics features you aren't using but should be. As an added note, if you aren't using Google Analytics at all, you need to sign up now and make sure you take advantage of these 9 features.
Custom Variables
According to Google, "custom variables are name-value pair tags that you can insert in your tracking code in order to refine Google Analytics tracking. With custom variables, you can define additional segments to apply to your visitors other than the ones already provided by Analytics."
If it sounds confusing, you're not alone. However, Google has a comprehensive document on their website that describes custom variables in more detail and also guides you in setting them up.
- Google Analytics Custom Variables, Part I: Why?
- Custom Variables, Part II: The Code
- Custom Variables, Part III: Slots
Advanced Table Filters
Using advanced filtering can save you time. Instead of having to wade through pages of keyword results, for example, you can filter these keywords out using several filters including bounce rate, average time on site and pages viewed per visit. Watch this video from Google to learn more about how to use advanced table filters.
Advanced Segmentation
Advanced Segmentation allows you to create more defined reports generated from your Google Analytics data. Google Analytics captures a lot of data and sorting through the available information can easily overwhelm novice users. Using advanced segmentation gives you more precise control of this data.
- Setup Google Analytics Advanced Segmentation
- What's the difference between advanced segments and filters?
Weighted Sort
Weighted Sort is relatively new to Google Analytics. The feature provides you with another way to dig deeper into your data to obtain more actionable information. It is easy to initiate a weighted sort on your existing data, find the information you were looking for, and revert back to the standard sort.
- Your New BFF: Weighted Sort in Google Analytics
- Google Analytics Weighted Search is a License to Print Money
Analytics Intelligence
Google Analytics Intelligence allows you to create custom alerts based on specific events. Google Analytics Intelligence monitors your data in near real-time and can alert you when a significant event occurs, based on your preset data. You simply name the alert and then set the conditions.
For example, you can set up an alert to be notified when visitors from Phoenix post a 50% decreased time on site when compared to the previous day. Setting up the alerts is simple but it will take some tweaking to determine what type of data you want to generate an alert.
IP Exclusion
When monitoring your traffic data, you don't want to count your own personal and employee visits to the site as this could skew your results. Think about how many times you, your Webmaster, web designers, etc visit your site during a big project. If you have millions of visits per month this may not make much of a difference but if you have a smaller site, these visits could overshadow your real traffic numbers. You can't make solid website-based business decisions if you don't know your actual traffic.
Stat Comparison
Google Analytics allows you to compare your existing statistics to previous data. You can compare this week's traffic to last week's or this even this year's traffic to last year's traffic. As an added bonus, you can schedule automatic comparison reports that are delivered to your inbox regularly.
There are several ways to use stat comparison to better your site but one example is figuring out what happened to keywords that once generated significant traffic for your site. If you are no longer receiving new traffic based on an important keyword, but you were at one point in the past, you can begin to focus on that keyword again. If you never bothered with stat comparisons then you wouldn't know that you're losing important keyword-based traffic.
- How do I compare different metrics or date ranges for a single report?
- Using Google Analytics to Compare Traffic from Different Periods of Time
Goals and Funnels
Google defines goals and funnels as:
Goals – A goal is a website page that serve as conversions for your site.
Funnels – A funnel represents the path that you expect visitors to take on their way to converting to the goal
Goals and funnels allow you to track specific conversions on your site. If your conversions are low, you can make the necessary changes to increase your site conversions.
- Google Analytics in Depth: Goals and Funnels
- What are the different goal types and how do I create each one?
AdWords Integration
If you are a Google AdWords customer, then you must integrate your AdWords account into your Google Analytics account. You will be able to better track the visits generated from your AdWords ads and get the most bang for your buck.
If you're already a seasoned Google Analytics user, what are your favorite features?


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NEW YORK-At a press conference organized by the New York State Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association, leaders of New York bar associations today urged the state Legislature to bring an end to legal discrimination against same-sex couples who wish to marry in New York.
In calling for a marriage equality law, the bar associations said existing laws discriminate against same-sex couples in a wide range of areas, including health care, housing, child raising, inheritance, wrongful death actions and property rights should a couple split up.
"Without the right to marry, same-sex couples find it difficult-or literally impossible-to navigate legal issues that arise in everyday life," said New York State Bar Association President Stephen P. Younger.
"The right to obtain a civil marriage license cannot be denied to a particular group on the grounds that it historically has been denied that right," said Samuel W. Seymour, President of the New York City Bar Association. "If that were the case, interracial couples would still face barriers to marriage."
In addition to the State and City Bar Associations, other legal organizations supporting same-sex marriage legislation include:
American Bar Association
Albany County Bar Association
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers/NY Chapter
Asian American Bar Association of New York
Bronx County Bar Association
Dominican Bar Association
Hispanic National Bar Association
LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York (LeGaL)
Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Monroe County Bar Association
Muslim Bar Association of New York
New York County Lawyers' Association
New York Criminal Bar Association
New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Onondaga County Bar Association
Puerto Rican Bar Association
Rockland County Bar Association
Society of New York Workers' Compensation Bar Association
South Asian Bar Association of New York
Women's Bar Association of the State of New York
At the press conference at the City Bar's headquarters, bar leaders explained that without passage of a marriage equality law, unmarried same-sex couples in New York will continue to face the following inequities, among hundreds of others:
• They may be unable to obtain employer-sponsored health insurance that would cover their entire family, and even where they are able to do so, they will be burdened with additional taxes on such coverage.
• If the couple's relationship breaks down, there is no legal right to equitable property distribution, maintenance, custody or visitation.
• Despite raising a child as a partnership and family unit, there is no legal presumption that the child is the child of both parents. If the couple breaks up, the biological parent can completely cut off the child from the non-biological parent; and the non-biological parent has no duty to support the child.
• They do not enjoy statutory inheritance rights. After the death of one partner, surviving partners must fend for themselves in situations where married couples are afforded legal protection. Even couples who draft a will remain uncertain as to whether their express wishes will suffice to fend off litigation.
• They cannot bring a claim for wrongful death.
• They cannot seek workers compensation benefits.
• They do not enjoy a spousal privilege in legal proceedings.
• They do not enjoy spousal protections in bankruptcy proceedings.
The bar associations noted that enacting the pending marriage equality legislation would not require clergy to perform same-sex marriages.
The bar associations added that civil unions or domestic partnerships are not an acceptable substitute for marriage, because they are poorly understood and erratically recognized; confer an inferior status on same-sex couples; will present ongoing legislative challenges as the laws pertaining to marriage are routinely amended; and will allow for limited or no portability of rights in other states or federal recognition should the Defense of Marriage Act be repealed or overturned. Moreover, civil unions would be a backward step in a state that already recognizes the validity of same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
The bar associations urge the legislature to pass a bill providing full marriage equality for all couples in the State of New York and end the second-class citizenship to which an entire class of New York couples and their families have been relegated.
For further background on the issue:
Why Should New York Support Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples? New York City Bar Association, May 2011. http://bit.ly/m9LR4N
Report and Recommendation on Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples, New York State Bar Association, June 2009. www.nysba.org/lgbtreport
State Bar President Stephen P. Younger and New York City Bar President Samuel W. Seymour are available today for phone interviews.
To set up an interview with Younger, contact Brandon Vogel (518-487-5535; cell: 518-366-1490); email: email@example.com) or Lise Bang-Jensen (cell: 518-312-8239;email: email@example.com).
To set up an interview with Seymour, contact Eric Friedman (212-382-6754; email: email@example.com.
Contact: Lise Bang-JensenNew York State Bar Association
518-312-8239 (cell)
518-487-5530 (office)email@example.com
Eric Friedman
New York City Bar Association


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Converting Vobsub (.sub/.idx) to .srt in Linux
Mencoder rips the subtitles for you as I just posted. But what if you want a .srt file? The problem is that vobsub subtitles used in DVDs are made as images. This means you first need to convert the images back to text. That is usually done with the help of OCR. And not differently for subtitles. But there's already a special open source Linux program available for that purpose here.
0 comments Link this Categories: video
How to Rip Subtitles with Mplayer or better Mencoder
Subtitle ripping changed recently. It used to be done with mplayer, but now it's actually done with mencoder. The current command is
The subtitle files will be called subtitle.idx and subtitle.sub.
mencoder -o /dev/null dvd:// -oac copy -ovc copy -vobsubout subtitle.
The subtitle files will be called subtitle.idx and subtitle.sub.
Fixing OpenSUSE's 'No Devices Matches MBR Identifier'
Check the file in the subfolder boot/grub/mbrid. Do sudo fdisk -l and check that the ID of your usb stick is the same as the one in the file. If not, change it. Just deleting the file won't work, then the code will assume you want to boot from CD or DVD and fail if it doesn't find one. But you can also try to boot with the kernel parameter nombridcheck. But unfortunately for me nothing worked. It seems OpenSUSE USB boot is pretty broken ...
5 comments Link this Categories: bugs, fixes
Step by Step Tutorial to the Android Development Setup
Check out this great screenshot-laden extensive tutorial to setup Eclipse and the Android SDK.
0 comments Link this Categories: Android, howto
Powertop 2.0 beta
Check out the new version of powertop. It has still to be compiled from source code. Here's the release post
Clearing the Cache and Data of the Android Facebook App
The Facebook App likes to grow and grow in Android. The reason is that it never cleans cache and data. And you often can't even do it manually in Settings, Applications, Facebook, Clear Cache or Clear Data. But it turns out all you need to do it log out and back in and the cache is gone. Of course if you want a real fix, don't forget to file a bug report inside the app.
XBMC with VAAPI on Poulsbo (Intel GMA500) or other VAAPI Systems
It's not possible directly right now due to limitations of the existing GMA 500 drivers (IEGD, PSB, ...) and probably other vaapi drivers. But if you have mplayer-vaapi running, it's really easy - because you can set up xbmc to use external players with XBMC 10.
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46) Phenomena and Principle
"Noumenon" (principle) is truth, reason, the realm of understanding and Awakening and belongs to the sphere of "essence." "Phenomena" are expedients, practices, deeds, "form," and fall under the heading of "marks." However, at the ultimate level, phenomena are noumenon, essence is mark, and both belong to the same truth-like state, all-illuminating, all-pervading. In cultivation, noumenon and phenomena are the two sides of a coin, interacting with one another and helping one another. With noumenon, we have a basis, a direction, a goal to develop into action. With phenomena, we are able to actualize what we think, demonstrate our understanding, reach our goal and, ultimately, achieve results.
Noumenon is like the eyes that watch the road. Phenomena are like the feet that set out to walk. Without eyes, or with glassy, dim eyes, it is easy to get lost. Without feet, however sharp our eyes, there is no way to reach our destination. To "have" noumenon but not phenomena is like having a map and knowing the way, but refusing to proceed. To "have" phenomena but not noumenon is like setting out on a journey with neither a guide nor a clear itinerary. To have both noumenon and phenomena is not only to know the way perfectly but also to proceed to walk. We cannot fail to reach the City of Lights.
Noumenon and phenomena, essence and marks are thus interdependent. If one factor is missing, success is illusory. However, even though the practitioner may not have experienced Awakening, if he follows the itinerary taught by the sages and cultivates, he, too, can reach the goal and succeed. Sutras, commentaries, biographies, as well as the writings of ancient masters and advice from today's good spiritual advisors -- these constitute the itinerary. If we follow these teachings and put them into practice, we will surely achieve results. Therefore, practice without theory is not necessarily a cause for alarm. Of more concern are those who understand theory but fail to put it into practice. Verbalizing incessantly, they discourse without end about the mysterious and the wonderful, but they do not progress one step during their entire lives.
In truth, however, those who lack practice are not really in possession of theory either. Why is this so? As an analogy, if a person knows his house is on fire, yet remains inside without trying to escape, is he any different from someone who is not aware of the fire? Therefore, the Dharma can help those who are of limited capacity and understanding, but cannot save those who possess mundane intelligence and eloquence but are lacking in practice.
It once happened that a particularly dull-witted disciple of the Buddha named Suddipanthaka was taught only two words, "broom" and "sweep," and was asked to meditate on them. He was so stupid that when he remembered one of the words, he would immediately forget the other. However, thanks to his power of perseverance, never neglecting his cultivation even for a single moment, he ultimately became an Arhat. On the other hand, although Devadatta was more intelligent than most, fully conversant with the Dharma and possessing the five spiritual powers, he ultimately descended to the hells because of his greed for fame and fortune and his lack of true cultivation.
Thus, we can see that even though we may be versed in the Tripitaka, without actual practice, our knowledge and understanding are useless. This is because our karmic obstacles from time immemorial are still intact, not reduced in the slightest. How, then, can we hope to compare with an old, dull-witted kitchen helper, her face covered with soot, who diligently practices Buddha Recitation? One day she will reach one-pointedness of mind and be at peace, ending up seated on a lotus blossom!
Therefore, individuals who spend their entire lives seeking understanding based on reasoning grounded in forms and marks -- hoping to become Buddhist scholars while not truly cultivating -- are surely in the same position as those who can list succulent dishes but must endure hunger pangs, or those who count other people's money while remaining poor and destitute themselves. Buddha Sakyamuni compared those persons to deaf musicians playing violins for the multitude or merchants peddling all kinds of wonderful drugs while forgetting that they themselves are afflicted with many diseases.
Those who are determined to study the Dharma should pay heed to this point.
47) Buddha Recitation -- Essence and Practice
There are two aspects to Buddha Recitation -- essence and practice. According to Elder Master Ou-I:
"Buddha Recitation-practice" means believing that there is a Western Pure Land and a Lord Buddha named Amitabha, but not yet realizing that "this Mind makesBuddha, this Mind is Buddha." It consists of resolutely seeking rebirth in the Pure Land and reciting as earnestly as a lost child longing for his mother, never forgetting her for a single moment.
"Buddha Recitation-essence," on the other hand, means believing and understanding that Lord Amitabha Buddha of the West inherently exists in full within our mind, is created by our mind, and making this sacred name -- inherently existing in full within our mind and created by our mind -- the focus of our recitation, without a moment of neglect."
In other words, "Buddha Recitation-practice" is the method of those who do not understand anything about meaning or essence, who just believe that there is a Land of Ultimate Bliss and a Buddha named Amitabha, and who fervently and earnestly recite the Buddha's name seeking rebirth there.
"Buddha Recitation-essence" is the method of those who practice in an identical manner, but who also deeply realize that the Pure Land and Lord Amitabha Buddha are all in the True Mind, manifested by the pure virtues of the True Mind.
This being so, is there a difference between Buddha Recitation-practice and Buddha Recitation-essence? Of course there is. Those who follow Buddha Recitation-practice see Amitabha Buddha as outside the Mind; therefore, opposing marks of subject-object still exist. Thus, such practice is not yet all-encompassing and complete. Those who practice Buddha Recitation-essence thoroughly understand the True Mind and therefore sever all marks of subject-object -- to recite is Buddha, to recite is Mind, reconciling Mind and Realm.[62]
Let me relate an anecdote. One night, a Master who is a friend of this author dreamed that a yellow-robed monk came to ask him, "You practice Buddha Recitation, but what is Buddha?" Answer "Buddha is Mind." The monk continued, "How about explaining to me what you mean by Buddha is Mind?" In his dream, the author's friend improvised the following stanzas:
Each utterance of the Buddha's name following the rosary is Mind,
Buddha is clearly Mind, why waste time searching for Him?
The Buddha's sea of wisdom reconciles Mind and Realm!
Mind and Buddha are born equal.
To abandon Mind and follow the Buddha is to be still in a dream,
To be attached to the Buddha as Mind is not yet perfect comprehension;
Mind and Buddha are both originally illusory and dreamlike,
To transcend both Buddha and Mind is to arrive at the perfect City of Lights.
The Master understood the essence of Buddha Recitation, reconciling the Buddha's name with the realm of the Mind.
There is one erroneous idea, prevalent among those who lean toward the subtle and the mysterious, which requires clarification. Many of them, emphasizing theory over practice, tend to be attached to the concept of "Amitabha as the Self-Nature, Pure Land as Mind-Only," and reject the existence of the Western Pure Land or rebirth there. These individuals explain the sutra teachings on Pure Land from the viewpoint of principle or essence, saying "Amitabha is our Buddha Nature, the Pure Land is the pure realm of the Mind, why seek it on the outside?" This is the great mistake of those who emphasize mundane, conventional reasoning.
They cling to theory (essence) while neglecting practice, prefer essence to marks, and rely on Ultimate Truth to reject the manifestations of mundane truth -- failing to realize that the two are inseparable.[63]
According to the Treatise on the Awakening of the Faith, the True Mind has two aspects: essence and marks. The aspect of essence is called the Door of True Thusness, the aspect of marks is the Door of Birth and Death. True Thusness is inseparable from Birth and Death; Birth and Death are True Thusness. This is why the Patriarch Asvaghosha called True Thusness the "truth-like Emptiness treasury" and Birth and Death the "truth-like Non-Emptiness treasury." True Thusness and Birth and death have the same truth-like nature.
Take the great ocean as an example. We cannot accept sea water but not waves. If we were to do so, we would be wrong about the manifestations of the ocean and fail to understand truly what the ocean is. Therefore, when we abandon phenomena, noumenon cannot stand by itself; when we reject marks, essence cannot remain stable.
A great many individuals, educated in mundane ways, become afflicted with the disease of grasping at the "Truth of Emptiness" when they study Mahayana sutras, particularly those that expound the Prajna Paramita truth, which they do not fully understand. Thus, they explain sutras which elucidate phenomena and marks, such as the Pure Land Sutras or the Ksitigarbha (Earth Store Bodhisattva) Sutra, from the viewpoint of noumenon and principle. They mistake these "marks" sutras as expedients to guide those of limited capacities. However, in truth, they are the mistaken ones! In this connection, I will quote a few passages from the sutras, to destroy this attachment to Emptiness.
As stated in the Heart Sutra:
There is no wisdom, and there is no attainment whatsoever. Because there is nothing to be attained, a Bodhisattva relying on Prajnaparamita has no obstruction in his mind. Because there is no obstruction he has no fear, and he passes far beyond all confused imaginations and reaches ultimate Nirvana. The Buddhas in the past, present and future, also, by relying on the Prajnaparamita, "have" attained Supreme Enlightenment. (Sutra Translation Committee of the United States and Canada, The Buddhist Liturgy p. 47)
At first, Buddha Sakyamuni, in accord with Ultimate Truth, said "there is no attainment whatsoever." Then, in accord with conventional truth, He said "the Buddhas in the past, present and future have attained Supreme Enlightenment." Seeing "attainment" is attachment to existence. Seeing "non-attainment" is to err in the direction of attachment to emptiness. Therefore, cultivators should thoroughly understand the deep meaning behind the sutras and enter the Middle Way.
In the Diamond Sutra, Sakyamuni Buddha stated:
Who sees Me by form,
Who seeks Me in sound,
Perverted are his footsteps upon the Way;
For he cannot perceive the Tathagata.
(A. F. Price, tr. "The Diamond Sutra," p. 65. In The Diamond Sutra & The Sutra of Hui Neng.)
However, the Lord Buddha then continued:
Subhuti, do not think the opposite either that when the Tathagata attained Supreme Enlightenment it was not by means of his possession of the thirty-two marks of physical excellence. Do not think that. Should you think that, then when you begin the practice of seeking to attain supreme enlightenment you would think that all systems of phenomena and all conceptions about phenomena are to be cut off and rejected [thus falling into nihilism]. Do not think that. And why? Because when a disciple practices seeking to attain supreme enlightenment, he should neither grasp after such arbitrary conceptions of phenomena nor reject them. (Wai-tao, tr., "The Diamond Sutra," in Goddard, ea., A Buddhist Bible, p. 103-4.)
First, Buddha Sakyamuni taught that we should not follow sounds, forms and marks in seeking the Way. After that, he reminded us that at the same time, we should not abandon sounds, forms and marks, nor should we destroy all dharmas. Thus, we can see that the Way belongs neither to "forms" nor to "emptiness." Clinging to either aspect is misguided. A famous Zen monk once said:
Thirty years ago, when this old monk had not yet entered the Order, he perceived rivers as rivers and mountains as mountains. After meeting good spiritual advisors who taught him how to cultivate, he saw rivers as not-rivers and mountains as not-mountains. Now that he has seen the Way and reached the state of still emptiness, he realizes that rivers have always been rivers and mountains have always been mountains.
A Zen poet, Su Tung P'o, expressed the same idea:
The sound of the stream is the Buddhas' vast long tongue,
The shape of the mountain is intrinsically the pure Dharma body.
The meaning of the poem is that forms, marks and sounds are intrinsically the Great Way. We should understand them with a non-discriminating mind, neither clinging to them nor rejecting them to seek Enlightenment in the realm of hollow emptiness [which is contrary to True Emptiness]. Therefore, the phrase, "Self-Nature Amitabha, Mind-Only Pure Land" is not a denial of the Pure Land or Amitabha Buddha, but is rather an expression that gathers marks toward essence, brings "function" toward nature, to manifest the ultimate truth of the Void. In this ultimate truth, even Buddhas do not exist, let alone other dharmas.
The ancients have said:
Although theory can be understood in a flash, practice should be carried out step by step.
Even in Zen, which is said to be a "direct method," as long as we have to sit in meditation, or gather our mind, or meditate on a koan or enter and exit samadhi, we are still within the sphere of expedients. Moreover, in the metaphysical realm, there are many levels of attainment. Not until we have reached the stage of non-cultivation can we dispense with expedients and really proclaim that all dharmas are empty. If we have not reached that stage, even a small thing like a mote of dust is real; we still feel warm near a fire or cold in the midst of frost and we still feel pain when a small thorn pricks our body -- how, then, can we say that all dharmas are non-existent and void?
Therefore, those who like to advance lofty and wonderful propositions, such as "Amitabha is the Self-Nature, the Pure Land is Mind Only," and go on to reject the actual practice of Buddha Recitation will find themselves in the predicament of "destroying the boat before stepping ashore." There is no way such persons can avoid drowning. On the contrary, since ancient times, those who have thoroughly understood essence have always paid particular attention to practice -- because practice symbolizes essence.
The ancients have said:
Only those endowed with wisdom can reconcile the essence and marks of Buddha Recitation and truly understand it in an exhaustive manner. Otherwise, we had better grasp at marks in our cultivation; the more we do so, the more effective our practice will be.
This is because the more we cling to forms, the more earnest is our determination to achieve rebirth in the Pure Land. Once reborn there, we will surely be awakened to the True Mark. The subject of phenomena and noumenon, essence and marks can be discussed ad infinitum . However, if we can understand it, we understand everything. I sincerely hope that fellow cultivators will skillfully reflect on this question to avoid being misled while treading the Way.
When the author had reached this point in the manuscript, a visiting lay Buddhist asked, "I have heard a number of fairly accomplished Zen Masters say, 'The intelligent should just concentrate their minds and have pure thoughts, without wasting their time and effort to follow the illusion of Buddha Recitation. Let us leave the vehicle empty so that it can run light, not weigh it down with excess baggage!' I have heard such reasoning but do not know how to reply. I wish you could elucidate the matter."
Answer: The aim of Zen is True Thusness Samadhi. The goal of Pure Land is the Buddha Recitation Samadhi. True Thusness Samadhi is like gold bullion, while Buddha Recitation Samadhi is similar to gold necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry. All contain the basic metal gold. Therefore, when we have attained Buddha Recitation Samadhi, we have attained True Thusness Samadhi as well. True Thusness Samadhi centers on wisdom; Buddha Recitation Samadhi encompasses not only wisdom but merit and virtue as well. This is because the Pure Land practitioner not only bases himself on pure one-pointedness of mind, he receives the virtues derived from reciting the Buddha's name in addition. However, neither True Thusness Samadhi nor Buddha Recitation Samadhi can be attained in one lifetime; they are the results of many eons of continuous practice. This is particularly true in this Dharma-Ending Age.
Thus, while Buddha Recitation Samadhi is the aim of the Pure Land method, it is not the primary one. The principal and essential goal is to achieve rebirth in the Pure Land within one lifetime so as to reach the stage of non-retrogression. This is what sets Pure Land apart from other schools and gives it its name.
This is precisely why many Zen Masters, having awakened to the Way but realizing that Supreme Enlightenment is still far away, change direction and adopt Buddha Recitation seeking rebirth in the Pure Land. Although painstaking, reciting the Buddha's name and bowing to images of the Buddhas bring additional merits and virtues, a result of the cultivation of the two karmas of body and speech.
Take the example of a truck returning to the capital from the mountain town of Dalat. If, after discharging its cargo, the truck returns empty, it will, of course, be lighter. However, if it can load up with vegetables and other produce, the truck will not only be back in the capital, its owners will, in addition, have a cargo of produce. Earning additional merits and blessings through the diligent and painstaking efforts of Buddha Recitation is a natural cause and effect occurrence -- where is the loss? However, any hardship, if it does occur, will only be felt in the beginning stages of Buddha Recitation. When recitation has become second nature, reaching the level of No-Mind, all hardship will have vanished!
48) One-Pointedness of Mind -- Theory and Practice
The practitioner of Buddha Recitation should strive earnestly to achieve a dual goal. Intemally, he should eliminate all marks of right and wrong, mine and yours, becoming oblivious to body and mind. Extemally, he should completely sever the marks of Emptiness, form and the Six Dusts, to the point where he no longer grasps at external realms -- only the sacred name of Amitabha Buddha remains before him.
This utmost exertion of effort was best described by the ancients with the following image:
In front of him are ferocious tigers, behind a pack of wolves, on the left a high mountainside, on the right a deep precipice. In such a situation, in which direction should the practitioner escape?
The Pure Land School expresses the same idea with the words:
The seven jeweled lotus pond is in front of him, the cauldron of boiling oil above the fire pit is behind him; the Buddha Recitation practitioner should proceed straight ahead.
If the practitioner does not see any sign of progress, it is because he himself lacks strong will and is lazy. In this connection, an Elder Master once sternly admonished the assembly:
The way people today seek the Dharma is cause for lamentation,
Still outside the door, they are puzzled in so many ways!
Thinking they have reached the Sage-Emperor's jade city,
They have in fact stopped mid-way, at the mountain pass!
If the practitioner exerts the utmost effort without interruption, he will, in time, arrive at the realm of one-pointedness of mind. This sphere of undivided attentiveness has two levels, superficial and subtle, called the level of phenomena and the level of noumenon.
What is one-pointedness of mind at the level of phenomena?
When the practitioner gives undivided attention to the sacred name of Amitabha Buddha, all sundry thoughts are, in time, eliminated. Whether he is reclining or sitting, walking or standing, only the sacred name appears before him. At that point, he has reached the realm of one-pointedness of mind at the level of phenomena. This is the concentration realm of the Pure Land practitioner, equivalent to the level of "phenomena-concentration" in Zen.
What is one-pointedness of mind at the noumenon level?
If we go a step beyond the level of phenomena and exert our utmost efforts, one day our mind will be completely empty, we will completely escape the dust of the senses and become awakened to the True Mark. At that time, the present moment is the Western Pure Land -- and this does not contradict the specific existence of the Land of Ultimate Bliss; our nature is Amitabha Buddha -- and this does not contradict the specific existence of the Lord Amitabha Buddha. This is the realm of "one-pointedness of mind, noumenon level," the realm of "concentration-wisdom being one and thus" of the Pure Land practitioner. This stage is equivalent to the level of Great Awakening in Zen.
Elder Master Ou-I elucidated the question of one-pointedness of mind in the following way:
Regardless of whether we practice recitation at the noumenon or phenomena level, if we recite to the point where afflictions are subdued and Delusions of Views and Delusions of Thought no longer arise, this is the realm of one-pointedness of mind at the level of phenomena. Regardless of whether we practice at the noumenon or phenomena level, if we recite to the point where the mind is awakened and we clearly see the original Buddha Nature, this is the realm of one-pointedness of mind at the noumenon level. At the level of phenomena, we are no longer disturbed by delusions of view and delusions of thought; at the noumenon level we are no longer disturbed by dualities (that is, existence/non-existence, extinction/permanence, etc.).
Thus, one-pointedness of mind is not an easy thing for people today to achieve, even at the level of phenomena, let alone at the level of noumenon. However, thanks to the virtues obtained through recitation and earnest practice, each utterance erases one part of delusion and engenders one part of merit and wisdom, gradually and naturally leading us to rebirth in an auspicious realm. If we practice in that manner over a long period of time, why worry about not reaching the stage where each thought awakens and enlightens, leading to auspicious realms? This idea is expressed in the phrase "each time a new thought arises, a new realm appears."
Therefore, even though we possess only the limited capacities of sentient beings in the Dharma-Ending Age, if we truly exert ourselves, one-pointedness of mind, both at the phenomena and noumenon levels, is not necessarily beyond our reach.


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text:
Beginning in January, these stressful concerns will be a thing of the past for GED test-takers as a new computer-based version of the high school equivalency test becomes mandatory.
Packing four sharpened No. 2 pencils and an extra eraser just to be safe. Worrying about skipping a bubble on the answer sheet. Waiting for other students to finish or dreading the words, "Pencils down."
Beginning in January, these stressful concerns will be a thing of the past for GED test-takers as a new computer-based version of the high school equivalency test becomes mandatory.
"A paper-based version of the test will not be available," Tiffany Cowie, public information officer for the Florida Department of Education, said in an email.
The new test version is expected to be more rigorous — and more expensive.
"The content has been aligned with the Common Core State Standards," Cowie said. "The new test will reflect the knowledge and skills required for current graduates."
The test now in use was launched in 2002, Cowie said, adding it is typical for tests to be updated regularly to keep up with academic standards.
The current test series is available in English, Spanish and French, and covers five subject areas: reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.
The new test series will be available in English and Spanish. It will consist of four content tests, as the reading and writing assessments have been combined into "Reasoning Through Language Arts."
The test also will cost nearly twice as much as the paper version. The paper test costs a maximum of $70, Cowie said. The statewide price for taking the computer test likely will be $130 for all four sub-tests, Cowie said.
Julie Falt, the Santa Fe College coordinator for adult education, said the increased cost could be a problem for some people.
"More than half of our students are unemployed because they don't have a high school diploma yet, and they don't qualify for financial aid," she said.
The change from paper to computer will have minimal impact in Alachua County, which has been offering the computer test since July 2012. The local test center was the first in Florida to offer this format, said Charles Wise, supervisor of adult education for Alachua County Public Schools and GED chief coordinator.
"I'm especially excited because (the computer version) appears to be more effective," he said. "More and more people are getting this credential, which is critical to becoming a successful citizen."
Time for changes
There are several advantages to the new format, Cowie said, including instant score reports and a more flexible testing experience.
Now, those taking the paper test typically have to wait in the testing room if they finish early. It takes about four to five weeks to receive their official results.
Using the computer-based version, people can take the test at their own pace. They can view the remaining time in the corner of the computer screen, and when time is up, the computer will shut off. If they finish a content area early, they can continue to the next one.
Test-takers will have instant access to their unofficial scores through an online portal. Writing scores take a little longer to process but should be available in less than a week after the exam was taken, Cowie said.
Those who take the computer-based version have had a higher passing rate and are finishing faster, Cowie said.
"I don't know if we can provide a concrete answer (as to why). However, a student who does not have to spend time reading a paper test booklet and then tracking that information onto a bubble sheet answer form can spend more time focusing on the content of the test," she said.
GED Testing Service, or GEDTS, conducted usability studies on the computer-based version, and developers made more than 500 modifications.
Wise said he thinks the higher passing rate is due in part to comfort.
"Ninety percent of our clientele are young adults either late teens or in their 20s," he said. "Most young people, I think, prefer a keyboard because they're more comfortable."
Wise noted it's faster to click the answer on the screen than to go back and forth between an answer sheet and a test booklet. Students also can flag questions to go back to, and the computer will remind them of those flagged questions, he said.
Wise said he is not concerned about students cheating using the new format. He said at least one GED examiner who works for the School Board supervises the students, and students cannot see the surrounding computer monitors.
Before entering the testing room, a student must show his or her photo ID. In addition, a photo is taken of the student at the time of admission, and the student must sign some documents, he said. Students also are provided with a locker to store their belongings and may not retrieve items until their test session has ended.
Pearson VUE, a global computer-based testing provider, has teamed up with GEDTS. Cowie said the Pearson VUE technology blocks test-takers from accessing the Internet during the test.
"The test is administered in a secure, server-based environment," she said. "It is not accessible through a Web page."
Changes raise some concerns
Falt said that while there are advantages to the computer-based format, she has some concerns.
Now, students who have passed parts of the test series but failed others are able to keep the passing results and retake just the parts they failed.
Falt said her main concern is that if students don't pass the parts they have failed before the new version launches on Jan. 2, their results no longer will be valid and they will have to retake the entire test series under the new version of the test.
Falt said the Santa Fe College program is making sure that when students are preparing for the test, they are working on their computer skills, too. She said "basic skills are basic skills," and right now, the biggest thing is just letting teachers know of the changes so that students are ready for the new version.
"It's coming," she said. "We can't change it, so we have to look at the benefits and make sure students are prepared."
Another issue is logistics. Alachua County students can take the computer-based test only on the computers in Wise's test center, which is on School Board property, he said.
The testing center will offer more days and times each month to accommodate all the students, as the lab has only 25 computers, Wise said.
"We'll probably have four or five days a month or more if we need to," he said. "Right now, we offer three days for the computer-based test and one day for the paper test."
As for the content of the exam, Christine Sulander-Smith, assistant professor in adult education at Santa Fe College, said the new test will require a lot more writing with short-answer responses on the science test and a combination of short-answer and extended responses on the social studies and language arts tests.
Sulander-Smith said the extended response no longer will be opinion-based and students will have to do a lot more analyzing. She said students will be using a new formula sheet and a new calculator on the math test, too.
But she said she doesn't anticipate any major problems.
"I was here when we did the change from the previous test to the 2002 series and everybody was nervous about that, but we have adjusted," Sulander-Smith said. "Probably by summer or fall 2014, we'll have forgotten about this test, and it'll just be the 2014 test."


text:
Keen Targhee
I have a pair of Keen Men's Targhee waterproof, and…
Price Paid: $135
I have a pair of Keen Men's Targhee waterproof, and they are NOT BREATHABLE. Very hot and sweaty, so much so that I have to take them off at every sit down stop, including trail rest, restaurants, and flights.
The fit and support is great but does not overcome the non breathablity.
I will not buy again.
The soles wear out quickly, would be 5 stars if had…
Materials: nubuck leather
Use: dayhiks and short backpacking trips
Break-in Period: none
Price Paid: $125
The soles wear out quickly, would be 5 stars if had Vibrams.
I bought a pair of Keen Targhee II online and was…
Materials: leather
Use: short hikes
Price Paid: £80
I bought a pair of Keen Targhee II online and was immediately impressed. The wide toe box was super comfy and I kept admiring my feet when walking for the first few days.
However I soon noticed that the breathability is foot rot poor, they are way too hot for me. Then after a walk in wet grass I noticed the "water proof" membrane is not actually waterproof. So they are now demoted to very comfy dog walking shoes but then after only six months the soles have worn so badly on the outside of the heel that if I wear them they turn my ankle over!
In short, sweaty, leaky and wear out in no miles at all. I replaced them with some bottom of the range Karimor boots for a third of the price, they're not waterproof, but perfect in every other respect.
Very comfortable and great traction but durability…
Materials: leather
Use: light hiking
Price Paid: $130
Very comfortable and great traction but durability is poor at best. I loved these so much when I bought them that I bought a second pair. The first pair started to fall apart in about 6 months of wearing them light hiking (stitching started falling apart and the bottom started de-laminating), it took the second pair about 18 months to follow suit.
The waterproofing is weak at best as they leaked from the beginning, and even after I returned a pair due to this and got replacements I had the problem with the new ones as well. I have a friend who has these same shoes and has the same issues so it seems to be a poor material of design issue.
In short - very comfortable but terrible durability - I'll not waste any more money on their hiking boots again.
I am trying to gear this review towards those who…
Price Paid: $87.36
I am trying to gear this review towards those who have not been buying quality hiking/trail shoes. Some shoes fit - some shoes fit great. These fit great for me, that's what it's all about finding shoes that FIT GREAT for you. A great shoe should move with YOU, the way YOU go the shoe goes.
Keen Targhee - very solid sturdy shoe and if you're not used to this type of direct feel for the terrain you may think the shoe is not performing well, (probably because you have been hiking or walking in sneakers or work-boots) of which these are not! What these are - performance footwear - A shoe with a purpose! Total control and traction on flat and incline surfaces including sand, dirt, gravel and wet grass uphill and down.
We're not hiking Everest here, we're just trekking through local hill-sides,the beach,rugged trails and wet terrain.
Trekking, not running, this is not a running shoe or a backpack shoe. Light hiking any-where.
It is extremely comfortable. Has Keen-Dri waterproof, I have stood in a stream below ankle and stayed dry, 3 hours in wet snow my socks were wet - Few shoes are "Waterproof"(Salomon B52 Ts Gtx) different story. All around great shoe.
This is possibly the most comfortable shoe that I…
Materials: Leather & w/p membrain, Keen composite sole
Use: Urban fitness training
Break-in Period: Nil
Weight: approx 2lb
Price Paid: $200 NZ
This is possibly the most comfortable shoe that I have had in the last 50 years of climbing and hill walking (I am in my 70s).
They have been used for fitness training on an urban hill circuit of 7 km 5 days per week and after a mere 9 months are completely shagged. After 1 month pieces were coming adrift from the soles so back for repair. After 2 months the same this time stuck back with super glue. Now the soles are finished but the tops as good as new, there is in my humble opinion a serious design or quality control fault.
Comfort, tops ... Wear cost for me is nearly 16c per km and unacceptably expensive.
I have a pair of Keen H2 that are one of the best…
Materials: Leather, gore-tex
Use: Hiking, trail hikes.
Break-in Period: 3-4 days
Weight: ?? Me or the shoe?! I weigh 170lbs
Price Paid: $100
I have a pair of Keen H2 that are one of the best pairs of shoes I've ever owned...they've gone through every possible condition in the last 2 years and still have plenty of life in them.
Sadly, I just bought a pair of Targhees and this was a mistake. Less than 2 weeks in (with no field work or hiking, just kicking around in them to break them in) the rubber is coming unglued from the uppers on the inside of each shoe - terrible quality. I only hope I still have the receipt so I can return them. If my retailer/Keen is cooperative, I'll get another pair - if not, I'll never buy another pair of Keens.
I love these shoes but BEWARE of sizing. They run…
Materials: leather and e-vent (like Gore-tex)
Use: short day hikes (so far)
Break-in Period: nada
Price Paid: $109.99
I love these shoes but BEWARE of sizing. They run at least a half size small. Support your local shops and try a pair on. At least you'll save the aggravation of shipping back.
What? this is where ratings systems that allow you…
Price Paid: 90
What? this is where ratings systems that allow you to select stars based on personal preference go wrong. These shoes are great, and they hold up wonderfully. I am on my second pair after a year with no problems.
These shose are not like other brands where the heal is so wide you can toss the shoe off while walking. They are not made for gorillas with huge wide feet, like most brands.
If you have wide feet, go for Salomon or some other brand. The old Targhee had wider heals but they fixed it in the new one!
No doubt about it, these shoes would be wonderful…
Use: dayhikes, ultralight backpacking
Break-in Period: None
Price Paid: $99.95
No doubt about it, these shoes would be wonderful were it not for their lack of durability. They're comfortable straight out of the box -- nice wide toe box, but grip the heel well. Have the cushion and stability of a boot, but wear like a trail runner.
Unfortunately, however, they don't hold up. I've been through two pairs. The soles started coming off after 60 miles of easy, good weather, day hikes with the first pair, and after only 15 with the second. Combination of poor design (delamination begins with wings that wrap around sides of shoe) and manufacturer defect (poor glue). Friends have reported similar problems with the Taos hiking sandal.
Rumor has it Keen is currently redesigning them. I'll be first in line to test out the new line, but until then, it's going to have to be something else.
My feet are EE, and I love these shoes. They took…
Materials: leather
Use: short dayhikes
Break-in Period: 20 miles of light walking
Price Paid: $100
My feet are EE, and I love these shoes. They took 20 miles of light walking/hiking to break in decently, but they're great now.
When I first wore them, the material was tight above the top of my foot, even with the laces opened wide. Before even lacing up my toes felt as though I had already laced them up tight. But as I said, they have broken in nicely and are very comfortable now.
I've had them for six months or so, and have maybe 150 miles in them. They're very comfortable, have good tread that doesn't show very much wear at all, and still look good.
They weren't the lightest shoe in the price range I was looking in, but they fit the best.
Would be comfortable if they weren't designed so narrow...
Price Paid: $100
Would be comfortable if they weren't designed so narrow...
Where to Buy
$43.96 - $64.95


text:
A Mexican man becomes an instant millionaire after winning the lottery.
With his newfound wealth, he decides on exactly what he will buy.He buys a 20 acre plot of land in Mexico and hires an architect.
I want mi casa to be built right there, with big columns in front, and a marble foyer, and at the end of the hall I want a halo statue. The architect, excited aboutmaking mega bucks off this man, jots down exactly what the Mexican wants,I'll do it sir, I'll make this a fine house for you!
All the plans are made and the architect starts construction. He searches six different countries to find exquisite columns for the front of the house and has marble shipped in from France to line the foyer.
The only problem he has is that he cannot locate a halo statue. Knowing that religious symbols are important to many Mexicans, he continues to search high and low for month after month. The house is finally complete, but alas, the architect was never able to locate a halo statue.
Swallowing his pride for not being able to complete the order, he takes the Mexican to see his new home.
Si Senor! exclaims the Mexican. You got da columns in front of mi casa! The architect smiles. They enter the house and the Mexican notices the marble floor. Wonderful! I love mi new marble floor Senor! states the Mexican as he wanders down the hall. He reaches the end of the hall and looks puzzled.
Senor Where is my halo statue? asks the Mexican
Well, sir, I'm afraid to have to tell you this, but I searched high and low and just could not for the life of me figure out what a halo statue is, much less find one for you anywhere, says the architect, hanging his head in shame.
What You don't know what a halo statue is?
No, sir, I'm sorry, I do not know, replies the architect.
You know, says the Mexican, it's that thing that goes 'ringy dingy' and you pick it up and say, 'halo statue'


text:
General News
: Local News
Nicolet hits the road with a traveling trailer
Submitted: 08/16/2013
- High school students often visit colleges to check out the campus. But a local college wants to bring the campus to students. Nicolet College is hitting the road with its new Welcome Center trailer. This is the first traveling trailer for any technical college in Wisconsin. The trailer has two computer workstations, a kiosk for video presentation and seating for students. The trailer is designed to visit community events so people can access information about the college. "We felt like we needed a way to reach out to our communities, more distant from Rhinelander," said Teaching, Learning and Student Success Vice President, Kenneth Urban. "So we found a trailer and thought a trailer would be a great way to make our presence known out in various outlying of our district." The trailer lets students do a lot of the things they could usually only do on campus. "We set up this trailer so that it has all the services that we have at our one stop welcome center with the exception of testing," Urban said. "So any student that needs pre-enrollment testing still has to come to one of our sites, but everything else, registration, financial aid, career coaching; all of those things we can handle right here in the trailer." The trailer will hit the road soon. A Rhinelander football game will probably be one of its first stops.
Written By: Shardaa Gray
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- Home /
- Michael J. Gelb
Michael J. Gelb
Michael J. Gelb is the world's leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development, and the bestselling author of 14 books, including How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Gelb works globally with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. He is also a gifted teacher of aikido and qigong, and is a professional juggler who has performed with the Rolling Stones.
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