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25 years ago Evan Franseen stepped onto the rocky gravel of the southeastern coast of Spain, and was in awe of what he saw. He was looking at a historic landscape of preserved rocks millions of years old.

 "My mouth just hit the ground," Franseen said.

 When Franseen, Professor of Geology, began his Ph.D research of carbonate systems in 1984, he never imagined he would find a system of rocks so special.

 "I have to pinch myself to believe that I lucked into this whole thing," Franseen said. "Everything we have researched; it is like an incredible dream."

 Areas with this degree of preservation are rare, Franseen said. That is the reason he keeps going back.

 "This is now a world famous area because the rocks are so beautifully exposed," Franseen said. "It resembles rocks covered by water. You almost feel like you are snorkeling around when you see this stuff. Everything is preserved."

Southeastern coast of Spain where Professor Franseen
has researched sedimetary systems for 25 years.
Photo: Evan Franseen

 "These exposed rocks are kind of like a natural classroom," said Bob Goldstein, Chair of the Geology Department, "allowing geologists to crawl around in."

 The oil industry currently drills offshore in the subsurface, where rocks rich in oil and natural gas are usually located. Because the rocks are underwater they are not easily accessible and a drill can only penetrate a tiny hole, called a reservoir, Goldstein said.

 "The rocks in Spain are actually exposed examples of reservoir rocks at the surface we can examine," Goldstein said. "These conclusions lead to finding a lot more oil and gas. Or at least finding it more easily."

 Today, many oil companies are drilling the most expensive oil and gas wells in the world. Huge reservoirs of oil and natural gas have been discovered in offshore Brazil, Goldstein said. The rocks are so deep in the water they could cost $80 to $120 million to drill. 

 "The rocks we are working on in Spain look very similar to the ones in the subsurface of Brazil," Goldstein said. "There is a lot of excitement in investing in the research we do."

 Franseen and Goldstein have been taking students and other researchers to the area for years. They also teach classes for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in the area.

 "People from the oil industry go over there and they will learn the basic principles of how these carbonate systems work," Franseen said. "That is what the oil industry is interested in. We can model and learn about these systems, go where the oil is, and then apply the research. This will allow for advances in producing oil more efficiently."

 John Bova, Senior Research Associate at Exxon Mobil, first visited the area in 2005 through the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). He now takes employees from Exxon Mobil to the area for research and training.

 "I thought the area could be used as an analog for different types of fields we have been looking at," Bova said. "In the geology world we look for outcrop analogs. We can walk up to them and understand geology, whereas when you drill a well you can't really see what is going on."

Three groups of geoscientists from Exxon Mobil have visited the area. Bova said his objective is to introduce them to different types of geology in order to make interpretations.

 "In addition to the training component we build a geologic model which will be published at this year's AAPG in Denver," Bova said. "In the model you can build a lot of different scenarios and simulate what positions to put wells in. That part will help us learn where to build subsurface fields."

Professor Franseen discusses his research in
Spain and how it will benefit the oil industry.

Although Franseen's research has helped the oil industry build models and conduct simulations, a huge drop in oil prices is not likely to occur.

 "It is not likely our research will directly affect global oil supply," Franseen said. "Oil is a finite product. There have been all kinds of predictions as to when it will run out."

 Franseen said that although the U.S. has made advances in energy research, an end to the energy crisis is still far in the future.

 "I think a lot of this green type stuff is attractive to all of us," Franseen said. "But we're just not there yet. I don't see anything yet that is our next alternative to fuel."

Natural gas is relatively clean and abundant, Franseen said, but despite advances in cleaner energy technology, the U.S. will still remain dependent on oil for many years.

 "Oil is in everything we use," Franseen said. "Petroleum has issues with the environment, but as bad as those things could be we are still going to be dependent. So we need to keep finding and attaining oil."

 Exxon Mobil will continue to conduct research in the area, but the company's agenda includes much more.

 "We have a lot of big, important things to work on," Bova said. "In the scheme of things this is not even on the radar. On the local perspective, however, it is significant. I hope that this research will be the first of its kind."

KU students observe ancient rock systems while on a trip
to Spain with Professor Franseen.
Photo: Evan Franseen

In addition to aiding oil companies, the research is also beneficial for students. When students travel to Spain for geological research they also get to work with oil companies.

 "We are training students in these projects," Franseen said. "Then they go and get tremendous positions that can influence a new company."

CJ Lipinksi, graduate student, first visited the site in fall of 2006. He conducted research of carbonate systems, sedimentology, and stratigraphy of the area. Now Lipinski works as a geoscientist for the Chevron Corporation.

"The oil industry has a huge demand for geologists, and Bob and Evan will lead you quite strongly," Lipinski said. "I get to use all the science I learned."

 The research Franseen, Goldstein, Lipinski, and many others have done will enable the oil industry to simplify models to better explore oil, Lipinski said. The site in Spain is a unique area for research and exploration.

"What is special about this area is that it is scaled down," Lipinski said. "You can visit a lot of different carbonate environments in a smaller area."

The project has received funding from the National Science Foundation, various oil companies, and recently a $250,000 grant from Exxon Mobil. The funding and support will allow Franseen to continue influencing both the oil industry and students through his research.

"What keeps us going is the hope that our work will have an impact," Franseen said.

Josie Ho looks through letters from family and
friends in Macau. Photo: Erin Brown

Her name on the school roster is Chi Cheng Ho, but the girl with the long dark hair, brown glasses, and shy smile has chosen a different identity. Josie is the English name the sophomore from China gave herself, and Josie is what she wants to be in the United States.

"I got the name Josie from a TV show, a Hong Kong drama," Josie said. "Her character is a lawyer and she was very powerful and cool. I thought Josie is not a very common name."

Josie is a journalism major with an enthusiasm for learning new languages. She has been studying English since she was 5 years old and is currently enrolled in Spanish classes at the University of Kansas.

"I like to learn new words from my friends and from newspapers," Josie said.

Josie's persistence to learn new languages extends into all of her academic work and other areas of her life.

Josie Ho keeps all of her letters and cards from home.
Photo: Erin Brown

"I am hard working and I don't want to see low grades," Josie said. "I want to be above average."

Her determination to succeed, she says, stems from her background, growing up in Macau, China.

"I think it is because of my family," Josie said. "They are my motivation."

Josie lived with her parents, grandparents and younger sister in the industrialized city of Macau, outside of Hong Kong.  The city has a population of about 450,000 and is considered small compared to Hong Kong with a population of 6 million. Macau's main source of income comes from the city's gambling industry and Josie calls the city the "Oriental Las Vegas."

"Many people in Macau are either bankers or work for the gambling industry," Josie said. "Many go to the gambling industry right after high school graduation because they get really good pay."

But Josie says that overall, the gambling atmosphere is bad for the city. Her parents make their living as bankers, and although they are busy with their careers, the family always finds time for each other.

"The important thing in a family is communication," Josie said. "We talk to each other. We sit down after dinner and we share our experiences."

The support and communication from her family gave Josie the courage to defy what was expected of her. In China, Josie says, people are expected to have certain careers and study certain subjects.

"In the school system in China when you reach the 9^th grade you decide to take either art or science classes," Josie said. "Finally, I chose art because I am not good at math or science. They [my parents] thought I would have more choice in the future if I chose science. But I just told them I could never do that."

Similar to the United States, high school graduation is a milestone for students in China.  Upon graduation, Josie already knew she wanted to come to the United States for college. She also knew she wanted to study journalism, despite her parent's disapproval.

"Before I officially chose my major they [my parents] wanted me to major in accounting because they thought I would make money easily and find a job in the future, but I refused," Josie said. "It was hard to decide between pleasing my parents and pleasing myself. I tried to talk to them and convince them. I told them I would not be happy to do something I do not like."

Josie Ho's collection of chinese novels Photo: Erin Brown

So, Josie packed her bags and took the 20-hour trip across the world to pursue her dreams.

"It's a new world, a completely new place so I can start over," Josie said. "I am an adaptive person, so I didn't have too many difficulties when I came here."

Josie says her life in Lawrence is very different from her life in Macau.

"Macau is always crowded and busy, but in Kansas people will say hi to you or smile at you, even if they don't know you," Josie said.

Josie's goals for the future include earning her Master's degree and working in T.V. advertising as the manager of an advertising firm. She said she has also thought about the possibility of working in public relations. Despite what career she chooses she said she is always thinking of her parents.

"They have high expectations for me, so I don't want to disappoint them," Josie said. "I try to do my best."

For Josie, succeeding in the classroom remains a priority.

"I think she will succeed because she is a workaholic. She has to get her stuff done right," said Ryan Chen, a friend of Josie's for two years. "I would call her to go have coffee or something and she wouldn't come because she says she has to stay in and do homework."

Josie's laid-back personality and communication skills have allowed her to make many new friends in the United States.

"Josie is a nice girl and a good roommate. She is easy going and fun to talk to," said Vivan Lok, Josie's roommate at The Legends apartment complex. "Maybe she is sometimes careless, but she doesn't cause much trouble."

Despite Josie's weaknesses she says she always means well.

"I always try to avoid arguments and unhappy experiences with people," Josie said. "So I will try to be good to everyone."

Once she obtains her Master's degree from the University of Kansas, Josie said she would like to live and work in Macau. After her next milestone, college graduation, she will abandon her life in the United State and will once again answer to the name Chi Cheng.

Residents of Brook Creek Neighborhood, the Woods on 19th, and Barker Neighborhood will 

soon see some changes to the infrastructure of East Lawrence.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation will build a recreation trail and linear park stretching from 11th 

Street to 23rd Street in East Lawrence.  The trail will extend along the abandoned rail corridor 

west of Haskell Avenue, according to a City of Lawrence Memorandum.

"Projects like this are usually completed in phases," said Ernie Shaw, the interim director of 

the Parks and Recreation Department.

The first phase of the Burroughs Creek Trail and Linear Park Development involves the 

construction of a 10 foot wide and 6 inch deep concrete path from 11th Street to 23rd Street, 

Shaw said.

"Funding is completed for the first phase of the project," said Mark Hecker, Superintendent of 

Parks and Maintenance. "We received $500,000 from the state, and with the sales tax 

increase passed in November we will receive an additional $300,000."

Construction for the first phase of the project is set to begin in the late summer and continue 

through the fall, Hecker said.

"When the railroad was abandoned, the land reverted back to the original owners," Shaw said. 

"We are in a time strain because we have to go back and acquire the land from the owners."

The abandoned railroad where the trail will run along.

will be affected by the construction of the trail.

"We are still meeting with neighborhoods and trying to finalize plans," Hecker said. "It is 

basically a public feedback thing and we should finish it up in about a month."

Once plans have been finalized with the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, the Brook 

Creek Neighborhood Association, the Woods on 19th Homeowners Association and the 

Barker Neighborhood Association, the project will move from the master plan to construction 

drawing, Hecker said.

The date to begin the second phase of the project has not yet been set, because funding for 

the remainder of the project remains unsure, Shaw said.

"There is potential that some of the money from Obama's new bill will go toward this project," 

Shaw said. "We are still trying to determine whether that money will apply."

As money develops so will the plans.

"In the second phase we could connect this trail to others, construct areas for parking, build 

playground equipment, or landscape," Shaw said. "We have even discussed a small spray 

water park. It just depends on the money available and the state of the economy."

 

Map of current bike and recreation paths and
an outline of where future paths will be.
Source: Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan

Funding proposals for the entire project range from $1.2 million to $3.9 million, according to a City of Lawrence Memorandum.

 

"This project could take up to 20 years and cost millions of dollars," Shaw said. "When there 

are grants available we try to apply. We are constantly working for funding. We will just have 

to work with what we have."

A public meeting was held on April 4, 2007, according to the Burroughs Creek Trail & Linear 

Park Development web page.  Several hearings have been held since to gather public 

feedback and incorporate the public in the development of the master plan, Shaw said.

"The public has been very involved and very supportive," Shaw said. "People are getting 

anxious and say to me they sure will be glad when they have a new trail."

Map of routes to be constructed
Source: Burroughs Creek Corridor Plan

Nathan Peterson never had trouble paying for rent before the recession. His job as a server at the Mexican restaurant On The Border left him with plenty of money in his bank account.

But over the past few months less people have been dining at On the Border. The lack of business and lack of tips have left Peterson's wallet empty and his bank account dwindling as the bills have piled up.

"I was just sitting here thinking oh no my bank account is empty and rent is coming up" Peterson said. "I am going to need to come up with that money."

Peterson, a sophomore at Johnson County Community College, gathered up some of his old belongings and sold them in an attempt to bring in money he wasn't making at work.

"I took an old stereo to a pawn shop, sold some old piano books, and took a few clothes to Plato's Closet," Peterson said. "I got about $40 for everything, which isn't much but it's something."

More young people are selling clothes to places like Plato's Closet, 3514 Clinton Parkway, resulting in higher inventory.

Plato's Closet is a second-hand vintage clothing store that buys gently used clothing then sells the clothing at a reduced price.

"We definitely have an increase in buys and inventory," said John Nichols, owner of Plato's Closet. "More and more people are coming in the store to sell clothes, generally college students."

The inventory in Nichols' store has been steadily increasing since the recession officially began in October.  The store now has nearly $10,000 more in inventory than four months ago, and about $18,000 more in inventory than last February, Nichols said.

"I feel like over winter break we had way more buys than sells," said Caitlin Handley, Plato's Closet employee. "People just need that extra money now more than ever."

For some young people struggling in this economy the money from selling clothes is not just something extra, but something essential.

Willie Christ attended KU last semester, but couldn't afford to go back for the spring semester. He works 15 hours a week delivering pizzas for Glory Days Pizza, and was told he wouldn't be receiving anymore hours.

"The money I make working 15 hours a weeks barely leaves me with enough to pay rent," Christ said. "A lot of people work there and they all want hours. Times are just tough now."

Christ usually makes between $300 and $350 a month, depending on tips. His rent is $319 and his electric bill around $40.

"I tried to sell some clothes to some second-hand stores," Christ said. "But they wouldn't take my stuff. I guess they are getting pretty picky now."

The surplus of clothes at Plato's Closet has resulted in a higher inventory of some items and a lower inventory of others, Nichols said.

"We can only take certain numbers of certain items," Nichols said. "If I look at the inventory and see we have too many tank tops, then we don't take anymore tank tops for a while."

For second-hand stores like Plato's Closet the inventory drives sales, Nichols said. With high inventory and low prices, Plato's Closet is positioned well to prosper in a recession.

"A store like this is recession resistant," Nichols said. "Not recession proof like food, but people who have stopped buying retail might start buying second hand."

Right now, however, the buys are outnumbering the sales. The inventory in Nichols' store was $53,000 in October and has grown to $62,000, while sales are at $40,000, Nichols said.

Brent Sams, KU graduate student, sells to Plato's Closet on a regular basis.

"I usually only get around $10 or $15," Sams said. "It is usually just a little extra money for me because luckily I still have a job as a teaching assistant at KU."

Brent Sams, KU graduate student, fills out a form to sell clothes to Plato's Closet.

Some young people, like Peterson, are not as lucky. Peterson can no longer rely on his job to pay his bills.

"I generally work about 25 to 30 hours a week," Peterson said. "But my hours have been getting cut and I have been desperately trying to pick up other people's shifts."

Peterson's rent and electric bill amount to about $350 a month, while his income as a server often fluctuates.

"On busy weekends I could make as much as $100 a night," Peterson said. "But on a regular weekday evening I am averaging about $20. Making $100 is very rare, it is more likely that I make $20 or less."

Going out to eat is usually the first thing people can cross of their budgets when trying to save money, Peterson said.

"The economy has definitely affected my wallet," Peterson said. "And now I have to look for different ways to get money."

Courtney Glass, Plato's Closet employee, sorts through clothes the store is buying from Brent Sams.

Some items Plato's Closet is currently accepting. www.platoscloset.com